HIYA!!!

Wow. These furry conventions just keep getting better! Last weekend, I had the honour of joining 1,081 of my fellow furries for the biggest event in the UK Fandom calendar. The destination? Right here in the West Midlands. The event? Why, none other than Confuzzled 2014, returning for its seventh year (and my second), and this time transporting us to The World of Tomorrow, a glimpse of a future that never was. And so, here is a light-speed recap of my fourth furry convention.

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The venue
Unfortunately, much as I would like to recall an epic journey to the convention... there isn’t one. That’s because I live barely a stone’s throw from the convention! I packed the car, drove for 20 minutes, and that was my journey. That didn’t bother me though, for two reasons. Number one: once I am at Confuzzled, I never leave the site. That means it still feels like a holiday. Secondly, once the convention finished, there was no long PCD-filled journey halfway across the country. Again, it was 20 minutes back in the car, and an afternoon to re-adjust to everyday life. (But enough of that, back to the convention)

The hotel staff were… that’s a tricky one actually. I understand that not everyone had a positive experience regarding the hotel staff, and I myself had several long waits at the bar for drinks. However for me, there were three small stand-out moments of service: the Spanish chap who welcomed me to the hotel and checked me in; my housekeeper; and the lady in the canteen on the final morning.

And of course, how could I forget my fantastic room-mate,  gamepopper. Always there for a chat, in the room or around the convention, I would room with him at any time and at any convention. A truly top cat.

Security
This year was also my second turn on the Security team. Led with superb German efficiency by Dhary Montecore and by Crimson, from door work to marshalling the Fursuit Parade, we watched each other’s backs, and if you don’t mind me saying guys, each of you is a real credit to the team and to the convention. The experience, the professionalism, the camaraderie… honestly, I could not ask for a better team to serve alongside.

Now, a few of you came up to me during the convention, and said they hoped I would find time to relax, that I wouldn’t be too busy. And, well, I did! In fact this year struck a nice balance. And I still managed to meet more or less everyone I hoped to. So would I work for Security again? Without a doubt.

Confuzzled 2014 Convention Security: Ash Weststar, Ayun, Bad Boy Bunny, Bezel, Capeh, Codewolf, Cueball, Dief, Drayygon, Flake, Ginge, Io, Lonestar, Mitu, Mooie, Nightpaws, Raithsphere, Ravell, Remco, Rwylin, Shiinsuh, Silva Wolfie, Kitt Spidox and Torikabuto.

Fursuiting
Finally, after four years of watching from the sidelines, I managed to fursuit at a convention. Delph Possum is a gorgeous suit made by the talented Pickled Lemur, and here he was the perfect excuse, in between busy shifts, just to be somebody completely different. (By the way I do not have a fursuit of Ziegenbock, so if you thought you saw one, it was likely my friend Ram Brissot.) I will be honest though, I would have liked to fursuit more at the convention, meet up with people I know, and get some more photos. But hey, with Security duties, there was always going to be a trade-off. I am still looking forward to the official photos. Plus he was invited to a room party, so can’t really complain!

Events
Many of the big-ticket events I sat out this year, not only due to security, but also due to scheduling clashes. But there was always an hour or two for a few get-togethers. The Hoofers and Horses vs. Bears and Wild Animals meet was interesting. A heated debate pitting carnivore against herbivore to determine... well, which is the best. Under the moderation of Erythro, we beasts clashed over which side offered the best services to humans, to mythology and, ahem, to pornography, as well as who were the most compassionate (and I am proud to say that we Hoofers won). Felder and Vasmeth, our resident heavy horses, proved themselves formidable forces on the debating floor, and full credit is due to Erythro for taking this event (and the Canine vs Feline edition) under his wing. I understand that the event may not have succeeded were it not for his guidance. It is unfortunate that Erythro didn’t lead the Mustelids and Marsupials vs. Rabbits and Rodents meet as well (which Delph attended as the sole marsupial). However it was still a pleasant environment for the smaller critters to greet each other, show off our fursuits, and meet up in a safe environment free from marauding wolves and big cats. Delighted to see Harlequeen, Cavi, Rattie, Medosai and Nall there, among others.

Fureoke again went excellently. Nothing may ever match the atmosphere last year in the Triumph Bar, but we all still gave it our “best” and enjoyed ourselves in the process.

Dealers’ Den and Art Show... for some reason, I made fewer big purchases this year. It must be a sign of me getting older. Still, I picked up a conbadge from Hazel, ordered another from Taya, and of course I collected my themed badge from Lapres and my room sign from Gallifreyan. Even here, artists were willing to chat, and I had some pleasant chats with Autumn, Rabid, Tazara, Garnet and Rachez.

National and International furs
Another big positive about this convention: I could come downstairs, into the bar, at any time of the day or night, and be guaranteed to find someone to talk to. There were just so many people to meet and catch up with, and I am grateful for every one.

A solid Midfurs representation from Awkore, Chad, Equium, Gabs, Hawker, Lev, Shenson, Typhon, and Vimto.
Oracle and Tobias, the first two furs I ever met, alongside Charlie, Freaky, Niro and Toshi who made the long trek from north-east England.
Ocio with his tartare sauce.
Ant, Blacksnip, Geo Cyberwolf, Misty, Russ, Seth, Snackcat, Thayne and Zuki from down London way.
The Leeds furs! Arcais, Cheetahkid, Lupestripe, Mikune, Phil, Rushy, Skavi, Wally, Wolfiee and Xolani
And let’s not forget Amethyst Mare, Bunny Rah and Axxiswolf who joined us from the beautiful country of Wales.

An incredible range of countries were represented here, and who as always add a whole new dimension to these conventions. In particular I would like to thank Q-DK for always appearing with a friendly smile (and a camera), and Weatoef for our ‘possum talk’ on the final day. There were many other visitors with whom I spoke, including Djem, Fiberkitty, Geo Panda, Kyth, Matoa, Rin, Rufus… and many more besides. (Hopefully I have not missed anybody out.)

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Seven days of animal antics have given us hundreds, thousands, of brilliant memories. So thank you to each and every one of you, Staff, Crew and Attendees. And… let’s do it all again soon.

To Infinity And Beyond!
Zieg