Oh so many questions

i think that furs go to cons to get away for a weekend, to hangout with other furs and have fun (i don't know yet, this will be my first con). there are many panels to go to, you can hang out with other furs, you can volunteer to meet other furs and help out, or you can just roam the con. hugs are always completely optional. my only suggestion is to go to youtube and watch some of the multitude of videos posted there. BBF did a 13 part thing on last years con and it's posted there. but most of all have fun! that's what all this is about

I've said some very immature things on the Internet that I still regret to this day. I hope people still aren't holding a grudge against me. What do I do in an awkward situation where I meet people who may see me with enmity, but don't know who I am because they have yet to see my face?

I just wouldn't volunteer that information. Why ruin an otherwise good social interaction? Given how quickly drama evaporates, people might not even remember or care.

What is there to do at the convention? I'll be there from Friday evening and will probably leave Sunday afternoon. What do most furries go to a convention for anyhow? What should I expect, or is there anything that can be expected?

Lots of events, both in terms of panels, and stage performances. Our schedule should appear in the next week or so. Watch the front page of this website (or our Twitter feed) for it. Oh, and plenty of socializing. And dances, too!

I'm not a very social person IRL. Should I normally expect people to do things that may be outside of my comfort zone (asking for hugs, guys hitting on me or asking to yiff, other kinds of physical contact, etc.)? Should my mother and I be concerned about this?

No. The public areas of the convention are rated G/PG, and people are pretty good about respecting personal boundaries. Also, folks don't want to run afoul of our Standards of Conduct.

Hope that answers your questions. Let me know if you need anything else.

What do I do in an awkward situation where I meet people who may see me with enmity, but don't know who I am because they have yet to see my face?

Well, If they do not know who you are then there is no reason to treat them like they might 'attack' you at random. If you are nice and respectful IRL people will treat you accordingly. if you would find yourself in a situation that would be awkward (for any reason) just walk away, if your talking to someone and you do not like where the conversation is going, just say nicely excuses me I have to go to the restroom, to eat, to my hotel room, or anything like that, there is around 4,000 people going to anthrocon, you will have no problem stepping away from situations you may not like.

What is there to do at the convention?

Points to Giza's post

What do most furries go to a convention for anyhow?

Well I can only speak for myself, but i am going to meet some new people, have some fun, see some shows and just have a nice relaxing week.

I'm not a very social person IRL. Should I normally expect people to do things that may be outside of my comfort zone (asking for hugs, guys hitting on me or asking to yiff, other kinds of physical contact, etc.)? Should my mother and I be concerned about this?

Well if you are not that social you might want to consider volunteering, from what i hear its a great way to meet some new people when your shy. As for things outside your comfort zone, if your uncomfortable with something, just say 'No', I do not think there will be people asking to hug you, from what i can tell, its normally people who ask to hug the suiters.

AC is very family-friendly. Lots of people have clean fun all through
the convention. A few of the late night (after 10pm) panels are
clearly marked as adult-specific. You don't have to attend them,
although they tend to be tasteful.

There's usually a "mature" art auction. I don't know anything about it
because I skip it-it's a "mature" art auction. There's a public
dress code and conduct code in place. If you won't see it at the shopping
mall, you shouldn't see it at AC, and Security's pretty quick if someone
overdoes it when Anthroconning it.

That having been said, nobody regulates the insides of hotel rooms
(except for excessive noise and fire code regulations).
So, if you want to have a fun, family-friendly time at AC, just
end all your activities by, say, 9pm or so, or read carefully when
attending events after 9pm, and avoid "room parties" (which is easy.)

I'd like to offer some info for you. Perhaps it will help allay any fears.

First, yes, Anthrocon is a large convention by furry standards. There will probably be around 4000 attendees there. However, that doesn't mean that people will not be respecting your personal space. Most people will not be walking up to you asking you questions or making inappropriate comments. If anyone does something that makes you uncomfortable, you can alert one of our staffers or security teams, and they will address it with that person.

Second, the convention does try to provide LOTS of fun events for people with a variety of interests. There is an art show, dealer room, dances, and panels on many topics. I can recommend a panel called "So This Is Your First Anthrocon". This panel is great for folks that have not been to AC before, and will give you a fun and informative way to start the con. There is a central meeting area called "The Zoo". You can sit and relax in this area anytime you like.

Finally, take the convention at your own speed. Don't feel overwhelmed. Look at the programming guide and figure out the things you'd like to do. Try and develop a bit of a plan for what you'd like to see, and that will help a lot. You'll find that Anthrocon is a really fun event, and a great place to make friends.

KP

*Charline holds a grudge!* Even though I don't know you at all, I decide to hold a grudge for reasons of angst and drama! And eat you for it! OM NOM NOM!!

*Charles da hyooman erms* But, wouldn't you do that regardless?

*Charline hmphs* It's totally different! I'll eat him angrily vs happily! >:C

*Charles suspects most people can't tell the difference when they're being devoured alive* o_o