Megaplex

Megaplex
Megaplex logo
Other names	Pawpet Megaplex (2002-2003)
Location	Florida, United States
Website	https://www.megaplexcon.org/
Status	Ongoing
First iteration	8-10 March 2002
Organizer(s)	Florida United Furry Fandom, Inc. a 501(c)(3) charity (Previously Pawpet Live Experiences, Inc.)
Charity	Changes yearly
Subject	Furry
Resources	Photos, videos, reports: Megaplex resources

Megaplex is a furry convention hosted in Florida, USA.

Overview

First held in March 2002 as Pawpet Megaplex, Megaplex's stated goal is to provide "a celebration of interactive arts and performance, with a primary focus on anthropomorphics and fantasy". Programming has focused on fursuiting, puppetry, improvisation, and other types of performance.

Megaplex has featured musical performances by Toxic Audio, 4:2:Five, Matthew Ebel, Fox Amoore and Rhubarb the Bear, stage performances including musicals Julie Bunny Must Die! and Fosgate: Ferret Loan Officer, and out-of-fandom honored guests including Trace Beaulieu, Paul Zaloom and Noel MacNeal.

A variety of factors had caused Megaplex's attendance to fluctuate in its first decade, though it has been steadily increasing since 2010. The 2023 event had 5,189 attendees, the highest to date.

Early History

Megaplex (edit)

Pawpet Megaplex 1 (2002)

Pawpet Megaplex 2 (2003)

Megaplex 3 (2004)

Megaplex 4 (2005)

Megaplex 5 (2006)

Megaplex 6 (2007)

Megaplex 7 (2008)

Megaplex 8 (2009)

Megaplex 9 (2010)

Megaplex 10 (2011)

Megaplex XI (2012)

Megaplex XII (2013)

Megaplex XIII (2014)

Megaplex XIV (2015)

Megaplex XV (2016)

Megaplex XVI (2017)

Megaplex XVII (2018)

Megaplex XVIII (2019)

Megaplex 2020 (Online (18.5))

Megaplex 2021 (19)

Megaplex 2022 (20)

Megaplex 2023 (21)

Megaplex 2024 (22)

Megaplex 2025 (23)

Megaplex staff

Megaplex guests of honor

Pawpet Megaplex came into being as a replacement for Furry Spring Break, which was held in 2001. Furry Spring Break was unable to secure hotel space for a second convention in 2002 and folded. In its stead, Pawpet Live Experiences, Inc. was formed and on short notice held the first Pawpet Megaplex at the Ramada Resort and Convention Center in Orlando, FL. The convention supported the animal rescue C.A.R.E. Foundation, featuring a live animal presentation. The convention continued to support the same charity until 2023.

The convention moved to the movie-themed Sheraton Studio City Resort for its second and third years, closer to Universal Studios Florida. In 2003 the convention had its first guest of honor, Susan Rankin, and first of many musical guests, a capella group Toxic Audio. In 2004 Megaplex officially dropped the "Pawpet" from the name. Megaplex 3 was the first year to make heavy use of the convention theme ("MP3", derived from the abbreviation of the convention name) with posters and hallway decor.

The convention upgraded to larger quarters at the Sheraton World Resort, right next door to the SeaWorld Orlando theme park, from 2005 to 2006, continuing to introduce new traditions such as a Saturday Night "Rocky Horror Picture Show" viewing complete with staff members as cast members.

The Jacksonville Years

Due to rising hotel costs in Orlando, Megaplex was forced to move in 2007 and chose the Wyndham Jacksonville Riverfront in Jacksonville, Florida where they remained through 2008. During this time Megaplex saw a drop in attendance which was expected due to the move.

The Return to Orlando

Returning to the Orlando area, Megaplex was held at the Worldgate Resort in Kissimmee, Florida from 2009 to 2012, a short distance from Walt Disney World's main gate. The convention was rescheduled from March to late July to achieve better costs and hotel rates and to help space the event out from the growing FWA. The con expanded its meeting space to include a larger Dealer's Den, an Artist Alley, and a lounge area dubbed "The Lair."

From 2013 to 2015 Megaplex returned to Orlando proper and expanded into a larger meeting space at the Marriott Orlando Airport Hotel. The convention has increased its focus on quality main events and immersive theming. At the end of Megaplex XIV it was announced that the convention would be moving in 2016 to the Embassy Suites - Lake Buena Vista South in Kissimmee to accommodate the convention's growth.

After only 1 year Megaplex had outgrown the Embassy Suites - Lake Buena Vista South and at closing ceremonies of Megaplex XV announced that it would be moving to the Seaworld DoubleTree in Orlando, FL for Megaplex XVI. Megaplex had previously been held at this property for Megaplex 4 and Megaplex 5 when it was the Sheraton World Resort.

Megaplex remained at the Seaworld DoubleTree in Orlando, FL for Megaplex XVI and Megaplex XVII. While the new space was completed for use during the second year Megaplex's growth made it difficult to hold a 3rd year at this venue. It was announced at the end of Megaplex XVII that Megaplex would be moving to the Caribe Royale in Orlando, FL.

In 2023, Megaplex moved to the Hyatt Regency on International Drive, Orlando FL. That year, a change in state law precipitated the convention becoming an 18+ event.

Going nonprofit

It was announced that Megaplex would be seeking 501(c)(3) status under the newly set up corporation Florida United Furry Fandom Inc. (FLUFF Inc.) at the end of closing ceremonies of Megaplex XVII. The new corporation was set up and all assets were transferred to the new Florida Nonprofit corporation. On May 18th, 2019 FLUFF Inc. received notice from the IRS that their 501(c)(3) status was approved.

Innovations

Megaplex has introduced many ideas to augment the convention's programming and atmosphere:

• Pre-registered attendees can provide a personal avatar to appear on their convention badge.
• Megaplex was the first furry convention to introduce a convention fursuit mascot, Pounce the Panther, in 2008.
• Starting in 2012, Megaplex has created a commemorative poster celebrating each year's convention. One copy of the poster is offered for sale at the convention's charity auction.
• Collectible glassware was given to all attendees until 2019. A themed collectible item is still given to all attendees.
• Megaplex offers high dollar member levels above Silver Sponsors, Gold Sponsors, and Platinum Sponsors. Both receive all the perks of a Silver Sponsor level, plus special unique gifts each year such as engraved pocket watches.
• Game show concepts have been introduced such as "Fursuit Deal or Big Deal," partly mirroring Deal or No Deal, with fursuiters instead of models.
• The convention's main events have been streamed live online since 2005.
• An exclusive hospitality lounge with hot meals is provided to Silver Sponsor and higher-level attendees. Due to new venue policies, hot foods have been substituted for pre-packaged foods.
• The convention has donated "con badge number 1" for the following year in the charity auction since 2010. This badge number is usually reserved for the convention chairman. The auctioning of badge number 1 raised over $300 for charity in 2010.
• Hall prizes called "Achievements" are awarded to attendees who accomplish them at any point during the convention. Most achievements are typically kept secret until the time they are rewarded.
• Megaplex archives all of its past con books, artwork, badge imagery, photos, and videos online, available for all individuals to view on its web site.

Staff and organization

Florida United Furry Fandom, Inc. (FLUFF) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation. FLUFF was preceded by Pawpet Live Experiences, Inc. (PLEx), is a class C for-profit corporation operated out of the State of Florida. PLEx, Inc. was incorporated in January 2002, a mere two months before putting on Pawpet Megaplex 1, and went the faster route of incorporating under the less stringent for-profit statutes.

On January 9, 2022, it was announced that three FLUFF Inc. board members would depart, including chairman "Scooby", and president Yappy Slyfox.

FLUFF, Inc.'s current president is Christopher “Blitz” Darling (also the chairman of Megaplex), and the secretary is Daniel “Nyghtpanthyr” Deschand.

As of 2024 the Board members are:

• Christopher “Blitz” Darling - president and chairman
• Daniel “Nyghtpanthyr” Deschand - secretary
• Daysha “Vixy” Albano
• Steven “Allon” Rehbein
• Roxanne “Kismet” Martinez
• Stephen “Kedzie” Stoltenberg
• Brandon “Tanner” Richmond

A listing of Megaplex staff and their roles, including former staff members, is available on the convention's website and archives.

Mascot

Megaplex's mascot is Pounce the Panther, a Florida panther (an endangered subspecies of cougar). Pounce was introduced as the Megaplex fursuit mascot, in 2008 at Megaplex 7, as Megapanther to match the comic book theme of that year's Megaplex. Pounce is seen at Megaplex in a costume that matches that year's theme.

Charity

Mexaplex's charity from 2002-2023 was The CARE Foundation.

In May of 2023, Megaplex announced via Twitter that the CARE Foundation had obtained a baby African serval named Pounce, after Megaplex's mascot, and that the animal would be "raised specifically to bring to the convention and other educational outings." Some furries questioned the ethics of this choice, particularly in regards to a captive-bred wild animal being purchased by CARE as opposed to a rescue. This prompted further investigation into the credibility of CARE as an organization, with many furries calling for Megaplex to reconsider supporting CARE. In response, Megaplex announced the end of their relationship with CARE, selection of a new animal welfare focused charity, and that the charity would change each year going forward.

On July 25, 2023, Megaplex announced their 2023 charity to be The Street Dog Coalition on Twitter.

Statistics

Title	Dates	Theme	Venue	Location	Guests of Honor	Guest Performers	Attendance	Parade count (day/night parades)	Charity Amount	Notes
Pawpet Megaplex	March 8–10, 2002	N/A	Ramada Resort and Convention Center	Orlando, FL	N/A	N/A	126	?	$1,378.49	Replaced Furry Spring Break
Pawpet Megaplex 2	March 21–23, 2003	Hollywood	Sheraton Studio City Resort	Orlando, FL	Susan Rankin	Toxic Audio	197	?	?
Megaplex 3	March 19–21, 2004	MP3	Sheraton Studio City Resort	Orlando, FL	Trace Beaulieu	Toxic Audio	357	23	$2,500+
Megaplex 4	March 14–16, 2005	Road Trip	Sheraton World Resort	Orlando, FL	John Kennedy	Orlando's Potpourri of Puppets	387	32	$2,210
Megaplex 5	March 17–19, 2006	…Teh Horror!	Sheraton World Resort	Orlando, FL	Brian Reynolds	4:2:Five	257	41	$3,100.40
Megaplex 6	March 2–4, 2007	Game Shows	Wyndham Jacksonville Riverfront	Jacksonville, FL	Mike Kazaleh	?	185	31	$2,825
Megaplex 7	March 28–30, 2008	Comic Books: Heroes & Villains	Wyndham Jacksonville Riverfront	Jacksonville, FL	Adam Wan	Matthew Ebel	255	45	$1,185
Megaplex 8	July 24–26, 2009	Toyland: Christmas in July	Radisson Worldgate Resort	Kissimmee, FL	BigBlueFox	Matthew Ebel	425	80	$1,500
Megaplex 9	July 23–25, 2010	Mad Science	Radisson Worldgate Resort	Kissimmee, FL	Paul Zaloom	Matthew Ebel	410	81	$2,928
Megaplex 10	July 29–31, 2011	Retro Arcade	Worldgate Resort	Kissimmee, FL	Chad Krueger	Matthew Ebel	553	86 / 64	$1,368	Hotel name change
Megaplex 11	July 27–29, 2012	Steampunk: Turn Back The Gears	Worldgate Resort	Kissimmee, FL	Noel MacNeal, Ron “Dreamfinder” Schneider	Julie Bunny Must Die!	625	142 / 55	$4,257
Megaplex 12	July 26–28, 2013	Rocking At The Hop	Marriott Orlando Airport	Orlando, FL	Fox Amoore, Tirrel	Fosgate: Ferret Loan Officer	821	185 / 86	$4,038
Megaplex 13	July 25–27, 2014	The Candy Factory	Marriott Orlando Airport	Orlando, FL	Mary Mouse, TaniDaReal	Fox Amoore, Rhubarb the Bear, Husky In Denial, Pepper Coyote	1,281	320 / 76	$10,696.98
Megaplex 14	July 31–August 2, 2015	Cops & Robbers	Marriott Orlando Airport	Orlando, FL	FableFire, FizzOtter	Fox Amoore, Rhubarb the Bear, Cosmik, Husky In Denial	1,472	359 / 82	$8,260.23
Megaplex 15	August 5–7, 2016	British Invasion	Embassy Suites - Lake Buena Vista South	Orlando, FL	Kenket, Cosmic Wuffy	Fox Amoore, Pepper Coyote, Rhubarb the Bear, Cosmik	1,860	449 / 150	$8,467.86
Megaplex 16	August 4–6, 2017	Mega Quest: The Wrath of Con	Seaworld DoubleTree	Orlando, FL	Kodi (Canada), Rick Griffin	?	2,430	N/A / 162	$12,394.89	Saturday parade cancelled due to weather
Megaplex 17	August 3–5, 2018	The Furnesian Islands	SeaWorld DoubleTree	Orlando, FL	Panda Paco, Kyle McCarthy	?	2,602	468 / 68	$10,849.88
Megaplex 18	August 9–11, 2019	The Greatest Escape	Caribe Royale	Orlando, FL	JD Puppy, SonicFox5000	?	3,615	617 / 138	$40,000.00
Megaplex 18.5	August 21–23, 2020	Megaplex Online	Online	Online	N/A	?	571	N/A	$10,079.73
Megaplex 19	August 6–8, 2021	All Aboard!	Caribe Royale	Orlando, FL	Kyell Gold, Hyena Agenda	Alkali Bismuth	2,889	669 / 179	$50,000.00
Megaplex 20	August 5–7, 2022	Electric AvUwU	Caribe Royale	Orlando, FL	Illumi-Nation Cyberwear, Lofi	N/A	4,662	1,024 / 160	$70,000.00
Megaplex 21	September 15–17, 2023	Be Anything, Do Anything!	Hyatt Regency Orlando	Orlando, FL	Ash Coyote, Bemani Tiger, WHSPRS	Vox Audio (formerly Toxic Audio)	5,189	900 / 332	$88,000.00
Megaplex 22	August 30–September 1, 2024	Terror at Typhon's Keep	Hyatt Regency Orlando	Orlando, FL	Jonah Scott, Tom Fischbach	?	7,202	912 / TBA	$81,000.00
Megaplex 23	August 30–September 1, 2025	House of Pounce	Hyatt Regency Orlando	Orlando, FL	Charlie Adler, Dingoroo	TBD	TBD	TBD	TBD	Saturday–Monday (Labor Day weekend)

External links

• Megaplex on Fur Affinity
• Megaplex: Furry Fun, Florida Sun on Facebook
• Megaplex on X
• Megaplex on LiveJournal
• Megaplex on Mastodon
• Megaplex on YouTube

• Photos, videos, reports: Megaplex resources