You know I had so much fun last year that I couldn’t miss the 2012 Star Trek Convention in Las Vegas last week. It’s one of the few events I planned in advance this year to attend, with about 20,000 other people at the Rio All Suites Hotel and Casino. Many of those people do show up in costume of course and without them the atmosphere simply wouldn’t be complete or nearly the same. These are just a few of the estimated 1,000 Trekkies that dressed up as one character or another over the 4 days of the convention.
You’ll also notice below the Borg, Eric Hall, who was kind enough to take some time off from assimilating to introduce Geek Takeover Week on Monday.
Kirk Defeats A Gorn…Again
But this time without the use of any exploding rocks.
Female Klingon Warrior
I actually have a photo of her from last year, but finally got to ask about that bat’leth. An old shop class project, ka’plah!
Borg Extended Family
They’ve even assimilated the teddy bear. Now that’s precision.
A Vulcan
The greeting is “live long and prosper,” the reply, “peace and long life.”
Andorians With Friend
Space is full of diversity.
Captain Of Cute
Every time the ship goes to warp she gets a treat.
It’s Not Easy To Get A Klingon To Smile
I think it was asking too nicely if I could snap this picture. I should have demanded it or threatened a fight to the death.
Assimilated Hirogen
All this guy did was come to a Star Trek Convention dressed up as an alien and he winds up getting assimilated by a Borg. Tough luck.
Shinzon Is Not Pleased With My Photography
I has to watch my back for a while after taking this picture, you never know with evil Romulan clones.
Happy Romulans
It must be that beer Romulan ale she’s hiding.
Let Me Guess What They’re Saying
Hear no, see no…
Binars
I like. Their. Costumes.
Reptilian
What do you think her expression says?
46 Years Gone, The Phenomenon Grows On
Many people have various ideas about what a Star Trek convention is and what the people who attend it are like. The conventions themselves become living entities, turning into gigantic parties late into the night where everyone has at least one single passion in common. From an anthropological perspective, conventions are one of the best examples of modern communitas you’ll find anywhere on Earth. Trekkies don’t need the shows to survive, the ideology of Gene Roddenberry’s future is what fosters the creativity, culture, and customs behind those who attend conventions – in costume or otherwise.
You can see more of my pictures from the 2012 Star Trek Convention in Las Vegas here.