LEGO Show & Convention Primer

This page intended as an introduction and question and answer primer for anyone who has not displayed MOCs (My Own Creation) at an IowaLUG showcase or public show. This Q&A may also be helpful to those who have limited experience and want to learn more. If you have questions not addressed on this page, please let the Events Planning Committee know at iowalug-event@googlegroups.com.

Please note: Whether you are attending a show alone with other LUG members, as a member of IowaLUG, you are representing the LUG.

Notable events where IowaLUG members will be participating:

  • June 20-21 - Brickworld Chicago(LEGO fan convention and public show)

  • July 25-26 - Brick Falls, Sioux Falls, SD (LEGO fan convention and public show)

  • Aug. 1 - Ankeny Kirkendall Library (IowaLUG showcase) - Members-check your email for information on signing up.

  • Nov. 14-15 - Brick Days Lincoln, Lincoln, NE (LEGO fan convention and public show)

IowaLUG Showcases

  • IowaLUG showcases are typically just for active members in the LUG. A sign up form for space requests is sent out to members leading up to the show.

    Showcases do not currently have a fee for participation, however, those displaying are asked to volunteer some time during the showcase, if possible, to help with activities, traffic flow, etc.

  • IowaLUG showcases mostly feature a wide variety of MOCs that people have created themselves. Anything from tiny builds to massive structures. Some builds are done by a single person, while others are made by groups of people.

    There are also collaborative builds that occur at some showcases, such as a Dungeon Delve that features builds from multiple people. Collaborative builds often have guidelines to participate, but are open to anyone and will be announced in advance.

    Some of our showcases may feature displays or builds that are not MOCs, such as train layouts that may use sets or other prebuilt displays.

  • As the IowaLUG showcases are currently a single day public event, we do not have convention activities outside the public hours.

    We do, however, host activities for the public that we need volunteers to staff, and ask our members to sign up for a time slot if they are displaying to interact with the public and help watch over the displays. Activities might be things such as a race track, tables of play brick,. a mosaic build, or other interactive ideas.

Public Shows and Fan Conventions

  • There are LEGO shows/conventions all across the United States, including several shows that are near Iowa. Some of the closer, more common shows for IowaLUG members include:

  • Displaying MOCs at a show depends on the show itself, but many share a similar process.

    Shows often have a registration period and a fee to participate. Registration fees vary, depending on the show.

    Most shows have limited space and signing up early helps guarantee you space to display your MOCs.

    Once registered, you are typically asked for your space request (or make a request through your LUG) and will need to register each individual MOC if you want a MOC card and to be eligible for awards (if available).

  • This is entirely show dependent, but most shows have a day or more of extras for those registered as an attendee.

    In addition to time to set up your display(s), the shows often have seminars/presentations, games/challenges, raffles, set drafts, social events, and other activities.

    Some shows have limited space for activities and may limit participants. The shows also have volunteer opportunities during the public hours, such as assisting with activities (play brick, mosaics, etc.), helping with set up and tear down, etc. Shows will provide this information for sign up.

  • Shows include a vast variety of MOCs that people bring. Anything from tiny builds to massive structures. Some builds are done by a single person, while others are made by teams of dozens of people. Some of things you might see and participate in include:

    • Your own creations. You can build and bring almost anything you want (within reason for a family-friendly show), but may choose to build within a show’s theme (if they have one) or award categories (if available).

    • Collaborations. These are a great way to work with other LEGO fans and build something extraordinary. Collaborative builds may be a combination of many small builds (like a Dungeon Delve, Minifig Habitats, or Minifigs on Parade), or may be a specific theme or design that has to match up precisely (such as each member building a section of a large castle). Since most collaborations are coordinated by attendees, you can often find discussion of these are a show’s social media channels, like Discord.

    • Train layouts. While train layouts are often collaborations, these are frequently reoccurring layouts that are displayed year after year, and may not have open calls for participation. Finding out who runs and plans a train layout and talking to them directly may help you get involved.

Are You Ready to Get Involved?

Keep an eye out for email announcements or meeting announcements about upcoming IowaLUG Showcases. If you are not an active member, talk to one of our leadership team members about what it takes.

If you want to go to a convention show, visit the links above and look at dates, as well as registration information. Talk to IowaLUG members to find who else is going to the show, and remember to list IowaLUG as your LUG so you are placed in the same area/pod.