Next year

I was in exactly the same situation as you. First convention, ever.

I missed a lot of the panels that I wanted to see mainly because I failed to look to see what the panels were about until after the con was over. (D'oh!)

That said, I met a lot of cool people, two fursuiters at the airport (out of the fur). Most of the people I met were through people staying in my room.

I would recommend just sitting down with some people in the Zoo and joining in a few chats if possible. I met Jim Groat on Wednesday in the Allegheny room chatting with a group of people, and got to hear some very interesting stories about some of his past con experiences (not AC) concerning a group of babyfurs and his "Voice of God". That story alone made my trip to AC worth every dime.

Mainly, just ask if a seat is taken and try to join in the conversation with good input, or even just listen. Even ask your roomates if you can join a group outing or such.

_________________
My Anthrocon 2008 montage video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xfIYmueKeI

My past two conventions have kinda been like that. The First one I was in a bit a funk. I was supposed to meet someone at the con and well they never showed up. I still made the best out of it and enjoyed myself. It was definitely a challenge meeting people though. I was somehow under the impression that it would be really easy. Everyone seemed to be in their own cliques. I did find the best way to meet people was going to the zoo and just asking if you could sit at a table. I would just be polite and draw. I would strike up a convo by complimenting someone on a drawing or laughing at a joke. I managed to meet some cool people.

This past con was a little different, but I met with that same challenge in meeting new people. It was a lot more enjoyable, and seemed a lot busier than the first one I attended. I vow next time to go to more panels, because I know it will give me more of an opportunity to talk with people that share my interests. My roomates and I tried to slip our neighbors in an adjoining room a note to invite them to come over and hang out, but I think everyone was having too much fun to notice. XP

Anyways just be yourself and put yourself out there. Half the reason I joined these forums was to meet some new people. Hopefully I can fufill that goal in time for next years con. *chuckles*

i was in the same boat first con dident know anybody i guess you could check out the note board or tack something up there. i would meet you if you want i guess...

furrys rule!

You should come talk to me I'll talk to anybody XD

I love your note jacket--next year I'll have to put one on it if I can XD

I think you already know this, but...

Try volunteering a lot? We art show folks are certifiably too cool for school, for instance. :preens:

Then again, that puts you in the danger zone from roving staff recruiters...

I wish i could have made it this year. But, i have no ride or money. I spent it all on getting a ps3, upgrading my computer, and buying drawing accessories for my computer. But maybe in 2010 i may come. I will be able to drive myself. Plus i might have some extra cash to take along. Plus my friend wants to go along with me!!!! I know im off topic, but i had to share!!!

Well, if you're comfortable making conversation, then I'd recommend playing heavily on your strengths; position yourself to try striking up conversation with random furries you might meet there. Don't fret with the typical worry of trying to find something of interest... You're at a furry convention, after all, so everyone there's going to share a good deal of interests, and more often than not, this extends well beyond just an interest in the fandom.

AC'08 was actually my first furry con, though as I'll admit, I'd been to a few other cons before. I did meet MOST of the people I'd known at distance that I'd wanted to, as well as meeting a few people I'd never seen or heard of ever before.

Gathering from my experience, my main tips would be to keep talking, and if you're looking for new people, make sure to separate yourself from those you already know; if you're spending time with people and you keep yourself away from your existing friends, than every friend you meet will be a new one.

This can be done at more than just the Zoo; I've run into new people at various programs, the Art hall, the Video Game Room, the Pittsburgh Room, (or whatever that "alternate Zoo" on the second floor was called) the Computer Room and the rest of the Third Floor corridor, heck, even at Con Ops.

Oh, and Desteredra is right, so beware... D:

I met more people just hanging out in the pre-con room they set up on the second floor than I did at the rest of the entire con. Being there the day before everything really starts is great for meeting people because no one really has anything else going on other than occasional volunteer work or getting a room set up.
Just go up to a table with some room at it, ask if no one minds you taking a seat, and introduce yourself. I made a few new friends I ran into repeatedly throughout the con by just playing uno with some people.

Mrow-a-purr

Well, I've been going to AC since the last year they held it in philly. And let me tell you something...I found AC by accident! The year before, at the Adams, I had to drop a friend off for this convention thing she was all excited to go to. I was like..oh hell, whatever. I have a car. This was the day before the con actually started I believe, im not sure. Anyway. My friend decided i just HAD to go the zoo..and i met the most amazing people...actually ended up staying there for like..8 hours..and decided right then and there i would be attending every anthrocon thereafter, and have. The next year was my first "official" one, in philly, then we moved to Pittsburgh. it gets better every year, i and must say I was as shy as anything the first year. It gets better! If you are really shy, like i was ( and still am, sometimes.. ) just go to the Zoo and sit there, watching. Its what I did and met like.. a hundred people! ^_^ Otherwise just be yourself. Sorry this was so long e,e

Most of you furs keep saying just go to the Zoo and talk with people.

But you guys don't have any idea how hard it is for me to actually strike up a conversation. If I try I freeze up. I wish it was as easy as you guys make it seem, but for me its not.

like i said if you want to meet me just send me an email at (bmp10593 @ yahoo . com) minus the spaces i had a hard time meeting anyone at anthrocon too, heck,i sat in an emptyish corner of the zoo for a wile cause i was affraid to talk to anyone. but send me an email if you want to meet another fello fox.
furrys rule!

A suggestin might be to organize a meet/greet or panel for meeting up with folks that have similar interests. Programming is continuing to look for new material and if you would like to represent or discuss a specific furry topic, that would be an excellent way to meet new people.

KP