History

Brickworld began with a single convention/expo event in 2007 and is now holding 5 annual events (1 convention/expo and 4 expos).

 

Brickworld was founded on the principles of getting together with existing friends and making new friends. Our motto (Share – Learn – Explore – Discover) reflects our intent to be not only a fun event, but also an educational event where LEGO artists and engineers gain wisdom from each other.

 

A major element of the Chicago convention is the spirit of giving. Badged attendees come to share their knowledge with others through seminars, workshops, and impromptu discussions. But the spirit of giving does not stop there. Each year we hold an auction to raise money for charities. Items in the auction are also donated by sponsors and attendees. Over the years, the charity fundraiser has become more and more prominent at the event and adds a lot to the fun.

 

Our exposition events are intended to inspire everyone that attends from the youngest child to the oldest adult. Even if you do not build with LEGO, these creations will help you dream of possibilities.

 

The Chicago convention began as a 15,000 square foot display space. It now has a display area of 100,000 square feet and the entire event uses over 140,000 square feet at the Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center. Growth of the event has been steady. And, the creations on display continue to become more intricate and amazing each year as the fan community grows and continues to work to outdo themselves each year.

 

As Brickworld grows, we continue to keep our focus on the fact that the badged convention attendees are mainly at the event on vacation. We are honored that people choose to spend their vacation time in our little corner of the world and we work hard to treat everyone like they are on vacation. We strive to make you feel like you are at a resort, not at a convention. We want everyone attending the convention to feel like they are visiting family and not feel like they are strangers or outsiders. Unlike some large convention owners, you can always find Mark (the event owner) hard at work or hanging out on the event floor having fun with the attendees, but always ready to stop and chat or help. This is all part of the culture of the event. While you are with us, you are our family.

 

The coordinator team responsible for making the show run smoothly each year still contains many of the original team, along with many others. It seems that each year, there is another new effort that requires enlistment of a coordinator to organize and execute the effort. Most of the new ideas come from people outside of the coordinator team. Why? Because Brickworld is about you, the fan. We like to think that we are simply providing a canvas (the convention center) for you to display your talents (MOCs, presentations, workshops, etc.). It is you, the fan, that truly make Brickworld what it is. And, we thank you!