Information for Brickvention Participants
This page contains most of the general information you need and will answer a lot of your questions about participating in Brickvention. Every year, hundreds of volunteers dedicate a huge amount of time to make this event a huge success! So whether you’re an Exhibitor, Vendor, Volunteer, Photographer or Cosplayer – read on to learn more…
Jump to section:
General Information
Brickvention 2022
Dates:
Bump In – Thursday 6th January 2022
Convention Day – Friday 7th January 2022
Public Days – Saturday 8th & Sunday 9th January 2022
Bump Out – after 5pm Sunday
Venue:
Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre – Stadiums
30 Aughtie Drive,
Albert Park, VIC, 3206
Brickvention will operate under all Victorian Government requirements for COVID safety. The health and wellbeing of our volunteers, exhibitors, and visitors is of the highest importance to us. More information about specific COVID-safe requirements will be made available closer to the event.
All Brickvention exhibitors, vendors, volunteers and photographers must complete the online induction and safety certification. Details on how to complete the induction will be distributed prior to the event. It is a requirement that the certificate of completion is kept and made available at the exhibition on request.
All Brickvention participants are expected to act in a manner that will not negatively impact on the reputation of Brickventures Inc or Brickvention. This includes that participants:
– will act in a professional manner at all times.
– will not, by act or omission, act in a way that places the health, safety and welfare at risk of any Brickvention organiser, volunteer, participant, contractor or patron.
– will act in a manner that is respectful regardless of patrons age, gender, disability and/or impairment, sexual orientation, religious belief or activity, etc.
– will not use foul language.
– will not abuse or use bullying type behaviours towards others.
– will not purposefully damage the venue or provided equipment.
– will leave the venue in a reasonable and tidy condition.
Parking arrangements at the venue will be provided to registered participants prior to the event.
Parking during the event is not provided by Brickventures Inc.
We encourage you to investigate your own parking or public transport options.
There are two convenient tram routes which drop you right at the front door of the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre.
Check the PTV Website for more information on public transport options in Melbourne.
During the Brickvention weekend, conditions can be unpredictable. Each exhibitor is issued with one convention tshirt which is recommended attire for at least one day of the public exhibition. Often individuals choose to wear these shirts for both days of the public expo. To ensure your shirt is presentable and of a high standard, we recommend caring for your tshirt overnight.
A limited number of additional shirts will be available for purchase at the event should you wish to have a clean shirt to change into. These can be purchased from the Brickvention Merchandise Stand.
Please ensure you take care of your body over the Brickvention weekend. This includes staying hydrated, taking regular breaks, maintaining high standards of personal hygiene commensurate with a public facing role and sharing your love of LEGO with the public.
Brickvention participants are invited to attend special events over the course of the Brickvention weekend.
These events will be announced to exhibitors closer to the event.
Exhibitors
Brickvention display tables are 2.4m x .75m
All tables are covered by a supplied tablecloth that covers the entire table to the floor. All boxes and excess packaging must be stored under the tables and the cloths have a part in the back to accommodate this.
Exhibitors are allocated a location in the venue. This includes the approved number of tables as per your agreement. The position allocated to your display is final and in line with all venue safety requirements.
Exhibitors are only permitted to operate within the bounds of their allocated table space and must seek the permission of Brickventures Inc if wishing to operate outside of those boundaries.
Advertising or selling by exhibitors is not permitted at Brickvention unless permission is granted by Brickventures Inc in writing prior to the event.
No items (posters, banners, etc) are allowed to be stuck to the walls or any other part of the venue. No tape is to be stuck to the floor without prior discussion and consent of Brickventures Inc.
Brickventures Inc will be charged for any damage to the venue sustained during the event (eg. Scratches or chips on walls, floors, etc). Therefore, we request all due care is taken by you and staff across your participation in the event. Where deemed appropriate, costs may be passed to the person responsible for the damage made.
Stage your display
Try not to put too much on your display. If possible, link items together in a diorama rather than it just being a display of models. Make sure there is plenty of space between each model/diorama. Don’t try to fill every bit of your table with lots of models. If you put too much on your display, it will be difficult to focus on the detail of each model.
Build UP not out
If possible, give your display some height so it is visually appealing. This might be via a mountain side if building a landscape or via some form of small plinth or stand if displaying individual models. There are many ways this can be achieved and it will make your display stand out and draw the attention away from those that are all the same height.
Ditch the dust
Make sure your exhibit is clean dust free. People will notice dust. A paint brush or make up brush are good dusting tools. Try to do this before you get to the venue.
Display Code
Ensure your display looks tidy throughout the weekend. Food, Water bottles, coffee cups and drink cans should not be placed on display tables. Check your display every few hours to see if anything has fallen over or needs repairing etc. Although most patrons are usually pretty good, it is easy to bump a table and disrupt a display.
Sticky Fingers
If you are worried about a particular minifig being on your display because it is valuable, please don’t display it without correct supervision. You are responsible for your models at all times.
Don’t get too close to the edge
Where possible, avoid placing items close to the edge of your display. Models too close to the edge of tables are at risk of being bumped and or broken by passing patrons.
Step back!
Look at your build from all angles. It is possible the back of your display will be the backdrop for another table. If it’s messy, make sure you can cover it if needed.
Always ensure your display is labelled with a MOC (My Own Creation) Card (otherwise known as a Model Info Card) so people know who is responsible for the build.
A copy of the MOC Info Card template will be made available to approved exhibitors prior to the event. It is a Word document, so you can type in the details required and print in colour (if possible). Brickvention will supply a stand for your card. Printing for MOC Cards will not be available during Brickvention bump in.
If you have a group or collection of models that make a scene or display, only use one card for the whole layout/display and not for every single item. For example: a group of spaceships by the same person could be called “The Galactic Armada” rather than naming each ship. This request is to prevent your display looking cluttered with Exhibit Info Cards which may detract from the actual models and to be eligible for a Brickvention Prize.
Due to layout and safety requirements, exhibitors will not be able to be seated with their exhibit.
An Exhibitor Lounge will be made available for exhibitors and their volunteers. Details will be provided to approved exhibitors prior to the event. Please use this lounge for your comfort. Water will also be available for all Exhibitors and Exhibitor Volunteers.
It is important to note that no phone chargers, computers or any cords are allowed to be plugged directly into electrical outlets at the venue. Within the Exhibitor Lounge there will be approved power boards for use.
Logistics and Location:
All details regarding access to the venue for bump in and out will be provided to approved exhibitors prior to the event.
Bump In:
It is compulsory for all attendees to sign in prior to setup. This will be done upon arrival at your allocated entrance door. You will receive your table location upon signing in.
Bump Out:
Bump out commences at 5pm on Sunday. No person may start packing up or moving out before this time. Once you have packed up, you may move your vehicle to the designated area and load up. Please ensure your MOCs are packed up before moving your vehicle to the loading bay. Maps of the venue and loading areas will be provided.
Clothing:
At all times during Bump In and Bump Out you must wear:
– a safety vest; and
– closed toe footwear.
If you do not comply with the above you will not be permitted in the venue.
Brickvention does not supply safety vests. Please ensure you have your own during bump in and out or you will not be permitted in the venue.
Please note: children under 16 are NOT permitted inside the building whilst forklifts or EWPs (scissor lifts) are in operation.
Access to power for your display will only be made available if requested in your initial exhibitor application. Note that power can only be supplied in certain areas of the building and this will impact where you build can be placed.
All electrical equipment used at Brickvention – including leads, transformers, lights, etc – must be tested and have a current electrical test tag on it.
Your electrical equipment must be tested and tagged prior to the event. Testing and tagging will not be provided by Brickvention and items without tags will not be permitted.
The staff electrician is responsible for all electrical connections to power points. Only the electrician can plug anything directly into any power point at the venue.
The electrician will be onsite on Thursday afternoon of bump in. He will also be present during bump out on Sunday night.
You are not permitted to move displays or equipment outside of official bump in or out times. This is to ensure the health and safety of all Brickvention staff, volunteers and participants.
All stall displays and equipment must be installed by close of Bump In on Thursday night.
You are permitted to bring in and out items you can carry on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, but this can only be done prior to the start of the days activities at 9.00am.
Under no circumstances are you permitted to park at the loading bay and unload on these days.
If required, exhibitors may organise their own volunteer to help with their exhibit. These volunteers may either help you run your display or relieve you for a break. This is not to be confused with event volunteers who are assisting the committee to run the event.
Your exhibitor volunteer must be pre registered with your application to exhibit. They will be required to complete the venue safety induction and follow the same guidelines and procedures that apply to exhibitors.
Exhibitor volunteers may only attend on the Public Expo and Set up days. They will not be entitled to participate in any competitions or receive any of the gifts or giveaways reserved for the convention participants and exhibitors. Exhibit volunteers will be solely the responsibility of the exhibitor who nominates them.
A security contractor provides security in the venue during the event. Security guards staff the entrance and exit and they roam the event to minimise risk.
Exhibitors are responsible for the security of their displays and equipment linked to their own display area. The venue has security outside of event hours to minimise risk.
When transporting exhibits, make sure they are securely packed in a strong box. Custom made boxes often work best with large exhibits. We recommend the use of plastic wrap (glad wrap or specialised postal/pallet wrap) to hold the model together and bubble wrap to avoid bumps in transit. It also helps to place smaller models in individual ziplock bags. Do not trust that a model will survive in the back seat of your car or an ordinary suitcase.
For larger exhibits, we recommend modularising the build so it is easier to transport.
Vendors
It is expected that you comply with the terms and conditions you agreed to in your agreement with Brickventures Inc. This includes the following:
Only LEGO and LEGO related merchandise is to be sold/displayed at Brickvention unless permission is granted by Brickventures Inc.
Vendors do not obtain any right or title to any intellectual property of Brickventures (including Brickvention). Any use, reproduction and/or storage of any Brickventures’ intellectual property, including its name and logo, requires prior written agreement of Brickventures.
Advertising by Vendors is not permitted at Brickvention unless prior written permission is granted by Brickventures Inc. The only exclusion to this is the contact details of your business including name, address, phone, website and email address.
Vendors are only permitted to operate within the bounds of their allocated space and must seek the permission of Brickventures Inc if wishing to operate outside of those boundaries.
Banners, visuals and the use of sound must not invade the space of fellow Vendors.
Vendors are not entitled to the convention show bag or to participate in any convention activities unless otherwise specified. If you wish to exhibit or be a convention participant, you will need to register as an exhibitor or a convention member.
Vendors must be present and have enough stock during the allocated times on the convention day and for the duration of the public event days.
Vendors are required to pay any additional cost that Brickventures Inc may incur due to damage (eg. scratches to flooring, chips in the wall) as a result of the Vendor conducting their business.
The Vendor understands that if products or services not detailed on
the original application are sold or provided through trading at Brickvention, that Brickventures Inc reserves the right to close trading and request you leave the site.
Any failure to comply with the above terms and conditions may result in exclusion from participation in future Brickventures Inc events.
Brickventures Inc reserves the right to amend these terms and conditions at any time.
Moving merchandise and display equipment in and out of the venue:
To ensure the health and safety of all Brickvention staff, volunteers, exhibitors and the general public, Brickventures has set strict guidelines on the set up and movement of display equipment and merchandise.
This includes:
– Vendors are permitted to move equipment in and out of the venue during bump inand bump out times.
– All equipment and the majority of merchandise must be installed or in place by the close of bump in on Thursday night.
– Merchandise may be brought in by trolley between Friday and Sunday before to 8.50am. Trollies are not to be used after that time when the public are present in the building.
– Other items that are small enough to be carried may be brought in at any time, as long as a risk is not posed to anyone in the venue.
– Under no circumstances are you permitted to park and unload outside of the loading dock during the convention days. The only time this is permissible is during bump in and bump out.
Vendors have been allocated a location in the venue. This includes the requested number of tables as per your agreement. The position allocated to you is final and in line with all safety standards of the venue.
All tables are covered by a Brickventures supplied tablecloth that covers the entiretable to the floor. This is a requirement of the Royal Exhibition Building. All boxes and excess packaging must be stored under the tables and the cloths have a part in them to accommodate this. NO boxes or excess packaging may be visible within the Vendor area.
No items (posters, banners, etc) are allowed to be stuck to the walls or any other part of the venue. No tape is to be stuck to the floor without prior discussion and consent of Brickventures Inc.
The venue may charge Brickventures Inc for any damage sustained during the event (eg. Scratches or chips on walls, floors,etc). Therefore, we request all due care is taken by you and staff across your participation in the event. Where deemed appropriate, costs may be passed to the person responsible for the damage made.
All electrical equipment including leads, transformers, lights, etc must be tested and have a current electrical test tag on it.
You must have your electrical equipment tested and tagged prior to the event. Only the electrician can plug anything into any power point at the Royal Exhibition Building.
The electrician will be onsite on Thursday bump in between 12pm – 8pm. He will also be present during bump out on Sunday night.
A security contractor provides security in the venue during the event. Security guards staff the entrance and exit and they roam the event to minimise risk.
Vendors are responsible for the security of their displays and equipment linked to their own display area. The venue has security outside of event hours to minimise risk.
Vendor Registration
Vendor registration commences at 11am on Thursday. You are required to provide photo ID to confirm your identity to be able to register.
Upon registration, you will receive your lanyard and badge indicating that you are a Vendor.
Vendor Staff and Volunteers
Prior to the event, you will be asked to pre-register Vendor staff and/or volunteers. You will be provided with a tag and lanyards on registration. A maximum of 2 staff/ volunteers per table is allowed (in addition to the Vendor opperator on your application). For example, if you have two tables, you will be permitted 4 staff in addition to yourself (the owner).
Tags and lanyards for all Vendor staff and/or volunteers must be worn at all times during the event.
All Vendors must organise their own staff and/or volunteers to assist during the event. We highly recommend that you do so to ensure are able to have an adequate break during the event.
Vendor staff and/or volunteers may be present on the Convention Day, Public Expo and Bump In or Out days. Unless they are convention attendees or event exhibitors, they will not be entitled to participate in any competitions or receive any of the gifts or giveaways.
Vendor staff and/or volunteers are solely the responsibility of the Vendor who nominates them.
Volunteers
Volunteers are expected to wear neat casual attire for the event, and will be provided with a vest identifying them as Brickvention Volunteers. This vest must be returned at the end of the event.
At all times during Bump In and Bump Out, you must wear a safety vest and closed toe footwear.
Photographers
Thank you for your interest in being part of the volunteer photographer team.
As a member of this team, you will be granted free access to the Brickvention weekend.
Photography roles will be allocated to each volunteer photographer for Brickvention. These roles may include a focus on portraits, crowds or models over an allocated time.
Unless advised to the contrary, all photographs will remain the intellectual property of the photographer who took them. Brickventures Inc will receive unlimited reproduction rights to these photos. Credit will be given to the photographer when pho- tos are used by Brickventures Inc.
All photos taken over the Brickvention weekend must be supplied to Brickventures Inc in high definition soft copy (via USB) within 2 weeks of Brickvention. USBs will be provided at your sign in shift for this purpose.
By taking on the role of Brickvention Photographer, you agree to the terms and conditions set by Brickventures Inc and will abide by the code of conduct. Failure to do so may result in immediate removal from Brickvention.
Cosplayers
By participating in Brickvention you are helping run a spectacular event. Your contrubution at Brickvention not only brings joy to thousands of families, but you also help raise funds for the nominated charities of Brickvention.
Please note that all information above is subject to change without notice.
Brickventures Inc. will not be held responsible or liable for any damages or losses encountered by exhibitors during the event.