Brickworld Chicago

50missioncap

Anyone else going to Brickworld this June in Chicago? I missed it last year, but am definitely going to check it out this summer. Would be cool to meet up with other AFOL's as I am a closeted AFOL with all my friends (save one)...

prof1515

When in June?

TalasAntares

Yep I'll be there. Looking forward to it!
http://www.brickworld.us/chicago/

prof1515

Figures it would be that week, the one time this year (as far as I expect) that I'm not in Illinois. Maybe next year then.

Rainstorm26

It is always fathers day weekend.

prof1515

Ah, I'm not always in-state on Father's Day weekend. In fact, I've been in Europe (specifically the UK), California and NYC on that weekend three of the last four years and might very well be again next year too. :-(

clundsberg

oooh I tend to visit my parents in IL on father's day weekend. Maybe me and my boy will go!

bluemoose

Just a reminder that Brickworld Chicago is next week; anyone wanting to go that hasn't made plans probably needs to get their finger out ... looking at the programme of events, it looks to be an exceptionally fine conference & exhibition!

thewerewithal

I'd like to go, but am not in Chicago til later that week. Is it worth going out of my way to attend? Pics from last year looked great; particularly the bat cave.

BinaryCode

It looks like I'll be there on Sunday for the public day. I've never really been to any Lego conventions of any kind, what should I expect? Aside from the MOC displays, what else is there? Any tips for a first time attendee?

Lego_Lord_Mayorca

^I went to the first public day of Brickworld last year, and it was my first Lego convention as well. Aside from the MOC displays (which will keep you enthralled for hours by themselves), there are a few small presentations made on various topics such as brick-building techniques, AFOL perspectives, and the like. Also, many vendors are there, selling various parts and sets. It's like Bricklink except in real life. Beware though, many of the stuff is sold for high prices, so spend wisely...unless you're like that one guy I saw with a wad of $100 bills. But that's another story. All in all, the most fun I had was from wandering around, gawking and taking pictures of the displays and chatting with fellow AFOLs for the first time in my life. I was there right up til closing, and they pretty much had to pry me away from the room!

BinaryCode

^Thanks! As for vendors, is there any way to know what will be there beforehand? Or do you just have to show up and see whats there?

sidersdd

There's a list of vendors here:
http://www.brickworld.us/chicago/view/vendors/

sidersdd

If anyone sees something they are interested in from my Bricklink store, and will be at Brickworld, I'll be offering free shipping/pickup. I'll be in Chicago starting on Wednesday.
http://www.bricklink.com/store.asp?p=sidersdd

Model_Gal

One tip I would suggest is bring lots of cash for the vendors. Several of the vendors, including me, don't have the ability to take credit cards and won't take checks.

As for what I'll be selling, it will mainly be my keychains, necklaces and earrings:
Folded Fancy

There most likely will be someone selling BrickArms and BrickForge stuff, LEGO relate T-shirts, lots of older sets -- some decent prices, some not, and BrickJournal will be there. Just to give you an idea.

Bring a camera if you have one, there will be lots and lots to take pictures of.

Also, is anyone from the Chicago area? I'm looking for a ride from the Midway airport to the BrickCon Hotel on Wednesday. I have several friends there, but none of them can give me a ride. :(

thewerewithal

You can always take the EL downtown to union station to the metra out to wheeling... $10... and then perhaps a cab from there. Looks like the North Central line will take you out to wheeling:

http://metrarail.com/content/metra/en/home/maps_schedules/metra_system_map/ncs/map.html

TalasAntares

Keep in mind that the North Central Service does not operate on weekends, and has somewhat limited service outside of peak periods. I operate freights on this line...

RedBrickMarket

Loved the event! Hope I can display next year :)