‘Star Trek’ convention packed with stars, events, memorabilia

I don't like to say promotional-sounding things like this, but this year's "Star Trek" convention really does seem like the most promising one in years.

Almost all the major, still-living players are heading to the Hilton this weekend:

William Shatner (Saturday); Leonard Nimoy (Saturday); Patrick Stewart (Sunday); Brent Spiner (Sunday); Avery Brooks (today); Jeri Ryan (Saturday); Rod Roddenberry Jr. (today); Jonathan Frakes (Sunday); Michael Dorn (Sunday); Armin Shimerman (today); Rene Auberjonois (today); Garrett Wang (Saturday); and many more, even Julie Newmar (Sunday). Plus, Walter Koenig and George Takei were already here Thursday. See details for them and everyone else at CreationEnt.com.

Shatner and Nimoy will appear together (that's crazy). And Nimoy will present two photo seminars. I love the official description for his events: "Leonard has agreed to present 'A Leonard Nimoy Photography Seminar.' " Isn't that great that Leonard Nimoy allowed a Leonard Nimoy event to happen?

In addition to the usual celebratory autograph signings and stage Q&As, a "Star Trek" auction comes Sunday, officially given a thumbs-up by "Star Trek's" parent owners at CBS.

At auction: Spock's ears, with adhesive still stuck on them, supposedly that touched Nimoy's real ear. Initial estimate: $4,000-$6,000.

And what else is going on auction?

"We have a tribble," says Shelley Oliver Littleton, marketing director for auction company Propworx.

But those are just the most outsider-culturally relevant items at auction.

Hard-core fans will be interested in seeing at auction a translight panel, the last surviving one of its kind, from the Starship Enterprise; a Captain Kirk spacesuit model; a plaque from the Enterprise; and a book's worth of items from every "Star Trek" except the most recent film.

More highlights:

■ "Star Trek" bingo tonight ($89).

■ Sunday's "Klingon Feast" featuring Klingon actors ($99).

■ A 50-piece orchestra plays music from "Star Trek" scores Saturday ($35-$65).

■ You can see all the Propworx auction pieces for free at any time, and it's free to see the auction Sunday.

Catalog items include 100 pieces of original concept art from Rick Sternbach, plus collections from Mike and Denise Okuda.

■ The auction also has a boatload of material from the Hilton's former "Star Trek: The Experience" -- costumes, props, bridge furniture, a Borg Queen costume, Quark's Bar signs and many other items. You can view the whole catalog at Propworx.com.

■ Jon Povill, associate producer of "Star Trek: The Motion Picture," talks Saturday about his work with Gene Roddenberry and crew.

■ NASA astrophysicist David Leckrone talks Sunday about "Exploring the Universe with the Hubble Space Telescope."

■ A costume parade happens Saturday.

■ And don't forget to dress up Saturday morning for the attempt at setting a world record for most people fully dressed, head to toe, in "Star Trek" costumes.

Doug Elfman's column appears Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays. E-mail him at delfman@review journal.com. He blogs at reviewjournal.com/elfman.