‘Supernatural’ Las Vegas Con 2020 Recap

Written by Juanita ‘Obi-Juan’ Bonner

Like so many of my fellow Supernatural fans, I have been watching the show eb and flow over its impressive 15-year run. Crying, screaming and laughing at my television for years has become routine, but it’s only been the last few that I’ve interacted with the well-known Supernatural Family via social media and the internet. Even more so once I started writing Supernatural focused articles as well as covering the final season each week with Nerds That Geek. However, unlike so many fans out there, I have never attended a Supernatural Convention. Until now!! And I’m here to break down how this wonderful event (presented by Creation Entertainment) not only made me a stronger fan of the show but a welcomed member of the Supernatural Family and an even bigger advocate of fandom in general.
​
From the first time I watched a fan made Supernatural Con video I dreamed of going to one of these conventions. When I finally decided to work towards getting to one, the announcement that Season 15 would be the last came not long after. **SIGH** Adding fuel to my “must go” fire, I chose the Las Vegas Con, the biggest of all the others. Four whole days! YES!! From there, diving into all the deets on the Creation Entertainment site was thrilling, but a little overwhelming. There are a lot of choices. Gold, Silver and Copper packages, as well as single day and general admission tickets. The higher the tier, the more you get AND pay. Not to mention there were several fees for side events with individual actors, personal photo ops and auctioned meet and greets to pour over. Like most of us, on a budget, I opted for the Copper Package which was a happy middle ground that guaranteed me an assigned seat all four days and free entrance to a couple events. There were a few side events I would have paid extra to attend, like Ruth’s Witching Hour or Kim and Briana’s Pajama Party, but they sold out quickly. Additionally, having not been on a solo vacation in years, I chose extras outside of the convention and went for a spa day, top notch food and a unique Supernatural inspired tattoo to round out the whole experience. Thanks Eli and Count’s Tattoo!! Any extra money I spent at the Con, was on merchandise and personal pictures with a Baby replica. I also got one autograph and selfie with Ruth Connell (Rowena) to make up for not being able to attend her Witching Hour event. ALL TOTALLY WORTH IT!!

Basically, there is something for just about any budget at a Supernatural Con. For most, getting there, lodging and food are the biggest hurdles. This is often the same for any Con, but I will point out that food and drink in Las Vegas is completely outrageous!! However, once you’re there, you can immerse yourself in a very intimate world set apart from the loud casino environment. The closer you get to the designated Con area, the bigger your smile will become. And once you have your badge, you’re free to wander in and out of the stage area which is preceded by the free merchandise and autograph area. I was in Supernatural heaven and spoke with several fans, vendors and event coordinators. And all throughout, I heard and felt the same vibe…love!! If I had a question or was looking for something specific, anyone in earshot was happy to help. If I was trying to take a selfie with a screen prop, someone would offer to take it for me to which I always responded in kind. Even before the Con started, I rode the airport shuttle with attendees, newbies and veterans alike, which was a blast. Overall, virtually everyone I encountered that was there for the Con were fun loving, open and inviting, making the Supernatural Family vibe eminent throughout!! (#SPNFamily yo!)

As always, the Con was hosted by Rob Benedict (Chuck/God) and his fan favorite band Louden Swain. And in the midst of the rising Coronavirus outbreak, they opened with MC Hammer’s Can’t Touch This, sending waves of laughter throughout the crowd since Creation Entertainment instituted a “no touching” policy just prior to the event. The band knew comedy was needed more than ever, particularly for those who paid for professional photo ops expecting to hug their favorite character/actor, which is the norm any other time. Despite the ban, even photo ops (professional and selfies) were made fun by people coming up with creative ways to take their photo, effectively making the event even more memorable in its own way. Richard Speight Jr, (Gabriel/Loki) ever the counterpart to Rob as MC, was delayed due to finalizing his direction of one of the final Supernatural episodes. Obviously, a forgivable offense (LOL!). Yet, he made if for the band’s traditional Saturday Night Special concert and rounded out the Con hosting with Rob all day Sunday and doing autographs and photo ops too. NICE!!

---

Another very nice touch was the fact that many of the Con guests, aside from performing panels, sat at tables within the vendor area for autographs and selfies. Only the big names, Jared Padalecki (Sam Winchester), Jensen Ackles (Dean Winchester), Misha Collins (Castiel) and Alexander Calvert (Jack Kline), were in private areas for their autographs, and rightfully so. Still, virtually all of the other guests were freely accessible to watch and take photos of while they interacted with fans. Fees for autographs and selfies were similar to other cons, but the experience seemed considerably more personal and intimate. The vendors were a mix of original artists, fans, charities, and commercial merch who worked right alongside actors all in one room. It felt simple, personal, inviting and awesome. I loved it (insert heart eyes emoji here)!!
​
And speaking of panels, oh were they great!! I mean. When I booked this Con, as I’m sure most do, I envisioned seeing Jared, Jensen and Misha. Of course, their panels were fantastic, but they were on Saturday (Misha) and Sunday evening and actually turned out to be the icing on an already sweet and satisfying cake. No one phoned it in! Each and every guest was present, happy to be there, and thankful to the fans. And yes, I know many panels are like that, as they should be! But, many of these folks have been doing these panels for years now which isn’t just a testament to the fan base, but to the artists as well. A fandom con as beloved as Supernatural is a two-way street and I assure you these panels are some of the most memorable group moments of the entire Con. Even newbies to the circuit, like Matthew Lillard (Shaggy) and Grey Griffin (Daphne), for their voices in 13.16: ‘ScoobyNatural’, were fantastic!! Some of my favorites actually. And Matthew went out of his way, more than once, to remark on the unique atmosphere within a Supernatural Con. Alongside his testament, this made my experience feel very organic for sure!! Other personal favorites include DJ Qualls (Garth), Ruth Connell (Rowena) and Mark Pellegrino (Lucifer), Kim Rhodes (Jody Mills) and Briana Buckmaster (Donna Hanscum), Julian Richings (Death) and recent stroke victim currently in recovery, Tim Omundson (Cain). And darn it, I will forever regret not having Tim sign my mini First Blade replica. **SIGH** The only drawback was the sound seemed to be a bit off. Sometimes it was hard to hear, particularly if you were on the side of the stage in line to ask questions, which I was. Five times to be exact (WOOT!!). But more to the positive, I got to ask questions, laughed, listened to life stories and relived moments from the show with some of my favorite character actors and fellow fans. It was absolutely glorious!!

Finally, in between some of the panels there were group participation Supernatural trivia games, auctions, and even a Supernatural Family Con staple – a group sing with Louden Swain, dubbed Vendor Room Jam, out in one of the convention hallways. All of which drew specific crowds while others dispersed to attend photo ops, shop, or just hang out. For the entire four days, I found unique and endearing things from virtually every angle to love about this Con. And overall, the entire experience was a happy one as the famed Supernatural Family welcomed this Supernatural Con newcomer with open arms!! I would graciously attend another Supernatural Con and thankfully, because the Cons aren’t expected to end with the series, I just might!! Especially if I get a chance to get that First Blade replica signed, right!

Well, there you have it! My Supernatural Las Vegas Con 2020 experience. Did you attend this Con? If so, what did you think? Please let me know in the comments below or reach out to me @obi_juanita on Twitter. If anyone is interested in viewing videos or seeing more details for this Con, please visit Salute to Supernatural Las Vegas 2020 here. And keep an eye out for my remaining Supernatural Season 15 articles posted every Monday ahead of a new episode. Until next time… go Team Free Will!!

---