This was my first Star Trek convention, so I didn't really know what to expect, and this was the first time in a long time that the con -- organized by Creation Entertainment -- returned to the city of Vancouver. For many Trek fans this was an opportunity that couldn't be missed, especially with rumors of Nimoy making his last appearance.
Stereotypical hordes of odd, unkept Trekkies typically come to mind when thinking of Star Trek conventions, but to my surprise this con was full of young people dressed as their favorite characters from all Trek series, who made it seem like it was 'hip' to like Star Trek.
Now I've always liked Star Trek, long before the J.J. Abrams revival craze, but seeing the change in Star Trek fan demographics is a welcome sight, and I think it's great that Trek can entertain a larger audience. The idea of a Trekkie is changing, and it isn't as extreme as those depicted in the doc 'Trekkies.'
The Star Trek Auction had fans shelling out big bucks for autographed photos, banners, and other material. Trekkies sure have lots of money! The banners placed around the ballroom and at the stage were sold for several hundred dollars each.
Classic ST uniforms were popular with the ladies (Right). Second place winner of the Star Trek Costume Contest: Mirrorverse T'Pol from Star Trek Enterprise (Left).
The convention was packed on Sunday, the final day of the convention where Leonard Nimoy and William Shatner would be making an appearance as well as photo opportunities with fans.
Leonard Nimoy and William Shatner chat like a married couple. Nimoy whined about Shatner not meeting him for breakfast that morning. Among other things Nimoy spoke about his trip to Vulcan Alberta for the Star Trek tribute, and his 'big women' photography, while Shatner spoke of his experience participating at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic ceremony, with his reward of six Men's Olympic Hockey tickets as well as his passion for protecting the BC wildlife/wild salmon.
Shatner also went on to talk about his future projects such as 'The Captains.'
I also got to meet very briefly Armin Shimerman (Quark from DS9), who was very cool in person, as well as Barry Jenner aka Admiral Ross also from DS9.
Overall I think the Vancouver Star Trek convention was good fun. Though I was disappointed with the vendors and the items on sale (or lack thereof). No phasers, or communicator pins, or uniforms. There wasn't much else going on at the con aside from the vendor room, and main room. It would be cool if there were other things to see like a mini-exhibit of Trek items, or an art gallery of concept art. So in that sense I think this Trek con pales in comparison to say San Diego Comic Con in terms of goods on sale, and things to see. Then again, I'm sure the Trek con is Vegas is a much bigger show.
Either way, I'm looking forward to the next one!
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