For three days, Hall 3.1 of Messe Frankfurt was transformed into the infinite expanse of space, where fans could dive deep into the STAR TREK universe. Numerous stars from the series and films were on hand for talks, photo shoots and autograph sessions, props were exhibited in a small museum, the bridge of the Enterprise from Next Generation invited visitors to sit in the captain's chair, there was plenty of merchandising to buy and much more besides. Not exactly a cheap pleasure, because almost everything cost extra besides the entrance fee, but for many fans a unique and therefore worthwhile investment. No question: in this respect the weekend was a complete success, even if it left a deep hole in the wallet.
But before I go further into the beautiful, successful sides of the DESTINATION STAR TREK in Frankfurt, first a few rather critical words regarding the organization. Because this was, whether in the run-up or on site, a disaster to say the least. The personnel was anxious and friendly, that's out of the question, but unfortunately also completely uninformed in most cases. If you had bought certain tickets online and wanted to redeem them on site, at least on the first day you were first sent through the whole fair, because nobody had been informed exactly how it works. The fact that at the Opening Ceremnoy the seating arrangements for holders of Platinum, Gold and Silver tickets had not yet been regulated was also not entirely comprehensible - but such things can happen. What must not happen is that no lessons were learned from this mistake the next day and the chaos started all over again. The whole thing reached its climax at the big reunion of the NEXT GENERATION crew. For this all visitors had to buy extra tickets, which were again available in different price categories. It was just too bad that these were not printed on the tickets. Those who noticed this and went to the information desk in advance were given a handwritten note of the category on their ticket. At the entrance it was then checked off according to lists, who is now allowed to sit in which category. The card was then retained at the entrance. But as soon as you sat on your expensive seat, someone came and wanted to see the same card again. Really well coordinated the whole thing! That a chair had to be carried on stage shortly before the start of the reunion event, because the organizers, in contrast to the fans, probably didn't read through beforehand how many stars would be on stage, made it clear once again what a chaos there must have been behind the scenes. Sure, mistakes are human and in the end everything worked out somehow. The thing is, for the extremely high price of the silver, gold and platinum tickets in particular, you should have expected smoother organisation and better information from the staff on site.
The stars, on the other hand, were aware of exactly that. They were aware that some of the fans had travelled very far (there were not only visitors from all over Germany, but also from the USA, England, France, Russia, Poland, Italy and many other countries in Frankfurt) and sometimes spent enormous amounts of money to be close to their idols for a short time. And really every one of the actors present was aware of the resulting responsibility. No matter if at the talks, the autograph sessions or the photoshoots, their job was to offer the visitors a great and unforgettable time - and they did a great job. Certainly, especially at the photoshoots there was hardly any time for confidences. Especially with William Shatner you were passed through every second, so that really every fan could get his dearly paid photo with Captain Kirk. And even though it was clear to everyone that the event was just a big money machine, the fans had the feeling to experience something very special in such short moments. Brent Spiner, better known as Android Data from Next Generation, was not only a great entertainer during his talk and at the reunion. Even during the brief moment of the photo shoot, he exuded tremendous likability and just didn't make you as a fan feel like you were just being dumped on.
No question, the series stars in particular are absolute convention pros who know how to show their fans a good time. The talk with Rene Auberjonois, Armin Shimerman, Jeffrey Combs and Casey Biggs from DEEP SPACE NINE, for instance, was one of the most fun 45 minutes of the convention, along with the Brent Spiner talk. The four gentlemen answered fans' questions with such wit and wit that their short time on stage really flew by. Also Robin Curtis from the movies III + IV, who talked to her fans during her autograph sessions in an extremely sympathetic and engaged way and gave you a lot of kindness and attention like her colleagues Alice Krige (the Borg Queen from The First Contact) or Carolyn Seymour (Next Generation/The First Contact), is a perfect proof for the high professionalism of the actors and their really noticeable love for the fans - no matter if this is just very well played or really genuine. As a visitor, at least in the presence of the stars, you never had the feeling that you were just getting your money out of your pocket here.
The effort that many fans put into their costumes, the sparkle in their eyes when they took a photo with their favourite or got an autograph and the hearty laughter that was given to you during the talks - all this not only justified the prices but also made you forget the poor organisation. It was a very special three days, three fun, exciting and unforgettable days. Even those who might otherwise be outsiders became part of a large community for a short time, were not ridiculed for their passion here, but could really live it out with many like-minded people. So in the end there is a thank you to the organizers for bringing this event to Frankfurt and a thank you to William Shatner, Brent Spiner, Karl Urban, Michael Dorn, Levar Burton, Marina Sirtis and all the other actors for giving their fans so many nice hours! Live long and prosper!
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Source: Sebastian Betzold
Copyright: Sebastian Betzold
