By John Segreto
For the past three years, Trek Long Island has grown into a must-attend event for Star Trek fans, with founder Stefanie Gangone at the helm of its evolution. What began as a passion project has transformed into a full-scale, thriving convention—drawing attendees who share a love for the iconic sci-fi franchise and its core values of inclusion, exploration, and unity.
Held at the Hyatt Regency in Hauppauge from May 30 to June 1, the convention continues to grow, offering fans an immersive, welcoming experience.
“It’s astonishing,” said Gangone, 49, reflecting on the event’s rise. “You start the first year thinking, ‘I don’t know where this is going to go,’ and then every year, people are still excited about it. The coolest thing is seeing people you don’t even know talking about Trek Long Island online… It’s very exciting as it catches on.”
Check out coverage of last year’s Trek Long Island on SciFiSland.com.
Each year, Trek Long Island aims to expand the fan experience, adding nightlife entertainment like late-night parties and interactive programming.
“We have something called the Starship Fabulous Dance Party, a game show with John Billingsley, and Cosplay Cabaret,” said Gangone, a resident of North Babylon. “It’s all about bringing more fun into the mix.” Billingsley played Doctor Phlox on Star Trek: Enterprise.
But organizing a convention of this scale isn’t without its challenges.
“Promotion is always the hardest part,” she said. “We’ll get people coming from England, and then the person right next door has no idea it’s happening… It’s so bizarre.”
While fandom brings people in, it’s the convention’s commitment to Star Trek’s deeper mission that keeps them engaged. Trek Long Island includes a dedicated Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) track led by a seasoned expert, and each year, it supports charitable causes. Past efforts have raised funds for The Trevor Project and pancreatic cancer research. This year’s initiative focuses on providing diverse, inclusive books to children who need them most.
“We need Star Trek now more than ever,” Gangone said, pointing to today’s polarized social climate. “It’s a show where everyone can see themselves. You turn it on, and no matter who you are, there’s someone on that screen who represents you. That’s powerful.”
At the heart of it all is a sense of belonging.
“I want people to get in their car after the convention and think, ‘These are my people,’” she said. “That’s what this is all about—the community.”
While Trek Long Island keeps gaining momentum, Gangone is already looking ahead.
“I want to get into a bigger location,” she said. “My dream venue would be a casino, but to do that, I need to sell out this year.”
As the convention boldly grows year after year, it remains a beacon for fans—a place where the values of Star Trek continue to thrive, right here on Long Island.
Check out our ultimate list of pop culture and genre conventions across Long Island in 2025.
John Segreto is a reporter with The SBU Media Group, part of Stony Brook University’s School of Communication and Journalism Working Newsroom program for students and local media.
