My Story

Greetings! My name is Robert Perez, and I am a retired Navy veteran with a passion for all things LEGO®. My love for building impressive MOCs (My Own Creations) has led me to showcase them at LEGO® brick conventions across the United States.

Since joining NMLUG (New Mexico LEGO User Group) in 2013, I have noticed that our MOCs are a hit at non-LEGO® brick events in Albuquerque. This realization inspired me to create a dedicated LEGO® brick event for AFOLs (Adult Fans of LEGO) in New Mexico.

In January of 2020, while returning home from a LEGO® brick Convention in Pasadena, California, I shared my dream of starting an Albuquerque Brick Convention with my son. Fast forward to 2023, and I finally accomplished that dream.

For a long time, I have been eager to share my creativity with the world, and this LEGO® brick Convention is just the beginning!

Albuquerque Brick Convention:

A Celebration of Creativity and Inclusion

Where Everyone Is Welcome and Politics Take a Back Seat

Albuquerque Brick Convention stands as a testament to the universal power of play, imagination, and community. In a world often marked by division and discord, this event creates a joyful sanctuary—one where people from every background, belief, and perspective can gather in the shared delight of building, learning, and dreaming together. The convention’s guiding philosophy is simple yet profound: leave behind all politics and agendas at the door, and step into a space where everyone belongs.

A Neutral Ground for All

From its founding, the Albuquerque Brick Convention has been designed as a neutral event. Its organizer has committed to fostering an environment free from the influence of political discourse or ideological agendas. This neutrality is not merely a passive absence of politics—it’s a conscious, welcoming embrace of diversity, ensuring nobody ever feels excluded, uncomfortable, or overshadowed by the beliefs or affiliations of others.

At the heart of the convention lies the conviction that creativity transcends boundaries. Whether you are a seasoned master builder, a curious newcomer, a parent with young children, or simply someone seeking inspiration, the Albuquerque Brick Convention welcomes you with open doors. Here, the focus is on the bricks, the builds, and the boundless imagination they inspire—not on the divisions that can separate us elsewhere.

Welcoming All People

Central to the Albuquerque Brick Convention’s mission is the belief that every person deserves to feel welcome. The event eschews all forms of discrimination and exclusion. Instead, it prioritizes kindness, respect, and the simple joy of shared experience.

The convention makes every effort to cultivate a sense of belonging:

Inclusive Language: All signage, announcements, and communications are crafted with care to be welcoming to all, avoiding divisive or exclusionary phrases.
Accessible Facilities: The venue is fully accessible to individuals with mobility challenges, and wheelchair-accessible pathways, and clear signage help everyone find their way.
Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Activities are designed to be fun for all ages, and there is an area set aside for parents with young children, as well as for teens and adults who want to delve deeper into the creative aspects of brick building.
Respect for All Backgrounds: There is an explicit commitment to ensuring no attendee feels uncomfortable because of their race, nationality, religion, gender identity, or any other personal attribute.

Leaving Politics at the Door

The Albuquerque Brick Convention is not a forum for political debate, advocacy, or activism. Instead, it’s a gathering defined by the things that unite us rather than those that divide. Attendees, exhibitors, and guests are expected to refrain from bringing political materials or engaging in debates about current events, policies, or ideologies.

This approach allows every visitor to focus on the heart of the event: the joy of creation, the marvel of engineering, and the bonds formed through shared passion. In workshops, presentations, and competitions, the subject is always the art and science of brick building—not the political views of the builders.

Event Highlights

What can you expect from the Albuquerque Brick Convention? The answer is a dazzling array of activities, displays, and interactive experiences—all meticulously curated to be welcoming to everyone.

Public side

Builder Showcases: Marvel at intricate models crafted by local enthusiasts and expert builders. From towering skyscrapers to tiny vehicles, every display tells a story of passion and ingenuity.
Hands-On Zones: Dive in and build something yourself with bricks of all shapes and sizes, inviting you to create, experiment, and collaborate.

Private side

Workshops & Demonstrations: Learn new techniques from master builders, discover advanced building methods, and open up new creative possibilities.
Friendly Competitions: Test your skills in timed build challenges, team events, and imaginative contests. The spirit is always one of friendly rivalry and mutual encouragement.
Marketplace: Browse a wide selection of bricks, kits, accessories, and memorabilia. Vendors are selected not only for their products but for their commitment to the convention’s inclusive values.

Community Code of Conduct

To preserve the welcoming and neutral spirit of the event, every attendee agrees to adhere to a simple code of conduct:

Respect the space and the people around you.
Engage in positive, constructive conversation.
Refrain from political statements or discussions.
Support and celebrate the creativity of others.
Report any behavior that makes you or others feel uncomfortable.

Staff are always present to assist with any concerns, and to address issues discreetly and compassionately.

Why Neutrality Matters

In an era when many public spaces have become arenas for argument and advocacy, the Albuquerque Brick Convention’s commitment to neutrality is both refreshing and essential. It’s a deliberate stand for unity—a recognition that play, art, and community-building are universal human joys. By keeping politics and agendas out, the event creates a safe harbor for creativity to flourish, friendships to form, and memories to be made.

This neutral ethos is deeply valued by attendees and exhibitors alike. Many return year after year, drawn by the sense of belonging and the freedom to enjoy the magic of brick building without distraction or discomfort.

Testimonials and Community Voices

While the event itself avoids politics and agendas, the voices of those who attend speak volumes. Visitors often share how much they appreciate the open, welcoming atmosphere. Parents remark on how easy it is to relax and let their children explore. Builders note the camaraderie and encouragement they find among fellow enthusiasts. Volunteers highlight the joy of helping people connect and create.

Looking Forward

The Albuquerque Brick Convention is more than a gathering—it’s a living example of how a community can come together, honor differences, and focus on what unites us. As the event grows, it remains committed to its foundational principles: neutrality, inclusivity, and the celebration of creativity.

Future plans include expanding accessibility efforts, introducing new activities for a broader range of interests and abilities, and continuing to reinforce the code of conduct that has made the convention such a beloved fixture in the community.

Conclusion

In every brick laid and every tower erected, the Albuquerque Brick Convention builds more than structures—it builds relationships, memories, and a spirit of togetherness. By keeping politics and agendas out and welcoming every person with open arms, the event has become a place where all feel comfortable, supported, and inspired.

Whether you come for the incredible displays, the hands-on fun, or the simple joy of connecting with fellow enthusiasts, you’ll find a home at the Albuquerque Brick Convention. Here, everyone is welcome—and the only agenda is creativity.