Q: Why did you decide for the GR – Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre for the Planet of Bricks?
Every year in March and October we have an exhibition with workshops in Ljubljana’s Koseze Primary School under the name Kockefest. This year we decided to make it bigger, thus we needed more space and this is how the GR – Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre fit our plans.
Q: How many visitors were there?
We estimate between 6,000-6,500 visitors. We do not have the exact number as groups of three to five people could visit us with one family ticket. We were surprised by the visit, as we did not expect such crowds. People stood in a line all the way to the Dunajska cesta Road, which is a rare sight at any of other fairs and events, even at GR. The visitors’ response was excellent despite a 15-minute wait at the entrance. There was no complaining, people were calm, nice behaving and worthy of all praise. They only warned us that it would not be a bad thing to book the whole Steklena Hall or even a bigger one next time.
Q: How many exhibitors were there? From which countries? And what did they exhibit?
There were over 60 exhibitors. The entire team at the event included about 80 people. In addition to Slovenian exhibitors, over 20 exhibitors from Croatia, Serbia, Slovakia, Austria, Italy, Germany and England attended the event. The exhibitors of the Kocke Klub have prepared several smaller creations, a large scale model of the city with a replica of the Ljubljana train station, a replica of the villa De Seppi (Hrastnik, Slovenia), a model of pirates, Ninjago cities, Star Wars, space creations, DUPLO, Technic cranes and machinery, GBC (Great Ball Contraption ), etc.
There were also the entire collection of Classic Space kits released by LEGO 40 years ago. Guests put on display the LEGO Castle, Disney City, scenes from Star Wars movies, the micro city, space creations, mosaics, a bunch of smaller creations, etc. In addition to the exhibition, we also offered visitors a playroom where they were able to construct with 2×4 bricijs and DUPLO bricks, paint LEGO coloring books, produce a mosaic of size 2.5 x 2.5 m.
For a bit older LEGO lovers, there was a competition with wireless vehicles, a real LEGO go-kart ride, powered by BuWizz rechargeable batteries (Slovenian product), LEGO MinecraftTM workshops, LEGO robotics workshops run by the 1-2-3 Institute , the opportunity to buy new LEGO kits at affordable prices from Baby Center and the LEGO Bazaar of used bricks by members of Kocke Klub. Visitors were also able to get drinks and food by the ‘Wild Brothers’ food truck.
Q: How did you find the Hall where the exhibition took place?
The event was held in the Glass Hall. The assistance of Mr. Matjaž Mohar from the GR – Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre’s team made it a great choice for the event as the hall is bright, tall and airy. If
Q: What convinced you to choose the GR – Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre (GR) and what did you like the most about it?
When deciding on an event, we had several locations available, but in the end, despite the slightly more expensive rental, we opted for a GR for the simple reason that it is located close to the center, the parking around the venue is sufficient, and city bus connections are great. Here I must again commend Mr. Matjaž Mohar for all his help, flexibility and execution with practically no major issues, as well as to the other staff. All in all, a professional performance, as expected for the GR.
Q: What about next year?
As the event received a great response, we decided to repeat it again next year. We can only hope that the GR will again find a place for us in the Steklena Hall, which so perfectly suits our event as if it was actually tailor-made for it.