FAQ
A LEGO convention? What do you do at a LEGO convention?
Bricks By The Bay is just one of a number of conventions and gatherings throughout the world where fans of LEGO (whether builders, artists, or hobbyists) can gather and share enthusiasm for their favorite plastic brick. They bring creations to share, give and watch presentations on developments in the hobby, play games, and most of all have fun. No matter what your age, if you are a fan of LEGO, there’s something for you at Bricks By The Bay.
Where/when is it?
Bricks By The Bay 2012 is a special three day event held Friday, March 16th though Sunday, March 18th, 2012 at the Hyatt Regency Santa Clara, 5101 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, CA 95054 USA. The hotel phone number is (408) 200-1234. Friday and Saturday are registered attendee exclusive days. Sunday will have a public exhibition from 10AM to 4PM, with last entry at 3PM.
How much does it cost?
Admission to just the public day (Sunday) is $8 per person (free for kids 2 years old and under).
Members of the public who stay the night in the hotel can get free admission for one member of your group per hotel room-night. Use the hotel registration link to reserve a room at the Hyatt Regency Santa Clara is offering rooms at the special rate of $107/night Saturday and/or Sunday night.
For the full convention, prices are as follows:
- Basic Registration (before discounts): starts at $50 per person
- Deluxe Registration (before discounts): starts at $85 per person, including Basic Registration, plus:
- T-shirt ($15 value)
- Pin ($5 value)
- Event Kit ($20 value)
- Priced to save $5 off a la carte pricing
Registration prices will increase over time, so register early to get the best deal. See the registration page for more details or to sign up.
Guests who stay at the host hotel will received a $10 discount as well as free internet access in their room and the hotel lobby (be sure to ask for the Bricks By The Bay rate and save your confirmation number). We have negotiated a special rate of $107 per night (single/double occupancy; add $25 per person for triple or quad) for convention. Extra days before or after the convention are $199/night (shoulder dates). See the registration page for more details or to sign up.
I paid, now what? Do I get a ticket or something?
No, we will use Will-Call for all passes.
For the public day passes, we will not be issuing any tickets or badges. Print out and bring your Paypal receipt, and we’ll have a list of pre-paid people sorted by name and will cross you off the list when you arrive. To enable re-entry we will stamp your hand to show you’ve paid.
For the convention, your information is stored in our database and we will have your badge waiting for you at the convention check-in desk.
What’s the difference between basic and deluxe registration?
Basic registration gets you access to all the events Friday-Sunday, your personalized brick-built badge, space to display your creations, freebies and exclusive deals. There are door prizes, contests, and games throughout the weekend just for the convention attendees.
Deluxe registration gets you all the benefits of basic plus a t-shirt, metal lapel pin and exclusive custom kit, with a $5 discount off the a la carte price. See the registration page for more details.
What’s the difference between a registered attendee and someone who comes to the public exhibition?
Registered attendees will get exclusive perks all weekend (see previous question), while the public will only get to see the exhibits and vendors on Sunday.
Can I bring my own creations?
Only if you are a registered attendee. For logistical as well as insurance reasons, we cannot allow the general public to display their creations.
Will there be contests or prizes?
Yes! The LEGO group, other sponsors, and event organizers are going to give away tons of awesome door prizes. There will also be contests for registered attendees where you can win prizes and trophies. More events are being planned. All prizes are for full convention attendees only.
What are the themes?
Bricks By The Bay has a number of themes for displaying your models. Here are the 2012 themes:
- Art (sculptures, mosaics, etc.)
- Bionicle and Hero Factory
- Fantasy and Historical (Castle, Pirates, etc.)
- High Seas (ships and boats)
- Robotics and Machines
- Space
- Town and Train
- Large Displays
What size are the tables?
In most areas we are using tables provided by the hotel, there are a variety of sizes: 6′ x 30″, 6′ x 18″, 8′ x 30″, and 8′ x 18″.
For the Bay Area LEGO Train Club group display we are using tables owned by the club and local individuals that are sized to fit LEGO baseplates and have Plexiglas “sneeze guards” affixed to them. These tables are approximately 5′ by 30″.
Do I have to stay at the hotel?
No, but we are strongly encouraging you do. Not only is it exceptionally convenient but the success of the convention depends on bringing business to the hotel. If we do not have enough hotel rooms sold, we will be charged extra fees.
Use the hotel registration link to reserve a room at the Hyatt Regency Santa Clara is offering rooms at the special rate of $107/night (Single/Double occupancy) Thu-Sun or $199/night for shoulder dates.
What are the convention hours?
- Thursday (8pm-midnight) setup (note: this may be postponed till Friday morning)
- Friday (7am-midnight) convention (evening: keynote speech)
- Saturday (7am-midnight) convention (evening: awards)
- Sunday (7am-10pm) convention (public hours 10am-4pm with last entry at 3pm, closing ceremony, then teardown)
See the schedule for a complete listing of activities.
What do I do when I get there?
Public: If you pre-registered online, show up at the time indicated and bring a printout of your Paypal receipt. We’ll check it against our list and let you in. There’s a hand-stamp for re-entry. Note that nobody will be permitted to enter after 3:00 pm. If you do not register in advance, bring $8.00 cash per person. Be prepared for the possibility of long lines, though hopefully we will not have to make people wait too long to get in.
Attendees: The first thing to do will be to find the check-in desk and get your badge. This will identify you as an official attendee as well as help people recognize you. For many people this will be the first time they meet face to face, having your badge on will make it easier for everyone. If you are bringing your own creations for display the next thing to do will be to find your theme coordinator or area and claim your space on the tables. Be sure to check the schedule in your program or posted on the wall to pick what events you want to take part in.
Can I buy LEGO there?
Yes, there will be a number of vendors selling not only LEGO, but custom kits, t-shirts and LEGO related products. See the vendors page for more details.