Tag: MFF

I can remember what I was doing at this exact minute a week ago as I prepared to commute to MFF for Day 2. What a convention and this is more the stuff I hadn’t talked about previously.

MFF is a great con and despite some problems it will always be that way to me. Although the crowd was a problem for me. Just take a look at any of the videos I posted, I was only able to hug one fursuiter and that was Keel and even then it was in a fursuit lounge hanging out with a friend.

I think as MFF is bigger it’s great there are places you can hangout with little by the way of crowds. I tend to battle claustrophobia even though it has gotten better over the years. Time to time I just need space enough to relax, and apparently what I saw. I am not the only one, as I saw more than a few sitting on one of the few chairs playing there Switch. It’s not like there is nothing to do… but when you need your space.

The usual things your just plain use to as any MFF are quietly disappearing. Fursuit hugs and photos unless your in a out of the way spot. Talking with friends, just too noisy almost everywhere.

It comes with the con, I only went to Anime Central once was due to the fact it was impossible to get through that Skybridge. It was easier taking the sidewalks, and I am sorry to say MFF has got to that point. I know a lot complain about it. But unless you got your coat or in a fursuit, going outside is not fun as it is usually in the 40s.

Crowds can be an issue and who knows how many are going next year. I just know I will be there.

I am very well aware I am stretching the title a bit. But really I am talking about the pole that holds the signal light on the NE corner of Bryn Mawr and River Rd in Rosemont, IL it’s the same block where the Hyatt Regency O’Hare sits.

All this started last year when furries and I include myself started to put stickers on this pole.

Naturally the hotel and the City of Rosemont didn’t like this, they thought it graffiti and with in 2 weeks all the stickers were gone.

Fast Forward to a week ago today when I snapped this photo

To quote a film “They’re Back”

Keep in mind MFF in order for this not to happen, place 2 panels up in what some call the “Fishbow” in the same area they have their offices.

Let me remind you this photo was taken Saturday morning, by the time both were at the charity auction I saw that they had no empty spaces left.

Due to circumstances I was unable to take a photo of the light pole on Saturday, but by Sunday we got this.

Notice something missing.

But wait there is more… When furries are involved…

I won’t say where this is, but it’s easy to figure out yourself. I wonder who many poles will be covered next year?

Photo by PK

This was in response to the protestors from my understanding. Everyone wanted to keep MFF safe

Really I am not kiddin’ about there being 13 ambulances at MFF. By the some some say more, although I can’t verify the exact number beyond 13.

So why were they all there?

A couple of honest accidents, landing on a concrete floor is not fun, a few other medical issues. But it seems the main reason they were there might actually cause some changes. It seems a bunch of people ran out of breathable air in the corridor and passed out.

There was plenty of eyewitnesses who verified this.

This is why I say walk along the street, besides sometimes it actually faster than talking the corridor… when it is crowded.

One thing I did not touch upon is the pee in the corridor and the poo on the hotel floor. They both came from Service Dogs and not the furries

By now I would be writing my wrap of MFF 2022, but not this year too many things happened. I really do think I need to address these based upon all available information.

First up is what about the protestors

The winners of our Hyatt Drink Menu contest are the One Fur All, and Justice Juice! Stop by the Hyatt Regency O’Hare’s Red Bar to enjoy our tasty winners- $1 of each purchase will go to this year’s charity!

700 of these drinks were sold during MFF 2022

That above title is correct, maybe it was because of miss planning on my part or things in general on The Final Day of MFF 2022.

For me it began because of personal reasons I did not arrive at MFF to almost 11 AM. I had quite a few things planned and sleeping late sorta ended it. I just had enough time to get a gift for a friend, eat lunch before it was my 1st Panel of the day for me.

One of my favorite author’s is Joe Strike, this was from his panel on getting published. I was hoping to find out more about his new book “Furry Planet”, and certainly did it comes out in February and should be available everywhere, even Audible in the near future.

Next Up Fursuit Games, which due to a previous panel wasn’t set up which caused a nearly 15 minute delay.

Eventually it started and I took part more on that in another report.

The bad part was that I had to leave it early for Joe Strike’s 2nd Panel on Furry Planet. Learned a lot more about the book, it’s more a sequel to Furry Nation.

A quick early dinner than the saddest moment of any con The Closing Ceremony.

Despite the usual delay, howling was encouraged and actually made Official

We got the news

700 Special MFF drinks served

over 100 Volunteers

The Official Con Tee was SOLD OUT, I never heard that happening before.

380 actually used the services of The Accessibility dept

But I know you don’t want me to ramble so what did we get and what is my take on this

13,641 attendees

That is more than 2,000 than 2019 when they had 11,019

Right now MFF is getting the same attendance as the Anime cons that are held there on average. Anime Central does say on it’s site that average 15,000 but they don’t release exact numbers

So what did Street Dog Coalition get $106,283.66 let me tell you they were crying tears of joy on stage

…and the Theme for Next Year?

Before I get into coverage of MFF Day 2. I have to address some of the rumors flying around the internet about MFF 2022. So far 13 ambulances, after speaking with security at least a couple of these calls involved real accidents, as well as a few cases of alcohol poisoning. Yes there was a SWAT truck parked there yesterday and inflated dinos blocked the entrance to the hotel. That pole is covered with stickers again and the hotel called the city of Rosemont. Also record attendance, Duncan Husky hinted at it on Twitter, security confirms it. Although the exact figure will be released during the closing ceremony. There will be changes to the Dealers Area next year totally due to the fact at one time or more? No more was allowed to enter as it violated fire laws, mainly due to the number who was there. Registration was simply amazing the longest wait I heard was 4 hours and that was Thursday. Given previous years where 7+ hours or more were common, this is a GREAT improvement. I hear there were a lot more volunteers this year, many 1st timers, some even giving back during their 1st MFF ever!

Day 2 was the day I met up with an old friend and hung out. Not to say we didn’t do things it’s just we more looked around at the Artist Alley trying to find an artist we both liked. 2 commissions were made, but given where we are on the list it could be a month before we get anything.

But in addition

Sponsor’s Brunch

You should have seen the line to get in and we all had a very good meal.

You can clearly see mine on the 2nd panel. Mine you this was day 2. I suggested they need 5 for next year, security agreed. Later I saw the pole and OMG wait to you see it… tomorrow.

What else Santa Furry

The biggest for us was Fursuit Charades

Funny thing happened during that event. They took a break near the end and half the crowd and half the fursuiters who were doing this left. Have no idea why.

Last the 18+ edition of “Whose Lion”, Alkali was GREAT was per his usual, although I agree with the staff he should have been given the 2nd Stage. You can see by the photo how good was my view.

Even though I was a Sponsor, I opted to sit with my friend. What can I say I’m Loyal

A few more photo and I expect juicy news from the Closing Ceremony as well as Joe Strike talking about his new book “Furry Planet”.

All this tomorrow

Yesterday was my 1st day at MFF 2022 with only a rough idea what I was going to do.

It began with this

You might recall this pole from last year when by the end of MFF 2021 it was covered in stickers. More on this later.

We all kinda expected a few changes this year but not this

You would think this belonged to the Reg line. But you would be wrong it’s the Vax Line, the one thing I can say it was quick around a half hour, just to get your Vax cards checked and get that wrist band.

This is only part of the Reg line

But despite a lot of things the longest any one seems to wait is 43 minutes

Mine was quicker… Sponsor you know

I did something different this year instead of going to the Opening Ceremonies. I went instead to a StreetPass meet. Turns out and I really mean it, I get the most hits on average. There were around 15 at the meet. All totaled by the end of the day I got 29, a absolute record for me. 27 of them was for the 1st time. I really hope this number holds for next years convention.

During the day, I went to quite a few panels and most notably the one hosted by AC Stuart, who did autograph my book in the Dealers Den. He was fantastic.

Speaking of fantastic I had lunch with Romeo Rabbit of Radio Rabbit Hole and they were so nice. Pleasant to be around and didn’t mind my rambling.

I wanted to show you this

That is one of 2 panels they set up in what some call the fish bowl. The other I placed my own sticker

Unfortunately it was too dark later to take another set of photos, by this the above was almost completely full.

MFF’s Plan was to set these panels up to avoid that pole being covered in stickers. I think they need more panels.

2 last things before I leave you today.

Ever had anything you planned suddenly go differently.

I had time to kill in the afternoon, so I decided to volunteer. They put me at the entrance to the Art Show. In case your wondering what did… check badges and make sure no water bottles, no backpacks or bags. I wound up doing it for 2 hours, what can I say I was tired. The chair they gave me was comfortable.

The Furry Variety Show was in one word amazing. Fantastic acts, good humor and what can I say I really enjoyed myself. They also had the largest attendance the show ever had. That room where it was held was 3/4 full

Almost forgot, the crowd geez it was packed. Will take photos of that today, but everyone from The Staff, The Volunteers, and even those like me. Would be totally surprised if they don’t report record attendance. I have not seen crowds this big since the last anime con I attended

I am very well aware I should have been going into better coverage for MFF 2023. But I had a lot of personal issues of late. Will not let that take over despite what some say is my favorite fur con. I will cover my actual experience both as an attendee as well as a volunteer. Whatever happens, both good and bad I will say something. But really as I mentioned previously there are some unusual Panels this year and I plan on being there for some. As in years past a daily report will be given which will end with a Vlog about my experiences.

One of which I know is NEVER get your badge on Thursday. Some have reported on waiting 40 minutes which is amazing compared to numbers in the past extending over 7+ HOURS.

I really wish I was making that up, but all you need to do is check social media on that one.

Speaking of which a few reported that the Staff had mentioned that they served 6,000+ yesterday. Which is already more than this time last year, speaking of which photos on Twitter of the Registration Line is mind blowing it was HUGE.

Maybe as a response to the light pole covered in stickers last year. MFF has set up 2 panels where you can place your own personal sticker. Mine will be there and I will post the photo here. These panels will be up for auction we will have to see what they sell for.

If everything goes right I will be meeting up with Romeo Rabbit of Radio Rabbit Hole for lunch today. I have been helping them out by posting videos on their Twitter. But this will be the 1st time we ever meet.

That’s it until tomorrow, with photos have a good day