Starbase Indy

Starbase Indy is a science fiction convention. Its mission, revised in 2017, is "Celebrating Star Trek's vision of the future by promoting humanitarianism and STEM education today." Working to promote Gene Roddenberry's vision of a hopeful future, Starbase Indy reorganized as public benefit corporation with the purpose of raising the interest and improving the knowledge and skills of all ages in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through engagement in public discussion, lectures, and hands-on programs during a yearly event in November. The organization also works to eliminate prejudice and discrimination through intentional inclusivity, promotion of diversity, and specifically designed activities.

Starbase Indy
StatusActive
GenreStar Trek / Science Fiction / STEM
DatesThanksgiving Weekend
VenueIndianapolis Marriott East
Location(s)Indianapolis, Indiana
CountryUnited States
Inaugurated1988
Most recent2021
Next eventNovember 25rd – 27th, 2022
Attendance~500
Organized byThe Starbase (a 501c3 corporation)
Websitewww.starbaseindy.org

Starbase Indy has also launched a related podcast, the Starbase Indy Podcast, which interviews people who are inspired by Star Trek or science fiction to work toward a hopeful future in the real world. The podcast has included actors, writers, artists, directors, scientists, academics, and researchers, many of whom have spoken at the live event in November.

Starbase Indy is held annually during the Friday through Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend in Indianapolis, Indiana. It draws attendees mainly from the Midwestern United States, but attendees have registered from as far away as Germany and Australia.

History

The idea for Starbase Indy germinated after Indianapolis Star Trek fans attended a convention in St. Louis, and decided to create their own convention. The first Starbase Indy was held in March 1988 in the Adam's Mark Hotel, and the main guest-stars were Michael Dorn, who portrayed Worf in Star Trek: The Next Generation, and Mark Lenard, who played Sarek on Star Trek: The Original Series. The convention moved to the Marriott East in Indianapolis, and the now-traditional Thanksgiving weekend.Beginning in 1989, the convention adopted "The Next Generation" as part of its name, then "The Third Generation" in 1990, and so on. With "Starbase Indy: The Eighth Generation" in 1995, the local organizing committee ended the initial run of Starbase Indy. In 2004, after a professional convention-company bowed out, a new fan-run committee organized "Starbase Indy: the Ninth Generation." In 2008 Vulkon Entertainment, which had planned to take over the convention, bowed out days before the event. Local fans put together a one-day event, known as Freekon, and later in 2009 began meeting monthly to plan the 2009 Starbase Indy convention. The local organizing-committee has continued the Thanksgiving-weekend tradition ever since. For 2011, due to the hotel schedule, the convention had to be moved to Dec. 9–11. For 2012, the convention returned to its three-day Thanksgiving-weekend tradition. In 2015, Starbase Indy returned to its original home, now known as the Wyndham Indianapolis West.[1] In 2017, Starbase Indy began a rebranding effort, adopting a new mission statement, "Celebrating Star Trek's vision of the future by promoting humanitarianism and STEM education today." While continuing the "Geek Family Thanksgiving Tradition" convention programming, organizers are also increasing the amount of science-programming available at the convention. In 2021, the live event was back at the Indianapolis Marriott East, where it is expected to stay through 2024.

Guest stars

2023

2022

2021

2020 No event held due to pandemic

Dr. Erin Macdonald lecturing in Starbase Indy 2019.

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

Earlier Years

Besides Michael Dorn, other guest stars at Starbase Indy have included Marina Sirtis and Majel Barrett Roddenberry in 1989; Nichelle Nichols in 1991;[2] Leonard Nimoy in 1992;[3] Robert Picardo and Dwight Schultz in 1995.

Convention activities

Starbase Indy is run by The Starbase, a 501c3 not for profit celebrating Star Trek's vision of the future through humanitarianism and STEM education today. The funds collected through badge sales, merchandise sales, and a silent auction support bringing more interactive, engaging, and educational activities to the annual in-person event, and paying artists and performers for their involvement. All of the organizing activities are performed by volunteers.

Speakers at the event range from performers, creators, scientists, academics, and more. A comprehensive list of past program sessions can be found in the archived program guides available online for prior years, starting in 2018.

Starbase Indy has traditionally included the typical Q&A sessions with guest stars, a dealers’ room, panel discussions on science and science fiction topics, a masquerade,[4] a dance, and appearances by scientists and authors. Programming in the past has included sessions on screenwriting, prop building,[4] building robots, filk music, and meetings for Star Trek clubs.

See also

References
  1. "Starbase Indy Set for Warp Factor Fun". The Indianapolis Star. Retrieved 2016-11-20.
  2. "Star Trek celebrates 25 years". The Prescott News. Retrieved 2010-10-01.
  3. "Organizer pulls out of weekend Star Trek Convention". The Indianapolis Star. Retrieved 2010-10-01.
  4. "Beam me up". NUVO. 22 November 2006. Retrieved 1 October 2010.
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