I tend to like smaller conventions, but more because of my phobia of crowds than anything else. 
I don't think it's totally impossible to get some face-time with stars. I used to go into a convention hotel after-hours, and hang out in the hotel bar. Great way to get to know actors and get to talk to them all you want over drinks. To me, that was much more fun (and this was a big convention).
My local favorites in Florida are Necronomicon in Tampa (well, now St. Petersburg), and Oasis in Orlando.

I don't think it's totally impossible to get some face-time with stars. I used to go into a convention hotel after-hours, and hang out in the hotel bar. Great way to get to know actors and get to talk to them all you want over drinks. To me, that was much more fun (and this was a big convention).
My local favorites in Florida are Necronomicon in Tampa (well, now St. Petersburg), and Oasis in Orlando.