Nov 30 2008
The Story of a Neonatal Trekkie (or “How I Got the Convention Bug in the First Place”) - Part 3
continued from previous entry…
I feel so fortunate to have met so many stars from all of the Star Trek series (as well as other sci-fi and fantasy series). From just The Original Series, for example, I have met Nichelle Nichols, George Takei, Jimmy Doohan, and Walter Koenig. I have met two Trek captains, and the majority of the casts from Deep Space Nine and Voyager. I’ve also met Nicholas Brendan (Xander of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Nathan Fillion (Firely), Richard Hatch (original Battlestar Galactica), Kevin Sorbo (Hercules and Andromeda), and numerous others.
I am not just an “average” convention goer (if there is such a thing). At one point I owned three different Star Trek costumes (they have since been retired in favor of Steampunk and pirate costumes). I used to regularly dress as a Trill Captain in a white Insurrection dress uniform for conventions. Last year I took my convention attendence one step further, and was actually a panelist for the Trek Trak programming track at Dragon*con. I, along with three other Trekkies, hosted a panel discussion about online Star Trek role playing. I had finally taken the leap and become the expert on the other side of the microphone.
I wouldn’t trade any of my convention experiences for anything. I’ve met wonderful people - celebrities and regular fans alike. I’ve seen great presentations, panels, costumes, shows, concerts, and more. I now plan my entire vacation time at work around attending Dragon*con every year in Atlanta. And it all started with my parents’ like of Star Trek: The Original Series. Thanks mom and dad.
