Advice for Cons

[Silver Wind34]

Hello all, I will be going to my first con this year over at Midwes Fur Fest in Chicago. I see that they have finally released their programming schedule as well. Now I am going alone, no friends that I know will be there just me. So my questions for you all are these.

1. Fursuit: I do not currently have a suit and most likely won't for quite some time, but I could buy a cheap fox mascot suit on ebay for around $40-$60. Would this be a good idea or no? I have heard that you may get ignored if you do not wear a suit at these things.

2. Events/Things to do: So for those of you that have been could you tell any events that are definately a must attend and/or ones to stay away from? Their schedule can be found here. And the schedule that I have created for events that interest me is here. I know that I have some overlapping events, that is because I'm undecided on some at this point so I figured I'd mark both down for now. Also what is there to be done if I am not attending any events?

3. Food? Is there normally pretty decent food either in the hotel at a reasonable price or is it typically smartest to bring your own food?

4. Join me! If you will be there do don't be afraid to give me a should I'd love to do some things with some fellow furs. I'm always open to new ideas and new things.

5. Behavior: I have heard varying stories that a lot of these things can be drunk people and NSFW is that true?

 

[Andromedahl]

I've only been to a few non-furry cons so this stuff is pretty loose and general

1. Fursuit: I do not currently have a suit and most likely won't for quite some time, but I could buy a cheap fox mascot suit on ebay for around $40-$60. Would this be a good idea or no? I have heard that you may get ignored if you do not wear a suit at these things.

You don't need a fursuit to attend a con furry or not. If you don't wanna be ignored then just try to be social; Mingle a lil. You're only as noticeable as you make yourself, and there's lots of people that are down to chat at cons

3. Food? Is there normally pretty decent food either in the hotel at a reasonable price or is it typically smartest to bring your own food?

Places near cons generally can be pretty ok at a decent price and some cons have on-site concession stands, though I tend to bring my own snacks to conventions when I'm low on dosh.

5. Behavior: I have heard varying stories that a lot of these things can be drunk people and NSFW is that true?

Every con has some people that aren't the chillest. Just like any group of people in any given town in public.

 

[Deleted member 82554]

1. Fursuit: I do not currently have a suit and most likely won't for quite some time, but I could buy a cheap fox mascot suit on ebay for around $40-$60. Would this be a good idea or no? I have heard that you may get ignored if you do not wear a suit at these things.

If you're into fursuiting or are looking to try it for the first time, sure, but it's not a requirement. You can also try FurBuy.com.

2. Events/Things to do: So for those of you that have been could you tell any events that are definately a must attend and/or ones to stay away from? Their schedule can be found here. And the schedule that I have created for events that interest me is here. I know that I have some overlapping events, that is because I'm undecided on some at this point so I figured I'd mark both down for now. Also what is there to be done if I am not attending any events?

The dealers dean and some of the panels are worth checking out. In fact, whatever peaks your interest are worth checking out, there are no right or wrong events to attend if it's on the con schedule.

If you're not doing anything, get drunk (if you drink) and/or interact with other people, especially the fursuitors; they lap that shit up.

3. Food? Is there normally pretty decent food either in the hotel at a reasonable price or is it typically smartest to bring your own food?

You can take your own, but there are a few decent, reasonably priced places to eat. Just ask.

5. Behavior: I have heard varying stories that a lot of these things can be drunk people and NSFW is that true?

Yes, and no. Con space is usually quite civil and dignified since there are children about. Room parties, on the other hand, can get quite nuts.

Bonus info: this is from the Anthrocon page but applies to furry themed events. Oh, and if you're going for the full event take at least $300.

 

[quoting_mungo]

MFF is a great con, and you definitely don't need a fursuit to have a good time!

I'd recommend catching the Furry Variety Show if you can - it's usually a good fun event, and the only reason not to is pretty much jet lag (last time I went, I unfortunately ended up nodding off in my seat, not because the show wasn't good, but because back then it was later in the day and I was already like 6 hours ahead of local time).

Like Andromedahl says, mingle! You'll meet a lot of people, and a lot of them will be quite happy to shoot the breeze with other attendees for a time. I've met some pretty fun people at cons before, and most people are usually either friendly or at the very least polite in telling you they're not interested in talking.

Since the con's moved since I last attended I can't speak for what might be available nearby, but most con books will include some kind of listing of nearby restaurants, and there'll be at least some snacks and drinks available in the con suite during its opening hours.

 

[Sergei Sóhomo]

My advice is don't be a con. Going to jail isn't fun so avoid becoming a con

 

[Silver Wind34]

Thanks for all the info guys! I really appreciate it. If I did end up getting that cheap mascot suit would other fursuiters look down on me for getting such a cheap thing?

 

[Deleted member 82554]

If I did end up getting that cheap mascot suit would other fursuiters look down on me for getting such a cheap thing?

Probably. But most will be to polite to say anything. Post a link.

 

[Somnium]

My advice for suits is it's much better to be with no suit than with a crappy one

 

[Cyco-Dude]

Hello all, I will be going to my first con this year over at Midwes Fur Fest in Chicago. I see that they have finally released their programming schedule as well. Now I am going alone, no friends that I know will be there just me. So my questions for you all are these.

1. Fursuit: I do not currently have a suit and most likely won't for quite some time, but I could buy a cheap fox mascot suit on ebay for around $40-$60. Would this be a good idea or no? I have heard that you may get ignored if you do not wear a suit at these things.

no, all you'ld be doing is wasting money on something that will make you hot and uncomfortable. just be yourself; there are FAR more people without suits than with suits...it doesn't stop anyone from meeting people and making friends. that's all on you.

2. Events/Things to do: So for those of you that have been could you tell any events that are definately a must attend and/or ones to stay away from? Their schedule can be found here. And the schedule that I have created for events that interest me is here. I know that I have some overlapping events, that is because I'm undecided on some at this point so I figured I'd mark both down for now. Also what is there to be done if I am not attending any events?

do whatever interests you. if you've never been to a convention, you should attend the "my first convention" panel. alternatively, you can just find one on youtube and watch that (there are tons). they all go over the same information, so you can save yourself that hour and go do something else instead. the same goes for any fursuiting / handler panels...you can watch them online and save the hour. must-see stuff depends on you; i like stuff with kage and alkali (whose lion, story hour, various 18+ games) and dance comps / talent shows. when not in a panel...you can do whatever you want. find some games (console or board), get some food, just wander around...lol.

3. Food? Is there normally pretty decent food either in the hotel at a reasonable price or is it typically smartest to bring your own food?

there should be plenty of options. bringing your own might be the cheaper way...it all depends.

5. Behavior: I have heard varying stories that a lot of these things can be drunk people and NSFW is that true?

there are some 18+ / 21+ panels, but they will card you...obviously you don't have to go if you don't want to. room parties and such are behind closed doors. the convention area is pg, so you'll only find stuff if you actively look for it or know someone whose having a party.

 

[Silver Wind34]

Thank @Cyco-Dude. What are the 18+ games, more specifically what makes them 18+?

 

[Sergei Sóhomo]

Thank @Cyco-Dude. What are the 18+ games, more specifically what makes them 18+?

Careful friend, that's a one-stop shop to get aids

 

[bhutrflai]

We've never been to a furry con, but we did go to Momocon in Atlanta this past May, all 4 days. We just drove in everyday, so we had more options, at least w/ food. We packed a cooler, mostly w/ our adult beverages. (We had no problem walking around with our insulated cups w/ a lid & straw.) We took sandwiches & chips one day for lunch & dinner, saved us a ton. Ate inside the next day & it was $10+ for a Chik-Fil-A. But there was a really good stir-fry cart though, and the huge bowl was totally worth the $12 each. So, just depends on your budget & how fesibly it is for you to pack food with you. You can't really to around a cooler with you inside. But sodas & water can be $3-4 dollars each. There was also a small food vendor area near the merch vendor/artist area, with some cheaper-ish options.

As far as panels, we only did about 1/2 of what we had picked. Saw a cool sword fighting demo, & our kids went to a few of their picks, but mostly the kids wanted the arcade & we wanted to people watch & just have fun. And we totally accomplished that!

I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by the niceness of everyone. No matter who you chose to cosplay as, no matter if you bought your costume or threw it together out of cardboard boxes & duct tape, everyone was treated with respect. Even me & Okami were asked to pose for pics, and we are just random Space Pirates (we wear it to RenFest too). It's all about the fun.

And don't worry about meeting people. There were plenty of people there by themselves, & you can always strike up a convo about a costume or a panel if you're waiting in line. And no one ever said no to a photo op, just ask. But don't be nervous, its supposed to be fun!

If you need to & can, do a walk thru on the first eve (usually way less people). It'll give you an idea of the layout, you can find the rooms for panels (I actually had a color coded map already. I know, I'm a dork.) Then go find a drink if that's your thing, and just have a good time. It's definitely an experience.

 

[TidesofFate]

Lure them in with products that look valuable, but aren't.

Oh, you mean those cons.

 

[DuranWolf]

We've never been to a furry con, but we did go to Momocon in Atlanta this past May, all 4 days. We just drove in everyday, so we had more options, at least w/ food. We packed a cooler, mostly w/ our adult beverages. (We had no problem walking around with our insulated cups w/ a lid & straw.) We took sandwiches & chips one day for lunch & dinner, saved us a ton. Ate inside the next day & it was $10+ for a Chik-Fil-A. But there was a really good stir-fry cart though, and the huge bowl was totally worth the $12 each. So, just depends on your budget & how fesibly it is for you to pack food with you. You can't really to around a cooler with you inside. But sodas & water can be $3-4 dollars each. There was also a small food vendor area near the merch vendor/artist area, with some cheaper-ish options.

As far as panels, we only did about 1/2 of what we had picked. Saw a cool sword fighting demo, & our kids went to a few of their picks, but mostly the kids wanted the arcade & we wanted to people watch & just have fun. And we totally accomplished that!

I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by the niceness of everyone. No matter who you chose to cosplay as, no matter if you bought your costume or threw it together out of cardboard boxes & duct tape, everyone was treated with respect. Even me & Okami were asked to pose for pics, and we are just random Space Pirates (we wear it to RenFest too). It's all about the fun.

And don't worry about meeting people. There were plenty of people there by themselves, & you can always strike up a convo about a costume or a panel if you're waiting in line. And no one ever said no to a photo op, just ask. But don't be nervous, its supposed to be fun!

If you need to & can, do a walk thru on the first eve (usually way less people). It'll give you an idea of the layout, you can find the rooms for panels (I actually had a color coded map already. I know, I'm a dork.) Then go find a drink if that's your thing, and just have a good time. It's definitely an experience.

I wish you and Okami would come to the Midwest Furfest here in Chicago. I'd love to meet you two.

 

[Tao]

Wear strong cologne to drown out the other smells. Take some immune system boosters.

 

[x_eleven]

Hello all, I will be going to my first con this year over at Midwes Fur Fest in Chicago. I see that they have finally released their programming schedule as well. Now I am going alone, no friends that I know will be there just me. So my questions for you all are these.

1. Fursuit: I do not currently have a suit and most likely won't for quite some time, but I could buy a cheap fox mascot suit on ebay for around $40-$60. Would this be a good idea or no? I have heard that you may get ignored if you do not wear a suit at these things.

You heard wrong. Most of the con guests won't have a 'suit either. If you don't have a fursuit, you can probably get a tail from a dealer at the con. If you're looking for an inexpensive fursuit, Here's a suggestion: Amazon. I got this 'suit, and am very pleased with the quality, and have worn it at a couple of 'cons.

"If I did end up getting that cheap mascot suit would other fursuiters look down on me for getting such a cheap thing?"

This particular 'suit is "cheap" only in that ot doesn't cost much. I got plenty of attention, and none of it unfavorable as it doesn't look "cheap" at all. Lots of folks wanting piccies. Ironically enough, Amazon also had a fox 'suit for $1000 that was the ugliest goddamn thing I've ever seen (don't see it listed anymore).

2. Events/Things to do: So for those of you that have been could you tell any events that are definately a must attend and/or ones to stay away from? Their schedule can be found here. And the schedule that I have created for events that interest me is here. I know that I have some overlapping events, that is because I'm undecided on some at this point so I figured I'd mark both down for now. Also what is there to be done if I am not attending any events?

That's strictly up to you.

3. Food? Is there normally pretty decent food either in the hotel at a reasonable price or is it typically smartest to bring your own food?

Probably.

"5. Behavior: I have heard varying stories that a lot of these things can be drunk people and NSFW is that true?"

It all depends. There was a whole bunch of that sort of wierdness, but that was coming out of California where they have a decidedly unusual sense of normality. You won't see that at cons held in other parts of the country. Most of the "NSFW" is confined to private room parties.

 

[bhutrflai]

Oh, and we went to the Sat eve rave at Momo too. (And took our kids & a group of friends they met there.) (And they said nothing about the kids joining us.)

There was a free bag check, to keep it slightly controled. But all in all, it was an awesome experience! Loud music (of course), glow sticks, &lots of laughter. (With a few odd looks from our kids bc they thought we were bumping & grinding too much.)

Def check it out if there is one to be found!!

 

[bhutrflai]

I wish you and Okami would come to the Midwest Furfest here in Chicago. I'd love to meet you two.

He is trying to talk me into FWA for this year, so who knows where we will wind up going in the future. (And we have friends who spent a year in Chicago, but they just moved back to Atl. We coulda had a free room!!)

 

[Sergei Sóhomo]

Wear strong cologne to drown out the other smells. Take some immune system boosters.

Well I suppose that'd be a good idea for the prison, but wouldn't a strong cologne piss off the other cons?

 

[Silver Wind34]

@x_eleven That is the same exact one I was looking at on ebay, but a little cheaper there around $40 if I remember correctly. Glad to hear that people like it and that you are satisfied with it.

@Tao I have heard of the strong smell at cons, is it really that bad? I mean sure having a ton of people some sweating their asses off in suits get a bit stinky at times but is it as bad as people say?

 

[quoting_mungo]

I have heard of the strong smell at cons, is it really that bad? I mean sure having a ton of people some sweating their asses off in suits get a bit stinky at times but is it as bad as people say?

Nah. It'll depend on how sensitive you are, but overall I've never been bothered. (Specific individuals or incidents could be a different matter, but in those cases moving out of the immediate area should be fine for you.)

 

[Guilleum2]

I've never been to a furry con, but in my experience at Animazement it's a lot easier to pack your own food. It guarantees that you're taking a break in your room to get off your feet and relax, you don't have to worry about paying extra for food (some places nearby will give you a discount in cosplay though!) and you won't have to wait in line to get nibbles.

 

[Deleted member 82554]

I have heard of the strong smell at cons, is it really that bad? I mean sure having a ton of people some sweating their asses off in suits get a bit stinky at times but is it as bad as people say?

This reminds me of the time Kage was rambling on about the E621 rule and how many people seem to lose common sense when it comes to it. They don't get enough sleep, shower and they think energy drinks are a substitute for food, then they wonder why they're a complete wreck at the end of the con.

Point is, you're going to run into those types and the smell will be very noticeable around the ones that don't practise good hygiene, especially the fursuiters, but you can always walk away.

Take my advice, try not to overthink the little things too much and your con experience will be much more enjoyable. Expect the unexpected but try not to be freaked out by it at the same time, just go with it...