VIB Attendee Guide

Fan events like BrickCan are all about getting together with fellow Adult Fans of LEGO (AFOLs) to share ideas, brick building, and fun!

At BrickCan you’re not just an AFOL, you’re a VIB – Very Important Builder! You’ll see the term VIB throughout BrickCan, alongside AFOL.

Although many AFOL events have unique aspects and activities, most West Coast fan conventions in North America have a lot in common with a variety of games, presentations, brick badges, etc. Below are some general details of to expect at the full VIB/AFOL event. Please note that activities and event details may differ from previous events.

BrickCan is a very immersive experience: events start in the morning and occupy you late into the evening every day. Even many local VIBs prefer to stay at the hotel, rather than go home each night given how much there is to experience!

* Name Bricks / Brick Badges

Many conventions offer custom badge bricks included with registration. These are usually 1×8 bricks which are printed or engraved with custom text that you choose. They are often used as a name badge and could have your name, location, LUG (LEGO Users Group), a funny saying, or anything you like on them. We suggest that for your first time, you choose one to be your name.

BrickCan offers two custom printed bricks with each registration along with a printed BrickCan brick featuring the con logo and year.

Some people also enjoy customizing their brick badges and building on them. Have fun with it!

* What To Expect When You Arrive

When you arrive, please check-in at registration area. There you will receive your swag bag, any pre-purchased items, and most importantly, your VIB Attendee pass which gives you access to the whole convention throughout the weekend. Be sure to wear your pass for entry!

Your swag bag contains many fun items, but very importantly: your schedule! Please refer to this for the timing and location of events throughout the weekend. For details on any specific event, the online version of the schedule lets you click on items for more information.

After checking in at registration, you’ll want to setup your MOC(s) (if you brought any) and meet your theme coordinator.

* MOCs (My Own Creation)

MOC stands for My Own Creation which refers to all of the awesome fan built models that VIBs build and bring to display. MOCs can range in size from microscale (often as small as an 8×8 plate) to as big as you can transport! You do not have to bring a MOC to register and attend BrickCan, though it can definitely add to the fun.

If you plan to bring a MOC, it is important to register it online as soon as possible. That way the staff and theme coordinators can make sure there is enough room for all the models since we cannot guarantee space for MOCs that were not pre-registered. We will also have MOC cards printed and ready. Speaking of which…

If you have MOC to display, you can find your MOC card at registration, or be directed towards where they will be found. MOC cards are little folding cards that are displayed next to your MOC with info about the model, builder, and a number that people can use to vote for it (more on that below).

Next, find the area for the theme you registered your MOC under (as noted on your MOC card). Each theme has a theme coordinator who is in charge of organizing the placement of the MOCs in that area and helping answer any questions you might have. Please check with them before just choosing a spot for your model – especially if it is difficult to move! This is also a good time to meet some of the other VIBs displaying in your theme.

Please remember to be respectful of other peoples MOCs. If a model that is not yours needs to be moved or adjusted, please find the builder or theme coordinator to assist you – please do not touch it yourself!

* Ceremonies

BrickCan has three ceremonies throughout the weekend:

  1. the opening ceremony on Friday to welcome everyone, answer questions, and give out some door prizes
  2. the trophy ceremony on Saturday to present awards by MOC theme and give out more door prizes
  3. the closing ceremony on Sunday to give out additional trophies and even more door prizes.

At all ceremonies, door prizes are given away using tickets supplied with your badge, so be sure to keep them with you at all times. You must bring all your tickets with you to the ceremonies. It is best to arrive a few minutes early to help speed up this process. You must be present to win!

* Trophies

At the Saturday and Sunday ceremonies, trophies are awarded for outstanding MOCs in each theme as well as a few miscellaneous categories. These are chosen by theme coordinators and/or staff members. There is also the Best in Show award which is voted on by your fellow VIBs.

All of these awards are meant to be fun and perhaps inspire a little friendly competition and/or collaboration between builders. Every Builder is a winner to us – you make BrickCan what it is!


* Games & Activities

BrickCan offers a variety of games and activities throughout the weekend which are intended to be fun, social events. We encourage both participation and observation! Please check your schedule for specific game and activity locations.

Most games will require signing up in advance. Some games and events will be able to accommodate a large number of participants and can be joined on site. Descriptions of each of the games and activities can be found on the schedule online as well as if they require advance sign-up.

To participate in games that require advance sign-up, BrickCan will send email updates leading up to the convention with instructions on how to sign-up online. If more people sign up for a game then there are spots for, participants will be chosen at random from those that have signed up. Lists of game participants will be available at the registration desk for your reference. While we only have so much space, we try to make sure that everyone who wants to participate in games gets to take part.

If you show up at the beginning of a game you may be able to take part if some participants don’t show up. We try to start events on time, so don’t be late otherwise you may forfeit your spot.

* Panels and Presentations

BrickCan offers presentations for VIBs throughout the weekend. Please check the schedule online and at the show for details on which presentations will be happening and when. If you have an idea or request for a presentation, please contact us!

* When do we eat?

The short answer is – that’s up to you! Although some snacks may be provided during some evening social events, we try to build in a dinner break in the schedule each day and recommend taking time for lunch or a snack between other activities you may be interested in.

Remember that above all, we get together at fan conventions to have fun and make new friends! The BrickCan Crew strives to provide a safe and inclusive environment for everyone, so if you have any questions or concerns, please contact us online or a staff member at the show.

* Email Updates

BrickCan sends regular email updates as we lead up to the event. These contain important information – be sure to read them completely so you don’t miss out on anything!