Anthrocon 2010 was the first ever furry convention I have ever gone to, and I don't think I've ever had so much fun before! I was just in a constant state of excitement, giddiness, and stimulation that it seemed like a real inconvenience to "waste" time eating and sleeping. There was just SO much to do all the time, so many great people to meet and chat with, it was quite overwhelming.
I can honestly say that I think the best part for everyone is the camaraderie of the community. Everyone is so kind and friendly and so interesting to talk to. Since everyone has converged to the same location, there's no other time when you can hang out with so many of your favourite online artists/friends in real life and have a blast together!
On top of this is all the many interesting panels and events going on. The Dealer's Room and Artists Alley, where you get to see or buy some fantastic art by some fantastic artists. Then there is the all the 800+ fursuits walking around that are all AWESOME, and I swear most are better than most professional sports mascots. Then there's the fursuit parade where you get to see them all march out at once. The nightly rave (dance) was off the hook! The Gathering of Dragons in the meeting room was great to meet more fans of your favourite species. Ahh, just too much! Too much fun!
I would do shoutouts to everyone I was in contact with the entire convention, but in the interests of not having this journal entry stretch pages and pages long and take over an hour to read, or the risk of forgetting someone, I won't at this time. You all know who you are! I had such an awesome time with all of you and you're all great people! I am certain I want to be part of this community and am proud about it!
As for things I'll do differently next time, and yes there will be a next time, it'll be to take a little more time making sure I stay rested and healthy the entire time so I can enjoy the experience even more. Before I even started on my trip to Pittsburgh, I was already pretty sleep deprived. Then the night before my flight I was so excited I couldn't really sleep. Arrived in Pittsburgh at 2 am due to bad weather causing flight delays. Then from there I pretty much just ate one meal a day and slept an average of 4 hours a night because I was having so much fun.
I was warned too of the "first con" experience a lot of people get (i.e. zOMG!! 24/7), and I guess I just validated that theory. Unfortunately though, I also got my first "con crud" experience as well (getting sick after the con), and even missed another day of work coming back. Although I think it was all worth it, I think I would have had an even more enjoyable time if I was not so sleep deprived and nutrient deprived too! My short term memory didn't seem all that good, I would forget people's aliases or ask repeat questions sometimes. Although, I doubt I was very much alone in that department!
To anyone that might have even remotely considered going to a their first convention, my advice to you is if you have the money and can get the time off, DO IT! I never thought in my wildest dreams I would do something like this. I am normally such a shy and reserved person, and this idea seemed so scary to me. When I was younger in my teen years, I thought no other human in real life would know about my unique passion and interest, and my scalesona SabreDragon. I am so glad I braved up enough to overcome that!
Kudos to the AC board for their impeccable organization of such a grand event, and thanks to the volunteers and staff and everyone that makes Anthrocon such a success and enjoyable experience year after year! You guys are great!