Star Trek Conventions Aren't Just for Klingons

Star Trek Conventions attract obsessed fans dressed as Captain Kirk or wild eyed Klingons gunning for a rumble. It's science fiction friction reserved for hardcore Trekkies or rubber ear wearing, ray gun armed fanatics.

Not exactly.

I saw it myself last weekend, at Creation Entertainment's Official Star Trek Convention in Cherry Hill, NJ. I had never experienced such a gathering over the full course of the event lasting three days. A good friend treated me to accommodations at the Crown Plaza Hilton, so we experienced everything the festivities offered us.

Bob's generous gift of a Gold Weekend Pass, allowed full access. Luxuries like photo ops weren't included, but I've never been gripped with an overwhelming compulsion to be photographed with Mr. Sulu, pilot of the Starship Enterprise, so that exclusion was fine. George Takei who plays Sulu was there, but he now also counts fans of his hit NBC hit show Heroes and his hilarious Howard Stern escapades on Sirius Satellite Radio.

So how did it measure up in terms of fans gone wild? Was I assaulted by rabid Romulans? Not even close. You will find extremes of sci-fi idol worship strutting around in outlandish attire at a Star Trek Con, but you'll also encounter:

Hand made models, original artwork, and clothing from shows like Babylon 5, Battlestar Galactica, Heroes, Dr. Who, Lost and even current ABC hit drama Grey's Anatomy.

Quality time with iconic celebrities. Star Trek actors are the majority of key guests, however television actors from Xena, Buffy or even popular daytime actors or soap stars can also often be found at events.

Broadway caliber performances, including Shakespeare and musical cabaret with actors who've starred in films, television and on Broadway's Great White Way.

Perhaps the most powerfully inspiring element, but one, which is only experienced in person is a sense of camaraderie with like minded people. The anticipation before each event is powerfully infectious. During the Q&A sessions or autograph time, celebrities entertain, surprise and connect with fans in ways both sincere, theatrical and touching.