StarCon (US convention 3)

Convention
Name:	StarCon
Dates:	1991, 1992 (others?)
Frequency:	annual, at least twice
Location:	Atlantic City, New Jersey
Type:	for-profit, celebrity guests
Focus:	Star Trek
Organization:
Founder:
Founding Date:
URL:
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StarCon was held at the Sands Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

1992: Con Report

the ad that is the back cover of Annihilator v.1 n.6

Adm. Ka'Hil, Amb. Krin and E3C Kahanatati took a trip to a conference held on a pleasure planet called "Atlanticity". This is a planet dotted by large entertainment complexes called "Casinos". They offer all manner of diversions, including gambling. Upon arrival, we took quarters in the Taj Mahal Palace. At first, the staff seemed ignorant of our special needs, but they were quickly enlightened. This night we wore our civilian clothes and walked down the "Boardwalk", a broad avenue made of wood along the sea shore. We visited an establishment called "Bally's". Inside, we entered one of the many eateries and found it most satisfactory. We then proceeded to the gambling area where we engaged in various pursuits. They seemed very tame in comparison to our games of chance so I became bored after a short time. We then sought live entertainment. Of the musicians we listened to, I can only say, that only our wish to avoid calling attention to ourselves stopped us from shooting them. At least the nine-layered Argelian cocktails were good. As nine-layered Argelian cocktails were good. As the sun rose, we walked back to the palace, singing songs of glorious battles.

A few hours later we arose. Kahanatati and I went to make use of their physical conditioning facilities, which they called a "Spa". Upon our return to our quarters, we donned our uniforms. As we were about to enter the "Casino", it was explained to us that we presented such a fearsome display, that we could not cross the floor without danger of stampeding these liverless beings. Using the suggested alternate route, we exited the complex. Despite the fact that our weapons were not displayed, everyone we encountered reacted to us with great fear. We elected to walk the half mile to the conference center at the Sands complex , despite the kuvesa tokhesa offering us transport in chairs with wheels. This was somewhat taxing as the natives were not used to Klin in their midst. We were repeatedly challenged, but Kahanatati would just pick them up and toss them aside.

Walking into the center was walking into bedlam. Beings of all races arranged in interminable lines. Others running from room to room, upset over being locked out of events. We chose to seek the company of other Klin instead. When everyone had scattered, we calmly went where we wanted to go, taking what we needed.

In due course, we made our way to the tach for a private party with 500 of our closest "friends". The guests of honor were George Takei (Sulu), Jimmy Doohan (Scotty), and Walter Koenig (Chekov). This afforded Adm. Ka'Hil and George to catch up on their mutual interests. During this relaxing interlude, a Terran named Roger Gros of Casino Player and Casino Journal Magazines approached us. He asked us to pose for pictures with another convention guest, John DeLancie (Q).

We entered a dimly lit room cautiously, but Mr. DeLancie immediately put us at ease, assuring us that there were no "Q" tricks in store for us. Others in attendance were an Andorian female, and a fellow warrior from another sector. When our pictures were finished, we started to leave, however Mr. DeLancie asked that we stay and continue to share stories of our adventures with him, and he with us. Some time later we entered an eating establishment. While waiting to be served, Amb. Krin instructed a fellow patron on a proper security attitude. This impressed the restaurant owner so much that he refused payment for his food.

We then engaged in a display of our uniforms and weaponry in competition. There was talk among other Klin in the event, of rushing the stage and carrying off the MC when it was obvious that the Klingon contingent was being overlooked. Amb. Krin and I suppressed the action as the person in question was a Linebrother, Marc Vestal Dok'Marr (Mark Lee). Following the contest, we attended a party at Ten-Forward. When we danced, everyone made room. Of course, shouting, "Step aside, Klingons coming through!" helped. They quickly took to the Klingon style of dancing where everyone takes a turn at showing off their best dance steps while running the gauntlet.

The second conference day went just as smoothly. We attended various presentations and enjoyed the sights. One of them being Walter Koenig on stage, where Adm. Ka'Hil instructed him on Shakespeare in the original Klingonaase.

As the hour of our shuttle departure approached we said our farewells to the various beings that had won our respect. Leaving the entertainment complex, Mr. DeLancie thanked _ us for a great time! We made our way back to the palace compound to retrieve our luggage. There we encountered a few brave souls who engaged us in a mock battle in the lobby and tach. Kai to these humans!

Overall, the convention was a success for KLAW. Was it a good convention ? Yes, but it could have been better. This was Blackmarketing's first ST convention, as well as the Sand's.

Neither knew what to expect, and boy, were they ever surprised! Now, while this might be acceptable for the casino.there was no reason for Mr. Black to have been surprised. This promoter had a convention committee advising him, as well as people who have worked convention security for years. The overall feeling from these people was that Mr. Black ignored the advice of those with more knowledge and experience in matters of ST cons. The result? A con that was oversold in advance while tickets continued to be sold at the door. Saturday sales were stopped 2 hrs. after the doors opened. Sunday sold out 1 hr. later. No "freebie" table, club tables were inaccessible, the dealers area was badly organized, and no signs for direction {where was the Tobago Room anyway?). To the Sand's management I say, that because of the nature of this convention, they should relax the dress codes in the restaurants for people wearing military uniforms or the typical dress of their people.

HINT: Aliens do not wear ties! However, they do have Terran Credits. Other than that, I agree with one hotel executive who said to another, "They are unusual people, but they're soooo nice."

On Sunday, February 2, 1992 at the Sands Hotel, Atlantic City, NJ we had a GHT fan club meeting at Starcon 92.

George Takei attended ' our fan club meeting along with, Oneatha Hampton, Jo Ann Abraham, Donald Szymanski, Loretta Painter, Marcia Hampton, Tom Cannavo and Deirdre Wilkins. George knocked on our door at approximately 10:00 a.m. and stayed with us for an hour, signing autographs, talking to us, and having his picture taken, with our group, we were thrilled.

During the Starcon talks the actors spoke of different things. George mentioned that he enjoyed being captain and would like to do a Star Trek series, "Captain Sulu." Walter Koenig mentioned that he would be doing a show called, "The Boys in Autumn," in Chicago in July, Jimmy Doohan, Scotty, talked in a few different accents. He really does not have a Scottish accent at all. John DeLancie, Q, of the Next Generation, gave a speech each day. All four actors signed autographs both days for what seemed like hours.

George and Walter mentioned that you could write to Brandon Tartikoff, President of Paramount Pictures, 5555 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90038, if you would like to see a Star Trek seven.

Later in the autograph session on Sunday I asked George about his new Papillon dog. He said that her name was. La Ren Blanche, meaning The White Queen, and that he calls her 'Ren' for short. It was really neat when George and one of the fans started conversing in French. The convention had over 6,500 people in attendance and they were turning away people who wanted to get in both Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday evening they were supposed to have a cocktail party. The room where the party was to be held was booked by the hotel, and instead the organizers held it in the hotel's bar. This became a mad house when people gathered around and wanted to talk to the actors. The convention organizers took the actors down escalators and we never saw them again. However, I did spy George sitting in the bar.

Later, chatting with some con members. Other con events were a costume contest and a dance which did take place late Saturday evening. Sunday went pretty much like Saturday with the talks and autographs sessions, except for our GHT fan club meeting, which George was kind enough to attend.