InFurNation!

More Furriness Coming Your Way This Year!
Here's a quick look at furry conventions popping up all over the place!

And of course, back where it all started…

ConFurence Ten Progress Report

ConFurence Ten – Looking Back At Ten Furry Years! Help us remember the ups, downs, and sideways of ConFurence from then to now… And remember, our special second theme for '99 is The Year of the (Bunny) Rabbit – So be sure to hop on over!

More About Our Guests of Honor – Cynthia McQuillin and Mary Hanson-Roberts

This time, let's learn a little more our artistic Guest of Honor for ConFurence Ten, Mary Hanson-Roberts. Mary made a name for herself at SF art shows throughout North America with her fantasy illustrations, many featuring her created species of gentle, lion-like cat-taurs. More recently, she became known to many furry fans for her series Here Comes A Candle – one of the longest running (and most popular in reader poles) series in the Furrlough anthology from Radio Comix. She's also illustrated numerous comic stories for Antarctic Press and Shanda Fantasy Arts. (She illustrated the cover for SFA's anthology Women in Fur) In an entirely different vein, Mary illustrated an entire deck of Tarot cards in 1992, and it has become extremely popular among fortune telling fans. (Her book and card set, The Hanson-Roberts Tarot by Laura Carson and Mary Hanson-Roberts, is available on the Web at the ConFurence home page.)

Our musical Guest of Honor, Cynthia McQillin, has quite a history behind her. Her cassette Crystal Singer, recorded in the early 1980's, was the very first tape released by Off Centaur Publications – for years one of the foremost publishers of filk music in the U.S. Over the years she has written more than 1,000 songs, and recorded some 300 of them on cassette and CD. And at least a few dozen of them have celebrated one thing: Cats. Oh, plenty of songs about dragons and were-critters and other mythical beasties too. But most famously, cats. Many of her best-known kitty songs were collected and performed on Bedlam Cats, available from Dandelion Digital. Cyndi and her partner, Dr. Jane Robinson (filk Guest of Honor at ConFurence 8) write and perform together as the duo Mid-Life Crisis.

Next time around, we'll learn more about our Special Guests, Robert and Margaret Carspecken.

More Well-Known Furry Folks…

ConFurence Ten is proud to welcome ConFurence Seven Guest of Honor Eric Schwartz back to Southern California! He joins such well-known furry names as Mike and Carole Curtis, Michele Light, Steve Gallacci, Jim Groat, Pete Stoller, Mel. White, Brian Sutton, Mitchell Beiro, Daphne Lage, Jose Calderon, Carla Speed MacNeil, Shauntae Howard, Lance Rund, Gordon Spurlock, Matt Henry, Kevin Andrew Murphy, D.A. and Tygger Graf, Steve Addlesee, Ed Kline, Steven Martin, Ted Sheppard, Chuck Melville, Edd Vick, Susan Van Camp, E.T. and Elizabeth Bryan, Smudge, Baron Engel, Fred Patten, Darrel Benvenuto, Mike Raabe, Diana Vick, Tommy Yune, Tim Fay, Trump, John and Rachel Cawley, Terrie Smith, Jefferson Swycaffer, Roz Gibson, Michael-Scot McMurry, Jimmy Chin, John Nunnemacher, Michael Payne, Arlene Harris, Dusty Rhodes, James Hardiman, Elin Winkler, Leslie Fish, Dr. Jane Robinson, Steve Plunkett, Joseph and Trish Ny, James Lomax, Taral Wayne, David Bliss, Harvo, and the crew from Yarf! Tentative well-known folks at press time include Stephanie Gladden, Suzy Spafford, and Doug TenNapel!

Our NEW Re-Tooled Hotel

The Town & Country Resort Hotel in San Diego's Mission Valley has been performing some major upgrades and face-lifts since last year. One of the biggest is a brand-new two-story elevator installed in the east side meeting rooms area – thus bringing every last bit of their function space up to handicapped accessibility standards. We've told you many of the unique and special features of our host hotel over the past few issues: Four restaurants on site, easy walking distance to both the Red Trolley Line and the Fashion Valley Mall, no less than three swimming pools… all of which can be yours for only $85.00/night (single/double) or $95.00/night (triple/quad). Folks have already got plenty of our room block reserved, so best to get yours as soon as you can! To make reservations, call (800) 854-2608, or the local number (619) 291-7131. Important: Make sure to call during business hours (M-F 9 am - 5 pm, pacific time), and make sure to mention ConFurence! Hurry!

Other Accommodations

For those fans of less means, we're happy to report that we have three less expensive facilities (some a lot less, some not much) for you to stay in, right across the freeway (through a convenient tunnel) from our main hotel. They are, in order of nearness:

Best Western, Seven Seas Lodge -- (800) 328-1618
Econo Lodge, Mission Valley -- (619) 692-1299
Days Inn, Hotel Circle – (800) 345-9995

Call the individual motels for room reservations, and be sure to mention both ConFurence and the Town & Country Hotel.

Let's Den Up!

If you are interested in sharing a room at ConFurence Ten, or if you have a room and could use some extra bodies, please give us a call at the ConFurence phone number. (Or, if you can, e-mail mink@firstlight.net.) We'll ask you some pertinent questions, and pass along the information to other interested furries.

Once Again – We Welcome You To The Pearl Possum!

Modeled after the local Lynchbany tavern in the first book of Alan Dean Foster's Spellsinger series, ConFurence Ten proudly presents the return of our own continuous juice bar and fan lounge, available to ConFurence members! In addition to a full line of (non-alcoholic) drinks, The Pearl Possum will once again feature events such as book signings, story readings, and filk singing at night. It followed us to our new hotel! Be sure to check it out!

The Den of Dealers

As of this time, the Den of Dealers is sold out for ConFurence Ten. Spaces are available to be reserved in Publishers Row (see below for more info). If you've called us and you're on our waiting list, please, bring your stuff! We'll try our best to find room for you in our Artists' Alley or perhaps in the Den of Dealers itself -- cancellations do happen, sometimes at the last minute!

Artist's Alley

The Artists' Alley remains one of the most popular features of any ConFurence! Half-table spaces in the pre-convene area (in front of the Den of Dealers) are available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis only, with sign-ups each morning at 9:45 am – sharp!

Publisher's Row

Tables in Publishers' Row are reserved by special arrangement with ConFurence; for book, comic book, and art collection publishers. Located in the same place as Artists' Alley, tables here are $60.00 for one table (with two attending memberships included) and $40.00 more for an additional table (maximum of two). As with Artists' Alley, the tables need to be cleared off at the end of each day – but unlike the AA, you don't have to reserve your space each morning! Write to Steve Corbett at the ConFurence address for more info.

Dealers: The State wants their share!

By California State law, in order to deal at a trade show in the state of California (which ConFurence technically is), you must collect sales tax and you must have a State of California Tax ID number assigned to you. For more information, call the California Franchise Tax Board, or contact our Dealer Staff Lead, Steve Corbett, at the ConFurence P.O. Box.

One More Important Note for Dealers

If you plan to sell materials in the Den of Dealers, Publishers' Row, or Artists' Alley, be aware that the official policy of ConFurence is that no illegal or regulated materials (e.g. obscene items or copyright-infringing materials) are allowed to be sold at our convention. If you chose to break this rule, you risk expulsion from the convention, or legal action… in which case ConFurence can and will accept NO responsibility for your person or your materials. Also remember: For reasons of security, the Den of Dealers will be locked at the end of each convention day, and NO ONE will be allowed into the room until opening the next morning. This is final. Contact Steve Corbett for more information.

So Who's Gonna Be Selling Stuff At ConFurence This Year?

As of now, furry folk with stuff-to-sell in the Den of Dealers include (whew!):

The Art Show

Consistently one of the biggest things at every ConFurence is our Art Show. And consistently, ours is one of the largest and most diverse SF/Fantasy art shows in America! But as large as it is, our show will fill up, and soon -- so get in your reservations right away! Your first art show space (4 ft. by 4 ft.) is still available free with your paid supporting or attending membership -- all you have to do is claim it in writing. Additional art show spaces are available for a low $5.00 each. Get yours reserved today! What, can't make it to ConFurence? No problem! Reserve your space, then mail us your art before the con -- we'll set it up, send you back any unsold items, and get you off a check for what does sell, soon as we can! Write to The Art Show at the ConFurence address for any and all information. (All our thanks to our new Art Show Person, Xian Jaguar, and her super crew!)

And Here's A Look At Some Of The Events We'll Be Bringing You...

-- Programming Stuff

Programming at ConFurence 10 will include lots of our famous SIG round-robin discussion groups, including our well-known "Species SIGs" – come meet other folks who like your favorite kind of animal (real or imagined). We also plan on a full slate of workshops (in art, costuming, comics, and etc.) and special presentations. Kevin Andrew Murphy (Wild Cards) plans to hold a discussion group on children's literature, from the past right up to Animorphs. Workshops are planned for those who want to learn the basics of costume making, as well as those with more advanced skills. Lots of workshops for artists too – from beginning drawing and sketching to the making of comic books. This being the season of Passover, Easter, and Spring Equinox, this ConFurence will actually feature our first religious ceremonies – Christian, Jewish, and Pagan, on the appropriate days.

-- The Costume Presentation and other FurSuit Events

Your opportunity to show off what you can do with costuming for your own furry creation -- not to mention the creation itself -- comes on Saturday afternoon at our Costume Presentation. The two-hour program brings you the handiwork of costumers and furry constructors from throughout furrydom (and yes we warn you – folks will want to take your picture!). It's followed later in the day by a popular vote for the two best costumes (one amateur, and one who's been doing this for a while). Back again for ConFurence Ten is the FurSuit Lounge, where furry costumers can let their fur down and meet with their fellows. In the lounge, costumers from around the country will be on hand and available to discuss the materials and methods they use to bring us their creations in several special workshops. Sign-up sheets and other info for the Costume Presentation will be available at the ConFurence Information Desk. Also returning this year: The costumers giving their own awards too! If you plan to participate in the Saturday Presentation, look for information regarding the 'Pier Awards' voting. AND, don't forget: Saturday night it's time for another FurSuit Dance… always one of our most popular night-time activities.

-- Dinner on Saturday

Another ConFurence tradition -- stuffing yourself on Saturday night – follows us to our new city! The menu's still being worked out, but we know it'll feature some fine Italian food, plus lots of other goodies to fit all tastes and needs (including special diets) available buffet-style. Tickets will be available from the ConFurence General Store. Look for it!

-- The Cabaret Fur le Dance

By now a ConFurence tradition, the Saturday night Cabaret show features lively music and hot dancing by skillful male and female dancers, plus costumes and skits -- yes, there's adult-oriented material here (at least in some parts of the show!), so the show is for over-18's, sorry! In honor of our convention theme, many of the dancers and performers have been asked to re-create some of their most popular performances from previous Cabarets. But don't worry – There's plenty of new stuff for you to see too! Proceeds from the Cabaret benefit the Deal Whitley Memorial Fund for cartooning scholarships at the DuCret School of the Arts, and other local animal charities. Tickets can again be purchased at the ConFurence General Store.

-- Filking

ConFurence strives to be a filk-friendly con. Once again room will be set aside on Friday and Saturday night for fans who want to get together and sing about their favorite furries. Once again on Friday night it's time for the annual Furry Filk-Song contest, with the winner picked by a popular vote. What? You don't sing or play? Why, just bring your lyrics along -- we'll have someone perform them for you! And hey, do you play a guitar or other instrument? Bring it along! We can always use more accompanists! Immediately after the contest, it's time for another ConFurence Filk Concert, featuring performances by not only our Guest of Honor Cynthia McQuillin but Dr. Jane Robinson, Michael Payne, Leslie Fish, and others who've been asked to join us.

-- The Video Theater – Through the Day and Night!

Once again, our Video Theater will be running 24 hours a day from Thursday afternoon to Sunday afternoon, will feature many animated features and TV shows, anime originals, translations (serious and otherwise!), short films, furry commercials, and other nifty stuff. We're looking to celebrate some of the best and most memorable furry stuff on screen from the past 10 years. Have some ideas? Write us and say so!

-- Gaming

Always a popular pastime with lots of furries, whether the game is Albedo, Other Suns, TMNT, Werewolf, or Teenagers From Outer Space! ConFurence will again have no less than two Gaming Rooms – one for FRP Games, and one for Card-Based Games. (Possibly one for computer and video games too – we're working on it!) We're pleased to announce that White Wolf Games will be holding a Werewolf tournament at this year's ConFurence, and possibly a Rage tournament as well.

- The History of Furry Fandom

As part of our Ten Years of ConFurence celebration, ConFurence 10 will feature a special display dedicated to where our fandom came from – and where it's been. Displays of furry fanzines, out-of-print comics, fursuits, "bibles" from our favorite TV shows, animation cels… all this and more for you to see. Hey! Got an idea for stuff we might include? (Or even better, have some stuff in your collection you want to show off?) Get in touch with us at ConFurence!

- Go See Some Real Live Animals – For Less!

We've has made arrangements for special lower-priced tickets for the world-famous San Diego Zoo and San Diego Wild Animal Park to be made available to members of ConFurence. (And we're working on the same kind of a deal for Sea World, too!) The tickets will be on sale at the ConFurence General Store. Now, will we be getting some speakers and maybe a live animal or two from these famous places? Keep your eyes on these very pages – we'll let you know!

A Few Important Policy Notes for ConFurence. Hey! Read These!

- Weapons Policy

For the length of ConFurence Ten, all real, realistic, or simulated weapons must be peace-bonded with ribbon. This includes any sort of gun, knife (above 4" total), sword, whip, or other such item which could cause damage. Yes, that does include Silly String! ConFurence security will be enforcing this! If you have a weapon that needs to be displayed as part of the Costume Presentation, you need to make special arrangements with both the Security and Costume Show staff ahead of time – preferably prior to the con, in writing.

- Some Words on Dress and Behavior

We've asked this before, and we will again, because we think it's important: People from all over the world, from many cultures and social strata, come to a ConFurence. And we really want to make a good impression on as many of them as we can. Not everyone who shows up is going to be into or not into the same things as you. Please try to be discreet with things like leather shock-gear or clothing that's hardly even there, okay? At very least in the Lobby and main Convention Area, try to think about how you're dressed, and make sure that you are dressed! If you're not thinking, Con Security might have to come over and remind you. Secondly, you need to be careful about getting over-energetic with horseplay! If a bit of fooling around damages hotel property, it's gone way too far. Thirdly, keep in mind that as furries we're all fond of cuddling and affection – But there comes a point where, to be polite in public, both of you should head off to a private room. Okay? The twin policies of ConFurence are tolerance for our diversity and politeness for our con. It makes this annual world furry gathering a lot more fun and enjoyable for everyone who comes here. Thank you from us all!

- Smoking Policy

California State law forbids smoking in many public places, such as hotel lobbies, restaurants, and bars. Therefore, smoking is not going to be allowed in most parts of the Town & Country Hotel where ConFurence is taking place. Smoking is allowed in individual sleeping rooms, and will be allowed in the lounges – IF, and only if, you use a smoke-catching air-filtered ashtray. Outside the hotel, you're on your own.

The Price

Registration to ConFurence Ten is on a sliding scale. From now until March 22nd, 1999, three-day Attending memberships are available by mail for $30.00. After that, three-day memberships will sell at the door for $35.00. And, a full year of In-Fur-Nation, plus our special annual ConFurence Souvenir Collection Book, are all included in the price of your membership!

And remember, if you cannot migrate to this part of the world at that time, feel free to join ConFurence as a Supporting member! Supporting members get a full year's subscription to In-Fur-Nation, the Souvenir Collection Book, and one free art show display space for the taking, all for the low price of just $15.00! Got it? :)

Important Note on Registration, for Special Guests and Pre-Paid Sponsors and Super Sponsors Only:

As an added bonus, our special guests of ConFurence, Sponsors, and Super Sponsors (pre-paid, not converting) can bypass a good portion of the Registration lines! If you're a Convention Guest, a Sponsor, or a Super Sponsor, please follow the signs to the special Express Lane. Your badges, packets, and ribbons will be waiting for you there. Not certain if you're a Sponsor, Super, or Guest? Check the lists at Information!

ConFurence's Big Help Departments...

Our Sponsors

Sponsors are the special furries who help keep ConFurence going by giving a little bit (or a lot bit!) of extra financial help. That's money for transporting, lodging, and feeding our special guests, as well as offsetting complimentary memberships. To become a sponsor, just contribute a minimum of $30.00 over and above your membership fee. Indicate which of our special guests this money is to help toward; or if you can't decide, just mark it "general fund" – that's automatically earmarked for our Guests of Honor. What do you get for being a sponsor? Besides being mentioned by name in the Souvenir Book, sponsors are the only folks (besides staff and guests) allowed in the Guest Lounge, a special place set aside where folks can relax away from the hubbub of the con. The food is good and the company is lively. And sponsors get special seating at the Fur le Dance Cabaret (with the purchase of a regular ticket -- after all, it's for charity!) and the Costume Presentation. Plus, Sponsors get -- our unending gratitude!

Super Sponsors (We make size matter!)

Super Sponsors are people who really want to help out the convention -- and think they deserve something special in return. Supers sponsors are those crazy, er, wonderful people willing to contribute $100.00 or more toward our special guests. Super Sponsors get all the same neat stuff as other Sponsors, plus some extra snazzy foodstuffs in the VIP Lounge (Guests and Super-Sponsors only allowed!). Other neat perks include front-row seats at the Fur le Dance Cabaret (again, that's with the charity purchase of your ticket for the FLD show) and the Costume Presentation. We even bug our Guests of Honor to come up with some little, unique gifts that they can send your way… we'll let you know what we find! What, you don't have $100.00 sitting around? Why, make installments! That's right, we'll take two payments of $50.00, or four payments of $25.00 -- it still counts you as a Super Sponsor! [Important Note: Keep in mind, you're not actually a Sponsor until we get the actual $50.00 or more, and not a Super until we get the full $100.00 or more. So, if you're making installments, you might not get your name in the Souvenir Book, say, if you take a while to get yourself paid up! But, we promise -- we'll acknowledge you as soon as you do!]
ANOTHER Special Note for Sponsors and Supers...

We've had several people who have actively requested help from ConFurence to get out here, so they might join us and be part of the program. It would be very helpful to us if any Sponsors or Super Sponsors willing to would ear-mark some or all of their contributions (already made) toward helping out specific well-known furs. Besides our Guests of Honor and Special Guests (Patricia C. Wrede, Mary Hanson-Roberts, Cynthia McQuillin, and Robert & Margaret Carspecken) whom we can always use help for, the folks asking about Sponsorship include: Dusty Rhodes (illustrator) and Lynn Kurtz (sword maker) [both of whom have danced wonderfully in the Cabaret Fur le Dance], as well as comic book creator Stephanie Gladden. So, if you'd like to earmark some of your funds to some of the needy, why not give the ConFurence phone number a call, or e-mail mink@firstlight.net.

The ConFurence Souvenir Book – Be Part of the Magic!

The ConFurence Ten Souvenir Book collection is now accepting! We need black & white art, and short articles, in a furry frame of mind to give our members and supporters. Subjects should reflect our main con theme this year: Looking back at special memories of furry conventions, furry parties, and other aspects of furry fandom over the past ten years. Or, you might chose to highlight our sub-theme (bunnies!), or the works of one of our Guests of Honor. No pay, and the rights return to you immediately after the con, but here's a chance to get your visions or ideas out in front of more than a thousand furry fen! Interested? Write or call for more information, or send your articles (up to 500 words) or copies only of your black-and-white artwork to the ConFurence P.O. Box, Attn: Souvenir Book. Remember -- The deadline for submissions to the Souvenir Book is January 31st, 1999 -- so get on it furs!

Our Staff

We can always use more staff to help keep things running smoothly at ConFurence! What's it take? Sixteen hours (minimum) of your time over the length of the con (though more is always appreciated!) helping out with Registration, Art Show shuffling and paperwork, sound and lighting for the shows and dances, and all kinds of stuff it takes to pull off a con like this one? What do you get for all this? Well first and foremost, a free space to crash in and cheap (if not free) munchies for the length of the con! Plus a chance for a free membership to the following ConFurence, transferable to certain 'stuff' at the ConFurence General Store. [Remember though, you do have to buy a membership first, do the work, then you'll be credited for your membership!] Want more info on ConFurence volunteering? Just send a note to Rod O'Riley at the ConFurence address (or mink@firstlight.net ) and he'll send you out a Volunteer Information Packet right away. (You can also register as a volunteer on the ConFurence web site!)

Furries on the Wing – Fly Like A Byootiful Butterfly!

ConFurence has its own official travel agency, Ladera Travel of Southern California. They've specialized for years in getting good rates for travel to and from SF cons, including ours! Contact Rick Foss at (800) 624-6679 from outside California, or (310) 640-0527 inside California.

The Great Furry Migration

Looking to carpool or caravan your way to ConFurence Ten? Give us a call on the ConFurence phone (or e-mail us) and give us some pertinent information about what you need or what you're offering. We'll pass the info along to others in your area (or path) who'd like to ride share.

Hey! Is this your Last In-Fur-Nation??

It might be, if you've not yet a member of ConFurence Ten! Take a look at your mailing label… are there a bunch of letters and numbers in a funny pattern under your name? If so, that, my friends, is your membership number in full! Here's how all those symbols work:

The first two digits are the year of the convention; 99 for 1999. The next 4 digits are the membership number, from 0001 to 9999. The first letter after the digits is the type of membership. A= Attending, N= Non-attending (Supporting), D= Dealer, B= Dealer's helper (2nd membership included with full table reservation), P= Sponsor, U= Super Sponsor, G= Guest, H= Guest of Honor, R= Artist registered for Art Show, S= Staff, M= Media/Press. The digit that appears after the letters 'D' indicate the number of dealer's tables the Dealer has reserved. The digit that appears after the letter 'R' is the number of Art Show display spaces that the registered Artist has reserved.

Sample membership number: 990023NR2

Decoded: CF10 member 23 is a non-attending artist with 2 art show spaces reserved.

Sample membership number: 990124UD2

Decoded: CF10 member 124 is a Super Sponsor Dealer with 2 tables reserved.