LEGO events are a lot of fun but, unless you've been to one, you might not know what to expect. Hear from experienced builders about their time at LEGO events.
If you're interested in displaying at LEGO events but want to learn more about what it's really like, then look no further. Brick Fanatics spoke to three experienced builders who are well used to displaying their builds at LEGO events.
Learn everything you need to know about displaying at LEGO events, from the surprising to the practical.
Tough on your feet
Sabrina and Matt Kelly regularly take their brick-built creations to LEGO events, along with their two children, Doug and Darcey. Their top tip to beginners is bring comfy shoes – as learned through personal experience.
"Especially if you have a job where you are sitting most days, the amount of standing, as there will be a constant stream of visitors, is a bit of a surprise," Sabrina told Brick Fanatics. "Comfortable shoes are a must. Also, a second pair of shoes could be helpful, as in November 2021, we got surprised by three inches of snow overnight!
"When we tried to walk around Sheffield, our comfortable shoes and socks got so wet and cold that we had to buy some dry socks first to try new shoes."
There's no one way to display
All the builders we spoke to had completely different builds – but everyone also got great responses and plenty of questions from people attending LEGO events. That just goes to show that there's no single way to build LEGO. Whether you want to share custom minifigures or micro builds or are keen for opinions on your latest sprawling build, there's a space for everyone at LEGO events, as Bricks Are Heavy learned early on.
"My approach is quite different to most and at first I wasn't sure if I would fit in, but everyone has been really welcoming" Bricks Are Heavy told us.
Be prepared to answer questions
While LEGO events are centred around bricks, they're really all about people. Be ready to answer lots of questions about your builds – and make plenty of new friends in the process.
"The best part is being able to spend the day with friends," said Nick Mitchell (aka Gecko_Builds). "Being able to share an interest is always rewarding as you will meet people just like you! Being able to interact with the public, answering questions, or even acknowledging their appreciation for your creations gives you a great feeling of confidence and value."
"It is really all about interaction with people, and the joy when little kids drag their parents another time to see our display because it incorporates movement and light," agreed the Kelly's.
Nerves are normal – but don't let them win
With all that in mind, you're likely keen to get going. Still, nerves are completely normal – and something nearly every builder needs to get over at some point. The builders we spoke to all recommended starting small if you need a confidence boost, perhaps sharing a table with someone else like Bricks Are Heavy did.
"Next thing I know, [Kev aka Nexo_Bricks] has talked me into having my own table!" said Bricks Are Heavy. "It was a big step for me as I didn't have enough confidence & needed that push!"
"Sharing a table with someone [takes] the pressure off you that you need to have enough for one large table," agreed Sabrina. "It can be daunting if you see what is on the other tables, if a LEGO Ideas builder or LEGO Masters contestant is displaying at the same show. But people love all sorts of different builds and will engage with your build, as most of them only know how to follow instructions. They will love it!"
"Don’t compare your building skill to others," advised Nick. "Developing a style and complexity with LEGO takes experience.
"I had been building for a year before I went to my first convention, which can be scary as you may feel out of place against others – but that was never the case. Be confident with what you build and take inspiration from the builders you meet on the day; they will be more than happy to give you some tips or show how something is built."
Indeed, if you're thinking about getting started with displaying at LEGO events, Brick Festival, who run LEGO events all over the UK, have their LEGO Builder Support Program, rewarding builders for displaying at their events with increasing levels of vouchers to give greater access to bricks. Click here for all the details on the rewards on offer.
Plus, you could be in with a chance of winning £1,000 in LEGO vouchers – which would go a long way towards your next build. All you need to do is send a quick email; read the full terms and conditions about how to enter here.
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