Come for the fun. Stay for the creations.

Presentations, Panels, and Activities

Presentations

New Attendee Orientation

Led by: Phil Straatsma

Thursday
from09:00 AM
to09:50 AM
inNirvana C

Is this your first time at Brickworld? Come join us as we go over all aspects of the event to help you make the most of your experience here. Learn about set drafts, after hours activities, voting for awards, the charity auction and more.

Pad Printing in LEGO Today

Led by: MayDayFigs

Friday
from09:00 AM
to09:50 AM
inNirvana C

Discussion and presentation on the future of pad printing in the LEGO community, with a focus on LSW Customs

Covering the history and future of pad printing for custom LEGO figures and bricks.

New Attendee Orientation

Led by: Phil Straatsma

Friday
from09:00 AM
to09:50 AM
inNirvana B

Is this your first time at Brickworld? Come join us as we go over all aspects of the event to help you make the most of your experience here. Learn about set drafts, after hours activities, voting for awards, the charity auction and more.

Talking Durands

Led by: Geneva, Isaiah, Josiah, Anna, and Sarah Durand

Thursday
from10:00 AM
to10:50 AM
inNirvana C

Five siblings, five perspectives on all things LEGO. Join us for a fun casual chat as the Durands share their stories. From the 10 year MOCing veterans Geneva, Isaiah, and Josiah (W. Navarre), to the newcomer Anna (Tayaya) and the dabbler Sarah, we have every variety of opinion on the subject of what to call jumper plates, how long a MOC should take, and whether or not using sticky putty is just as bad as kragle.

Build Small, Think Big

Led by: Chris Ames

Thursday
from10:00 AM
to10:50 AM
inNirvana B

Discover the benefits of creating detailed models with a tiny footprint as I walk through my philosophy as well as my design and production process using my Star Trek collection, MiniTrekMOCs. I'll also share my experiences creating a brand as a professional marketer - including best practices for websites, social media, pricing, part selection, and more!

While many creators build incredible large-scale models, I have taken an opposite approach - building dozens of smaller models. This was primarily due to budget and space restrictions, but it has resulted in interesting differences in how I view MOCs. The session will mostly be a presentation where I elaborate on these differences and provide context for creating a for-profit MOC brand. There will also be a Q&A discussion!

Pybricks 101

Led by: David Turner

Friday
from10:00 AM
to10:50 AM
inNirvana C

Learn how to use Pybricks to program off the shelf Powered Up hubs using python. Presentation will go over the basics of how to get started including setting up the hub and very basics involved with programming the hubs using python. After the presentation, participants should be able to understand how to set up a powered up hub with pybricks and program a simple program to make a motor continuously run. No previous programing experience is necessary to get started. Participants are welcome to bring their own computer or Android device and powered up hub and follow along.

LEGO BrickLink LIVE User Testing

Led by: Tanja Friberg & LEGO BrickLink Team

Friday
from10:00 AM
to10:50 AM
inNirvana B

Come meet some members of the LEGO BrickLink Team and join in on some live user testing together with the BrickLink UX team!

Pybricks 301

Led by: David Turner

Friday
from11:00 AM
to11:50 AM
inNirvana C

Learn about more advanced features available with pybricks and powered up hubs. A basic understanding of pybricks is recommended (prior experience or attending pybricks 101). We will go over different functionalities of pybricks including but not limited to connecting to the remote, built in hub functions, using the color-distance sensor, advanced motor functions and creating more complex programs. I'll also be going over lessons learned when using pybricks.

Intro to Blunami

Led by: Richard Glatter & Rob Hendrix

Thursday
from11:00 AM
to11:50 AM
inNirvana C

Introduction to the soundtraxx blunami Bluetooth train controller. Learn about how to integrate the blunami into your train models. We will also discuss other third party train control methods.

LEGO BrickLink Update

Led by: Tanja Friberg & LEGO BrickLink Team

Thursday
from11:00 AM
to11:50 AM
inNirvana B

Come meet some members of the LEGO BrickLink Team! There will be a presentation of some of the latest BrickLink initiatives, including BDP and an entirely new initiative that we have only just started working on. There will be some time for Q&A as well!

Past Present and Future of LGMS

Led by: Richard Glatter, Monty Smith, Rob Hendrix, & Cale Leiphart

Friday
from11:00 AM
to11:50 AM
inNirvana B

We will look back at the beginning o the L-Gauge Modular Standard. We will also be discussing where the standard currently is and where we want to see the standard to be at in the future. We will also have a question and answer session about running your own LGMS layout, as well as any other LGMS or train layout questions you may have.

LEGO Lighting

Led by: Brian Williams

Friday
from01:00 PM
to01:50 PM
inNirvana C

Want to take your MOC from ordinary to EXTRAORDINARY? Then come see the light!
Brian Williams, author of The LEGO Lighting Book, shows you the techniques and tricks to light up your LEGO world.

LGMS An introduction to LEGO® Trains

Led by: Shawn Lazarz, Richard Glatter, Rob Hendrix & Cale Leiphart

Thursday
from01:00 PM
to01:50 PM
inNirvana C

LGMS what is it? Module examples and a Ted talk style introduction with new Modules and National standardization challenges.

LEGO BrickLink Update

Led by: Tanja Friberg & LEGO BrickLink Team

Friday
from01:00 PM
to01:50 PM
inNirvana B

Come meet some members of the LEGO BrickLink Team! There will be a presentation of some of the latest BrickLink initiatives, including BDP and an entirely new initiative that we have only just started working on. There will be some time for Q&A as well!

LEGO BrickLink LIVE User Testing

Led by: Tanja Friberg & LEGO BrickLink Team

Thursday
from01:00 PM
to01:50 PM
inNirvana B

Come meet some members of the LEGO BrickLink Team and join in on some live user testing together with the BrickLink UX team!

Collabs - Lessons Learned

Led by: David Turner

Thursday
from02:00 PM
to02:50 PM
inNirvana B

Thinking about starting a collaboration with your LUG? This presentation focuses on lessons learned from helping coordinate past and ongoing large scale collaborative builds. Lessons include planning, communications, coordination, ordering parts, and more.

Build Small, Think Big

Led by: Chris Ames

Friday
from02:00 PM
to02:50 PM
inNirvana B

Discover the benefits of creating detailed models with a tiny footprint as I walk through my philosophy as well as my design and production process using my Star Trek collection, MiniTrekMOCs. I'll also share my experiences creating a brand as a professional marketer - including best practices for websites, social media, pricing, part selection, and more!

While many creators build incredible large-scale models, I have taken an opposite approach - building dozens of smaller models. This was primarily due to budget and space restrictions, but it has resulted in interesting differences in how I view MOCs. The session will mostly be a presentation where I elaborate on these differences and provide context for creating a for-profit MOC brand. There will also be a Q&A discussion!

From Bricks to Balls

Led by: Luke Horwath

Friday
from02:00 PM
to02:50 PM
inNirvana C

A detailed overview of how I built the world's first life size, fully operational LEGO Pinball Machine, which was awarded Best Replica at Brickworld Chicago 2019. The presentation will cover every aspect of the build, including planning, designing, building, motorization, transport, and time for questions.

More Mathematics of LEGO

Led by: Roy Cook

Thursday
from02:00 PM
to02:50 PM
inNirvana C

In this session I will further explore both mathematical results about Lego, and the use of LEGO in providing intuitive "built" proofs of mathematical results.

Pybricks 101

Led by: David Turner

Thursday
from03:00 PM
to03:50 PM
inNirvana B

Learn how to use Pybricks to program off the shelf Powered Up hubs using python. Presentation will go over the basics of how to get started including setting up the hub and very basics involved with programming the hubs using python. After the presentation, participants should be able to understand how to set up a powered up hub with pybricks and program a simple program to make a motor continuously run. No previous programing experience is necessary to get started. Participants are welcome to bring their own computer or Android device and powered up hub and follow along.

LEGO BrickLink Catalog Variants

Led by: Tanja Friberg & LEGO BrickLink Team

Friday
from03:00 PM
to03:50 PM
inNirvana B

Come meet some members of the LEGO BrickLink Team! This catalog session will be focusing on variants and how BrickLink handles these.

LEGO BrickLink Catalog Variants

Led by: Tanja Friberg & LEGO BrickLink Team

Thursday
from04:00 PM
to04:50 PM
inNirvana B

Come meet some members of the LEGO BrickLink Team! This catalog session will be focusing on variants and how BrickLink handles these.

LEGO, Games, and Education

Led by: Roy Cook & Evan Kessens

Friday
from04:00 PM
to04:50 PM
inNirvana C

In this session we will explore the use of LEGO to build games that are both entertaining and have educational content. We will illustrate this idea with a LEGO game that teaches the history of architecture, and will discuss other areas in which these ideas could be applied.

Five Minute Brick Talks

Led by: Andrew Beckett

Thursday
from05:00 PM
to05:50 PM
inNirvana B

Have a LEGO topic you're passionate about, but don't want to do a full session? Then just spend five minutes on it! Five Minute Brick talks is an opportunity for convention attendees to give a brief presentation on something LEGO-related. Participants can provide simple slides in advance (PDF format, 16:9 settings, no animations or video) for use during their talk. Advance sign-up required. Contact fiveminutelego@wislug.org to register.

"Those interested in participating should contact the organizer in advance at fiveminutelego@wislug.org. A schedule for speaker order will be emailed on the day of the session.
Presenters will have up to five minutes. A timer will be provided.

All presentations should be sent in advance by email in PDF format. Slides will be presented in a 16:9 aspect ratio. Slides will not have animations and there is no access to sound."

Setting Prices in Bricklink

Led by: James Talaga & Elaine Talaga

Thursday
from05:00 PM
to05:50 PM
inNirvana C

Will go over practical issues involved in setting prices for items in Bricklink. Includes: price elements (item, shipping, postage, discounts), pricing goals, price and your target market, pricing errors and, some pricing mysteries.

Round Table Discussions

LEGO Masters Panel Discussion

Led by: Aubree Kovach & Michael Joseph

Sunday
from11:00 AM
to12:00 PM
inSchaumburg East

The LEGO Masters contestant panel will bring together a diverse group of talented builders from the hit television show. Attendees can look forward to hearing behind-the-scenes stories, learning about the contestants' unique building approaches, and gaining insights into the creative process.

This event is for registered convention attendees and public expo ticket holders.

LEGO Masters Panel Discussion

Led by: Aubree Kovach & Michael Joseph

Saturday
from11:00 AM
to12:00 PM
inSchaumburg East

The LEGO Masters contestant panel will bring together a diverse group of talented builders from the hit television show. Attendees can look forward to hearing behind-the-scenes stories, learning about the contestants' unique building approaches, and gaining insights into the creative process.

This event is for registered convention attendees and public expo ticket holders.

LEGO Masters Panel Discussion

Led by: Aubree Kovach & Michael Joseph

Sunday
from02:00 PM
to03:00 PM
inSchaumburg East

The LEGO Masters contestant panel will bring together a diverse group of talented builders from the hit television show. Attendees can look forward to hearing behind-the-scenes stories, learning about the contestants' unique building approaches, and gaining insights into the creative process.

This event is for registered convention attendees and public expo ticket holders.

Batman Round Table/Panel

Led by: Mike McDermott

Friday
from03:00 PM
to03:50 PM
inNirvana A

I am the Night!, I am Vengeance! I am Batman.
That mantra says it all to some of us.
From the time Batman was introduced as a theme in 2006, it seems the theme is coming full circle with the most current theme. We will discuss the various aspects of Batman in LEGO as well as Batman in general.

Brickworld Master Panel

Led by: E.J. Bocan

Friday
from03:00 PM
to03:50 PM
inNirvana C

Former Brickworld Masters join together for a panel discussion on style, technique, and any other topic the audience finds fair game. Come see EJ try to moderate a spirited discussion on being Brickworld Master and what it might take for you to someday earn that award.

LEGO Masters Panel Discussion

Led by: Aubree Kovach & Michael Joseph

Saturday
from03:00 PM
to04:00 PM
inSchaumburg East

The LEGO Masters contestant panel will bring together a diverse group of talented builders from the hit television show. Attendees can look forward to hearing behind-the-scenes stories, learning about the contestants' unique building approaches, and gaining insights into the creative process.

This event is for registered convention attendees and public expo ticket holders.

Train Round Table

Led by: Brian Williams

Thursday
from03:00 PM
to04:50 PM
inNirvana C

Join the Brick Model Railroaders to discuss the latest products and techniques for LEGO trains. Take your train layout to the next level!

LEGO Roundtable

Led by: E.J. Bocan & Sara Skahill

Friday
from04:00 PM
to04:50 PM
inNirvana B

Come participate in an informal Q&A Roundtable with a LEGO Group community representative. You might even get a fun minifigure business card out of it!

LAN Ambassador Meeting

Led by: Glen Kirk

Friday
from05:00 PM
to05:50 PM
inNirvana B

Informal meeting and discussion session for LEGO RLUG Ambassadors. This is a closed session for RLUG Ambassadors only. A LEGO group representative will be present.

LEGO Masters Panel Discussion

Led by: Aubree Kovach & Michael Joseph

Thursday
from09:00 PM
to10:00 PM
inSchaumburg East

The LEGO Masters contestant panel will bring together a diverse group of talented builders from the hit television show. Attendees can look forward to hearing behind-the-scenes stories, learning about the contestants' unique building approaches, and gaining insights into the creative process.

This event is for registered convention attendees only.