Difference between revisions of "Midwest FurFest"

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{{Infobox convention
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|name = Midwest FurFest
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|logo = [[File:MFF-2015-Banner.png|300px]]
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|subject = [[Convention]]
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|location = {{flagdiv|usa|[[Wikipedia:Rosemont, Illinois|Rosemont]], [[Wikipedia:Illinois|Illinois]], [[Wikipedia:USA|USA]]}}
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|url = http://www.furfest.org/
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|status = Ongoing
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|first = [[Midwest_FurFest_2000|November 17-19, 2000]]
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|final =
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|organizer = [[Midwest Furry Fandom|Midwest Furry Fandom, Inc.]]
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|charity =
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|resources = {{con resources}}
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}}
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{{Midwest FurFest}}
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[[File:MFF-2015-Logo.png|right|thumb|200px|Midwest FurFest's 2015 Logo.]]
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'''Midwest FurFest''', also known commonly as '''FurFest''' or just '''MFF''', is a [[furry convention]] held annually in [[W:Rosemont, Illinois|Rosemont, Illinois]], USA. The event has been running as a separate entity since 2000 and is presently the [[List of conventions by attendance|world's largest]] in-person [[furry event]] with a held attendance of 15,547 people as of December 2023.
 +
 
 +
== History ==
 +
[[File:Midwest FurFest Attendance (2000-2019) v2.png|right|thumb|200px|Visitor Statistics]]
 +
MFF began as the furry track for [[Duckon]], which is a Chicago-based [[science fiction]] convention. It was started at [[Duckon 3]] in 1994 and was headed up by [[Robert King]]. It grew larger yearly and it was estimated that by [[Duckon 8]] (1999) between a quarter and a third of the attendees were there due to interest in the [[furry track]].
 +
 
 +
The track ran into problems because it was running out of room to expand without costing other parts of Duckon programming space and time. It was decided that the best course of action was to move into a new convention. Thus, Midwest Furry Fandom, Inc. was created, and MFF was born, to take place in November 2000, on the weekend before [[W:Thanksgiving|Thanksgiving]]. The parting was amicable, and Duckon lent a good bit of expertise and manpower to help make the first year of MFF a success.
 +
 
 +
Since then, the convention has grown from 473 attendees in 2000<ref>[[User:DuncanDaHusky/Midwest FurFest 2005 Registration Report|2005 Midwest FurFest Registration Report]]</ref> to 15,547 in 2023<ref>[https://twitter.com/FurFest/status/1731452105762758666 Tweet] on the Midwest FurFest [[Twitter]]. Dated/Retrieved December 18, 2023.</ref>, making it the [[List of conventions by attendance|largest furry convention in the world]] surpassing the previous title holder, [[Anthrocon|AC]], in registered attendance in the same  year, 2023. It has helped raise over $1,130,000 for various charities.
 +
 
 +
MFF is a production of [[Midwest Furry Fandom, Inc.]], which holds ''[http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=serial&entry=78958777 Midwest Furfest]'' and ''[http://tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=serial&entry=78958792 furfest]'' as [[Wikipedia:Service mark|service marks]].
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 +
The official Twitter account [https://twitter.com/midwestfurfest/status/668939519668781056] advises attendees to post on Twitter using the hashtag "#FurFest", as many other conventions are abbreviated MFF, one of which takes place at around the same time. Previously, MFF [http://forum.furfest.org/index.php/topic,393.0.html suggested using the "#MWFF" hashtag], for the same reason.
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 +
== Current event ==
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 +
MFF has called the [http://ohare.hyatt.com/ Hyatt Regency O'Hare] in [[Wikipedia:Rosemont, Illinois|Rosemont, Illinois]] home [[Midwest FurFest 2010|since 2010]]. Features of the convention include an [[Artist Alley]], [[Dealers Den]], [[art show]], [[charity auction]], [[dance]]s (including a [[dead dog dance]]), and [[Headless lounge|Fursuit Lounge]], [[fursuit games]], Arcade and Board Gaming, Dance Competitions, [[opening ceremonies|opening]] and [[closing ceremonies]], a [[photoshoot]] and a [[variety show]].  A variety of panels are held all weekend as part of the organizations core goal to <ref> [https://www.midwestfurryfandom.org/| Midwest Furry Fandom Main Page]</ref> facilitate education in anthropomorphic literature, art and performance.  These panels range in topics across the many sub-groups of programming: After Dark, Art, Costuming, Fandom, Gaming, Gender & Sexuality, Main Event, Meet & Greets, Multimedia, Nature/Spirituality/Mental Health, or Writing.
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 +
<references></references>
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 +
==Information==
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{| class="wikitable"
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|-
 +
! # !! Dates of Convention !! Theme !! Venue !! Location !! Guests of Honor !! Chair !! Attendance !! Percentage change!! Parade count !! Charity Amount !! Notes
 +
|-
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| [[Midwest FurFest 2000|1]] || Nov 17-19, 2000 || || [[wikipedia:Sheraton Hotel|Sheraton Chicago Northwest]] || [[wikipedia:Arlington Heights, Illinois|Arlington Heights, Illinois]] || [[Robert Carspecken|Robert]] & [[Margaret Carspecken]], [[Rapid T. Rabbit]], [[Derrick Dasenbrock]] || [[Robert King]] || 473 || || || $3,522.00 [http://wolfpark.org/ Wolf Park], [http://www.votk.org/ Valley of the Kings] [[feline|big cat]] sanctuary, and [http://www.chicagohouse.org/ Chicago House] ||
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|-
 +
| [[Midwest FurFest 2001|2]] || Nov 16-18, 2001 || || [[wikipedia:Sheraton Hotel|Sheraton Chicago Northwest]] || [[wikipedia:Arlington Heights, Illinois|Arlington Heights, Illinois]] || [[Mary Hanson-Roberts]], [[Jessica Willard]], [[Matt McCullar]] || [[Robert King]] || 511 || +8.0% || || $6,800.00 [http://www.animalsforawareness.org/ Animals for Awareness] ||
 +
|-
 +
| [[Midwest FurFest 2002|3]] || Nov 22-24, 2002 || || [[wikipedia:Hyatt Regency|Hyatt Regency Woodfield]] || [[wikipedia:Schaumburg, Illinois|Schaumburg, Illinois]] || [[Ursula Husted]], [[Ysengrin Blackpaw]], [[D.C. Simpson]] || [[Aureth]] || 685 || +34.1% || || $6,088.00 [http://www.animalsforawareness.org/ Animals for Awareness] ||
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|-
 +
| [[Midwest FurFest 2003|4]] || Nov 21-23, 2003 || || [[wikipedia:Hyatt Regency|Hyatt Regency Woodfield]] || [[wikipedia:Schaumburg, Illinois|Schaumburg, Illinois]] || [[Thomas K. Dye]], [[M.C.A. Hogarth]], [[DBruin]] || [[Aureth]]|| 800 || +16.8% || || $6,500.00 [http://www.animalsforawareness.org/ Animals for Awareness] ||
 +
|-
 +
| [[Midwest FurFest 2004|5]] || Nov 19-21, 2004 || Around the World in 80 Days || [[wikipedia:Hyatt Regency|Hyatt Regency Woodfield]] || [[wikipedia:Schaumburg, Illinois|Schaumburg, Illinois]] || [[Ursula Vernon]], [[ScribbleFox]], [[David Gilbert]] || [[Takaza J. Wolf]] || 959 || +19.9% || || $7,000.00 Furry Friends Foundation ||
 +
|-
 +
| [[Midwest FurFest 2005|6]] || Nov 18-20, 2005 || Whodunnit? It's a Mystery! || [[wikipedia:Hyatt Regency|Hyatt Regency Woodfield]] || [[wikipedia:Schaumburg, Illinois|Schaumburg, Illinois]] || [[Gene Breshears]], [[Kenket]], [[Tincrash]] || [[Takaza J. Wolf]] || 1,066 || +11.2% || || $6,800.00 [http://www.eventbrite.com/o/wildlife-in-need-inc-6705112521 Wildlife in Need] ||
 +
|-
 +
| [[Midwest FurFest 2006|7]] || Nov 17-19, 2006 || County Fair || [[wikipedia:Hyatt Regency|Hyatt Regency Woodfield]] || [[wikipedia:Schaumburg, Illinois|Schaumburg, Illinois]] || [[Kyoht]], [[WhiteyFawks]], [[Spunky (artist)|Spunky]] || [[Linnaeus]] || 1,422 || +33.4% || 213 || $13,048.96 [http://www.safehavenwildlife.com/ Safe Haven Wildlife Refuge] ||
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|-
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| [[Midwest FurFest 2007|8]] || Nov 16-18, 2007 || Critters on the High Seas || [[wikipedia:Hyatt Regency|Hyatt Regency Woodfield]] || [[wikipedia:Schaumburg, Illinois|Schaumburg, Illinois]] || [[Chilly]], [[Jill0r]], [[Will Sanborn]] || [[Linnaeus]] || 1,690 || +18.8% || 286 || $15,193.00 [http://www.flintcreekwildlife.org/ Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation] ||
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|-
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| [[Midwest FurFest 2008|9]] || Nov 21-23, 2008 || North to Alaska || [http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1724 Westin Chicago North Shore] || [[Wikipedia:Wheeling, Illinois|Wheeling, Illinois]] || [[Lucky the Evil Dog]], [[Darc]], [[Gyrfalcon]], [[Foxfeather]] || [[Duncan da Husky]] || 1,992 || +17.9% || 358 || $15,000.00 [http://www.rainbowaat.org/ Rainbow Animal Assisted Therapy] ||
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|-
 +
| [[Midwest FurFest 2009|10]] || Nov 20-22, 2009 || 10 Years of Midwest FurFest || [http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1724 Westin Chicago North Shore] || [[Wikipedia:Wheeling, Illinois|Wheeling, Illinois]] || All previous Guests of Honor were invited back for the convention's 10th Anniversary. || [[Duncan da Husky]] || 2,040 || +2.4% || 357 || $12,799.00 [http://www.kareforwildlife.org/ Kane Area Rehabilitation and Education for Wildlife] || 10th Anniversary
 +
|-
 +
| [[Midwest FurFest 2010|11]] || Nov 19-21, 2010 || Chicago Blues || [https://ohare.regency.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html Hyatt Regency O'Hare] || [[Wikipedia:Rosemont, Illinois|Rosemont, Illinois]] || [[Vantid]], [[The Blue Hyena]], [[Kipper|Kipper Otter]] || [[Takaza J. Wolf]] || 2,285 || +12.0% || 413 || $11,300.00 [http://www.castawaypetrescue.com/ Castaway Pet Rescue] ||
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|-
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| [[Midwest FurFest 2011|12]] || Nov 18-20, 2011 || Route 66 || [https://ohare.regency.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html Hyatt Regency O'Hare] || [[Wikipedia:Rosemont, Illinois|Rosemont, Illinois]] || [[Rick Griffin]], [[Thornwolf]] || [[Takaza J. Wolf]] || 2,600 || +13.8% || 574 || $19,574.79 [http://www.aear.org/ Animal Education and Rescue] ||
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|-
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| [[Midwest FurFest 2012|13]] || Nov 16-18, 2012 || IT CAME FROM TV! || [https://ohare.regency.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html Hyatt Regency O'Hare] || [[Wikipedia:Rosemont, Illinois|Rosemont, Illinois]] || [[FirestormSix]], [[Miss Monster]],  [[Nambroth]] || [[Perro]] || 3,216 || +23.7% || 743 || $40,500.00 [http://www.felinesinc.org/ Felines & Canines] ||
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|-
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| [[Midwest FurFest 2013|14]] || Nov 22-24, 2013 || The Pirates of Lake Michigan || [https://ohare.regency.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html Hyatt Regency O'Hare] || [[Wikipedia:Rosemont, Illinois|Rosemont, Illinois]] || [[Chibi-Marrow]], [[Silver Huskywolf]], [[Sonderjen]] || [[Perro]] || 3,904 || +21.4% || 972 || $28,000.00 [http://www.onetail.org/ One Tail at a Time] ||
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|-
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| [[Midwest FurFest 2014|15]] || Dec 5-7, 2014 || Holidays in the City (originally announced as "Bright Lights Big City") || [https://ohare.regency.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html Hyatt Regency O'Hare] || [[Wikipedia:Rosemont, Illinois|Rosemont, Illinois]] || [[Lacy]], [[CloudPouncer]], [[D. Walker (Novadog)|D. Walker]], [[Sabretoothed Ermine]] || [[Perro]] || 4,571 || +17.1% || 1,132 || $31,445.93 [http://www.crittercamp.org/ Critter Camp Exotic Pet Sanctuary] || Chemical incident
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|-
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| [[Midwest FurFest 2015|16]] || Dec 4-6, 2015 || || [https://ohare.regency.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html Hyatt Regency O'Hare] || [[Wikipedia:Rosemont, Illinois|Rosemont, Illinois]] || [[Ifus]], [[Mahrkale]], [[Yonoa]] || [[Woody]] || 5,606 || +22.6% || 1,378 || $62,020.71 [http://Saveavet.org/ Save-A-Vet] ||
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|-
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| [[Midwest FurFest 2016|17]] || Dec 1-4, 2016 || || [https://ohare.regency.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html Hyatt Regency O'Hare] || [[Wikipedia:Rosemont, Illinois|Rosemont, Illinois]] || [[Balaa]], [[Bagheera (person)|Bagheera]], [[Betsy Beaver]], [[DrakonicKnight]] || [[Woody]] || 7,075 || +26.2% || No Parade || $78,482.05 [http://www.felinesinc.org/ Felines & Canines] || First 4-day long MFF
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|-
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| [[Midwest FurFest 2017|18]] || Nov 30-Dec 3, 2017 || Grimm's Fairy Tales || [https://ohare.regency.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html Hyatt Regency O'Hare] || [[Wikipedia:Rosemont, Illinois|Rosemont, Illinois]] || [[Latin Vixen]], [[Remy Wolf]], [http://www.escapedesignfx.com/ Russ Adams] || [[Kodi]] ||  8,771 || +24.0% || No Parade || $85,000 [http://www.aliverescue.org/community-outreach/crisp/ C.R.I.S.P.] ||
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|-
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| [[Midwest FurFest 2018|19]] || Nov 29-Dec 2, 2018 || Fly The Furry Skies || [https://ohare.regency.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html Hyatt Regency O'Hare] || [[Wikipedia:Rosemont, Illinois|Rosemont, Illinois]] || [[JD Werewolf]], [[Kyell Gold]], [[Vivzie Pop]] || [[Rama]] || 10,989 || +25.3% || No Parade || $92,794 [https://www.sitstayread.org Sit Stay Read] ||
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|-
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| [[Midwest FurFest 2019|20]] || Dec 5-8, 2019 || 20 Years of Midwest FurFest || [https://www.rosemont.com/desconvention/ Donald E. Stephens Convention Center] || [[Wikipedia:Rosemont, Illinois|Rosemont, Illinois]] || [[Artkour]], [[Brushwolf Creature Studio]], [[Mary E. Lowd]] || [[Rama]] || 11,019 || +0.3% || No Parade || $112,352 [http://www.felinesinc.org/ Felines & Canines]; matched by anonymous donor for a total of $224,704 ||
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|-
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| [[Midwest FurFest 2020|21]] || Dec 3-6, 2020 || Intergalactic || [https://www.rosemont.com/desconvention/ Donald E. Stephens Convention Center] || [[Wikipedia:Rosemont, Illinois|Rosemont, Illinois]] || [[Kory Bing]], [[Stuffed Panda Studios]], [[Lynette Eklund]] || [[DataHawk]] || || || || || Cancelled due to COVID-19
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|-
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| [[Midwest FurFest 2021|22]] || Dec 3-5, 2021 || Intergalactic || [https://www.rosemont.com/desconvention/ Donald E. Stephens Convention Center] || [[Wikipedia:Rosemont, Illinois|Rosemont, Illinois]] || [[Kory Bing]], [[Stuffed Panda Studios]], [[Lynette Eklund]] || [[DataHawk]] || 9,332<ref>[https://www.furfest.org/news/2022/1/23/mff-2021-wrapup MFF 2021 Wrapup] from [https://www.furfest.org/ Midwest FurFest]</ref> || -15.3% || No Parade || $74,303 for [http://mcprescue.org/ MCP Chicago]<ref>[https://www.furfest.org/news/2022/1/23/mff-2021-wrapup MFF 2021 Wrapup] from [https://www.furfest.org/ Midwest FurFest]</ref> ||
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|-
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| [[Midwest FurFest 2022|23]] || Dec 1-4, 2022 || Heroes || [https://www.rosemont.com/desconvention/ Donald E. Stephens Convention Center] || [[Wikipedia:Rosemont, Illinois|Rosemont, Illinois]] || [[Nao Romero]], [[S0LARDOG]], [[AC Stuart]] || [[Duncan Da Husky]] || 13,641<ref>[https://twitter.com/FurFest/status/1599543378718228480 Tweet] from Midwest FurFest [[Twitter]]. Dated/Retrieved December 5, 2022</ref> || +46.2% || No Parade || $106,283.66 for [https://www.thestreetdogcoalition.org/ The Street Dog Coalition]<ref>[https://twitter.com/FurFest/status/1599554626872872960 Tweet] from Midwest FurFest [[Twitter]]. Dated/Retrieved December 5, 2022</ref> ||
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|-
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| [[Midwest FurFest 2023|24]] || Nov 30-Dec 3, 2023 || Snow Days || [https://www.rosemont.com/desconvention/ Donald E. Stephens Convention Center] || [[Wikipedia:Rosemont, Illinois|Rosemont, Illinois]] || [[Wild Acai]], [[Jackaloo]] || [[Duncan Da Husky]] || 15,547<ref>[https://twitter.com/FurFest/status/1731452105762758666 Tweet] from Midwest FurFest [[Twitter]]. Dated/Retrieved December 3, 2023</ref> || +14.0% || No Parade || $185,758.31 for [https://www.livelikeroo.org/ Live Like Roo]<ref>[https://twitter.com/FurFest/status/1731521274688483829 Tweet] from Midwest FurFest [[Twitter]]. Dated/Retrieved December 3, 2023</ref>||
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|-
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| [[Midwest FurFest 2024|25]] || Dec 5-Dec 8, 2024 || The Great FurFest Heist || [https://www.rosemont.com/desconvention/ Donald E. Stephens Convention Center] || [[Wikipedia:Rosemont, Illinois|Rosemont, Illinois]] || TBD || [[Duncan Da Husky]] || TBD || TBD || No Parade || TBD ||
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|-
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|}
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== Statistics ==
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="display:inline-block; margin: 1 25px;"
 +
|+Midwest FurFest Attendance and Charity
 +
|Year
 +
|Fursuiters*
 +
|Attendees
 +
|Charity
 +
|-
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|2023
 +
|
 +
|15,547
 +
|$185,758.31
 +
|-
 +
|2022
 +
|
 +
|13,641
 +
|$106,283.66
 +
|-
 +
|2021
 +
|
 +
|9,332
 +
|$74,303
 +
|-
 +
|2019
 +
|
 +
|11,019
 +
|$112,352, matched by an anonymous donor for a total of $224,704
 +
|-
 +
|2018
 +
|
 +
|10,989
 +
|$92,794
 +
|-
 +
|2017
 +
|
 +
|8,771
 +
|$85,000
 +
|-
 +
|2016
 +
|
 +
|7,075
 +
|$78,482
 +
|-
 +
|2015
 +
|1,378
 +
|5,606
 +
|$62,021
 +
|-
 +
|2014
 +
|1,132
 +
|4,571
 +
|$31,446
 +
|-
 +
|2013
 +
|972
 +
|3,904
 +
|$28,000
 +
|-
 +
|2012
 +
|743
 +
|3,216
 +
|$40,500
 +
|-
 +
|2011
 +
|574
 +
|2,600
 +
|$19,575
 +
|-
 +
|2010
 +
|413
 +
|2,285
 +
|$11,300
 +
|-
 +
|2009
 +
|357
 +
|2,040
 +
|$12,799
 +
|-
 +
|2008
 +
|358
 +
|1,992
 +
|$15,000
 +
|-
 +
|2007
 +
|286
 +
|1,690
 +
|$15,193
 +
|-
 +
|2006
 +
|213
 +
|1,422
 +
|$13,049
 +
|-
 +
|2005
 +
|
 +
|1,066
 +
|$6,800
 +
|-
 +
|2004
 +
|
 +
|959
 +
|$7,000
 +
|-
 +
|2003
 +
|
 +
|800
 +
|$6,500
 +
|-
 +
|2002
 +
|
 +
|685
 +
|$6,088
 +
|-
 +
|2001
 +
|
 +
|511
 +
|$6,800
 +
|-
 +
|2000
 +
|
 +
|473
 +
|$3,522
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="4" rowspan="1" |* Fursuiter numbers are as counted in the parade or group photo
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|}
 +
[[File:ArtySkunk_MFF2022Attendance.png|600px|Attendance]]
 +
|[[File:MWFF-Charity-Graph.jpeg|600px|Charity]]
 +
 
 +
== Guests of Honor ==
 +
 
 +
Yearly, MFF selects talent from within the community, with a focus on people who have not yet been recognized.
 +
 
 +
==Charities==
 +
 
 +
Yearly, MFF selects a local animal-related charity to focus on. The total amount raised, as of MFF 2023, is $1,132,917.97.
 +
 
 +
In 2023, MFF's total amount raised surpassed $1,000,000.
 +
 
 +
==Convention chairs==
 +
 
 +
Yearly, the of [[Board of Directors]] for Midwest Furry Fandom, Inc. selects a [[convention chair]] to oversee the following year's event.
 +
 
 +
==References==
 +
<references/>
 +
 
 +
== External links ==
 +
{{WikiFurNews|Midwest FurFest announces 2007 theme, Guests of Honor}}
 +
{{WikiFurNews|MFF board plans more rooms for 2007}}
 +
* [http://www.midwestfurryfandom.org/ Midwest Furry Fandom, Incorporated] official site
 +
* [http://www.facebook.com/furfest Midwest FurFest] on [[Facebook]]
 +
* [https://twitter.com/FurFest Midwest FurFest] on [[Twitter]]
 +
* [https://t.me/furfest Midwest FurFest] on [[Telegram]]
 +
* [http://www.instagram.com/furfest/ Midwest FurFest] on [[W:Instagram|Instagram]]
 +
* [https://mastodon.furrycon.social/@FurFest Midwest FurFest] on [[Mastodon]]
 +
* [http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrQbUVlkXk7KUQoRxR_Jj5g Midwest FurFest] on [[Youtube]]
 +
* [https://www.flickr.com/photos/furfest Midwest FurFest] on [[W:Flickr|Flickr]]
 +
* [https://bsky.app/profile/furfest.org Midwest FurFest] on [[W:BlueSky|BlueSky]]
 +
 
 +
* {{con resources}}
 +
 
 +
{{Illinois}}
 +
{{Conventions}}
 +
[[Category:Midwest FurFest| ]]
 +
[[Category:Conventions]]
 +
[[Category:Illinois]]
 +
[[Category:2000 births]]
 +
{{Featured article}}
 +
 
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[[de:Midwest FurFest]]
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[[es:Midwest FurFest]]
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[[it:Midwest FurFest]]
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[[fr:Midwest FurFest]]
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[[ru:Midwest FurFest]]
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[[sv:Midwest FurFest]]

Latest revision as of 01:56, 29 December 2023

Midwest FurFest
MFF-2015-Banner.png
Other names {{{othernames}}}
Location
Rosemont, Illinois, USA
Website
http://www.furfest.org/
Status Ongoing
First iteration November 17-19, 2000
Organizer(s) Midwest Furry Fandom, Inc.
Subject Convention
Resources Photos, videos, reports: Midwest FurFest resources
Midwest FurFest (edit)
MFF-2020-Banner.png
Midwest FurFest 2000
Midwest FurFest 2001
Midwest FurFest 2002
Midwest FurFest 2003
Midwest FurFest 2004
Midwest FurFest 2005
Midwest FurFest 2006
Midwest FurFest 2007
Midwest FurFest 2008
Midwest FurFest 2009
Midwest FurFest 2010
Midwest FurFest 2011
Midwest FurFest 2012
Midwest FurFest 2013
Midwest FurFest 2014
Midwest FurFest 2015
Midwest FurFest 2016
Midwest FurFest 2017
Midwest FurFest 2018
Midwest FurFest 2019
Midwest FurFest 2020
Midwest FurFest 2021
Midwest FurFest 2022
Midwest FurFest 2023
Midwest FurFest staff
Midwest FurFest guests of honor
Midwest FurFest's 2015 Logo.

Midwest FurFest, also known commonly as FurFest or just MFF, is a furry convention held annually in Rosemont, Illinois, USA. The event has been running as a separate entity since 2000 and is presently the world's largest in-person furry event with a held attendance of 15,547 people as of December 2023.

History[edit]

Visitor Statistics

MFF began as the furry track for Duckon, which is a Chicago-based science fiction convention. It was started at Duckon 3 in 1994 and was headed up by Robert King. It grew larger yearly and it was estimated that by Duckon 8 (1999) between a quarter and a third of the attendees were there due to interest in the furry track.

The track ran into problems because it was running out of room to expand without costing other parts of Duckon programming space and time. It was decided that the best course of action was to move into a new convention. Thus, Midwest Furry Fandom, Inc. was created, and MFF was born, to take place in November 2000, on the weekend before Thanksgiving. The parting was amicable, and Duckon lent a good bit of expertise and manpower to help make the first year of MFF a success.

Since then, the convention has grown from 473 attendees in 2000[1] to 15,547 in 2023[2], making it the largest furry convention in the world surpassing the previous title holder, AC, in registered attendance in the same year, 2023. It has helped raise over $1,130,000 for various charities.

MFF is a production of Midwest Furry Fandom, Inc., which holds Midwest Furfest and furfest as service marks.

The official Twitter account [1] advises attendees to post on Twitter using the hashtag "#FurFest", as many other conventions are abbreviated MFF, one of which takes place at around the same time. Previously, MFF suggested using the "#MWFF" hashtag, for the same reason.

Current event[edit]

MFF has called the Hyatt Regency O'Hare in Rosemont, Illinois home since 2010. Features of the convention include an Artist Alley, Dealers Den, art show, charity auction, dances (including a dead dog dance), and Fursuit Lounge, fursuit games, Arcade and Board Gaming, Dance Competitions, opening and closing ceremonies, a photoshoot and a variety show. A variety of panels are held all weekend as part of the organizations core goal to [3] facilitate education in anthropomorphic literature, art and performance. These panels range in topics across the many sub-groups of programming: After Dark, Art, Costuming, Fandom, Gaming, Gender & Sexuality, Main Event, Meet & Greets, Multimedia, Nature/Spirituality/Mental Health, or Writing.

  1. ↑ 2005 Midwest FurFest Registration Report
  2. ↑ Tweet on the Midwest FurFest Twitter. Dated/Retrieved December 18, 2023.
  3. ↑ Midwest Furry Fandom Main Page

Information[edit]

# Dates of Convention Theme Venue Location Guests of Honor Chair Attendance Percentage change Parade count Charity Amount Notes
1 Nov 17-19, 2000 Sheraton Chicago Northwest Arlington Heights, Illinois Robert & Margaret Carspecken, Rapid T. Rabbit, Derrick Dasenbrock Robert King 473 $3,522.00 Wolf Park, Valley of the Kings big cat sanctuary, and Chicago House
2 Nov 16-18, 2001 Sheraton Chicago Northwest Arlington Heights, Illinois Mary Hanson-Roberts, Jessica Willard, Matt McCullar Robert King 511 +8.0% $6,800.00 Animals for Awareness
3 Nov 22-24, 2002 Hyatt Regency Woodfield Schaumburg, Illinois Ursula Husted, Ysengrin Blackpaw, D.C. Simpson Aureth 685 +34.1% $6,088.00 Animals for Awareness
4 Nov 21-23, 2003 Hyatt Regency Woodfield Schaumburg, Illinois Thomas K. Dye, M.C.A. Hogarth, DBruin Aureth 800 +16.8% $6,500.00 Animals for Awareness
5 Nov 19-21, 2004 Around the World in 80 Days Hyatt Regency Woodfield Schaumburg, Illinois Ursula Vernon, ScribbleFox, David Gilbert Takaza J. Wolf 959 +19.9% $7,000.00 Furry Friends Foundation
6 Nov 18-20, 2005 Whodunnit? It's a Mystery! Hyatt Regency Woodfield Schaumburg, Illinois Gene Breshears, Kenket, Tincrash Takaza J. Wolf 1,066 +11.2% $6,800.00 Wildlife in Need
7 Nov 17-19, 2006 County Fair Hyatt Regency Woodfield Schaumburg, Illinois Kyoht, WhiteyFawks, Spunky Linnaeus 1,422 +33.4% 213 $13,048.96 Safe Haven Wildlife Refuge
8 Nov 16-18, 2007 Critters on the High Seas Hyatt Regency Woodfield Schaumburg, Illinois Chilly, Jill0r, Will Sanborn Linnaeus 1,690 +18.8% 286 $15,193.00 Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation
9 Nov 21-23, 2008 North to Alaska Westin Chicago North Shore Wheeling, Illinois Lucky the Evil Dog, Darc, Gyrfalcon, Foxfeather Duncan da Husky 1,992 +17.9% 358 $15,000.00 Rainbow Animal Assisted Therapy
10 Nov 20-22, 2009 10 Years of Midwest FurFest Westin Chicago North Shore Wheeling, Illinois All previous Guests of Honor were invited back for the convention's 10th Anniversary. Duncan da Husky 2,040 +2.4% 357 $12,799.00 Kane Area Rehabilitation and Education for Wildlife 10th Anniversary
11 Nov 19-21, 2010 Chicago Blues Hyatt Regency O'Hare Rosemont, Illinois Vantid, The Blue Hyena, Kipper Otter Takaza J. Wolf 2,285 +12.0% 413 $11,300.00 Castaway Pet Rescue
12 Nov 18-20, 2011 Route 66 Hyatt Regency O'Hare Rosemont, Illinois Rick Griffin, Thornwolf Takaza J. Wolf 2,600 +13.8% 574 $19,574.79 Animal Education and Rescue
13 Nov 16-18, 2012 IT CAME FROM TV! Hyatt Regency O'Hare Rosemont, Illinois FirestormSix, Miss Monster, Nambroth Perro 3,216 +23.7% 743 $40,500.00 Felines & Canines
14 Nov 22-24, 2013 The Pirates of Lake Michigan Hyatt Regency O'Hare Rosemont, Illinois Chibi-Marrow, Silver Huskywolf, Sonderjen Perro 3,904 +21.4% 972 $28,000.00 One Tail at a Time
15 Dec 5-7, 2014 Holidays in the City (originally announced as "Bright Lights Big City") Hyatt Regency O'Hare Rosemont, Illinois Lacy, CloudPouncer, D. Walker, Sabretoothed Ermine Perro 4,571 +17.1% 1,132 $31,445.93 Critter Camp Exotic Pet Sanctuary Chemical incident
16 Dec 4-6, 2015 Hyatt Regency O'Hare Rosemont, Illinois Ifus, Mahrkale, Yonoa Woody 5,606 +22.6% 1,378 $62,020.71 Save-A-Vet
17 Dec 1-4, 2016 Hyatt Regency O'Hare Rosemont, Illinois Balaa, Bagheera, Betsy Beaver, DrakonicKnight Woody 7,075 +26.2% No Parade $78,482.05 Felines & Canines First 4-day long MFF
18 Nov 30-Dec 3, 2017 Grimm's Fairy Tales Hyatt Regency O'Hare Rosemont, Illinois Latin Vixen, Remy Wolf, Russ Adams Kodi 8,771 +24.0% No Parade $85,000 C.R.I.S.P.
19 Nov 29-Dec 2, 2018 Fly The Furry Skies Hyatt Regency O'Hare Rosemont, Illinois JD Werewolf, Kyell Gold, Vivzie Pop Rama 10,989 +25.3% No Parade $92,794 Sit Stay Read
20 Dec 5-8, 2019 20 Years of Midwest FurFest Donald E. Stephens Convention Center Rosemont, Illinois Artkour, Brushwolf Creature Studio, Mary E. Lowd Rama 11,019 +0.3% No Parade $112,352 Felines & Canines; matched by anonymous donor for a total of $224,704
21 Dec 3-6, 2020 Intergalactic Donald E. Stephens Convention Center Rosemont, Illinois Kory Bing, Stuffed Panda Studios, Lynette Eklund DataHawk Cancelled due to COVID-19
22 Dec 3-5, 2021 Intergalactic Donald E. Stephens Convention Center Rosemont, Illinois Kory Bing, Stuffed Panda Studios, Lynette Eklund DataHawk 9,332[1] -15.3% No Parade $74,303 for MCP Chicago[2]
23 Dec 1-4, 2022 Heroes Donald E. Stephens Convention Center Rosemont, Illinois Nao Romero, S0LARDOG, AC Stuart Duncan Da Husky 13,641[3] +46.2% No Parade $106,283.66 for The Street Dog Coalition[4]
24 Nov 30-Dec 3, 2023 Snow Days Donald E. Stephens Convention Center Rosemont, Illinois Wild Acai, Jackaloo Duncan Da Husky 15,547[5] +14.0% No Parade $185,758.31 for Live Like Roo[6]
25 Dec 5-Dec 8, 2024 The Great FurFest Heist Donald E. Stephens Convention Center Rosemont, Illinois TBD Duncan Da Husky TBD TBD No Parade TBD

Statistics[edit]

Midwest FurFest Attendance and Charity
Year Fursuiters* Attendees Charity
2023 15,547 $185,758.31
2022 13,641 $106,283.66
2021 9,332 $74,303
2019 11,019 $112,352, matched by an anonymous donor for a total of $224,704
2018 10,989 $92,794
2017 8,771 $85,000
2016 7,075 $78,482
2015 1,378 5,606 $62,021
2014 1,132 4,571 $31,446
2013 972 3,904 $28,000
2012 743 3,216 $40,500
2011 574 2,600 $19,575
2010 413 2,285 $11,300
2009 357 2,040 $12,799
2008 358 1,992 $15,000
2007 286 1,690 $15,193
2006 213 1,422 $13,049
2005 1,066 $6,800
2004 959 $7,000
2003 800 $6,500
2002 685 $6,088
2001 511 $6,800
2000 473 $3,522
* Fursuiter numbers are as counted in the parade or group photo

Attendance |Charity

Guests of Honor[edit]

Yearly, MFF selects talent from within the community, with a focus on people who have not yet been recognized.

Charities[edit]

Yearly, MFF selects a local animal-related charity to focus on. The total amount raised, as of MFF 2023, is $1,132,917.97.

In 2023, MFF's total amount raised surpassed $1,000,000.

Convention chairs[edit]

Yearly, the of Board of Directors for Midwest Furry Fandom, Inc. selects a convention chair to oversee the following year's event.

References[edit]

  1. ↑ MFF 2021 Wrapup from Midwest FurFest
  2. ↑ MFF 2021 Wrapup from Midwest FurFest
  3. ↑ Tweet from Midwest FurFest Twitter. Dated/Retrieved December 5, 2022
  4. ↑ Tweet from Midwest FurFest Twitter. Dated/Retrieved December 5, 2022
  5. ↑ Tweet from Midwest FurFest Twitter. Dated/Retrieved December 3, 2023
  6. ↑ Tweet from Midwest FurFest Twitter. Dated/Retrieved December 3, 2023

External links[edit]

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