A Memorable Challenge in Las Vegas
This past December, I had the incredible opportunity to work on a project at AWS re:Invent 2024 in Las Vegas. If you’re unfamiliar, re:Invent is one of the biggest tech events of the year, hosted by Amazon Web Services. When AWS reached out to me, they wanted something unique: a giant LEGO model of their new AI Practitioner certification badge—one attendees could help build throughout the event.
As a lifelong LEGO builder and artist, I couldn’t resist the challenge. This would be a fun way to showcase creativity, but it must also be interactive, sturdy, and visually stunning. Here’s how I made it happen.
Turning Pixels into LEGO Bricks
The Client’s Vision
AWS had a very clear idea of what they wanted:
- A LEGO replica of their AI Practitioner badge.
- Hands-on participation from attendees—every piece had to count.
- It was a memorable experience that tied into the event’s themes of innovation and community.
What made this project stand out for me was the interactive element. The idea wasn’t just to display a finished LEGO model; attendees would collaborate to build it over three days. My job was to design the framework, provide the pieces, and guide hundreds of participants to bring the badge to life.
Overcoming the Challenges
Stability Meets Interaction
One of the toughest parts of the project was designing a model that could handle so much interaction. Imagine hundreds of people pressing bricks into place, easily knocking over something not built to withstand it.
To make sure the structure was solid:
- I used large 2×8 bricks and white plates for the internal framework. These provided strength and stability.
- The pixelated design was made of 2×4 bricks, ensuring attendees could easily place their pieces without fear of breaking the model.
The result was a structure that was both durable and easy to interact with—a fine balance that made this project a success.
Building the Badge: By the Numbers
In case you’re curious about the scale, here’s what went into the project:
- 11,500 LEGO bricks in total.
- Ordinary 2×4 bricks formed the colorful pixels that attendees placed.
- 2×8 bricks and large plates made up the sturdy internal frame.
It’s amazing how a simple brick, such as a 2×4, can create a vibrant and detailed design combined with thousands of others.
A Hands-On Experience for Everyone at the AWS re:Invent 2024
One of the most rewarding parts of this project was watching attendees engage with the build. Over three days, hundreds of people stopped by to contribute.
Here’s how it worked:
- Each attendee picked up a colorful 2×4 brick, representing a pixel in the badge.
- They followed a guide or worked with me to place the piece in the right spot.
- Little by little, the mosaic came to life, transforming into a stunning replica of the AI Practitioner badge.
It wasn’t just about the final product—it was about the journey. Watching everyone come together to create something so tangible and meaningful reminded me of why I love what I do.
Why Businesses Love Custom LEGO Projects
Creating Unique Experiences
Projects like this highlight why businesses turn to me for custom LEGO builds. These creations aren’t just visually appealing and interactive, memorable, and fun. Whether for marketing, branding, or team-building, LEGO projects are a fantastic way to connect with people.
Some examples of what I can create include:
- Marketing installations that draw attention and reinforce your brand identity.
- Team-building activities that bring groups together through creativity.
- Interactive displays like the AWS badge build are perfect for engaging event attendees.
Let’s Build Something Together
Reflecting on this project, I’m incredibly proud of what we accomplished at AWS re:Invent. What I love most about working with LEGO is turning an abstract idea into a hands-on experience.
If you’re a business or organization looking for a creative way to engage your audience, I’d love to help. Whether you’re looking for a custom LEGO model, a corporate event activity, or a unique marketing piece, I can bring your vision to life. You can check out my previous work by clicking here.
Let’s get started on something extraordinary—together. Contact me today!
