I don’t attend many SciFi conventions, but Starbase Indy is one near and dear to my heart. It was one of the very first I ever attended. And it’s local and still keeps the smaller, fan-run feel that makes for a more intimate con-going experience.
More about Starbase Indy:
“The Voyage Home” for Starbase Indy returns the fan-run science fiction
convention to the place where it began back in 1988 – the Wyndham
Indianapolis West, 2544 Executive Drive. During the extended Thanksgiving
weekend, Nov. 27-29, look for a stellar lineup of guests from Star Trek,
Stargate SG-1, Stargate Atlantis, Alien Nation, and Once Upon a Time.
However, seeing stars isn’t the only option at Starbase Indy;
convention-goers can delve into the hard sciences with panels and workshops
on astronomy, forensics and other topics. New to the convention world?
Newcomers can check out the “Conventions for Newbies” panel, while other
sessions will explore popular culture such as DC movies and the TV series
Game of Thrones.
Bring the children along as well. While adults attend panels or browse the
Dealers’ Room, Starbase Indy will feature “CSI for Kids” and other special
family programming.
Other weekend festivities will include a Star Trek-based musical group (Five
Year Mission) and a screening of the 2014 hit movie, Guardians of theGalaxy. Back again will be Artemis, the popular multi-player networked game
that puts players aboard a starship. As for the Dealers’ Room, it contains
out-of-this world merchandise that provides a great alternative to Black
Friday shopping.
Guest stars at Starbase Indy 2015 will be Jeffrey Combs (Shran the Andorian,
Enterprise), Natalija Nogulich (Adm. Nechayev, Star Trek: The Next
Generation), Beverley Elliott (Granny, Once Upon a Time), Lee Arenberg
(Grumpy, Once Upon a Time), Jay Acovone (Maj. Kawalsky, Stargate SG-1), Eric
Pierpoint (Det. Francisco, Alien Nation), Ona Grauer (Emily Young, SGU
Stargate Universe), and Chris Nowland (Partner, Arrow).
They will dine with attendees at the Dinner for the Stars – special
registration required – and some stars will perform during the event.
During the weekend, convention-goers also can unwind at the con suite, where
they can chat with fellow fans and enjoy some munchies.
If Project Runway holds a certain fascination, Starbase Indy has its own
variation with a masquerade where attendees strut their stuff across the
stage in science fiction gear. Attendees are encouraged, but not required,
to dress as their favorite characters during the weekend. One note about the
stage – it’s not your typical backdrop. It looks like the bridge of the
U.S.S. Enterprise, complete with sliding doors for entry onto the bridge.
Starbase Indy supports three charities: Cats Haven, a no-kill shelter;
LUNGevity Foundation, which funds lung cancer research and provides an
online support community; and the Jason Foundation, an educational
foundation dedicated to the awareness and prevention of youth suicide.
Registration is $50 for the entire weekend; at-the-door registration for the
full three days will be $55. Children under 12 are free. Daily rates are
available at the door: $30 for Friday, $45 for Saturday and $35 for Sunday.
For more information or to register, go to www.starbaseindy.com. It’s a
convention run by fans, for fans.