What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
BrickCon 2023 brought LEGO builders and thousands of public visitors to Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue, Washington, for a weekend of original models, moving mechanisms and shared projects. The September 9–10 exhibition was the first at the new venue after 16 years at Seattle Center; organizers said they needed more room for exhibits, vendors, attendees, activities and visitors.
What is BrickCon?
BrickCon combines a private convention for registered adult fans of LEGO with a public exhibition where visitors can see builders’ original creations and meet the people behind them. The convention program includes presentations, seminars, contests, games and social activities; the public show is centered on viewing the models. These are distinct experiences, not two names for the same admission.
BrickCon’s current event description says convention attendance is for adult fans, with limited younger attendance when accompanied by a guardian. That current policy should not be read as a statement of the 2023 admission rules. The 2023 public exhibition took place September 9–10.
Why did BrickCon move from Seattle Center to Bellevue?
The 22nd convention moved to Meydenbauer Center after 16 years at Seattle Center. Organizers said the traditional site no longer offered enough space for the combination of exhibits, attendees, vendors, activities and public visitors. In the 2023 announcement, executive director Steve Walker said, “We’re eager to see what this new space can do,” adding, “There will be more space for the exhibits, vendors and the public. All that amounts to a more comfortable experience for everyone.”
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minute#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
The move changed the setting, but the show’s central idea stayed the same: builders brought personal creations to share with other fans and the public.
How many people attended BrickCon 2023?
Numbers published before the event are different from the Foundation’s later totals. GeekWire’s September 9 preview reported nearly 500 exhibitors and about 800 models, and described 10,000 public visitors as expected. Those were advance estimates, not final counts.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
| Figure | What it represents | Source and qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Nearly 500 exhibitors | Advance estimate | GeekWire preview, September 9, 2023 |
| About 800 models | Advance estimate; the reviewed sources do not establish the final model count | GeekWire preview, September 9, 2023 |
| 10,000 public visitors | Expected attendance, not the final total | GeekWire preview, September 9, 2023 |
| 541 convention attendees | Retrospective total: 489 in person and 52 virtual | BrickCon Foundation, 2023 history entry |
| 12,592 public guests | Retrospective attendance; both public days sold out | BrickCon Foundation, 2023 history entry |
The Foundation’s retrospective figures provide the final attendance picture in the sources available; they should not be conflated with the preview’s forecasts. A separate organizer statement that BrickCon welcomes more than 450 convention attendees and features more than 1,000 exhibits describes the event generally, not a verified final exhibit count for 2023.
What was on display at BrickCon?
The exhibition ranged across Sci-Fi, Art, History, Fantasy, Town & Country, and Function. GeekWire described trains, a roller coaster, a coral reef, a space station, a warship, a castle, hot rods and battle scenes. Photographed creations included a snow globe, a Winnipeg tower, a replica of Kyoto’s Ginkaku-ji garden, a food-truck scene and pop-culture builds.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Some models were designed to do more than reward a close look: builds incorporated movement, lighting or sound. Others made their impact through scale, detail or the way a group of builders brought distinct approaches together.
Three builder stories show the range of the hobby
Wayne Hussey’s evolving space station
Longtime attendee Wayne Hussey displayed a large space station that he began building the day after the previous BrickCon. It incorporated part of a 12-foot colony ship he had built earlier. GeekWire also noted Hussey’s 14-foot Space Needle, once displayed beneath the real Seattle landmark. His response to seeing such ambitious work was as much about community as competition: “I feel humbled no matter what I build,” he said. “I feel humbled by what I see other people building. And I’m always inspired by them.”
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Paul Hetherington’s moving “It’s a Small World”
Paul Hetherington’s model used LEGO train tracks, gears and concealed mechanisms to move boats across simulated water. The mechanics were part of the illusion: visitors could watch a scene that appeared to flow rather than sit still. GeekWire reported that Hetherington had won BrickCon Best in Show five times and earned his living through commissions and public art shows.
“This hobby is crazy,” Hetherington said. “There are so many people pushing the boundaries of these little bricks — that were intended as a toy — and coming up with these crazy, fantastic builds.” He also pointed to how changing parts can change what builders can make: “Every year, it’s different,” he said. “There’s new pieces on the market that can open doors to new connections. Everything is possible with LEGO.”
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Jessie Robertson and Bre Burns build across disciplines
Jessie Robertson gravitated toward scenic and landscape models, while Bre Burns leaned toward technical builds. They also contributed to a collaborative creation, illustrating how different strengths can coexist in a shared project. Robertson described the appeal of that kind of partnership: “I find it really cool that people can work together on a hobby from different parts of the United States and come together and have it work.”
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the move meant for the show
BrickCon’s Bellevue debut was not simply a change of address. A larger venue was meant to accommodate the show’s overlapping audiences: builders attending the private convention, vendors, and public guests coming to see the displays. The retrospective record of sold-out public days and 12,592 guests shows the scale of the public side, while the convention’s 541 attendees included both in-person and virtual participants.
BrickCon is produced by BrickCon Foundation and is currently recognized by the LEGO Group as a Recognized LEGO Fan Event; the Foundation’s current About page also says the event is not affiliated with other fan events. Those are current organizational details, not a claim about every aspect of the 2023 show.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →
