Pre-Registration - Sponsors/Shiny Sponsors
This is for Sponsors and Shiny Sponsors ONLY.
Convention schedule
Midwest Furfest 2013
Thursday, November 21, 2013
8 eventsPre-Registration - General
This is for everyone who pre-registered online before the convention.
Registration
This is for At The Door Registration only. If you pre-registered online, you can pick up your badge at Pre-Registration .
Pre-Registration
Thursday Night Artists Alley
The Thursday Night Artists Alley like our regular Artists Alley with some small exceptions. Because everyone may not have a badge, all artwork displayed must be no greater than PG in rating. This will be monitored, and those violating this will be asked to leave. Seats will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis starting at 6 PM on Thursday in Midway. This is a small room, so we can only accommodate 30 or so artists. The room opens to the public at 7:00 PM!
Pirate's Cove
Come enjoy a light assortment of snacks to help stave off scurvy!
FurFest Lounge
Join us in the Conference Center at the Hyatt, just off the lobby and opposite the front desk, for an evening of light music, drawing, gaming, free food, and hangin' out! Music Schedule: 8:00 PM - 9:20 PM mAdius (Techno) 9:20 PM - 10:40 PM Soto (Techno/Chill) 10:40 PM - 12:00 AM Nightkat (House/Trance)
Table Top Gaming
General Gaming - See separate Gaming Schedule in your Pocket-Program for more details
Friday, November 22, 2013
50 eventsArtist Alley Sign-Up
Pre-Registration
After 2 PM, At the Door and Preregistration will be combined in the United Room.
Registration
This will be At The Door Registration only until 2 PM. Pre-Registration and At The Door Registration will be combined in the United Room after 2 PM. After Registration closes for the night, you can purchase a Temporary Badge in Operations, in the Grand Boardroom.
Temporary Badge
Table Top Gaming
General Gaming - See separate Gaming Schedule in your Pocket-Program for more details
Opening Ceremonies
Join us for the official start to Midwest FurFest 2013, with last minute announcements and other interesting tidbits. Let's start the convention off with a bang!
Your First Furry Convention
What to expect at a furry convention, how to behave, pitfalls to avoid, and just what the heck are all those black sketchbooks about, anyway?
Artist Alley Open
Dealer's Den
Secondary Gaming
General Gaming - See separate Gaming Schedule in your Pocket-Program for more details
Meet the Guests of Honor
Come on by to find out all the interesting details of their work and their interests. This will be a question and answer session, so please fire up your curiosity and bring on those intriguing questions we know you have. Please welcome our 2013 Guests: JAMIE "CHIBI-MARROW", LINDSEY "SILVER HUSKYWOLF, SONDERJEN
Fursuit Roundtable
Come on by and get to know all your fellow fuzzies for the weekend! This is a great time to swap stories, see some fursuits, and get the lowdown on all the furry programming for the weekend!
Introduction to Pawpeteering Workshop
Have you ever watched a pawpet show and think 'I can do that' but didn't know where to begin? Well, this is the place for you! Come and learn the basics of puppeteering from MFF's own pawpeteers. We'll provide you with the tools you need to get started including where to obtain a puppet, tricks to make your puppet come alive by creating a character, performance tips, and ways to practice your new skills. NO Puppets Required!
Spirituality Roundtable
Come and join us for a round table discussion on what your spirituality means to you.
How to Commission A Fursuit
So it's your first time commissioning a fursuit, well I'm going to give you all the tips and tricks for making sure you get exactly the suit you want.
Basic Video Puppetry
What do you do with your puppets after the convention ends? Use the internet to keep the fun alive, of course! Learn the basics of video publishing and editing using little more than the software and hardware that comes with your computer. We’ll also touch in live streaming and podcasting.
Meet the Charity!
Meet this years charity, One Tail at a Time. One Tail at a Time, is a no-kill, all-breed dog rescue that serves to lower euthanasia rates in the greater Chicagoland area and provide education on the humane treatment of companion animals. The rescue concentrates its efforts on dogs that are in danger of being euthanized, or those that are physically and/or mentally deteriorating in a shelter environment, works to rehabilitate them, and then matches each dog with a permanent home. Focused on keeping pets as a part of our family, One Tail at a Time offers fosters and adopters continued support and education on how best to keep dogs happy, healthy and bonded for life.
Fursuit Photoshoot
Work that tail! Stop on by and mug for our camera, and get some wonderful fursuit pictures to remember the con by!
Friendship in the Fandom
The most important yet sometimes difficult part of being furry fandom is friendship! We will be discussing the different levels and forms of friendships, how to meet and keep a long term friend, and personal experiences from the speakers lives. Feel free to come and bring a friend!
Artist Alley Sign-Up for Saturday
Pawpet Improv Workshop
Improvisation provides the necessary skills to bring your puppet character to life whether it's interacting with friends or gracefully maneuvering through unexpected moments that happen during a live show. Our pawpeteers will provide you with some tips and tools you can use to develop your improv skills. Come prepared to participate in some Improv games. NO Puppets Required!
Shiny Sponsor Reception
Midwest FurFest is pleased to welcome our Super Shiny Sponsors to a special reception in the breathtaking former restaurant at the very top of the Hyatt! Meet this year's Guests of Honor, enjoy a drink and a light snack, and mingle with your fellow Shiny Sponsors. Held at Ventanas, atop the Hyatt hotel. In addition to an open bar, this year's menu will include: ILLINOIS CHEESE EXTRAVAGANZA Our Cheese Selection is from Ludwig Farmstead Creamery in Fithian, Illinois. This Certified Humane farm has been in the family since 1866. Their main business is raising high pedigree Holstein dairy cattle. Two years ago they began producing high quality European Style Cheese. The available cheese include: Vermillion River Blue Triple Cream Cheese let it slowly melt in your mouth and experience the “blue” taste develop. Feather Ridge – inspired by the great mountain cheeses of Europe Complex favors with a mildly sharp finish. Kickapoo – inspired by the German Buterkase this cheese is fresh tasting with buttery cream taste’ Sagamon – A double cream cheese with a buttery flavor and velvety texture Jake’s Wheel – A semi soft cheese similar to Havarti Crackers from Nicole’s Bakery on the North side of Chicago. Nicole is a 90 year old woman who still oversees the daily operations and sells her crackers throughout the US. Rare Bird Preserves Oak Park, Illinois – This woman owned company produces small batches of seasonal sustainable preserves. SLIDERS Kobe Beef, Salmon Cakes, and Turkey Sliders Aged Cheddar, Emmenthal, and Havarti Slices House-made Potato Chips Ketchup, Mustard Dip, Barbeque Sauce, Cranberry Chutney and Wasabi Mayo Hand Sliced Dill Pickles, Salsa and Relish
FVS Rehearsal #1
Charity Poker
Set sail for the world famous MFF charity poker tournament. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, this tournament will be an exciting and fun way to support our charity. Like last year, the tournament will follow the standard casino style and will include rebuy’s and add-on’s. As in past years, a $10 donation will grant you a seat at one of the three satellite tournaments with the top 3 players of each satellite moving on to the final 9 player tournament on Sunday. There will be prizes for everyone in the final tournament along with prizes for being on the “bubble” of each satellite. First prize will again be a sponsor membership for next year’s MFF!
Science, Pseudoscience and Outright Crap
Homeopathic remedies? Magnets? Aromatherapy? Let's examine these a little more closely, and let you decide for yourself what is sound science and what is outright crap.
Stolen Booty
Join FurMedia team members Seneca and Poonya as they discuss how to handle, avoid, and overcome the issues of art theft. Open Q&A last 15min of panel.
Rondie & Roffie's Pony Hour
Join Agent Elrond (Rondie) and Arofa Tamahn (Roffie) as they run the gamut of horse-related topics. Part art jam, part tutorial, part story-time. Roffie, author of the runaway MLP fancomic "The Night the Magic Died" gives his insights on the MLP:FiM art style, while Rondie, with 20+ years experience with *actual* horses, relates anecdotes concerning the real animals. Finally, bring your questions and suggestions as these two artists knuckle down and share their tips and tricks for drawing all things equine both in cartoony and realistic styles.
Furoticon TCG: How to Play & Beginner Tournament! (18+, Adults Only!)
Come learn how to play Furoticon: TCG, back this year with a new college-themed expansion! Participate in free play, or, if you're feeling competitive, sign up at Tail Kiss Studio's Dealer Table for the Beginner Tournament, and duke it out for prizes against other Beginners! (Demo Decks will be made available.) (18+, Adults Only)
Video Gaming
See separate Video Gaming Schedule in your Pocket-Program for more details
Character Reference Sheets for Dummies
Hey you. Yeah, you. You look like a dummy, how about you come learn a thing or two about what makes a character sheet successful at conveying your character’s key features and unique attributes to any commission artist.
Kage Story Hour
Uncle Kage is back! Kage leads a rather interesting life and he is back to tell us more hilarious stories from his unique perspective. With a dry wit, and a squinting view of the oddities of real life through the eyes of an intelligent cynic, Uncle Kage's Story Hour has become legend.
DragonStorm
See Gaming-Grid for Details
Shadow Hunters
If you're a fan of Lupus in Tabula, Werewolves of Miller's Hollow, Are you a Werewolf?, and similar - but want to play a bit faster, this 8-player board game combines elements of those games with Clue. Shadows, Hunters, and Mortals each have different goals to win and different powers that may help or hurt their cause.
Science, Technology, & Medicine Meet & Greet
A chance for anyone who works, studies, or is just interested in those fields to get together, find mutual interests, and network.
The Dragget Show Live
Join Xander the Blue and Alkali for a live recording of the popular podcast "The Dragget Show". Join them as they hit on the topics that you want to hear like "Why did that bum just kick over a garbage can" and "What happens when you break the shower door" Come for the podcast, stay for the charity story.
Fursuit Care and Maintenance
The basis for this panel is to give fursuit owners basic knowledge on tips how to make theirs suit last longer, look better, and stay in good shape for a long time.
2 The Ranting Gryphon
Have you ever seen nerf kittens and dead babies fly out of someone's pants? Well, you won't see it at the Ranting Gryphon's show either -- but he'll certainly talk about it! Come and spend some time with 2, as he brings out the funny side of things we probably shouldn't be laughing at. This is an all-ages show.
Fursuit Dance Competition - Prelims
Are you the best dancer in the fandom? Do you have it takes to shake a tail feather? Come prove that you've got the moves to take you to the top of MFF's Second Annual Fursuit Dance Competition. Fursuiters/dancers will compete against one another for a chance to perform on the main ballroom's stage at the Finals!
Furoticon TCG: Intermediate Tournament (18+, Adults Only!)
Sign up at Tail Kiss Studio's Dealer Table for the Furoticon Intermediate Tournaments, featuring our new, college-themed expansion! Compete for prizes and harem dominance! (18+, Adults Only)
Sparkle Dog
Have a bright and colorful character, lots of theme songs and accessories? You're not alone! Bring your accessories and drawing stuff and make some new friends with other sparkle dogs! We will have music, snacks and goodies, templates and crayons to design your own sparkle dog! Best designs win prizes!
Fursuit Dance
Additional lighting and lighter tunes in a more fursuit-friendly environment!
Music by Shasta (Mashups/Pop/80s/90s)
Furry Feud!
Fursuit Charades
How much CAN you say, without really saying anything? Join us for all the fun and find out! Fursuiters are highly encouraged for this event!
MLP Party Panel
Equestria Inspired brings to you a night full of all sorts of My Little Pony fun! Bringing to you everything from videos, games, polls and music, to pin-the-tail-on-the-pony and raffles, so it’s bound to be a party to remember! As usual, Equestria Inspired will be running their famous “Are You A Changeling?” games during the end part of the panel, for everypony’s enjoyment! We can’t wait to see you there!
Fursuit Charades After-Dark
The much more .. interesting... version of fursuit charades.
Pandez Late-Night Stand-Up
Come see the stand-up comedy-styling of a very funny, and very furry comedian, Pandez!
Friday Dance
11 PM Darroh (Electro/Dubstep/Glitch Hop) 12 AM Recca (Electro/Trap) 1 AM Cheetah (Hardstyle)
Advanced Lupus in Tabula
Come join Alkali for this MFF tradition. The always over the top game of Advanced Lupus in Tabula. All of your favorite cards will be returning along with a few new ones! There is a limited amount of space, so get together with your friends, and start yelling at strangers. Advanced Lupus in Tabula: "Werehampster's Revenge"
Cards against Humanity (18+)
The party game for wrong people, Cards Against Humanity is the social card game taking conventions and geek culture by storm! Match your white card(s) to the judge’s card and the most amusing card wins! Is Robocop and Cybernetic Enhancements the next super hero/ sidekick duo? You decide! This room is provided to bring your own decks to play, but we will provide at least one deck for community use. Space will be provided to allow for multiple games at one time.
Lupus in Tabula
Welcome to the peaceful town of Tabula, where we name everything after tables but there's really only chairs. This is everyfur's favorite game of pointing fingers and accusations. This poor town is infested by cute furry werewolves that happen to enjoy feasting on the townspeople nightly. Every day, the town yells at each other until they take out one of their own on suspicion of being a werewolf. The werewolves (a fursuiter!) won last year, who will win this year? All players welcome; I will go over the rules and roles in use. If you are new, please show up on time so we can play as much as possible.
Saturday, November 23, 2013
78 eventsGreymuzzles / Military Furs / Chakat Breakfast
All are welcome; meeting at the main, hotel restaurant.
Bears: Fierce But Lovable
From Yogi to Smokey, bears have captivated our imagination. Why is the bruin such a popular character in story telling and advertising? Join our round table discussion and give your opinions on why this is so!
Therianthropy
Care and feeding of your inner animal. Have you ever experienced a tail or a pair of wings as a "phantom limb" feeling? Does transforming mentally or spiritually into your animal form help you connect to the Divine? What does transformation mean? What is the experience of therianthropy like? How is this experience reconciled into living a spiritual path? Come join us for a discussion of the spiritual aspects of animal transformation.
Furry Travelers' Workshop
Always wondered how the guy next to you got that cheap ticket? Ever cursed the airline for running a sale the week AFTER you bought your ticket? Tired of driving to every con, but every time you look at airfares you break out in a cold sweat? This is the panel for you! Learn how to find and book the cheapest fares, from Kalendil and November, two furs who spend a whole lot of time up in the air.
Resume writing and job searching 101
The panel will be about job hunting and resume writing. We cover how to find and attend networking events, how to get the most out of LinkedIn - and how to rock at an interview!
Fursuit Safety 101
For all new fursuiters, this panel will lay out the time tested methods for staying hydrated and cool, as well as the safest methods of performance both in and out of the furry fandom
How to Be Awesome (at Fursuit Performance)
Everyone wants to be awesome. Though not everyone is born with the gift of awesome, this panel can at least help you be awesome at one thing: Fursuit Performance. Performance tricks, ideas, and discussions on how to stand out and entertain. Be prepared to get up and move around for this one!
Refining Your Pawpeteering Skills Workshop
You’ve been practicing your pawpeteering and you’ve gotten pretty good at the basics but where do you go from here? This panel will help you take your skills a step further by helping you refine your skills as a pawpeteer. These advanced techniques will really help add life to your performance.
Walking Between Worlds
How do you find your balance between being furry and living in the mundane world? Listen to MFF’s two resident nut cases talk about the methods to their madness.
Fursuit Photoshoot
Work that tail! Stop on by and mug for our camera, and get some wonderful fursuit pictures to remember the con by!
FVS Rehearsal #2
Registration
This will be At The Door Registration and Pre-Registration. After Registration closes, you can purchase a Temporary Badge in Operations, in the Grand Boardroom.
Dealer's Den
Artist Alley Open
Secondary Gaming
General Gaming - See separate Gaming Schedule in your Pocket-Program for more details
Table Top Gaming
General Gaming - See separate Gaming Schedule in your Pocket-Program for more details
Sponsors' Brunch
A return to a Hyatt means a return to the fabulous Regency Brunch for which Hyatts are so well-known! The buffet includes omelets to order, smoked salmon, freshly-carved roast beef, French toast, and a brunch spread that has earned rave reviews from Midwest FurFest's sponsors for years! Better yet, you get to hobnob with the Guests Of Honor, and other special guests. It's just one of the ways that Midwest FurFest likes to pamper all the wonderful people who've become Midwest FurFest Sponsors and Shiny Sponsors. (Ask at Registration if you'd like in on this deal, as well as all the other awesome things we offer our Sponsors and Shiny Sponsors!) This year's Sponsor Brunch Menu will be: Fresh chilled juices to include: orange, apple, tomato and grapefruit Sliced fresh fruit and melon display Caesar-style salad with parmesan cheese, herbed croutons and our classic Caesar dressing Tri-colored spiral pasta salad tossed with a basil dressing Dill and sour cream potato salad Smoked salmon display with fresh mini bagels, Bermuda onions, tomatoes and capers with cream cheese Our uniformed chef will prepare to order omelets with a choice of diced ham, Swiss or cheddar cheese, green peppers, onions, diced tomatoes, mushrooms and spinach Chef to carve roasted sirloin served with a cabernet mushroom sauce Crisp bacon strips or sausage links French toast served hot off the grill with maple syrup and whipped cream Grilled breast of chicken served with a sun-dried tomato sauce Fresh vegetable medley Minnesota long grain wild rice mélange Penne pasta tossed with fresh garden vegetable and spicy marinara sauce Fresh baked rolls and butter Assorted croissants and muffins, miniature French pastries and assorted tortes, pies and cheesecakes Starbucks freshly brewed gourmet coffee, decaffeinated coffee and an assortment of herbal teas
NaNoWriMo
Trying to write 50,000 words in a month may sound impossible — and was likely the fevered dream of self-flagellating, ascetic, word-hermits — but leave your apprehensions behind and learn how to let your creativity flow unhindered, and what comes next after you finish!
How to Stay Healthy During Your Con
Is this your first con? Are you tired of feeling run down on Sunday at other conventions? Afraid of catching "CON CRUD"? Come sit in with Teej as he goes over some do's and don'ts about con health and wellness. With over 10 years of con experience, he might be able to keep you out having fun with friends all weekend, instead of being out of commission.
Sports and the Furry Fandom
Whether you play a sport or are just a fan, throw on your favorite team apparel and join Moonblaze for a discussion of the many ways sports and athletic activities can enrich your involvement in the furry fandom
Fursuit Dance Competition – Choreography
Open to all those who had competed in prelims, finalists and non-finalists alike can get together for the group performance that will be the opening number for MFF's fursuit dance competition! JD Puppy will be teaching the group choreography to all who attend. Fursuits not required for this instructional section (but you'll need them for the competition day, of course!).
How to be a Handler
Learn the DOs and DONTs for being a good fursuit handler. Covering the basics of safety, communication, and how to deal with the public outside of cons. A great panel for any new fursuiters or those interested in fursuiting.
Tools of the Trade
Whether you're just starting out building fursuits. or you're a seasoned builder, you'll need a basic understanding of some of the tools and what to pack (an what not to pack) in that tool box! This panel will cover fursuit tool selection, uses, tool box necessities, as well as really handy equipment such as airbrushes, dremel tools, heat guns, electric clippers, and more!
DragonStorm
See Gaming-Grid for Details
Charity Poker
Set sail for the world famous MFF charity poker tournament. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, this tournament will be an exciting and fun way to support our charity. Like last year, the tournament will follow the standard casino style and will include rebuy’s and add-on’s. As in past years, a $10 donation will grant you a seat at one of the three satellite tournaments with the top 3 players of each satellite moving on to the final 9 player tournament on Sunday. There will be prizes for everyone in the final tournament along with prizes for being on the “bubble” of each satellite. First prize will again be a sponsor membership for next year’s MFF!
Intrinsic Animal with the Animal Guides
Do animals possess intrinsic spiritual qualities? Come join in an interactive learning session (workshop) involving animal guides. Explore your connection with your animal spirit guide.
Fursuit Parade Staging
Fursuiter-staging in the main ballroom to prepare for the parade. No photography inside the ballroom during this period, please. Parade starts at 1:30pm SHARP!
Fursuit Parade
Join us as fursuiters meet up in the hotel ballroom for what could only be the best in furry pageantry anywhere! This is a chance top march proudly with other 'suiters, and show off your furry finest to the rest of the con and purr-parazi! Meeting up at 1:00pm, Parade starts at 1:30pm SHARP!
Transfurs
Furry --- human, body --- soul, male --- female. Is life one, the other, or somewhere in between? Join us for a discussion about the shades of gray, how they affect our spirit, and our every day lives.
Coloring and Shading
Enhance your skills and bring new life and depth to your pieces with this follow-along tutorial.
Furry Game Designers (18+, Adults Only)
Have you ever wondered what goes into making an award-winning card game, especially a furry one? Come meet with the designers of two of the fandom’s hottest card games: Nordguard and Furoticon. Whether you’re a designer or a fan, stop in for this unique Q & A. Promotional cards will be given out during the panel! 18+ only.
Charity Auction
Wonderful donated artwork and other mysterious donated items! Outbid your buddies, and grab the best stuff! Even better, you can be smug in the knowledge that your greed and good taste are also helping this year's charity. Every great item that you covet and win here is a donation that will help these hard-working folks continue their work. What could be a better deal?
FurrHappens Fursuit Photoshoot & Social
All are welcome to come to a meet and greet with Fursuit GOH Silver, and see up close of some of her FurrHappens creations. There will be a formal group photoshoot of attending FurrHappens fursuiters. Anyone can come and snap a picture, mingle with the FurrHappens family, and enjoy!
Digital DJing
Interested in getting your paws wet as a DJ, or just learning a few new tricks? Join Tekfox as he runs you though the basics of digital DJing Live!
Peace and Hate in the World of Fandoms
A presentation on the modern evolution of ‘nerd’ subcultures, with an emphasis on a positive message towards interaction and the acknowledgement of differences, as well as a push for change and acceptance.
Quitting the Fandom!
A satirical presentation on quitting the fandom. No, but seriously...
No-Limit Hold em: How to Play
Come learn how to play Texas Holdem poker before playing in the charity tournament! All levels of experience are welcome!
Pawpet Character Creation
You have a new puppet but WHO is this puppet really? We’ll discuss everything from ways to find your character’s personality to costuming.
Fursuit Photoshoot
Work that tail! Stop on by and mug for our camera, and get some wonderful fursuit pictures to remember the con by!
Trivia Quest
So do you know videogames? Are you comfortable wandering the streets of Silent Hill as you are flying an Arwing? Do you know the Secret of Evermore, and are you heavily proficient at rocket jumping? Then grab a controller and a partner and win some awesome prizes testing your knowledge on everything from 8-bit RPGs to the latest first person shooter!
Basic Fursuit Building & Design
The 101 of where to get started on constructing your own fursuit. Lots of easy discussion on design, safety, resources, and basic all around techniques. Every journey starts with a single paw step!
Floor Wars Dance Battle
Get ready for one of the hottest dance events growing within the furry fandom! Last-Fur-One brings Floor Wars back to Midwest Furfest for another explosive year of competition. Come witness 32 of the fandom's best fursuit and non-fursuit dancers as they battle each other to the top, and find out who is the king of the mountain! Guaranteed to be an exciting and action-packed event!
Becoming The Storyteller
Join seasoned and acclaimed storyteller Uncle Kage for an instructional talk on how to enthrall and entertain crowds as well as how to transform your experiences into intriguing tales.
How To Draw Cubs
Join industry leading art veteran Marci to learn how to draw cubs or improve your existing skills.
Drum Jam
Did you miss the Drum Jams at Faire? Want to attend a Drum Jam between seasons? Wanted to perform at a Drum Jam, but never got the chance? Then bring your drums or other tribal instruments to the Drum Jam and meet others interested in self-expression.
Is a Brony a Furry?
An open group discussion as to why bronies and furries can either call them self either just a brony or just a furry that may like ponies. What's the dividing line between this? Many bronies don't wanna be called furries due to stereo types that furries have gotten, and I feel this panel would be a GREAT way for everyone that attends to share their beliefs as to why they think that a Brony IS or ISN'T a furry.
OTAT Rescue Process
Volunteers from our charity, One Tail at a Time, will guide people through their intake process and how they choose the dogs that become a part of the program. They will discuss the shelter system in Chicago, euthanasia statistics, and what happens once dog's are given a chance at rescue.
How to be a Demon
We may have just missed Halloween, but that doesn't mean the demons have all vanished from this world. In this fursuit performance panel, we will focus on performance in realistic costumes, particularly around aggressive or evil characters. The panel will be interactive, so interested attendees are encouraged to attend in costume, particularly realistic or aggressive characters. Topics covered will include both physical posturing and vocalization, as well as issues around safety and legal concerns when acting in an aggressive manner.
Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind
We are proud to welcome back one of the most talked-about events from last year’s Midwest FurFest. The NeoFuturists are one of the most innovative theater groups in Chicago, and are the creators of the long-running play "Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind". "Too Much Light…" is a rollicking, exciting, hilarious, thought-provoking, and at times interactive attempt to perform 30 plays in 60 minutes. The NeoFuturists will be preparing a performance specially tailored to Midwest FurFest and furry fandom; you don't want to miss it!
Artist Alley Sign-Up for Sunday
Midwest FurFest Annual Puppet Show Rehearsal
Have a skit or song that you've written that you'd like to get in the annual puppet show? Or maybe you have a puppet, want to lend a paw(pet) and get involved with the show? This is your opportunity to get on the “Play Bill” and rehearse for Sunday's show. Please bring your music on a USB Drive and have enough copies of your script for each role in your skit. Attendance at this Rehearsal is required if you want to perform in Sunday's show
Video Gaming
See separate Video Gaming Schedule in your Pocket-Program for more details
Writing Better Fiction
Beginners and seasoned writers alike will benefit from this exploration into what makes for both good and bad fiction. Learn how to transform your sleep-inducing drivel into a masterpiece that will be lauded for ages to come.
Assassins Creed Enthusiasts
'Nothing is True, Everything is Permitted.' These are the words that symbolize the Creed. We work in the Dark to Serve the Light. Are you one of the Brotherhood? Come join with Grand Mentor Morin Wolf and Pyro Assassin as we discuss about the Assassins Creed universe. Talk about our favorite game(s), hold raffles for awesome prizes, answer questions and create a awesome experience for any who love Assassins Creed. Join the fun, join the Brotherhood, we will be waiting.
Furoticon TCG: How to Play & Beginner Tournament! (18+, Adults Only!)
Come learn how to play Furoticon: TCG, back this year with a new college-themed expansion! Participate in free play, or, if you're feeling competitive, sign up at Tail Kiss Studio's Dealer Table for the Beginner Tournament, and duke it out for prizes against other Beginners! (Demo Decks will be made available.) (18+, Adults Only)
2 Rooms and a Boom!
Intrigue, lies, deceit, and occasional bouts of improv! This fun new party game for all kinds of players is incredibly quick to learn, and takes only a few minutes to play. If you like party games like Werewolf/Lupus, then this is worth checking out. All players are given a secret role at the start of the game; most players end up on the red or blue teams. Unlike Werewolf/Lupus, no players get eliminated, instead some players will switch 'rooms' between rounds. The game's main objective is simple, the red team wants to end the game with their team's bomber in the same room as the blue team's leader. On the contrary, the blue teams want the game to end with this pair in separate rooms.
Furry Smackdown: Tag Team Duos
Ever wonder what would happen if you two a tag team of fictional characters and throw them into a cage match to the death? In this Tournament bracket competition, we will be having teams of characters match up against each other and there can be only one team of winners! Watch as the panelists vote as to who will win and who would die in a hilarious event. Would Mordecai and Rigby beat Twilight and Spike, or would they be crushed? Only way to find out is to come see!
Digital Speed Painting
Ever wanted to learn a variety of techniques to speed up your digital art creation? No? Well, I wasn’t talking to you. I was talking to that person over there. The good-looking, intelligent one who will be successful in love and life because they attended this panel. Who looks silly now? (It’s you.)
The main focus of this session, will be around environments/backgrounds/settings.
Furry Pirate Mad-libs
(verb) as you shout out your (adj) suggestions to complete a number of furry-themed Mad-Libs. Prizes of (noun) will be awarded to (inappropriate pronoun)s who get the most (noun). Fart.
Iron Artist
Competitors battle against each other using unique mediums for the honor of challenging one of the Iron Artists and the chance to win an artist’s bounty should they be victorious.
Open Music Jam
Bring your instruments and jam for a bit, or discuss music with others!
Furry Variety Show
The FVS is a non-competitive variety show. It's a bit of Vaudeville, and sort of like being on the Muppet Show. We all cooperate as a team, and we mix and match performers to acts as needed. If you have a "ready to go" act, we'll give you a spot. If you want to be in the show but don't have an act, join us and we'll add you to an existing act. We strongly prefer to have all of our actors featured as puppets or fursuits, or at the very least have some furry content. Our show will this year be held on Saturday at 7PM. We also will be holding TWO rehearsals (Friday Evening and Saturday Morning). You only need to attend one of these. If you have a choice, try to attend the Friday rehearsal. Since our show is now during prime-time, we will be a bit stricter about adult content. Keep it PG folks! In rehearsal we lay down multiple "masking tape" stages on the ballroom floor so that multiple acts can work out their marks and their timing in parallel. The MFF Furry Variety Show also welcomes video content in the show if submitted in advance. See our web page for more details.
Rocket Corgi Studios - Games Demo
Rocket Corgi Studios, (local and mainly furry game designers) introduces our games and current play tests for a public audience.
These include:
Skydogs: Deck Building Game, a game of furry air piracy and adventure.
PonyFight?! The Card Game, a game of dressup and beating the stuffing out of each other.
Guns and Gadgets : A spy themed dice adventure.
Furoticon TCG: Intermediate Tournament (18+, Adults Only!)
Sign up at Tail Kiss Studio's Dealer Table for the Furoticon Intermediate Tournaments, featuring our new, college-themed expansion! Compete for prizes and harem dominance! (18+, Adults Only)
Open Mic
If you were ever looking for a place to try out your stand up skills look no further. The MFF Open mic is the perfect audience to talk about airline food, the state of the economy or your fascinating nose hair in a blender incident. So come on down, stand on up, and speak clearly into the mic.
SFX Masks and Make-up
Learn more about masks, mask-making and make-up effects from a panel of very experienced folks! Covering everything from the casting process, to materials selection and designing your characters. Feel free to bring your own costume creations along!
Pot-Limit Omaha - How to Play
Pot-Limit Omaha is the hottest game in the poker world. Come learn the rules and strategy of this fascinating poker game!
Guided Meditation
Calming the body, clearing the mind: easy things to do when alone, but far more difficult when surrounded by thousands of other people! Join Tormod and Cheesecake as they invite you to a comfortable space, leading you and your MFF companions through a series of exercises and visualizations accompanied by soothing music and gentle voices. No need for fear or apprehension - bring your worries and leave refreshed!
Nude Figure Drawing
Being able to draw a live model is an immensely useful and rewarding experience for any artist. Lead by Bloodhound and Nyil, you'll be put through the paces of gesture drawing, short-session poses, and more!
NOTE: Because of the nature of this panel, no underage attendees will be permitted in. Cameras are prohibited, and cell phone usage is discouraged. Please bring your own drawing materials.
Fursuit Dance
Additional lighting and lighter tunes in a more fursuit-friendly environment!
Music by Earvelvet (Mashups/Electro/Pop/80s/90s)
Size Matters LIVE!
Kwandry Baasher (http://www.furaffinity.net/user/tahlyn/) and Kenson Shimobe (http://www.furaffinity.net/user/kenson/) are the two hosts of Size Matters (http://www.sizematterspodcast.com), the new podcast for the macro/micro furry community. This panel will be the first time Kwandry and Kenson actually record together, and they'll be joined by several friends, both big and small!
Discussions With Duck: A Fandom Corrupted?
Does the topic of sexuality belong in the fandom? Has it corrupted furries or does it belong just as much as the rest of the fandom? Come cast your vote and have a conversation and respectable debate with your fellow furries.
Whose Lion is it Anyway
Join Semma and Alkali for the original Whose Lion is it Anyway improv panel! This fully interactive panel will have you in stitches will you, the audience plays your favorite games with 2 of your favorite hosts! Come join us for a night of laughs and Alkali slapping his forehead.
Kage-2-Gether - A Charity Performance
2-GETHER ON STAGE! Join "2" the Ranting Gryphon and Uncle Kage for a special performance for the benefit this year's charity! Come howl, bark, purr, and laugh with two of the furry fandom's comedic and entertainment legends in this special duo comedy show just for the Castaway critters!
Saturday Dance
11 PM Oddy (Electro) 12 AM Tekfox (Trap/Dubstep/Glitch Hop) 1 AM Rawkz0rz (Electro/Trap/Dipset)
Cards against Humanity (18+)
The party game for wrong people, Cards Against Humanity is the social card game taking conventions and geek culture by storm! Match your white card(s) to the judge’s card and the most amusing card wins! Is Robocop and Cybernetic Enhancements the next super hero/ sidekick duo? You decide! This room is provided to bring your own decks to play, but we will provide at least one deck for community use. Space will be provided to allow for multiple games at one time.
Lupus in Tabula
A convention favorite so popular multiple games run at once. Groups of up to 18 players are secretly assigned roles within the village of Tabula. Together, the villagers must work out who the werewolves are they prey upon them by night - before their numbers are diminished too far. But werewolves may not be the only threat.
Midnight Howl
"At the sound of the tone, the time will be midnight." Help those without watches know when it's midnight by joining us by the front entry to the hotel (bottom of escalators) at 11:45 pm. Howl will be outside facing the forest preserve at Midnight.
Sunday, November 24, 2013
39 eventsMidwest FurFest Annual Puppet Show Pre-Show Preparation
All puppet show performers are encouraged to show up early to make sure everything is ready, get the stage and sound set up and put the finishing touches on their skits and songs.
Crowd Funding
Crowd funding websites are the best new way to generate investment capital for your independent creative endeavor. But what makes one project succeed where another similar one fails? Learn valuable insights from veteran croudsourcers that will help get your project funded!
Avians
For millions of years, these striking feathered beasts flown and strutted across the globe. Birds captivate and inspire our hearts and our imaginations. Join us for interesting facts and discussion of everything bird!
Introduction to Juggling!
If you've ever been curious about learning to juggle but don't know where to start, or if you know how to juggle but would like to learn more then stop by! You'll be making our own juggling balls that you can take home to show off your skills.
Fursuit Head Building
Nose to ears and everything in between! Heads are a centerpiece of costuming and require lots of attention to detail in their construction. We will be discussing head specific techniques, 3D design, materials, tools, and some finishing tips
Furry Christian Meet & Greet
An open forum for people to talk about being both furry and Christian. You don't have to be furry or a Christian, but we ask all attendees to be respectful of others. The Commander’s no bashing rule is in effect
Midwest FurFest Annual Puppet Show
Come enjoy the talents and efforts of local performers as they bring their puppets to life with skits, songs and improv. The show begins with a variety of entertainment by our talented troupe of puppeteers, then transitions over to skits and songs of the season to help you bring in the holidays.
Registration
This is for both At The Door and Pre-Registration.
Charity Poker Finals
Artist Alley Open
Dealer's Den
Secondary Gaming
General Gaming - See separate Gaming Schedule in your Pocket-Program for more details
Table Top Gaming
General Gaming - See separate Gaming Schedule in your Pocket-Program for more details
Art Auction
Don't let those people who slightly upped your written bid walk away with that fabulous art! Show them who's got what it takes and knows what it's really worth! Besides, the auctioneers are always a hoot!
3D Modeling For Beginners
Tired of wasting precious time struggling against the frustrating fetters of two dimensions? Embrace a third and let strife and dimensional destitution become but a fleeting memory as your shown step-by-step how to model figures in a platform-independent setting.
Readings by Alflor Aalto
Come and listen to furry novelist Alflor Aalto read a passage or two from his latest book, Spies in Their Midst, the prequel to last year's Ursa Major Award-nominated novels, The Prince of Knaves and Streets of His City. Stay a while afterwards for a Q&A and autograph session.
Movie Appreciation
Sometimes we're quick to write off a movie because of the fanbase for the book its based on, or because the story is either too cliched or not cliched enough -- but there are more ways one can appreciate a movie than the story alone. The panel will discuss favorite films to a lower-depth with the intent on helping to explore very different aspects of (often) very different genres.
Fursuit Performance: Outside the Fandom
For all new fursuiters, this panel will lay out the time tested methods for staying hydrated and cool, as well as the safest methods of performance both in and out of the furry fandom
Midwest Furry Fandom, Inc. Board of Directors Meeting
The annual meeting for the Board of Directors for Midwest Furry Fandom, Inc., the parent corporation of Midwest FurFest. This meeting is open to the public! Please note that this meeting is intended for corporate, not convention, business. Issues with the convention itself should be brought to the feedback session at Closing Ceremonies.
Furry Pagans - What is a Leader?
Priest/ess, Elder, Druid, Guru, and other names are often associated with the faith leaders of the pagan traditions. What does it take to be a spiritual leader, and what are the responsibilities of a spiritual leader? Join us for a discussion on these and related questions.
DragonStorm
See Gaming-Grid for Details
Selected Readings
Join new and established authors from across the fandom as they read sections from their new or upcoming works. A brief Q&A will follow each reading.
Geocaching
Geocaching is a world wide treasure hunt game that a lot of people take part in, even furries. This will be a meet and greet between many furry geocachers from all parts of the country and/or world, kind of like what we had last year. It would be myself and JBadger hosting the panel as well.
Much Ado About MUCKing
A panel where people can meet, discuss and learn about MUCKs! MUCKs are text-based games that predate SecondLife and were used by many furs as a means to play as their character, collect items and make friends. Whether you're a veteran MUCKer or someone new, come join us!
Flash Fiction Reading
What story would you tell the world were there only 5 mins left and it had to be furry. Yeah, I would tell that one too. Come share your short furry works or story excerpts with us. (Reading slots are limited.)
Managing Depression - 'Called to Live'
Nancy shares strategies she still uses to maintain a healthy mindset she wishes to share with the furry fandom. This panel will feature her story complete with practical measures on managing your depression, and being a good support to those who struggle. It was during the process of recovery she authored her first book, Called to Live: A Chronicle of Recovery After Attempted Suicide. If you or someone you know has ever felt hopeless or been challenged with depression or suicidal thoughts, this panel will provide for you insights only someone who has been there can offer.
Puppetry – Your Backstage Pass - Workshop
The back stage area of any show can be a busy place. Come see what goes on backstage at one of MFF's puppet shows. Get a feel for working in backstage area and the tools used to create a successful puppet show. After discussing the backstage area, you’ll have a chance to try performing on the stage. NO Puppets Required!
Fursuit Dance Competition
The time has come to see who's got the best moves and who can shake their tails the best! All attendees are welcome to come witness the finalists of MFF's Second Annual Fursuit Dance Competition show off their performances for dance supremacy to determine who will be declared this year's best fursuit dancer!
Pitching to Publishers
Which aspects of a submitted piece of writing catches a publisher’s eye, and which will doom it to slowly drown under a paper pile of discarded dreams? SofaWolf’s President will share his wisdom on this topic in the hope that it will give you the edge you need to get your next submission published.
OTAT Court Case Dogs
During this presentation, One Tail at a Time will focus a discussion on what happens to the dogs that become city property after their owners are prosecuted for animal cruelty. They will discuss their partnership with Safe Humane Chicago, how their volunteers socialize the court case dogs, and how they integrate these special needs animals into their adoption program.
Tilt Longtail presents 'The Detention Club'
A full length spoof of "The Breakfast Club". The 80's classic filmed right here in Suburban Chicago. Starring Greifer as John Bender, it is the story of five high school students who spend a Saturday detention together, and one of them is a fox! Watch the trailer here: https://vimeo.com/62521384
Advanced Fursuit Building & Materials
For those who have already tried their paw at suit making and are seeking further knowledge and detail to push their own talent higher! Complex discussion on airbrushing, molding, tools, and exotic materials.
Cut-Paper Art
Explore a new and curious medium with this paws-on instructional walk-through. Paper and accessories will be provided. Space is limited.
Reconnecting with Nature
In a fast paced, electric world we find ourselves stressed, unfocused and magnifying things that just don't matter! Ever find yourself gazing happily out a window at a tree or staring at a burning fire for hours? Sounds like your in need of some Vitamin N (Nature). We will discuss the dire importance of nature to the body and soul of a well rounded being.
All about Cleaning Costumes, Fursuits
Dive in with NeonSlushie and Sharpe as they go through various methods of cleaning and keeping your fursuit full of life! Fursuits are expensive and one of a kind, so you'll want to keep them looking as good as possible for as long as you can! Bring your fursuit heads and any dirty parts to the panel to test some methods paws-on!
Script Writing for Puppet Shows
Lip syncing with your puppet to your favorite song is easy and a lot of fun. But when you're ready to take the next step of your journey and wow your audience then you want to be able to write an entertaining script. Come learn the basics of writing a script and the keys to making it fun for both you and your audience.
Fursuit Games
They're wild, they're crazy, and they're always unpredictable! that could only mean...MFF FURSUIT GAMES! Come help us celebrate ten years of MFF fursuit frivolity and join the fun, or just stand by and watch the fur (and other body parts) fly!
Closing Ceremonies
Where did the weekend go? At the Closing Ceremonies for Midwest FurFest 2013, we'll let you in on anything you may have missed. We'll also be recognizing all of the talented winners of various contests held throughout the convention. And, at the end, we'll have a feedback/Q&A session to help improve Midwest FurFest for next year.
Dead Dog Party
Cap off your con experience and wipe away those blues at the dead dog. Music by: 8 PM Amdog (Hip Hop) 9 PM Navitus (Trance) 10 PM Vinny (Dubstep/Glitch Hop) 11 PM Meek (DnB/Electro)