Registration - Preregistered Badge Pickup (Sponsor/Shiny Sponsors Only)

4:30pm - 5:00pm Rosemont

4:30 PM - 5:00 PM - Preregistered Badge Pickup (Sponsors/Shiny Sponsors Only) (in Rosemont) 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM - Preregistered Badge Pickup (All membership types) (in Rosemont) 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM - At-the-Door Registration open (All membership types) (in United)

Open event

Registration - Preregistered Badge Pickup

5:00pm - 11:00pm Rosemont

4:30 PM - 5:00 PM - Preregistered Badge Pickup (Sponsors/Shiny Sponsors Only) (in Rosemont) 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM - Preregistered Badge Pickup (All membership types) (in Rosemont) 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM - At-the-Door Registration open (All membership types) (in United)

Open event

Registration - At the Door

6:00pm - 11:00pm United AB

4:30 PM - 5:00 PM - Preregistered Badge Pickup (Sponsors/Shiny Sponsors Only) (in Rosemont) 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM - Preregistered Badge Pickup (All membership types) (in Rosemont) 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM - At-the-Door Registration open (All membership types) (in United)

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Thursday Night BYOG

7:00pm - 12:00am OHare Ballroom

Open Gaming for Thursday - Make sure to bring your own games along for these open sessions!

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Con Suite

7:00pm - 12:00am Grand D

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Thursday Dance

10:00pm - 1:00am Grand EFGH

Tonight's lineup of DJs will include Pawz, Takum, and Dr. Nikolai!

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Con Suite

9:00am - 12:00am Grand D

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Registration

10:00am - 8:00pm United AB

After Registration closes, Temporary Badges good for one evening only can be obtained at Convention Operations (Grand Boardroom).

Open event

Table Top Gaming

10:00am - 2:00am OHare Ballroom

General Gaming - See the separate Gaming Schedule in your Pocket Program for more details.

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Opening Ceremonies

12:00pm - 1:00pm Grand EFGH

Join us for the official start to Midwest FurFest 2014, with last minute announcements and other interesting tidbits. Let's start the convention off with a bang!

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Art Show

1:00pm - 6:00pm International Level

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Artists Alley

1:00pm - 7:00pm Vienna

Artist's Alley is a place for individual artists to offer their work, whether it be sketchbook commissions, prints, or other types of creative and unique artwork, all while having a good time! Artists Alley will be in four rooms on the International Level: Vienna, Paris, London, and Florence. Signups for Friday's Artists Alley will be between 9:00 AM and 11:30 AM on Friday at the Artists Alley Administration Table in the International Foyer.

Open event

Dealers Den

1:00pm - 7:00pm International Ballroom

The Dealers Den is open to the public during these hours. This includes the International Ballroom, Gatwick, and Heathrow. Dealers listings and locations, with maps, can be found at http://www.furfest.org/DealersDen .

Open event

http://www.furfest.org/DealersDen

1:00pm - 7:00pm International Ballroom

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Secondary Gaming

1:00pm - 2:00am Logan

General Gaming - See separate Gaming Schedule in your Pocket-Program for more details

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Meet the Guests of Honor

2:00pm - 3:00pm Grand EFGH

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 2014 Guests: Nick and Lacy from fursuiting.com, Sabretoothed Ermine, and Kisle.

Open event

Furry Hockey Game

2:00pm - 3:30pm Off-site Location

While not officially sponsored by MFF, the annual Furry Hockey game is back at the Edge Arena in Bensonville; at the John St rink. All are welcome to come out to watch!

Open event

Video Gaming

2:00pm - 9:00pm Midway

See the separate Video Gaming Schedule in your Pocket Program for more details.

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Your First Furry Convention

3:00pm - 4:00pm Grand EFGH

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?

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Fursuit Roundtable

3:00pm - 4:00pm LAX

Come and get to know all of your fellow fuzzies! This is a great time to swap stories, see some wonderful fursuits, and get the lowdown on all the furry programming for the weekeend!

Open event

Fursuit Safety 101

3:00pm - 4:00pm SeaTac

How not to die! A panel for new or prospective fursuiters to learn the tips and tricks to keeping cool, hydrated, dog bite free, and all the best ways to prevent a situation where EMTs cut you out of suit. We will be covering heat exhaustion, dehydration, handlers, hand signals, and more.

Open event

How to Draw Animals

4:00pm - 5:00pm Tech Center

Ever wondered how to draw the face of a predator? Alsways struggeled with drawing paws? Then you will find some clever tips and guidelines in this panel that will help your art getting to the next stepp. We will look at predator anatomy and techniques hot to draw them easily. Thsi is suited for beginners and intemediate artists as well as anyone having fun drawing from time to time. Afterwards  you can aks me questions or show me your art to get some critiques. I will be happy to provide help.

Open event

Fursuiting Business 101

4:00pm - 5:00pm LAX

Lacy & Nick of Fursuiting.com, Snap of ByCats4Cats, and Syber of MadeFurYou discuss the challenges of starting and maintaining a full time fursuit business. Learn how these fursuit makers got their start, and some savvy business advice for artists and suit makers alike.

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A History of Avians

4:00pm - 5:00pm JohnWayne

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!

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Meet the Charity!

4:00pm - 5:00pm Hartsfield

Meet this year's charity, Critter Camp! Critter Camp is the only Exotic Pet Sanctuary operated solely by volunteers that is USDA licensed, 501c3, and accepts only small unadoptable unusual pets - no wildlife, cats or dogs or farm animals. They take in abused, abandoned and otherwise homeless small exotic pets, and are based in German Valley, Illinois.

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Fursuit Photoshoot

4:00pm - 8:00pm North Central

Work that tail! Stop on by and mug for our camera, and get some wonderful fursuit pictures to remember the con by!

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Crowd Funding

5:00pm - 6:00pm Reagan

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!

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Explaining Furry To Your Parents

5:00pm - 6:00pm Hartsfield

Join 2 the Ranting Gryphon for some sage advice and unique thoughts on how to explain this wacky fandom to outsiders

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Shiny Sponsor Reception

5:00pm - 6:00pm Ventana's

Midwest FurFest is pleased to welcome our Super Shiny Sponsors to a special reception in Ventanas, the breathtaking venue 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. To get to Ventanas, press the button marked "V" on any Lobby elevator. This year the Shiny Sponsor Reception will feature the Hyatt Regency O'Hare's delicious Slider Station, which includes: Angus Beef Patties, Spicy Salmon Cakes, and Turkey Sliders Aged Cheddar, Emmenthal, and Havarti Slices House-made Potato Chips Ketchup, Mustard Dip, Barbeque Sauce, Cranberry Chutney and Remoulade Sauce Hand Sliced Dill Pickles, Salsa and Relish As always, the bar will be open to provide refreshments of your choice: sodas, beer, wine, and cocktails.

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FVS Rehearsal #1

5:00pm - 8:00pm Grand EFGH

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MFF Poker Tournament

5:00pm - 9:00pm Lindbergh

Get ready for the world famous MFF poker tournament! There will be three satellite tournaments with the top 3 players of each satellite moving on to the final 9 player tournament on Sunday. The tournament is free to enter, but you must be 18+. There will be prizes for everyone in the final tournament. First prize will be a sponsor membership for next year's MFF!

Open event

So You Want To Sell In Artist’s Alley

6:00pm - 7:00pm La Guardia

Reagan will explain the ins and outs of selling at a furry con Artist Alley including: what to sell, how to price it, arranging your table, playing nice with your neighbors, and making that sale.

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Canine Meet & Greet

6:00pm - 7:00pm SeaTac

Come on out you tail wagers, Sit with us as we get to know our neighbors And lets talk about everything canine.

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Furry Psychology

6:00pm - 7:00pm JohnWayne

Have you ever wondered what motivates Furries in their choice of Fursonas, why so many enjoy fursuiting, why we suffer from Post-Con Depression, and some tips on how to handle intolerance from both out and inside of the Furry Fandom? Join budding Psychologist SteelTheWarrior as he shares with you all things “Furry Psych” that he’s learned both in his studies, and over 10 years of experience in the Furry Fandom! (18+ Panel!)

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Youtubaloo & the 3hunna Fursuits

6:00pm - 7:00pm Tech Center

"Youtubaloo arrives on The Third Coast with a special selection of the year's top viral videos and other multimedia clips which have flown under the radar. For years, youtubaloo has drawn crowds and sent their collective sides orbital at conventions along the west coast, and finally it will make it's debute at Midwest Furfest! Come, bring your friends and be entertained!"

Open event

Advanced Fursuit Head & Body Techniques

6:00pm - 7:00pm LAX

Join Lacy & Nick of Fursuiting.com and Snap of ByCats4Cats to learn advanced fursuit head and body-suit construction tips and techniques from the experts.

Open event

Furry HAMs

6:00pm - 8:00pm Reagan

A gathering for all furs interested in Ham/Amateur radio. Come and chat about hardware and tech. If you've never seen a ham radio in use, we will have one with us and attempt to make some contacts outside if the weather allows! (dress warm!) All are welcome, but you must have an FCC amateur radio license to talk on the radio. We will be giving away one handheld VHF/UHF radio and we will also be offering the Technician license exam so that you can become an amateur radio operator yourself!

Open event

Two Rooms and a Boom! (Iggy)

6:00pm - 8:00pm Lambert

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Spirituality Roundtable

6:00pm - 9:00pm Hartsfield

Come meet the Spirituality panelists. We'll answer your questions about our other panels and be open for general discussion.

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Intro to Puppeteering

7:00pm - 8:00pm JFK

So you'd like to be a puppeteer. This is something anyone can do for fun, and this is a place to learn a bit about it. Join KP from the Funday Pawpet Show as he goes over some basics about choosing a puppet, how to manipulate one, and some fun ways to develop a little personality in a puppet character. (Bring a puppet if you like.)

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Intro to Fursuit Performance

7:00pm - 8:00pm LAX

Human to Animal. Learn the tips and tricks to find your fursuit character and how to express yourself in suit. Fursuiters welcome and encouraged!

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Kage Story Hour

7:00pm - 8:00pm Grand ABC

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.

Open event

Discussions with Duck

7:00pm - 9:00pm SeaTac

This time, we will tackle how spirituality fits in the furry lifestyle. Is being spiritual important to being furry? Are they one in the same?

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Fursuit Dance Competition - Prelims

7:00pm - 10:00pm Rosemont

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 Fourth 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!

Open event

Furoticon How to Play & Beginner Tournament

7:00pm - 10:00pm SkyHarbor

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)

Open event

Science, Technology, & Medicine Meet & Greet

8:00pm - 9:00pm JFK

A chance for anyone who works, studies, or is just interested in those fields to get together, find mutual interests, and network. Twitter: @Sci_Furs

Open event

@Sci_Furs

8:00pm - 9:00pm JFK

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Kickstarting Your Brilliant Plan

8:00pm - 9:00pm Tech Center

Don't reinvent the Kickstarting wheel; learn from others' mistakes--and successes. Ian, Charles and Susan Price, the founders of Diamond Dust Dreams Inc., ran a successful Kickstarter in 2013, and have the game to prove it, Kitsune: of Foxes & Fools (KitsuneCG.com). But they have also put their second Kickstarter project (party game News Flash: Bad Decisions) on hold until early next year. Attend this panel to find out why, and how you can run a successful crowdfunding campaign for your Brilliant Plan.

Open event

2 The Ranting Gryphon

8:00pm - 9:00pm Grand ABC

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.

Open event

VapeCast Live- Comedy from Canada

8:00pm - 9:30pm JohnWayne

A comedy podcast right from the Great White North, 18+ for language and content.

Open event

Lyenuv’s Sketch Jam

8:00pm - 10:00pm Reagan

Come join Lyenuv for a low-key sketchbook exchange! Bring your pencils and do sketch trades with other artists!

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Comparative Anatomy

9:00pm - 11:00pm LAX

Curious about the anatomy and physiology of domestic and exotic species? Interested in learning how nature has evolved predators and prey to excel in their ecological niche? Learn about the animal kingdom’s perfection and hypothetical anthropomorphic adaptations from a veterinarian and one of the fandom’s brightest artists.

Open event

Guided Meditation

9:00pm - 12:00am McCarran

Join Tormod and Jesse for a brief break from the norm of Midwest FurFest with a spirited guided meditation exercise that will leave you refreshed, calm, and centered! There will be 3 individual 1-hour sessions.

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Femme Fursuit Photo Shoot

9:30pm - 11:30pm North Central

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Puppy Role-Play 101

10:00pm - 11:00pm JFK

From barks to wags, everything a human-puppy or their trainer would want to know about Puppy Role-Play, as presented by Sprocket (Toronto Puppy 2014) and Snoopy. Since this panel will involve frank discussions of an adult nature, no minors will be admitted. All attendees are expected to be attired in "con-appropriate" clothing throughout the panel.

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Fursuit Charades

10:00pm - 11:00pm Rosemont

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!

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Karaoke

10:00pm - 12:00am Grand ABC

Open Karaoke! Come show off your amazing (or not so amazing :) singing skills!

Open event

Lupus in Tabula (Tango)

10:00pm - 1:00am Lambert

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.

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Friday Dance

10:00pm - 2:00am Grand EFGH

Tonight's DJs: Firr VallyRux Recca Rawkzorz

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Advanced Lupus in Tabula (Alkali)

10:00pm - 2:00am Lindbergh

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"

Open event

Cards Against Humanity

10:00pm - 2:00am SkyHarbor

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Fursuit Charades After-Dark

11:00pm - 12:00am Rosemont

The much more .. interesting... version of fursuit charades. ** Please no cameras, and adults-only!

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Con Suite

9:00am - 12:00am Grand D

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Avians Roundtable

10:00am - 11:00am JohnWayne

An open discussion for those whose personas are included amongst our feathery kin, or those who just want to talk about birds. Topics include bird stories, why people choose avian personas, and what we can learn about ourselves from our choices.

Open event

Tips of the Road

10:00am - 11:00am McCarran

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 November, one fur who spends a whole lot of time up in the air.

Open event

Fursuit Cleaning and Care

10:00am - 11:00am LAX

Pew! You stink! Fur clumping? Stains from mud on your feet? Body oder seeping through? Come to this panel and learn how to give your fursuit a make over, and smell clean again. From storage to washing, learn some tips and tricks to keeping your suit as clean as possible!

Open event

Basic Fursuit Construction

10:00am - 12:00pm JFK

There's a lot that goes into fursuits. Stop on by and see how everything comes together! This panel will cover basic patterning, constructing simple feet, paws, bodysuit, tail ; choosing materials, and basic finishing techniques.

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FVS Rehearsal #2

10:00am - 12:00pm Grand EFGH

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Registration

10:00am - 5:00pm United AB

After Registration closes, Temporary Badges good for one evening only can be obtained at Convention Operations (Grand Boardroom).

Open event

Artists Alley

10:00am - 6:00pm Vienna

Artist's Alley is a place for individual artists to offer their work, whether it be sketchbook commissions, prints, or other types of creative and unique artwork, all while having a good time! Artists Alley will be in four rooms on the International Level: Vienna, Paris, London, and Florence. You can sign up for Saturday's Artists Alley by stopping by the Artists Alley Administration Table in the International Foyer any time on Friday.

Open event

Dealers Den

10:00am - 6:00pm International Ballroom

The Dealers Den is open to the public during these hours. This includes the International Ballroom, Gatwick, and Heathrow. Dealers listings and locations, with maps, can be found at http://www.furfest.org/DealersDen .

Open event

Art Show

10:00am - 7:00pm International Level

Bidding Closes at 7pm today!

Open event

MFF Poker Tournament

10:00am - 9:00pm Lindbergh

Get ready for the world famous MFF poker tournament! There will be three satellite tournaments with the top 3 players of each satellite moving on to the final 9 player tournament on Sunday. The tournament is free to enter, but you must be 18+. There will be prizes for everyone in the final tournament. First prize will be a sponsor membership for next year's MFF!

Open event

Secondary Gaming

10:00am - 2:00am Hartsfield

General Gaming - See separate Gaming Schedule in your Pocket-Program for more details

Open event

Table Top Gaming

10:00am - 2:00am OHare Ballroom

General Gaming - See separate Gaming Schedule in your Pocket-Program for more details

Open event

Sponsors' Brunch

10:30am - 12:30pm Grand ABC

It's time for 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

Open event

Effective writing

11:00am - 12:00pm Reagan

Uncle Kage is not only a storyteller on stage, but also the author of several stories in print that have been published by Sofawolf Press and by Daw Books. Here he will share some tips and tricks for making a story come to life and for keeping the reader's attention until the very last word.

Open event

Rare Candy for Writers: Save the Cat Beat

11:00am - 12:00pm Tech Center

Learn the secret of the "Save the Cat" unified theory of stories that has helped Hollywood entertain the world for decades, its model, and how you can utilize it to improve your writing.

Open event

A New Introduction to Pawpeteering

11:00am - 12:00pm SeaTac

Pawpets, the low cost way to get to perform at a puppet show or even the MFF FVS - Furry Variety Show. Where to start if you don't have a puppet and how to get started in performance. Options of purchase of puppets. Creating characters or performers and unique puppets that can with items found in stores anywhere can become unique. Get a start at how to make your puppet perform, and even the chance to try with a real puppet. Modern technology has created new ways to practice and present performances. No puppets required!

Open event

The Power of Dreams

11:00am - 12:30pm McCarran

Duck, a licensed therapist who works with dream analysis discusses the power of dreams and the symbols behind them. A mock dream summary and collaborative analysis will be performed

Open event

Fursuit Photoshoot

11:00am - 5:00pm North Central

Work that tail! Stop on by and mug for our camera, and get some wonderful fursuit pictures to remember the con by! Please Note! The photoshoot team will be taking a break from 11am until 2pm on Saturday for the Fursuit Parade

Open event

3D Modeling for Beginners

12:00pm - 1:00pm Tech Center

Ever wanted to learn how to make 3D models?  In 3D Modeling for Beginners, we will discuss the basic concepts you need to know to get started making 3D models of your own, and set to work with Blender, a popular free 3D modeling tool.  To get the most out of this panel, please bring a computer and the latest version of Blender; a mouse with a scroll wheel will be helpful, too!

Open event

Fursuit Parade Staging

1:00pm - 1:30pm Grand EFGH

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!

Open event

Video Gaming

1:00pm - 9:00pm Midway

See separate Video Gaming Schedule in your Pocket-Program for more details

Open event

Fursuit Parade

1:30pm - 2:30pm Grand EFGH

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!

Open event

Readings: Short Fiction

2:00pm - 3:00pm McCarran

Come read aloud your short furry fiction along with others. Anyone is welcome to participate.

Open event

Ref Sheet 101

2:00pm - 3:00pm Tech Center

Learn the fundamentals of making a highly functional character reference sheet artist and commissioners alike. Pre-drawn templates will be available while supplies last.

Open event

Depression Sucks

2:00pm - 3:30pm La Guardia

Hear Skanther's story of attempted suicide, and how recovery led her to gain and maintain a mindset of hope. Managing your depression is not impossible! Skanther will point the way as only one who has been there can.

Open event

Fursuiting.com Official Photoshoot

2:30pm - 3:00pm Rosemont

Come join us for the official group photoshoot for Fursuiting.com suiters!

Open event

Charity Auction

2:30pm - 4:30pm Grand ABC

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?

Open event

Why Furry? When Anthros Matter

3:00pm - 4:00pm Reagan

Learn what stories can benefit from anthro characters, and how best to incorporate anthro characteristics seemlessly into your stories for an improved immersive experience.

Open event

Comedy Basics

3:00pm - 4:00pm Lambert

Learn from the master himself! 2 The Ranting Gryphon will discuss some of the common tips, tricks and writing ideas around how to create and deliver something that'll leave the audience laughing in the aisles!

Open event

Funday Pawpet Show - One cast member's Retrospective

3:00pm - 4:00pm JFK

The Funday Pawpet Show has been running for 15 years. It's watched by many on Sunday nights, and has hosted a colorful collection of characters over the years. Join KP in an interactive dialogue for those who want to know about the program, how it runs, and some of the zany backstage things that go on in this long running, internet based program. One cast member, lots and lots of stories.

Open event

Ingress 101

3:00pm - 4:00pm JohnWayne

The world around you is not what it seems. Our future is at stake. You must choose to either enlighten the world for a better tomorrow or resist dangerous unknown forces. Ingress is an Android/iOS augmented reality GPS based adventure from Google where the world is your playing field. Come join agents DisasterSkunk, Cornwuff, and others to learn about the game and meet other players. Agents, it's time to move

Open event

Logic Vs. Spirit

3:00pm - 4:30pm SeaTac

Is there a discrepancy between what is logical and what is spiritual? Do they overlap? Do they contradict? Come explore this and other questions with us.

Open event

Floor Wars Dance Battle

3:30pm - 6:00pm Rosemont

Floor Wars is back again for the third installment at Midwest Furfest, and this year we've got a massive change to our competition system! The dancing competition will be even fiercer as the finest dancers in the fandom, fursuiters and mundanes, clash once more on the dance floor for supremacy. Guaranteed an event you do NOT want to miss! Competitors please arrive 30 minutes early.

Open event

Drawing Larger Ladies

4:00pm - 5:00pm Tech Center

Bloodhound is well-versed in the realm of curvy gals, and she's here to share some of her tips and tricks with you! A sketchbook for doodling notes wouldn't be a bad idea!

Open event

DTD Construction

4:00pm - 5:00pm LAX

Join Lacy & Nick of Fursuiting.com and Syber of MadeFurYou as they make a duct tape dummy, live! Whether you plan to make your own or commission a fursuit, DTD's are considered to be an integral part of suit construction

Open event

'Too Much Light Makes the Baby go Blind'

4:00pm - 5:30pm Grand EFGH

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!

Open event

Writing 101 - The Basics of Story Crafting

4:00pm - 6:00pm Reagan

What are the basics of crafting a good story? Here we discuss the most important elements: creating memorable characters, plot and structure, setting, description, conflict, point of view, and world building.

Open event

Charting Paradise: A Story of Self-Discovery

4:30pm - 5:30pm JohnWayne

A performance piece chronicling the journey of personal insight via one fur's discovery and involvement in the fandom, dragon_cushion is very pleased to present a reading of "Charting Paradise" to an audience of his peers, in the space for which it was written: a fur con. Exploring such topics as external/internal judgment, creative growth, and delicious French toast, the piece is an extended poetic metaphor in a stream-of-consciousness style inspired by the works of famous performance artist Holly Hughes. The journey spans from the innermost doubts and emotions of the artist's mind outwards to encompass the fandom as a collective in relation to society and beyond. The performance will last about 20-25 minutes followed by a question and answer session in which audience members are invited to share their own experiences in discovering and becoming involved in the wonderful world of furry.

Open event

Equine Meet-up

5:00pm - 6:00pm SeaTac

Open to anyone! Come meet other equines in the fandom! If you have a fursuit, please feel free to wear it too! We'll be taking photos!

Open event

Charity Presentation - Critter Camp

5:00pm - 6:00pm LAX

Join Beth and the team from Critter Camp, MFF's 2014 Charity, as they discuss how they care for their pets, as well as have your chance for you to ask questions!

Open event

Shamanism

5:00pm - 7:00pm La Guardia

This panel will discuss what we mean when we use the word "Shaman", who Shamans are, and what they do. Join us, add your ideas into the mix, and maybe leave with some new ones.

Open event

Improv and Life on Stage: The Neo-Futurists

5:30pm - 6:30pm Grand ABC

Open event

The Dragget Show Live

6:00pm - 7:00pm JohnWayne

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.

Open event

VG Trivia Quest

6:00pm - 8:00pm Tech Center

Open event

Epic Changeling!

6:00pm - 9:00pm Lambert

Open event

Much Ado About MUCKing

7:00pm - 8:00pm La Guardia

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!

Open event

Wrestling With Furs Podcast Live

7:00pm - 8:30pm JohnWayne

Hosted By: Roxas, Xander the Blue, Tigron and Crash McCloud Oh, you didn't know? Come join a live recording of the weekly podcast as we discuss the past, present, and future of the WWE, TNA, indie promotions, and beyond! All of this talk about the squared circle, and it won't even cost you $9.99. Be there!

Open event

Furry Variety Show

7:00pm - 8:30pm Grand EFGH

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.

Open event

Smack Down!

7:00pm - 8:30pm Rosemont

Have you ever wondered what would happen if Santa Claus was put in a cage match against Frosty the Snowman? Our panelists return once again to discuss who would win and why for this hilarious tournament style event where only one character will survive! Mature language, viewer discretion is advised.

Open event

ScrapeGoat's Zombie Makeup Mega-Panel

7:00pm - 9:00pm LAX

Got Braaaaaiiiinnns?! ScrapeGoat is a Masters-level costumer and fursuit performer who brings everyone the opportunity to learn how to create Hollywood-style Zombie makeup effects quickly and easily. Learn how to do cuts, bruises, bulletholes, compound fractures and horrific-looking burn injuries! One or two lucky panel attendees will be used as 'demonstration'zombies! Also, tips and tricks for bringing out your Inner Zombie, performing in character and Ten Things You Should Not Do.

Open event

Furoticon How to Play & Beginner Tournament

7:00pm - 10:00pm SkyHarbor

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)

Open event

Convention Horror Stories

8:00pm - 9:00pm Reagan

"Join the cast of FurMedia as they talk about Convention Horror Stories. Featured guests of this panel include: 2 The Ranting Gryphon, Shiacoft from Diffurently, Pandez Panda, Rahne Kallon, and more...For more information about our panel, visit our Facebook page www.facebook.com/FurMedia "

Open event

www.facebook.com/FurMedia

8:00pm - 9:00pm Reagan

Open event

Creatures and Demons of the Night, Meetup

8:00pm - 9:00pm SeaTac

Not every furry-costume is cute and cuddly! We wanted to invite everyone with a creepy or scary character, costume or mask to come out into the night and meet up! Feel free to dress-up!

Open event

Gamebuilding for Fun and Profit

8:00pm - 10:00pm JFK

This panel both introduces audience to the important components of good game design and takes audience input to create the rough outline of a game. Harry Thompson is developing a video game, the other panelists have participated in developing card, board and role-playing games. While the game concept that will be developed in this panel will probably be a card or board game, discussion will cover the elements common to all games and those unique to specific types, whether tabletop or those using video/computer/phone platforms.

Open event

Transfurs

8:00pm - 10:00pm McCarran

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.

Open event

CATALA – LIVE (Amadhia “Dreamsong” Albee)

8:30pm - 9:30pm Grand ABC

Join us for a concert featuring music from Amadhia's debut album, CATALA, and songs by Fox Amoore! CATALA – a hypnotic blend of driving beats from around the world, bridging ancient and modern worlds through songs that range from techno to pop, steampunk to gypsy, spun together with the silver thread of Amadhia's 4+ octave voice. Bring your smartphone and Twitter account to participate in an exclusive giveaway!

Open event

'3 Headed Monster'

9:00pm - 10:00pm Rosemont

Laugh yourself silly, at this live stand-up comedy show, featuring Alkalai, Xander & Pandez!

Open event

Life Drawing

9:00pm - 11:00pm London

Lead by Bloodhound, you'll be put through the paces of gesture drawing, short-session poses, and more! Learning to draw from life is fundamental to a well-rounded artistic repertoire. Only those intending to draw will be permitted. (Adults Only!)

Open event

Comparative Anatomy 18+

9:00pm - 11:00pm LAX

Leave your taboos at the door! This panel is a tryst of fantasy and the unrestricted truth. Have a look at the mystery, wonder, and intimate details of reproduction in the animal kingdom as well as theoretical anthropomorphic creatures.

Open event

Game Developers In The Furry Fandom

10:00pm - 12:00am Tech Center

Do you work in the Computer Games industry? Interested in Indie Development? A student working towards a future career in the industry? Come along to our informal meet and greet to find others like you. Attending will include industry veterans credited on titles such as Fable, Call Of Duty and Oblivion. Discussion includes topics ranging from Design, Code, Art, Animation and production. Whether you are here to get some career advice, have an indie project you want help with or just want to meet others we would love to meet you!

Open event

Whose Lion is it Anyway

10:00pm - 12:00am Rosemont

Join us 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.

Open event

One Night Werewolf

10:00pm - 1:00am Lambert

Open event

Saturday Dance

10:00pm - 2:00am Grand EFGH

Tonight's DJs: Vinny Tekfox Skroy Dantee

Open event

Cards Against Humanity

10:00pm - 2:00am SkyHarbor

Open event

Lupus in Tabula (Iggy)

10:00pm - 2:00am Lindbergh

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.

Open event

Kage-2-Gether - A Charity Performance

11:00pm - 12:00am Grand ABC

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!

Open event

Meet Furry Game Designers

11:00pm - 1:00am SeaTac

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! Adults only.

Open event

Midnight Howl

11:30pm - 12:00am Front-Entrance Lobby

The moon is so bright and full - let's bring it closer. Come help us howl down the moon… and maybe wakeup a few people who came a little to close to the animals. Meet by the ground floor entrance near the coffee shop 11:50pm.

Open event

Con Suite

9:00am - 5:00pm Grand D

Open event

Fursuit Jersey Photoshoot

10:00am - 10:30am Conference Center Foyer

This annual tradition continues as fursuiters are encouraged to wear their favorite jerseys and bring any relevant sporting equipment for a special photoshoot! If you have multiple jerseys, bring as many as you want as we will be doing separate photos for various sports such as hockey, football, soccer, etc. Spectators and photographers are welcome!

Open event

Suiting Outside the Fandom

10:00am - 11:00am LAX

Break away and suit beyond conventions and meets! This panel is advice and guidelines for finding the right venue, interacting with non-furries, dealing with children, and the other things you'll run into while suiting outside the fandom.

Open event

Tools of the trade

10:00am - 11:00am Reagan

Whether you're just starting to build fursuits, or you're a seasoned pro, you' ll need a basic understanding of some of the tools and what to pack (or not to pack) in that toolbox! This panel will cover general fursuit building supplies, uses, selection, and tool box must haves, as well as really hand equipment such as airbrushes, dremel tools, and heat guns.

Open event

Super-hypnotic Journey

10:00am - 11:00am SeaTac

A superhypnotic journey into the depths of the soul in effort to release negativity and increase positivity.

Open event

The Christians and the Pagans

10:00am - 11:00am McCarran

Holidays galore! Come join us in a respectful discussion about the many winter holidays and how they are similar and different from eachother.

Open event

Art Auction

10:00am - 12:00pm Rosemont

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!

Open event

Registration

10:00am - 2:00pm United AB

Open event

MFF Poker Tournament

10:00am - 3:00pm Lindbergh

Get ready for the world famous MFF poker tournament! There will be three satellite tournaments with the top 3 players of each satellite moving on to the final 9 player tournament on Sunday. The tournament is free to enter, but you must be 18+. There will be prizes for everyone in the final tournament. First prize will be a sponsor membership for next year's MFF!

Open event

Art Show (Pickup and Checkout)

10:00am - 3:00pm International Level

Open event

Artists Alley

10:00am - 4:00pm Vienna

Artist's Alley is a place for individual artists to offer their work, whether it be sketchbook commissions, prints, or other types of creative and unique artwork, all while having a good time! Artists Alley will be in four rooms on the International Level: Vienna, Paris, London, and Florence. You can sign up for Sunday's Artists Alley by stopping by the Artists Alley Administration Table in the International Foyer any time on Saturday.

Open event

Dealers Den

10:00am - 4:00pm International Ballroom

The Dealers Den is open to the public during these hours. This includes the International Ballroom, Gatwick, and Heathrow. Dealers listings and locations, with maps, can be found at http://www.furfest.org/DealersDen .

Open event

Secondary Gaming

10:00am - 6:00pm Hartsfield

General Gaming - See separate Gaming Schedule in your Pocket-Program for more details

Open event

Table Top Gaming

10:00am - 6:00pm OHare Ballroom

General Gaming - See separate Gaming Schedule in your Pocket-Program for more details

Open event

Pitching to Publishers

11:00am - 12:00pm Reagan

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.

Open event

Fitness, Nutrition and Health 101

11:00am - 12:00pm La Guardia

Have you ever looked around in magazines and movies and wondered how they get to look the way they do? Are you interested in making your body healthier and achieving the aesthetic goals you'd like? Come one, come all and let’s get that tail moving!! We will be covering a variety of topics such as nutrition, exercise, and potential tools to help you achieve a healthier lifestyle. Some specific points include how focused nutrition can help achieve desired builds and what various exercise techniques are intended to do for you. We'll wrap up with a QA session to remedy your curiosity.

Open event

Flying Furs

11:00am - 12:00pm SeaTac

This panel is for any and all aviation enthusiasts, from any aspect in aviation.  From modelists, RC hobbyists, ATC, A&P, to pilots, all are welcome to this meet and greet.

Open event

Furry TV Commercials

11:00am - 12:00pm Tech Center

Animals are a popular way to sell a product. We will be viewing and discussing TV commercials and deciding "What were they thinking?". Audience participation is encouraged.

Open event

Getting into the Entertainment Industry

11:00am - 12:00pm Lambert

Ready to cut your teeth outside the fandom? Looking to make it big? 2 The Ranting Gryphon will share some tips of the trade, and some things to prepare for based on his own real-life experience in the industry. This is a great chance to listen, learn and ask questions from someone in the entertainment industry!

Open event

Improv Puppet Do's and Dont's

11:00am - 12:00pm JFK

This is a candid 1 hour discussion about many "Do's" and Don'ts" when working with puppets. Have you ever watched a show where the puppeteer doesn't know they're boring the audience? Seen a show where someone's puppetry is so bad, it ruins the entire bit? We'll talk about why such things can and do happen, and what you can do to avaoid them. In many cases, these tips will work beyond puppeteering as we'll talk about topicality, timing, and other things that can sabotage your show.

Open event

How to be a Handler

11:00am - 12:00pm LAX

Want to fursuit, or help out someone that does? Learn to be a handler. The common hand signals, common techniques, and what things to keep an eye out for.

Open event

Midwest Furry Fandom, Inc. Board of Directors Meeting

11:00am - 12:00pm JohnWayne

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.

Open event

Fursuit Photoshoot - CANCELLED

11:00am - 2:00pm North Central

Work that tail! Stop on by and mug for our camera, and get some wonderful fursuit pictures to remember the con by!

Open event

Video Gaming

12:00pm - 6:00pm Midway

See separate Video Gaming Schedule in your Pocket-Program for more details

Open event

Furry Literature is Where You Find It

1:00pm - 2:00pm Reagan

Join us in this interactive panel to discuss the best places to find anthropomorphic stories both in and out of the fandom.

Open event

Biology Discussion

1:00pm - 2:00pm La Guardia

Meet with real life biologists (we do exist!) to greet one another or get geeky about biology. If you're thinking about a career in biology, come ask questions!

Open event

Geocaching

1:00pm - 2:00pm JohnWayne

Geocaching is a world wide treasure hunt game that alot 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.

Open event

Assassins Creed Enthusiasts

1:00pm - 3:00pm SeaTac

'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.

Open event

CompuFur: A Furry Hackathon

1:00pm - 3:00pm Tech Center

Are you interested in developing desktop programs, mobile apps, or websites? Do you have a cool idea, but don't know how to get started? Are you an artist, graphic designer, programmer, or idea guy? Then you should check out CompuFur, a furry hackathon! What is a hackathon you ask? It's where people with different skills come together to make something cool. We'll match you up into small teams where you'll have all the talent to make the next FurBook, Angry Foxes, or Collar Crush! Bring a laptop, or tablet. We'll have lots of paper and other supplies to help you on your way.\ https://www.anthrobot.org/mff-2014/

Open event

Fursuit Dance Competition

1:00pm - 3:00pm Grand EFGH

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 Fourth Annual Fursuit Dance Competition show off their performances for dance supremacy to determine who will be declared this year's best fursuit dancer!

Open event

Protecting your IP

2:00pm - 3:30pm Reagan

Learn how to use the Digital Millennium Copyright Act and even copyright registration to protect your art and how to identify what actually constitutes infringement.

Open event

Therianthropy

2:00pm - 4:00pm SkyHarbor

How often do you feel your tail, wings, horns, or other parts, even if they aren't physical? Join us for discussion and camraderie!

Open event

Furry Theory

3:00pm - 4:00pm La Guardia

The furry fandom has some of the most unique and nuanced expressions of identity known to any subculture. From fursonas to otherkin to mascots, there are so many combinations of varying non-literal and metaphorical methods of expression of otherwise inexplicable identity it can make one's partial spin! It is not uncommon, for example, for an individual who identifies as otherkin to also have a fursona. We will discuss such topics with the intent of pondering the meaning and reasons behind their manifestation, but feel free to treat it like a brainstorming session! Please jump in and share your ideas and opinions at your leisure. Please note that shaming of identities is not allowed in this panel, no matter how much one may disagree with or find difficulty maintaining belief in them.

Open event

Screening of Kaze: Winds of Change – Episode 1, “Born of Fire” and the World Premiere of Episode 2, “The Crucible”

3:00pm - 4:00pm LAX

10 Years ago, Amadhia (“Timothy”) Albee created a 1-person experimental short film, (KAZE: GHOST WARRIOR,) to show that small teams of dedicated, passionate artists _can_ create high-quality animated shows. Now... Amadhia continues the story of that samurai tiger, diving into his history, his forbidden romance, and the betrayals that shattered a kingdom! Join us for a Q & A with series creators and actors; and back-to-back screenings of episode 1 (“Borne of Fire”) and the world premiere of episode 2 (“The Crucible”). Experience this Illustrated Radio Drama featuring the voices of some of Furry Fandom's hottest stars including: Tren Sparks, Alex Vance, Dr. Samuel Conway, Lilypad, and Amadhia herself – with illustrations by Alector Fencer, Balaa, Bloodhound Omega, Thornwolf, and more!

Open event

Fursuit Games

3:00pm - 5:00pm Grand ABC

Come join us for a fun and exciting event where you romp around in fursuit, entertain yourself and others, and play silly little games in order to find who is the best fursuiter of them all! This event is open to all who want to participate or spectate! This is a great opportunity to get exposure to your costumes, to see silly fursuiters play games, and take lots of pictures!

Open event

Product Demo: Scriviner

4:00pm - 5:00pm Tech Center

Learn how to use this versatile writing software and take advantage of it's features to improve your writing experience. 3 copies of the software will be randomly given away!

Open event

Careers with Animals

4:00pm - 5:00pm Reagan

Dash Tiger hosts a panel about what its like to work with animals and discusses the pitfalls and possible career paths one can take. Dash is an Australian veterinarian who has worked with wildlife, zoo and domestic animals in three countries, and specializes in the anaesthesia of big cats. He is joined by Raspberry Roo, a senior zoo keeper and aquarist who has worked in both zoos and a major marine park. Want to know what its like to work with animals? Questions about how to go about it? Or just want see some great photos and hear some great stories? Then this panel is for you!

Open event

Closing Ceremonies

5:00pm - 6:00pm Grand EFGH

Where did the weekend go? At the Closing Ceremonies for Midwest FurFest 2014, 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.

Open event

Dead Dog Dance

10:00pm - 1:00am Grand EFGH

Cap off your con experience and wipe away those blues at the Dead Dog Dance! Our DJ lineup will include DJ Flynn, Deke, and Rotten Robbie.

Open event