MegaCon is not the first comic book convention held in the Orlando area. The first one was OrlandoCon (O’Con) which was held annually between 1974 and 1994. MegaCon was founded a year before the cancellation of OrlandoCon. Its first edition took place in 1993. In 1999, the convention was acquired by CrossGen, a Tampa-based comic nook publisher. While owned by CrossGen, MegaCon heavily promoted its titles and creators which frustrated some attendees and exhibitors. Nevertheless, the attendance grew every year and the show thrived.
In 2003, the failing CrossGen underwent restructuring and sold MegaCon to Elizabeth Widera, a board member of the comics charity The Hero Initiative who ran the show since 2000. In 2015, the convention was acquired by Informa Canada, Inc. It is now run by FAN EXPO HQ, Informa’s subsidiary which organizes a series of entertainment conventions in the United States in Canada including Fan Expo Canada, Fan Expo Regina, Fan Expo Vancouver, Toronto Comicon, Fan Expo Dallas, Dallas Fan Days, Boston Comic Con, and Megacon Tampa Bay.
The program of MegaCon is similar to that of other fan conventions and includes a variety of events celebrating all things pop culture. It features panels/Q&As, autograph sessions and photo ops with comic and media guests, Artist Alley, the Small Press/Indy Pavilion, an enormous shopping area, a costume contest, the Kids Zone & Family Lounge, workshops and seminars, and even speed dating for geeks (how cute is that?).
At MegaCon Orlando, attendees have a great opportunity to meet actors known for their roles in sci-fi, fantasy and horror films and television series, comic book writers and artists, voice actors, animators, video game developers, cosplayers, etc. Past celebrity guests include Stan Lee (Marvel Comics), William Shatner (Star Trek), Billie Piper (Doctor Who), John Barrowman (Torchwood, Arrow), Christopher Lloyd (Back to the Future), Hayley Atwell (Agent Carter), Anthony Daniels (Star Wars), and many more.
Photo: insidethemagic.net
