Convention Fans, It’s Time To Rejoice!

The internet is great, but sometimes it’s good to meet your nerdy cohorts somewhere in the real world. And I can think of no better place than a convention.

But there’s so many of them, so many convention centers and events, how are you to keep track?

Well, let Sci-Fi Bloggers help you out, and tell you about conventions around America—and maybe even beyond—that might strike your fancy.

In yet another ongoing series by me, Brandon Scott, I will take you around the convention world, place by place, and help you get your nerd on in the best way possible.

This… is Convention Connection, and we are starting close, in my Florida home.

Welcome to MegaCon.

WHAT IS IT?

MegaCon is a general convention, one based on pop culture. Anime, movies, video games, cartoons; it’s a place that if you like anything modern, you’ll find something there. The one about to happen is in Orlando, Florida, but they also happen in Tampa. The next big event is from May 24^th-27^th.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT?

People. Lots of people. Lots of people in costume as well. Going off previous cons, cosplaying is a big part of MegaCon. You can expect to see a lot of pop-culture’s favorites, from Overwatch to Marvel (especially Marvel), wandering the floor. As with any convention, bring money, as much as you can, or regret all the sweet merchandise out of your grasp. MegaCon has over 400,000 square feet of floor space devoted to the buying and selling of everything from comics to model weapons to Funko figures. It’s a big con where you’ll be walking/standing most of the time: plan accordingly.

THE FIDDLY BITS

So, if you’re going, you’ll need some data. To make things easy, if you are a lone wolf con-goer, planning on attending all four days, here’s the general gist of what you might need to know. Rest assured, if you are in a group, or even a family going together, they offer packages. If you plan to go for only one day, it’s even cheaper (just account for all the merchandise you might buy.)

Anyway, here are the fiddly bits.

• MegaCon has accessibility options, should you need it, and offers a complimentary ticket for caregivers. You must check in with their Accessibility Services Desk for that.
• No outside food or drink allowed. If it’s medically necessary, they make an exception.
• For a single person going all four days, it’s $99 in advance and $110 at the door.
• Though the website does not appear to contain data on this, at least from what I could see, there is no recommended age limit. They offer family passes, so children—attended by an adult I assume—are likely to be at the con.
• While cosplaying is fine, and props a usual part of that, there are extensive rules regarding fake weaponry. A hard and fast rule of thumb (though please read their guide) is nothing metal, nothing able to fire something (not even foam darts), and nothing that can cut people or be a blunt force weapon. On-site security has the final say on the matter of what you can and cannot bring.
• The website says over 100,000 people show up over the four days, so, if you have an issue with crowds, or get bothered by being stuck in tight spaces for long periods of time, be aware of this.

*****

Convention Preparedness Is Important, Yes.

But So Is Having Fun!

All right, I think you can begin. Con-going is an experience and a complicated one at that. I can’t even attempt to predict what you might find, and what spontaneity might occur.

So, go in prepared, but don’t stress too much.

And, if MegaCon is not the con for you, it’s too soon this year, or you simply want to hit multiple, then come back for the next Convention Connection.

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