Vir-Con 2002, the first official virtual Star Trek convention, has opened its pre-show "3D Lobby" and is now accepting registrations for its August 2-4 cyberspace event.

Taking place in a "convention center" floating in orbit above the Earth, the 3D Lobby is a place for users to try out the virtual reality environment before registering for the convention, and to practice using the unique tools of their avatars to communicate with other fans from around the world, according to W. Vito Montone, chairman of virtual-conventions, llc. The pre-show Lobby will also hold special activities without charge to visitors, such as chats with performers from the STAR TREK: The Experience™ attraction in Las Vegas, and authors of Star Trek novels courtesy of Simon & Schuster. Special offers and giveaways are also planned between now and the actual convention in August.

A partnership between Montone's company and Viacom Consumer Products, Vir-Con 2002 will be held in tandem with Creation Entertainment's official live convention in Las Vegas. (See related story for more information.) As such, the cyber-con will present live streaming video of celebrities appearing on stage at the Creation event.

"On August 2-4, 2002, you can become the Star Trek avatar of your choice and enter the 3D virtual convention hall," Montone says. "Once inside, you can teleport throughout the 3D convention hall, participate in exclusive online fan activities, purchase official Star Trek licensed products in the virtual Star Trek Mall, chat with fans from around the world and cruise into the 3D Grand Ballroom to see a live wide shot of the stage at the official Star Trek convention in Las Vegas. Watch Leonard Nimoy accept his lifetime achievement award from Creation Entertainment while chatting with your fan friends from around the world!"

Montone encourages participants to register early to avoid a last-minute crunch. Also, "Be sure to check our minimum requirements and test your plug-ins well in advance."

Like a real-world convention, Vir-Con has various levels of passes. The General Admission Pass allows access to the virtual grand ballroom, the Star Trek Mall, lounges, and the live streaming video from Vegas, along with the Trivia Challenge and Virtual Pursuit activities. (Up to 6 hours of video and 8 hours of convention activities per day.) The General Admission Pass is $14.95 per day, or $39.95 for all three days. (All amounts noted here are in U.S. dollars.)

The Preferred Pass includes the above, but with private, medium close-up video/audio of the live convention stage, plus the ability to submit questions to the celebrities on stage. This pass also allows the user to post personal auctions in a special room, and provides backstage access to a private "Green Room" to chat with selected actors. The first scheduled Preferred Pass Celebrity Chat is with Dominic Keating ("Malcolm Reed" in Enterprise), with more to come. The Preferred Pass is $39.95 per day, or $99.95 for all three days.

The "Latinum Pass" will be the highest level of admission, with all the same features as the Preferred Pass along with premiums that are yet to be announced.

Each pass regardless of level automatically provides an avatar with the choice between a Starfleet Ensign or a Klingon Warrior. But you can upgrade your avatar for an additional fee. You can appear at the convention as a Starfleet Commander, Romulan Centurion or a Ferengi Merchant for $14.95. Or you can promote yourself to a Starfleet or Klingon Captain, a Romulan Commander, a Ferengi DaiMon, a Cardassian Gul or a Borg Drone for $29.95. For those who participate in the upgrade, there will be a Private Lounge for each special avatar group.

Those who don't wish to participate in the multi-user 3D environment but want to see the streaming video of the celebrities at Creation (up to 6 hours per day) can purchase a Pay-Per-View Pass for $9.95 a day, or $24.95 for all three days.

More information can be found at the Vir-Con 2002 site, listed below.

Please note: All appearances and features are subject to change.

Have you been to the 3D Lobby yet? Tell everyone what you think at the Events message board!