As Brickvention celebrates its 20th anniversary, we’re taking time to celebrate the people who have shaped the event across two decades — the exhibitors, volunteers, organisers, and community builders who return year after year. One of those people is Emma Robinson, an AFOL from Mount Gambier, South Australia, a member of Lime Coast LEGO User Group, and a driving force behind their BrickGambier event.
We caught up with Emma to talk about her first Brickvention, and why, after many years of building, exhibiting, and volunteering, it’s the people that keep bringing her back.
When was your first Brickvention, and what do you remember most about it?
Emma: 2018. My daughter would reply the heat! For me, it was the people. Kind fellow exhibitors, meeting lots of new people, and the networking. It was great to realise I wasn’t the only LEGO-crazy person.
That feeling of “finding your people” is something we hear again and again from first-time Brickvention exhibitors.
What made you want to come to Brickvention in the first place?
Emma: My sister lives in Melbourne and had been going to Brickvention for many years, and in 2015 I went too. I had also just started BrickGambier and wanted to see how other people organise an event.
Brickvention has long been a place where ideas, inspiration, and event-organising know-how are freely shared.
What’s your favourite Brickvention memory?
Emma I have so many. But when I think about them collectively, it’s always about the people — fellow exhibitors and the general public.
In 2020, I displayed a large Toy Story 4 mosaic. On the Sunday when I arrived, there was an extra bit on there! Jason Cichon had made a Forky character from the movie and added it to the picture. Forky still has pride of place on my LEGO building desk.
It’s these small, spontaneous acts of creativity and generosity that perfectly capture the Brickvention spirit.
What keeps you coming back each year?
Emma: The people. Brickvention is the only place I see some of the lifelong friends I’ve made along my AFOL journey.
We know we’ve said it before, but for many AFOLs, Brickvention isn’t just an exhibition, it’s an annual reunion.
What was your first MOC at Brickvention, and how did people react to it?
Emma: I’ve alternated between layouts and mosaics. All are received well, but I think I get the best reactions from children with the layouts — making quirky scenes, something a little bit silly, like growing hotdogs on the farm.
Those moments of delight and laughter are often what visitors remember long after they leave.
What does the Brickvention community mean to you?
Emma: Everything. They are my family — my LEGO family. I see some of them at other smaller events throughout the year, but there are many I only see at Brickvention.
Community is the foundation Brickvention is built on, brick by brick and year by year.
Have you made lasting friendships or connections through Brickvention?
Emma: Yes! In the eight years I’ve been part of Brickvention, I’ve made so many friends. Some I’ve had the pleasure of travelling overseas with and sharing times of love, laughter, and a few tears. I’ve also lost two dear friends far too early.
These connections go far beyond the exhibition floor and stay with us for life.
What’s something most people don’t see or realise about what goes on behind the scenes?
Emma: That we are all volunteers. Every year we spend not only a lot of money on travel and accommodation, but also huge amounts of time organising events — and that’s before we’ve even bought the LEGO we build with.
Brickvention exists because of the passion, generosity, and commitment of its volunteer community.
What does 20 years of Brickvention mean to you personally?
Emma: Twenty years of crazy LEGO-obsessed maniacs spending time and effort working together to share their passion with everyone.
After two decades, that passion is as strong as ever.
If you could describe Brickvention in three words, what would they be?
Emma: Love. Passion. Fun.
And after 20 years, we couldn’t sum it up any better ourselves.
From organising events in South Australia to exhibiting playful, joy-filled builds on the Brickvention show floor, Emma’s Brickvention journey reflects the heart of what this event is all about. Her story is a reminder that Brickvention isn’t just a place to display LEGO creations — it’s where community is built, friendships become family, and passion is shared across generations.
We’re proud to have Emma as part of the Brickvention community and look forward to welcoming her back as we celebrate Brickvention 2026 and 20 years of building together.
Want to follow Emma’s LEGO journey? Keep an eye out for her through Lime Coast LUG on Facebook and BrickGambier on Instagram.
Want to meet her in person? Join us at Brickvention 2026 at the Royal Exhibition Building, 17–18 January. Tickets via Humanitix.