First Year Convention?
Hello friends! We welcome you if this is your first convention, and even seasoned furs to our convention. We, Nashum Fur Con, want everyone to have a fun time with friends and family. We want to welcome everyone back with open arms year after year. For all the new furs that haven’t been to a convention or just apprehensive to attend, sometimes stepping out of your comfort zone will make you friendships that can last a lifetime.
Being based in Tennessee, it allows us to bring a bit of Nashville into everything. We have the Opry Mills Mall about 10 minutes down the road and are about 20 minutes from Walmart’s in all directions. So, plan according.
Below are some tips and tricks from staffers from all walks of life to help ease some frustrations and worries that you may have.
Breathe, It Is Ok!
Have you wanted to meet the furs that you’ve talked to over the computer or phone for awhile? Many furs set their convention schedule a year in advance and have set conventions they always have to attend. Getting out and attending a convention will let you meet with those furs face to face. You are with like minded people, all who share the same interest as you. Conventions are meant to have fun and make friendships that will last a lifetime.
Bring on the Packing!
Have you ever packed for a vacation before and then remembered something you forgot at home when your nearly there? Yeah, that happens to even the most veteran con goers. Making a list can help a lot when it comes to packing. It helps with if you are flying, how much you can carry or even if you have to stuff a car full of luggage. You should pack clean clothes for everyday of the travel plus one or two extra in case something happens, and you get stranded. It has happened. Make sure you pack enough toiletries also; a lot of hotels can provide simple toiletries like body wash and shampoo / conditioner. But having your own stuff is a lot better. Also bringing your own towel, it does help when you have multiple people in the room.
Your Mode of Transportation
We have a hotel page on the website that has information about what’s around (the hotel) to eat, to shop, etc.
If you are flying, please follow TSA’s rules for luggage and check in bags. The airport you will be flying into is BNA (Nashville). Make sure you have some type of identifying feature on your luggage that you can verify with a glance of an eye since a lot of luggage looks the same. Put your contact number on everything that is not attached to you during your travel.
If you drive the long drive from wherever you live, please make sure your car is up for the drive first. If you are driving long distance, then make sure you get an oil change and check your fluids to top them off. Make sure your tires are aired up also, it can help save some gas with properly aired tires. Make sure that you have a good GPS, Nashville has some horrible road construction. Gas station and food stops are a must also on your trip, so please plan accordingly.
Convention Time!
So when you come to the convention hotel for the very first time, it can be a bit over whelming. But take a deep breathe and relax. The hotel staff and convention staff are here to help.
If you have a hotel room, the first thing to do if it is around check in time is to get your room first. Get settled in the room, take a few moments before heading down for registration whenever it is open. If you need directions to registration, you can ask any staff member or find our helpful signs we have around the convention to tell you where places are located.
Once you are at registration and either pick up your pre-registration badge or have to register at the convention, you will get a con book with your registration that should have loads of information inside. Local advertising, Dealers in the den, information about the Guest of Honor(s), schedule for all events, etc.
Now most veteran convention furs know the 6:2:1 rule.
It’s six hours of sleep, at least 2 meals a day, and one shower a day. Don’t make us chase after you with Anti-Musky Husky Spray because you refuse to bathe. Hygiene is very important for any convention; people don’t want to smell body odor on their fellow convention goers.
Water is very important to the human body even when not running around a hotel for a weekend. It is very easy to become dehydrated while running around having fun. If 21+, please drink responsibly.
The main purpose of this convention and your trip to visit us is to HAVE FUN! Join in things that you normally wouldn’t think twice too, you may end up liking it and meet new friends.