SpaceGypsies

Trek Trax Atlanta brought the die-hard Trekkers from several states away and the local area, and those die hard fans were rewarded with a professionally organized and run convention.  Trek Trax featured a competent and friendly staff, a full color descriptive program, and  four tracks of programming.  Along with a fully stocked vending room, a clean and well-appointed hotel space, the convention offered easy access to the fan tables and guests.  The only thing missing was other fans.

The convention, in its first year, did not meet attendance expectations.  There was little foot traffic during the day, even on Saturday. When asked why there were so few attendees, the Star Trek fans at the convention goer, but it is appears to be a combination of the declining popularity of Star Trek fandom among younger fans, conflict with established nearby conventions (particularly Connooga), or possibly a lack of awareness of the convention.  Regardless of the reason, there is no doubt that there is plenty of room for this convention to grow.

While no official numbers have been released, it would be surprising to learn that they had over  200 attendees. If Trek Trax returns next year, it must be able to leverage the superior structure,  professional staff, but still answer it’s deficiencies and get people in the door.

Larry Nemecek is a writer, blogger, Star Trek expert. He’s the author of Star Trek: Next Generation Companion, heavily involved with the fan magazine The Communicator, and has some exciting documentary news that he announced at Trek Trax Atlanta.

Space Gypsies talked to him on February 19, 2011.

For more information see:

http://larrynemecek.blogspot.com/

http://larrynemecek.com/

Diana Dru Botsford, author of Stargate SG-1: Four Dragons: SG1-16, talked to ChevronSe7en about the book and about her writing experience.

Diana wrote an episode of Star Trek the Next Generation, and had copies of her scripts available at Trek Trax.  Additionally, she was able to present her new SG-1 novel. This Daniel Jackson focused tale seems like a great read. Listen to her interview for details.

Find Four Dragons At Amazon

You can check out Diana’s blog and stay up to date on her latest projects at DianaBotsford.com!

Space Gypsies is setting a course for Atlanta, and our speed? Warp Factor Fun!

Long time Star Trek enthusiast Eric Watts is bringing his own unique brand of conventioneering back to Atlanta. This President’s Day weekend, he premieres TrekTrax, a new Star Trek convention. For those in the Atlanta area who enjoy Star Trek, you are in for a treat.

Trek Trax Atlanta Opens This Friday: Spacy Gypies Will Be There!

As the effects of the recession continue on the economy, it is unsure how successful a new convention will be. There is a diversity of opinions on the health of the Star Trek fandom right now. Is it in fatigue? Did the movie revitalize it? True Star Trek fans will be coming from around the Southeast, but from informal discussion with the staff of TrekTrax, they are ready for amazing results.

This debut event is being held at the Holiday Inn Atlanta Perimeter, a hotel that is known for hosting younger and growing conventions. This is the same location as AnachroCon and TimeGate.  What do most of us look for in a convention? Guests? Panels? Events? Accommodations?  Parties? Don’t worry…all of these things are at TrekTrax.

Guests

Tim Russ, known to many from his role as Lieutenant Commander Tuvok on Star Trek: Voyager, will be among the Celebrity Guests. Real fans will remember that he also played Devor in the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode “Starship Mine,” T’Kar in the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine episode “Invasive Procedures,” and a USS Enterprise-B bridge officer in the feature film Star Trek: Generations.

Gwynyth Walsh and Barbara March will also be at TrekTrax.  They are fan favorites for their recurring roles as the Klingons B’Etor and Lursa from the House of Duras.

There are in total, over 45 guests announced so far!

Programming

Along with celebrity guests, there is a full programming schedule. Taking advantage of the three day weekend, programming on Sunday includes a full day of events, rather than an abridged schedule. Programming centers on the Main Programming Track, but there are distinct tracks with distinct names.  For instance, OMNITREK  features all things Trek, while the QO’NOS Track address all things Klingon. Completing the quartet of tracks is THE READY ROOM, a track dedicated to costuming and makeup.

You will have to go to the website to see all the events, but several Main Programming events stand out. You can gamble or game  Trek style at “The Evening at Quark’s.”  You can strut your costume at the “The Star Trek Universe Costume Contest,” or showcase your beauty at the world-renowned “2011 Miss Klingon Empire Beauty Pageant.”

IN the panel rooms, discussions range from the future of and the music of Star Trek to the absence of homosexual and Hispanic characters in Star Trek.  While that might be too heavy for some, more fun can be had at the “Kobayashi Maru Trivia Challenge,” the “Star Trek Authors Cavalcade,” or a writers work shop.  You can enjoy a “Klingon Wedding” or listen to tales of cons past at “Disasters in Costuming.”

The Rest of the Goodness

The dealer’s room looks impressively packed with a variety of vendors.  The entertainment and late night parties appear to be top notch. There are three bands and one solo act listed on the website. Look for a late night performance by Jennifer Teeter, who is preforming in the day at Connooga and then driving from Chattanooga to Atlanta for her 11:30 PM performance. While there is no official word on it, this is the type of con that should produce amazing room parties. (Stay tuned, true believers!)