Humans seem to have an innate capacity to project human characteristics in this way. Evidence from art and artifacts suggests it is a long-held propensity that can be dated back to earliest times. It is strongly associated with the art of storytelling where it also appears to have ancient roots. Most cultures possess a long-standing fable tradition with anthropomorphized animals as characters that can stand as commonly recognized types of human behavior.

FurFright is a Halloween-themed Anthropomorphic convention in Cromwell, Connecticut that has been entertaining attendees and raising money for animal/environmental charities since 2003. The 3-day event hosts people from all over the world who share a common interest in anthropomorphics.

Convention-goers watch and participate in discussion groups, classes, games, dances, and many other activities throughout the course of the weekend. Anthropomorphic conventions are identical to Science Fiction, Fantasy, Star Wars, or Star Trek conventions, except the focus of interest is the realm of animal stories and characters.

The costumes, animal mascot suits, and events make FurFright (and all anthropomorphic conventions) fun and entertaining for attendees and public alike.

Travel

Please see our Hotel page for more details regarding traveling options for FurFright. FurFright is local to four airports: Bradley International Airport, New Haven/Tweed, LaGuardia, and JFK.

Does the hotel offer suites?

The Crowne Plaza does offer suites at special convention rates. However, the number of suites is very limited.

The hotel sold out last year. Do you have any overflow hotels set up?

When the Crowne Plaza is close to being sold out, we will be releasing information about availability and rates at our overflow hotels, the Quality Inn, located directly across the street from the Crowne Plaza, and the Super8, located just on the other side of the I-91 overpass.

When I called to make my reservation, I was told

1. FurFright's room block is filled,
2. There are no more single/double-bed rooms available, or
3. The night I want is outside of what is available for FurFright's con rate.

What can I do?

The hotel has a large hotel block set up for our group. However, it is possible for us to sell this out before our representative can increase the rooms available to us. If you need a particular type of room, please understand that your options may be limited and your specific room type may not be available. If this is the case, check back periodically in case someone cancels their reservation.

I made my reservation and need to change it. What can I do?

Please call the hotel and ask them to make the changes.

The sleeping rooms are pretty spacious. Is it okay for more than four of us to sleep in one room?

The limit for the sleeping rooms is four persons per room. However, everyone knows that furs tend to "den" at the conventions to save money or just because everyone is friends. While the hotel is not going to check every room to make sure that only the maximum four people are sleeping in each room, we do not recommend advertising the exact population of your sleeping room to the hotel staff. If you are going to exceed the maximum, encourage your roommates to bring their own pillows and towels and to hang up used towels so they can dry.

Can I have a room party?
I am a fursuiter and need a room on a lower floor. What can I do?
I am handicapped and need a room on a lower floor. What can I do?

FurFright offers two sections of the hotel, one for late-night activities/parties and a general/quiet section. To reserve a space in one of these sections, just make your reservation using the special link located on our Hotel Information page. The form will provide you with the option to select either section.

Please note that all room parties must abide by the hotel's rules and FurFright's Code of Conduct. Violators of these rules will be shut down and/or removed from the con and/or hotel. Please be responsible.

I would like to be a dealer at FurFright. Do I have to fill out any paperwork?

Each dealer needs to complete a Dealer Registration form located on the Dealer Registration page. They also need to EITHER apply for a sales license for the State of Connecticut ($100 one-time fee) OR use our Dealer Cashier (for a 3% fee from your total sales). Photocopies or scans of the sales license must be provided by the close of pre-registration for the Dealers' Dungeon (the copies you provide must be made from the original, official Connecticut Sales Permit given to you by the State of Connecticut). If a dealer does not provide a sales license, they must sell through our Dealer Cashier or they will be denied space in our Dealers' Dungeon. If you are applying for the sales license at the time pre-registration closes and do not have a copy to send to the Dealer Director, please contact the Dealer Director immediately.

When and where can I register?

You can register before the convention through this website or you can register at the door during the convention. Pre-registration is encouraged. Not only do you save a few bucks but you get to stand in the shorter and speedier line to get your badge! Please check out our Attendee registration page for more information regarding costs and sponsorship levels.

I can only come for one day. Do I have to purchase a three-day admission?

No. FurFright offers single-day admissions at the con. Single-day admissions cannot be purchased prior to the convention. If you are not sure whether you'll be able to attend for one day or three and pre-registration is still open, we recommend pre-registering for the three-day admission since the cost may be comparable.

Single Day Registration Prices:

Friday-Only Registration: $25.00 USD

Saturday-Only Registration: $30.00 USD

Sunday-Only Registration: $20.00 USD

After pre-registering, how will I know if my registration went through or was received in the mail?

As pre-registration forms and payments are processed, FurFright sends out a confirmation email to let you know we have received your payment and/or form. Sometimes, however, large batches of forms and payments come through at the same time so you may not receive a confirmation email promptly. If you have submitted your forms and payment and do not hear from us, please feel free to contact our Registration department about the status of your registration form. We do not send out physical mailings. If you used Paypal to pay for your registration, we ask that you bring a printed copy of your receipt with you to the convention as proof of payment. This is not required, just highly suggested since sometimes FurFright does not receive the payment notice from Paypal and not everyone writes us to confirm we received their payments. By bringing your receipt with you, it will speed up your pre-registration process.

I purchased a Monster Membership. Can I upgrade my membership?

Of course! You may upgrade your membership as long as pre-registration is open or at the Registration desk at the convention. As of this time, we cannot allow attendees to downgrade their memberships.

Are minors allowed at FurFright?

Yes! If you are under the age of 18 as of the start of the convention, we require that you bring a signed and notarized Parental Consent Form with you when you come to the registration desk. If you pre-register, you can mail this form in as long as you send it before the pre-registration deadline. "Notarization" means the consent form has been signed in front of a Notary Public who merely verifies the identity of the person signing the form (your parent or guardian).

Children 14 and under must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian (who is registered for the convention) at all times. All minors must present a signed, notarized, and stamped copy of the FurFright Parental Consent form at the registration desk. If the minor's parent or legal guardian is present at the registration desk, a non-notarized copy of the Parental Consent form may be used. However, the parent or legal guardian must present a valid copy of their legal identification -- passport, driver's license, state-issued photo ID (official ID issued instead of a driver's license), or military ID -- to the staff. No exceptions will be made to this policy.

I'm turning 18 on the Saturday (or Sunday) of the convention. Do I still need to bring the Parental Consent form?

Yes. You will need the form for the first day(s) of the convention. However, on the morning of your birthdate, report to the Registration desk and receive a new label for your badge so you are no longer listed as a Minor.

What do I need to register at the con?

All attendees need to show a valid (i.e. unexpired) form of government-issued photo ID. This can be a:

1. State driver's license
2. State-issued ID (an ID offered to those who do not have a driver's license)
3. Government or military ID
4. Passport

If you are attending FurFright and live in a foreign country, we will accept foreign-issued driver's licenses, IDs, and passports as long as they are not expired. A passport, however, (especially since it is already required for international travel) is preferred.

FurFright will not be allowing anyone without a valid ID as listed above to attend the convention.

I pre-registered but just found out I'm not going to be able to attend FurFright this year. Can I get a refund?

Full refunds (or credit for the next year's convention) will be given if the request is received on or before September 17. Half refunds (or half credit) will be issued on requests received on or before September 24. No refunds or credits will be issued after September 24.

I will be arriving after registration closes. Can I still pick up my badge to join in on the events?

If you'll be arriving late (after Registration closes) and still want to attend the evening's events, you MUST Pre-Register and contact the Registration Director prior to September 17.

Your website says that you don't accept expired IDs. However, my driver's license is expired. Can I use it to register for the con?

No.

Your website says you don't accept student IDs. However, all I have is a student ID. Can I use it to get into the con?

No.

I don't have any of the listed IDs, but I do have a signed note from my mom/grandma/best friend/pet saying that I am who I say I am. Can I use that to get into the con?

No.

I have a million dollars US cash to slip you under the table instead of showing my ID. Can I get into the con?

Man, I wish I could say yes. Sadly, no.

I have an idea for a panel; how can I submit my idea?

Contact our Programming Directors with your idea. Simple as that. Please keep in mind that we are looking for submissions from people who want to CONDUCT the class, not just make a suggestion. After all, we can't have a panel or event without someone willing to organize and run it!

Can I carry a weapon, even if it's a stage prop (or made of plastic) at the con?

To protect the safety of our attendees, we encourage attendees to leave their weapons - real or otherwise - at home. We understand that sometimes your costume just wouldn't be right without your accompanying weapon prop. If this is the case, we ask that anything resembling a weapon be presented to the Security personnel for peace-bonding and then worn in the conspace in the manner described to you by the Security Director (i.e. no swinging the weapon or brandishing it). Any complaints received about attendees' props will result in the prop being removed from the conspace.

Someone is stalking me or has threatened me online. Can you ban them from the convention?

FurFright's first and foremost goal is to make sure all our attendees can enjoy their time at the convention. If you are having troubles with someone, we recommend the following:

1. Avoid any contact with them at the convention
2. Stay with a group of friends at all times to avoid being cornered by this person.
3. Do not engage in retaliatory threats or violence. This will result in your removal from the con.

If the person harasses or abuses you at the convention, report them to Security who will then do their best to take care of the matter, including calling the State Police if it is deemed necessary. Anyone making charges against another attendee will need to make a written statement and sign it before any action will be taken.

Can I take pictures at the convention?

Of course! You may take pictures within the con space as long as they are for private use. Pictures may NOT be taken of items for sale in the Dealers' Dungeon. Please respect your subjects' wishes if they do not wish to be photographed. Also, FurFright collects images taken at the convention for use on our DVD and in our scrapbook posted on our website. If you would like to share your pictures with us, please mail a CD/DVD to FurFright, PO Box 264, Durham CT 06422-0264.

Can I bring my video camera or other video capture device to the con?

Yes you may. However, all video footage MUST be for private use ONLY. Videos may NOT be taken of items for sale in the Dealers' Dungeon. Any video footage used for public display, including airing on television or the internet, can only be used with FurFright's written permission. If you would like to submit your video from the convention for possible use on the FurFright DVD, please send a CD/DVD to FurFright, PO Box 264, Durham CT 06422-0264.

I don't want my picture taken at all. What do I do?

Please kindly let the photographer/videographer know you do not want your picture taken. Also be aware, however, that your image may appear in general photos being taken of the con. Any video or photos taken of events in private sleeping rooms will NOT be used in the FurFright DVD or on its website.

Can I bring a webcam into the con space to broadcast live feed on my website?

No. This constitutes a public broadcast of FurFright's events which goes against our policies.

How can I volunteer at FurFright?

If you would like to let us know ahead of time that you would like to volunteer for the con, please contact either the Director of the specific department you wish to volunteer for OR send an email to our Volunteer Director offering your services. If you have some spare time to kill and a desire to help once you arrive at the con, visit Con Ops, sign up, and go to the department our Con Ops staff tells you currently needs help.

Do I get anything for helping out?

Yes, indeed! For volunteering 8 hours of work, FurFright Go-Furs earn a free FurFright t-shirt. If a Go-Fur works for 12 hours, they earn a free t-shirt PLUS free admission to the next year's convention. Setup and breakdown hours count as double. Just make sure the relevant director or event organizer signs your time card when you are done working for them so all of your hours count!

How can I become Staff?

Persons who devote much time and effort to the convention can be promoted to Staff level. Unless forming a new department, we generally do not hire people to a Staff level without having seen them in action in prior years as a Volunteer for the con.

I have items or services which I would like to donate to the Charity Raffle and Auction. How can I donate them?

If you are attending the convention, you are welcome to bring your items with you and drop them off in the room designated for the Charity Raffle and Auction. If you are not attending the convention, please contact our Charity Events Director or mail your item(s) to FurFright, PO Box 264, Durham CT 06422-0264. When mailing your donations, please include your name, address, email address, and a description of the item.

What kinds of items can I donate for the Raffle and Auction?

We accept all donations of good and services PROVIDED they are suitable for all ages. No adult or sexually explicit items may be donated to our raffle or auction. Common donations are: comic books, artwork, plushies, commissions (art or fursuit), ears/tails, paw slippers, role playing or collectable card game items, t-shirts, convention admission, blank DVDs or CDs, computer or video games, DVDs, CDs (music or art) etc. If you have a question about a possible donation, please contact our Charity Raffle and Auction Director.

Please note that an artist may donate a commission which may be of an adult nature or plushie/fursuit makers may offer commissions for items which may be adult in nature. However, the displays for the donated items themselves must have a G - PG rating (no nudity, etc.) to be entered into our auction or raffle.

What is the difference between the Raffle and the Auction?

We separate our donations into two categories based on a combination of their uniqueness and net worth. For example, a small to medium plush might be put into the raffle, but an offer of a commission for a custom-made plush would be put into the auction section.

How much do raffle tickets cost?

Raffle tickets cost $1.00 each.

I would like to perform at FurFright's Masquerade. What do I need to do?

We highly recommend you fill out our Masquerade form. Acts will be accepted at the last minute during the con on Saturday morning at the MANDATORY rehearsal.

Are there any limitations to the acts which are allowed at the Masquerade?

The length of acts is limited to four (4) minutes, and must contain material suitable for all ages. No sexually explicit material will be allowed into the Masquerade. Contact our Masquerade Director if you have any questions.

How can I pay for my admission and goods in the Dealers' Dungeon?

FurFright currently accepts credit cards or debit cards with the VISA or Mastercard logos. We also accept cash (US currency only). Checks or money orders may only be used for pre-registration payments.

What if my check for my pre-registration bounces?

An additional charge of $30 will be billed to anyone whose check bounces. If your check bounces, you have until you check in at Registration to pay the total of your admission and the $30 fee. If you do not attend FurFright, you are still responsible for paying the $30 fee for your bounced check. Persons not paying their bounced check fee will be considered banned until payment is received in full.

Artist Release Form

All art submissions must be accompanied by this Artist Release Form (either by mail, or e-mail).

Download Artist Release Form (PDF)

Author Release Form

All written work submissions must be accompanied by this Artist Release Form (either by mail, or e-mail).

Download Author Release Form (PDF)

Parental Consent Form

If you are under the age of 18 as of the start of the convention, we require that you bring a signed and notarized Parental Consent Form with you when you come to the registration desk. If you pre-register, you can mail this form in as long as you send it before the pre-registration deadline. "Notarization" means the consent form has been signed in front of a Notary Public who merely verifies the identity of the person signing the form (your parent or guardian).

Download Parental Consent Form (PDF)

Gaming Room Equipment Check-in Form

Save yourself (and the FurFright staff) some time by listing your gaming equipment (consoles, accessories, and games) on this downloadable form.

Download Equipment Check-In Form (PDF)

Dealer Packet

Contains the Dealers' Dungeon Rules, as well as other important dealer information. A must-have for every dealer.

Download Dealer Packet (PDF)