VSDA Conventions were Always Fun – by Patty Mooney
Star Trek Experience at VSDA
We used to attend the VSDA (Video Software Dealer Association) conventions to market our video titles. Back in 1996 we were there to promote our newest title, “Full Cycle: A World Odyssey,” the around-the-world adventures of an intrepid mountain bike couple (guess who?) The show gained a large measure of success in that it won 13 international awards; however, for various reasons it never aired on broadcast television. My feeling was that it was too far ahead of its time. It was probably the first-ever “reality show” and none of the broadcast stations were ready for that.
But back to the VSDA Show. Because it usually occurred in Las Vegas, Mark and I would make an annual pilgrimage to “Sin City” to peddle our videos and play with the “big boys.” The late eighties to mid nineties comprised the industry’s heyday. Imagine a champagne glass pyramid with champagne flowing like a waterfall, succulent shrimp cocktails and decadent chocolate. At the Star Trek Experience soiree, we sat at a table with Armin Shimerman, the man who had played Quark, the money-lusting Ferengi. Nice guy.
You never know when you are going to be lifted off your feet by a Klingon! That happened to me over a decade ago when the Las Vegas Hilton first broke ground for the Star Trek Experience, Stardate 01.24.1996.17:30.
Tony Curtis Elevator Tale
One time we rode an elevator up to a Penthouse party with Tony Curtis. He wore a white ascot around his neck, and a beautiful woman on each shoulder. Mark said, “Mr. Curtis, I must tell you, I really enjoyed most all of your work.” Without blinking an eye, Tony said, “Sir, you have me at a disadvantage, for I have never seen ANY of YOUR work.” “Touche, Mr. Curtis,” grinned Mark, “Touche!” Mr. Curtis regally floated off the elevator, and so did we. That party turned out to be pretty interesting as we also met Jon Lovitz and Dana Carvey who were at the height of their careers.
Dallas
There were two times that the VSDA departed to different venues. Once was in Dallas, where JFK had been assassinated, and “grassy knoll” was a term bandied about the whole time. A couple of days before flying in to Dallas, I had a major mountain bike crash that left a deep gash in my face. But that did not stop me from going. Everybody asked me what had happened so it turned out to be a great conversation-starter.
Here I am with a young Kirsten Dunst who had just appeared in “Interview With a Vampire.” She was the sweetest person ever and consented to pose with me. Beauty and the Beast, eh?
The other venue utilized by VSDA was Los Angeles, where a huge party was held at the University Studio. It was just after “Aladdin” had been released, and the highlight of that experience was Robin Williams entering the area on an Asian elephant.The VSDA then returned its venue to Vegas but it seemed to get smaller and smaller with the growth of the Internet. I learned that it has since merged with another association and they are now known as Entertainment Merchant Association.But the heyday as we once knew it is lost and gone forever. Now it lives on in memory. And in blogs like this one.
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