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Anthrocon is the world's largest furry convention, taking place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania each July. Its focus is on anthropomorphics: fictional animal characters given human personalities and characteristics.

Founded in 1997 as Albany Anthrocon (sometimes abbreviated simply as "AC") in New York State, with a membership of about 500, the convention moved to Valley Forge, Pennsylvania in 1999 and to a larger hotel, the Adams Mark, on the outskirts of Philadelphia in 2001 as its attendance continued to grow. Membership in 2003 was announced as 1,949. In 2004 it was 2,406, making it by far the largest furry convention at that time. Attendance in 2005 dropped slightly to 2,373, due in part to higher parking fees, a different and unfamiliar hotel (the Wyndham Franklin Plaza in downtown Philadelphia), and possibly due to Hurricane Dennis's effect on the southern United States which closed many airports and prevented people from travelling.

Due to the unforseen sale of the Adams Mark Hotel in November 2004, Anthrocon chose the Wyndham Franklin Plaza in Philadelphia as the site for its 2005 convention. In June 2005, a contract with the Westin Convention Center Hotel in Pittsburgh was signed, and Anthrocon was scheduled to be held at the adjoining David L. Lawrence Convention Center between June 15-18, 2006. Despite concerns that the move to Pittsburgh and temporary date shift would decrease attendance, it actually rose to 2,489, which was enough to ensure the future of the convention for July 5-8, 2007.

The chairman of the convention, Dr. Samuel Conway (nicknamed "Kagemushi" or "Uncle Kage" among attendees), oversees the operations of the Anthrocon with the help of a small staff and a number of volunteers who donate their time and energy throughout the weekend to assist the multitude of small tasks which arise. Since 1997, Anthrocon has donated more than $66,000 to animal-related charities.

Guests of Honor at Anthrocon in the past have included:

Typical Anthrocon Programming

Themes for Anthrocon

  • 2007: Looking to the Future
  • 2006: Making History
  • 2005: Heroes
  • 2004: Summer Games
  • 2003: Creatures of the Night
  • 2002: Inventions
  • 2001: Furries in Flight
  • 2000: Furries of Myth and Legend
  • 1999: Join the Furry Revolution
  • 1998: Here There Be Dragons
  • 1997: An East Coast Furry Convention

Charities

Every year, Anthrocon chooses a local charity that is animal related to be the beneficiary of its charity auction.

Past charities, and amounts raised:

  • 2006: The Western Pennsylvania National Wild Animal Orphanage - $5,845
  • 2005: Greater Philadelphia Search and Rescue - $6,470
  • 2004: Forgotten Felines & Fidos - $7,100
  • 2003: Support Our Shelters - $8,300
  • 2002: Canine Partners for Life - $13,200
  • 2001: Reins of Life - $7,200
  • 2000: National Greyhound Adoption Program - $6,500
  • 1999: Great Valley Nature Center - $3,600
  • 1998: Whiskers - $3,200
  • 1997: Therapy Dogs - $2,200

See also

External links

Furry conventions

 

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the "Anthrocon".

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