WHAT WE ARE
Starbase Indy is a fan-run Star Trek convention held each year on Thanksgiving weekend. We are fans not only because we enjoy Star Trek, but also because it inspires us. From this inspiration comes the mission of our convention:
The mission of The Starbase is to provide inspirational content and activities relating to Star Trek, STEM, and humanitarianism to aid in creating a future that is inclusive and diverse. We host a yearly gathering place to connect creators and explorers to the community with fun and enriching experiences for all.
Why Celebrate
Humanity has come a long way, and yet, we have a long way to go. We take one weekend each November to recharge our enthusiasm, check our headings on this journey to explore strange new worlds, seek out new life and new civilizations, and boldly go where no one has gone before.
Our celebration is an opportunity to:
Inspire ourselves/future generations to embrace Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics through continuing education
Gather in groups and talk about the things that inspire us
Share information about how the universe works
Dream together of how we should best meet the future
Enjoy fun activities with our friends and families
Why Star Trek
Gene Roddenberry’s vision of the future, as expressed through the Star Trek universe, has introduced us to much of the technology and many of the ideals we now take for granted. Star Trek envisions a future where humanity has used technology to free ourselves from the scarcity, want, bigotry, and fearfulness that limit our pursuit of happiness today. It's a vision where we cast through space and time as a team, merrily pursuing knowledge and delighting in the newfound diversity a boundless universe offers. Star Trek tells us that humanity can do better – and that we lowly, fleshy creatures who get grumpy when our blood sugar gets low can, working together, touch the stars.
Our mission calls out humanitarianism and STEM education, because those are cornerstones of the Star Trek vision of the future – and because they represent the future we want.
Why Humanitarianism
Gene Roddenberry populated his show with not just aliens, but also with diverse humans, a multicultural crew. The social impact of these decisions continues even 50 years later. This legacy is integral to the vision of Star Trek that we celebrate.
We believe that our lives as humans are too short to waste time on being anything less than excellent to each other. We have rocket ships to build and worlds to explore – and we know that our species gets more done in collaboration with a diverse group of other humans. As such, our organization does not recognize or tolerate bigotry during our event or in our community. We are working toward a world where intersectionality and diversity are accepted as routine and normal, and where Wheaton’s Law is the common standard of behavior.
Why STEM
Our efforts to reach the stars require science, technology, engineering, and math. Star Trek and other science fiction franchises have long been a place where humans envision future technology. In more than a few cases, those visions are now reality. We intend for our programming to inspire excitement and interest in STEM fields for attendees of all ages. We draw interest through media guests, expert speakers, and hands-on activities to foster increased knowledge of and comfort with STEM now and in the future.
Join Us!
“If man is to survive, he will have learned to take a delight in the essential differences between men and between cultures.
He will learn that differences in ideas and attitudes are a delight, part of life’s exciting variety, not something to fear.”
― Gene Roddenberry