All through for 2008! We'll be back July 2-5, 2009.

2008 was yet another groundbreaking year for Anthrocon!

Total in attendance: 3,390 (a 19% increase over 2007), leaving us still the largest furry convention in the world.

Total fursuiters in the fursuit parade: 453 (another new record)

Total amount donated to Pittsburgh Parrot Rescue: $3,900 at the auction + an extra $5,000 from Anthrocon at Closing Ceremonies (rigelkitty has additional amounts which will be posted this weekend) + $3000 from the "2-Gether On Stage" performance by Kage and 2 the Ranting Gryphon.

Our Guest Of Honor O.K. was legendary Disney cartoonist Floyd Norman, who has worked on such classics as Jungle Book and 101 Dalmatians, and Adrienne Norman, herself a prominent artist with Disney. Both seemed to enjoy their time in our company, and Floyd has written some nice things in his blog starting with this entry.

Western Pennsylvania Furry Weekend ad by Tiffani "Razz" Byers

We're still in need of submissions for future deadlines!

Gallery: http://www.anthrocon.org/promote
Submission Guidelines: http://www.anthrocon.org/promote/submission-guidelines
Release Form: http://www.anthrocon.org/promote/release-form

Anthrocon on Youtube!

Anthrocon now has an official presence on Youtube! Check out http://youtube.com/user/anthrocon to find videos of past conventions, as well as new footage we'll be putting up in the days and weeks to follow.

Currently we are in the process of uploading highlights from past years. Keep those eyes peeled for new videos soon!

Lots of rooms still available at the Westin

And the weekend computer glitch that made it look like our room block was sold out has been fixed.

Westin suites available in January

Suites will be available at the Westin starting in early January. We do not have prices yet; they will be announced at that time. For those who are thinking of getting a suite, we recommend that you make a reservation for a standard room now. You can upgrade the reservation later and simply pay the difference in the down payment. That way you will still have a room if the demand for suites outpaces the supply. Remember, suites are also available at the Doubletree, and those can be reserved right now.

Regarding the deposit on Westin rooms

Some folks have received email confirmations that indicate that cancellation would result in the entire stay being charged. This is, of course, a misprint. The email is generated automatically, and someone put the wrong numeric field into the template. It is being fixed. In the meantime, do not panic. Only one night's room and tax will be billed when the reservation is made, and no additional charges beyond that will be made if the room is canceled.

PLEASE READ before reserving your hotel room

Our hotels, the Westin Convention Center and the Doubletree City Center Pittsburgh, are now open for reservations! The beautiful Omni William Penn already had a group in ahead of us for this year, but they've already got us set up for 2010, so those of you who fell in love with that hotel should not fret.

This year, both of our hotels will require a down payment equal to one night's room and tax at the time the reservation is made. This will not be refunded if the reservation is canceled and it is non-transferable, so please, plan your trip carefully, and do not rush to reserve a room unless you are certain that you will be going. And please read on -- the information below is of critical importance for all hotel guests.

Hotel reservations to open October 6!

We thank everyone for having been so patient. Now we are excited to announce that Anthrocon attendees may begin to make their hotel reservations starting on October 6. Rooms will be available at the Westin Convention Center Hotel just across the street from the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, and at the Doubletree Pittsburgh just two blocks away. The Omni William Penn already had a group in this year – sorry! – although they are looking forward to having us back in 2010. Both hotels will require a down-payment of one night’s room and tax when the reservation is made; this will be applied to your bill when you check out.

Comic Buyers Guide ad by Candy Dewalt!

We're still in need of submissions for September 30th deadlines!

Gallery: http://www.anthrocon.org/promote
Submission Guidelines: http://www.anthrocon.org/promote/submission-guidelines
Release Form: http://www.anthrocon.org/promote/release-form

Dealer Registration and Hotel Reservations to open soon

Anthrocon will begin accepting applications for Dealers' Room space after September 15, 2008. More information can be found on our Dealers' Room Page. We are planning to open up reservations at the Westin and Doubletree hotels on or about October 1. We are still working out some final contract details in an effort to get the best deal for our attendees and to make sure there is enough space for everyone who wants to join us in July.

UPDATE, September 16, 2008 Due to recent flooding in the Chicago area where our Dealers' Room staff is located, table assignments will be delayed. We still hope to be able to send confirmation that applications have been received and that space is available by October 1.


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