Non furs

I highly recommend that you and they both attend our panel "So this is your first time at Anthrocon", which is an excellent and funny introduction to the convention. Also note in the green bar to the left on this very websites, there are links to 'New to Anthrocon?" and "What is 'Furry'?", which will be good for them to read.

Suggest that they bring cameras, in order to take pictures of the fursuits: This is one of the favorite things I've found that 'non-furries' still like to do in regards to Anthrocon.

As for creating their own fursonas, I'd say that's entirely up to them. If they see folks with the art-badges during the convention, and decide partway though that they absolutely *must* get themselves one, then recommend artists you like to them. But don't pressure them into it; they'll let you know I'm sure.

Of course, Chiaroscuro's advice was all good. Just consider me as saying "I agree" to
his entire post.

I have some additional advice. (When do I NOT? )

I agree. It is smart to plan ahead. Some people will point out there's all sorts
of diversions in the city of Pittsburgh besides the actual convention, like
baseball games and so on. Myself, I tend to think of that as a bit of a cop-out.
Of COURSE there's lots of things to do. However, open-minded adults can find all
sorts of things to do that are interesting at any decent-sized convention. I've
attended a number over the years, and there's always something, or several
somethings, that will hold interest. Any decent-sized convention will have a
dealer's room with lots of stuff for sale. SOMETHING is bound to be interesting,
so just a walk through once is worth it. Even small convention dealer's rooms should
be walked through-you'd be surprised at some things in even small dealer's rooms.

AnthroCon is a family-friendly experience, and there's LOTS to do at it!
Chiaroscuro already gave the first stops for all inquiries.
Please note that people always fixate on the fursuiters. They will be up to 15%
of the convention, and they won't wear the suits all the time since they are
hot and bulky, especially in Summer. A significant number of people will also
wear ears and a tail at the convention, which are less bulky. More than 50% of
the people at the convention will be dressed in street clothes. (I certainly
will be.)

This is a convention of hobbyists. If they can accept, say, a Star Wars convention
with a few fans dressed as aliens, or a Star Trek convention with Klingons and Borg,
then this really is about the same. There's single people and families attending
different events, panels, everything.

Chiaroscuro mentioned the panels they SHOULD attend.

In addition, there will be HUGE numbers of panels, discussions, games, and all sorts
of things, all day and into the evening.
When you register, you will receive a packet that includes both a pocket schedule
that tells you what is going on when, and in what rooms, and a program guide
that explains each panel or event so you know if it's something you WANT to attend.
Even non-furs, so long as they are making a good-faith attempt to have fun-
will find enough stuff to fill their days, since so much happens at the same time.
If one panel doesn't interest you, there will be 3,4,5 more that will, possibly all
at the same time.

Shortly before the convention, PDFs of those books will be available here:
http://www.anthrocon.org/schedule
As of this moment (when I'm writing), it's linking to last year's booklets.
Those will give you an IDEA of what this year's schedule and programs will
look like. We'll be using much the same rooms, and adhering to much the same
times. Some of the same panels will be run again this year. Then again,
many of the same panels will NOT run again this year.

The Guest of Honor panels, and Uncle Kage's Story Hour, tend to interest a
wider audience than the smaller panels. The same can be said for the
Masquerade. Despite its name, it's a TALENT SHOW, and is at least amusing
when it isn't going to win an award for best actor on a stage.

Finally, I'd like to point out that the Tabletop Gaming Room and Video gaming room
will tend to have SOMETHING going on, so you can poke around either and see
if some game you like is in play. There will be demonstrations and games
for newbies in the Tabletop Room.

Badges?
We don't need no stinking BADGES!

Ok, seriously.
It's fun to get a badge, if you have a fursona, and the time to get a badge.
I didn't have a badge or fursona visual ready for my first AC.
I had a good time anyway. (You can see I came back...)

Nobody HAS to have a fursona to participate at the con.
I would recommend planning out something specific and unique
to use as your badgename, but that's it.
(I checked for months before I picked mine, to make sure it wasn't
already in use. I asked around, too.)

The only things you NEED for the con are the things you'll get at
the con: the conbadge, which must be worn at the con itself,
the schedule and program guide. Everything else, like a camera,
pen and paper, etc. are good ideas but all OPTIONAL.

Remember, the most important thing to bring is a sense of fun!
(Oh, and the best ID you have, preferably a government-issued
one like a driver's license.)

Ya. I'm new too AC as well. But I'm still not sure how I would describe a fur con in detail without creeping persons out.

I've been too MFF, so I suppose the actual con itself is rather surreal, with a light hearted, comical feel about it.

However when the drinking begins I would suggest hanging around with some persons you trust to not make an idiot of them selfs.

And also have a 'Plan B' If things don't look fun,safe,sane. I would suggest seeing the local area.

We like to think that there's something for everyone at Anthrocon, but if by some incredibly remote chance they find themselves looking for other things to do, there are a host of things to see in Pittsburgh. I just found out, for example, that the Pittsburgh Dragonboat Races are being held on Saturday, June 28 on the Monongahela River (not the one the DLCC is on, sadly).

Let me add something else that could be of potential interest to them. Our Guest of Honor (acutally he wants to be called the Guest of O.K.) is Floyd Norman. Mr. Norman was an animator on some of Walt Disney Studios' most famous films including "The Jungle Book". Mr. Norman enjoyed the privilege of working with Walt Disney himself.

There will be 3 one hour Q&A sessions with this fine gentleman who helped make animation history. Certainly anyone who has an interest in either animation, art history, or just a chance tohear a true Disney Legend speak would find these panels quite worthwhile.

On Saturday, there will be a parade of many of the beautifully crafted fursuits and costumes at Anthrocon. This is usually quite popular. Saturday afternoon, a gentleman named "Bucktown Tiger" will be giving a concert while performing completely in fursuit as a tiger. He's really quite talented and it's a very fun show.

These are only a few of the many events that will be happening at Anthrocon this year. Hopefully, they will help provide some enjoyment to your family.

K.P.
Anthrocon's Programming Puppy