I totally understand this cause I'm actually really nervous about AC cause it's so fucking huge, but it's the fact that I can meet a lot of people there that I met on the internet in person, especially and including my boyfriend that will make it all worth while even if I don't enjoy the events or the crowdedness.

AC was my first furry convention, and probably will forever be my favorite. I can definitely see how it's size would be a problem for people with social anxiety, though. :c

I felt the same way about my first convention.
I'm actually an incredibly antisocial person, so the thought of going to a con made my stomach turn.
But when I actually went through with the first few... I started to feel much better about them.
Especially when you get to meet up with friends.
Overall I think when you're around people whom you like, it makes the experience 10x better.

I stick with furrys I know and then branch out a little. But its my mate makes the event fun.

I suffer from pretty severe social anxiety, to the point where I don't really leave my apartment unless it's necessary, but conventions are totally different for me. For some reason, I don't really get panic attacks or feel embarrassed there just for existing. The atmosphere is totally different from other crowds and seems more happy, which makes it easier to deal with. It also helps immensely to have friends at the convention. I know not everyone who suffers from this will have the same experience from cons, but if you approach it as a get-together of people who also have social anxiety and panic attacks, you may find it a little easier. Just remember that you're not alone and a lot of people attending cons get panic attacks too. *hugs*

It's just the whole being around a lot of people that freaks me out.
Also like 90% of furries I can't stand :/
Also I never talked to anyone I met from the con I went to ever again xD