Product Code Database
Anthrocon (abbreviated AC) is an annual furry convention that takes place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, each June or July. It caters to furry fandom, which are fans of fictional anthropomorphism animal characters in art and literature. The convention was first held in 1997 in Albany, New York, and moved multiple times before settling at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. Since moving to Pittsburgh in 2006, the convention has drawn millions in financing to the local economy. (2016). 9781317331308, Routledge. ISBN 9781317331308
Anthrocon is among the most attended furry conventions in history, peaking at 17,639 in 2024.
Due to the unforeseen sale of the Adam's Mark Hotel in November 2004, Anthrocon chose the Wyndham Franklin Plaza in Philadelphia as the site for its 2005 convention. Attendance that year dropped to 2,373. In June 2005, a contract with the Westin Convention Center Hotel in Pittsburgh was signed, and Anthrocon was scheduled to be held at the adjoining David L. Lawrence Convention Center between June 15 and 18, 2006. Despite concerns that the move to Pittsburgh would decrease attendance, it rose to 2,489, enough to ensure the future of the convention in Pittsburgh. (2017). 9781476663814, McFarland & Company. ISBN 9781476663814
In 2007 Anthrocon was featured in the Guinness World Records (2008 Edition) as the "largest furry fan club" in the world. In 2008, Anthrocon became the first furry convention to have an attendance exceeding 3,000 members, the official count reaching 3,390. In 2009, attendance rose 11% to 3,776, and the Fursuit Parade count jumped to 640—a 41% increase. Anthrocon 2009 brought approximately $3 million to the Pittsburgh economy.
Anthrocon 2010 had an attendance of 4,238, the first furry convention to exceed 4,000 members; and by 2012 saw 5,179 attendees, with a Fursuit Parade exceeding 1,000. The admission price was also set overall at $60 for a four-day pass, though pre-registered attendees paid $50.
In 2017, Anthrocon lost the title of "World's most attended furry convention", as Midwest FurFest in Rosemont, Illinois, claimed the title with an attendance of over 8,700.
The chairman of the convention since 1999, Samuel Conway, oversees the operations of Anthrocon with the assistance of convention staff and Volunteering who donate their time and energy throughout the weekend to assist the multitude of small tasks which arise. Since 1997, Anthrocon has raised more than $200,000 for animal-related charities.
Anthrocon provides a number of specialized 'tracks' of programming with similar furry based themes and scheduled 'events'.
The programming tracks involve discussions and work groups focused on the application of furry fandom in Art, Comedy and Improv, Computer Gaming, Costuming (Fursuits), Music, Puppetry, Role-Playing (both gaming and real-life), and Writing.
Scheduled events that take place have included a Charity Auction, Masquerade, Fursuit Parade, nightly dances, Art Show Auctions, and special presentations by Uncle Kage and "2 the Ranting Gryphon".
Every year the convention has several Guests of Honor, who are prominent individuals who are compensated for their attendance and travel expenses. Past Guests of Honor at Anthrocon have included Rob Paulsen and Mark Evanier.
| 1997 | ||||
| 1998 |
| |||
| 1999 |
| |||
| 2000 |
| |||
| 2001 |
| |||
| 2002 |
| |||
| 2003 |
| |||
| 2004 |
| |||
| 2005 |
| |||
| 2006 |
| |||
| 2007 |
| |||
| 2008 |
| |||
| 2009 |
| |||
| 2010 |
| |||
| 2011 |
| |||
| 2012 |
| |||
| 2013 |
| |||
| 2014 |
| |||
| 2015 |
| |||
| 2016 |
| |||
| 2017 |
| |||
| 2018 |
| |||
| 2019 |
| |||
| 2020 | ||||
| 2021 | ||||
| 2022 | $41,553 | Wildlife Works Inc. | Aesop's Fables | |
| 2023 |
| |||
| 2024 | AnthroCoaster! | |||
| 2025 | TBA |
|
|
