Super Megafest 2009 November 23, 2009

Super Megafest 2009 – Framingham, MA

If you found yourself at the Sheraton Tara Hotel in Framingham, MA last weekend (November 21-22), chances are you were at Super Megafest. Super Megafest touts itself as New England’s largest Multimedia Fanfest. The convention indulges fans of all varieties and includes celebrity Q & A sessions, photo and autograph opportunities, and concerts.

The biggest draw of this year’s convention was, without a doubt, the celebrity guests. Among this year’s celebrities were:

Photo courtesy of JamesMarsters.com

James Marsters (Spike from the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer & Angel, Brainiac of the television series Smallville, Captain John Hart of the television series Torchwood, John in the movie P.S. I Love You). Visit the official James Marsters website.

Photo courtesy of Myspace.com/RealBrentSpiner

Brent Spiner (Data from Star Trek: The Next Generation the television series and movies, Dr. Brackish Okun in the movie Independence Day, Dr. Nigel Fenway of the television series Threshold). Visit the official Brent Spiner website.

Photo courtesy of RayPark.com

Ray Park (Darth Maul in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, Edgar of the television series Heroes, Toad in the X-men movie, Snake Eyes in the movie G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra). Visit the official Ray Park website.

Photos courtesy of LindsayWagner.com, Bionik.com & JaniceWhitby.com

Lindsay Wagner, Richard Anderson & Janice Whitby from the classic television series The Bionic Woman

Photos courtesy of Myspace.com/theofficialmickydolenzpage & PeterTork.com

Micky Dolenz & Peter Tork from The Monkees

Still not interested? Perhaps comics, collectibles or movies are more your thing. You can visit the dealers hall, boasting approximately 100 vendors, to pick up vintage comics, autographed photos, weaponry, custom fangs, collectibles for every fandom, and movies to round out your collection.

But wait, there’s more! Celebrity events like this year’s James Marsters & Peter Tork concerts, or the special dinner with Peter Tork made this year’s convention a fan highlight of 2009. Let’s not forget about the costumes, this is a fan convention after all. Super Megafest may be a small regional convention, but the fans are hardcore. Turn the corner and you will find yourself face to face with Batman from the television series, alongside Slave Lea and Saber Tooth.

Vader’s 501st New England Garrison was also in full force with a photo booth, accepting donations on behalf of Toys for Tots & The Jimmy Fund.

Vader's 501st New England Garrison

For this fan, Super Megafest 2009 was a great experience. I got a chance to make great new friends, meet some of my favorite celebrities, listen to good music and purchase some DVDs to add to my own collection. I am glad I stumbled upon this convention. Which brings up a point. I spoke to many attendees and did not find a single one that had been to the event before. We all happened upon Super Megafest by accident, or because we knew someone who was already aware of it. Though the event is in my backyard, this was the first I heard of the convention. Even friends who attend many fan events each year had no idea this convention existed. Why? A lack of marketing, guerilla or otherwise. In this sense, Super Megafest is their own worst enemy and that truly is a shame.

I applaud the effort to bring suburban fans together with the celebrities and artists they love. I sincerely hope more of these fan conventions pop up in smaller cities around the country. Admission tickets for the Super Megafest weekend range in price from $20 to $100. For more information on Super Megafest, visit the event website.