on hand showcasing a 10 min presentation of the video game out next year. The game is set between the 2009 movie and Star Trek Into Darkness and judging by what I saw it is going to be awesome. There were two café bar areas in the hall one designed as the Federation zone that had a Borg and some cool set designs from TNG but the batter one by far was the Klingon Zone which was amazing and totally realistic. They were even selling Cornish pasties for some reason… On the Friday we were treated to the first ever Klingon wedding by a couple from Sweden who look very happy (or grumpy as Klingons are) as they cut into their Borg shaped wedding cake. You could also sit in a Klingon throne or hit the Klingon gong. One huge highlight was the bridge shoot. The German owner of the Star Trek museum had brought over his full size replica of the Original Series bridge and people had their pictures taken in the Captains chair or Chekov’s seat. This looked and felt amazing and everyone who saw this came out smiling. Another part of the collection was the actual Museum area which had props costumes and even a life size Phaser Cannon from Enterprise. This was all cool to see but far too small for people gettinto the mood however what we did see was interesting and gave you an great insight into how Star Trek was made. As with all conventions, there was a lot of Cosplay where people dress up. On the Satur-
day I took part in a new World Record of the most people in one place wearing a costume from Star Trek. We gathered nearly 1,100 people in the main stage and proudly stood there for tem minutes to break the record. The costumes ranged from just a bought top to a brilliant Mugato and a six year old Orion girl. This really added to the atmosphere of the whole weekend and helped to make it the biggest ever Star Trek convention in the world.
Geek Syndicate
the convention what can they do to improve it for next time? well here are some thoughts At the parties how about some large screens for people to watch stuff on, how about some more stands like ones with books and then maybe get the authors down as well. A screening room is a huge draw and a way for people to chill out and also maybe have some board games running and not just the 1 demo table next time. Put some more photo ops like the Borg statue maybe have some of the cardboard cut outs. How about a Klingon academy area and also have some screens outside the free talks so people who cannot get in can still see the talks. Overall though I thought this was a truly once in a life time event and the organisers did an amazing job and I really hope they carry on doing Star Trek conventions for many years to come if they start here they can only get better. Live long and prosper!
Unlike most events at the Excel in London this time were treated to a party on both the Friday and the Saturday. Friday’s was a Klingon Ball serving Blood wine and Romulan Ale but Saturday’s was the one to be at. It was celebrating the twenty-fifth anniversary of The Next Generation and we were treated to some Jazz sung by Avery Brooks, then Chase Masterson sang a few songs and even Dominic Keating did some stand up comedy. While this was all going on you could also have a go on the bumper cars or the inflatable laser arena. This was a great added bonus to the convention and I only wish I could have stayed longer at both parties. So after telling what worked at
Christophe Montoya
Rating:
GGGGG
55