As Brickvention marks its 20th anniversary, we’re celebrating the global LEGO community that has grown around the event – including the AFOLs who travel thousands of kilometres to be part of it. One of those builders is Dirk Frantzen, an AFOL and German LEGO Masters finalist, who made the journey to Australia to experience Brickvention firsthand.
We caught up with Dirk to talk about his first Brickvention, building LEGO stories that connect continents, and why this community keeps pulling him back.
When was your first Brickvention?
Dirk: My first Brickvention was last year, 2025. I travelled all the way from Germany with my mate Jörg (you may know us as AFOLs on tour on Instagram).
Dirk Frantzen and Jörg Ruckel were finalists on the 2022 series of LEGO Masters Germany.
What made you want to come to Brickvention in the first place?
Dirk: We had been invited to attend Brickvention many times over the years, and we know quite a few people from Australia – especially many LEGO fans. We thought it was time to make the journey and visit this awesome event.
Brickvention has long been a meeting point for the global AFOL community.
What’s your favourite Brickvention memory?
Dirk: The community. How warm everyone is and how welcome you feel when you come to Brickvention. We had so much fun!
That sense of instant belonging is something Brickvention is proud to be known for.
What was your first MOC at Brickvention, and how did people react to it?
Dirk: I brought a MOC that connects history between Australia and Germany. You might not have heard of him, but Hans Bertram was an aviator from my hometown in Germany. In 1932, in his attempt to circumnavigate the globe, he flew an old seaplane from Timor to Darwin when he was struck by a storm and forced to land, becoming stranded in the Kimberley region. He survived 40 days before being found by local Aboriginal fishermen. I built this story into a small display about 60×60 centimetres — small enough to fit in my suitcase — so I could bring it to Australia and connect our histories.
Dirk’s build is a perfect example of how LEGO can be used to tell deeply human stories across cultures.
What does the Brickvention community mean to you?
Dirk: The community means a lot to me. They are such great people. I’ve met them not only at Brickvention, but also at other events in Europe, like Skærbæk in Denmark. It’s been really great to meet them in their home country too.
Brickvention friendships don’t stop at borders — they can span the globe.
Have you made lasting friendships or connections through Brickvention?
Dirk: Yes, I’ve made many long-lasting friendships and have even been able to visit some friends in their home towns.
These are the connections that turn an event into a lifelong network.
What’s something most people don’t see or realise about what goes on behind the scenes?
Dirk: People may not realise the amount of work required to put together an event the size of Brickvention. The time and effort that goes on behind the scenes on behalf of the community is astounding.
Brickvention exists because of countless volunteer hours driven purely by passion.
What does 20 years of Brickvention mean to you personally?
Dirk: The 20th anniversary is a major milestone, and it prompted me to book my flight once again and make the journey back to see you all at Brickvention 2026. I’m really looking forward to it!
When an event inspires people to cross the globe, you know it’s something special.
If you could describe Brickvention in three words, what would they be?
Dirk: Frickin’ awesome community.
We have to agree.
From suitcase-sized storytelling builds to friendships that stretch from Europe to Australia, Dirk’s Brickvention journey captures the truly international spirit of the event. We can’t wait to welcome him back for Brickvention 2026 and celebrate 20 years of bricks, creativity, and one frickin’ awesome community together.
Want to follow Dirk’s LEGO journey? Follow him and Jörg, AFOLs on Tour on Instagram.
Want to meet them in person? Join us at Brickvention 2026 at the Royal Exhibition Building, 17–18 January. Tickets via Humanitix.