Being the GoH at AnthrOhio was very special to me, and I want to thank all the staff and attendees profusely. I was very humbled by this honor and while there I challenged each attendee to go out and each try to make the Fandom a better place in their own way. Everyone at AnthrOhio treated Draconis, Ribnose, and myself so well, but to me, it isn't about the recognition as much as the feeling of family the Fandom gives me, and I like to think my being a GoH was a confirmation of my feelings for the Fandom.

I had to spend a great deal of time at the airbrush booth with  neuril (Nash the Red Panda), but I tried to socialize and participate as much as I could. There were many Furs there that I have only known from online, and it was very cool to finally meet them muzzle to muzzle, so to speak. I did get to fursuit as Cutter Cat (my Sabertoof) a bit, and got to lead the parade, which was special. I did my usual work with the  furrydramashow trying to make sure that everyone hit their queues and making sure Draconis had his que cards. The dinner was excellent and well attended. I also got to do some valuable networking that hopefully will benefit the Fandom in the near future.

As a con president myself, I can say that AnthrOhio had their act together for the con, and give them a well deserved thumbs up. Things pretty well ran on time. The con attendance was up 30% over last year (I think it was in the mid 600s), and they raised about $4500 for the Bunny Rescue charity. Don't hold my paws to the fire on these numbers. I didn't write them down at the time so I may not be 100% accurate and some funds may have come in late.

On a funny note, the theme was Retro-Future, and when I arrived I got a nifty blue and gold "rocket" badge, crafted from a beautiful stiff plastic that had been laser etched. The staff, on the other hand, each wore a similar badge but in the color red. I totally lost it when I first saw a staff badge and snort laughed, pointed, and managed to choke out the words, "Red Rocket!", much to the chagrin of the staff member who claimed it was a "Crimson Capsule". It was a running joke the whole convention, which concluded with Nash airbrushing a large piece of cardboard with a red rocket on it and presenting it to Ed Hyena at the staff party. They are a good bunch of folks and took the friendly ribbing well.

On a down note, I was disappointed in myself for not being able to finish the Furry Joke Book before the convention. It just wasn't where I want it to be before the con, and I would rather wait a few months to get it done right, then rush it out and not have it as good as it could have been. I may go ahead and initiate a Kickstarter to help get the word out and get out some cool swag as well. What do you all think?