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RMFC / Questions From a First Time Con Attendee
11 years ago
General
This summer, i'm going to be in Denver for a publishing program. The last day of the program is August 8th, which is the first day of Rocky Mountain Fur Con. Therefore, i'm going to see if I can attend my first ever fur con! Since i've never been to a fur con before, I have a few questions.
If I get a commission at the con through the artist alley, do I bring a sketchbook, leave it at the table, and come back later? Do I need to have character refs one hand or just direct the artist to my FA page?
When should I start asking for a con badge? When I get one, is it mailed to me or do I pick it up at the con?
Who else is going to RMFC? I've never met another furry offline, so i'm nervous about asking people I don't know if I could get a room with them. I know there are forums to find a roommate for the hotel.
What would you recommend a first time con attendee to bring with them to the con? What sort of events or shows would you recommend a first time con attendee to see?
-Skunkbomb
If I get a commission at the con through the artist alley, do I bring a sketchbook, leave it at the table, and come back later? Do I need to have character refs one hand or just direct the artist to my FA page?
When should I start asking for a con badge? When I get one, is it mailed to me or do I pick it up at the con?
Who else is going to RMFC? I've never met another furry offline, so i'm nervous about asking people I don't know if I could get a room with them. I know there are forums to find a roommate for the hotel.
What would you recommend a first time con attendee to bring with them to the con? What sort of events or shows would you recommend a first time con attendee to see?
-Skunkbomb
You don't need a sketchbook. But if you do use one, get a high quality one. It's your book so you want it on good quality paper. And don't forget to put your name on it.
A hard copies of your character's reference, in proper colors is a great help. Several copies so you can leave them with the artist. Also it does not hurt to have an idea of the poses and action used for the commission. If possible, have an idea of the artists you want to commission decided on before hand and seek them out.
A portfolio or other large flat protective material to store your commissions so they don't get folded or damaged.
Get your commissions early in the con. The first day or VERY early in the morning. Some artists do not stick around for the whole day. They have a life too.
I'd at least have one con badge ahead of time. You can pick up additional badges at the con.
Room mates, that is a tough one. It is always best to room with someone you know. Hopefully you can get some good advice on this one.
What to bring. SOAP! Actually, take a shower every day. You might be a skunk, but you don't want to have the "con funk" smell. That is worse then skunk spray.
Bring a camera. And extra money (cash) for tips such as housekeeping and those unexpected expenses.
A lot of furs get too excited and have too much fun at the con and don't get one of those which can lead to health problems, social awkwardness, etc.
I'd say check out as many panels and comedy shows as you can, those are where the real fun is, I find, unless you're a social butterfly in which case I guess the dance might be more up your alley. I've never cared for techno or raving (and I never learned to dance) so flailing awkwardly with glowsticks doesn't really appeal to me.
Pre-Registration is usually worth it. You would get your badge at the Pre-Reg Table, at the convention itself, but it is still a heck of a lot faster (usually) than waiting around for the New Registration Table. Also, look for perks of paying more for your badge. They're usually pretty cool!
RMFC has always been pretty good for hotel rooms. There are plenty of furs willing to share a room, for whatever price. I would recommend purchasing your own room, and then collecting people you would prefer share the cost, though--it means you are in control of the purchase, and can set ground rules above and beyond convention policy, have an awesome room party (that's not too loud for us sleeping folk), or have someone you dislike thrown out.
ALWAYS bring more cash than you think you will need, even if you have separate budgets like me. Always bring water. There will be plenty at the con, but having your own supply means you do not need to rely upon hotel staff and scheduling for hydration. Always make sure you pop into the Dealer's Den every day, if not more often. Always poke your snout into the gaming rooms, whether tabletop or videogame. Especially in the evenings.
I will probably be coming to RMFC, so beware! OooOooooO!