Convention schedule
Midwest Furfest 2017
Thursday, November 30, 2017
12 eventsFuzzy Logic Escape Room - Thursday Late Afternoon Bookings
An Escape Room is like a real life video game puzzle room - teams of up to 6 people will solve puzzles and unlock prized containers by using clues, hints, and tools that everyone finds around the room before the 60-minute timer runs out! This year's theme: It's the last day of Furfest and Buddy, the hopeful-popufur husky, has lost his beloved shirt! But check out is in an hour... can you hep Buddy retrace his footsteps through a weekend of fun, or will housekeeping get a precious leave-behind? Two duplicate rooms are available, so groups of up to 12 can split up to race against each other for a faster time! Email [email protected] or text 331-251-1195 to reserve your spot - or you can visit us in person on the bottom floor of the Hyatt if walk-in room is available. Entry fee $20 per person - and part of ticket sales will go to the convention's charity!
[email protected]
Registration - Pre-Registered Badge Pick-up (Sponsor, Shiny-Sponsor Only)
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)
Registration - Pre-Registered Badge Pick-up
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)
Registration - At The Door
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)
Art Jam
First-come seating - but all are welcome as long as space is available!
Fuzzy Logic Escape Room - Thursday Evening Bookings
An Escape Room is like a real life video game puzzle room - teams of up to 6 people will solve puzzles and unlock prized containers by using clues, hints, and tools that everyone finds around the room before the 60-minute timer runs out! This year's theme: It's the last day of Furfest and Buddy, the hopeful-popufur husky, has lost his beloved shirt! But check out is in an hour... can you hep Buddy retrace his footsteps through a weekend of fun, or will housekeeping get a precious leave-behind? Two duplicate rooms are available, so groups of up to 12 can split up to race against each other for a faster time! Email [email protected] or text 331-251-1195 to reserve your spot - or you can visit us in person on the bottom floor of the Hyatt if walk-in room is available. Entry fee $20 per person - and part of ticket sales will go to the convention's charity!
Thursday Night BYOG (Bring Your Own Games)
MFF All Staff Meeting (Option 1)
All MFF staff are invited to attend 1 of the 2 all-hands meetings. Option 1 - Thursday 10pm Option 2 - Friday 10am
Fuzzy Logic Escape Room - Thursday Late Night Bookings
An Escape Room is like a real life video game puzzle room - teams of up to 6 people will solve puzzles and unlock prized containers by using clues, hints, and tools that everyone finds around the room before the 60-minute timer runs out! This year's theme: It's the last day of Furfest and Buddy, the hopeful-popufur husky, has lost his beloved shirt! But check out is in an hour... can you hep Buddy retrace his footsteps through a weekend of fun, or will housekeeping get a precious leave-behind? Two duplicate rooms are available, so groups of up to 12 can split up to race against each other for a faster time! Email [email protected] or text 331-251-1195 to reserve your spot - or you can visit us in person on the bottom floor of the Hyatt if walk-in room is available. Entry fee $20 per person - and part of ticket sales will go to the convention's charity!
Thursday Dance
Shake your tails! Its time to dance!
10pm -- Sparx Traxx
11pm -- Dune
12a -- Apollo
1a -- Nevimer
Friday, December 01, 2017
109 eventsArtists Alley Sign-Up for Friday
Con Suite
Operations
MFF All Staff Meeting (Option 2)
All MFF staff are invited to attend 1 of the 2 all-hands meetings. Option 1 - Thursday 10pm Option 2 - Friday 10am
Fuzzy Logic Escape Room - Friday Early Bookings
An Escape Room is like a real life video game puzzle room - teams of up to 6 people will solve puzzles and unlock prized containers by using clues, hints, and tools that everyone finds around the room before the 60-minute timer runs out! This year's theme: It's the last day of Furfest and Buddy, the hopeful-popufur husky, has lost his beloved shirt! But check out is in an hour... can you hep Buddy retrace his footsteps through a weekend of fun, or will housekeeping get a precious leave-behind? Two duplicate rooms are available, so groups of up to 12 can split up to race against each other for a faster time! Email [email protected] or text 331-251-1195 to reserve your spot - or you can visit us in person on the bottom floor of the Hyatt if walk-in room is available. Entry fee $20 per person - and part of ticket sales will go to the convention's charity!
Registration
After Registration closes, Temporary Badges good for one evening only can be obtained at Convention Operations
Table Top Gaming
Video Gaming
See the separate Video Gaming Schedule in your Pocket Program for more details.
Opening Ceremonies
Join us for the official start to Midwest FurFest 2017, with last minute announcements and other interesting tidbits. Let's start the convention off with a bang!
ASL Interpreters will be available for those with hearing impairment.
Writing 101
We all start somewhere, and it's no different for writing. Whether you hope to one day write the Great American Furry Novel, or just want to do better at the stories you share with friends, come and learn some of the basics of good storytelling and some of the pitfalls and common beginner mistakes to avoid.
Hooray for Hoofers
Equines and other hoofed members of the furry community are welcome for a discussion about their draw to equines, their favorites, and experiences with other hooved species.
So It's Your First Furry Convention?
No question, it can all be a little .. crazy, for anyone's first time. We want to help you understand a little bit more about MFF, the furry convention world, and cover some specific topics such as: 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? We'll also have some experienced folks on stage to help answer questions.
Fursuit Handlers Panel to Success
Alex the human teaches new handlers how to insure their success in keeping Fursuiters in tip top shape.
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 2017 Guests: LATIN VIXEN, REMY WOLF, RUSS ADAMS
ASL Interpreters will be available for those with hearing impairment.
Who Wants to be a Voice Actor?
From Bugs Bunny to Nick Wilde, anthropomorphic characters have been talking to us from childhood to adulthood. Ever wondered what goes into bringing your favorite characters to life? Now you can join in on the fun! Join TimberPuppers (Tony Crynight), Edward Bosco (Dust: An Elysian Tail), and Malcolm/Zeke (Channel Awesome) for an hour of voice acting fun! First up will be a Q&A where you can ask about everything you want to learn about voice acting. Then you can try it yourself, by volunteering to do a live reading of professional scripts starring some fluffy characters!
Text Adventures
Gather round, literally, and make your way through some old school text adventures! Draggor, your host, will be subbing in for the computer, so sassy replies are to be expected from sassy commands.
Your Imagined Furry Fantasy (18+ Only!)
Your Imagined Furry Fantasy - This light-hearted RPG-esque system was borne of frisky fantasy, silly stories of over-the-top shenanigans and inspired by popular flash games like Corruption of Champions, Trials in Tainted Space and Flexible Survival! Gameplay gives players a different perspective on the psychology behind modern-day sexuality and taboo as they adventure in a world where just about everything is over-sexualized (including combat!) to offer silly-fun and sex-positive escapades!
DIY 101: How to Self-Publish
So you wanna make something? Join Norman Rafferty of SanguineGames.com as he talks you through the process of taking your idea to tangible reality: Print-on-demand, crowd-funding, digital distribution, and the kitchen sink.
Creating Real Life Furries: Could We? Should We?
Discussion of the ethics and social implications creating anthrpormorphic life forms.
Furvilla Meetup
Fans of Furvilla, meet up and chat with the developers, as well as discuss the game and future updates!
Name That RPG Tune
Ever geek out over music from role-playing games? Finally you can use that love of music to win prizes! Come join your fellow RPG music fans for a fun-filled hour of "Name That Tune", RPG style!
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.
Fuzzy Logic Escape Room - Friday Afternoon Bookings
An Escape Room is like a real life video game puzzle room - teams of up to 6 people will solve puzzles and unlock prized containers by using clues, hints, and tools that everyone finds around the room before the 60-minute timer runs out! This year's theme: It's the last day of Furfest and Buddy, the hopeful-popufur husky, has lost his beloved shirt! But check out is in an hour... can you hep Buddy retrace his footsteps through a weekend of fun, or will housekeeping get a precious leave-behind? Two duplicate rooms are available, so groups of up to 12 can split up to race against each other for a faster time! Email [email protected] or text 331-251-1195 to reserve your spot - or you can visit us in person on the bottom floor of the Hyatt if walk-in room is available. Entry fee $20 per person - and part of ticket sales will go to the convention's charity!
Albedo: The Freron 6D Campaign
Enjoy sci-fi? Roleplaying? Furries? Mike Murdock will provide you your RPG needs for the convention. Albedo is a RPG Based on the Steve Gallacci’s comic book Erma Felna: EDF Join the EDF as part of a team investigating a colony that went dark on the Ice-covered moon of Freron 6D and uncover why the planet went dark and why.
Artists Alley
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 in Vienna, Paris, London, and Florence.
Dealers Den
The Dealers Den is open to the public during these hours. Dealers listings and locations, with maps, can be found at https://www.furfest.org/dealers
Creature Design with Guest of Honor Russ Adams
Special Effect Artist Russ Adams talks about the process of designing creatures for film, television, and cosplay. Personal project questions welcomed.
ASL Interpreters will be available for those with hearing impairment.
Character and Dialogue
Characters are arguably the most important element to any story. What makes characters believable, memorable, and compelling? A big part of any characters is the relationships they have with other characters, and one of the primary means of showing characters and their relationships is through dialogue. Come join us as we discuss what makes good characters and dialogue.
Con Badges 101
A discussion type panel on how to create visually successful/appealing furry convention badges. The do's and don'ts and how to step up your game.
Furrhythmics Live!
We are the Furrhythmics, a furry barbershop group take you on a musical adventure through song! Coupled with light-hearted comedy, we are sure to amaze you and make you chuckle.
Birds! Photoshoot
Bird fursuiters, we're having a photo session just for you! We'll set up photos for the entire group, and photos for smaller groups and individuals. Stretch your wing muscles and get those feathers ready!
Dungeons & Dragons Workshop: How To Run & Participate In An Immersive Game
This is an open forum discussion about Dungeons & Dragons, both as a player and a dungeon master, and the paths we took to become better, more immersive gamers. Newbies, veterans, and everyone in between welcome! Other game systems are also welcome!
Uni-fur-sity: Balancing the Furry Community with an Academic Career
College students make up a significant portion of the furry fandom (roughly one-fifth, by Furry Poll 2015 data). This panel is intended to host a discussion on and for this portion. How do you balance time spent with the furry community versus time spent working towards your academics? Other specific topics will include campus and community involvement, balancing social structures, personal experiences with furry in the academic setting, time management, community outreach, and the process of finding or establishing furry student groups.
MFF Hockey
If you fancy some time away from main MFF happenings and enjoy hockey, come over to The Edge John Street ice rink (10 min away) and see furry hockey players battle for supremacy on the ice. Will it be the canines, felines, hoofers, or foxes that come out on top? There will be a 60 min scrimmage followed by on ice hockey skills in fursuits to close out the session.
Fursuit Price Is Right
This is the fursuiter version of the price is right where fursuiters are asked to come on down to contestants row, winner plays a pricing game and goes on to the showcase showdown and the winner of which goes on to the showcase and the one fursuiter that has won the most in cash and prizes wins a badge commission.
Bingo!!
Back for a second year, it's bingo night ! Come and play a few games and win some cool prizes!
Comparative Anatomy
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.
Spirituality Roundtable
Come meet the Spirituality panelists. We'll answer your questions about our other panels and be open for general discussion.
Ironclaw Intro Game
Generate characters and learn how to play the current version of IronClaw Anthropormorphic Fantasy RPG! A short adventure will be run after character generation to introduce the system! Up to 6 players.
Greymuzzle Meet Up
A gathering of older furs, military furs, as well as those who have been in the fandom for a while. All are welcome to attend!
FVS Rehearsal #1
TN Furs, and More - Meet and Greet
A Meet and Greet for furs in TN and surrounding states. Do you live in TN or surrounding states? Are you moving to TN? Ever come TN or plan to visit? Come join us, make some new friends, and learn about meets/events that are held (or will be) in different parts of TN! We will also be taking suggestions on meets and events to have in the future!
Mushroom Kingdom
Nintendo enthusiasts unite! Bring your 3ds console (or perhaps even that shiny new Nintendo Switch) for an hour of swapping tips and tricks and multiplayer fun.
Neopets
Do you remember Neopets when you got to feed and take care of your virtual pet and explore the world of Neopia? Join in to meet other fellow Neopet fans to draw or color in our templates. All ages are welcome so come on over and hang out, chat or just reminisce about your good old Neopet days.
Meet the Charity
The Chicagoland Rescue Intervention and Support Program ("CRISP") is a coalition of eight animal welfare groups that serve Chicagoland. CRISP's purpose is to keep animals out of the overcrowded city shelter in Chicago. To do that CRISP offers distraught owners surrendering their pets alternatives through financial support for veterinary care, supplies, behavior training and other means to help them keep their pets. If pets cannot be kept with their families CRISP works to network them to find rescue immediately so they do not have to enter the shelter. Since inception in May 2016 CRISP has kept over 800 animals out of the city shelter.
Biology Discussion
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!
Plot and Conflict
No matter how good your characters are, you'll need interesting things for them to do, or events they must react to. What makes for a compelling, perhaps riveting plot? One of the key elements in any plot is conflict. In this panel we discuss some of the different plots and types of conflict that can drive a story and keep your readers wondering what happens next.
Fursuit Photoshoot
Work that tail! Stop on by and mug for our camera, and get some wonderful fursuit pictures to remember the con by!
Science, Tech., Engr., & Medicine Meet & Greet
A chance for anyone who works, studies, or is just interested in the science, technology, engineering, and medical fields to get together, find mutual interests, and network. Twitter group: @Sci_Furs
Speaking with the News Media 101
The news media is a part of everyone's life in one way or another, and no question, furry is a topic of interest from time to time. Learn some best practices and tips from a folks who have done a lot of work with the press, and why its so important to make sure that we're directing inquiries to the right convention leadership; regardless of which convention you're attending.
Shiny Sponsor Reception
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.
Trans 101
What does trans mean? What are the right words to say, and how do you know? These questions are becoming more important as time passes. Help us answer these and other questions!
Xephyr!
"...Xephyr! This is one of the best rocking pop songs I heard all year. From anyone! It's called Moist. The new CD is called Vicious Instinct!" - DJ Lee Eckley - 94.9 The Rock
Xephyr is a four piece alternative rock band from Toronto, Ontario. They are raw, energetic and ready to blow any audience member away. The group consists of Lionel Greson on guitar and vocals, Zakk Scott on lead guitars, Jacob Stellato on bass and Tyler Twigger on drums. This is the band of Clumzy, Turi and Cobalt. The band is currently in the studio recording two singles. They will be independently released on national radio in the fall. Two music videos are also in the works.
Setting and World Building
Stories can take place in a lot of different places and time periods, whether it's someplace in our modern world, a setting from our history, a futuristic alien society, or a magical world of fantasy. Join us as we discuss the possibilities and the pitfalls, the challenges and rewards of creating or choosing a setting where your characters live and their stories play out.
Mass Effect: Unity
Mass Effect: Unity - Although not quite pony-related, this is one of many other systems being crafted by SteelTheWarrior that, due to massive special requests, we'll be bringing for you to enjoy! Play as almost any race and class combination imaginable in this fast-paced, heavy-action setting that takes place during the events of the third Mass Effect game!
Fuzzy Logic Escape Room - Friday Late Afternoon Bookings
An Escape Room is like a real life video game puzzle room - teams of up to 6 people will solve puzzles and unlock prized containers by using clues, hints, and tools that everyone finds around the room before the 60-minute timer runs out! This year's theme: It's the last day of Furfest and Buddy, the hopeful-popufur husky, has lost his beloved shirt! But check out is in an hour... can you hep Buddy retrace his footsteps through a weekend of fun, or will housekeeping get a precious leave-behind? Two duplicate rooms are available, so groups of up to 12 can split up to race against each other for a faster time! Email [email protected] or text 331-251-1195 to reserve your spot - or you can visit us in person on the bottom floor of the Hyatt if walk-in room is available. Entry fee $20 per person - and part of ticket sales will go to the convention's charity!
Art Show
Bidding closes at 7pm!
Fursuit Safety
Come and pick up some tips and tricks on how to stay safe while fursuiting at a convention and in the public to help make sure you have as much fun as possible while fursuiting.
Character Design
This will be a panel to teach people how to design characters that convey a message and look aesthetically pleasing. Whether these characters are for stories, or to be used as fursonas, this panel will help you make a design that leaves a mark.
So You Want To Perform at the FVS - or Any Other Amateur Performance Venue
A panel of how to get involved in the MFF Furry Variety Show or any other similar type show. How to create something more than standing on stage to music to be of interest to the audience and ways to start out having never done such before. I do performances with puppets, but the ideas I have pertain to fursuiters as well. Depending on interest input on ideas is welcome and others may participate in something that could be done on stage as trial performance that would be the start of creation of an act.
The World of Tyria: Guild Wars 2
For over five years, Guild Wars 2 has been the premier non-subscription fee MMO. And while it may have humans (both large and normal), elf-alias plant people, and know-it-all runts, it also has half-tiger minotaurs, bear people, bird people, frog people, rat people, ape-people, and at least one dragon that's not out to end the world. Join members of [DOOR] and [Fur] as we talk about what we like about the game, our thoughts on the upcoming expansion, and why we're still playing after all this time.
Pagan Furs: Who Are We?
The word "Pagan" has been thrown around a lot in the past, and it's come to mean different things. Come join us for a discussion about who Pagans are, what we do, and why it works for us.
If I Fits, I Sits - Critters in Boxes
Come and enjoy a room packed full of boxes to play in! Fursuits and non-suiters welcome!
MFF Poker Tournament - Satellite
Come one, come all to the incredible Midwest FurFest Poker Tournament. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, you will be able to compete for bragging rights and some cool prizes. The tournament will follow the standard casino style. Sign up for one of three satellite tournaments throughout the FurFest weekend. The top 3 players of each satellite tournament will move on to the final 9 player tournament on Sunday. Admission is totally free.
CG Rendering on the Cheap
CG rendering, once only the province of big studios, is now a very affordable hobby, and not hard to learn. This presentation will demonstrate software that can be used to create very satisfying art without breaking the budget. Basic techniques of CG rendering will be covered.
How to Volunteer to Help MFF
Are you interested in helping out with Furfest through volunteering your time for a convention that you love? Come to this panel to get insights from our long time staff members and our former convention chairpeople.
Intro to Improv Workshop
Get prepped to put your best foot forward for the improv show by learning some basic improv skills! Get your yes and on, and learn some other skills too, then put them to use in a few games.
Otherworld Stories with Alkali & Crew
D&D is one heck of a game! Well we have a fur that has been playing D&D in the forest with 100s of other people for years at our very con! Come on out to this panel and hear about all the times he got his ass kicked. Join us for the stories and find out how you can get involved in this all to real game!
Skunks Don't Stink
Skunks, show yourselves! Skunkie Meet & Greet for all those stinkers that haven't had their butts turned into rugs! Come and meet the other Mephits at the con. If you have a suit, wear it; we'll have a photoshoot after the panel.
Fun with Animal Crossing
Join us and other fans of the popular game series for discussion, games, and even prizes!
Artists Alley Sign-Up for Saturday
Your Imagined Furry Fantasy (18+ Only)
Your Imagined Furry Fantasy - This light-hearted RPG-esque system was borne of frisky fantasy, silly stories of over-the-top shenanigans and inspired by popular flash games like Corruption of Champions, Trials in Tainted Space and Flexible Survival! Gameplay gives players a different perspective on the psychology behind modern-day sexuality and taboo as they adventure in a world where just about everything is over-sexualized (including combat!) to offer silly-fun and sex-positive escapades!
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 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!
The OutZone
Like giant Robots? War? Roleplaying? Furries? Mike Murdock has you covered for the convention. Using the MekTon Roleplaying system that is easy to learn and to create a character. In the Shexecarro Star System 3 factions are at war with each other for off-world resources after there homeworld exhausted the remaining resources. Join the Val-Stein Mercenary company to complete missions on the Mars-like world of Keolara.
Piano Rock with Matthew Ebel
Piano-rocker (and part-time bird) Matthew Ebel returns to MFF's main stage for a rare "unplugged" piano performance. Guest appearances by Fox Amoore and Pepper Coyote! Come enjoy songs about robots, love, ninjas, and more from a professional songwriter who's been Guest of Honor at multiple Furry conventions.
Scene and Story Structure
Ever had a story idea in which you knew where you wanted to go but not how to get there? Or you have some pieces but aren't sure how they fit together? Or maybe it's a question of keeping the reader interested along the way. This panel will cover approaches to structuring your story, concepts like scene and sequel, pacing, and how to get elements of a story to fit together well.
Comic Creation
Story, characterization, format, promotion and monetization of comics.
Fursuits and How to Airbrush, with GoH Latin Vixen
In this panel, Latin Vixen will be providing her first-hand knowledge and experience as a professional fursuit maker for more than a decade to teach the audience the art of using airbrushing techniques in the crafting of fursuits.
Ingress / Pokemon GO Meet & Greet
Meet & Greet for GPS based Niantic gamers. Want to join Pogo Raids this weekend at con? We'll be setting up a chat to keep in contact during the weekend! Share some stories about capturing portals or catching them all this past year while wandering the world while staring at your phone.
Therianthropy
How often do you feel your tail, wings, horns, or other parts, even if they aren't physical? Join us for discussion and camaraderie!
OneShot Plus Furries Perform Giant Dread
Dread is a horror game that uses a Jenga tower instead of dice to determine success. If the tower falls you die. Join James D'Amato of the One Shot Podcast Network as he navigates treacherous waters with a crew of furry performers/improv artists who will try (in vain) to avoid meeting horrible ends.
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.
Fuzzy Logic Escape Room - Friday Evening Bookings
An Escape Room is like a real life video game puzzle room - teams of up to 6 people will solve puzzles and unlock prized containers by using clues, hints, and tools that everyone finds around the room before the 60-minute timer runs out! This year's theme: It's the last day of Furfest and Buddy, the hopeful-popufur husky, has lost his beloved shirt! But check out is in an hour... can you hep Buddy retrace his footsteps through a weekend of fun, or will housekeeping get a precious leave-behind? Two duplicate rooms are available, so groups of up to 12 can split up to race against each other for a faster time! Email [email protected] or text 331-251-1195 to reserve your spot - or you can visit us in person on the bottom floor of the Hyatt if walk-in room is available. Entry fee $20 per person - and part of ticket sales will go to the convention's charity!
IronClaw: What's Mine is Mine
Simple job. Property has been stolen and you've been hired to track the thieves down and get that property back. The tracking part should be easy, as the scoundrels have gone hiding in an old mine. All we have to do is root them out and return the stolen goods. No problem, right? 3 - 8 Players expected.
Marvel vs Capcom: Infinite
Single Elimination - Up to 64 players. First place gets a prize (To be Determined.) All characters will be available if possible, if a character releases the weekend of the convention, they will not be available for tournament play. Sign ups will start in the morning, please come in and sign up early.
GameDev: The Panelling
Want to learn how to break into the video game industry? Join four video game industry professionals as they banter, talk about their own personal journeys and answer your questions. If you're interested in GameDev, start here!
RAWR: A Furry Writing Workshop
Did you know there's an annual five-day workshop just for furry writers? That's what RAWR, the Regional Anthropomorphic Writers Retreat is. Come listen in and ask questions as two of the organizers present an overview.
Fox and PepperCoyote
Foxes and Peppers live in concert: Come join Fox Amoore and Pepper Coyote as they bring you live songs from Fox's newest studio album "The Dreamcatcher," Pepper's new album "Muh," and their collab album "Hashtag." Over an hour of live music and entertainment!
Art as a Business
A streamlined look at making a living creating artwork. We'll discuss what it takes to craft a career as an artist in the fandom, from work ethic and good habits, to social media exploits, pricing, etiquette, promotion & exposure.
Extreme Digital Painting!
I will be digitally painting live, answering questions about art and explaining my own process in Photoshop. Helpful for all skill levels!
Furry Language
It's furry charades with a twist! Whether you're in suit, partial, or just street clothes, you can let your fur do the talking on Furry Language! Based on TV's "Body Language," teams of two use pantomime to convey clues to furry-themed puzzles. (Fursuiters are advised that every player will have a speaking role at some point in the game.)
Lupus in Tabula
Welcome to the peaceful town of Tabula, where the wine runs like water and the blood runs like Usain Bolt. It's a thrilling game for 8 to several dozen players. Werewolves stalk the village at night, feasting upon the innocent villagers until the village finally figures out Ted from accounting happens to be a werewolf.
Ōkami: The Tales Behind the Tail
This weekend has been about Grimm's fairy tales, But what about fairy tales a little farther east? Watch, listen, and learn as Yume Kitsune and Tikikata follow Amaterasu (from the cult classic video game Ōkami) throughout Nippon, and discuss her adventures. See the game in a new light, as we talk about the myths and folklore that went into the game. Hear about different concepts and designs that went into Ōkami. And discover a new perspective for some well known characters.
Actually Writing That (Adult) Story
You've been to panels on world-building, character development, even how to run the business side of being a writer. But now it's time to actually write a story. At this panel, we'll have an in-depth look at putting sentences together, figuring out story flow, and (by the time we're done) actually have a 3-page story done. Learn the craft by doing the craft.
18+ ONLY
Cards vs. Humanity Charity Event
Who is the worst person at the con? There is one sure fire way to find out! Join us for a charity event unlike any other. Free to enjoy, but donation required to get your paws on a black card, or a bigger blacker card.
Scene Furries: Return to the Black Parade
Do your parents not understand you? Are you still bitter that My Chemical Romance split up? Did you never really grow out of your scene "phase?" Then this is where you belong! Come and join the black parade. (A purely comedic panel.)
Meditation Methods
Ever wanted to unlock latent mental abilities, connect to your spiritual self, or even have a simple and effective way to relax after a stressful day? Come join Farran to learn some basic meditation methods that can help you achieve all of these things!
Furry Psychology
Join our panel of psychologists and psychologists-in-training to talk about all sorts of fun and furry topics from the lens of psychology. Come enjoy our professionally trained team's perspectives on topics such as what might motivate people to enjoy roleplaying or fursuiting, gender and sexuality, and more. And remember: Being furry is not a diagnosis!
Furoticon - How-to-Play and Tournaments - 18+ ONLY
Come learn how to play Furoticon, one of the hottest games in the fandom! Demo decks are available for anyone who wants to play. Feeling competitive? Participate in a tournament! Stop by the Tail Kiss Studio dealer table to learn more and get your cards!
18+ ONLY
A Bad Fanfiction Reading
Have you ever wanted to hear a bunch of furries attempt to drunkenly voice act through your favorite TERRIBLE fan fiction? Well do we have a treat for you! Join our panelists and guests as we attempt to brave the best of the worst. 18+ ONLY
WTF, with GoH Russ Adams
Russ sounds off about some of the more frustrating and degrading moments working in the industry.
Sketchbook Swap
A fun way to give and get art in a casual setting! Bring your sketchbook, swap it for someone else's, and draw something you think they'd like. Keep swapping for as long as you'd like, then retrieve your sketchbook when you're done.
I Comedy Better When I've Had a Few (For Charity)! With Alkali Bismuth and Boozy Badger!
I have no idea what is going to happen at this charity event, but it is for a good cause. Show up, throw some money into the hat and enjoy the show. And for those of you that asked for this on twitter: I hope you're happy.
Boundfox Presents: Beginning Rope Work
Rope work is a versatile and inexpensive skill to learn when getting into bondage or kinky play. This will be a hands-on workshop with Martini, Aevin, and Yonoa to discuss safety along with basic knots and ties including the mental side of rope bondage. You and a partner will learn knots such as the overhand, square, and larks head while incorporating them into specialized ties for bondage. Any experience level from beginner to expert are invited to attend and learn. If you don't have a partner, you'll might be able to find one at the panel to learn with. Nudity is not allowed during this panel. You must be 18 or older. Please bring at least one 15 to 30 foot length of rope to the class, but if you don't have any there will be 30 foot lengths provided to use along with safety gear.
18+ ONLY
Raise the Ruff, Pup 101
Come hang with VAC Pack as we scratch the surface of Puppy Play. We will cover the basics of human animal role-play, gear, headspace, safety, toys, treats, as well as answer any questions you have. It doesn’t matter how you identify, everyone is welcome.
18+ ONLY
Femme Fursuit Photo Shoot
"Do you have a feminine fursuit? Want our photographer to bring out your best?
Join our photo shoot for group and individual shots with a selection of poses and props. Cute and innocent, butch and powerful, curvy, round, or lithe -- all shapes, styles, and sizes are welcome. (this event is for fursuiters and handlers only)"
Fuzzy Logic Escape Room - Friday Late Night Bookings
An Escape Room is like a real life video game puzzle room - teams of up to 6 people will solve puzzles and unlock prized containers by using clues, hints, and tools that everyone finds around the room before the 60-minute timer runs out! This year's theme: It's the last day of Furfest and Buddy, the hopeful-popufur husky, has lost his beloved shirt! But check out is in an hour... can you hep Buddy retrace his footsteps through a weekend of fun, or will housekeeping get a precious leave-behind? Two duplicate rooms are available, so groups of up to 12 can split up to race against each other for a faster time! Email [email protected] or text 331-251-1195 to reserve your spot - or you can visit us in person on the bottom floor of the Hyatt if walk-in room is available. Entry fee $20 per person - and part of ticket sales will go to the convention's charity!
Friday Dance
Shake your tails! Its time to dance!
10p -- Swedish Dog Mafia
12a -- Curl Talk
1a -- Rocco Jackal
MFF Puppy Meet and Greet
Puppies, pets and trainers! Join the Chicago Puppy Patrol for a pup and pet meet and greet. 18+ ONLY
Saturday, December 02, 2017
97 eventsAlbedo - "Albedo After Dark" (18+ Only)
Albedo: Platinum Catalyst - The tabletop game inspired by and dedicated to the epic, sci-fi militaristic comic universe that Steve Gallacc created, which was actually a major influence in the initial coming-together of the Furry Fandom! Does your unit have the wit, grit and spit in order to overcome the invading Independent Lapine Republic forces that have come with xenocentric means of universal domination?
Whose Lion is it Anyway?
Based off the popular TV show "Whose Line is it Anyway," this is everyone's chance to get up on stage and improvise with their fellow furs! A completely interactive panel, Whose Lion will feature such games as: Questions Only, Whose Line, Party Quirks, and even World's Worst. Hosted by Alkali, this panel is sure to be a good time for all; so come on out, get up on stage, and show everyone how quick your wit is. Panel is 18+, and may not be suitable for minors. People with a heart condition should not have a heart attack during this panel as we will think you are acting. Panel has been known to cause uproarious laughter, fits of giggling, and diarrhea. See you there!
18+ ONLY
FVS Rehearsal #2
Art Show
Con Suite
Operations
Making Anthropomorphism Relevant in Your Story
One of the common recommendations for writers is to make certain that your characters are more than "Humans with Fur". From the clothing that your characters wear to the technology they use, we explore how technology and society would be different for denizens of our stories, and perhaps how that difference can be used to further the story we want to tell while still not leaving the reader in the cold.
Sponsor Brunch
Dragonstorm
It's back! Bring your Dragonstorm character to play in an exciting adventure in the world of Grandillar, or generate a new character to start a brand new life of adventure as a shapeshifter! (Materials provided if you don't have a character already). Up to 6 players.
Fuzzy Logic Escape Room - Saturday Early Bookings
An Escape Room is like a real life video game puzzle room - teams of up to 6 people will solve puzzles and unlock prized containers by using clues, hints, and tools that everyone finds around the room before the 60-minute timer runs out! This year's theme: It's the last day of Furfest and Buddy, the hopeful-popufur husky, has lost his beloved shirt! But check out is in an hour... can you hep Buddy retrace his footsteps through a weekend of fun, or will housekeeping get a precious leave-behind? Two duplicate rooms are available, so groups of up to 12 can split up to race against each other for a faster time! Email [email protected] or text 331-251-1195 to reserve your spot - or you can visit us in person on the bottom floor of the Hyatt if walk-in room is available. Entry fee $20 per person - and part of ticket sales will go to the convention's charity!
Arkham Horror
Let's bust out 40 pounds of tokens and 4,783 cards and pretend we're in 1920s land where we must save the town of Arkham from impending tentacle doom. This is a cooperative, RPG board game for up to about 8 players. I'll teach you how to play if you're new, and game won't take all night, promise.
MFF Poker Tournament - Satellite
Come one, come all to the incredible Midwest FurFest Poker Tournament. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, you will be able to compete for bragging rights and some cool prizes. The tournament will follow the standard casino style. Sign up for one of three satellite tournaments throughout the FurFest weekend. The top 3 players of each satellite tournament will move on to the final 9 player tournament on Sunday. Admission is totally free.
Artists Alley
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 in Vienna, Paris, London, and Florence.
Dealers Den
The Dealers Den is open to the public during these hours. Dealers listings and locations, with maps, can be found at https://www.furfest.org/dealers
Registration
After Registration closes, Temporary Badges good for one evening only can be obtained at Convention Operations
Table Top Gaming
General Gaming - See separate Gaming Schedule in your Pocket-Program for more details.
Video Gaming
See the separate Video Gaming Schedule in your Pocket Program for more details.
The Blind Side
Have you ever wondered what it's like to be blind? Come join Citrine as he shows you the interesting aspects of being a blind furry in a sighted world. Don't be shy, bring your questions!
How to Foam a Fursuit Head, with GoH Latin Vixen
In this panel, Latin Vixen will provide an introduction to the audience in the techniques used for carving your very own fursuit head!
To Suit or Not Suit in Public? That is the Question.
Fursuiting out in public can be a scary thing. You are interacting with people who might not quite understand what we do. Come find out how to do public fursuiting safely while still educating the public and having a fun time!
Raising Pygmy Goats
Goats are often an incredibly under-appreciated species but can be amazingly unique companions to work with. Come learn about what it takes to raise pygmy goats, what you can expect from them as a pet, and some of the fun experiences we have had with them over the past three years in the land of Goatopia!
New Release Reading
Come relax and listen as furry writers read selections from new and forthcoming works.
Creative Avian Anatomy
Aetus is an avian veterinarian and digital artist and will present avian anatomy tailored for creative expression. Photos and drawings will be used to explain real anatomy, how it compares to humans, and how the two might look when blended together.
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.
Overcoming Fandom Cliches in your Writing
A discussion of tropes specific to the fandom, what's old hat and cliche, and what you can do about it if you plan on using them. A lot of the tropes were either established in the 90s and are old hat to greymuzzles but younger writers don't know about them, or are constantly recycled by new authors. Things like "The six origins of furry species" "Humans oppressing the furries" "A post-human world where the humans were all evil but now there's only furries" and so on.
Sonic: Freedom Fighters
Hoofer Meet and Greet
Meet up and discussion for those with hoofed mammal fursonas and fursuits. EX: horses, ponies, deer, giraffe, etc
Military Furs
Are you currently serving in the military or have served before then come on down and have some fun as we can hang out and tell stories, and yes you can bring your family with you.
Sergals: The World of Vilous
What exactly is a sergal? Where do they come from? Come join members of the official Vilous Team for a discussion on sergals! Learn about the history of sergals, other Vilous races, and the sci-fi world they inhabit. A casual meet & greet will follow, so if you are yourself a sergal, come say hi!
Furry Game Industry Meet & Greet -- CANCELLED
EVENT CANCELLED
Secondary Fursuit Lounge (During the Menagerie)
To help give performers some additional space to hydrate and cool-down, during the Menagerie, the Rosemont ballroom will have water stations and space to relax. The main Fursuit Lounge (Grand C), will also be open during this time. Please, no photography inside the Rosemont Ballroom during the Menagerie. And please, no photography at all inside the main Fursuit Lounge.
Furry Pictionary
The classic drawing game with a furry twist! A 100% audience participation panel as we work our way through 100 rounds of Pictionary, drawing things from categories such as Animal Sayings, Fandom Terms, Animal Species, and Furries in the Media. The bigger the audience, the better the game will be, so please join us!
Fursuit Menagerie
Come on down to the main ballroom for a chance to meet other fursuiters, take group photos, and ham it up for the crowd! Starting at 1:00pm and running until 3pm, the FurFest Fursuit Menagerie is a great place to show off your costumes and mingle with attendees. We'll have some light game-like activities, background music and group-photo areas setup. We'll also have additional water stations available in the Rosemont Ballroom during the Menagerie (no photos in this room, please).
Fuzzy Logic Escape Room - Saturday Afternoon Bookings
An Escape Room is like a real life video game puzzle room - teams of up to 6 people will solve puzzles and unlock prized containers by using clues, hints, and tools that everyone finds around the room before the 60-minute timer runs out! This year's theme: It's the last day of Furfest and Buddy, the hopeful-popufur husky, has lost his beloved shirt! But check out is in an hour... can you hep Buddy retrace his footsteps through a weekend of fun, or will housekeeping get a precious leave-behind? Two duplicate rooms are available, so groups of up to 12 can split up to race against each other for a faster time! Email [email protected] or text 331-251-1195 to reserve your spot - or you can visit us in person on the bottom floor of the Hyatt if walk-in room is available. Entry fee $20 per person - and part of ticket sales will go to the convention's charity!
Albedo: The Freron 6D Campaign
Enjoy sci-fi? Roleplaying? Furries? Mike Murdock will provide you your RPG needs for the convention. Albedo is a RPG Based on the Steve Gallacci’s comic book Erma Felna: EDF. Join the EDF as part of a team investigating a colony that went dark on the Ice-covered moon of Freron 6D and uncover why the planet went dark and why.
Convention War Stories
Come out and see what happens behind the closed doors of conventions. Sit back and listen to the stories that you were never meant to find out about from our panel of convention staff and board members. Enjoy the stories and find out why that cop was shaking his head well laughing.
Cryptocurrency for Furry Artists and Commissioners
Stories of artists or commissioners being ripped off because of fraudulent disputes are often abuzz on social media. The most popular payment mechanisms can be extremely hostile at the worst possible moment, and this can directly affect artists' livelihood. Free yourself of this hassle by accepting payment via cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin or Zcash.
Surviving Reality, with GoH Russ Adams
In this panel, Russ adams discusses the misconceptions of life on a reality show. This panel is based on his book, currently in presale, Surviving Reality: This Is Not That Show.
Furries in RPGs: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
Host of the ONE SHOT podcast discusses furries in tabletop role playing games. taking a look at furry representation in the RPG hobby over the decades, and highlighting a few examples of games that heavily feature anthro characters.
Science Fiction and Fantasy
Space and time travel. Swords and sorcery. As we explore the realms of science fiction and fantasy there are many worlds to explore and to play in as we create our stories, whether they be epic quests filled with wonder, exploring uncharted places, or clawing out an existence in a dystopian wasteland. Come sit withus as we discuss how to weave tales that include elements of science, magic, or some combination of the two.
Instagram Furs Meetup
A meeting ground for those who thrive using the social media platform, Instagram, or for those who would just like to meet some familiar faces.
Cutthroat Artist
Four artists will take each other on in a series of timed art challenges. Each round, someone is eliminated by our judge until a winner is crowned! The twist? The artists can bid on sabotages that they can inflict on their competitors and the judge has no idea what what the sabotage(s) were.
Becoming a Better Roleplayer
From long form to short form, to tabletop and anything in-between, roleplay is a popular way of expressing ourselves and bringing our fursonas or other characters to life. There's no guidelines or instruction manuals, so many people are left to their own devices to figure it out. This panel aims to help get you past the 'hi' or 'waves' and offer tips and tricks that will help you improve no matter the type of roleplay you do. The focus will be on written roleplay and how to include furry in it, but will also include tabletop RP.
Super Password Plus
The game of secret words! You and our celebrity guests team up to give the right clue to get your partner to say the secret word. Each of the five passwords in a round are clues to a larger puzzle. Alkali also hates this game, need I say more.
What It Takes to Write: Process, Discipline, and Lifestyle
Writing can be very rewarding, but it takes time and discipline. How often have you heard someone say they can't find the time to write, or can't get their mind working in the right direction? As with any worthwhile goal, there are obstacles to be overcome and processes to be learned. In this panel we talk about how writers write, and the writer's lifestyle.
Adding Useless Electronic Bullshit to Your Fursuit
Want to make your fursuit look around or make its ears wiggle? Maybe you're a dragon and you'd like to really breathe smoke? Or just add a boat load of LED lights to your stuff? Firr will show you how!
Games and Charity with Furs For Life
Like games and entertainment? Want to help others in need? Come meet members of our team and fellow furs, as we chat about our experiences in charity and entertainment, and play games, too! Learn how to get involved in the group to help others in need, or just have fun socializing with the furs who make it happen.
My Little Pony: Friendship is Ironclaw
Weather or not? - Wait, wasn't today's weather supposed to be light rain, and not this storm? Is someone messing with the weather? Could it be that stranger that has been hanging around lately? Up to 6 players.
Creative Blocks & Problem-Solving — How To Get Unstuck
What's keeping you from working on or completing that Really Cool Thing you want to do? Having difficulty making progress or planning projects? Daunting technical issues have you stumped? Come hear some motivating and inspiring stories about the philosophies of constructive problem solving from a veteran of the professional special-effects industry. Presentation to be followed by Q&A session.
Fursuit Life Drawing Session
Bring your pencils! Bring your paper! Be prepared to fill your sketchbook with drawings of fullsuiters frozen in place, just for you! Any medium is fair game, but keep in mind that poses will change frequently. Life drawing is an artistic practice that all levels of artist can benefit from. There is arguably no better way to master drawing anatomy!
Editing and Revising
So you've written a story. Good for you! But chances are there are problems you might not have seen, parts that don't flow well or need to be fleshed out better, inconsistencies and continuity errors. Here we talk about the process of editing and fixing those problems. We also discuss finding others to help edit and improve your stories, as well as editing others' stories to help them improve theirs.
Celebrity Whose Lion is it Anyway?
Come out and see some of the funniest people in the fandom performing in Improv games. This 100% off the cuff event will go to support our charity, so come one come all and see some of your favorite funny furs make fools of themselves. As with any Improv event, audience participation is bound to happen.
Introducing Tarot
You've always been curious to know about Tarot cards as a form of divination. Here's your chance to find out what it's all about and how to get started on your own.
Fursuit Dance Comp - Group Practice
Please visit https://www.furfest.org/single-post/2017/11/07/Fursuit-Dance-Competition-Group-Choreography-Sign-Ups for more information on and the sign up sheet for participating in the opening number of the Furfest Dance Competition!
https://www.furfest.org/single-post/2017/11/07/Fursuit-Dance-Competition-Group-Choreography-Sign-Ups
Fuzzy Logic Escape Room - Saturday Late Afternoon Bookings
An Escape Room is like a real life video game puzzle room - teams of up to 6 people will solve puzzles and unlock prized containers by using clues, hints, and tools that everyone finds around the room before the 60-minute timer runs out! This year's theme: It's the last day of Furfest and Buddy, the hopeful-popufur husky, has lost his beloved shirt! But check out is in an hour... can you hep Buddy retrace his footsteps through a weekend of fun, or will housekeeping get a precious leave-behind? Two duplicate rooms are available, so groups of up to 12 can split up to race against each other for a faster time! Email [email protected] or text 331-251-1195 to reserve your spot - or you can visit us in person on the bottom floor of the Hyatt if walk-in room is available. Entry fee $20 per person - and part of ticket sales will go to the convention's charity!
Fursuit Photoshoot
Work that tail! Stop on by and mug for our camera, and get some wonderful fursuit pictures to remember the con by!
Non-Fiction Writing, with GoH Russ Adams
Russ talks about the ins and outs of writing, publishing, and marketing books.
The Neo-Futurists: The Infinite Wrench
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'. 'The Infinite Wrench' 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!
18+ ONLY
MacGyver Fursuit Challenge!
What happens when a fursuit builder is put in a room and given a short time to build a partial to escape a Turkish Prison? CAN THEY DO IT?!?!?! Come find out! (NOTE: This is not a fursuit construction panel – this is just entertainment!)
Artists Alley Sign-Up for Sunday
Get Published
Are you ready to see your name in print? It's not enough to write the great American furry novel; you'll need to get someone to publish it. In this panel we discuss what it takes to get your stories, long and short, in front of editors and publishers who will help your story find an audience, and how to work with them to get published.
Video Furs
Come join us and learn how to make videos for any media platform! This is an interactive panel where Furs can collaborate with each other and participate in making short skits!
MFF Poker Tournament - Satellite
Come one, come all to the incredible Midwest FurFest Poker Tournament. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, you will be able to compete for bragging rights and some cool prizes. The tournament will follow the standard casino style. Sign up for one of three satellite tournaments throughout the FurFest weekend. The top 3 players of each satellite tournament will move on to the final 9 player tournament on Sunday. Admission is totally free.
Tools and Technology
We've come a long way since the days of typewriters and submitting hardcopies by regular mail. Writers nowadays have word processors and various online tools at their disposal, and the submission process is almost always online. There are also many options for making your work available to your fans, including those who prefer e-books.
Two 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 Mafia/Lupus, then this is worth checking out.
The OutZone
Like giant Robots? War? Roleplaying? Furries? Mike Murdock has you covered for the convention. Using the MekTon Roleplaying system that is easy to learn and to create a character. In the Shexecarro Star System 3 factions are at war with each other for off-world resources after there homeworld exhausted the remaining resources. Join the Val-Stein Mercenary company to complete missions on the Mars-like world of Keolara.
The 3 Headed Monster
Three 20 minute stand up shows combined into one! The Three Headed Monster is back once again to prove to themselves that stage fright can be overcome by persistence, practice and tequila.
Fifty Shades of Purple: Asexuality in the Furry Fandom
FSoP is back for a second year at MFF! Here, we discuss the Black and Purple of asexuality and the many facets of this orientation. Meet fellow ACEs, get some answers, and learn more things!
Inflatable Furs
This is an open forum for inflatable furs to show off their toys and have fursuiters get their photos with them.
Furry Variety Show
The FVS is a non-competitive variety show. It's a bit of Vaudeville, and sort of like the Muppet Show. Come by and watch your fellow furs show their talents. If you want to be in the show and have an act, come to the first rehearsal. If you want to be in the show but don't have an act, join us and we'll try to add you to an existing act. We prefer to have our performers contact us several weeks before the con, but we will take performers as late as Friday evening. The basic rules are a three minute time limit, not TOO adult content, and some sort of tie in to furry. Our show is Saturday evening. We have TWO rehearsals (Friday Afternoon and Saturday Morning). The MFF Furry Variety Show also welcomes video content in the show if submitted in advance. See the web page for more details.
Floor Wars
Last-Fur-One is back again with Floor Wars, hosting its 6th edition at Midwest Furfest! Come and watch the fiercest dancers in the fandom battle in teams and individually to prove who's on top.
Fuzzy Logic Escape Room - Saturday Evening Bookings
An Escape Room is like a real life video game puzzle room - teams of up to 6 people will solve puzzles and unlock prized containers by using clues, hints, and tools that everyone finds around the room before the 60-minute timer runs out! This year's theme: It's the last day of Furfest and Buddy, the hopeful-popufur husky, has lost his beloved shirt! But check out is in an hour... can you hep Buddy retrace his footsteps through a weekend of fun, or will housekeeping get a precious leave-behind? Two duplicate rooms are available, so groups of up to 12 can split up to race against each other for a faster time! Email [email protected] or text 331-251-1195 to reserve your spot - or you can visit us in person on the bottom floor of the Hyatt if walk-in room is available. Entry fee $20 per person - and part of ticket sales will go to the convention's charity!
Your Imagined Furry Fantasy (18+ Only)
Your Imagined Furry Fantasy - This light-hearted RPG-esque system was borne of frisky fantasy, silly stories of over-the-top shenanigans and inspired by popular flash games like Corruption of Champions, Trials in Tainted Space and Flexible Survival! Gameplay gives players a different perspective on the psychology behind modern-day sexuality and taboo as they adventure in a world where just about everything is over-sexualized (including combat!) to offer silly-fun and sex-positive escapades!
Furry Speed Mingle
New to the Furry world, or just want to make some new friends? Come down to Furry Speed Mingle! This is a great way to meet new furs and alleviate the stress. Furry Speed Mingle is set up like speed dating, you and another fur are paired together, talk for a little bit, and then switch to the next fur. It gives you a chance to meet new furs and leave out the awkward silence!
So You Want to Be a Con Artist?
In the last half decade the halls of Artists Alleys at cons across the nation have quadrupled in size, with more and more artists finding a stable profession vending their art and wares. Would you like join the game? Which cons to apply for? How to set up a booth for best visibility? What artwork sells the best? Whether you are a veteran vendor or want to start selling your own art, join us for a discussion about the tips and trade of being a causal or full time convention artist. Learn what displays work the best, how to interact with customers, and tips to surviving your first vending con.
Dragget Show Live
Join Xander the Dragon, Alkali the Ferret, and a special guest or 2. These guys record a podcast LIVE AT MFF! Come watch as they talk about anything and everything and nothing. 18+ because Alkali will be there. Come for the panel, and stay for the "turn off your cameras and recording devices, lets tell you something stupid about Alkali for charity" story. Once again, 18+.
Leopardy!
A furry take on the classic TV game show. Come test your trivia knowledge on all things furry and furry-related. But remember to always answer in the form of a question!
Horror
Slimy things slithering in the dark. Blade wielding maniacs with a supernatural flair. Monsters and hauntings. If any or all of these things just made you giddy, then come and talk horror writing with us. We’ll explore subgenres, crossovers with other genres, and that most important of all, how to make your readers afraid.
Angel Dragon Meet and Greet
Panel for the Species Dutch Angel dragons. Come meet the community and more!
Lupus in Tabula
Join a convention classic as a member of a village with a werewolf problem. Assuming you're not a werewolf, can you help identify them before they eat everyone in the village?
Ironclaw: What's Yours is Mine
Simple job. Property has been stolen and you've been hired to track the thieves down and get that property back. The tracking part should be easy, as the scoundrels have gone hiding in an old mine. All we have to do is root them out and return the stolen goods. No problem, right? 3 - 8 Players expected.
Text Adventures After Dark
Gather round, literally, and make your way through some old school text adventures! Draggor, your host, will be subbing in for the computer, so sassy replies are to be expected from sassy commands. This after dark version features a much sassier host!
Erotica: Adult Writing
It's time to turn up the heat in your story! In this panel we discuss adult writing, covering not only the basics, but also such matters as the difference between romance, erotica, and porn, how much detail to provide and how to pace your scenes, and how these enticing elements can work together with the plot, characterization, and setting. 18 and above only; badges/IDs will be checked at the door.
18+ ONLY
Furoticon - How-to-play and Tournaments - 18+ ONLY
Come learn how to play Furoticon, one of the hottest games in the fandom! Demo decks are available for anyone who wants to play. Feeling competitive? Participate in a tournament! Stop by the Tail Kiss Studio dealer table to learn more and get your cards!
18+ ONLY
Jackbox After Dark
"Do you like to press buttons on your phone or tablet? Are you always making witty remarks at inopportune times? Do you like fun and overly verbose panel descriptions? Then boy have we got the panel for you. It's Jackbox, a series of multi-player audio-video games that let you channel your inner smart ass for the delight of all. We'll be playing a lot of Quiplash and possibly Drawful or other games depending on how long we have. There may even be famous fuzzy guest panelists. Audience members will be selected to play against said panelists, and everyone will be able to affect & be involved in the games! Come show us what an underappreciated comic genius you are. See you there!"
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!
Japanese Rope Bondage 101: Playing With Just One Rope
Japanese Rope Bondage (aka Kinbaku/Shibari) can seem imposing. It's often extremely complex, intricate and beautiful; not something that you can learn in an hour and not something you'd necessarily want to *play* with outside of a photo shoot. In this class, I aim to show you a different side of Japanese bondage. With a single rope and just a couple of simple building blocks, I'll show you how to play with your partner, taking them through a wide range of sensations - from gentle and caressing all the way to rough and controlling. The class will cover safety and there will be time for some Q&A. This is a hands on class - rope will be available for the first 15 couples that need it and you're encouraged to bring your own (26-33 feet/8-10 meters, natural fiber rope [cotton, hemp, jute])
18+ ONLY
No Bones About It, Pup 102
So, you have a handle on the basics of puppy play but are barking for more? Pawsome. Come join VAC Pack as we dig deeper into headspace, relationship dynamics, collars, training and other puppy play topics. Your barks will guide the discussion. It doesn’t matter how you identify, everyone is welcome. Come with your ears perked and ready to learn. 18+ ONLY
Fox and PepperCoyote - After Dark
Foxes and Peppers After Dark: Fox Amoore and Pepper Coyote bringing you live music, shenanigans, and Scottish swearing. Celebrate Fox's 60th Furry Convention with him by bringing him booze and donating to this years charity!
18+ ONLY
Comparative Anatomy 18+
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. 18+ ONLY
Open and Polyamorous Furry Relationships 101
Are you in a relationship, but thinking of adding an additional mate? Have you considered an open relationship, but weren't sure what that would mean for your existing relationship? Are you single, and considering dating a couple, or joining up with an existing pack? Come to Non-monogamous Furry Relationships 101, where you will learn how to practice non-monogamy ethically, with the full enthusiastic consent of all parties involved. Topics covered will include non-violent communication strategies, conflict resolution, ethical compromise, radical honesty, informed consent, safer sex practices, relationship structures (traditional monogamy, "monogamish" relationships, open relationships, polyamory, and relationship anarchy), personal boundaries, relationship rules, handling rejection, and how and when to say no. Presentation to be followed by Q&A.
TransFurs AD
We all know there are things we just can't say at any point. This goes double when dealing with all those pesky body parts. Come join us for a discussion of the every day issues, with a more adult tone.
18+ ONLY
Fuzzy Logic Escape Room - Saturday Late Night Bookings
An Escape Room is like a real life video game puzzle room - teams of up to 6 people will solve puzzles and unlock prized containers by using clues, hints, and tools that everyone finds around the room before the 60-minute timer runs out! This year's theme: It's the last day of Furfest and Buddy, the hopeful-popufur husky, has lost his beloved shirt! But check out is in an hour... can you hep Buddy retrace his footsteps through a weekend of fun, or will housekeeping get a precious leave-behind? Two duplicate rooms are available, so groups of up to 12 can split up to race against each other for a faster time! Email [email protected] or text 331-251-1195 to reserve your spot - or you can visit us in person on the bottom floor of the Hyatt if walk-in room is available. Entry fee $20 per person - and part of ticket sales will go to the convention's charity!
Saturday Dance
Shake your tails! Its time to dance!
10p -- Haku
11p -- TekFox
12a -- Foxsky
1a -- Treetz
Erotica: Kinks and More
Adult writing isn't always plain vanilla. Some of us like to explore different, odd, and unusual desires. Come join us as we talk about the challenges and rewards of writing about the strange, secret and sometimes taboo worlds of kinks and fetishes. 18 and above only; badges/IDs will be checked at the door.
Albedo - "Albedo After Dark 2" (18+ Only!)
Albedo: Platinum Catalyst - The tabletop game inspired by and dedicated to the epic, sci-fi militaristic comic universe that Steve Gallacc created, which was actually a major influence in the initial coming-together of the Furry Fandom! Does your unit have the wit, grit and spit in order to overcome the invading Independent Lapine Republic forces that have come with xenocentric means of universal domination?
Sunday, December 03, 2017
47 eventsCon Suite
Operations
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!
Absent Friends and Family
Unfortunately, there are members of the furry fandom who sadly can no longer join us at our conventions, or in our lives. We take this time to open up space to remember those that we have lost in recent years, including well loved former MFF staff.
Aviation Furs
Meet and greet for all aviation furs! From student to airline, mechanics, controllers, RC and sim enthusiasts, all are welcome!
Christian Furs Fellowship
Come meet other Christians in the fandom and learn about some ways to grow in your faith. Will include open discussion. All are welcome!
Fox Hunt
Learn how to use radio direction finding techniques and put them to the test to find the "fox" transmitter roaming around the con! A stationary fox will be deployed to help demonstrate the idea to beginners, as well as a moving fox to provide a challenge to both new and the experienced. Those with their own VHF/UHF receivers or scanners are recommended to bring those to use themselves or as part of a team, although no equipment or experience is necessary to participate.
Fuzzy Logic Escape Room - Sunday Early Bookings
An Escape Room is like a real life video game puzzle room - teams of up to 6 people will solve puzzles and unlock prized containers by using clues, hints, and tools that everyone finds around the room before the 60-minute timer runs out! This year's theme: It's the last day of Furfest and Buddy, the hopeful-popufur husky, has lost his beloved shirt! But check out is in an hour... can you hep Buddy retrace his footsteps through a weekend of fun, or will housekeeping get a precious leave-behind? Two duplicate rooms are available, so groups of up to 12 can split up to race against each other for a faster time! Email [email protected] or text 331-251-1195 to reserve your spot - or you can visit us in person on the bottom floor of the Hyatt if walk-in room is available. Entry fee $20 per person - and part of ticket sales will go to the convention's charity!
Registration
After Registration closes, Temporary Badges good for one evening only can be obtained at Convention Operations
MFF Poker Tournament - Finals
Come one, come all to the incredible Midwest FurFest Poker Tournament. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, you will be able to compete for bragging rights and some cool prizes. The tournament will follow the standard casino style. Sign up for one of three satellite tournaments throughout the FurFest weekend. The top 3 players of each satellite tournament will move on to the final 9 player tournament on Sunday. Admission is totally free.
Artists Alley
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 in Vienna, Paris, London, and Florence.
Dealers Den
The Dealers Den is open to the public during these hours. Dealers listings and locations, with maps, can be found at https://www.furfest.org/dealers
Table Top Gaming
General Gaming - See separate Gaming Schedule in your Pocket-Program for more details.
Video Gaming
See the separate Video Gaming Schedule in your Pocket Program for more details.
Outdoor and Recreation Furs
Meetup for the outdoor recreation enthusiast including hiking, camping, mountaineering, skiing, biking, watersports, etc. This is an opportunity to meet others, plan potential future excursions, and exchange stories from the outdoors!
Fursuit Jerseys Photoshoot
A Midwest FurFest tradition continues with this year's Fursuit Jerseys Photoshoot. Sports fans, get your fursuits and jerseys on and show the love for your favorite teams! We'll have some big group shots, and smaller group and individual shots for those who want them. Sports equipment (balls, sticks, etc.) is welcome!
Transformation
Polymorph spells, species-altering viruses, and the beast within. Come sit in on this panel where we discuss a genre where furries have something to explore not often seen in other genres: the transformation story.
FursOfColor Social
This is a panel that are for POC (People of Color) and their allies to come, meet one another, and talk about things concerning our current affairs in the fandom.
Charity Auction
Check out the wonderful donated artwork and other amazing donated items up for auction in our Charity Auction Gallery at furfest.org/charity. The auction will begin promptly at 11am cst on Sunday. The best of the best, our Charity Auction Featured Items, will be up for action at 12:30pm cst during the event. Outbid your buddies and grab the best stuff!
Win your favorite auction items and know that your good taste is helping this year's charity, Chicagoland Rescue Intervention and Support Program (CRISP)! Please read up on CRISP's accomplishments in providing a shelter alternative in the Chicagoland area at furfest.org/charity. Every great item that you covet and win at auction is a donation that will support CRISP's efforts to help pets and families! For more information about the Midwest Furfest Charity Auction such as how to donate an auction item, or how to bid on an auction item, please see the FAQ available at furfest.org/charity.
Ironclaw: The Prince's Whim 3
The prince is unable to go on his annual adventure outing with his favorite people. He has instead invited you to the Capital to assist with court intrigue that is deeper than normal. Can rogues who normally deal with ruffians in the outlying provinces handle the niceties of the Imperial Court? 3 - 8 Players expected.
So You Want to be a Mascot
Fursuiting and Mascoting arn't that different. This will be how to apply what you know to what you don't know about the ends and outs of being a mascot.
Autism in the Furry Fandom: An Overview
Many people with autism spectrum disorders attend furry conventions, and belong to the furry fandom. Listen to an individual with autism as he discusses the reasons why autistic people enjoy the furry fandom, the issues autistic people can face at furry conventions, and how the furry fandom can be more understanding of autistic people in the fandom.
Your Story Is Not a Movie
There are storytelling techniques that work in the visual medium but hurt the written one. In this panel we contrast and compare the strengths of the different narrative methods. Based on the "Fangs and Fonts" episode entitled "Your Book Is Not a Movie".
Fursuit Photoshoot
Work that tail! Stop on by and mug for our camera, and get some wonderful fursuit pictures to remember the con by!
Art Show (Pickup and Checkout)
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.
Birds Meetup
A meetup for the feathered individuals at the convention! Whether you're all bird, part bird, like birds, or just a friend of a bird, feel free to stop by for this meetup!
Scribble 'N Bits
"It was a dark and stormy night," except then it wasn't. We're furries; we can do better than Paul Clifford! Come join the game where ,with your smartphone, you compose the next line of the story, and we all vote which line we like the best.
Journalism and NonFiction Writing in Furry
You see all these panels around this one? They're awesome and informative! Now what if they put all that awesome information into writing so you could take it anywhere you wanted? Join us as he goes over non-fiction and its underestimated importance in the furry fandom. Whether it's covering the latest in fandom events and news, or creating how to guides. We go over the principals of writing technically to better convey your ideas to a general audience.
3D Printing Your Next Furry Project
Want to 3D print your next (furry) project, but don't know what or how to get started? Here we will walk you through the basics of 3D printers, using 3D printers, and some basic 3D modeling. Some exciting applications such as creating keychains, and even fursuit heads will be explored in this session. (A 3D printer WILL be present at this presentation)
Fuzzy Logic Escape Room - Sunday Afternoon Bookings
An Escape Room is like a real life video game puzzle room - teams of up to 6 people will solve puzzles and unlock prized containers by using clues, hints, and tools that everyone finds around the room before the 60-minute timer runs out! This year's theme: It's the last day of Furfest and Buddy, the hopeful-popufur husky, has lost his beloved shirt! But check out is in an hour... can you hep Buddy retrace his footsteps through a weekend of fun, or will housekeeping get a precious leave-behind? Two duplicate rooms are available, so groups of up to 12 can split up to race against each other for a faster time! Email [email protected] or text 331-251-1195 to reserve your spot - or you can visit us in person on the bottom floor of the Hyatt if walk-in room is available. Entry fee $20 per person - and part of ticket sales will go to the convention's charity!
Old School Gamers Meet up
Meet and Greet for old school gamers on Furaffinity.
The OutZone
Like giant Robots? War? Roleplaying? Furries? Mike Murdock has you covered for the convention. Using the MekTon Roleplaying system that is easy to learn and to create a character. In the Shexecarro Star System 3 factions are at war with each other for off-world resources after there homeworld exhausted the remaining resources. Join the Val-Stein Mercenary company to complete missions on the Mars-like world of Keolara.
Commissioning Etiquette
Do and don'ts of commissioning art or suits. How behavior can effect the seller. Warning signs of scam artists.
Photography With TsudoDog
Explore photography with Tsudo, from taking better images to working with Lightroom in order to process raw files. Learn the basics of flash photography and overcoming the challenges of shooting within a convention space.
YouTube Furs - Ep.2 - Getting Fuzzier
Welcome back to the world of Furry Youtube and online video! Returning again this year because we had a lot of fun last time. Are you a viewer, a creator, or someone who wishes to jump into the scene? Then drop in and meet up with other curious folks and veterans of video making. Learn from some who've been in the game for a while, meet some content makers, ask questions, and share some of what you do. There's a lot of great content being created by furs, and we are eager to foster a community of fuzzy creators. So come on by and hit record!
The Pyramid
A game show where you and a celebrity guest compete to conquer the Pyramid! The game consists of listing things loudly until your teammate says the thing you're describing.
Patreon and Commission Writing
Commissions are a scary practice; you are opening yourself up for someone to buy directly from you. You are saying your work is worth money. And... That's scary. This panel helps to make that less scary, as well as to give tips and tricks on how to stay working and to make sure that you make yourself marketable, and get repeat customers.
Mass Effect: Unity
Mass Effect: Unity - Although not quite pony-related, this is one of many other systems being crafted by SteelTheWarrior that, due to massive special requests, we'll be bringing for you to enjoy! Play as almost any race and class combination imaginable in this fast-paced, heavy-action setting that takes place during the events of the third Mass Effect game!
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 Annual Fursuit Dance Competition show off their performances for dance supremacy to determine who will be declared this year's best fursuit dancer!
ASL Interpreters will be available for those with hearing impairment.
Westerns and Historical Fiction
Six-guns and saddlebags. Gaslights and finery. Outlaws and sheriffs. If you suddenly want to hit the dusty trail, then this panel is for you. We’ll be talking largely about westerns, but covering a few other aspects of general historical fiction as well. Come to discuss intersections with other genres and how to get the most out of research time to add verisimilitude to your story.
Fursuit Games
Come join us for a fun and exciting event where you romp around in fursuit, entertain yourself and others, and play silly games in order to find who is the best fursuiter! 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 fursuiters play games, and take lots of pictures!
Albedo - "The End"
Albedo: Platinum Catalyst - The tabletop game inspired by and dedicated to the epic, sci-fi militaristic comic universe that Steve Gallacc created, which was actually a major influence in the initial coming-together of the Furry Fandom! Does your unit have the wit, grit and spit in order to overcome the invading Independent Lapine Republic forces that have come with xenocentric means of universal domination?
Closing Ceremonies
Where did the weekend go? At the Closing Ceremonies for Midwest FurFest 2017, 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.
ASL Interpreters will be available for those with hearing impairment.
BYOG Tabletop Gaming until 11 PM
Staff Appreciation Dinner
All badged staff members are welcome to attend this very special 'Thank You' dinner on Sunday evening, in the Rosemont Ballroom Thank you for all your hard work!!
Dead Dog Dance
Cap off your con experience and wipe away those blues at the Dead Dog Dance!
9p -- Toby
9:45p -- Mesmerist
10:30p -- Runetooth
11:15p -- Skroy