Is a Star Trek Convention Right for You?
I recently attended the Destination Star Trek convention in Blackpool, UK. It was my third time at the event, and I wanted to share my experience. More importantly, I hope this post helps other Star Trek fans who aren't sure if they should attend a convention make a decision.
Encounters with the Star Trek Family
Every convention is a little different, but they all have some things in common. First, you get the chance to speak to or listen to the actors. It's incredible to hear how much they appreciate the franchise, how privileged they feel to be part of the Star Trek family, and how thankful they are for the fans. I've never seen this level of appreciation in other fandoms, and it really moves your heart to discover that the show is special not only for fans but for everyone involved in making it.I always try to attend a talk or a meet-and-greet with at least one actor. This year, it was Chase Masterson, who played Leeta in Deep Space 9. She's a lovely person, and her talk was heartwarming, funny, and felt very personal. She shared some behind-the-scenes anecdotes and answered multiple questions from fans.
I also listened to some interesting lectures, particularly about the Evolution of Star Trek,
Basics of the Klingon Language, and the Star Trek Fandom. One that was particularly fascinating
to me was a talk with engineers from Starchaser, a
UK-based company that is actively working to
make commercial space flights available to the average person. It was amazing to hear their
story and see one of their rockets. This event made me think about how close we are to space
flight being possible and how lucky we are to live in these times. A hundred years ago, airplane
flights were only at the beginning of their journey; these days, we take them for granted.
Flights are safe, relatively cheap, and thousands of planes take off and land every day. I feel
that space tourism may go a similar way, and if not my generation, then certainly my children's
generation may have the choice to go to Earth's orbit for their holiday rather than visit Spain
or the Bahamas.
The True Spirit of Star Trek
For me, the best part of the conventions isn't the celebrities, the access to scientists, or the
merchandise; it's the feeling of belonging. Many fans fell in love with Star Trek because they
could relate to a character who was an outsider, came from a different background, or was
different in some way and was still accepted by the crew. From the early days of the show, we
saw representation that wasn't seen elsewhere. We could relate to Uhura, Sulu, Geordi La Forge,
Janeway, Paul Stamets, Adira, and many other characters who represented minorities. This is the
power of Star Trek. It keeps showing us a future where diversity is a strength, where we
celebrate our differences and work together better because we are different, and where people
don't feel oppressed because they aren't what society is promoting.
This is very much seen and felt at every convention I've attended so far. You feel safe and
accepted. The crowd is so diverse - you see people with disabilities, people of color, people
from
the LGBTQ+ community. Everyone is friendly and welcoming. The atmosphere encourages you to start
conversations with strangers, and even massive introverts who normally avoid such contact open
up - me being one of them. Many friendships start at conventions and are carried on in the
future.
This is a truly extraordinary feeling. For a few hours or a few days, I feel like I'm already
living in a Star Trek future, where I and others can be free to be who we are without judgment
or harassment, surrounded by supportive and friendly people who "get" us.
Engage!
I know I'm not the only one who feels this way. So, if you're a person who thinks a Star Trek convention isn't for them, I strongly encourage you to give it a go. It's a chance to experience the very best of the Star Trek universe, surrounded by people who share your passion. If this post has convinced you, go seek out a convention near you. I promise you won't be disappointed.
Check out other Star Trek articles in the blog section.