Florida Supercon Delivered the Perfect Blend of Nostalgia And Community

By Erin Lee

Florida Supercon at Miami Beach Convention Center was an action-packed weekend!

I arrived at the Con on Saturday morning, eager to take in all the sights and sounds. Row upon row of vendors lined the show floor with colorful displays.

I ran into a friend and her kiddo on the show floor, and we chatted while browsing.

I stopped for a frozen lemonade, perfect for cooling off when you're wearing a heavy costume with several layers.

My favorite vendor was The Crafty Gamer. Based in Winter Park, Florida, he offers candles with fragrances that coincide with storytelling for tabletop gameplay. I smelled everything from "hospital" and "cemetery" to "forest of the fey" and "provision shop." I complimented the creator on his unique idea. 

The Florida Supercon app was incredibly helpful. I found myself utilizing the schedule, tapping add to each item, and creating a plan to lay out my entire day. The app gives a reminder notification 5 minutes prior to the event on your schedule. 

My first stop of the day was a Disney sing-along, hosted by Nerds Know More.

A projector screen filled with Disney titles gave the audience a wide variety of songs to choose from. We sang songs from Beauty and the Beast, Mulan, Frozen, Enchanted, and more. We turned to each other, complimenting one another's singing. It was a wonderful testament to the kind of community you find at a Supercon: uplifting and welcoming. This is a theme I would experience repeatedly throughout the weekend. 

My next stop was the Jolt Radio lounge. 

The dj set, dubbed "Groove City," provided a chill soundtrack to the afternoon. Oversized beanbags at the back of the room invited guests to sit and take in the vibe while planning next moves.

I made my way across the second floor to grab some lunch. I ordered a barbacoa taco bowl with rice, beans, pico de gallo, cheese, and sour cream. It was flavorful and filling.

Even though I'm not familiar with the Persona series, I was intrigued by the idea of a cookbook based on foods from video games. Chef Jarrett Melendez hosted an engaging cooking demo featuring a recipe from the book, including a Q&A. I asked him if he found anything challenging to create, and he cited a strawberry cake that took a few tries to perfect.

When the cooking demo finished, I went back downstairs to explore the show floor again. I spotted booths with 3D printed goodies, cosplay weaponry, costumes, and accessories. Authors promoting their books and offering signed copies. 

Wandering to the back of the show floor, I found life sized Star Wars displays and took a photo with Jabba the Hut.

Winding down the late afternoon, I strolled back into the Jolt Radio lounge to enjoy a sound bath. The swirling soundscapes immersed the listener into the world of Dune.

SUNDAY

I arrived at the con at 10 on Sunday morning, eager to procure some boba tea and onigiri before lining up for the LOST Cast Reunion panel. 

I ate one onigiri and tucked the other in my purse for later. 

I got to the ballroom 40 minutes early, eventually securing a front row seat for the panel, featuring Josh Holloway (Sawyer) and Henry Ian Cusick (Desmond).

The moderator did a fantastic job asking questions, clearly a knowledgeable fan of the show. This panel was the highlight of the entire weekend for me, personally.

I'm a huge "lostie," and revisiting this world after so many years was like catching up with an old friend. 

During the fan Q+A, I asked both gentleman: "Which scene partner was most likely to make you break?"

Alan Dale (Charles Whidmore) was Henry Cusick's answer. He said he was "hilarious on set."

Josh said Evangaline Lilly and shared an inside joke the two of them had where they'd try to make faces at each other without anyone else seeing. 

After the LOST panel, I went next door to explore Side Quest: the gaming area. Flynn's had arcade machines set up, as well as a gatcha machine to try your luck on. Toward the back of the room, Nicklaus Children's Hospital had a PC gaming area set up.

Eventually, I ended up at The Tavern: a medieval themed area with family style tables, Trinket Trading, and an area to create visual art. I settled in to watch Miami Pixel Symphony Orchestra, who masterfully played arrangements of video game music. 

The orchestral music was so beautiful it moved me emotionally. Being symphonically submerged felt like I was inside of the game itself, complete with visuals projected on a screen.

After a wonderful photo op with Josh Holloway, I came back upstairs for some Supercon Karaoke. I didn't get the opportunity to sing myself, but each performance encouraged audience participation. The highlight of the afternoon was the room filled with voices singing My Chemical Romance's "Welcome to the Black Parade."

With the con ending soon, I began walking toward the front, impulse purchasing a delicious beef arepa before leaving.

My first Florida Supercon experience is one I'll never forget! 

The con does a wonderful job with programming for a variety of fandoms. 

It would be impossible to see and do everything offered. As a music journalist, I primarily focused on music-related offerings. But whether you love anime and cosplay, crafting and creating, gaming or TV and movies, there was an endless array of exciting content.

Can't wait until next year!