So, the beginning of 2022 has gifted a return to a pretty lively convention circuit. Things are not entirely back - plenty of events are still postponing, or are operating under capacity, and with various restrictions. But the excitement of in-person events is back! Having said that, there is also an unfortunate disappearance of virtual events, which could have and should have continued, perhaps, as a part of mixed content creation. Alas.
The Star Trek Cruise was outstanding! Those issues that came up in 2020 were either not there anymore due to differing procedures because of the pandemic, or have been corrected by ECP, or were mitigated/ignored by me and my sister. Great programming, lots and lots of friends and fellow fans, an all-around truly great experience! We are really looking forward to the 2023 cruise, which will be leaving from LA for the very first time, and will feature Kate Mulgrew as the Cruise Captain again.
Star Trek Mission: Chicago was an overall success, though most certainly not without misses and growing pains. I sincerely hope that ReedPOP will analyze the fan feedback, improve and evolve for the next year's event in Seattle.
Chiller Theatre was the usual low-key affair, a couple of hours spent getting some autographs and selfies, mostly from the BTTF cast. But the end of that same Saturday proved to be magical - I was invited to attend the Star Trek: Strange New World red carpet premiere in New York! Amazing!
2022:
May 11th - 15th - NJ Mineral, Fossil, Gem and Jewelry show in Edison, NJ
May 12th and 14th - ABBA The Movie Fan Event
May 27th - 29th - Phoenix Fan Fusion convention in Phoenix, AZ
June 29th - July 4th - trip to London to see the amazing ABBA Voyage concert
July 15th - 17th - Shore Leave convention in Hunt Valley, MD (had to cancel due to illness)
August 25th - 28th - 56-Year Mission Tour convention (former STLV) in Las Vegas, NV
October 6th - 9th - New York Comic Con
November 9th - 12th - CTBUH 2022 International Conference
2023:
February 26th - March 5th - Star Trek: The Cruise VI