Anthrocon Goes Virtual for 2021

I know you can attend for free but I encourage everyone who takes part please register. This has been a long pandemic and if you want to see Anthrocon survive please do.

Link to Registration

Anthrocon Cancels for 2021

The following statement was posted on their site

ANTHROCON

AN IMPORTANT, SAD, ANNOUNCEMENT

We had high hopes but at this point, it looks like that we will not be able to safely hold the convention. As such we have come to the unfortunate conclusion that the convention will be canceled this year.

For those of you who have deferred memberships or dealerships from 2020, those deferrals will carry over to 2022, as will hotel rooms won at the charity auction. Emails with the coupon codes for Anthrocon 2022 will be sent out at a later date.

Those who were purchasing memberships for this year need not do anything. Those memberships will be canceled and since no payments were processed so there are no refunds that need to be issued.

We are planning a virtual convention for this year. Information regarding the virtual convention will follow shortly.

Plans are proceeding for the in-person convention for 2022 which will take place June 30th – July 3rd. We plan to carry over the theme once again (Aesop’s Fables).

We are looking forward to Anthrocon’s return in 2022 and are excitedly anticipating seeing everyone in person and making the return of Anthrocon 2022 the best Anthrocon ever.

– Anthrocon Staff

Anthrocon Announces Ultrasponsor for 2021

Anthrocon made a surprising move recently when they announced Ultrasponsor membership

$1000 (Available during Pre-Registration Only) Limited Availability!

New for 2020 we are offering an Ultrasponsor Membership. This will be a limited availability membership offered only during pre-registration. An Ultrasponsor gets the full privileges of an Attending membership, as well as the following:

  • A nifty Ultrasponsor ribbon
  • A free Anthrocon T-shirt
  • VIP badge pick up at registration
  • Front of line privileges for advance admission to the Dealers Room each day
  • An invitation to the Artists & Dealers reception on Friday evening
  • Reserved seating at selected Main Ballroom events (plus 1 guest if desired)
  • A unique gift available to Anthrocon Supersponsors
  • An exclusive gift available only to Anthrocon Ultrasponsors
  • If registering prior to April 1: An advance opportunity to register for a hotel room before general availability! **(See Note)
  • Our wonderful Supersponsor Luncheon on Saturday with the Guests of Honor
  • Guaranteed placement within the first two rows at the Fursuit Parade Photo or Reserved Special Seating during the parade
  • Special Ultrasponsor Acrylic Badge (with special customization if you register by March 1st)
  • Free access to the Fursuit Friendly Cruises (if cruises are available)
  • Expedited elevator line privileges in the Westin Hotel
  • Sunday Ultrasponsor Brunch

Only time will tell if other cons offer this tier as more cons reopen.

Link to Anthrocon Registration

Anthrocon Registration Opens Jan 4, 2021

Please keep in mind Anthrocon 2021 will only take place if the number of virus cases are down enough to hold the convention.

Anthrocon News: Givebacks

COVID-19 Report: Anthrocon Cancels 2020 Con

This unfortunately says it all

The link which can be found here takes you to cancellation information page. Like most cons they are giving 3 options. #1 full refund #2 coupon code for next years con and #3 a donation to Anthrocon

COVID-19 Report: Anthrocon

I have to make this very clear Anthrocon has not yet cancelled or postponed as of this posting.

The following statement can be found here

Hello everyone!  We know that a lot of folks are wanting information and updates regarding this year’s convention and the current situation.  We’d like to give you a quick update.

Anthrocon has been in almost daily contact with VisitPittsburgh, the David Lawrence Convention Center, and/or our partner hotels.  At this time, all of our contracts are still in place, and plans for this year’s convention are still progressing.  That being said, there is an important development.

The governor of Pennsylvania has recently put a no-large gatherings order into effect.  This order currently does not have an end date.  That means we do not know if this order will have an impact on this year’s convention.  We are staying in frequent communication with representatives in Pittsburgh and will be providing additional updates as more information is provided to us.

Anthrocon has also spoken with some of the local media representatives.  It has been communicated to us that many in the city of Pittsburgh are very much hoping that Anthrocon will happen as planned and that they are looking forward to the return of their furry friends.  Anthrocon, and the furry community, have become a welcomed presence in Pittsburgh, and we echo the feeling that we very much hope that we can hold this year’s convention as planned. 

That said, we have been discussing how best to ensure the safety and health of our staff, attendees, dealers, and hosts. The Board of Directors of Anthrocon understands that there are many concerns and that government and health officials may decide it will not be safe for us to gather this year. We look to have a definitive answer by the end of May. Though we will provide updates as they become available even before then.

On a very personal note, each of our Board members wants to take a moment to wish every person, whether you are planning to attend Anthrocon or not, all the best during the current crisis.  We are more than a mere conference or trade show. We are a community of friends and family.  We hope that you are all safe and healthy.  To those who have contracted the virus, wish you a speedy recovery.  To those who may have lost someone, we send you our most heartfelt condolences. To those in the healthcare and other roles essential to our society, we take this moment to thank you for all of your work in this very stressful and tiring time.  You are truly heroes, and you have our unwavering respect and gratitude.

Be safe and be well.

Your friends,

The Anthrocon Board of Directors and Staff

COVID-19 Report: Anthrocon and FWH

As US cases top 100,000 Anthrocon which has not officially cancelled or postponed. Announced on their site has made changes to their Registration Policy.

At this point, there are no plans to cancel Anthrocon 2020 and preparations for the convention are moving forward as normal. However, we are implementing the following options in regards to membership cancellations effective immediately:

  1. Donation of the membership costs to Anthrocon
    1. The membership will be canceled and the funds donated to Anthrocon.
  2. Deferral of the membership until 2021 (Default Selection) 
    1. If the membership is deferred you will receive a coupon code once registration for Anthrocon 2021 opens.
    2. The coupon has no cash value.  Once the membership is deferred refunds will no longer be issued.
    3. The deferred membership must be used for Anthrocon 2021. If you are unable to attend in 2021 the deferred membership will be forfeit.
  3. Partial Refund of the membership.
    1. Due to our payment processor changing full refund policies because of many Covid-19 related refunds, we are asking our attendees if they’re willing to cover refund costs. This is a small portion of the full refund amount (About 3-4%), but it would help Anthrocon to handle associated fees. Anthrocon will issue a full refund for all who wish.
    2. Request for a refund of the membership must be emailed to refunds@anthrocon.org. The email must include the following information:
      1. First and last name of the registrant.
      2. Badge name
      3. Email used to register
  4. Full Refund of the membership.
    1. Anthrocon will absorb the associated fees incurred by the refund.
    2. Request for a refund of the membership must be emailed to refunds@anthrocon.org. The email must include the following information:
      1. First and last name of the registrant.
      2. Badge name
      3. Email used to register

Furry Weekend Holland has postponed their May 1 – 3 convention. It now will take place (hopefully) April 16 to 19, 2021 and has so far decided to keep the same theme Castles and Peacocks

Anthrocon 2020 and COVID-19

I know I am not the only one who is worried that this COVID-19 pandemic is going to effect the MOST IMPORTANT part of the entire furry fandom and that is the cons. Personally I am worried that MFF might be canceled or delayed. Although you can find the entire Statement from Anthrocon HERE I like to focus on the 6 points they make and recent events such as the partial travel ban imposed by the US as of today.

  1. We may restrict attendance of those who are coming from areas of the world where the virus has not been contained.
  2. We may request that attendees who show symptoms of illness remain away from convention space and encourage those who are ill prior to departure to consider remaining home.
  3. We may suggest that attendees refrain from hugging one another. While this is, of course, a cherished tradition within our community, it is unwise in an atmosphere where contagion may be lurking.
  4. We fully intend to provide hand sanitizer to our attendees, either at numerous fixed stations or in portable bottles. At this time few, if any, suppliers are able to meet the demand; however, we have already placed a substantial order for hand sanitizer which we expect to receive in May of 2020.
  5. All hotels provide an ample supply of soap. There is widespread agreement among the medical community that simply washing hands often for at least 20 seconds at a time is the most effective means of stopping the spread of coronaviruses such as COVID-19.
  6. In the event that local, national, or international health authorities advise that the convention not take place, we may be forced to cancel or postpone the event. Should that be necessary, we will make a decision at that time as to the disposition of membership fees that have been paid to date.

#1 Travel Restrictions have already been put in place not by Anthrocon but instead by the US Govt.

#2 If your sick you really should travel no matter the reason. Personally both at work and where I volunteer have already put that rule in place. If your sick you should not be here.

#3 HUGGING You got to play it safe

#4 Hand Sanitizer which you should be carrying around a bottle now. I take one with me all of the time, and despite what some have said it does kill germs and there is one available that can actually kill viruses.

#5 Wash Your Hands I think that point is very clear. But if your still worried, disposable gloves. My workplace is now providing them and I have a box of them myself. Also please do not touch your face or genitals without washing your hands first. I know the 2nd part seems silly…especially to guys. But I actually know someone who caught the flu like that…really.

#6 Keep and eye on both the news and on your favorite con own site for the latest news. Honest folks no one knows how bad this is going to get, and the only current treatment is watch the patient and monitor the symptoms along with weeks in QUARANTINE. There is no vaccine ATM.

Anthrocon to Host Kid’s Art Competition

This week Anthrocon announced they will be hosting a Children’s Art Show and Competition.

It will only be open to students living in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area.  There will be 2 different divisions based on age. Division A will be for any student up to the age of 12.  Division B will be for any and all students from age 13 to senior in high school. This is also extended to students who are home schooled.

All entries must be of this year’s theme being Aesop’s Fables and must contain animals in any form mythical to realistic. Although the site goes into more detail about different types of media that are allowed. All submissions must be made by June 1, 2020.

Winner in the younger division will receive $100 Amazon gift card. Those near college age could receive a $1,000 grant which only can be used for education or educational supplies.

Details can be found HERE