I've never really written a convention report before, but I think I'm obliged this time. Not just because we were the Guests of Honor at this year's very first Fur the 'More, but also because I think that something totally awesome is happening here, and I want to tell everyone all about it.

Before we went, I honestly wasn't expecting very much. It's a first year con, so I figure there might be 100-200 people there. I expected it to be super disorganized, or at least not have a whole lot in the programming. I also spent some time beforehand staring at my couple of scattered personal costume components, all of which were ill-fitted, unfinished, or in need of repair, simply because I never have time to sit down and make something nice for myself. So I had resolved to not go suiting, or really to do anything at all.

We went in Thursday night for early registration, and already I found myself feeling a little excited. They were still working the bugs out of the registration system, but all in all things were looking good. We wandered around the convention space for a bit, and I found that, even though I had been to that hotel before for a different con a couple years ago, it was much nicer than I remembered. For one thing, I had somehow completely missed the location of the restaurant and the bar/grille in the hotel. We went up to the bar area, hung out with OrigamiGryphon for a bit, started to actually have more fun than I was expecting, and then left to prepare for the next day...

From opening ceremonies onward it's a bit of a blur - and no, I wasn't drinking. And yes, I slept - a lot, actually - but there was so much to do! And it was so fun! Even Mateo had fun, and that never happens. As GoH we were treated like absolute royalty, which I took entirely awkwardly because I am really not used to that sort of thing, and still can't shake the feeling that such treatment is undeserved - but I am beyond grateful for everything the con did for us over the weekend. They kept giving us food! In fact, one neato thing that these guys did (and I think plan to keep doing), was for all of the upper sponsorship levels and the GoH people, they provided 2-3 meals a day, drinks, an invitation to a fancy dinner, and shiny gifts. It was awesome.

Oh, and, sorry, it has to be said - COOLEST. ZOO. EVER. Yes, it was a little remote in relation to the rest of the con, but next year the con will be expanding to the whole lower floor, so the remoteness will no longer be an issue. It's this uncanny replica of a 1950's diner, complete with tiled walls, backlit glass blocks, and vintage neon signs. There's an antique car parked in the back, and smack in the middle of the room there's a dance floor. So much character! Could have used a little more chill-out music in there, perhaps (I think it was techno stuff all weekend, and a little loud) but it was a really cool place to hang out.

And as for my assumption of the low attendance - wrong! Actually, the final count of 475 attendees far exceeded everyone's estimates. They ran out of conbooks on Saturday morning.

I actually met more people at this con than I ever have before. I guess it helped that the proverbial spotlight was on us at all times, but I feel like the atmosphere of this entire con was extremely friendly, moreso even than furcons usually are. The hotel loves the con! Several members of the hotel staff volunteered to wear ears and tails for the whole weekend because they thought the whole thing was just so fun.

I did end up pulling on a costume for the parade (they moved us up to the front of the line *blush*), and cobbling together my hellhound again that evening, but both were a little bit of a slap-dash ensemble,and neither fit the theme. I have never really given much thought to convention themes, given that I usually only attend Anthrocon which has themes only as a formality. Fur the 'More is intending to really get in to its themes. They had a "Hallway Costume Contest", where the best costume that fit the convention's theme would be awarded a prize at the end of the con.

All in all, the scheduling hiccups and other issues were minor, the events were awesome - the music at the Saturday night dance sounded *excellent!* and I'm sad that I was too tired to stay and party. Maybe next year, because there will be a next year! And we will be there! And I want to try to pull together an outfit for the theme, which is officially Pirates vs. Ninjas!

Thank you so much, Fur the 'More, for a truly amazing weekend. I can't wait until next year!

• Qarrezel