FWA 2009 Report
FWA was a blast! It has long-stood as my favorite convention. The way it's run, the thought put into it's function and placement.
I think a large problem with a lot of cons is they don't really think about the overall layout and organization of a con. FWA thinks of those little things that come together to insure larger enjoyments. The large gathering space, the fursuit 'play room', the ability for FWA to grow in this hotel. (There is a whole floor of convention space in the basement that was roped off since we were only taking the one floor.) I must commend the staff for picking just about the best location a con could ask for. After all, a 40,000 person con (D*C) calls their home in that hotel along with the Marriott and the Hyatt. If the fandom grew enough to pull those numbers? FWA wouldn't have to move a muscle. So thank you, FWA staff. I believe you made a amazing choice. When the Hilton is finished with the construction (and adds two more elevators to ease the mess) plus yet ANOTHER lobby to suit/gather in? Not to mention all the places within walking distance to eat... and of course the staggered floor lobbies set in the hotel that made for excellent random food/social gatherings.
It'll be the best con in the fandom in my opinion, hands down. (Hell, it already is the best imo)
Other than the physical bonuses of the Hilton, FWA when off with a bang due to the hard work of the staffers. The chocolate fondue night was delicious and gracious as always, the dances were top notch both in room size and lights and DJs, the dealers was fairly large (though next year I'd like to see it even bigger), the 24 hour artists alley is an innovative and a very successful idea, and the attitude of the staff and Hilton staff were second to none. I remember going to set up my pieces in the art show (every piece but one sold, yay!) and the systems were not working. A lot of the artists were being snarky at the poor guy who was running the whole shebang, but I offered a thanks and sympathy and I couldn't have had a nicer person working with me. He took me aside and helped me work past the technical problem. I wish I could remember his name, but I really appreciated his attitude even in the face of several pissy artists. Even just registration was a very easy and fast process. Suiting at this con as fun and easy. I've suited more at this FWA than I have in over a year!
All right, all right.... I've babbled a bunch. To the usual shout outs, you know who you are. Ras, Louve, Booboo, Yiffy, Dax, Zell, Blaez, Zot, Patches, Kargo, Crssa, YouthCulture, Llama, Recca, Cos, Apollo, Nova, Trance, MaryMouse, the Sandwich Man, Jaggers, Frazzles, Leo, Chorca, Banshee, Ty, and everyone who got a badge from me in the artists alley.
The convoy up was hilarious and went by quickly, the DS chats were AMAZING, the food runs were fun, and the aquarium was awesome.
ALSO: In the Alley I was talking to a buuunch of people about Redwall. I made a community last night for Redwall fans to gather... redwallfurs. Join, chat, RP, whatever!
Thanks for a great con everyone. FWA is a 'must-go' for me. :D