Vulkon Entertainment

Vulkon Entertainment was a fan-run company which specialized in science fiction-related entertainment. Vulkon was started by Joe Motes and Ruthanne Devlin in 1986 in Miami. In 1999 Ruthanne sold her half to Joe Motes and retired to Seattle, Washington. In 2006 the Vulkon name was sold to Gary and Terri Tripp of Weston, Florida. Typically Vulkon Entertainment organizes five to ten conventions each year in many cities across America as well as science fiction themed cruises.

Vulkon Entertainment from 1996 to 2000 Vulkon teamed up with actor William Campbell to promote 5 Fantasticon's raising over $400,000 for the Motion Picture and Television Home and Country Hospital, each of these conventions drew hundreds of stars and thousands of Fans.

The conventions were often Star Trek-centric, but usually include guests from other shows. The first conventions Joe Motes started were under the name Trekon and held in Miami starting in June 1984 making Trekon/Vulkon one of the oldest and longest-running conventions in the State of Florida. (Joe had earlier cons, not under that name - for example Miami Oct 31 1976 at the Howard Johnson, Golden Glades Miami, featuring costume party/contest, bloopers, dealers, etc; the flyer advertises 'next convention this location November 28, 1976). The First Orlando Vulkon was held in October 1987.

Vulkon Entertainment broke new grounds between 1987 and 2007 when Joe Motes and Ruthanne Devlin produced 12 Star Trek / Buffy cruises sailing with 8-15 stars with each cruise under the names Trekruise / Seatrek / Slayercruise.

When Joe Motes retired, he was the second longest-running promoter in America next to Creation Entertainment promoters.

Vulkon conventions programming included cosplay, dances, panels, workshops, game shows, banquets, karaoke, video games, artist alley, a dealers room and has even hosted an actual wedding done in traditional Klingon fashion at the Halloween 2008 show.

Vulkon historically attracted around 1000 to 3000 visitors from all over the USA. However, in the face of the American economic recession of 2008 and 2009 the number of visitors started to dwindle and the choice was made to cancel the first two shows of 2009 which had been scheduled for March of that year. The Vulkon franchise was officially put on hiatus shortly thereafter.