New Furry Wonders What's So Special about Furcons

Hello there.

I'm new to the furry fandom and I'm confused. I've heard of all these conventions for furries and bronies (which I'm new to bring as well,) but I don't see why they're so cool. I mean, sure it's a event that prior go to, but what do you do there? Do you chat, play games, eat, out any other things? Do you need to rent a hotel unless you live near it? It makes me wonder what's so social about these events.

Thanks for reading!

-SkyePanther (age 15, Michigan)

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Hi, Skye,

Welcome to the fandom, and I hope you have fun! You can visit any webpage of any furcon and learn about the activities offered, but to answer your questions here about what you can do, I can fill that information in for you.

At a typical furry convention, you will find:

• Lots of forums on all kinds of topics. A forum is kind of like a mini class of about an hour or so, where you can learn about many different things: fursuiting, comics, creating fursonas, learning about animals, talking about literature or movies, etc. etc. etc. You can learn a lot at these and spend time with people who share your specific interests.

• Then there is the Dealers’ Den and Art Room, which are places to see and buy various furry stuffs and also, often, meet the creators.
• Many furcons have special rooms for playing games, whether video or board or card.
• There is pretty much always a fursuit parade.
• There is often a dance and sometimes one or more variety shows.
• Some furcons organize little excursions outside the hotel, too, depending on where they are located.
• Many cons invite special guests to speak.
• There's usually an animal charity there, and you can learn about their work or make a donation.
• But a big reason furries go to furcons is because it is a place to socialize with their own kind and to do things like fursuit and act goofy in a comfortable, accepting atmosphere.

And, yes, if you don’t live in the area, you’ll need a hotel room. If that’s too expensive, you’ll often see furries rooming with each other to cut costs.

Luckily for you, there are two furcons in your area: Great Lakes Furcon in Grand Rapids, and Motor City Furcon (formerly Furry Connection North) in Novi. Note that, as a minor, you will likely need to be accompanied by an adult if you attend a con.

Another option, besides furcons, is furmeets. These are smaller, local gatherings that last a few hours to a day. If you join Facebook or other social networks, you’ll likely find some furries to meet up with.

Hope that answers your questions!

Papabear