To go where many have gone before: A Star Trek Convention

I just returned from six days in Las Vegas and what included my first Star Trek convention experience. To be honest, a part of me was not looking forward to the convention. I was not sure what to expect, and some of the comments I read online were far from positive. However, I am sorry now I read those comments, or at least I regret taking much stock in them. I ventured into the convention experience somewhat lack lustre, only to find myself swept into the experience and enjoying what it had to offer.

I regret not bringing one of my Star Trek costumes. Again, I allowed myself to be influenced by online material and immediately jumped to foolish conclusions. I visited Creation Entertainment's website, the company that organizes this convention and many other science-fiction/fantasy conventions, and came away with the impression that everyone who dresses up for these conventions really goes the extra mile.

I am not a costume designer, nor do I have any skills in working with fabric. I figured anything I could muster up to wear would have paled in comparison to some of the stylish displays. While that proved to be true, my Star Trek: The Next Generation or Voyager officer shirt would have been one of many among other fans who settled to be just another "red shirt." If I ever get the chance to attend another convention, I will make sure to bring along a pair of black pants and one of my Star Trek officer shirts. Although, I certainly did not feel out of place just sporting a simple Star Trek t-shirt.

In fact, that is one thing I really enjoyed about the convention. It was very laid back and the other attendees were, for the most part, extremely polite and easy going. There were people of all ages in attendance. And I do mean all ages. From babies to seniors, it is clear that Star Trek has not fallen out of popularity with any age group.

The fans who do take the time to come dressed in amazing costumes are also willing to have their photo taken with other eager fans. I had my photo taken with a few, and observed many other attendees requesting permission. All of them were patient and proud of their costumes and graciously accepted compliments on how well they captured the characters they represented. I was quite content at times to just walk around and check out these impressive costumes and the tribute these dedicated fans make to a science-fiction series they clearly respect and cherish.

Because of my travel schedule, I unfortunately missed the tribute to Leonard Nimoy that included the participation of his son, Adam Nimoy. Adam is currently working on a personal documentary film about the life and career of his father (and the iconic Mr. Spock). The documentary is titled For the Love of Spock.

Yet, even though I was not there for the formal tribute to Leonard Nimoy, throughout the weekend many other guest speakers all mentioned their love and admiration for Nimoy and the loss and grief they have experienced from his death. I was particularly impressed with George Takei, who was extremely eloquent in sharing his memories of Nimoy and his admiration for the man.

Yet, in pure Takei-style, the day before he arrived to speak, attendees of the convention were given cutouts of Takei's face. We were encouraged to be as "creative" as possible with Takei's cardboard face when taking photos and to share them on social media using the hashtag #Allegiance, the name of the new broadway musical that will start in October. Inspired by true-life experiences, Takei is one of the performers as well as actors Lea Salonga and Telly Leung.

This was another interesting aspect of the convention that I did not anticipate. When actors like Takei, William Shatner and Patrick Stewart spoke at the convention, they took some time to discuss what was currently occurring in their lives. Sure, some of the information is essentially "plugs," but they are plugs that most attendees want to hear about, because as much as they love the characters they played in Star Trek, they also love most of the actors too, not only for their acting, but how they contribute to society in different ways. For instance, Shatner's support of Therapeutic Horse Riding Programs for Kids and Veterans. Takei's activism for LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) rights and Stewart's campaign against domestic violence.

All three actors appeared as genuine about their causes as they did about being proud to share what was currently happening in their acting careers. Aside from Takei's upcoming broadway show, Shatner was leaving the next day after he spoke at the convention to Asia with Henry Winkler, George Foreman and Terry Bradshaw for a new NBC reality show, Better Late Than Never. While he may have been the captain of the Starship Enterprise, bolding going all over outer space, Shatner told the attendees that this will be his first trip to Asia. Stewart shared a new trailer of Starz's sitcom Blunt Talk. Not only is he excited for the release of this television series, he was particularly delighted that he got to work with his son, Daniel Stewart, who also appeared (years ago in 1992) in the episode "Inner Light" on Star Trek: The Next Generation.

One criticism I did read online about the Star Trek conventions is the level of commercialism that is promoted at these events. Indeed, many vendor displays did contain the common merchandise that can easily be found online or at comic stores and specialty geek shops. However, there were also a number of very interesting products and promotions as well.

For instance, Metal Souls had a display of various science fiction sculptures created out of scrap metal. The pieces are incredibly rich in detail and very unique. I ended up buying one of the Starship Enterprise and also a Dalek (yes, I know, that is from Doctor Who). Another interesting product was a Star Trek doorharp from Dream Singer Harps. Several vendors also had products which were clearly from their own private collection of classic action figures and toys and games from decades past. Many were in very good condition. Products were in their original packaging and a lot of them appeared as if they were never opened. You could tell some attendees were delighted to discover a product they may have had as children (or always wished they had when they were younger).

I imagine sometime down the road I will attend another Star Trek convention. I may return to Las Vegas, or I may attend one a little closer to home. I know if I do decide to attend the one in Las Vegas again, I would seriously consider staying at the resort where the convention is being hosted as it would be more convenient. In the meantime, I am excited about the Star Trek Cruise that is scheduled for January 2017. Another tidbit I discovered at this year's convention in Las Vegas.

To see more photos from the convention, click here.