Adelaide's first official Stargate Convention and International Sci Fi Conference was held on Saturday and Sunday - November 4th and 5th, respectively, 2006.
A very perocial attending audience had the pleasure of meeting two of the Stargate franchise's fan favourites - Mr Tony Amendola "Master Bra'tac" from Stargate SG1 and Ms Rachel Luttrell "Teyla" from Stargate Atlantis.
A special guest in theme with Stargate was the World Stickfighting Champion - Master Vince Palumbo.
The weekend sci fi fest began on Friday evening - November 3 with a cocktail reception in honour of our visiting guests and with so many Ladies in attendance the myth of sci fi being a "Males only" domain was well and truly dismissed.
A very relaxed and professional atmosphere greeted Stargate fans as they registered and entered the convention proper and made their way through the large and "collectable packed" dealer area.
Master Vince Palumbo was first to appear and fans did not know what to expect as they had never been to a Sci Fi convention that contained a live Martial Arts demonstration before!
Master Palumbo was pure entertainment with very active Stickfighting moves displayed along with intermittent motivational speaches, the audience remained glued to their seats!
Master Palumbo had many questions to answer from most of the audience as the demonstrations we're very inspirational and true credit to his and his fellow students skills.
The audience gave their support to the Martial Artists via a very long and loud applause as they departed the Auditorium.
Up next came Tony Amendola and Tony immediately had the crowd in the "palm of his hands." Tony spoke of his affection toward Stargate and that of his interaction with fellow cast members.Tony spoke of his time on the West Wing and of his latest project on the big screen in the upcoming installment of "Zorro."
Answering many questions from the audience, Tony didn't leave the stage untill every fan had had the chance to converse with him, a real showman indeed!
Rachel Luttrell then took to the stage and all eyes we're focussed on this very beautiful, very sexy woman.
The audience immediately started asking Rachel questions and the atmosphere was as if they had known her for years. Only having viewed a single season of Atlantis in Australia, fans appreciated an insight into what was coming in future episodes and on what direction she wanted for her character's development.
Like Tony, Rachel remained on stage so every fan could ask a question or two, as many did! and she then departed for a brief time before the Autograph session began.
This was the fourth Adelaide Sci Fi convention by Terra Nova Events and the organisers continue to display skills of the highest standard. On speaking with many of the attending audience a general comment remarked was.. "the best show so far" and "you all worked together like a well oiled machine." A true testament to the dedication of the volunteer's from Shuttlemawson.com, the Sci Fi Organistaion.
CEO of Shuttlemawson.com and Event Organiser for Terra Nova Events - Mr Stuart Blair said, " This was clearly the best convention so far for the organisation. With the inclusion of key dynamic professionals to the staff roster, saw "the bar raised" in levels of customer service and true value for money entertainment and we are all looking ahead to a very big event in April 2007, so stay tuned!"
Following on from the highly successful Saturday show came the Starfleet Region 11 Sci Fi conference.
Shuttlemawson.com is the sole representative for Starfleet - The international Star Trek fan association, a world wide association and the longest running Star Trek fan association in the world.
A healthy attendance of Starfleet members and visitors attended the conference that offered attendee's the chance to delve into workshops on Costume Making by the Australian Costumers Guild and Alien Prosthetics construction by Adelaide based artist - Mr Stuart Blair.
Quiz games and Sci Fi jigsaw construction along with intermittent refreshement breaks that had everyone enjoying a professionally catered Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea, ensured a fun and enjoyable day was had by all.
Key speakers informed the audience on Starfleet and the structure of the association as well as the origins of the Shuttle Mawson and it's status as the Flagship for Starfleet fans Downunder.
Shuttlemawson.com enjoyed a healthy recruiting drive over the two days and things are getting a little crowded onboard! We may need a Timelord to assist us in expansion!
Preparations are already underway for the 2007 Region conference with even more activities planned for the event!
Event Organiser - Stuart Blair with our Guests.
Members and guests from the Shuttle Mawson
with our actors at the pre convention reception.
Rachel enjoying her time on stage
Quiz time at the Region Conference
"So you want to look like Spock Eh."
Stuart Blair instructs attendees on how to make their own pair of pointed ears.
World Stick fighting champion Master Vince Palumbo
Live Martial Arts demonstration
Images can be purchased at photography@terra-novaevents.com