[Richard Evans]

Hello All,

I want to get some opinions about Star Trek conventions within the UK. Now, for all those who know, we have had 1 official Star Trek convention called "Destination Star Trek" which has appeared in London twice now, and once in Germany. I am pleased that the UK are now slowly starting to celebrate all things Trek, however it is my belief we should have more conventions across the country.

If you think about it this way..... When you have a big artist or musician they tend to do a arena tour across the UK and visit about 4 or 5 different places. This includes London, Manchester, Birmingham, Newport, Glasgow and sometimes more. It would be great to have a time where Star Trek actors can spend 4 weeks visiting the UK to 4 different arenas doing conventions.

This happens in the USA but obviously the USA is a lot bigger, but it is my feeling that the UK is lacking in "Official" Star Trek conventions.

What are your thoughts?

Thanks

[Three of Seven]

I think the UK defiantly does need more Star Trek conventions, but you will occasionally find the actors going to the Sci-Fi/Anime conventions, such as the MCM one in October, Robert Picardo was there. But they don't have specialised talks or Trek stalls. The MCM stuff started very small and has grown widely over the UK, so in time, we may see more official Trek conventions. The demand has to be there for companies to put in the money to set it up.

[Kains]

It's also a matter of money. I used to help out with 6 different conventions across North America every year, but unfortunately due to venue costs that has been knocked down to a single event. I can only assume it's even worse in the UK, where space is likely more limited and competition is more fierce (Why put in a Trek convention when I can do anything from crafting to sportsball and get more people?)

You can also start your own as well. We have a group here at home where they started it as a grassroots kind of thing, but were very smart about making sure as many comic book or hobby stores as possible would support it and have spaces for them to sell their own wares at the event.

I hate to sound mercenary, but the money is what makes it happen. Conventions can loose a fortune very quickly.

[Three of Seven]

I can only assume it's even worse in the UK, where space is likely more limited and competition is more fierce (Why put in a Trek convention when I can do anything from crafting to sportsball and get more people?)

Eh, we have centres that cater for conventions and shows, they aren't really suited as much for sports (although you can do them, generally more costs involved as they are built for conferences and exchibitions), crafting would I imagine not take up as many halls. But there are more than enough places to host them. I went to Excel at the end of October last year for the Sci-Fi/Anime expo and there was a wedding going on in the same building on the upper floor, Excel is a big area so around 1 big show, they can still have other events going on. MCM expo took up 5 or 6 halls I think? And these are big rooms!

[Kains]

Hmmm, well, shows you what I know. We have a handful of convention like halls here in the city and they're usually booked quite full of literally nothing that interests me So I kinda figured you guys would have the same situation... on a British scale.

Meaning I figured it was all booked during the Victorian era...

[Bryan]

I am wondering, how much do the Star Trek actors actually charge for being on a convention?

[Kains]

If I remember correctly, Sir Patrick was somehing like 80k per day, which I want to say was similar for Bill Shatner (But he had a discount for the full weekend).

Granted that was also like 6 years ago, but it gives you a ballpark for those conventions that have entire crews out.

...

[Hermanator]

80k a day? Hell I would do it for a free sandwich and a bottle of sambuca. Unfortunately i'm not a Trek celebrity.

[Three of Seven]

I'm guessing there is a lot of fluctuation between all of the actors, is the price not generally something that their agents negotiate? I assume a convention host may want to get the best deal.

[Kains]

Remember a convention takes a hell of a lot out of some of these folks. In the case of Sir Patrick or Bill Shatner it represents multiple 8 hour flights for men in their 80s, 12-16 hour days, even for only a couple hours of 'show time', and pure and constant bombardment the entire time.

Having helped shuffle the VIPs around I can really understand it.

Granted I'm in the same boat as Herm: If someone wants my sig and a selfie withe me I can happily be bribed with a nice bit of booze.