Virtual Star Trek Convention Announced

If you're not able to make the Las Vegas Star Trek convention this August, you can now attend the event online as a cybernetic character.

Viacom Consumer Productions yesterday announced the first virtual convention to be held over August 2-4 in conjunction with Creation Entertainment's live event in Las Vegas, StarTrek.com reported.

Produced by virtual communications, llc, and using 3D software from blaxxon interactive, Vir-Con 2002 will cater for up to 100,000 online visitors. In the guise of Starfleet officers or familiar Star Trek aliens, fans will be able to chat with each other, partake in online shopping and other activities, and visit the Grand Ballroom to view a live video-feed of the stars in Las Vegas.

"We couldn't be more excited to see the Star Trek convention content brought to the fans of the world," said Pam Newton, vice-president of marketing and licensing for Viacom Consumer Products. "The virtual Star Trek convention will provide fans who can't attend the convention in person an opportunity to participate online."

Ticket prices are currently unknown, but attendees will be able to buy either day passes or a three-day pass for the entire event. Special perks such as online chats with the stars and better seating will also be available for purchase. Those who don't want the full cybernetic convention experience can choose to view only the live video from Las Vegas.

W. Vito Montone, chairman of virtual communications, llc, said fans would be able to access the Lobby portion of the web site from June. "It'll be a chance to chat with people, have some fun, and practice your virtual reality skills in advance."

"Star Trek is one of the most powerful science-fiction franchises of all time and has one of the largest, most active technology-savvy online communities," Monotone added. "It's an honor and a pleasure to push the envelope with them!"

Further information can be found here at StarTrek.com or at Vir-Con 2002.

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