Minicon (convention in Virginia)
| Star Trek Convention | |
|---|---|
| Name: | Minicon |
| Dates: | the second one was March 13, 1977 |
| Frequency: | |
| Location: | Alexandria, Virginia |
| Type: | fan-run, guest |
| Focus: | Star Trek: TOS |
| Organization: | |
| Founder: | |
| Founding Date: | |
| URL: | |
| Click here for related articles on Fanlore. | |
Minicon was a Star Trek: TOS convention held in Alexandra, Virginia in the 1970s.
There were at least two, with a third planned.
1
2
Con report:
One day conventions were an entirely new animal for me back in March, I had never been to one, and I had sincere doubts as to whether the bustle and fun of a three to four day convention could be effectively captured by a one-day gathering. My reservations soon vanished, however, upon my arrival at Minicon II... I saw immediately that it was just as good (even better!) than many full sized cons I've attended, and the staff was infinitely nicer. I was extremely pleased that they had avoided what is (to me) the trademark of large conventions...a cold and impersonal attitude from committee and helpers.
The guest list amazed me. I was stumped as to how a small, fannish convention had gotten such biggies as Allan Asherman, Joan Winston and Howard Weinstein to come all the way from New York for only one day! Also in attendance were my favorite NASA doctor Jesco von Puttkamer, and John Ellis with some news on the then-upcoming movie "Star Wars". The film department was also impressing - two rooms ran on schedule all day with many excellent prints of Star Trek episodes and science fiction movies. The huckster's room was small but complete, and the panels were handled better than any I have ever seen. The question and answer panels (Joanie, Allan, Howie and John) were extremely enjoyable, and I stumped Allan Asherman on nine consecutive questions during the trivia panel. Dr. von Puttkamer drew standing room only on his slide show/lecture on the space program,, and the discussion session which followed grew so animated that it ran 45 minutes past schedule. Howard's ever-present copy of "Pirates of Orion was well-received, especially when it turned into a "Spot the Blooper" session.
Everything about this convention went right. I even recovered a lost tribble by placing signs in the different rooms! The attending fans were the best group I've ever encountered, and the staff was so warm and friendly that I truly regretted missing Minicon I. My only hope now is that there will be a Minicon III — I'd love to do it all again. [1]