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 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.
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.
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.
