Eurofurence for Beginners – V2.6 / 24.01.2016
As the title suggests, this guide is written for everyone who is attending Eurofurence for the first time or who has questions, but is afraid to ask because they don’t want to look stupid. Even regular guests may find something useful in here. The content of this guide is not officially commissioned and authorized by Eurofurence. It is sorely meant as advice and is in no way a rulebook. There is no guarantee that the information provided here is up to date – please refer to the version and date in the title. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to ask on the official Eurofurence forum or send a mail to [email protected].
This guide is published under the CC-by-nc-as copyright. It may be distributed as long as there is no money charged for it or other commercial gain and the original author is credited. Every subsequent distribution has to follow the original rules. This guide was written by Dhary, the translation into English and conversion into PDF was done by Raider. All artwork has kindly been made available by the artist silverfox5213. Pictures have been taken by Stadt Berlin, Estrel Hotel GmbH, Blackfur, Hati, FaulLuchs, Fuchur, Furan, Giza, Khakidoggy, Webdolphin and Locutus.
1. Introduction, the hotel and basics ...... 4 1.1 The basics ...... 4 1.2 The hotel ...... 5 1.3 What do I have to expect? What happens at a furry convention? ...... 6
2. Registration, the Rush and step-by-step instructions ...... 13 2.1 The Rush? F5? ...... 13 2.2 Registration: Step-by-step instructions ...... 14 2.2.1 Step 1: Website ...... 14 2.2.2 Step 2: New Registration ...... 14 2.2.3 Step 3: Personal data ...... 14 2.2.4 Step 4: Membership packages ...... 15 2.2.5 Step 5: Completing your registration ...... 17 2.2.6 Step 6: Confirming your e-mail address ...... 18 2.2.7 Step 7: Paying for your registration ...... 18 2.3 Are day tickets available? ...... 18
3. How do I get a room in the Estrel? ...... 19 3.1 What is "Ghosting"? ...... 19 3.2 Can I sleep in a room that is not my own? ...... 19 3.3 I want a room in the Estrel! How do I get one? ...... 20 3.4 Late departure? Early arrival? Can I eat that? ...... 20 3.5 How do I pay for my hotel room? ...... 20 3.5.1 Payment via credit card ...... 21 3.5.2 No credit card, but living in Germany ...... 21 3.5.3 No credit card and not living in Germany ...... 22 3.6 Important hints about booking hotel rooms ...... 22 3.6.1 You’re booking a whole room and not a single bed! ...... 22 3.6.2 How do I assign a roommate to my room? ...... 23 3.6.3 Adding food and drink to the room bill ...... 23
1 V 2.6 / 24.01.2016 Eurofurence for beginners 3.6.4 What should I do if I did not get a room at the Estrel? ...... 23 3.6.5 May I enter the hotel without registering for the convention? ...... 23
4. Day of arrival, hints for your trip and a little bit of panic ...... 24 4.1 Make a list! ...... 24 4.2 What should I bring? ...... 24 4.2.1 Sanitary products ...... 25 4.2.2 Plasticbags ...... 25 4.2.3 Pharmaceuticals ...... 25 4.2.4 Identification ...... 25 4.2.5 Food...... 25 4.2.6 Tweezers and small watch screwdriver...... 26 4.2.7 Pillow ...... 26 4.2.8 Ohropax ...... 26 4.2.9 Plastic cups and cutlery ...... 26 4.2.10 Flashlight ...... 26 4.2.11 Extension leads ...... 26 4.2.12 Comfortable shoes ...... 26 4.2.13 Mobile phone ...... 27 4.2.14 Sewingkit ...... 27 4.2.15 An empty folder ...... 27 4.3 Packed! How do I get to the hotel? ...... 27 4.4 Arriving at the hotel and first steps ...... 28
5. Rules, security and staffers ...... 29 5.1 Convention rules and comments ...... 30 5.1.1 Rules of Conduct ...... 30 5.1.2 General rules ...... 30 5.1.3 Registration and Badges ...... 31 5.1.4 Hotel rules ...... 32 5.1.5 Parties and Gatherings ...... 33 5.1.6 Clothing and Decency ...... 34 5.1.7 Alcohol and other Drugs ...... 36 5.1.8 Weapons ...... 36 5.1.9 Photography and Video ...... 37 5.1.10 The Bottom Line ...... 38
6. Hygiene and clothing ...... 38 6.1 Costumes? Fancy clothing? ...... 38 6.2 Fetish gear?...... 39 6.2.1 Official guideline on clothing and decency at Eurofurence ...... 39 6.3 One of the most important points: Hygiene...... 49
7. Food and alcohol ...... 50 7.1 Alcohol or "Know Your Limits" ...... 51
8. Hotel Staff, cleanliness and a smile that can make a whole day ...... 52
9. Dealing with muggles and the press ...... 54 9.1 A TV station / a magazine asks for an interview...... 54 9.2 A reporter/camera crew approaches you during the convention ...... 55 9.3 What about people who don’t attend the con? Are they allowed inside the hotel? ...... 55 2 V 2.6 / 24.01.2016 Eurofurence for beginners 10 Sex and other things that can kill you...... 56 10.1 Sexually transmitted diseases ...... 57 10.2 Don’t be tempted to do something you’ll regret later ...... 57
11 Fursuiters, interacting with fursuiters and other hairy situations ...... 57 11.1 Interacting with Fursuiters ...... 58 11.2 Fursuiters roaming the con ...... 59 11.3 The Fursuit Lounge ...... 59 11.4 Fursuiters in distress ...... 60
12 Practical tips for your first convention ...... 60
13 Questions and answers ...... 61
14 Index ...... 64
3 V 2.6 / 24.01.2016 Eurofurence for beginners 1. Introduction, the hotel and basics Reading the questions in the forums even asked by people who have been to Eurofurence two or three times already stirs up a lot of memories for a seasoned Eurofurence attendee. Every EF-regular had a first time and so many questions. At some point every one of them stood in the lobby, was lost and did not know where to go. Every one of them made mistakes or wrong assumptions, dulling their enjoyment of Eurofurence.
Reading this will not take away every uncertainty and no one can prevent you from making mistakes. However, if this paper is able to provide a few hours of extra fun, it has served its purpose.
1.1 The basics Eurofurence ("EF") is the biggest furry convention outside the USA and as of this writing the 7th biggest in the world with currently 2300-2800 attendees. A convention ("con") is basically a gathering over multiple days, with many attendees and a program of events. EF takes place from Wednesday to Sunday in a week during August/September. You can book two additional days if you like, but we will get to that later.
The most important source of information is the official Eurofurence website. It provides all the basic information about the convention. All current information, news, announcements and questions are published and answered on the official Eurofurence forum. You can ask your own questions or get involved with the actual planning over there. Please note though, that in the months between September and January most of the EF staff tries to recover from the convention and it might take them up to a few weeks to answer. This is especially so due to the fact that all staff members work for Eurofurence in their private spare time while they still have a full time job and a private life.
Everyone who plans to attend Eurofurence is advised to create a user account. Additionally, Eurofurence provides a twitter feed. If you use Twitter, you can follow @eurofurence. This way, you will have quick access to all the latest news. There are individual feeds by other departments as well. Please remember that your questions can only be authoritatively answered on the official Eurofurence forum. A lot of questions are being asked on other forums that are being answered by uninvolved people who have good intentions, but may provide obsolete or outright wrong answers.
Just in case you wondered: As an international convention Eurofurence uses English as its default language.
For newcomers, there is a very recommendable panel (that’s what all the little events that happen all over the place for the duration of the convention are called) made specifically for newcomers. “Your First Furry Convention” It’s moderated by Uncle Kage (a stand-up comedian from the US and the chairman (aka boss) of the biggest furry-convention in the world) and me. This panel summarizes everything written down here in a crazy and memorable way directly at the con. It’s totally worth it!
4 V 2.6 / 24.01.2016 Eurofurence for beginners 1.2 The hotel Eurofurence takes place in the Estrel Hotel in Berlin.
The Estrel Hotel is Europe’s biggest convention hotel. With 1150 4+-star-rooms and two directly adjoined convention centers this hotel provides the perfect basis for our huge convention. Currently, the Estrel is building a new hotel tower with 700 additional rooms on 50 floors (174m height with a roof terrace). When this construction is completed in 2019, Eurofurence will have rooms for 3700-4000 attendees and convention space for over 20.000 people.
The hotel complex is located in south-south-west Berlin at the edge of an industrial park and near the highway (don’t worry, the convention is louder than the surrounding city). The Estrel is equipped with a helicopter pad, a pier and a train station for charter trains. A direct exit from the Autobahn to the hotel is being build right now. The neighborhood is mostly urban and sadly does not offer much in terms of nature, but rather Berlin-style architecture. However, the connection with car, bus and train is very good and you’re able to reach Tiergarten or the government district in no time if you want to play tourist.
5 V 2.6 / 24.01.2016 Eurofurence for beginners 1.3 What do I have to expect? What happens at a furry convention? As already mentioned, a convention is a meeting from furries for furries spanning over several days. Unlike a smaller "furmeet" (a local meeting), conventions have a schedule planned out and make use of the hotel facilities to provide events for you to take part in, marvel, be entertained and party. A lot of smaller lectures, groups to take part in or just meet up are being organized by other attendees. That is called a "panel". Multiple panels are being held at the same time per day so you always have a choice where you’d like to go. Of course, you can hold your own panel! If you have an idea what you’d like to do, just contact the programming department.
Stage shows, events by and for fursuiters and big raves are part of the schedule, just like the Dealers Den (a kind of market just for furry-related stuff), the biggest art show in Europe and an enormous area for changing and relaxing (Fursuit Lounge) with the best services provided for fursuiters. If you’d like to relax and get away from all of it, the hotel offers very good restaurants and a great beer garden. A huge bonfire will be lit every evening, inviting you to enjoy a beer, talk and listen to live music – all right next to the river till the dawn breaks. Additionally, artists and fursuiters from all over the world attend Eurofurence, so you get a chance to party with furries you would never meet otherwise.
However, a picture is worth more than a thousand words, so just take a look for yourself:
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12 V 2.6 / 24.01.2016 Eurofurence for beginners 2. Registration, the Rush and step-by-step instructions To attend Eurofurence you have to register and buy a ticket.
The registration ("Reg") for Eurofurence is done using a website. Several weeks in advance the registration opening times will be announced (mostly 20:00 German time (CET/MEZ)) in the forums and on Twitter (see "Basics"). At the announced time, you can use reg.eurofurence.org to register for the convention. As mentioned before, the used language around EF is English. The same goes for the registration. If you’re feeling unsure about this, it’s advisable to have someone to translate for you.
2.1 The Rush? F5? You heard that the registration is always completely flooded? That the server crashes? You don’t get the joke about the F5 key? Don’t worry.
Eurofurence is a very popular convention and the rush during registration is huge, that’s true. Usually the rooms at the main hotel become scarce after one or two days and this trend is increasing every year. However, no servers are crashing under the load anymore since EF has top-grade server administrators who are thoroughly prepared for the onslaught. The joke about the F5 key is simple: When you press F5 on your keyboard, your browser reloads the current page. Since the web address for the registration does not change, but the registration system unlocks at a specific time, a lot of people sit in front of their computers and hammer on the F5 key to be able to register as early as possible. Every registration is assigned a sequential number identifying the registration. The smaller that number, the earlier that person managed to register. Over the years a little race developed to see who managed to snag the lowest number. However, you are able to get a ticket later in the year on the official Eurofurence ticket exchange board.
Eurofurence is an event for adults; the minimum age to attend is 18. Registrations from anyone below this age will not be accepted without exceptions. Even those "parent waivers" in which your parents allow you to attend an event are not accepted. Your age at the first day of the convention is important. So, if you’re 17 in July you can register for EF that will be happening later in the year given you’re 18 on the first day. Should you become 18 during EF, ask in the forums for help. Surely a solution can be found, for example only attending for several days.
13 V 2.6 / 24.01.2016 Eurofurence for beginners 2.2 Registration: Step-by-step instructions
2.2.1 Step 1: Website Go to reg.eurofurence.org.
2.2.2 Step 2: New Registration In the top-left corner, click "New Registration".
2.2.3 Step 3: Personal data Now you’ll have to enter your personal data. Make absolutely sure that you enter the correct data, as it is stated in your ID/passport! When you arrive, the staff will check your ID/passport and if your registration data does not match your ID, you won’t get your badge (and therefore, no ticket!). So don’t enter junk. Here are some tips and explanations:
"Nickname" will be the nickname printed on your convention-badge (see below for details). "Zip + City" means your postal code and city of residence. You have to enter exactly what is stated on your ID. If this data does not match, you will not get a ticket! "Country" means the country printed on your ID. "Country on badge" is brought to you by the thoughtfulness of the EF staff. You may provide a different country than the one given in your ID. The country you choose here will be printed on your badge (your ticket) in form of a little flag. This shows others attendees what language you speak. "State" refers to the state you’re living in or the equivalent in your country. Please be sure to enter a correct e-mail address. Your registration confirmation and important information will be sent there! "Date of birth" must match the date of birth printed on your ID, else you’ll not get your badge. "Gender" means your legal gender. Why is "Transgender" missing? No, no one is discriminating against anyone here, but your ID contains a designation of your gender which needs to be correctly stated here.
14 V 2.6 / 24.01.2016 Eurofurence for beginners "Wheelchair" would be checked if you depend on a wheelchair. The staff needs to know how many wheelchair users will be present to allocate rooms and prepare events to be accessible for wheelchairs. Almost all areas of the hotel can be reached using a wheelchair by default. "Real name is confidential" may be checked if you don’t like having your real name published in the conbook or other media around Eurofurence. In this case, only your nickname will be published. Your real name will still be visible on your badge! This is required to attend the convention and cannot be circumvented. "Eurofurence e.V. Member" can be ignored. This checkbox is meant for core staffers to check for various things.
If you’re done entering your data, click on "Save and Continue". This takes you to…
2.2.4 Step 4: Membership packages You can choose which kind of ticket you’d like to buy. The "Con-fee" or "Entrance Fee" is your entry ticket for the convention. Paying this fee is mandatory for attending. It covers admittance to the convention and events like the Art Show and Dealers’ Den, your personal badge (a combination of name tag and entry ticket) and the Conbook (a guide book about the convention containing maps and information).
NOT included is admittance to the Main Stage of the convention, where the stage shows and dances are held. This is covered by the "Entrance Fee (Stage-Ticket)". A stage ticket is required! It’s possible to uncheck the corresponding box, but the EF Reg-Team would just add it for you anyway. The reason for this is simple: The stage ticket has to be billed separately for technical reasons. Now imagine five very smart attendees thinking: "Well, I don’t want to attend the stage events anyway. So I don’t need to buy the stage ticket." and uncheck it to
15 V 2.6 / 24.01.2016 Eurofurence for beginners save those 5€. There would need to be a way to actually prevent those five guys from attending the stage events. Otherwise, it would be unfair for all the people who bought their stage ticket. Those five would need some kind of identification, like differently colored or otherwise different badges. Additionally, security would be needed to strictly guard the stage events. All that hassle for some cheapskates who want to save five bucks? See?
If you like, you can choose the extra packages "Sponsor" and "Supersponsor". Attendees choosing to buy a "Sponsor" package pay an additional 60€ on top of the regular entrance fee. Those 60€ are basically a donation to the convention and are used to make the whole convention possible in the first place.
It is very important to note that none of the Eurofurence staff are paid for their work. Every staffer is paying his or her regular entrance fee; a lot are actually sponsors themselves although they work during the whole con for the other attendees. Eurofurence is not earning a single cent by holding the convention!
Therefore, sponsors are very important for the convention to be able to pay for all requirements and to keep the regular entrance fee for the other attendees as low as possible. As a little Thank You, Sponsors get the official Convention T-Shirt and some little goodies matching the convention theme, like an engraved drinking glass, a button or something similar. Additionally, Sponsors get reserved seats at several stage events or access to fast-track waiting lines. Please understand that the whole convention would not be possible without Sponsors! What they get in return is really not that much and the vast majority of Sponsors are not opting to get a sponsor ticket for the benefits it entails.
"Supersponsor" is basically the same as Sponsor, but the additional money being donated to the convention is considerably higher. This obviously helps everyone even more, since it reduces the general price for the basic admission tickets. Furthermore, it allows the staff to
16 V 2.6 / 24.01.2016 Eurofurence for beginners organize even better shows since they are able to rent more stuff like decorations or technical equipment. Some people just pay way more so that everyone is able to profit from their generosity and in return they get the same goodies regular Sponsors get, in addition to some extras like an exclusive event only for Supersponsors or something similar.
Very important: Eurofurence cannot process any refunds! This means that as soon as you paid your con-fee you are not able to return your ticket. You may resell it, though. If you’re interested in this, write a mail to [email protected]. Sponsor packages become a part of your ticket and cannot be returned separately, but can be sold with your ticket. Another important advice: You are able to book Sponsor or Supersponsor packages after you completed your registration, but you are not able to do so by yourself using the website. If you’re interested in becoming a Sponsor or Supersponsor after completing your registration, please contract [email protected].
Please provide your T-Shirt size under "Optional Information" so the staff is able to gauge how many shirts of which size they need to order. The information regarding your size is protected by data protection laws and is not shared with anyone. If you consider yourself an artist, 3D animator, musician or fursuiter, check the corresponding options. Those are for statistical purposes only and do not affect your registration! It helps the staff to plan the needed amounts of dryers for fursuits and how many attendees are to be expected at panels (the smaller events happening during the con) regarding 3D art, for example. While this data is important, you do not have to provide it, even if it applies to you. And no, even if this rumor keeps popping up: You don’t need a fursuit to attend a convention!
Finally, you may enter important information into the "Comments" field you feel should be known about you, for example if you require specific medication, suffer from epilepsy or other important things in case something happens to you. Like mentioned above, provided information are protected by data protection laws, are treated as confidential and are not shared with third parties. Eurofurence adheres to the strict German data protection laws. Please do not use the comment field for questions! It is very likely that your question would be overlooked since the system is highly automated. If you have any question, please use the official website to contact the corresponding department. If you checked everything in filled in all the fields, all that is left to do is…
2.2.5 Step 5: Completing your registration Now, just check the box saying "Yes, I agree to the terms and conditions" and click on "Save and Continue" to complete the registration process.
Important: By attending Eurofurence you enter a contractual relationship in which Eurofurence allows you to attend the convention and in turn you promise to Eurofurence that
17 V 2.6 / 24.01.2016 Eurofurence for beginners you have read the rules and will adhere to them! This means that if you break the rules and get expelled from the convention, you do not have any recourse to get your money back or to attend the convention. You broke the rules and therefore the contract. Also, you will not be able to make a claim like "I did not know that this is forbidden!" since you signed a statement that you read and understood the rules! For your convenience, the chapter about the convention rules contains the whole rule set with explanatory comments.
2.2.6 Step 6: Confirming your e-mail address Several minutes after completing the registration process, you will get an e-mail containing a link. Click that link to confirm that you provided a valid e-mail address. This completes your registration.
Now it’s time to wait. Every single registration is being checked manually to make sure everything is in order. This takes several days, since the staffers are doing this is their free time without pay and they have to take care of work and family, too. Please be patient.
After your registration has been checked and approved, you will get an e-mail confirming your registration. This mail also prompts you to pay your Con-fee and sponsor/membership packages (if applicable). This takes us to…
2.2.7 Step 7: Paying for your registration You can pay your Con-fee and (if you selected them) sponsor packages via money transfer or credit card. There are no credit card fees. Use the login credentials mailed to you in your registration confirmation to log in to reg.eurofurence.org. Click on "How to pay" in the top left corner.
You’ll see your outstanding fees, payment information for paying via money transfer and a link for a system to pay with credit cards. A step-by-step guide for credit card payments can be found on the bottom of the site.
As soon as you paid for the convention, your admittance to the convention is secured.
2.3 Are day tickets available? This question is asked every year and like every year the answer is the same: Probably. This decision is made for each year individually since it depends on several factors, like how many regular tickets have already been sold, if there are any special events like big concerts, etc. Probably day tickets will be available, but they usually cost almost half of the whole Con-fee and you can only get them on site. At some time during the year, an announcement will be made regarding day tickets – if there are any, you can just show up at the Estrel hotel and buy one. You can of course get a day ticket for Saturday on Tuesday if that is convenient for you. But beware; this decision is made separately for each year.
18 V 2.6 / 24.01.2016 Eurofurence for beginners 3. How do I get a room in the Estrel? First of all, a few questions that get asked again and again:
After you finished your registration and paid for it, you bought the right to attend the convention which takes place in the Estrel hotel. Whether you want to sleep in the hotel, at a friend’s house or in your car parked in some side street (please don’t!) is your call. Logically, a hotel room in the Estrel is the most convenient and 90% of all attendees choose this, but you do not have to.
Important: Please don’t annoy the hotel with questions about booking a room before you registered for the convention and your registration has been approved! Eurofurence reserved almost all rooms for the convention anyways. Even in case you manage to snag a room using some third party website, you will not get any of the negotiated con-discounts for your room. You would just end up paying way more, just wait until your registration is approved. Almost all third-party websites also reserve the right to relocate you to a different hotel if the hotel you booked should become overbooked.
3.1 What is "Ghosting"? The important thing is: If you did not book a room at the Estrel, you’re not allowed to sleep in the hotel. Nobody will say anything if you just visit someone in his hotel room or attend a room-party, but you cannot spend the night there. This is called "Ghosting" and strictly prohibited. German law calls this "obtaining services surreptitiously", so basically fraud and this would damage the business relationship between Eurofurence and the hotel and therefore the convention and all attendees. If caught, there will be a lot of trouble and all residents of the offending room would be expelled, a ban from the hotel and claims for damages is sure to follow. Please don’t even try it, it always goes wrong, sometimes even after the event.
Oh and no, you may not sleep in the hotel lobby, for example using some chairs. Sleeping in a car in the underground parking lot is also forbidden. If security finds you there, you will be asked to go to bed, wherever that may be. Without booking a room, you also can not use the hotel wellness area, but there are day tickets available for that.
3.2 Can I sleep in a room that is not my own? If somebody booked and paid for a room it is not considered "Ghosting" if he/she decides to spend the night with someone else in their room. This does not condone someone who booked a standard room sleeping in a suite of a friend for the whole stay, but as long as you booked a room for a night, you can spend that night in another room. "That night" means that you can only spend those nights you paid for in the hotel and are not allowed to extend your stay after your own room booking expired by staying an additional night in another room.
19 V 2.6 / 24.01.2016 Eurofurence for beginners 3.3 I want a room in the Estrel! How do I get one? First of all, you need to be registered for Eurofurence and your registration needs to be approved. Yes, this means you can book a room before paying your con-fee. This way you can wait with paying your con-fee until you know you’ll get a room in the Estrel in case the rooms are almost booked out. The e-mail telling you that your registration has been approved also contains a link to an online portal. There, you can book a room at the Estrel.
The staff managed to negotiate massive discounts for attendees of the convention, so you’re paying a lot less than regular hotel guests. This discount only counts for the days the convention is running (so Wednesday to Sunday), plus "early arrival" and "late departure" days. So if you plan to arrive before the con starts or would like to stay longer than the con takes place, you will not get any discounts for those days.
3.4 Late departure? Early arrival? Can I eat that? Eurofurence provides two additional days, one before and one after the regular convention days. Those are called "early arrival" and "late departure".
When booking your room, you may choose to arrive on Tuesday instead of Wednesday and the convention discounts will be valid for this extra night. This is called "early arrival". While Tuesday is used by staff to set up the convention, it has become common for half of the attendees to arrive already. However, there will be no events on Tuesday since the convention is still being set up. A lot of people use "early arrival" to settle in without stress and party with friends before the convention starts on Wednesday. The official start of the convention is at the Opening Ceremonies on Wednesday afternoon.
"Late departure" is the counterpart: You may extend your stay after the regular convention end by extending your room reservation for another day. Convention discounts will also apply for this extra night. This way, you will be able to depart on Monday instead of Sunday. Sunday is used for tearing down everything, so there will be no events on Sunday, except for the "DeadDogParty". The DeadDogParty is something like the unofficial after-party for the convention where a lot of attendees like to finish the convention with a bang. It is tradition that a lot of staffers and security in particular use this day to party themselves for the first time during the convention. Cheerful vibes are guaranteed and the DeadDogParty is an event you should not miss. And yes, the convention rules also apply during the "early arrival" and "late departure" days.
3.5 How do I pay for my hotel room? There are three scenarios:
You have access to a credit card (also debit-cards like VISA Electron) You do not have access to a credit card and live in Germany You do not have access to a credit card and don’t live in Germany
20 V 2.6 / 24.01.2016 Eurofurence for beginners 3.5.1 Payment via credit card This chapter provides payment information in case you have access to a credit card (Mastercard, VISA/VISA Electron, American Express).
Use the link mentioned before to choose a room and follow the directions in the booking portal. While booking a room, your due date will be displayed. You can cancel your registration without any fees before that date.
You’ll need your credit card to finish the registration. Your card will not be charged before the due date. If you just don’t attend the convention or cancel after the due date, your card will be charged. It is possible to transfer your room reservation to someone else, even after the due date. The person who made the reservation will need to contact the Estrel via e-mail or fax to make the necessary changes.
The online room booking portal shows the available room categories. Some of the higher-class rooms like big suites may not be displayed. If you’re interested in booking such a room, contact the Estrel via e-mail, after booking a room to have your room category adjusted if still available. The EF website shows prices for all room categories, but EF staff cannot tell how many room of each category are still available.
3.5.2 No credit card, but living in Germany The e-mail containing the reservation link also contains a codeword. Write your reservation via e-mail to [email protected] tell them the codeword. Your mail also needs to contain the following information:
Full name and address Date of arrival and departure The codeword The room category ("Double room", "Suite", etc) The fact that you don’t own a credit card and would like to use money transfer
When your registration has been processed you will be provided with payment details and a due date which is about 4 weeks before the con. When you’ve paid or after passing of the due date, you will not be able to cancel your reservation! If you cancel your room before the due date, you’re not paying anything.
It’s possible to transfer a booked room even after the due date has passed. The person who made the booking needs to contact the Estrel via e-mail or fax to make the changes.
Should you not attend the convention or cancel your reservation after the due date, you will receive a bill from the hotel. Otherwise, you can just pay your bill when arriving at the hotel using a cash card or money. Again, this only works for people living in Germany!
The EF website shows prices for all room categories, but EF staff cannot tell how many room of each category are still available.
21 V 2.6 / 24.01.2016 Eurofurence for beginners 3.5.3 No credit card and not living in Germany The e-mail containing the reservation link also contains a codeword. Write your reservation via e-mail to [email protected] tell them the codeword. Your mail also needs to contain the following information:
Full name and address Date of arrival and departure The codeword The room category ("Double room", "Suite", etc) The fact that you don’t own a credit card, would like to use money transfer and do not live in Germany
When your registration has been processed you will be provided with payment details and a due date which is about 4 weeks before the con. Shortly before the due date, you will receive an invoice from the hotel that has to be paid via international money transfer. When you’ve paid or after passing of the due date, you will not be able to cancel your reservation! If you cancel your room before the due date, you’re not paying anything. The hotel has a hotline in case of questions regarding your reservation or payment.
Should you not attend the convention or cancel your reservation after the due date, you will receive a bill from the hotel. Otherwise, you can just pay your bill when arriving at the hotel using a cash card or money.
The EF website shows prices for all room categories, but EF staff cannot tell how many room of each category are still available.
3.6 Important hints about booking hotel rooms You will find important notes regarding the booking process, the allocation of a room partner and alternatives in case you did not get a hotel room.
3.6.1 You’re booking a whole room and not a single bed! When booking a hotel room, you specify the category, for example Standard-Double, Deluxe- Double, Single, etc. All categories except very few are only bookable for two persons. Overbooking a single room is only possible under special circumstances. When booking a room, you’re paying the single-room fee per night, e.g. 79€/night. If you intend to share a room, you need to give the name of your roommate to the hotel before the due date. This increases the price of the room, e.g. to 99€/night. The price is still for the whole room! How you manage payment with your roommate is your responsibility. Usually, the cost is shared equally, so 49.50€ per person. The hotel will only charge the credit card or send a bill to the person who originally booked the room. As mentioned before, you have to manage the finances with your room-mate. Obviously, you should collect the money from your room-mate beforehand if you don’t trust that person 100%.
Very important: Many attendees book a room instantly after registration opens since they are scared the hotel will run out of rooms. So if 2500 attendees all book a room, those are single rooms at first. Since 98% of all attendees intend to share a room they only need 1250
22 V 2.6 / 24.01.2016 Eurofurence for beginners rooms later. This way, rooms become scarce instantly after registration opens and many people don’t manage to get a room. Later in the year rooms will clear up one by one, when people assign a roommate and cancel their reservation. Sure, many people don’t know who they will be sharing a room with, but please remember: If you already know who you will share your room with, tell the hotel their name when booking so that only ONE of you needs to make a reservation. Decide early who to share a room with. This helps everybody since more people can directly book a room!
3.6.2 How do I assign a roommate to my room? This is the simplest part: You just add this information when reserving your room. If you don’t have a roommate yet, you can tell the Estrel later by writing a mail to [email protected] and telling them the name. Remember that both of you are required to have valid IDs at check-in. Important: Whoever you choose, the hotel has to be notified that another person will stay in your room to be able to adjust the pricing for the room from single room to double room. If you don’t tell the hotel that another person is staying in your room, it would be considered "Ghosting" (see above) and would lead to a lot of trouble. So please tell the hotel when you decided on a roommate!
3.6.3 Adding food and drink to the room bill During check-in, you have three options. Either you pay with a credit card or put down a deposit of about 50€ to be able to pay drinks from the bar or food from the restaurant by having them charged to the room instead of paying with cash. If you don’t do either, you can NOT charge anything to the room. This is called "the room is blocked" and you have to pay anything you buy in the hotel with cash.
3.6.4 What should I do if I did not get a room at the Estrel? There are alternative hotels in the vicinity, like the "Pension am Park" or several youth hostels. Obviously, the rooms in a youth hostel are much cheaper than those in the Estrel, but those aren’t 4+ star level rooms and the youth hostels are somewhat far away, inside the city.
You may be able to get a bargain at other hotels or just wait until a room frees up since some people may cancel their registration and try to sell their hotel room and their convention ticket. It may pay off to take a look at the forum from time to time. Additionally, you can stay somewhere completely different, with friends or family, for example. Just remember: You need a place to sleep and shower if you did not get a room at the Estrel!
3.6.5 May I enter the hotel without registering for the convention? Yes and No. Generally, it is allowed to enter the hotel lobby and the beer garden without registering and therefore without a badge. You can also eat in the restaurants or party with the other attendees without a badge. However, you are not allowed to enter any of the convention spaces like the Art Show, the Dealer’s Den and the like. If you’d try to sneak into those areas, you will be kicked out and may be banned from future conventions or get a ban from the hotel. Without a badge, you may not enter anything besides the lobby and the beer garden!
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Attending room-parties is also generally not allowed without a badge. Also, think about the bad feeling when everybody is going to the next great show and you can’t.
4. Day of arrival, hints for your trip and a little bit of panic The day of arrival means a lot of stress for most of the attendees. You have to get up early, try not to forget anything and take a long trip in a plane, train or by car unless you’re living right around the corner.
To be as relaxed as possible at this day and not be completely stressed out when arriving at the hotel, mind those helpful things:
4.1 Make a list! You can prevent a lot of stress by planning ahead and making a list of things to pack. You can do this weeks or even months in advance. This gives you some time to add things later in case you forgot something. You should pack your bags the day before you plan to leave! If you start packing on the day of your arrival, you increase your stress and the risk of forgetting something. Just check all the things off your list you already packed. Take the list with you! This way, you can make sure you don’t leave anything behind.
4.2 What should I bring? For many years a list has been in circulation that has been collected using painfully earned experience. I wrote the following using the original, which has been published by Matt J. McCullar.
Remember to bring your ID, passport or driver’s license! If you don’t have any identification with you, you will not be able to attend the convention!
Check early if your form of identification will still be valid at the start of the convention. If it is not, you need to apply for a new one at least six weeks before that convention. There may be ways to get your new documents quicker, but those tend to be very costly.
24 V 2.6 / 24.01.2016 Eurofurence for beginners 4.2.1 Sanitary products Take your toothbrush and comb – and remember there is always not enough soap and shampoo at hotels. Those little bottles will not last long enough, so bring your own. Bring enough clean clothes and enough deodorant so you don’t stand out like a sore thumb with your smell. You may also need some kind of razor and shaving foam. The ladies should remember tampons, if necessary. The hotel will not provide those items for you. Look around your bathroom and take everything you use daily. Put your sanitary products inside little plastic bags before putting them in your luggage so they don’t ruin everything in case they leak.
4.2.2 Plasticbags Always make sure you bring enough of those handy little beasts to a convention. They help you in a lot of situation, be it packaging breakable or liquid items, separating clean from dirty clothes or move things from A to B. Take some huge supermarket bags (with handle!) and some small ones (for example, from the pharmacy you distrust least) on your journey to be well equipped for every situation.
4.2.3 Pharmaceuticals You never know when you need them. It’s recommended to invest 10€ to 20€ into a small travel first-aid kit that contains everything you need like pain pills, diarrhea medication, ointments, band-aids and more. If you need prescription medicine, remember to bring enough for the length of your journey plus three days for unexpected delays. If you travel inside Germany, your doctor may be able to issue you an additional prescription for you to keep separate from your usual medication, for example with your personal documents. Bags have become wet for the most interesting reasons, but if you mind this advice, you can just take a walk to the nearest pharmacy and get a new pack. When flying or taking the train, pills trump liquids because they take less space and are lightweight.
4.2.4 Identification This should be an absolute no-brainer. If you’re not looking forward to unpleasant discussions, remember to bring your ID and, in case you travel outside the EU, your passport. Almost all conventions require some form of identification document and if something should happen to you or you need assistance from public institutions, you really need a valid ID. If you’re driving a car or plan to rent a car on site, remember your driver’s license. When travelling abroad, the standard EU card driver’s license is recommended, since most car rental places don’t know about the pink EU-driver’s license or the old grey "cloth".
4.2.5 Food In case you’re not planning to eat three meals a day in the restaurant, you should bring a good stock of snacks. Take uncomplicated food like protein bars, small sausages, peanuts or gummi bears. If you don’t want to deal with container deposits, buy drinks from Tetra Pak – those small 0,2l packs are not only small but can easily be thrown away. It’s a long standing tradition to raid the local super markets – ask other people if they’d like something or offer a ride if you can. If you’re staying at the hotel, you will have a minibar in your room – you can store your food there. Just remember not to consume your private food in the public areas of the hotel since that would be very disrespectful.
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4.2.6 Tweezers and small watch screwdriver You never think of those until you need them. The small watch screwdriver is especially nice if you’re wearing glasses.
4.2.7 Pillow If you’re having trouble sleeping or suffer from allergies, you may like to bring your own pillow, since pillows may be in short supply in case the hotel is seriously overbooked.
4.2.8 Ohropax Your roommate may be training for the snore-olympics. Maybe the best room-party in the world is happening on your floor – at exactly the time you’d like to sleep. If you’re up at nighttime, remember that 5 hours of techno at 120 dB is not exactly good for your ears.
4.2.9 Plastic cups and cutlery Pretty disgusting to drink from the same bottle as four people before you did, huh? Take some plastic cups and in case you’d like to skip the restaurants, some plastic plates and a Spork. If you’re hosting a room party, provide enough cutleries for everyone. It’s only a few bucks and will make your guests happy. However, please remember to clean up your room afterwards! The housekeeping is there to clean your room and not to take away your mountains of trash.
4.2.10 Flashlight Your roommate may not go to sleep at the same time as you and the choice between stumble over shoes and bags and being clobbered with the nearest available object is not pretty. So take a flashlight so you can enter your room at any time without being lynched by your roommate. It’s also handy if you’d like to take a hike at night or avoid all those pesky bear traps on the way to the camp fire. Take spare batteries.
4.2.11 Extension leads If you’re carrying more than one electrical device, you should take extension leads or prepare to fight your roommate for the only socket-outlet in the room. Some countries require adapters, even if you don’t think so! (French plugs don’t fit into German sockets, for example.) You can connect extension leads to an adapter, if the country uses the same power system and just different power plugs. This way, you can get six German-plugs with one adapter. However, the Estrel does not like appliances with a huge energy draw like dryers, coolers or even hot plates or water boilers if not provided by the hotel.
4.2.12 Comfortable shoes You will be on your feet for a long time, way longer than most people are used to. Running in your new Italian shoes at the con is not a good idea. Take the old, comfortable shoes to make sure your feet will make it. If you tend to have problems with your feet, buy foot gel and foot powder and take ten minutes every morning and evening to massage your feet.
26 V 2.6 / 24.01.2016 Eurofurence for beginners 4.2.13 Mobile phone Carrying around a mobile phone makes many things way easier. Looking for your roommate, getting a pizza, getting a replacement for your table at the Dealer’s Den or getting lost in the city – without your phone all those things take a lot of time. Should you have refused to get a phone until now, you can get a 10€ prepaid phone. If you’re traveling abroad, get a prepaid card from a local carrier at the airport. This way, you can save some of the steep roaming charges. Make sure you trade phone number with people you’d like to stay in contact with during the con in advance.
4.2.14 Sewingkit Mandatory for fursuiters, but also useful for all the regular critters to reattach a button and other small repairs.
4.2.15 An empty folder During check-in, you‘ll get swamped with paperwork: Conbooks, flyers, pocket schedules, maps… in most cases, you’ll lose exactly the important ones. Collect them in a folder and take some minutes to read them. Mark the things important to you and make your own personal schedule.
4.3 Packed! How do I get to the hotel? That’s your call. Depending on where you are, you may want to fly, take a train or car. Should you take your own car and have a seat to spare, you can offer to share a ride on the EF forum. This way, you can save on gas costs and the ride is not as boring. You can also use the forum to ask around for a ride yourself.
Flying requires considering a lot of things, so if you’re unsure about this, ask someone who is experienced with flying; giving all that information here would exceed the scope of this guide.
When travelling by train, take care that your luggage is lightweight and insensitive to shock, like a big backpack. If you’re bringing a fursuit, use a small but sturdy crate. doco is an absolute expert regarding train rides. If you’re in need of information, you should contact him.
Whatever way to travel you choose, you can use the EF forum to find travel companions, shared rides and more information.
27 V 2.6 / 24.01.2016 Eurofurence for beginners Another important thing if you’re not a German citizen: Many citizens from foreign countries need a visa to be allowed to enter Germany. If you’re not from one of the green or blue countries, you need to take care of this!
4.4 Arriving at the hotel and first steps When you’re arriving at Tuesday or Wednesday: The moment you arrive in the hotel lobby, take a deep breath. The stress is over, now the fun begins!
The first thing you have to do is register again on-site. This is about checking in, getting your badge (your ticket in form a small plastic card) and con-book and moving into your room (in case you’re staying at the main hotel). Look for the Eurofurence registration desk. This is usually near the lobby and has signs posted showing the way. Stand in the queue and keep your ID and/or passport ready. If in doubt, ask someone. During registration you’ll have to sign a document stating that you read and understood the rules, liability waiver, terms and conditions and that you will adhere to them.
After getting your bade, put it around your neck and go to the hotel reception (sure, you can get your room first and your badge afterwards, too). You’ll have to check-in to get your room, if you’re staying at the main hotel. If you’re not staying at the Estrel, you can go to a different hotel or youth hostel first and come back to get your badge later. It’s important to openly carry your bade at all times so security can identify you as an attendee of the convention.
From this point on, you can walk around and say hi to your friends or just look at the bustling activity. It’s advisable to look around and find the most important locations like the main stage, the ConOps office, the ArtShow and the Dealers Den. If you’re lost, ask someone from security,
28 V 2.6 / 24.01.2016 Eurofurence for beginners they’ll always there to help. Your con-book also contains a map of the hotel with all the important locations.
5. Rules, security and staffers No event of this size can work without a foundation of rules. Conventions call those rules "Rules of Conduct" or "Code of Conduct". The rules applying for Eurofurence can here found here. Those are written in English, too. If you don’t understand something it’s very important that you ask someone to translate them for you. If you’re still unsure or have any questions, you can get help by writing to [email protected]. You can write them in German, too. Breaking the rules during the convention and then trying to get out of trouble by saying you were not able to read the rules does not work. You signed a document stating you understood and accepted the rules.
All professionally organized conventions use a trained and competent security service to enforce the rules and ensure the safety of the guests. However, all members of the Eurofurence security service are furries like you and me and are well-informed. So don’t be shy if you have any questions! Sure, the boys and girls from security have authority, but their job is to make sure you and the other attendees are safe and being there for any questions or problems when you need help. Please don’t be angry if some of them seem annoyed or stressed when you’re talking to them: The job can be really hard, thankless and frustrating and they seldom get a thank you. They don’t mean any offence! Don’t worry. Should someone from security be actually rude to you, please don’t hesitate to contact the Head of Security – being rude is not acceptable for security. It’s called a security SERVICE for a reason. If you’d like to report such a case, or feel unfairly treated by security or staff, contact the Chief of Security. You can reach him by going to the ConOps office and let him be called on the radio. The ConOps office is marked on your map in the con book.
You can recognize the security by their official logo:
As said before, those boys and girls are there to help you with questions and problems. Ask them for assistance at any time. They’re pretty nice guys. Small hint: The brassards and vests have additional little flags on them. Those stand for the languages the wearer speaks fluently. So if you only speak German, look for someone with a German flag.
Very important: Only those displaying the official logo and have the additional badge with the current EF number are really security. While it’s forbidden, some people come wearing T-Shirts saying "Sefurity" or other ridiculous word creations or simply say they’re from
29 V 2.6 / 24.01.2016 Eurofurence for beginners security. Those people are not part of the convention staff or security and you don’t have to listen to them.
Like security, all staffers work hard for many months preparing the convention and work their ass off during the convention itself to make sure you have a great time. Those guys not only pay as much as you for their con-fee, but mostly a lot more. Their only thanks are your smile and gratitude. So, please take a minute of your time to thank them and buy them a beer. They earned it.
But please don’t make their lives harder by breaking the rules or instigating any trouble. Staff and security are furries themselves and want to party with you as much as possible. No-one enjoys having to scold you.
If you need security, you’ll find them at the check points near the art show, the Dealer’s Den, the Fursuit Lounge (changing rooms) or somewhere in the crowd. In case of emergency just call "SECURITY!", that should get you attention. Also all staffers can call security on the radio.
5.1 Convention rules and comments Those rules are part of your registration for Eurofurence. You’ll have to sign that you read and understood the rules on-site. Note: The German version of this guide contained a German translation of the rules in this chapter. Those translations have been replaced with the original English version for the translation of this guide.
5.1.1 Rules of Conduct Eurofurence likes to present itself as a professional convention of friendly, respectful and open-minded members of the furry community and their friends. As a condition of membership, all Eurofurence attendees are required to abide by these rules of conduct for the entire duration of their stay, even prior to opening or after closing of the convention. When in doubt about any of these rules, please ask - we will gladly answer all your questions. However, please understand that we will not debate these rules with you during the convention. The rules of conduct will be strictly enforced by Eurofurence security volunteers who will be clearly identified as such on site. If you have any problem with any action taken by a Staff member you may take the matter up with the Chief of Security or the Chairman.
5.1.2 General rules Any action or behavior that causes significant interference with convention operations, excessive discomfort to other attendees, or adversely affects Eurofurence's relationship with its guests, its venues or the public is strictly forbidden and may result in permanent suspension of membership. This general rule supersedes all others listed below and may be invoked at any time.
Please treat each other respectfully. You are liable for any damage you might cause. Always follow the directions by convention staff and security.
30 V 2.6 / 24.01.2016 Eurofurence for beginners Harassment of any kind, including physical assault, battery, deliberate intimidation, stalking, or unwelcome physical attentions, will not be tolerated. Please be aware that the lobby, the foyers and the restaurants are public areas, and that there may be regular hotel guests around who are not taking part in our convention. Please help us to give them the best possible impression of our fandom!
The first part should not really a comment. It basically says: Using common sense makes almost all of the rules redundant. The most important point is that the rules are in effect for your whole stay, including early arrival and late departure. If you break the rules on Monday after the DeadDogParty it’ll still have consequences, usually for the next convention. The "General Rules" sound draconian and threatening, but are just a measure against one or two attendees who try to play lawyer and try to circumvent the rules. "That’s not written down in the rules exactly!" is an excuse that does not work and makes you very unpopular. Don’t worry, rules are not enforced arbitrarily. If you don’t make trouble, you’re guaranteed not to get into any.
The part regarding damages should be clear: If you break something, you have to pay for it. It’s not the fault of EF if you rip Blotch’s sketchbook. You have to follow the directions from staff and security, so please listen to what you’re told. Not threatening or attacking other people comes with common sense. Unwanted following of other attendees (called "stalking") is obviously forbidden.
What does "unwanted physical attention" mean? No, not every furry wants to be hugged when saying Hi and not every furry can take a joke. Also, that cute guy you just slapped on the ass was the homophobic resident from next door who wanted to complain about the noise to the hotel reception. So if you’re not sure someone wants to be touched (hugged, cuddled, scritched…) or is offering by themselves, keep your hands in your pocket! Fursuiters usually don’t mind a hug (but keep your hands away from their intimate zones! Shame that even has to be said…). Read the chapter about fursuiters.
About stopping… if someone does not want to be touched or wants to be left alone, it’s a matter of course to stop or leave. Be a gentleman or lady and respect such wishes.
5.1.3 Registration and Badges You must be at least 18 years old on the first day of the convention. Eurofurence functions are open only to registered attendees. Attendees are identified by their personal membership badge. A badge is valid only for the person to whom it was issued and may not be shared. Badges must be presented and/or surrendered to any Staff member requesting it. Changing or obscuring information on your badge is not allowed.
Pretty self-explanatory. Important to note is that "at least 18 years old on the first day of the convention" is meant literally. If you’re turning 18 shortly before the convention, you’re still allowed to register in January, even if you’re still 17 then. You have to be 18 the day you go collect your badge on-site. And yes, if you’re only turning 18 on the third day of the convention, you can only attend from then on, for example with a day ticket. Yes, it’s stupid,
31 V 2.6 / 24.01.2016 Eurofurence for beginners people don’t magically become adults in a day, but that’s the law and Eurofurence has to obey it. It’s not their idea.
Most hotel areas are only accessible for registered attendees, but as stated before the lobby and restaurants are open for anyone. So if you’re planning on playing Furoticon (a porn card game) or want to show around the newest drawings of your extreme-bondage-20-dick bunny, don’t do it in public. Also, behave in the lobby and restaurants. Even if we’re furries, we don’t want to leave the impression of perverted freaks with any interested guest in the lobby.
Please remember to wear your lanyard holding your badge openly around your neck at all times. Entering a security checkpoint without a visible badge even though you’re an attendee will get you the Evil Eye™ from security. Also, security has this annoying habit of remembering whose badge they need to check thoroughly. Changing or obscuring information on the badge is another hot topic. There are always people who take to sticking printed pictures or a YIFF!-sticker on the badge to hide their real name. This is strictly forbidden and will get you more than just an Evil Eye™.
5.1.4 Hotel rules The consumption of food or drink purchased from outside of the hotel is not permitted in the hotel's public areas. It is strictly forbidden to throw/dangle/hang anything out of any windows, balconies or any other elevated location. Violators will be expelled from the convention. Attendees may not enter the service areas of the hotel. This includes all backstage areas, service elevators, the rooftops, emergency exits and all areas marked as "Staff Only". Disabling or deliberately triggering fire-protection devices (such as smoke detectors, sprinklers, door alarms) is strictly prohibited. The sale of any kind of merchandise outside the official Dealers' Den requires explicit permission by the Eurofurence Board of Directors. No sleeping in the lobby, the hallways or the meeting rooms. Get a room, please! For safety reasons it is not allowed to bring dogs, cats or other animals into your hotel room or any of the convention event areas.
The topic regarding "foreign foods in the lobby" should be self-explanatory. Everybody will love you if you just take all the stuff you bought at the supermarket directly into your room and eat it there. Nobody will get mad about you eating a candy bar in the lobby, but it’s another thing to drink your 2L bottle of coke in front of the reception. Also, your can of Monster can be consumed discretely and not in the middle of the lobby.
Throwing stuff from the galleries or balconies is another sensitive issue. At the former EF hotel “Maritim”, the lobby was 34.6 meters high; gravity acceleration is 9.81m/s2. Let’s take a small senior physics class here: GayShadowWolf1992 throws a 200g rubber ball from the gallery on the 4th floor. The height of the handrail is 19.15 meters. Ignoring the aerodynamics of the ball, this leads us to the following formula:
Epot = m x g x h, where the mass is 0.2kg, the gravitation 9.81m/s2 and the height around 19 meters. So we get: 0.2kg x 9.81m/s2 x 19m = 37.278 joule.
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This is equivalent to an object weighting 3.7kg hitting you on the head from a falling distance of one meter. Any more questions? Yes, throwing things down from anywhere, regardless if it is a balloon or a screw will be punished harshly due to the risks.
Not entering the service- or staff-only-areas or opening the emergency exists is a given, right? It’s especially forbidden to climb on any roofs, for example using the windows. Also, it should be noted that security has rooms on most of the floors where this would be possible, so that would be Pretty Stupid™ anyway.
Everyone should know not to falsely trigger the fire alarm and having to pay for the resulting fire department operation and evacuation of the hotel. Please don’t get an idea about dismantling or covering a smoke detector so you can smoke in your room. This confuses the automatic fire detection system and summons security to your door (see Evil Eye™).
If you would like to sell something at Eurofurence, you need a spot in the Dealer’s Den or an explicit permission from the Board of Directors. Just setting up shop somewhere or selling stuff from your room is not allowed, sorry. If you’re interested in getting a table in the Dealers’ Den, write a mail to [email protected].
The chapter about hotel rooms already covers that spending the night in the hotel, regardless of a room or some public space, without booking a room and paying for itis strictly forbidden. That’s fraud, punishable by law and ends your attendance of the convention for a very, very long time.
Animals are now allowed in the hotel. On one hand, there was trouble with hygiene, but the animals also often had a very hard time with all the hustle going on. Sorry, there is no other way.
5.1.5 Parties and Gatherings Gatherings in hotel rooms must not generate any noise that can be heard in neighboring rooms during nighttime hours. Hotel doors must be kept shut during such gatherings and guests are not permitted to congregate in the hotel corridors. Loud parties will be given a single warning to remain quiet. No second warnings will be given before action is taken by the hotel to remove the offending individuals. All room occupants are equally responsible for cleaning up after a party. Trash must be put into bags. Don't leave the mess for hoursekeeping. Security is required to clear out overcrowded rooms. For your own safety we recommend keeping the occupancy below 10 in a regular room, or below 20 in a junior suite.
Noise disturbances are one of the frequent problems of a convention. Security has to take care of noise complaints multiple times per night. Please be considerate regarding other attendees and especially uninvolved hotel guests! That is also the reason to please close your door when hosting a room-party and to not hold any "floor parties".
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Sadly this problem is so widespread that drastic measures have to be taken if the noise should not subside after a friendly reminder. Usually, there will be no second warning before security comes back and breaks up your room-party. As said before, please be considerate – especially at night.
Cleaning up after a party should be a matter of course. The reception desk will be able to provide you with trash bags if your party produced more trash than the waste basket in your room can handle. Please don’t leave your room a mess! Housekeeping is not there to clean up your chaos. Put your trash in bags and at least clean up a bit. There could be cleaning fees heading your way otherwise! It’s also advisable to gather up your things and not have everything strewn across the room. Sometimes, there are rooms where you can’t even see the floor anymore – really! How is housekeeping supposed to clean there? Also, they only have a limited amount of time per room. Please be on your best behavior and don’t make their jobs any harder.
The last point is very important. In the past, there were parties that made history as "Clown- Car"-Parties. You know the old joke with a car having an endless stream of clowns coming out of it and no-one can fathom how they all fit in there? 30 people on 25m2 is not only uncomfortable, it’s also very dangerous. Should there be a fire or fire alarm or you all need to leave the room in a hurry for any other reason, there could be grave consequences! Please remember not having more than 10 people in a regular room and no more than 20 people in a suite. If the room becomes severely overcrowded, security will have to do something about that, sorry.
5.1.6 Clothing and Decency Wearing costumes, accessories or displaying items made out of real fur is not allowed. Nudity exceeding the equivalent of a non-thong bathing suit is not allowed in public. To prevent damage to costumes and hotel property, body paint requires an individual permission by the Chief of Security. Face makeup does not require permission. Sexual behaviour that goes beyond a mere display of affection is not allowed in public. Blatant exposure of fetish gear is not permitted in public, even if it is part of a costume. Display of adult materials (such as room signs, flyers, business cards, posters and drawings on public message boards) is not permitted in public areas of the hotel and convention center.
The limit for "adult themed" materials is the equivalent of what you can see on the magazine covers at an average German newsstand. Drawing the line for "fetish gear" is a little bit more tricky. To avoid unexpected differences with our Security Staff, please ask us in advance if you're unsure about the adequacy of an item. When used as a fashion statement or part of a costume, the following items are usually allowed:
34 V 2.6 / 24.01.2016 Eurofurence for beginners Collars (without leash) Decorative Wristbands (without D-Rings) Sled Dog Harnesses (only if part of a matching costume)
The following items are explicitly NOT allowed in public:
Full-body rubber or vinyl costumes. Costumes that are visibly "anatomically correct". Costumes or accessories related to age-play, pet-play or BDSM. Costumes indecently revealing the wearers own private anatomy. We may take the liberty to allow additional exceptions if your outfit is exceptionally discrete, tasteful and/or good looking - no promise, though.
Real fur should not be worn anywhere at Eurofurence. Personally, I don’t get how that can be considered a good idea anyways, but we want to stay neutral here. Just don’t do it, you will not make any friends with that.
The part about bathing suits does not imply you should wear a bathing suit in the lobby. If you’re on the way to the sauna from your room that’s not a problem, but maybe wear a bathing robe (you can get one at the reception desk). It’s more about not going streaking just wearing a jockstrap outside of your room. "Non-string-bathing-suit" is the lower end of the acceptable spectrum. Your butt, genitals and (for the ladies) breasts need to be covered.
The rule regarding bodypainting is clear, right? That stuff smears and leaves terrible spots on fursuits, hotel furniture and walls. There was some trouble regarding this in the past. If you’re planning on using body paint, you need to get clearance from Head of Security first. Should you just plan to paint your face you don’t need clearance, but you’re still responsible for any damages you might cause. Please be careful! You can’t simply replace a ruined fursuit.
Sexual behavior is explained pretty easily: Kissing, holding hands, resting your head on someone’s shoulder is fine, regardless of sexual orientation. EF is an open convention. Everything that goes above that, so groping, tongue-star-wars and so on belong in your room! Laying on the sofas and chairs in the lobby and cuddling is also not appropriate. Also, so-called "Dry-Humping", rubbing against someone else, is of course forbidden in public. If you’re into raw spots and static electricity, you’ll have to do that in your room. Rule of thumb: If you would not do it in the street, you should not do it in a hotel.
The part about clothing should be sufficiently explained by not, given we already had a passage about that. Important: Leash on collar = Stupid. Walking someone on that leash = Very Stupid. That also goes for lanyards or everything else that can be used as a leash substitute. Explanations like "That’s just a string and not a leash" will just get you the Evil Eye™ from security. It’s just very disturbing for the proper lady from next door having to see that while taking her afternoon tea at the bar. It can’t be stated often enough: If you’re planning to wear something more unusual and are not sure if you’re in conflict with the rules, ask before the con starts by writing a mail to [email protected]. During the con, Head of Security will not be willing to discuss the rules and in case of doubt, his decision stands. So: Ask beforehand!
As stated before, it’s not allowed to show porn in public. The same goes for leaving it lying
35 V 2.6 / 24.01.2016 Eurofurence for beginners around, distributing it, pinning it somewhere or dancing it. This includes the business card from your dildo shop, the flyer from your tails up party or conventional artwork and prints. Please keep this in mind when having your door sign drawn or drawing it yourself. Yes, security will check the door signs at night so housekeeping will not be scrubbing the wrong thing in the morning. Oh, and don’t go and draw anything containing penises on the announcement or info boards or on table cloths, even if you can draw like Blotch himself! Sadly, drawing on the table cloths seems to happen quite frequently. Don’t. Bad furry!
Regarding allowed and forbidden items: Collars without leashes are fine. Wristbands too, but no leather-bonds! The popular sled-dog harnesses are fine too, but only in combination with a fursuit and only if it fits. Fetish-harness with a penis ring on a leather pony is a no-go. "Age- Play" means everything connected with the Baby-Fur community, like bibs, pacifiers, baby bottles, diapers and so on.
5.1.7 Alcohol and other Drugs Persons who are intoxicated to the point of incapacity will be escorted to their room, and may consequentially be banned from the convention. Any individual found to be in possession of or distributing illegal or controlled substances will be removed and reported directly to the local authorities. Smoking is not permitted anywhere inside the hotel and convention center, except for the smoker's lounge.
You are expected to drink responsibly. You will be held responsible for what you do, even when drunk.
That should be clear, no? The doctors and EMTs reading this will know that alcohol poisoning will not get you any sympathy, even in the hospital. At EF, it just steals the scarce time of the medics, makes security angry and ruins the night of your roommate. So, only drink as much as you can handle. Better one glass less than one too much. Smoking is not allowed inside the hotel. Nowhere. This also goes for water pipes and shishas. If you’re really intent on installing cancer, you’ll have to stand outside. Nothing more to say about that. Stop smoking.
We already warned about drugs. This point is serious: Should you be caught smoking pot or something worse, you’ll be expelled from the convention and get a trip to the police station. This will also be your last visit to EF and our partner events and conventions. Yeah, "Smoking is not that bad, peace dude!". Well, it is. Aside from any personal opinions, hash, marihuana, THC, grass or whatever you want to call it is one thing: Illegal. Should the police find any on the convention grounds, it could put the convention in jeopardy. MDMA and APB/Fury is popping up occasionally and whoever gets caught with that will be escorted with name and shame from his room to the police station. There is no tolerance regarding this topic.
5.1.8 Weapons All weapons, including look-alikes, replicas, tools and toys must be approved immediately after your registration on site. Please go to the ConOps office for approval. 36 V 2.6 / 24.01.2016 Eurofurence for beginners Security may require your weapon to be peace-bound. Tampering with the peace bonding is not allowed. No water pistols, silly string, or any thrown or projectile-type toy may be used in any area of the hotel or convention center. Mock fights, swordplay, fire breathing or any other dangerous activities are not allowed. Exceptions for staged events are possible, but require an individual permission by the Chief of Security. Please make sure to inquire ahead of time - preferably before the convention.
Immediately after registration means: Immediately. So, after you arrived and got your badge, take your weapon to the ConOps office. They will call the responsible person from security for you. They will take your weapon to take a look at it and decide if you’re allowed to carry it on the convention grounds and if any restrictions apply.
Nerf-Guns are allowed during the convention, as long as they’re not modified – but you’re only to load and fire them outside. Even there, you should take care to hit any innocent bystanders! Yes, painted Nerf-Guns may be allowed, but that depends how realistic the weapon looks. If you don’t want to carry anything to the con for nothing, you’re invited to ask via e-mail beforehand. Remember to attach a picture of your weapon.
Exceptions regarding fire-breathing, show fighting and other dangerous activities MAY be granted, depending on what you’re planning. In any case, write a mail to security as soon as possible and ask.
5.1.9 Photography and Video Eurofurence e.V. reserves all rights to video and photo material gathered at the convention with the exception of footage from private rooms. Eurofurence e.V. grants you the right to use videos and photos you have taken at the convention for private and/or non-commercial purposes. Publication in for-profit media requires written permission by the Board of Directors. Official Eurofurence camera teams may record video and take photos in the public areas of the convention and during events to be used for publication. You agree that videos and pictures taken of you can be used in such publications without release or compensation. A release will only be required for material filmed in situations where a reasonable expectation of privacy exists. Photography and filming is strictly forbidden in the Art Show. Cameras and cell phones will have to be left outside. Other restrictions or rules may apply for certain events, and will be announced on location.
Okay, this is basically just legalese since there are or where one or two people in the fandom who wanted to interpret the law as they saw fit. Also, this section makes sure that no idiot is able to take his recordings to RTL or any other tabloid press without risking legal consequences. This is protecting your butt.
You can do anything you like with your pictures or videos as long as you don’t charge any money for them and the cause is strictly private. Don’t worry; no-one is stealing your pictures. 37 V 2.6 / 24.01.2016 Eurofurence for beginners 5.1.10 The Bottom Line That being said, many of the above rules involve "worst-case" scenarios and are put into place to ensure the safety and comfort of our members. In the past, Eurofurence has generally been a quiet and pleasurable experience, and we anticipate no difficulties, as our members as a whole are rational and responsible adults. Eurofurence is prepared to deal with any or all of the above scenarios in a rapid and efficient manner, should they occur. We thank our members for their past cooperation and for their continued assistance in making this a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. Have fun - just please remember to be courteous of those around you while doing so! We hope you will have a great time!
What nice closing words! The only thing that needs to be stressed here is that this last part states that misbehavior will not go unpunished even if there is no explicit rule for it. Yes, this basically means that Head of Security can kick you out because he does not like your face. However, don’t worry, security has a lot of patience. Even people who gravely misbehave usually get a second chance. In general, security is very fair and neutral and just makes sure the guests have a lot of fun and don’t get disturbed. So don’t worry, they’re very nice.
6. Hygiene and clothing What to wear?! A fursuit! Don’t have one? Don’t worry! Most don’t.
Contrary to popular belief, it’s not required to have a fursuit to attend a furry convention! A little less than half of all attendees don’t even own a fursuit. Fursuits are just a part of our community, even if it’s the most visible.
Seriously, you can wear whatever you want and this is not a style magazine. However, remember that you’re a guest in a 4-star hotel. Even if there is a puma ordering a beer at the bar, mind your appearance. As it is often the case, this determines how others will react to you. If you want to make sure to look daft, go for those loose jogging pants with a washed-out shirt showing a battered wolf logo.
Going barefoot is forbidden on the whole hotel area because of the risk for accidents (like glassshards) and hygiene reasons.
Just dress regularly and pay attention to a well-groomed appearance (like everywhere else in life).
6.1 Costumes? Fancy clothing? Sure, many attendees like to wear costumes matching the con theme (costumes, not fursuits) and this is encouraged. Some time ago, you would have been perfectly dressed with a Hawaiian shirt and a flower garland. If you’d like to wear something unusual but usually can’t – for example, because of your job – you can do so at EF. Please bear in mind how other furries may react to your appearance. Showing up in army boots and camouflage will earn you some looks.
38 V 2.6 / 24.01.2016 Eurofurence for beginners A question that is even asked by regulars: "May I cross-dress?" In case you don’t know: "Crossdressing" means wearing clothes that are usually meant for the other sex. So, if you’re a guy wearing woman’s clothing and the other way around. Yes, crossdressing is allowed at EF at long as it’s not overstepping the bounds of good taste. EF security would never think about forcing a transgender person to change their clothes. However, if an overweight male bearing a forest of chest-hair runs around in a belly top, they will have something to say about that.
In case of doubt, just ask the security guys if your outfit is fine. The guys really like it if you do it before the convention starts. So just send a picture of your outfit to [email protected]. This way, they will be able to tell you if it’s fine or will lead to arguments. This way, you can prevent useless packing of stuff and useless stress on site for them.
6.2 Fetish gear? Difficult topic. Eurofurence is not a fetish party for some freaks. Don’t worry.
As stated before, should you be unsure if your planned costume is allowed, write a mail to security before the con! ([email protected])
To give you a more details on clothing and decency that is acceptable on a European furry convention I wrote an official guideline:
6.2.1 Official guideline on clothing and decency at Eurofurence
Disclaimer: The following text is a commented version of a specific sections of the Rules of Conduct for Eurofurence and should be taken as a guideline only. In no way are these guidelines authoritative and they do not present any addition or change to the Eurofurence Rules of Conduct (RoC). Due to the complexity of the topic not all possible situations can be described in advance. This document makes no claim to be complete. Please always contact the Eurofurence security team prior to the convention and ask when in doubt. ([email protected])
Note: While being clean in content, this guide contains example pictures. Viewer discretion is advised.
Important: These rules are in effect for public areas only – nobody dictates how you dress in privacy, i.e. your hotel room!
Hello and welcome!
Eurofurence, like every large social event, relies on Rules of Conduct (RoC) to give us all a common understanding of what is acceptable and what is not while attending the convention. As the oldest furry convention in Europe, Eurofurence has over 20 years of experience behind
39 V 2.6 / 24.01.2016 Eurofurence for beginners it. The current Rules of Conduct are the result of much trial-and-error and have been used as basis for many other conventions and events ever since.
Every single rule therein has been put in place in response to an incident and as such the RoC are permanently revised and updated as needed. However, by now they are written in such a broad denotation that updating them has become a very seldom necessity. The reason for this is simple: rules are necessary, but the team behind Eurofurence wants you to have as much fun as possible. This is a balancing act because not everything that seems normal or harmless for a Furry is perceived as harmless by a non-attendee. The vague wording of the rules grants the security team the leeway to allow as much as possible while still being able to intervene if something goes wrong. A rule that may seem arbitrary has in fact proved itself over many years. After all, one has to keep in mind that all security volunteers are Furries themselves and do not enjoy telling anyone off. Generally they allow as much as they reasonably can. However, the vague wording can also lead to confusion, wrong assumptions or even misunderstandings. This is the reason why we offer these guidelines to you.
Wearing costumes, accessories or displaying items made out of real fur is not allowed.
This rule is straight forward but there are questions about it such as “Are leather jackets/ items allowed?”, “Can I wear real feathers?” and similar. This rule is to be taken quite literally: it prohibits products made of or with real fur. Leather however is refined and tanned. Feathers are also a byproduct. Animals are not killed just to get their feathers. It may sound hypocritical, but as with all rules we are prohibiting what causes problems/offends the majority and allowing as much as we can:
• Leather jackets and products made of leather are okay (as long as they are not considered BDSM gear as explained later) • Feathers are okay • Real fur of any kind and in any product is prohibited • Real bones, skulls, etc. are not allowed unless in a refined form like a handle of a sword or similar
Nudity exceeding the equivalent of a non-thong bathing suit is not allowed in public.
As many rules in place for Eurofurence this one is common sense really. Please keep in mind that the convention is held in a four star+ business hotel. We are not exclusive in the hotel during the convention either so at least the same common sense as on a public street should apply, i.e. wearing a t-shirt and at least some shorts. The rule talks about a bathing suit as you have access to the gym and sauna if you booked a room in the Estrel hotel. So theoretically, you could walk from your room to the sauna in a bathing suit. However, you would still get weird looks so please use a bathing robe or the like. By the way, the Estrel hotel (like many other hotels) does not allow barefoot walking in public for hygienic and liability reasons. This is not in the Rules of Conduct as it is a rule of the hotel.
• Please always wear at least a t-shirt and shorts in public
40 V 2.6 / 24.01.2016 Eurofurence for beginners • Please do not walk barefoot in public unless in the sauna/steam room
A possible exception from this can be body paint. However, such an outfit/costume would have to be cleared individually by the Chief of Security.
To prevent damage to costumes and hotel property, body paint requires an individual permission by the Chief of Security. Face makeup does not require permission.
Full on body paint caused massive damage to hotel property and fursuits in the past. While there are smear-safe body paints some of them still leave stains on fursuits, wallpapers and the like. For that reason everyone who wants to wear full body paint should contact the security team well in advance. In any case such an outfit has to be cleared by the chief of security before it may be worn. And do not worry: even if your initial idea is not okay the security chief will always seek a compromise to grant your wish. Things that are not allowed on their own, such as wearing less than a t-shirt and shorts in public may be okay in combination with a sophisticated costume. These are exceptions though and they have to meet quite a few criteria. This is why it is highly recommended to discuss body-paint and extraordinary costumes/outfits with the security prior to the convention.
Face-paint does not need any clearance. However, you are responsible for any damage you might cause, so please be very careful in such cases.
• Body paints require individual clearance by the chief of security • Exceptions from other rules are possible in combination with body paints • Face paint does not require permission, but it does require extra care • Body paints and extraordinary costumes should be discussed with the security team well ahead via e-mail: [email protected]
Sexual behaviour that goes beyond a mere display of affection is not allowed in public.
While this rule is pretty clear some might wonder what is considered a “mere display of affection” and what is considered too much:
• Holding hands, kissing and leaning against is fine • French kissing (with tongue), groping and beyond is not • It should be obvious that all rules are regardless of gender or sexual orientation
Blatant exposure of fetish gear is not permitted in public, even if it is part of a costume.
Now this one is a bit more complicated because the definition of fetish gear is highly subjective. This is one of the rules that are kept vague on purpose as lists of items can never be complete and as said earlier, Eurofurence always tries to allow as much freedom of expression as possible without causing offence.
41 V 2.6 / 24.01.2016 Eurofurence for beginners
Collars for example are almost always considered okay. It doesn’t matter which material they are made of or how they are designed. Even full metal collars are considered okay as they can be seen as a fashion statement. Collars with metal spikes are usually okay too, unless they are too much leaning towards the BDSM look or are excessively long or pointy as this would pose a risk of injury to other attendees. Electro-Shock collars are illegal in most countries in Europe and count as a weapon under German law! “Unlimited” or spiky choker-collars are not allowed either as they pose a severe risk of injury if someone e.g. intoxicated tugs it hardly. Limited choker-collars with a textile or leather strap (no chain) are allowed though, as they can’t close enough to cause severe injury.
Leashes must not be attached to collars in public at any time. Such an obvious display of pet- play is not appropriate for a hotel and the general public. By the way: using your lanyard or a string as leash might be a clever idea, but also not allowed. Decorative wristbands are also okay. Generally all fashion wristbands are fine, even if they have metal rings or studs. In the latter cases it might be a grey zone though. If for example a wristband has metal rings and a buckle it would be appreciated if you would quickly and informally check back with security on-site. Studded wristbands may well be okay but it depends on the length and how pointy the studs are. Contrary to a collar wristbands with studs are more likely to hurt when you hit someone incidentally e.g. while gesticulating in the crowd. As with most items it depends on 42 V 2.6 / 24.01.2016 Eurofurence for beginners the entire outfit whether it is deemed okay or inappropriate. The following examples might illustrate the border a little better:
As a rule of thumb: If a “wristband” has a D-ring and a buckle it is more likely to be not okay, depending on the rest of the outfit. There is a difference between a regular metal ring and a D-ring, as illustrated here:
43 V 2.6 / 24.01.2016 Eurofurence for beginners
Harnesses are similar in definition: As long as they look innocent in context they are fine. Basic rule here is: Harnesses are only acceptable on a fursuiter. The reason is that on a fursuit a harness may match the costume, e.g. as a (sled-)dog-harness. Of course the species doesn’t matter in this case. Muzzles (mini-harnesses or a single strap over the muzzle) are a grey area but are deemed okay if they look cute/innocent enough. As a rule of thumb: If it looks more like part of the overall fursuit costume and not like a fetish-item it is fine.
If an item is on the border, more leaning towards inappropriate it might still be allowed under conditions such as only wearing it after dark or only in less public areas of the hotel. As said, security always tries to be as little disruptive as possible. Fetish-harnesses e.g made of leather and covered in studs and rings or with crotch-straps are not acceptable. Additionally, attaching
44 V 2.6 / 24.01.2016 Eurofurence for beginners a leash to a harness and indecent exposure (i.e. visible genitalia) are not acceptable in public either.
Full body suits made of rubber, latex, vinyl or similar are not allowed in public. This also applies to inflatable rubber/latex costumes. Partial suits of this kind a likely to be unacceptable as well, but there may be exceptions made for innocent and well designed, fitting costumes. Please contact security and ask for permission prior please.
Zentai / Morphsuits and similar are only allowed if they keep the face free and if they have any connection to “furry” or to the conventions theme. Animal print alone is not deemed “furry” though. However, face paint in combination with a fitting spandex/lycra is fine.
45 V 2.6 / 24.01.2016 Eurofurence for beginners Exceptions to this rule are possible if a Zentai-Costume is especially fitting to the convention theme, like a Spiderman-Zentai in a “Heroes and Villains”-theme.
Kigu / Kigurumi as in “Japanese style animal-onesie” are fine. Just make sure that you wear something underneath please and don not forget that the hotel does not allow barefoot walking. Other forms of (Animegao-) Kigurumi like “Dollers” are not acceptable in public. Please note that general cosplay is okay, however theme or furry-reference is desired.
Face masks either made from rubber, leather or plastic are generally not allowed. (This does obviously not apply to fursuits). However, there are multiple exceptions to this rule. The main problem is that leather- and rubber-masks are mostly associated with fetishes. Other kinds of
46 V 2.6 / 24.01.2016 Eurofurence for beginners masks like hockey-, “Guy Fawkes-“ or “scream-“masks lack any association with furry culture and tend to disturb other attendees and uninvolved visitors alike. Such masks may only be accepted exceptionally if they match the convention theme.
Animal-/demon-/dragon- masks made from rubber, latex, leather or similar are likely to be okay, depending on the overall outfit/costume. It is appreciated to seek advice from security prior to wearing them in public though. Age-Play items are generally not allowed in public with a few exceptions. Pacifiers, babybottles, bibs, romper suits, visible diapers and similar items that are meant for infants are not allowed in public. Adults wearing such items in public cause too many complaints from other attendees and are not tolerated by the hotel due to the social stigma. Age-play themed badges are allowed, even if they show the character in diapers or with a pacifier, however the following restrictions apply due to decency and the above mentioned issues:
• Diapers shown must be absolutely clean • The character must look the age i.e. no adult character in a diaper or with a pacifier • No indecent exposure, i.e. no visible genitalia (e.g. changing-scenes) • No adult characters on the same badge! German law does not allow anything that might be interpreted as sexual in regards to any character that looks underage! • No oversized badges – Up to A6 (105 × 148 mm or 4.13 × 5.83 inches) are definitely okay.
Wearing a diaper invisibly under clothes is tolerated, as long as the wearer takes care of absolute hygiene! Giving off distinctive odours in this regard is not tolerated!
Important: If you need to wear any item for medical reasons there is no need to inform Eurofurence about this circumstance! All complaints about diapers worn underneath clothing being noticed by attendees are handled with utmost discretion for this reason. Eurofurence takes your privacy seriously!
47 V 2.6 / 24.01.2016 Eurofurence for beginners
Clothing revealing the wearers private anatomy is written in a formal way but means nothing else than “overly visible bulge” or genitalia being clearly outlined by the clothing.
Tip: If you are male and your costume is skin tight, a cup worn underneath avoids embarrassing situations. You can buy them online or from your local sports store.
It goes without saying that your physical or psychological gender is not the concern of Eurofurence. Transgendered attendees are regarded like any other attendee and under no additional limitations in their clothing or behaviour. However, there is a line between transgender clothing and cross-dressing. We assume that transgendered people put a lot of thought into their choice of clothing and will have no problem being accepted by the very tolerant attendees of our convention — we have never had issues with this. Cross-dressing, however, can cause irritation and complaints if the outfit is inappropriate or distasteful. If you wish to cross-dress in public for fun, please be considerate of your attire and move it to a private room if in doubt.
The clothing and decency rules generally apply to fursuits as well. That means that all types of clothing you may wear out of suit you may wear in suit as well. The only exception is swimwear. While out of suit it would be inappropriate to walk around the public only in swim shorts, you may wear them on your fursuit. The rule about indecent exposure still applies: if you wear tight swimwear on your suit and show a bulge, you will be asked to change. Lingerie and underwear are not acceptable in public, even on a fursuit.
A final note
When in doubt, please contact the security service, preferably prior to the convention. Of course you can always seek advice from us during your stay as well. We are here to help! We will gladly discuss any idea you might have and we will always try to make your ideas possible if we can. Exceptions to the rules are possible in many cases, e.g. if the outfit is exceptionally well designed or matches the theme really well.
Please always use common sense when choosing your attire – furry conventions are about the things that make us kin, not about our individual fetish. Hence why we all need to accept the smallest common denominator as basis.
Never forget that all security officers are furries themselves, so don’t be shy — talk to us!
We are looking forward to welcome you at Eurofurence!
Truly yours, Eurofurence Security Service
48 V 2.6 / 24.01.2016 Eurofurence for beginners Credits
Fursuit photos have been staged for this document — we would like to thank the following: ”Ravell", "Snug T. Rabbit", and "Sozan"!
This guideline is licensed under Creative Commons: CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0
6.3 One of the most important points: Hygiene. One of the basic rules of civilized society is washing your hands after using the toilet. Sadly, this information is apparently news for some.
For a meeting the size of EF, hygiene is very important! 2500 people in an enclosed space, little sleep, much fast-food, very exhausting days, much alcohol, sex, dancing through the night… a convention is very stressful for your body, compromising your immune system. You’re using the same door knobs as 1000 others; sit on the same chair as the sweaty guy who just got up; on the same toilet as 100 before you and then you pick up that juicy burger and take a bite. You’ll understand that’s not exactly healthy.
Well, don’t worry; the disgusting things from that list usually happen on a microscopic scale, so invisible for us. You still get sick from that army of bacteria and viruses. Particularly since many of those pathogens are from America, Japan, India, Russia and other countries. People who live in those countries probably have developed antibodies, defenses against them. But you? For your body, the virus Vladimir and the bacteria Barack can even be dangerous.
The sickness that gets bred every year during this annual works outing of pathogens during huge events like Eurofurence is called "Con Crud".
Nobody knows what exactly got you sick and it was probably a little bit of everything. The result is always the same: You’re feeling like shit for days. You’re lucky if you catch this plague after EF so it does not ruin the convention itself for you. Therefore, it’s very important to mind your hygiene. This means:
Take one shower per day. Wash your hands multiple times per day with soap! In any case after you used the toilet and before you eat anything. Use a gooddeodorant. Change your clothes regularly, at least once per day. Should you prefer bathing instead of showering, you should rinse your body with water after getting out of the water. All the dirt (visible and invisible) is just floating on the water and will stick to your skin like a film when you get out. Shave regularly or groom your beard. Additionally, get a small bottle of hand disinfectant and use it. Usually, using disinfectant in a private setting is not a good idea, but in this case, it helps.
By adhering to those simple rules, you should be able to protect yourself from the Con-Crud.
49 V 2.6 / 24.01.2016 Eurofurence for beginners 7. Food and alcohol One of the most important parts is the old 6-2-1 rule:
6-2-1: Make sure you get at least 6 hours of uninterrupted sleep, 2 warm, proper meals and 1 shower!
So, food! But, where? And what?
Well, the hotel has excellent restaurants and the bar serves snacks. If you’ve booked a room at the Estrel, the breakfast buffet is inclusive. You just have to show your room card and can loot the buffet from early to late morning. The buffet is very extensive and of a very high quality.
On the other side of the street is a mall where you’ll be able to get anything you need. The residential areas around the hotel have many very nice restaurants and bars you’ll be able to reach in only a few minutes by foot. Should you intent to torture your stomach for a bit, there is a McD next to the mall.
EF staff, especially Mystifur, regularly manages to negotiate nice discounts with a "Show-Your- Badge" program. Your conbook will contain offers from surrounding restaurants and bars – 10% off, a free drink and other benefits that you can get just by showing your Eurofurence badge.
Hint: The minibar inside the hotel rooms can be very expensive. However, you can clear it out to cool your own store-bought stuff. This way, you’ll easily be able to survive the week. Please remember that the hotel will bill you for everything you take out of the minibar to cool your own stuff in case you don’t place it right next to the minibar! This is the only way the room service can check if you consumed something or just took it out of the fridge!
After you bought something from the mall, bring it discretely to your room. It does not make a good impression if you’re strolling through the lobby of a 4-star hotel with your stuffed ALDI bags. The hotel has lifts directly next to the entrances. If you went to McD or the kebab guy around the corner, don’t sit down in the lobby and wolf it down. This goes for any foreign foodstuffs or drinks you did not buy in the hotel. Please consume those things in your hotel room. Of course you’re allowed to buy alcohol at the supermarket and bring it to your room, but please use common sense. As said before, it’s forbidden to drink foreign drinks in the public spaces of the hotel. Also, EF staff does not like you to put a whole keg on your sideboard or stack a lot of beer cases in your room.
50 V 2.6 / 24.01.2016 Eurofurence for beginners 7.1 Alcohol or "Know Your Limits" People often ask questions like: "Do I have to drink alcohol to have fun at EF?"
No. Of course not. It’s accurate that a lot of furs like to drink a lot of alcohol, but there are just as many who don’t. And even if you’re sober while sitting at the bar with buzzed people, you’re still going to have a lot of fun.
If you decide to drink alcohol, mind a few things so that the next day will not come as an unpleasant surprise.
Alcohol is relaxing and can make for a fun evening, but it also makes you uninhibited and disrupts your motor functions, your ability to move. This is all fine and intended until you hit a limit. The difference between "buzzed" and "drunk" is blurry and can only be calculated with a lot of experience and discipline.
Basic rule about alcohol: As most drugs, alcohol intensifies your prevailing mood. Never drink when you’re in a bad mood or even depressed!
If you’re inexperienced with alcohol or even never had any before, be very careful. For example, drink a glass of beer and enjoy the effects, but take a break for an hour before getting the next one. Don’t try to keep up with anyone regarding how much you drink. How much we can take before we turn from a party animal to a drunken pig is determined by a lot of factors, including experience and body weight. You’re not "uncool" or a wuss just because you’re drinking less or not at all. Quite the contrary.
Rule of thumb: If you have a hangover the next day, it was too much or something your body does not like. It’s also important to drink slowly. Your body needs some time to absorb the alcohol. The faster your drink, the higher the risk you miss your personal limit and end the night in front of the toilet on in the grip of security. By the way: Never try to outdrink any Brits or Russians.
Another important thing: Only accept a drink from someone you trust or if you saw how the barkeeper poured it. Should a drink taste strange or even chemical, paws off! You don’t take any sweets from the strange uncle and you don’t take home-made vodka from the weirdly grinning creep.
If you still manage to get hopelessly drunk, the result depends on how you behave:
If you can’t stand anymore and have friends with you who will take you to your room, you will just spend the night in front of the toilet or in the best case have a bad headache the next day.
If you can’t stand anymore and security has to send you to your room, they will escort you there in most cases. In this case, you will have the night in front of the toilet, the headache and additionally an uncomfortable talk with security the next day who will be giving you a warning. A warning is like a warning shot. Should you break the rules again during the con, you might be expelled.
51 V 2.6 / 24.01.2016 Eurofurence for beginners If you become drunk and aggressive… let’s just say you don’t want to do that. Security is trained to take care of any disturbances in a quick and efficient manner so that the other attendees are able to party on. In this case, you’ll end up in your room, with the toilet and headaches and all, but you also will be expelled the next day and – depending on how badly you went off the rails – might be banned from Eurofurence and other events. The same goes if you manage to get so drunk that the medics have to take care of you. Security does not like that.
Everyone makes mistakes and usually people are very thoughtful should you drink for the first time and overdo it. Just stay cooperative and listen to people when they tell you that you’ve had enough.
A quick word regarding other drugs: All other drugs, regardless of legal standing, are strictly forbidden at EF. Joints, hash, speed, ecstasy and whatever else. Also "sniffing glue" or misusing any other chemicals is forbidden. This also goes for "poppers". If you’re caught with that, you’ll have a real problem. You can be sure to be expelled and banned. Also, you should count on seeing the police that day. You can become the talk of the fandom in just a few that with that. Say no to drugs, kids!
8. Hotel Staff, cleanliness and a smile that can make a whole day So, let’s talk about tidiness in your hotel room. Those hints go, of course, not only for the Estrel but for any hotel or hostel room you occupy.
You can leave your stuff strewn about your room, you’re a paying guest. However, most hotel rooms contain closets and cupboards for you to use. No, you don’t have to put all your clothes away. It’s still a good idea to keep the room tidy. Not only to make housekeeping happy and their job a bit easier, but also since it looks nice and you’ll be able to find your stuff. If you followed the advice to bring plastic bags, you can use them to store used clothing (when dry, else it’ll grow mold!). This way, you can get clean clothes from your bag without sorting through all the used ones and getting smells and dirt on your fresh shirt.
In case you bring a suitcase, it’s a good idea to unpack them and store the contents on a table or inside a closet. This way, they’re not in the way when housekeeping wants to clean your room and in case you’re stumbling into your room buzzed.
There are not many tips to be given here since there are so many views on what’s acceptable and what’s not. So let’sconcentrate on thebasics.
Never, under any circumstances, ever hang anything from the fire sprinklers; be it in your room or somewhere else! Those things are very delicate and it would not be the first time that somebody tried to dry his fursuit by hanging it from a sprinkler and creating a flood, causing massive damage. Paws off the sprinklers!
52 V 2.6 / 24.01.2016 Eurofurence for beginners Try to keep the floor of your room as tidy as possible. This prevents stumbling and makes a good impression on your room guests and the hotel personnel.
In case you spilled something or broke a glass, call the reception using the phone in your room and have the shards and spills instantly and professionally removed.
When leaving the room in the morning, open the window and let some air in. The maid wrinkling her nose looks cute, but is not good.
Close the curtains when having fun in your room. There may be some people who like to watch, but many don’t.
Don’t just leave your trash on the furniture or floor. After your party, but at the latest next morning, collect your trash and put it away.
If your room-party produced more trash than your provided trash can is able to hold, get a trash bag from the reception desk and just put it next to your trash can when full.
Sort your clothing in at least two piles, clean and dirty. It’s even better to keep clean clothing in your bag and dirty clothing in a plastic bag.
If you’re wearing body paint (did you clear that with security?), make sure to shower before lying down or leaning on something. That stuff leaves nasty and therefore expensive stains.
Put your self-bought food into the fridge in your room (put the former contents right next to it, or you will be billed!) or inside a cupboard.
The same goes for store-bought alcohol! Put it in a closet and don’t leave it standing around. This is respectful in regards to the hotel and the freedoms we’re allowed there.
During EF, housekeeping will regularly enter your room to take out the trash and to clean up. The less of your stuff and trash is lying around, the less time the guys and gals from the hotel have to spend in your room. If you managed to block the whole room with your stuff, it’s possible they’ll not really clean anything and just quickly go around the bathroom. That’s reasonable, but not really the meaning of housekeeping and will also not leave a good impression. In extreme cases, housekeeping will inform security about the state of the room and this may lead to consequences. Basically, it’s in your best interest to keep the room at least a bit tidy.
If you’re planning to leave a good impression, leave a tip (around 5€ is fine) on your bed, especially if you managed to mess something up. It’s important to leave a note like "For Housekeeping" or at least "Tip" next to it. Else housekeeping might think you left the money on accident and will not take it. Even if you have to be economical and can’t leave money, just leave a note saying "Thanks!". Really, that makes people smile! Housekeeping is working extra
53 V 2.6 / 24.01.2016 Eurofurence for beginners shifts during EF and has to clean up messes from people who can obviously not behave properly. They’re really working hard to prepare your room to their high standards and leave it spotless for you for the time you’re just exhausted in the evening and just want to go to bed.
The same goes for the outside of your room: The hotel personnel is being worked to the bone during EF and is in a permanent state of emergency. Just greet them in a friendly way should you encounter one of those stressed out souls. A simple smile from you can make someone else’s day!
9. Dealing with muggles and the press Grown people who wear sophisticated and fancy animal costumes on the street? Rave parties that attract curious people from all around? A costume parade, big enough to warrant the police to block a road? Of course, this attracts a lot of press and media and an even bigger crowd of curious people who want to take a look. Public attention is good and important for our community, but it’s also a double-edged sword. Whatever is said to a rolling camera or written down in a reporter’s notebook will in most cases not be reported the way it was said. The audience wants action! Sensations and scandals sell way better than the plain truth. Therefore, it’s very important to not just go ahead and prattle away as soon as a reporter stands in front of you. It’s also a very bad idea to agree to an interview without some preparation or having basic information about the people conducting the interview. There are two important scenarios that are not only valid during and around Eurofurence, but everywhere:
9.1 A TV station / a magazine asks for an interview Yes, that happens, regardless of who you are and if you’re an old-timer in the community or very new. Don’t be too flattered: Some pressmen target young and inexperienced people on purpose since they tend to be uncertain and quickest to sprout something that sounds spectacular. If such a request reaches you via e-mail, pause and research the following points:
What kind of station/magazine is it? A WDR production is less dangerous that RTL2 wanting to slate you. The "Rheinische Post" or a local paper is more harmless than the BILD tabloid.
Did they do a piece on furries already? If yes, take a look at it and maybe contact the furries involved to talk about their experiences.
Did they select you specifically or did they ask around a lot? Talk to others and try to find out if they got similar requests. If you have been selected specifically, you should ask yourself why. If you’re not a convention chairman or popular for something else, they could be trying to exaggerate something negative about you.
Should someone contact you on the phone (how the hell did they get your number?), you should never instantly agree! Don’t be pressured into anything and ask to be called back later or just decline if you’re not sure. 54 V 2.6 / 24.01.2016 Eurofurence for beginners
Giving an interview about you is pretty difficult. Words get turned around in your mouth or the story gets cut in a way that makes you look like the biggest idiot. Remember that those stories also get seen by your family, your friends and your employer. If you tend to keep your furry hobby private, you should not give an interview about it!
It’s even more difficult to give an interview about the furry community as a whole. In that case, everything you say (and, more important, everything you don’t say) will not only affect you, but the entire community. In the name of the whole community: Please only do that if you’re very sure you can deliver without a hitch. Only if you’re quick-witted and prepared enough, you’ll be able to respond to the meanest questions without making yourself and others look ridiculous!
The community has professionals who are very well informed about working with the press. They will be able to provide you with information in case you get into a situation like this. For example, Eurofurence has a very good and competent press team, which will be glad to answer your questions. You can reach them at [email protected].
9.2 A reporter/camera crew approaches you during the convention Usually, representatives of the press have to register before they are allowed to visit the convention. However, non-registered and unaccompanied press can roam outside the convention area. Also, a few reporters try to get into the convention-only areas secretly or without registering. Rule of thumb: If someone or a group of people look like they’re from the press (huge camera, microphone with a channel logo…) they should be accompanied by security or staff. There are exceptions, but those are rare and usually security is at least nearby. This is not about hiding something, but protecting the rights of every attendee who does not want to be filmed, photographed or be bothered with questions.
Should you encounter people who look like press and are running around without security or staff nearby, don’t hesitate to tell security! This is especially important if you see that someone is being harassed with questions or if that happens to you. Also, if someone strikes you as odd, for example he has an attendee badge, but just "does not fit in", just give security a heads-up. In case of doubt, that’s still better than someone having his picture show up in the BILD tabloid against his will.
In case you’re feeling harassed at any time, be it by a member of the press or otherwise, inside the convention area or not, please tell security immediately. Those guys are there to make sure you’re able to party in peace and will help you instantly.
9.3 What about people who don’t attend the con? Are they allowed inside the hotel? As stated before, the whole hotel, excluding very few rooms, is reserved for Eurofurence. Only a handful of guests are not attendees of the convention. Of course, they are allowed to move freely around the hotel, but they’re not allowed inside the convention areas, like the Art Show or Main Stage. You probably will not notice them among all the furries.
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However, you will regularly encounter large groups of people inside the hotel that are not attendees of Eurofurence. The Estrel is hosting a huge show multiple times per week. The guests of that show arrive in the afternoon, watch the show and usually stay for quite a while in the hotel lobby. Some of those only watch part of the show and decide to stay in the hotel lobby, since its way more interesting. Of course, a lot of locals come by to see what is happening at the Estrel, especially during the third day since most of the local papers will have printed an article about the con by then. The most visitors can be expected during the weekend, at Friday and Saturday.
Those people are often called "muggle" or "regular". Eurofurence security simply calls them "externals". Those terms are not meant to be depreciative and in 99.8% of all cases, those people are friendly and nice and simply interested and often fascinated from all the unusual goings-on. Many curious visitors have attended the next Eurofurence because they liked the atmosphere and fun. This is one of the reasons why it’s very important that you don’t act like a full-blown idiot. Many of those externals never heard about Furry and whatever they may encounter in those few minutes or hours may shape their view of our community for very long, maybe forever. We will not make any new friends if people have to complain about the drunken unicorn harassing them while their kids are intently watching a wolf and a pony rubbing against each other in public.
In your room, you can mostly do what you want. However, in public you should be aware how your behavior looks like to other people. You should keep in mind, that while you’re at a furry convention, you’re still in a 4-star hotel. A proper and polite behavior should be expected from any adult.
Another hint: Externals tend to be shy and keep their distance. After some time, when they get more comfortable, they may come up to you to ask questions like "What is this?!". Make it comfortable for you and others by taking some time to think about what to say. The most common question should be: "What is this about?".
99% off all external visitors are friendly and simply interested. If you encounter people who harass, insult or even threaten you, call security immediately.
10 Sex and other things that can kill you Sex is a part of our community just as it is part of any other community of adults. A big convention like Eurofurence attracts thousands of mostly young people who party for a week and are surrounded by a lot of stimuli and drink alcohol. Of course, behind closed doors, sex happens. And that’s perfectly normal and fine.
It’s in the nature of younger people to be more careless and willing to take a risk than older people. When adding alcohol and permanent stimuli, this can end very badly. This is not just about HIV. Even "just" doing something you’d never have done while sober can be a hard burden to carry.
56 V 2.6 / 24.01.2016 Eurofurence for beginners Since everybody reading this text is assumed to be a grown-up, educated person, here are just some more or less obvious hints:
10.1 Sexually transmitted diseases Everyone knows that HIV is a very infectious disease that is transmitted primarily through sexual contact. Transmission usually occurs via blood, sperm or other bodily fluids. If you and your partner are not in a closed relationship and both are tested for HIV, you really should use a condom. Condoms can be bought in the public washrooms or at the supermarket right around the corner. You should have two in your room if you’re not sure you will not partake in any sexual adventures. Remember to use a fresh one each time and think about using extra strong ones should it not be vaginal intercourse.
In case you don’t have condoms, there are a lot of things you can do with your partner that does not endanger you. Everything that does not bring you in contact with bodily fluids is reasonably secure. If you’re unsure how to use condoms, read up on it, for example using Wikipedia.
Some people are under the impression that HIV is not a real danger anymore since it can be handled nowadays. This ignores that it is still not curable and that affected people will be dependent on heavy medication for the rest of their lives. Everyone should be aware that a HIV infection is still a very serious danger.
Please keep in mind that there are a whole range of sexually transmitted diseases besides HIV. Those can only be prevented by using consistently using condoms and practicing proper hygiene.
10.2 Don’t be tempted to do something you’ll regret later During all the fun of alcohol and parties, you can land yourself in a situation that may be uncomfortable for you while sober. Especially when you’re drunk, you should not embark on an adventure that you’ll regret in the morning. That cute guy from the bar will still be there in the morning and no flirt in the world is worth endangering yourself.
Don’t get pressured into anything and if (it’s really rare) someone really harasses you, tell them to STOP and call security. Stop means stop, drunk or not.
The people responsible for Eurofurence hope you’ll enjoy the convention, but they also want to be able to see you again next year. So please take care of your health and protect yourself if you’re not absolutely sure!
11 Fursuiters, interacting with fursuiters and other hairy situations Never, under any circumstances, ever hang anything from the fire sprinklers; be it in your room or somewhere else! Those things are very delicate and it would not be the first time 57 V 2.6 / 24.01.2016 Eurofurence for beginners that somebody tried to dry his fursuit by hanging it from a sprinkler and creating a flood, causing massive damage. Paws off the sprinklers!
By the way, all fursuiters can order a fursuit badge free of charge. Just use the login credentials provided to you after registration and log in here.
11.1 Interacting with Fursuiters It’s a lot of fun to play with the fursuiters and watch them. You should mind the following basics so things don’t get too hairy.
Fursuiters are furries just like you. Just because they’re wearing a costume you’re not invited to touch, hug or scritch them. If you don’t know the suiter or if he does not invite you, you really should ask before touching or hugging him.
If you’re cudding a suiter or playing with him, be careful with the fur. It’s not polite to rip out fistfuls of fur. In contrast to a real animal, his fur will not grow back.
A no-brainer, but important to note: Just because someone is wearing a fursuit, that does not mean that person wants to be touched inappropriately or being cuddled excessively. Even if a fursuit is made to be "sexy" that does not mean that the person inside wants to be hit on.
Remember that a fursuit that looks male does not necessarily contain a male person. If you’re not sure, don’t touch the breast area.
Fursuiters may seem larger than life because of the costume, but remember that the costume contains a real person. So please, no roughly horsing around or jumping on suiters like you’re in a WWE match. The worst thing for a suiter is to get injured and be unable to suit for the rest of the con.
Fursuits are very expensive things. Be very careful around the ears, the nose, tails and everything else that may rip off. Repairs can be very expensive. Stroking and scritching is fine, pulling and tugging is not.
If you did not shower in the last 24 hours, you should not touch or hug suiters (mind the 6-2-1 rule!). The same goes if you’ve just been smoking or eating half a bulb of garlic. A fursuit is very stuffy and smells tend to linger in faux fur. If you’ve just eaten something fatty or sticky, wash your hands before touching a suiter and having wolverine-hands afterwards.
This also goes the other way. A simple tip: Don’t hug a suiter who smells like four day old underwear or even looks like it.
If you want to take a picture of a fursuiter, please get your camera ready before asking the suiter to pose for you. After taking the picture, signal the suiter that you’re done,
58 V 2.6 / 24.01.2016 Eurofurence for beginners for example by giving a thumbs-up or nodding. Suiters often cannot see if a picture has been taken already and holding a pose inside a suit is very exhausting.
11.2 Fursuiters roaming the con Fursuiters have a very small field of vision and can hear and feel much less than you can. Don’t sneak up behind a suiter you don’t know since they’ll have no idea you’re even there.
Suiters need a lot of space to move around. Standing too close to a suiter can end badly when you’re hit with a stray elbow.
If you see a suiter approaching an obstacle like stairs or some object on the ground, warn him. Don’t be shy! Since they have such a small field of vision, they may not be able to see it and will appreciate your warning.
If the situation presents itself, open doors or hold doors for suiters. It’s pretty difficult to operate door knobs and the like while in suit.
A fursuiter who is obviously ignoring you may just not see you hear you or is in a hurry to get to the Fursuit Lounge (see below). If a suiter is not moving, you should approach him from the front and speak a bit louder.
If a suiter is waiting for the elevator, absolutely let him go first. Also, please don’t try to squeeze in when the elevator is full and suiters are inside. The elevators are hot and stuffy enough as it is.
11.3 The Fursuit Lounge The Fursuit Lounge is a quiet space for fursuiters to take off their heads and cool down. A rule of fursuiting is to never take off your head in public since that "ruins the magic". Also, it just looks plain stupid if a newbie runs around without a head and gloves or even goes dancing like that. This is like screaming "I’m a n00b! Laugh at me!"
The Fursuit Lounge may only be entered by fursuiters and security. If you’re neither, please stay out. The security will give you the Evil Eye™ otherwise.
If you’re asked by a suiter to assist with getting the suit on or off inside the lounge, that’s fine. However, the drinks and snacks inside the lounge are for fursuiters only. Eating their stuff will get you more than just one Evil Eye™ from security. 59 V 2.6 / 24.01.2016 Eurofurence for beginners
Eurofurence and every other self-respecting convention forbid taking pictures inside the Fursuit Lounge! Firstly because it "ruins the magic" to see a suiter without his head, and secondly because the lounge is basically a changing room where you can see more skin than you should have on your camera. No matter if inside the lounge or elsewhere: Never, ever take a picture of a fursuiter without his head if you do not have explicit permission to do so!
11.4 Fursuiters in distress If you notice a fursuiter who is obviously having problems or is otherwise in distress, take the time and talk to him. If necessary, you should get fursuiters who are not well back to the Fursuit Lounge and maybe get them out of the suit. If a fursuiter does not react or is in need of medical assistance, immediately call security or staff so they can call the medics.
If you notice someone attacking, harassing or otherwise antagonizing a fursuiter, call security. In case you encounter something like this outside of the hotel, you should get the suiter back inside the hotel or run inside the hotel and call security. Refer to the chapter "Rules, security and staff" about how to find security.
12 Practical tips for your first convention
Remember to label everything you carry with you with your name, especially sketchbooks and other stuff you’re prone to lose or leave lying around. Mobile phones and similar devices can be marked using a label below the battery. Use address stickers, that way people can send you your stuff if they find it.
Take half an hour after your arrival and read the con-book. Mark shows and SIGs/panels you intend to attend. If something overlaps or runs at the same time, scratch the thing that is less important to you. A lot of events happen at the same time and you’ll not be able to see everything – don’t make yourself crazy and make plans for each day to eliminate stress. Hint: EF provides you with a pocket guide with the con-book, which is basically a little schedule for you to carry around. Instead of making your own plans for the day, just highlight your decisions in the pocket guide.
Remember the 6-2-1 rule during planning! A shower per day is obligatory! It’s not just about keeping you healthy, you also don’t stink that badly. Remember deodorant!
Give your relatives the phone number of the hotel you’re staying at. Mobile phone networks are not always 100% reliable and you want to be notified if there is an emergency, don’t you?
If you’ve arranged something with hotel personnel, make sure to write down their names so you can track them down later. No-one will believe you saying "Someone from the hotel allowed this" later if you can’t provide a name. 60 V 2.6 / 24.01.2016 Eurofurence for beginners Prepare a sheet containing your name, address, medical information (blood type, allergies, medication, diseases…) and carry it with you. Note contact information of at least one person you want to be notified in case of an emergency. This way, you’ll be able to get help quicker. Hint: First responders will search your mobile phone for contact information in case you’re not responsive. Mark several entries with "ICE" (In Case of Emergency). Those entries will be contacted by emergency services and save a lot of time.
Take a second bag. Usually you’ll bring a lot more stuff home than you left with, especially if you’re buying prints and books on site.
When packing for your departure, look inside all closets, under the bed and in the bathroom. The craziest things get left behind.
Don’t behave like a manic freak in public: When carrying an EF con badge and misbehave, this affects the con and therefore your fandom. During a convention, you’re an ambassador for your fandom and it also depends on you what impression newbies and regular people get from us all.
Don’t be afraid of staff or security! They’re regular furries just like you and are glad to help, even if they look very busy all the time. If you need any help, just ask them.
Talk to new people! Everybody at the convention is there for the same reason you are and almost everybody is nice and wants to meet new people. If you’re just sitting alone at some table and wait for someone to talk to you, you’ll just ruin the convention for yourself. So be brave! Talk to people, stand near them and ask questions and you’re sure to find someone to talk to quickly.
Thank the staffers, security and hotel personnel. They’re really busting their asses to provide you with the best week of the year and miss most of the con themselves. So show your gratitude and give them a smile and a beer.
Also tell the staff if you liked or did not like something, this is the only way to improve the con.
If you’ve lost something, especially a badge, go to ConOps. They have a "Lost-And- Found" box. In 90% of all cases, the thing you lost will already be there when you notice it’s gone. The ConOps team is really great in finding stuff.
It’s a good idea to take a look around and make a mental note of all the different locations like the Main Stage, the ConOps office, the Art Show and the Dealers‘ Den. If you’re lost, ask someone from security.
13 Questions and answers This chapter contains answers to questions asked on various forums which may also be interesting for you.
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During the last few days, I heard a lot of rumors from other people, for example to never go to EF without a pack of condoms. What’s up with that?
That should be pretty self-explanatory. Eurofurence is a very professionally organized convention that has acquired some kind of "Squeaky Clean" reputation among conventions since the staff is intends to cultivate a proper image and having fun enjoying the common grounds of our subculture without displaying every possible fetish. However, EF is a meeting for adult people, many in their 20s, many homosexual males, surrounded by stimuli and often under the influence of alcohol. It would be absurd to claim that sex is not happening. There is nothing wrong with that; everybody should enjoy themselves and their friends in a way that is fun for everybody, but keep in mind that there are a lot of STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases). So no matter if you’re hetero, homo or whatever else: You really should have condoms if you’re planning to spend some private hours with your boy- or girlfriend. This is just about having a sense of responsibility.
However, if you’re asking about rumors like "Everybody is just fucking around on those conventions and everybody is trying to grope you…" – that’s bullshit, really. Everything that goes beyond kissing in public is forbidden and will be punished. The security service of Eurofurence is actually paying attention to that. Rest assured that nobody will even hug you if you’re not comfortable with that. This is not a gathering of creeps, but a week-long party all about Furry.
Maybe you can give a hint, which events are worth seeing for newcomers? Or which one can be attended as a fursuiter?
That’s kinda hard, since it’s very subjective and based on your personal preferences. My highlights are the "PawPetShow", Uncle Kage’sStoryhourand the "BigBlueDance". Others are just not into "hand puppets" (the PawPetShow has long grown into much more, however) and think Kage is stupid.
Generally, I’d advise you to visit the PawPetShow at least once. For newcomers, there is a very recommendable SIG especially for them. It’s moderated by Uncle Kage (Stand-Up comedian from the US and chairman (boss) of the biggest furry convention in the world) and Dhary, which basically covers everything written down here in a crazy and memorable way at the convention. You really should go there!
If you’re a fursuiter, the Fursuit-GameShow is for you. It’s a game show for and with fursuiters that can basically be attended by anyone. Just take a look at the EF forums here.
What’s up with room 366, which seems to be subject of many rumors?
It seems like this one is around to stay. "Room 366" is a very suggestive and controversial video made by EZWolf and several fursuiters during a room-party on EF 17. The intention was to make a parody of those typical R'n'B music videos. Originally, the video was supposed to stay with those involved in making it. However, one person did not adhere to the agreement and the video spread like wildfire. Things where suggested in the video, but there were no actual sexual activities involved in the video or the party. The name stems from a photo
62 V 2.6 / 24.01.2016 Eurofurence for beginners shooting held by Tillikum and Reeve at the Confuzzled convention in 2011, which was in room 366. By now, the whole thing became a running gag.
Since it was announced that all rooms, except for some superior rooms, are booked and my roommate and me did not yet receive a confirmation regarding our registration, would it be wise to try to split up and try to get into a room booked for three people? The message on Twitter said it’s possible to get three people into a room.
Before every EF, some people always had to sell their registration including the rooms for personal reasons (they have been offered on Furbase or on the official EF forums). Speculating on that is risky in case you have to make plans and apply for vacation at work.
There have been creative solutions, like paying someone who has a single room without a roommate the surcharge to get a still available superior room to take over the regular room with the intended roommate. Also, you can try to beg/convince/pay someone who has a room to try and take a third spot in another room so you can share the now free bed with your roommate. If you find people who are willing to make a deal with you, almost everything can be arranged by EF. However, the total number of rooms cannot be changed and to share a room with three people, everyone has to agree.
If it’s a matter of being able to visit EF or not and you’re fine with sleeping on an air mattress (or sharing a regular sized bed with someone else) it’s plausible to split up and try to get separate rooms as 'the third one'. However, please make sure to discuss who gets to sleep in the beds beforehand so you’re not getting into an argument on-site.
63 V 2.6 / 24.01.2016 Eurofurence for beginners 14 Index
Age, Minimum 14 Masks 48 Badge 16 Numberwang 14 Badgenumber 14 Opening Ceremonies 21 Booking, Hotelroom 21 Panel 4 Codeword 22 Parent waivers 14 Collar 43 Passport 14 Con-fee 16 Payment, Convention 19 Convention Center, The 5 Payment, Hotel 21 Convention Security 30 Press 55 Costume 40 Programming 6 Date of birth 15 Real Name 15 Daytickets 19 Refunds 18 DeadDogParty 21 Registration / Reg 13 Double Room 23 Registration Number 14 Drugs 37 Resell, Ticket 18 Early Arrival 21 Room Share 24 e-mail, confirming 19 Rules of Conduct / RoC 31 Estrel hotel 5 Security 30 Eurofurence 4 Share, Room 23 Forum, Official 4 Single Room 23 Furry-Convention 6 Sponsor / Supersponsor 17 Fursuit 59 Sprinkler 59 Fursuitlounge 60 Stage show 6 Ghosting 20 Stage Ticket 16 Harnesses 45 Terms and conditions 18 Hotel 5 Twitter, Official 4 Hotel Tower 5 Visa, Country 29 Hotelroom 20 Website, Official 4 Housekeeping 53 Wheelchair 15 Language, default 4 Your First Furry Convention 4 Late Departure 21 Zentai 47
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