Flew to Orlando late Thursday afternoon. I had intended to grab my badge at registration and attend the "B.A.B Basics of All Babyfurs" mostly out of curiosity and then go to the "Megaplex Open Mic Night". But the reg line was huge and by the time I got through it B.A.B was over, and exhausted from travel and lack of sleep I decided to get some rest.

Friday Started with attending Opening Ceremonies of course. Then it was off to the dealer’s den for some swag. Picked up my acrylic badge from Plant Panda, got a bunch of beautiful enamel pins, and a "Cute" Mystery Box. Got my Megaplex 2023 shirt from the Con Store.

Spent the rest of the day hanging out with friends. Blankit was able to attend that day and surprised me with the gift of an adorable new badge. KB invited me to join him, Blankit and a bunch of friends for dinner.

I started Saturday wandering around the come and meeting more friends. I was running a boardgame event to teach the game Creature Comforts. I was very nervous and wondered if anyone would show up. But we ended up having a full player count. There was a mix-up as to where the event was to be held so I had to explain the rules a second time when more players came.

By the time the game was over the "Babyfur / Kidfur Meet Up" had already started so I went straight there. That was fun and I got to see a few friends I hadn't run into yet.

The "Improving Your Fiction" writers panel was next and I learned some tips about editing from it.

Next came the "Vore Meet and Eat" event which unfortunately was disappointing. Vore is a theme I've been discovering and playing with over the last year with some very close friends. I had hoped this event would give an introduction discussion and have some ice breakers before becoming a meetup. Instead it just started and the host just expected everyone to start to mingle. Admittedly that seemed to work for about 85% of the attendees. But as usual those that knew each other flocked together, and those who didn't know anyone and were to introverted to break into a group were left out. Many of them just left, and after wandering through the crowd a bit I did too. I don't blame the host but it was a disappointment. Starting it with some sort of icebreaker game could have made it more welcoming for all.

However the next event was the opposite, the Plush Bingo. I went there expecting to play bingo with plushies, instead we were playing to win plushies that needed new homes. Luck was not on my side. Game 1 started strong with the first 3 numbers called filling most of the O column, and by the end I had 4 ways to win depending on the number called - but none ever were. Then luck turned sour, Game two we were 15-20 numbers called before one I had on my card. Game 3 wasn't much better. But while I didn't win a plushie I had a great time playing.

I ended Saturday "Con Horror Stories" I'm a fan of the Horror Stories events and I had missed a couple already due to schedule conflicts.

Sunday only had one can't miss event for me before Closing Ceremonies. I spent the day with friends and returned to the game room to teach KB Creature Comforts. Another friend arrived so we played 2 games. Then it was time for the Bear Meetup, but that event was cancelled.

Closing Ceremonies was good. Megaplex had a record attendance of almost 5200 and raised a whopping $88K for the charity, so we ended on a high note.

After that I grabbed some dinner and headed back to my room to pack.

Overall I had a great time. It was good to see people I haven't seen since 2019. On the downside there were a few people I intended to meet that I didn't run into, but there will be other opportunities.

This was my last con for the year. Plans for 2024 are not yet set in stone but FE, FWA are my primary goals and if possible AC as well. And if all goes well I'd like to try for NFC in 2025.