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My First Convention
11 years ago
After an invite from 
Zikaur, I attended my first ever furry convention today. Seeing as ConFuzzled is about a half hour drive away from where I live, it seemed a no-brainer. I bought a day pass so I could get a taste as to what the event is like. I'm wishing I'd bought a pass for the whole weekend and was staying there.
At first, the whole thing seemed incredibly daunting as I stepped through the lobby doors. Whilst I was looking at the maps wondering where to go, someone came over and asked if I was OK and I will say that people were extremely helpful in directing me to the right place. After getting my pass and guide, I then went to the Dealer's Den where Zikaur was working. She very kindly made me a con badge so I had more than just my card to allow me inside.
Allowing her to carry on her work, I then took a look around the Dealer's Den and saw some famous faces in the community (TaniDaReal and the EZcool Suit guys being two I recognised) and also looked around the Art Show (where you could place bids on pieces of work, portions of which would go to charity). There was a wonderful collection of stuff in there ranging from a Disney's Robin Hood school backpack to some amazing canvas prints and some other novelty items. There was also a live auction happening during the weekend for other work.
Stopping for lunch (which if you are planning on eating at the hotel, make sure you have plenty of money), I then saw there were some panels taking place. I had time to attend two. One gave us ideas on how to improve our anatomy when drawing anthros and the other was talking about the basics of heading into space (as the con was space themed). Walking around the hotel, I even spotted Uncle Kage chatting with about 10 people.
Meeting back up with Zikaur after then, I met with some more of her friends and we all went to dinner, chatting and generally having a fun time. Zikaur made sure that I hugged a fursuiter as well!
One thing I had noticed during the con was there was a wide range of age groups in attendance. Some people must have been close to their forties and there they were still wearing fursuits and making artwork. I always had this thought that at some stage, I would need to leave behind this strange and wonderful fandom but seeing them made me realise that wasn't necessarily the case.
It also made me realise how inclusive the fandom is. I saw and heard people who had mental disabilities talking to other people and generally being very warm and approachable. The way they talked reminded me of my brother who has autism.
This also led me to another thought. I saw people at the con who I would never have guessed were interested in the world of furries. It made me think about the double lives they must lead. How many people know about this interest of theirs?
As I said earlier, I wished that I had been staying for longer but when I think about it, I think I did the right thing because what would have happened if I hadn't enjoyed it? My advice to first time con visitors would be the following:
• Make sure you know some people who are going. Perhaps even meet up with them before you head off so you can explore the place together and not have to try to find each other.
• Bring a camera and plenty of money because there is so much to see and do.
• Don't be shy! There are a lot of people there who will be willing to say hi to you or have a chat. Just don't do anything before you know your company is comfortable with it.
• Have fun!
I don't regret only buying a day pass for the event as I would rather have left wanting more than staying there after having enough but I will be there for the whole thing next time!
Zikaur, I attended my first ever furry convention today. Seeing as ConFuzzled is about a half hour drive away from where I live, it seemed a no-brainer. I bought a day pass so I could get a taste as to what the event is like. I'm wishing I'd bought a pass for the whole weekend and was staying there.At first, the whole thing seemed incredibly daunting as I stepped through the lobby doors. Whilst I was looking at the maps wondering where to go, someone came over and asked if I was OK and I will say that people were extremely helpful in directing me to the right place. After getting my pass and guide, I then went to the Dealer's Den where Zikaur was working. She very kindly made me a con badge so I had more than just my card to allow me inside.
Allowing her to carry on her work, I then took a look around the Dealer's Den and saw some famous faces in the community (TaniDaReal and the EZcool Suit guys being two I recognised) and also looked around the Art Show (where you could place bids on pieces of work, portions of which would go to charity). There was a wonderful collection of stuff in there ranging from a Disney's Robin Hood school backpack to some amazing canvas prints and some other novelty items. There was also a live auction happening during the weekend for other work.
Stopping for lunch (which if you are planning on eating at the hotel, make sure you have plenty of money), I then saw there were some panels taking place. I had time to attend two. One gave us ideas on how to improve our anatomy when drawing anthros and the other was talking about the basics of heading into space (as the con was space themed). Walking around the hotel, I even spotted Uncle Kage chatting with about 10 people.
Meeting back up with Zikaur after then, I met with some more of her friends and we all went to dinner, chatting and generally having a fun time. Zikaur made sure that I hugged a fursuiter as well!
One thing I had noticed during the con was there was a wide range of age groups in attendance. Some people must have been close to their forties and there they were still wearing fursuits and making artwork. I always had this thought that at some stage, I would need to leave behind this strange and wonderful fandom but seeing them made me realise that wasn't necessarily the case.
It also made me realise how inclusive the fandom is. I saw and heard people who had mental disabilities talking to other people and generally being very warm and approachable. The way they talked reminded me of my brother who has autism.
This also led me to another thought. I saw people at the con who I would never have guessed were interested in the world of furries. It made me think about the double lives they must lead. How many people know about this interest of theirs?
As I said earlier, I wished that I had been staying for longer but when I think about it, I think I did the right thing because what would have happened if I hadn't enjoyed it? My advice to first time con visitors would be the following:
• Make sure you know some people who are going. Perhaps even meet up with them before you head off so you can explore the place together and not have to try to find each other.
• Bring a camera and plenty of money because there is so much to see and do.
• Don't be shy! There are a lot of people there who will be willing to say hi to you or have a chat. Just don't do anything before you know your company is comfortable with it.
• Have fun!
I don't regret only buying a day pass for the event as I would rather have left wanting more than staying there after having enough but I will be there for the whole thing next time!
From what you described, I will certainly feel the same way if I ever attended one. still I'm glad to hear that you had a great time there.
My first was AnthroCon about eight years ago. Maybe nine. I've totally lost track. Haha.. I've been to every AC since and, a year or two after my first AC, I've been attending every FWA since. I love going to cons, seeing friends I only know online, and just hanging out, partying, and having a great time.
I always encourage furries to go to at least one because I'm certain they'll only want to go to more. So, again, so glad ya had a good time and hopefully you'll look to planning on other conventions. You'll have to make the pilgrimage to AnthroCon at some point, though. Just so you know. lol