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Secret LEGO: the LUG Showcase program

(Written by William)

Anyone who has ever been in an official LEGO Store knows that it’s filled with cool displays. Some are models of the current sets that are out while others are decidedly different. On occasion, one of these different displays is much larger than the rest and has a name card.

For those of us who didn’t look too closely at the card, we would have found out that the model was created by a LEGO User Group (LUG). What the store doesn’t tell most people is that there are some neat benefits to supplying one of these displays. 😉

RULES COME FIRST

The program that LEGO uses is called the LUG Showcase Program. In small stores, only one LUG can participate at a time. The LUG must first contact the store manager to get all the rules for the display.

These rules will cover the dimensions of the display as well as themes that are not acceptable. Examples of the restricted include drugs, sex, and all manner of creations that are not fit for a general audience. The store manager will have to approve any display before it is showcased.

The other major factor that LUGs must follow is the type of elements that can be used. Every piece must be currently available in the store. This means you can use licensed minifigures, but the store manager will have to approve it first.

THE PROCESS

When a LUG’s display is accepted, it will be left up for six weeks. At the end of this period another member of the LUG can replace the display with a different one. Failure to do so will mean that the display space will revert back to the store’s control.

Before each display goes up, the store manager will need to review the proposed display. They will be looking to see if the model follows all the rules set forth by LEGO. This will require the LUG to work around that store manager’s schedule.

BENEFITS FOR PARTICIPATING

When a LUG member supplies a display they are entitled to a free Pick-A-Brick cup and can get a 30% discount on five unique sets. Note that the sets must be unique. This means you can’t buy five copies of your favorite set.

The reward is only good on the day the display is installed. Of course, these rules can be altered with more or less limitations depending on the store manager.

SUMMARY

The first thing a LUG needs is an official LEGO Store in their area. Then you should find out who the store manager is of that store. Then you can begin asking questions about the LUG Showcase Program. If it so happens that there is already a LUG using the space, try contacting them to expand both LUG’s influence.

Check with your nearest LUG if you would like to participate! 😉

Here are some other tips for LEGO Users Groups you might like:

 

{ 4 comments… add one }
  • Tony July 1, 2011, 5:25 PM

    yeah, I have seen those displays! They are really cool, but I was not aware of the benefits! Thanks for letting us know!

    • Will July 1, 2011, 8:33 PM

      I figured they were neat displays too, but the benefits were really a surprise and definitely feels worth it.

      Thanks for reading and commenting!

  • Giza July 8, 2011, 11:37 AM

    Great post! Thanks, Will! I have seen some of these displays and they are very impressive! The small, enclosed space allows for some very unique perspectives!

    • Will July 23, 2011, 11:22 AM

      The important thing to point out is that one of the rules that’s not emphasized is that any model that gets placed in these display cases needs to fill the space out. So, even though, there is a relatively small area to display in, you’ll need to use it to its fullest.

      Thanks for commenting!

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