Shark Con 2025

Author: Stephanie Huynh

I had never been to the West Coast of Florida before, but I wanted to come here for one reason … Shark Con!  Every July, shark fin-atics gather here at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa to share their passion and love for one of the most misunderstood creatures on Earth.  Having an entire weekend-long convention dedicated to sharks is a testament to the progress made in changing people's mindset about them.  Shark Con is proof that many people do not see sharks as monsters but rather as respected inhabitants of planet Earth.

   Ambassador Stephanie Huynh at Shark Con 2025

Upon my arrival, I quite literally entered the shark’s mouth.  (At the entrance door was an oversized, inflatable, blown-up shark mouth in the shape of a dome.)  I took just a few steps inside and was already overwhelmed, but in the best way imaginable!  There were just sharks EVERYWHERE!  Larger-than-life inflatable sharks, a life-size replica white shark head, shark bags, shark clothing, shark artwork, shark tooth fossils, shark-themed jewelry, stickers, signs, and other little knickknacks, just to name a few things, and of course, the endless JAWS memorabilia.  I just wanted to buy everything for myself and my best sharky friends.

It was beyond clear that this was a gathering for shark lovers.  But in addition to the sharks, many other animals were recognized.  It was hard to miss the super-large inflatable octopus (which was actually a Kraken) and the manatee.  The animal displays of living, breathing owls, a Komodo dragon, and various fish were also fun to visit.  Fossils of whale vertebrae, horse teeth, dinosaur bones, and other prehistoric creatures, as well as woolly mammoth teeth and hair, were amazing and extremely humbling to see.  And beyond that, there were also many other interesting things, including tables/booths dedicated to conservation efforts, protecting sea turtle nests, and preserved specimens of small, long-deceased sharks.  And you couldn’t help but laugh at the brave individuals trying to tame the mechanical bull shark!  I’ll also have to mention the neon yellow-haired girl walking around in the Sharknado costume and the countless shark outfits, accessories, and other paraphernalia that adorned my fellow Shark Con attendees! 

I found the talented actor who portrayed Quint from JAWS to be extremely entertaining.  Interacting with him was just like being in the movie.  In addition to him, many of the child actors from JAWS and JAWS 2 were present to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the original movie's release.  They had discussion panels and shared interesting tidbits with us about what went on behind the scenes of filming with the big-name actors and director Steven Spielberg.  Unfortunately, Richard Dreyfus had caught Bronchitis and was unable to attend,

which disappointed so many, including myself!

In addition to the JAWS discussion panels, there were other panels of marine biologists, scientists, and professors from Florida International University (FIU), Shark Fest, and other organizations.  They discussed shark research and conservation efforts.  I absolutely loved hearing about their personal experiences working with sharks and their insights into what they see and believe about shark behavior, among other shark- and ocean-related issues.  It was amazing to hold a breakout session with a few of the scientists in a smaller room with only a few attendees.  Such an amazing opportunity to pick their brains about shark science!!

 FIU Shark Scientists Dr. Mike Heithaus, Dr. Yannis Papastamatiou & Dr. Diego Cardenosa

What else did I love about Shark Con?  Seeing my friends/co-volunteers at the Sharks4Kids booth, of course!  In addition to them, I also loved meeting vendors whom I’ve shopped from and follow on social media.  I splurged and purchased a beautiful Megalodon tooth, which the seller had adorned with a stunning greenish-blue lacquer paint to resemble the ocean with three black silhouette sharks swimming in it.  (I will not reveal how much I spent on that!) 

Even though I arrived at my first Shark Con solo, I knew I was among friends and so many like-minded people.  The two days just flew by, and by the end, I felt as exhausted as if I had done two full days of diving.  Needless to say, I can see myself attending again in the future.