Trek Long Island is already setting phasers to fun. The 2026 edition, set for June 12th through 14th, has locked in some stellar names, and the announced lineup is shaping up to be one of the most character-rich in recent years. The convention’s theme for 2026 is “What Happens on Risa,” a clever nod to the Federation’s pleasure planet, where leisure, romance, and relaxation are all part of the mission.
Here’s what we know so far about the guest roster and why longtime Trek fans, along with newcomers, will want to mark their calendars now.
Nana Visitor
You don’t get more Trek royalty than this. Nana Visitor is best known to fans as Kira Nerys from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, where she portrayed a former Bajoran resistance fighter who became one of the franchise’s most complex and influential female characters. After DS9, Visitor went on to do voice work, including reprising her role as Kira on Star Trek: Lower Decks, and starred on Broadway in Chicago. She is also the author of Star Trek: Open a Channel – A Woman’s Trek, a forthcoming book that examines how the women of Star Trek shaped both the series and its fandom through decades of cultural change, featuring interviews with actors, writers, and behind-the-scenes trailblazers from across the franchise.
Musetta Vander
A bit less common on the Trek convention circuit, Musetta Vander is a gem from the Voyager catalog, having played Derran Tal in the Season 5 episode “The Disease.” Her résumé beyond Trek is extensive, she’s appeared in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Stargate SG-1, Babylon 5, and in films such as Mortal Kombat: Annihilation and Wild Wild West. Given the Risa theme, Vander’s appearance adds a perfect cross-series touch of glamour and intrigue.
Deirdre Imershein
Imershein brings double Trek credentials to the guest list of Trek Long Island. She played Joval, a Risan valet, in The Next Generation episode “Captain’s Holiday” and later appeared as Lt. Watley in Deep Space Nine’s “Trials and Tribble-ations,” the beloved crossover episode that digitally inserted DS9 characters into scenes from The Original Series. With her roles linking both Risa and classic Trek nostalgia, she’s a perfect fit for this year’s theme.
Jennifer Hetrick
A veteran Trek guest and fan favorite, Jennifer Hetrick is best known for playing Vash in The Next Generation (“Captain’s Holiday,” “Qpid”) and again in Deep Space Nine’s “Q-Less.” Her witty and morally ambiguous archaeologist remains one of the few characters who could keep both Q and Picard on their toes. Her appearances embodied the lighter, more adventurous side of Trek.
What Is Risa, Anyway?
If you’re new to the Trekverse or just need a refresher, Risa is the Federation’s ultimate vacation destination, the pleasure planet where the weather’s always perfect, the drinks are strong, and the guests are encouraged to leave their rank pips at home. First appearing in The Next Generation episode “Captain’s Holiday,” Risa was designed as a world built for relaxation, complete with climate control, custom-made experiences, and famously flirtatious locals.
The Risan people are known for their hospitality and open-mindedness toward leisure and relationships, symbolized by the iconic horga’hn statues that subtly signal one’s interest in “seeking jamaharon.”
With this year’s theme, expect Trek Long Island to lean into that vibe. It’s a clever way to bring fans together to celebrate not just the galaxy’s moral dilemmas but also its capacity for joy, connection, and the occasional beach episode.
Mark Your Calendars
Trek Long Island returns June 12 – 14, 2026, with more guests yet to be announced. The move to early summer fits the sunny, Risa-inspired theme perfectly and if past years are any indication, expect inclusive programming, immersive fan experiences, and thoughtful panels celebrating every corner of the Trek galaxy. And stay tuned for our 2026 ultimate list of conventions on Long Island.
In the meantime there are still a few most Long Island conventions scheduled for 2025. Click here for the full list,.
