Anime conventions come and go throughout the year. Scattered across Florida, many fans travel the distance to attend as many of them as possible.
Going to conventions are a joyous time for many. A chance to dress-up as your favorite characters, hang out with friends, and most importantly – shop for all of those rare finds! It’s a great opportunity to find things typically not sold in the United States.
Listed below is my personal list of choice for the best conventions in Florida to attend. They were rated on events, merchandise selection, and over-all outcome.
MetroCon – Tampa, FL:
An event you won’t want to miss. This is Florida’s largest anime convention and is packed with a variety to do and see. Every direction you turn you’ll find fans dressed up to cosplay, so be sure to bring a camera. There is a semi-decent variety of vendors and include everything from Japanese imported Anime to medieval armors. If you enjoy art then I would recommend making a pit stop to the Artists Alley where you’ll find original prints for viewing and purchase.
If you’re one of the many who love to meet your favorite anime vocalists then you won’t be disappointed. Each year MetroCon brings in some of the most popular vocal actors for anime in both America and Japan.
When you need a break from walking around, be sure to check out the video game room, or one of the many events held. Cosplay and costume contests are just a couple you can expect to view or participate in.
LOCATION: Tampa Convention Center
333 S. Franklin Street
Tampa, Florida 33602
PHONE: (813) 274-8511
MegaCon – Orlando, FL:
Probably my favorite Florida convention. It has it all, everything from comics, sci-fi, and of course – anime! You’ll find an amazing vendor selection featuring apparel, anime merchandise, Japanese snacks, and much more.
Entertainment never disappoints at MegaCon. You can expect to find gaming, cosplay, costume contests, a late night dance event, and my favorite, concerts! As of the past few years MegaCon has been bringing us incredible live music from both Japan and America.
LOCATION: Orange County Convention (Located across from the Peabody Orlando Hotel)
PHONE: (727) 796-5725
SuperCon – Ft. Lauderdale, FL:
A new convention to Florida, not the largest I’ve seen but overall nicely done for it’s first running year. The variety of entertainment was nice featuring quite a few musical guests as well as artists and voice actors.
One of the highlights and favorite events for many was the LAN party. There were top PC games to choose from and over all the event was a hit. I expect that next year the convention will come back larger and even better than before. As for 2007, they will be holding SuperCon yet again this year for June 22-24. I assume this is due to the convention itself being new and trying to draw in more fans for next season.
LOCATION:The Inverarry Hotel
3501 Inverrary Blvd.
Ft. Lauderdale, FL. 33319
PHONE: (954) 882-2950
