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NYC's Top Trade Shows, Conventions In Summer 2016

Star Trek
CBS Television Studios announced today it will launch a totally new "Star Trek" television series in January 2017. The brand-new "Star Trek" will introduce new characters seeking imaginative new worlds and new civilizations, while exploring the dramatic contemporary themes that have been a signature of the franchise since its inception in 1966. Pictured left to right: Jonathan Frakes, Gates McFadden, LeVar Burton, Michael Dorn and Brent Spiner in STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION Photo Credit: CBS

Pet lovers, Trekkies, "Walking Dead" fans, book readers and tattoo enthusiasts all have a chance to get advice, enjoy stars in their field, and shop for items and memorabilia at upcoming conventions, shows and expos in the New York City area. In the city that never sleeps, nobody snoozes during the summer when it comes to seeking out the latest developments. Some shows have entry fees, while others are free. Check to see if your favorite hobby or industry is on exhibit in the coming months. This is a chance to learn about the latest and greatest, in whatever sparks your interests.

More: NYC Summer 2016 Festival Guide

New York Pet Expo 

Dog On Leash
(Bolen/Getty Images for Beneful)

Brooklyn Expo Center
72 Noble St.
Brooklyn, NY 11222
(718) 775-3315
www.newyorkpetexpo.com

June 18 and 19, 2016
Price: $8

Exhibitors show off the newest dog, cat and other pet products and accessories at the fourth annual New York Pet Expo.  Vaccinations are available for those with proof of age for certain shots. Obedience training demonstrations are offered and for those looking for a new pet companion, a variety of pet rescue groups will be available. Entertainment includes pet book author signings and experts will be on hand with tips on traveling with your pet.

Walker Stalker Con

Zombies Take To The Streets In Celebration Of Zynga's Latest Mobile Game Zombie Swipeout
(FILE PHOTO. Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for Zynga)

New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center
97 Sunfield Ave.
Edison, NJ 08837
(732) 417-1400
Walker Stalker Con New Jersey

July 9 and 10, 2016
Price: from $45 per day

This fan fest bills itself as the biggest zombie, sci-fi and horror event of its kind. The main attraction is celebrity guests from the popular TV show "The Walking Dead," and others. Announced as 2016 guests are Cassandra Peterson (Elvira, Mistress of Dark), Chandler Riggs, Scott Wilson, David Morrissey, Laurie Holden and Michael Cudlitz, among others. Fans get the chance to visit with their favorite zombies, photo-op are sold online, and there are autograph sessions for a fee.

NY Empire State Tattoo ExpoTattoo Artists Gather For The International London Tattoo Convention

New York Hilton Midtown
1335 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10606
(212) 586-7000
www.empirestatetattooexpo.com

July 15-17, 2016
Price: $30 per day for admission

This colorful fair promises world renowned tattoo artists from around the U.S. and elsewhere. Seminars on the best of tattooing and body art take place all three days. The expo features exhibits by ink companies, as well as tattoo care and tattoo removal vendors. Everything from body paints, herbal paints, colors and tattoo designs to antiseptic lotions, body wash and safe piercing needles are scheduled to be on display.

Related: Best Interactive Shows in Times Square

Star Trek Mission New York 

Star Trek
CBS Television Studios announced today it will launch a totally new "Star Trek" television series in January 2017. The brand-new "Star Trek" will introduce new characters seeking imaginative new worlds and new civilizations, while exploring the dramatic contemporary themes that have been a signature of the franchise since its inception in 1966. Pictured left to right: Jonathan Frakes, Gates McFadden, LeVar Burton, Michael Dorn and Brent Spiner in STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION Photo Credit: CBS

Jacob K. Javits Cenvention Center
655 W. 34th St.
New York, NY 10001
(888) 334-8703
www.startrekmissions.com

Sept. 2-4, 2016
Price: $55-70 for adults

No fans are more devoted than Trekkies, and this show advertises itself as the ultimate in Star Trek adventures. Special guests scheduled to appear include Adam Nimoy, the film director son of Leonard Nimoy, who will talk about his film "For the Love of Spock." There will also be costume contests and "immersive activities," which will be announced a month before the show. Attractions include panel discussions, photo ops and autographing sessions.

Brooklyn Book Festival

books
(Credit: Garrett

Brooklyn Borough Hall
209 Joralemon St.
Brooklyn, New York 11201
(570) 362-6657
www.brooklynbookfestival.org

Sept. 18, 2016
Price: free to attend

This annual multi-venue event takes place all over downtown Brooklyn and is said to be the largest consumer book event in New York. Leading authors, illustrators, critics and performers appear on outdoor stages. Many discussions take place at auditoriums and rooms indoors. Vendors, including booksellers, book and magazine publishers, and organizations, will line the streets near Borough Hall, and some offer special discounts. A special children's day is scheduled to take place Sept. 17, 2016.

Related: Best Independent Bookstores in New York City

Grace Lichtenstein is an author and former New York Times reporter. She writes principally about books, music and sports. She contributes to the Washington Post, NYCityWoman.com, Aspen Magazine and other publications. She is a board member of Bike New York, as well as a member of the Authors Guild and the National Book Critics Circle.

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