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COVID-19 pandemic causes furry convention closures and delays worldwide

Edited by Sonious, mwalimu, GreenReaper, 2cross2affliction as of Mon 27 Dec 2021 - 20:32
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As governments restrict gatherings of people, furry conventions are being postponed or canceled. Here's a quick run down of events and their status as of December 27th 2021 20:30 EDT (UTC-4) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic - updates to come.

A new section has been added for past events impacted for historical purposes. More information will be added to deal with virtual versions of a physical gathering if applicable.

Links go to statements if available, or to their Twitter feed or site. See also: Furry Fandom and the Internet forced back to roots by viral outbreak

Update 2021 Year End - As conventions start to open again, the overall list of cancellations and delays is becoming clunky. The final update will be today December 27th, 2021. Any future cancelations or delays will be their own newsbytes or articles in the future.

Past events - 2021

Past events - 2020

Per-event details (may be outdated, see above)

Thailand-based Thaitails, originally set for 21-22 March, attempted to address concerns by offering screening, sanitization and a refund, but on March 5 the event was postponed to 29-30 August; staff said their hotel had been "sympathetic and generous to our convention". It was canceled at the end of May.

Motor City Furry Con was postponed under governors' orders, as the event dates fell at the tail end of a three-week ban on events of 250+ people.

Then came Furnal Equinox. Just this Wednesday, the convention was still going ahead, having given a warning about Covid-19 two weeks ago. The next day, they admitted that financial considerations were playing a part in their decision:

As it currently stands, we have committed to business contracts with multiple vendors that have very specific cancellation terms, much like other conventions have. These terms are intended to protect both Furnal Equinox and our business partners, but breaking these contracts at this late date would put our organization into bankruptcy, threatening any future events (either delayed or for future years).

We recognize that other organizations and businesses have taken different steps, but they are in a more secure position to do so. We’re a small organization that took in just over $150,000 last year, and don’t have that same security.

The day after, the convention was cancelled, with registrations rolled over to 2021 - although they did offer refunds, as well as a plea that attendees donate this year's registration to cover the event's costs.

It wasn't long before BLFC followed suit, moving half a year ahead to the Halloween weekend after negotiations with the Grand Sierra Resort.

If you can make the new date of Oct 29 - Nov 1, the only action you need to take is to alter your travel plans. Hotel and registration will be taken care of automatically. [...] If you can’t make the new dates, you may use your confirmation email to cancel [...] Likewise, your convention registration is fully refundable. [...] We understand other conventions and events are already scheduled around the same time as BLFC 2020’s new Oct 29-Nov 1 dates. If you were planning on attending one of these other events and our new schedule poses a conflict, please attend that other event!

Despite that last bit, responses were tinged with regret that it would harm events around that date, such as Infurnity, Furpocalypse and ACFI.

In the UK, attempts are being made to defer the peak to 10-14 weeks in the future - or May 22, the first day of ConFuzzled 2020. It's usually packed, and some commentators have already pointed out risks:

Every year [...] Confuzzled [...] has a giant cookie [in the main hotel's lobby] that people break apart and eat despite it being a decoration.

[Note: This isn't a current issue; as of 2019, the cookie was cut after display and served from hotel food stands in return for a charity donation.]

In response, ConFuzzled put out a directors' statement on March 5, followed by a flash update last Thursday. But with expectations of a ban on large events as soon as next weekend, the situation remains fluid. On March 15, they laid out the possibility out in more detail, hinting that there might be more government guidance on March 17 - and that, unlike BLFC, postponing to later in the year (especially much later) might not be feasible.

Whilst postponement to later in the year might seem like the easiest solution, we need to consider things like both venues having the space available or suppliers availability aligning with our new dates. Additionally, we would need to consider the stress this would put on our team of volunteers who would effectively be delivering 2 conventions within a 6-7 month time window when taking into account next year’s event. [...]

Whilst we are of course insured for ConFuzzled, there are specific sets of criteria that must be satisfied in each given situation to invoke this process. Currently, owing to the HM Government’s position to not ban mass gatherings as an example, we cannot take the business decision to cancel the convention without there being heavy financial penalties that would jeopardize the future of the event.

The story was similar on March 20 – as while restaurants were closed as of Friday night, hotels were not.

The difficult reality ConFuzzled is faced with is a set of different scenarios that if played out, could mean no more ConFuzzled events in future.

The Directors have a legal obligation to secure the future of ConFuzzled, but also have a moral and ethical obligation to the safety and wellbeing of our attendees and team alike. We want to do everything within our power to ensure we do right by you, the attendee, whilst trying to ensure at the same time we can guarantee the survival of ConFuzzled. [... We] have written to the Government directly for clarification.

Sooner still on April 10-12 was smaller UK event Just Fur The Weekend. As of March 6, they also had no plans to cancel, and they followed up on March 15 with a note on precautions they intend to take – and a now-familiar explanation of the cost of cancelling unilaterally. Their message: Don't Panic. Since then, social gatherings have been banned in the UK, and JFTW discussed an "acceptable resolution" with the venue.

This turned out to be a transfer to April 2-4, 2021, with the convention issuing vouchers for registration, hotel rooms and dealers' tables which can be traded or sold. The bad news: being so close to the con, they and the hotel had already incurred expenses, so don't have the money to refund those who don't want to go - and say they will probably only be able to offer partial refunds even after the 2021 event.

…anyone seeking a refund by fully cancelling their voucher will need to wait until additional registration funds for the 2021 JFTW are received and additional expenses paid for. After JFTW 2021, any funds left will be earmarked for pending refunds. They’re likely to only receive a partial refund at best. This is why selling a voucher directly to another attendee is the best way to get the full value of your purchase back. The hotel will honor that voucher without any additional overhead, any additional margin, etc. That kind of direct 1-for-1 transfer is best for all involved.

The need to discuss was shared by ConFuzzled, which was swiftly followed by cancellation of its convention for 2020, staff not feeling it a good idea to try to run two conventions in much less than a year.

LondonFurs staff also announced that, with the closure of public bars, pubs and restaurants, their meets, held every three weeks, were postponed until further notice. While its venue has now reopened, groups are limited to six, so meets continue on Discord instead. The summer weekender previously scheduled for July 17 this year has been postponed to an as-yet unannounced date (as of June 27)

On the other side of the world, Furry Down Under (or FurDU) will not be held in Surfers Paradise - at least, not in 2020:

Unfortunately due to the new laws banning gatherings over 500 people, and our concern for attendees health, FurDU will be postponed [...] Our new dates will be Friday 7th – Sunday 9th of May, 2021.

We will be offering refunds of course but we will also allow those who already have rego to keep them for next years con, this will give you a guaranteed spot, current dealers will also keep their table in the Den if they take up this option.

Those responding on Twitter seemed to feel it was the right call – perhaps aided by the government's decree. This was also the approximate reason for Furnexion's deferment to the second half of 2020: their guests of honor could not attend Mexico from the USA. As the con was to be held March 27-29, attendee materials had already been paid for, so "unfurtunately" a refund could not be given. The event was subsequently moved to February 26-28, 2021 in June.

Furry Weekend Atlanta, furry fandom's fourth largest convention by attendance (just after BLFC), announced on March 15 that Atlanta's 30-day event ban, CDC advice to cancel events of 50+ in the next two months, and the emergency return of Georgia's legislature "will have an effect on FWA 2020". The following night, they announced the cancellation of FWA 2020. Many asked about refunds, not being able to justify "donating" sums which could be $350 per person, and in some cases not wanting a transfer to 2021 (if that's available); staff say they are "working diligently to determine options". Hotel room deposits are to be automatically refunded.

At around the same time, Golden State Fur Con announced a postponement to August 28-30, with registration transferred but hotels needing to be rebooked; those not wishing to attend could instead transfer to 2021 or another Corgi Events con - or failing that, get a refund.

In Asia, Indonesian convention PAWAI is still monitoring the situation, and expects to be able to make a decision by early June. But for FurryPinas, early May is too close, and they're looking to reschedule for the third quarter of the year.

Back in Europe, Czech convention ZodiaCon was hoping to go ahead as of March 10, despite a nationwide prohibition against events of 100+ people - and later 30+. However, given the uncertainty, they are no longer requiring immediate payment, and are offering refunds to those who cannot travel; a final decision will be made by May 15. Similarly, Germany's Mephit Mini Con intended to proceed as of March 14, but on March 20 it was called off for 2020.

AnthrOhio is working through its options, given that "canceling or postponing an event comes with many costs that are hard for a non-profit to absorb" - as of April 1, they "are still cautiously optimistic that we will have our event as scheduled". But Furlandia (scheduled for a week before AnthrOhio) closed pre-registration on the same day, and are talking with their venue, after previously saying they had "a deadline for deciding on this". Between these dates, Argentina FurFiesta warned attendees to follow a nationwide quarantine from March 20-31.

Italy's Furizon "do not believe that there is any reason to talk about postponement or cancellation" but are "closely [following] the development" (as of March 23) – the region has been in a lockdown since late February, expected to last until at least Easter (April 12).

Anthrocon has stated actions they may take, including restricting attendance from areas where the virus is rampant, requesting that ill people stay home and everyone refrain from hugging, providing hand sanitizer, and postponing or cancelling in the event of "advice" from health authorities. On March 25, they rolled out an addendum to their refund policy - registration may be donated or refunded (optionally, without transaction fees to help AC cover the cost) or deferred to 2021. In the event of cancellation - and the venue's prior conference has been - attendees have two weeks to pick, or be deferred.

Norway's Furway, scheduled for mid-July, is still on but there is "a definite possibility" of it being cancelled - a decision is to be made in early-to-mid May.

Euforufence says it is "too early to speculate" while "the current system is highly dynamic"; as of March 13, they expect their August event to happen. However, they are fundraising for their charity, whose income has dried up due to the lockdown.

Wild North was likewise still going ahead "as it is still six months away, and a lot can happen in that time"; however, on July 5 it was moved to 25-27 September 2021 And Spanish convention Furrnion, traditionally held around October, will be deferring to 2021.

Midwest FurFest, while noting their main hotel cancelled two months of events, "do not expect this to impact Midwest FurFest 2020 [as of March 19]". As of July 15th, they have cancelled for the year 2020 and will be waiting until next year.

What is COVID-19?

In Wuhan, China late 2019 a new viral menace emerged from local butchery markets, called "wet markets". While the practice had been curtailed after previous outbreaks, the Chinese government had turned a blind eye to these market's continued growth. This increased demand in local agriculture and loosened regulation may have been exasperated from the strain when China and Trump started a trade war in 2018 cut American food imports into the country. Now all the market gains since that trade war began have been whipped clean in a matter of weeks, and then some. But regardless of who started the trade war, it finishes now with a war for the health of the human race. In the petri dish of animal blood of those markets in Wuhan, spawned the infamous "Novel Coronovirus"; the disease it causes being termed COVID-19.

After disrupting the economy of China the virus has quickly spread in our interconnected world. As cases started showing up in the United States in late February, the spread continued into early March. At that time the United States declared travel restrictions with allied countries, including most of Europe, hoping to mitigate its import from overseas. However this microscopic immigrant had already made itself at home; Ohio leadership estimated there could be 100,000 infected in the state. Food, toilet paper, and sanitizer has flown off of store shelves as people prepare to hunker down.

So what makes people worried about this particular strain? The mortality rate is around two to three percent with a upward distribution tending more fatal with older age. Of course those with compromised respiratory or immune systems also face an escalated risk of death. This is combined with it being a disease that can be passed before symptoms appear.

Comments

Your rating: None Average: 5 (4 votes)

Changes are happening rapidly, so please bear with us as we update. We will be looking at events in May/June/July soon.

Your rating: None Average: 5 (4 votes)

P.S. That subhed should be COVID-19, not CORVID-19. :) Don't blame the crows!

Your rating: None Average: 4 (5 votes)

Aw, no birb transformations then.

Your rating: None Average: 4 (5 votes)

Fixed, thanks for pointing it out.

Don't blame the rats this time either, though it did start taking hold in the year of the rat. It was the bats.

Your rating: None Average: 4 (1 vote)

I'd blame Grey, but they're the wrong kind of bat. Perhaps Revar? Or the staff of Furloween 2006?

Your rating: None Average: 4 (1 vote)

FYI; Aurawra postponed to 23-25 July, 2021:
https://twitter.com/Aurawra_con/status/1241997952484175873?s=20

Your rating: None Average: 4.2 (5 votes)

Also the first instance of Otterdance, scheduled for 29 March in Rotterdam, after The Netherlands banned gatherings of over 100 people. The venue has reserved a later date, though, so it will (eventually) go on!

Your rating: None Average: 3.2 (5 votes)

Sounds like an interesting event!

Your rating: None Average: 2 (7 votes)

I'm worried if the furrie fans get the coronavirus.

Your rating: None Average: 2 (6 votes)

I hate this comment. It's an error.

Your rating: None Average: 2 (5 votes)

Same for next one. It's not an error.

Your rating: None Average: 1 (2 votes)

But its such a Novelty.... (new things)

Your rating: None Average: 3 (5 votes)

What is the rationale here for the wet market in question being described as "unregulated" when it did pass government inspections in 2019?

Your rating: None Average: 3.5 (4 votes)

Perhaps "under-regulated" would be a better phrase? The initial wording was "had lack in regulation" but I don't know what the 'roo's source for that was - a link would be helpful.

Officials seem to have decided that it was a bad idea and stopped it fairly quickly after it became known as the source, but then China is a place they can do that even if it might have a valid certificate.

Your rating: None Average: 4 (5 votes)

I wonder if the ban on wild meat sales there will last. How long did the SARS-related ban on civet sales last?

Your rating: None Average: 1.3 (9 votes)

They shouldn't be eating meat in the first place. That's a major reason that this all happened. I think its most zoonotic diseases are due to meat consumption and farming of animals. Considering the health and environmental costs, it's a behaviour we should absolutely be phasing out as the global population balloons.

"If all mankind minus one, were of one opinion, and only one person were of the contrary opinion, mankind would be no more justified in silencing that one person, than he, if he had the power, would be justified in silencing mankind."
~John Stuart Mill~

Your rating: None Average: 4.8 (4 votes)

Furlandia (May 21-24) currently has no change unless Oregon's assembly ban continues further into May.

Source: https://twitter.com/Furlandia/status/1238196410677219328

Your rating: None Average: 3.8 (5 votes)

Thanks for the tip. It looks like there will come a point where they have to decide, but I imagine they are hoping that if it gets to that, the government will have got there first so they're covered by any insurance they have.

Your rating: None Average: 3 (5 votes)

For conventions postponing their dates Dragoneer is offering free advertising on FA:

https://twitter.com/Dragoneer/status/1238972008010067975?s=20

Your rating: None Average: 2.8 (4 votes)

This is a nightmare. The virus is so bad (or so we have been told) that cons are being cancelled and the economy is melting.

How do we wake up? ????

Your rating: None Average: 4 (3 votes)

I feel like postponement/cancellation of furry conventions is pretty low on the nightmare scale.

Your rating: None Average: 2.3 (4 votes)

True. But the virus?

Your rating: None Average: 4 (3 votes)

Look at it this way: there's never been a better day to stop smoking! Hookah and cannabis, too. (And vaping, why not?)

Your rating: None Average: 4.6 (5 votes)

There will likely be many more conventions cancelled or postponed. Most will have to wait for government action to force their hand in order to invoke the 'force majeure' clauses in their contracts to do so without going bankrupt. For those who don't know there are often very high cancellation penalties as well as the event being on the hook for the room cost of all the rooms in the room block that wouldn't be rented. Invoking that clause gets them off the hook for that. Most furry cons in the US do not have or even qualify for event insurance.

I'd say the ones that have rescheduled are being very optimistic. We haven't come close to seeing the peak of this pandemic. I've seen estimates that that could well be 3-4 months out or even longer. That's if everyone cooperates with the measures being put in place now (expect those to get more restrictive). This pandemic will be with us until a viable vaccine is developed or enough people have caught it and recovered (hopefully) that the rate of new cases can't go exponential anymore.

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Good point about the force majeure consideration. The delay in cancellation news makes more sense now.

Your rating: None Average: 1 (2 votes)

This is purgatory. The coronavirus outbreak make time longer. I wish that the virus has been eradicated.

Your rating: None Average: 1 (2 votes)

I mean makes, and it's my (and some others') opinions.

Your rating: None Average: 3.6 (5 votes)

I want to note that the 'Novel Coronovirus' you mention is not COVID-19. COVID-19 is the disease. SARS-CoV-2 is its virus. Like HIV is to AIDS.

Your rating: None Average: 2 (3 votes)

What a novelty....Correct its actual name is SARS-CoV-2, seems Coronovirus has a category of its own (Similar one found in bats apparently)

Your rating: None Average: 3 (3 votes)

Furry Weekend Atlanta has canceled. Thanks to their staff for making the difficult, but responsible decision.

Your rating: None Average: 3.7 (3 votes)

Especially given that their convention is pretty far out at this time, and that they are held in Georgia, and the wording seems to indicate that they probably made that decision in adversarial conditions for their contract.

Your rating: None Average: 5 (3 votes)

Thanks for the overview!
I'm continuously updating the list of German wikifur, but sadly nobody is doing it for the English version.
With my account only working on the German wikifur I can't. Maybe someone with an English wikifur account can update the English list?

Your rating: None Average: 3.8 (4 votes)

GreenReaper would know more about that then I, I'm no too proficient with wiki syntax.

Your rating: None Average: 5 (2 votes)

I would, but I'm kinda busy moving Inkbunny's main server at this moment. The issue with upcoming events is not that the syntax is complex, but it is semi-protected due to vandalism - you need to create an account (or perhaps import it from Wikia/Fandom, as I see a ForestFox edited but has no current account) and then make a certain amount of edits (I think 10?), possibly have it around for a bit too. I tag Equivamp! ;-)

The furry convention map can be edited without this issue (just click the edit icon), but the syntax is quite a bit more complex. Just changing dates for events should not be too bad, though.

Your rating: None Average: 4.4 (5 votes)

I can update the upcoming events template if it's not done so already some time on or after the 26th.

Your rating: None Average: 3 (1 vote)

I edited all necessary dates of the events on the convention map.
Are there instructions on how to import an account from Wikia/Fandom? Because I tried it and quite don't get it. Does maybe o'wolf know more about this issue?

Your rating: None Average: 4.3 (3 votes)

Thank you very much for that. It's been pretty crazy over here with our own self-isolation just adding to it.

In theory, all you should have to do is login "normally" with a username and password that you would have used when we were on Wikicities/Wikia, now known as Fandom. But it was designed as a temporary workaround and it has been over a decade now so while the import process did seem to work a couple of years ago after I tweaked it, I cannot guarantee it now.

Note that usernames, like article titles, are case-sensitive after the first character. So ForestFox, not Forestfox.

If you can't log in, resetting your password on Fandom's end and then logging in with the new password on WikiFur may work (you have to set a whole new password on their end; the reset code itself is not a password).

If that doesn't work - or you don't want to mess with it, which is understandable - just create a new account on en.wikifur.com and let me know the username and I will manually fix the problem and give it your original username.

Your rating: None Average: 4 (1 vote)

Just to inform, Wildnights was postponed to 2021 now.

Your rating: None Average: 4 (1 vote)

Thanks for the update; I was looking on Twitter but it seems they haven't been using that this year (presumably in favour of Discord).

Your rating: None Average: 4 (1 vote)

All the more reason getting a centralized list together is important in case people are not in those chats.

Your rating: None Average: 4 (1 vote)

Furry Weekend Holland now postponed to Friday April 16th - April 19th 2021.

WUFF also postponed to 2021, per https://twitter.com/uafurence/status/1242802082366849024

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Thanks for keeping track of that, updating the article

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The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette notes the comments of VisitPittsburgh's interim president and CEO, who says that, while only one June event has been cancelled in June, they expect more to be in due course.

The event in question appears to be the Nation Retail Federation PROTECT loss-prevention conference - curiously, they scooped the event's own website and Twitter feed - which is roughly a third of Anthrocon's size, and held a week and a half ahead of it.

In-between the two is Cap Classic Pittsburgh, a youth baseball tournament. They're still booked (or were as of Wednesday) and indeed they still have an event listed in May. A few weeks ago, their Twitter account retweeted someone questioning the wisdom of cancelling events in June. Now they're talking about their cherished memories of the 2019 season.

Anthrocon itself has, of course, not been canceled - but it has posted an addendum to its refund policy (as of March 25) offering options of donation to the con, deferral to 2021, a full refund, or a refund minus processing fees. If they do cancel, and no option is selected within two weeks of AC's announcement, registration will be automatically deferred. (As a special case, those who deferred from 2019 may also defer to 2021.)

I don't think this has received wide attention yet as it was not tweeted on AC's feed; I'd be curious to know if those already registered got an email. Given this, I suspect a lot of people will eventually be using it.

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I reached out to the NRF about this and their conference SVP got back to me today, having announced the cancellation of their June event yesterday. Their FAQ on this topic mentions that they will be creating digital content - which they clearly hope to be sponsored by some of their exhibitors, in lieu of a refund, an option which I could see some conventions looking into - and they have already created a resources page for retailers with coverage of the government initiatives as they relate to small businesses.

Your rating: None Average: 3 (3 votes)

Commendable the effort to keep the list up-to-date and append relevant information.
This is good journalism right here. Great job! <3

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In that vein, given the efforts of the other editors to do so I will be switching the authorship to "anon" as while I was the initial publisher, this has been an effort by others to keep it up to date.

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This will run for a while, too. I just found out Furrnion is deferring to 2021. They hadn't even announced their dates - but they're usually in October. Maybe I was right to worry about MFF.

Your rating: None Average: 4 (1 vote)

If they were having issues with securing a venue or date before the COVID issue they may have just decided to save their strength and defer to 2021 regardless.

Your rating: None Average: 4 (2 votes)

Is there a way in our setup to "sticky" it so it stays up top?

If there were ever an article that seems appropriate for that, it's this one.

Your rating: None Average: 3 (1 vote)

Yes, the "sticky at top of lists" option. I'd toyed with the idea before but if others think it is suitable, sure.

Your rating: None Average: 3 (1 vote)

Seems like others thought it was suitable.

Nice to contribute something palpable in the comment section other than vague anger and resentment. Maybe I'll try that more often!

Your rating: None Average: 3 (1 vote)

I would say MFF is the absolute earliest a large convention might happen but I sure wouldn't book a flight. Hopefully they set things up so if they do have to cancel, it will be as straightforward as possible. I sure wouldn't expect registration or their room block to open up until the last minute.

Your rating: None Average: 5 (1 vote)

I had put in a question directly with the Holland convention since they had no social media to utilize. Obviously their site was updated and we had updated, but they had gotten back to me with the following statement:

Hello Tantroo,

[…]

The Dutch government announced on March 23rd that all events in the Netherlands until June 1st are not allowed to take place.
With this information we have looked at the options and decided the best course of action is to cancel Furry Weekend Holland for 2020.

All attendees have been informed about this and have been given several options, including but not limited to a full refund or registration rollover for 2021, regarding their registration.
We're currently working hard on making sure we wrap up everything regarding FWH 2020 neatly so we can start focusing our attention on 2021.

I see on your website that the status for FWH is already updated. I hope you can understand us taking the time to first inform our attendees before we inform the media.

With regards,
Tsanawo
Furry Weekend Holland Tech & Operations

Your rating: None Average: 3 (3 votes)

I'm not good at making good comments here. It's very hard, eh.

Your rating: None Average: 4 (2 votes)

Furlandia has now closed pre-reg and are asking people to hold off on general refund requests until 4/15.
https://twitter.com/Furlandia/status/1245484621883568128

Your rating: None Average: 5 (2 votes)

Megaplex releases the statement about a month ago (No Change):
https://twitter.com/MegaplexCon/status/1238560316914532356

Not the main con but there picnic that were going to be held got cancelled a few weeks ago:
https://twitter.com/MegaplexCon/status/1239926042602672130

Kemoket 9, furry doujin event held in Japan got cancelled:
https://twitter.com/kemoket/status/1244972785694203905

Your rating: None Average: 5 (2 votes)

AnthrOhio just cancelled their 2020 convention.

https://twitter.com/anthrohio/status/1248341453098618880

Your rating: None Average: 5 (2 votes)

Argentina Fur Fiesta delayed until September 25 - 27, 2020

https://telegra.ph/ArFF--Comunicado-COVID-19-03---ES-04-05

Your rating: None Average: 4.7 (3 votes)

UPDATE: It's now been postpone to next year due to the hotel's closure

https://telegra.ph/ArFF--Comunicado-COVID-19-04---EN-04-23

Your rating: None Average: 3 (1 vote)

Furry Migration has no sign of delay yet. We'll wait a couple of months to see if the COVID-19 outbreak stopped.

Your rating: None Average: 5 (1 vote)

Furrymosa 4, a book and goods fair event which is held in Taipei, Taiwan, has been cancelled.

https://twitter.com/Furrymosa/status/1248823114936414216

Your rating: None Average: 4 (1 vote)

Zodiacon 2020 now CANCELLED.

New dates May 26th to 30th, 2021

Your rating: None Average: 4 (1 vote)

BREAKING: Eurofurence might be cancelled due to ban on large events being extended until late August, past EF's date.

https://twitter.com/eurofurence/status/1250451825934970881

Your rating: None Average: 4.5 (2 votes)

Furlandia is now canceled
https://twitter.com/Furlandia/status/1250609381676208128/photo/1

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Surprised GreenReaper didn't add it here but South Afrifur is also not happening this year.
https://twitter.com/SouthAfriFurCon/status/1250393354480889856?s=20

"If all mankind minus one, were of one opinion, and only one person were of the contrary opinion, mankind would be no more justified in silencing that one person, than he, if he had the power, would be justified in silencing mankind."
~John Stuart Mill~

Your rating: None Average: 1 (4 votes)

My heart bleeds stale custard for you.
Shame, no gangbang for you folks in SA.

Your rating: None Average: 3 (3 votes)

And Lakeside Furs is also postponed till next year.
https://twitter.com/Lakesidefurs/status/1251799211512934401?s=20

"If all mankind minus one, were of one opinion, and only one person were of the contrary opinion, mankind would be no more justified in silencing that one person, than he, if he had the power, would be justified in silencing mankind."
~John Stuart Mill~

Your rating: None Average: 4 (1 vote)

Anthrocon now says they'll have a newer update by the end of May, but it sounds rather bleak.

https://www.anthrocon.org/news/2020/4/20/an-update-from-anthrocon

Your rating: None Average: 4 (3 votes)

ArgentinaFurFiesta is now postponed till next year due to the hotel's closure

https://telegra.ph/ArFF--Comunicado-COVID-19-04---EN-04-23

Your rating: None Average: 5 (2 votes)

Fur-Eh 2020 has been CANCELLED.

https://twitter.com/fureh/status/1253336851768696838

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Thanks, Updated.

Your rating: None Average: 3 (1 vote)

PAWcon (San Jose) has moved their dates up from Halloween weekend (which was a week before BLFC's new dates) to August.

https://twitter.com/pacanthro/status/1254836680894234624

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Correction: PAWcon was going to be the weekend after BLFC's new dates (which is Halloween weekend).

Your rating: None Average: 3 (1 vote)

And with Denfur the weekend before PAW and MP, it's now possible to go to back-to-back-to-back cons.

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Yes, this is inverted. They were scheduled for fall but they are moving their convention SOONER to August to move away from Biggest Little Fur Convention. It's a risky move, but that probably means their leadership believe that Covid is impacted by hot weather.

I do not believe this is the case, because when you look at the growth map it has spread everywhere when it first started to take off, even to Australia. And most people don't think about the fact that February is Australia's summer time. If an Australian summer didn't slow it down, a US summer will not.

Your rating: None Average: 4 (1 vote)

Anthrocon 2020 cancelled!

https://twitter.com/anthrocon/status/1254882999176499201

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That's huge. I'm starting to worry about the summer cons, especially in southern states with more...ignorant state legislatures. Calling it now: Megaplex and Mephit Furmeet are probably not happening either, along with nearly anything else that's in the South.

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The staff of Mephit Fur Meet are monitoring the situation but have not made any decisions yet.

https://twitter.com/mephitfurmeet/status/1255576734713483264

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I wouldn't count on any Summer cons happening. Heck, I wouldn't make travel plans for any Fall cons either. If we get the second wave that a lot of the data suggests, things will have to be shut down again. As much as it sucks. I'd rather see no fur cons happen for a year than have any turn into covid con. Cancelling isn't the worst thing that may be in store for some of them. With states opening things up (way too early), there may well be a convention or conventions that want to cancel because it's not really safe to have that many people, but the hotel won't let them invoke force majeure. Then they either hold it and have a low turn out of people irresponsible enough that somebody will almost certainly bring it to the con, or handing over the bank balance and shutting down (I really hope there are no fur cons that aren't incorporated at this point).

Your rating: None Average: 1 (2 votes)

Eurofurence just cancelled
https://twitter.com/eurofurence/status/1255969435447431171

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Thanks, added.

Also Camp Tiny Paws announced a few days ago.

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Wild Prairie Furry Con is cancelled. :-(
https://twitter.com/wpfcon/status/1256282234362855424

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Motor City Fur Con, which was supposed to be in early April, and was planning to be rescheduled to later this year, has now been officially cancelled for 2020 and will be in 2021.

https://twitter.com/MotorCityFurCon/status/1256350188542857223

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Furway 2020 cancelled.

https://twitter.com/FurwayCon/status/1250789833653604352

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Updated, Thanks.

Your rating: None Average: 4 (1 vote)

Fauntastic 2020 CANCELLED. New dates are 4/2 - 4/5/21.

NO REFUNDS will be issued due to cancellation of 2020 convention. One can only resell their ticket to another person who wants to attend the 2021 convention.

https://fauntastic.eu/faq

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Updated, thanks!

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SpokAnthro is another casualty.

https://twitter.com/SpokAnthro/status/1259535636177907712?s=20

It should be noted many cons (not just furry) cant automatically cancel, many hotel have cancelation clauses where the con organizes will face large cancelation fees, if the cancellation is short of government prohibition of large events.

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Megaplex 2020 (Aug 21-23) cancelled.

https://twitter.com/MegaplexCon/status/1260223480009830403

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The directors and staff of Mephit Fur Meet regret to announce that MFM has been cancelled for 2020.
https://twitter.com/mephitfurmeet/status/1260250537271922689

Those who have registered or made hotel reservations, please see the following links for more info.
https://www.mephitfurmeet.org/mfm2020-canceled/
https://www.mephitfurmeet.org/mfm-2020-cancelation-faq/
MFM staff are exploring the possibility of holding an online-only event.

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Looks like someone other than me updated (reminder to editors to update the timestamp up top for update so that both editors and reader know a change was made). I had to move last weekend's events to the appropriate areas anyway, so no big deal.

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CampFire Tails 2020 (7/30 - 8/3) cancelled.

https://twitter.com/campfiretails/status/1260797441546182658

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Thanks, this has been updated

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CastleCon (June 19th - 21st) has now been cancelled.

Website now shows that, with an unknown 2021 date.

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Thanks, this has been updated.

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PAWAI 2020 (July 25-26) has been cancelled.

https://twitter.com/PAWAI_ID/status/1261531810988609537

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I had checked that as I was editing, and thought I may have missed the Tweet in their profile.

Then I saw it was only 15 mins after I updated, phew, I'm not going crazy.

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FURM 2020 (Dec 12-13) has been canceled:

https://twitter.com/FURUM_MY/status/1261295734915137537

Also Brasil Furfest 2020 (Jul 31 to Aug 2) has been canceled:

https://twitter.com/BrasilFurFest/status/1259862365635588096

Your rating: None Average: 5 (2 votes)

The first FurFest to close and the first December convention to close.

It's not what you'd think, but it's not a good omen.

FURM won an award for most creative announcement so for

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If anyone cares, Sin City Murr Con (June 26 to 28) has been postponed to an unknown later date.

They are asking people not to contact them about refunds or transfers at this time.

https://twitter.com/SinCityMurrCon/status/1262509738178142208

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They couldn't "murr" from a six feet distance, huh?

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Apparently not.

Update: New dates are Feb 19-21, 2021.

People have until July 28 to ask for a refund, or it will automatically roll over to those dates.

All hotel reservations are going to be cancelled, so people have to rebook for the new dates if they still want to attend.

Your rating: None Average: 4 (1 vote)

FurCan 2020 (July 18 to 19) cancelled. 2021 dates are July 16 to 18, 2021.

http://furcan.org/comunicado.html

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Update made, thanks for sharing.

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Apparently not.

Update: New dates are Feb 19-21, 2021.

People have until July 28 to ask for a refund, or it will automatically roll over to those dates.

All hotel reservations are going to be cancelled, so people have to rebook for the new dates if they still want to attend.

Your rating: None Average: 5 (1 vote)

Oops. This info is for Sin City Murr Con, above.

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FurryPinas 2020 (3rd Quarter) has been cancelled.

https://twitter.com/FurryPinas/status/1262729722854649856

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IFC 2020 has been cancelled.

https://twitter.com/IndyFurCon/status/1265327117937639426

Your rating: None Average: 3 (3 votes)

Tails and Tornadoes in Oklahoma is also gone now.

I'm a different furry with different opinions.

Debut Album out now go stream it plz
https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/cassidycivet/double-take

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PAW 2020 has now been cancelled.

https://twitter.com/pacanthro/status/1265786344514523136

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Guess moving it closer didn't help their position.

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Placing a comment here noting the updates in the comments up 5/28 have been updated.

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Fur Reality 2020 (Oct 23-25) cancelled.

https://twitter.com/Furrealitycon/status/1266505006989160449

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Infurnity, the Taiwanese furry convention (Oct. 30 - Nov. 1 2020), has been cancelled and postponed to 2021:

https://twitter.com/infurnity/status/1264042606679347200
https://infurnity.com/en/

The 2021 dates are Oct. 29 - Oct. 31, and hotel room reservations have automatically been carried over for next year's con.

Your rating: None Average: 2.5 (2 votes)

CanFURence 2020 cancelled.

https://canfurence.ca/

Your rating: None Average: 4 (1 vote)

Thaitails (originally March 21-22) - Postponed to August 29-30 (first event to take action)

Now officially cancelled, according to their website.

Your rating: None Average: 4 (1 vote)

DenFur Not happening this year:
https://twitter.com/DenFurCO/status/1268243440942239744?s=20

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Feral! 2020 (Aug 27-31) cancelled.

https://campferal.org

Your rating: None Average: 4.3 (6 votes)

Denfur 2020 cancelled!

https://twitter.com/DenFurCO/status/1268244661388230661

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Infurnity being cancelled and postponed to 2021.
Best wishes from Taiwan, stay home and keep safe.

https://infurnity.com/en/2020-cancelled-en/

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Furrydelphia 2020 (Aug 14-16) cancelled.

https://mobile.twitter.com/Furrydelphia/status/1268912964171677698

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2021 dates:Aug 12-15

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Furry Siesta 2020 (July 16-19) cancelled.

https://mobile.twitter.com/furrysiesta/status/1269335865043685377

Your rating: None Average: 4 (1 vote)

EAST 2020 (July 15-19) cancelled.

https://www.east.wtf/?l=en

Your rating: None Average: 3.5 (2 votes)

Furtastic 2020 (Aug 2-5) cancelled.

https://www.furtastic.dk

Your rating: None Average: 4 (1 vote)

Fuzzy Oasis Party (July 25 - 26) 2020 cancelled.

https://twitter.com/fuzzyoasisparty/status/1270004424291778563

CanFURence (July 31 - Aug 2) 2020 cancelled.

https://canfurence.ca/news/featured-news/151-canfurence-2020-postponed-to-2021

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Golden State Fur Con 2020 (Aug 28-30) cancelled. 2021 dates:Apr 9-11

Event originally postponed from Apr 3-6.

https://mobile.twitter.com/GSFurCon/status/1271169173947727872

Your rating: None Average: 3 (2 votes)

Thanks for all the updates, finally got to updating the main article.

Your rating: None Average: 3 (1 vote)

Fuzzy Oasis Party wasn't updated. Check two messages above yours. (2 cancellations in one message.)

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Actually, it's listed twice now.

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Fixed, thanks, just had to add a bunch so didn't realize I already had a slot for it to update.

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https://twitter.com/wpafw/status/1272660709806084103?s=20

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I DM'ed them on Twitter about this and they said that "We do not want to risk the health of any attendees or their families and friends" by cancelling.

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In the "Past Events Impacted" section:

Thaitails (March 21-22) - Postponed to August 29-30 (first event to take action)

This tweet from May 31 shows they have now cancelled the 2020 con.

https://twitter.com/ThaiTails/status/1267079218275352577

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CityFur 2020 (June 5-7) cancelled.

https://mobile.twitter.com/CityFurMX/status/1240705320965378048

Translation of bolded text via Google Translate: "we have decided to postpone our first edition of CityFur to 2021."

Your rating: None Average: 4 (1 vote)

Bewhiskered 2020 (Oct 2-4) cancelled.

https://mobile.twitter.com/NCAnthroSociety/status/1274069443468034054

Your rating: None Average: 4 (1 vote)

FursonaCon 2020 (Aug 27-30) cancelled. 2021 dates:Sept 9-12

https://fursonacon.com

Virtual event announced for Aug 29-30.

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Confurtiva 2020 (July 31-Aug 2) postponed to Nov 20-22.

https://mobile.twitter.com/ConfurtivaMX/status/1254213306769948672

A description of the second paragraph is that they moved while taking the current situation of the pandemic and outlook for the upcoming months into account.

Your rating: None Average: 4 (1 vote)

FurryEST 2020 (July 2-5) cancelled.

https://t.me/FurryEST/23

Your rating: None Average: 4 (1 vote)

Baltifur 2020 (Aug 6-9) cancelled.

https://t.me/baltifur/26

Your rating: None Average: 4 (1 vote)

Golden Leaves Con 2020 (Oct 28-Nov 1) cancelled. 2021 dates:Oct 27-31

https://mobile.twitter.com/goldenleavescon/status/1269999349414666248

Your rating: None Average: 4 (1 vote)

Cabincon 2020 (July 25) cancelled.

https://mobile.twitter.com/furrycabincon/status/1244674100989231105

Your rating: None Average: 4 (1 vote)

FurCamp Cordobés 2020 (Nov 27-29) cancelled due to closure of hosting place.

https://telegra.ph/FurCamp-Cordobés-moves-to-2021-06-14

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Furry Migration 2020 (Sept 18-20) cancelled. 2021 dates:Sept 10-12

https://bit.ly/2CtU2o4

Your rating: None Average: 5 (3 votes)

Well. At least there's next year. I wish they didn't cancel it. I also wish that COVID-19 never existed.

Your rating: None Average: 4 (1 vote)

Little Island Furcon 2020 (July 4-5) cancelled. 2021 dates:Mar 13-14

https://bit.ly/3fIAASS

Your rating: None Average: 4 (1 vote)

Woods Flock 2020 (Apr 3-5) cancelled due to hosting location closing to overnight guests.

https://bit.ly/2Yr5Uj9

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Furvana 2020 (Sept 11-13) cancelled. 2021 dates:Sept 10-12

https://bit.ly/2YtDBkc

A "special online event" has been announced for Sept 12-13.

Your rating: None Average: 4 (1 vote)

WA Fur Frenzy 2020 (Sept 25-27) cancelled.

https://bit.ly/2YxoYwb

A "smaller local convention" has been announced that'll abide by local COVID-19 related restrictions.

Your rating: None Average: 4 (1 vote)

Got through all the above, and boy are my fingers tired.

Your rating: None Average: 4.5 (4 votes)

This isn't another cancellation. I'm just commenting to say that I'm sad.

I'm a different furry with different opinions.

Debut Album out now go stream it plz
https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/cassidycivet/double-take

Your rating: None Average: 4 (1 vote)

Not listed above, but...

Furcation 2020 (Nov 6 - 9) cancelled.

https://twitter.com/Furcationevent/status/1276213820281651201

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They also announced a virtual event on their original dates.

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Added, thanks

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Update on Furnexion:At the time of posting, they cancelled entirely around 8 hours ago.

2021 dates:Feb 26-28

https://bit.ly/31lEQ6

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Japan Meeting of Furries 2021 (Jan 7-10) cancelled.

https://bit.ly/2AlKpqS

I believe that this is the first 2021 convention to cancel due to COVID-19.

Your rating: None Average: 4 (1 vote)

Forgot to add the 2022 dates:Jan 6-9

Your rating: None Average: 5 (1 vote)

https://www.youtube.com/embed/tvjWS0SBgoM

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Alamo City Furry Invasion 2020 (Oct 30-Nov 1) cancelled. 2021 dates:Oct 8-10

https://bit.ly/38kYeSJ

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Wild North 2020 (Sept 25-28) cancelled. 2021 dates:Sept 24-28

https://bit.ly/2Z42yTI

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Yeah, I'd put that in the big update earlier today. Unfortunate, I was looking forward to it; and for a while it looked like it might squeak past given its size.

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Fur Squared 2021 (2/26/21 - 2/28/21) already announced to be virtual.

https://twitter.com/FurSquared/status/1282119771358670851

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The quarterback is toast. MIdwest FurFest has cancelled.

https://twitter.com/FurFest/status/1283446293440929795

Your rating: None Average: 4.5 (2 votes)

Updated

Your rating: None Average: 4 (1 vote)

It looks like there is now a double entry for MFF in the event list, the article body will need updating as well since MFF is mentioned.
2021 dates are December 3-5.

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Thanks, I didn't create the body part and was mostly keeping up with the list part above. Forgot that someone else added a list element for Midwest saying there was no update, so I updated to have one item.

Added a note about the update in the main body, though by the looks of it there are a lot of outdated items in this section. Kind of annoying since I didn't create it and in the end it's kind of a bit redundant as if people want more details they can follow the main social media sites and such.

In the short sight it may have been seen as a good idea to get info on larger conventions that people would want more details on, in long sight as this drags on clearly less would have been more.

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https://twitter.com/Confuror/status/1283486082886242309?s=20
Confuror is cancelled and going online

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Further Confusion 2021 is not having a physical con.

https://twitter.com/furcon/status/1283577706831986690

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NYFB for 2021 has been cancelled (Dec 31st 2020 - Jan 1st 2021)

https://twitter.com/newyearsfurball/status/1283539904937504768

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They're also going virtual, which I think is awesome because it gives furries around the world an opportunity to participate in this.

Proof:https://bit.ly/2WqKLnI

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Thanks for the update on that. As more are moving to virtual modes I know Wikifur has been shifting on displaying furry gatherings in this new world.

As well as I think that either a new section can be added to this piece about vitual gatherings in the coming months/years. I did make a different article on it but it kind of fell into disrepair.

Maybe easier to put it all here.

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It'd probably be good to note them here.

From a WikiFur perspective, if it doesn't have an overnight stay, dealing, somewhat-controlled (and usually paid) attendance, etc. it's probably not counted as a convention - though it'd rate a mention on the relevant articles. We've been moving the front page event list and map pins to the next planned date for a physical event - or the most likely month for one, where there's no specific date.

Your rating: None Average: 1.2 (5 votes)

This is really not the time to be playing gatekeeper on events. We're lucky some of the conventions are willing to try something new to give our community something fun. If a convention goes virtual, it should be included under that convention's tag, just as a physical convention would be. It takes a great deal of planning and time to set something like that up and most of the groups trying to do it are having to learn how on the fly. They should get full support including from WikiFur.

Your rating: None Average: 4 (2 votes)

I think it's only worth noting when a real world con has an online one, and for it to be noted on the page for the existing con. Any random VR meet up doesn't count as a con. I would consider the pay part to be significant as well. These are just meets essentially, and there's certainly no need to document every meet that has ever happened. I don't think Wikifur needs to do this personally.

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I'm not opposed to noting them, it's a question of how and where. As you say, virtual events are "something new" - a different beast, akin to programs such as the Funday PawPet Show; and most organizations recognize that. MFF, for example, states that "Midwest FurFest 2020 is officially cancelled", giving December 3-5, 2021 as its next date. Likewise for AC and FC. It'd be incorrect to imply that they're "an instance of the convention" - as our lists do now.

Confuror is taking a slightly different approach (as is FurSquared) which may need to be discussed among editors:

... all Confuror 2020 presential activities to be held in Guadalajara Jalisco are suspended. In favor of the protection and comfort of our attendees, we have been able to reach an agreement with our venue and suppliers, who have been attentive from the beginning and in the face of the most current panorama has given us a green flag to proceed with this change, moving all our resources and hiring to 2021.

Confuror 2020 will be 100% digital, open for everyone and free of charge. [...] In order to facilitate adjustments to your plans, we are also anticipating the dates of the next Confuror edition, which will take place from October 28th to 31st in 2021, at the Fiesta Americana Hotel in Guadalajara.

The initial response of WikiFur's editors - in this case, an editor from Mexico, who's attended both prior instances of Confuror - has been to treat this as a cancellation, probably for the reasons I offered above; it's a qualitatively different offering, and the "actual" registration is being rolled over to the next year. We may need to adjust the wording on the article itself to be consistent with what's going to be done in 2020 - once we have a better idea of what that is - while noting the convention's own spin on it.

When it comes to WikiFur's map (which is still in the process of being updated for all the changes), it isn't accurate to give a location for an event that's not actually there. We run the risk of confusing viewers. I believe for that particular tool, listing the next physical event is the right approach, especially given its links with search engines that may obtain dates and registration pricing from it. To be honest, it's already tricky to keep track of ~170 events there, let alone adding virtual events to the mix.

---

Much of what I've seen has focused on streamed comedy and music segments, accompanied by a frequently-spammy global chat. This is great for those who've never been to a convention, which in fairness may be a lot of the audience. I haven't found it so compelling. By comparison, software development conference Build offered a number of topic breakout sessions with smaller group sizes which proved more conducive to discussion. (The focus was still on presentation rather than discussion, but that's perhaps to be expected for a corporate event; it's an exercise in marketing, above all. And of course, they had a budget and full-time staff to work on it.)

I do see some promise in the use of VRChat - initially by JMoF, although many will know of it via Anthrocon (six-hour sample). There's also the VirtualFurence project, which is attempting to replicate Eurofurence's Estrel hotel - they just announced an event set there - and others like the Furality Online Xperience which (among others) has shown that entirely new events can be created. Here I'd disagree with the anon above, in that I think online events deserve no special prominence merely because they're associated with an existing organization, other than a mention on its own page - rather, it should be the programme of events that matters.

It's not yet clear that VRChat is effective in replacing panel discussions, dealing, or quiet conversations - the platform's policies forbid adult content, so in some ways it can't - but it does provide a social and dance experience... plus a way for people to flaunt wealth or modelling expertise via custom avatars and full-body motion capture. Building 3D models is creative and good for the economy! Let's see panels on that. (Unfortunately, from what I've seen, those without VR equipment may find the experience frustrating.)

One issue with such events is the turnaround time for replays, if there's one specific thing you did want to see but couldn't make. Judging by comments on YouTube and Facebook, there's demand for time-shifting; but to take one recent example, AC has not (yet) posted material from its event. The Virtual Anthrocon site seems to link only to the now-dead streams, with only opening and closing up on their official YouTube account; though silvergatomon seems to have captured and uploaded key sessions. The lack of response makes me wonder if they lost the footage. If it's still in the queue to be done, I fear it may be a little late; by the time they upload, people are likely to have moved on to the next interactive event. (Or maybe there's some kind of licensing issue which prevents highlights?)

More generally, it'd be great to see a fandom-wide collaboration to push out regular online events, of a higher and more consistent quality than any group could do alone. Siloing limited talent and technical expertise within existing organizations isn't beneficial. Perhaps something along these lines might be worth discussing at the next Furry Convention Leadership Roundtable, which I understand is to take place August 8-9... by which time there should be a better idea idea of what has and hasn't worked so far.

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Just remember, conventions give you and WikiFur information at their pleasure. They don't owe you, they don't have to talk to you, they don't even have to let you into board meetings. You'd best remember that you are beholden to them, not the other way around. If you don't support them now, they may well not support you later and WikiFur with missing or wrong information quickly becomes a useless resource. Just saying.

Your rating: None Average: 4.7 (3 votes)

More likely the conventions put their information out to the general public and those in Wikifur update it based on that public information.

That's how this article is being updated.

It's very rare to be privy to unpublic information. I can count the number of times I've had information that the public didn't on one hand. The major one being the closure of Rocky Mountain Furcon which was going to be a article about the tax issues first and foremost, which during the editing it was revealed that they were cancelling the convention.

In those cases I still wait for the public announcement.

A second case was MFF's cancellation which I had heard a few hours in advance, once again you wait for them to make their statement but prepare so you can post it quickly.

"Access" can be detrimental more than helpful these days, it's more apt to be used as leverage on you by a corrupt organization to do corrupt things so you retain you 'access' than to get you information. Because if the information is important to the public and they want to share it they have means to share it directly.

Having the same information that the general public will make the general public trust you more as well, nothing devolves trust more than thinking you have access that they don't. What did you sell to get that access?

In turn I would say that if Wikifur doesn't put up that Virtual Convention information it's the general public that would not see it as a useful resource in the coming years. The obvious answer is, yes they should take down the dates of the virtual conventions because there may be interest in it even if the person updating is not. That's part of the job of information gathering, sometimes you have to edit things you don't care about. Perhaps it's be better to find a volunteer that does care about them that will keep on top of things.

My suggestion would be adding a tag on the convention screen of (VR) to the con name for a virtual gathering or some such. Example: Fursquared 2021 (VR: [StartDate] - [EndDate])

Your rating: None Average: 5 (2 votes)

Sonious is right. 99% of what we record and report on conventions is done through long, tedious teasing of information from public tweets and announcements, video recordings, chats and even photographs (literally counting heads) - nowadays frequently via translation - as you can see from the extensive quotes from conventions in the prose above.

That's why, on WikiFur's annual articles, at least, facts such as event attendance typically come with a reference - usually to an official source; only in <~1% of cases does that say "personal communication with X". (One of my pet projects, which will also involve a fair bit of tedium, is creating a central, publicly-queryable database for such information on a platform that supports such references - and transferring the last 30 years of convention data to it.)

It's in a convention's interest and that of its attendees to publish information about itself. Because those attendees are furry fans, their interests are, broadly speaking, our interests; so WikiFur records and present a significant portion of that. Convention staff are often intimately involved. Indeed, if you read the section of discussion after the one I just linked, you'll find FrostTheFox from Furvana, and a certain Woody - who may be familiar to you from MFF - discussing how to represent the attendance of online events, and coming to much the same conclusion; that it'd be incorrect to show them in existing lists, at least in that case, and that a separate listing is appropriate.

[In a few cases, such as Form 990, and similar business records in the UK and Sweden, it's actually the law to publish data; though most of the information there is delayed by 6-12 months, and of interest mainly to those curious about how much money it takes to run a con - which is a lot, now - whether a charity donation has actually been made, and who's running the show.]

Yes, it's nice to drop into a board meeting, when I can get to them (for the benefit of readers: MFF has a public meeting at each con); but I'm not there merely to sate my curiosity, but to report on the convention for the benefit of the fandom - and the convention. As it happens, the only cons I've been able to get to recently have been this side of the pond; but I do read MFF's minutes, from which I know that its members also have hours of long, tedious work - most of which is incidental to the fun parts.

From my perspective, it's never been a matter of "you scritch my back, I'll scritch yours" - I trust it never will be. We're all working to serve our shared community, in the ways that seem best to us. On rare occasions, fiduciary duties mean we don't share precisely the same interests, but those cases are rare. Hopefully they'll remain so.

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Jesus this sounds like a threat lol. Most of the information comes from public tweets. What are cons gonna stop tweeting their attendance or charity numbers out of protest? Give me a break lol

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The only thing journalists are beholden to their subjects is accuracy, not to give them sloppy blowjobs of puff pieces. I mean, if journalists want to give them sloppy blowjobs of puff pieces, that's fine, too, but, you know, they usually don't want to when the subjects withhold necessary information (their readers and editors, the people they are actually beholden to, want) while crowing "neener, neener!" at them.

What we're looking for, to extend the oral sex metaphor, is a sloppy 69.

Also, seriously, this is the most coverage most of these conventions have gotten in years (in many case, ever), so I'm not sure what anyone is complaining about, if not lack of coverage; if there's no coverage, well, at least it's not bad coverage.

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Setting aside the pretty humorous image here you've conjured of WikiFur's info being sourced by kinda shadowy means, I don't really understand how categorizing an event differently than events that happen in different ways in different contexts is not "supporting" them? I guess because the virtual events aren't on the main page that GR pretty diligently maintains? Are they losing money or something if WF doesn't link people who only read the main page to a virtual charity auction? Because otherwise I just don't get it.

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Aquatifur 2020 (Oct 2 - 4) - No 2020 convention.

https://twitter.com/AquatiFur/status/1283926219403046912?s=20

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Wait, you’re passing up the opportunity to say “Aquatifur 2020 has sunk/drowned/washed out/disappeared beneath the waves”? What kind of blogger are you?

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One with a more DRY sense of humor ;P

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Comments above this have been updated to the article list.

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I just heard that BLFC 2020 will be cancelled with new dates being 6/3 - 6/6/2021.

Social media and website haven't been updated yet, so this is not 100% confirmed.

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It's official now. CANCELLED.

https://twitter.com/BiggestLittleFC/status/1286738274371776512

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Since it wasn't mentioned besides a little blurb in the article...

Furpocalypse 2020 (10/29 - 11/1/20) cancelled, but a virtual con is planned.

https://twitter.com/FurpocalypseInc/status/1265719422498549762

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GreenReaper has been updating the bottom blurbs, I've been updating the upper portion for the most part, which is why there was a disconnect, thanks for pointing it out.

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Items above updated.

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Blue Ridge Furfare, the last con of 2020, has announced that its 2021 con (in March) will be virtual. This is according to a screenshot of their announcement channel on Telegram.

https://twitter.com/WhereIsSkippy/status/1292531199274029056

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Flüüfff 2020 (Nov 11-15) completely cancelled.

https://bit.ly/2XSbnPa

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Above updates have been made

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NordicFuzzCon: 2021 convention either to be postponed until later in the year or made virtual-only, yet to be decided.

https://nordicfuzzcon.org/#announcement

Futerkon (Poland): 2020 convention held(!!) 12-16th August with 160+ attendees.

https://twitter.com/Futerkon/
https://twitter.com/RigidPaws/status/1293669089806778369/photo/2

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Photo URL does not exist

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Ahh, it looks like he deleted the tweet.

So have some video footage instead:

https://youtu.be/BfXwm1YecKk?t=333
https://youtu.be/UmpMmtvs9EE?t=59

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Furry Ski Weekend 2021 is out - https://twitter.com/furryskiweekend/status/1295451648488124416

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Anthro New England will not host a Physical Con in 2021
https://twitter.com/Anthro_NE/status/1298024156555096069?s=20

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Anthro Northwest (Nov 2020) not happening
https://twitter.com/anthronw/status/1298419610878844928

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Comments up to this point have been updated to the article.

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I wonder has any group tried to pull off a fur convention after March in 2020?

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From comment above, Futerkon did hold their small Polish convention a few weeks ago. It was added to the "Past events" list for noterity sake.

(Okay, someone did one, now you don't have to be the first ;P)

My wondering is which convention will be the first one to be held 'after' this thing. And will there be a clearly defined 'after'?

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I suspect the closest we'll get to a defined 'after' is when an effective vaccine becomes generally available and enough data collected to know how long it grants immunity for. Obviously, showing proof of vaccination within it's effective period will likely be a condition of being able to register for furry cons. I hope they make no exceptions for any reason for the first round of cons at least just like Disney is being about mask use. It actually wouldn't bother me if that was extended to getting flu shots as well. At least furries could have a little fun with that one. While I expect a certain number will choose to keep wearing masks, I suspect that will be the minority. For myself, the day I know I can't catch it or pass it to others, the masks go in the trash.

There's likely to be an inexpensive self-contained saliva test available in the next couple months. People will then be able to self test as needed. That ought to at least allow for some smaller gathering to happen in a much safer way than they currently do. I know if I could do that, I'd feel ok about visiting some family members again. Obviously that wouldn't be enough safety for large events, but we have to start somewhere.

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FinFur Animus 2020 (Oct 15-18) cancelled.

https://bit.ly/3imvbCM

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Furvester 2020 (Dec 30 - Jan 3) cancelled.

https://bit.ly/3cpVW73

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Comments above this have been updated.

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An update on some virtual events and held events released by GFTV:
https://youtu.be/EPUmViRK6Jg

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Painted Desert Fur Con 2021 (Jan 1-3) indefinitely postponed.

https://bit.ly/3jyqNkA

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Wow. Took them long enough. The Twitter for them was quiet for so long. Cons have been cancelling into March 2021. This means there are not large cons until at least March now.

I'm a different furry with different opinions.

Debut Album out now go stream it plz
https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/cassidycivet/double-take

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FurMIT (November 21th) in Tainan City, Taiwan as a real and physical furry convention.
official page: https://www.furmit.com/

FurPoint (December 19th) in Taipei City, Taiwan, in the form of local furmeet not exceeding 100 attendees.
official website: https://furpoint.furexp.com/?lang=en

Cross Night Furry (Dec. 31th-Jan. 01st) in Taichung City, Taiwan, local furmeet as well
official website: https://cross-night-furry.jimdosite.com/

Truly grateful having little impact here in Taiwan, hope the whole world gets better.

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MFF is going virtual.

Event will be held from Dec 18 to Dec 20.

furfest.org

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The above have been updated.

Memo to seIf, update to the Summer Mexico in that it was canceIIed for 2020.

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Rumors circulating that RAIN has cancelled both cons, Furvana and SpokAnthro, for 2021.

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As well as Furlandia

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Furnal Equinox going virtual next year.

https://bit.ly/2Ud43M7

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Fur Affinity United is the first con fatality due to the pandemic. They are officially permanently closing.

https://twitter.com/faunited/status/1334247167918268418

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Texas Furry Fiesta 2021 (March 25-28) moving to an online-only format.

https://bit.ly/38f6iFe

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Comments up to this point have been updated, thanks for the help.

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Fur The More 2021 (Mar 5-7) moving online too.

https://bit.ly/2L80zJo

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Updated, thanks.

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https://twitter.com/eurofurence/status/1352678425467760643?s=19

Eurofurence update.

I'm a different furry with different opinions.

Debut Album out now go stream it plz
https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/cassidycivet/double-take

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TL;DR Eurofurence is cancelling its 2021 convention for the 2nd year in a row. EF for 2022 is still on with exact dates TBD.

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Confuzzled 2021 CANCELLED

https://twitter.com/cfconvention/status/1355557598918008833

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If anyone cares, Sin City Murr Con (Feb 19-21, 2021) has been indefinitely postponed, like all the other Corgi Events-run cons.

https://twitter.com/SinCityMurrCon/status/1350222804415778816

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Up to this comment updated.

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To update:

Furnexion (Mexico) and Furvester (Germany) deferred to the year-end, and Fauntastic (France) cancelled for this year and moved into 2022.

https://globalfurrytv.news.blog/2021/02/09/covid-19-and-furries-fauntastic-moves...

ConFuzzled also moved into 2022.

https://globalfurrytv.news.blog/2021/02/01/eng-%e4%b8%ad%e6%96%87-covid-19-and-f...

Hungarian furcon Fursang moved into 2022.

https://globalfurrytv.news.blog/2021/01/27/covid-19-and-furries-eurofurence-and-...

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Oh, to add on, WUFF (Ukraine) is also cancelled.

https://globalfurrytv.news.blog/2021/01/18/covid-19-and-furries-wuff-2021-cancel...

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WUFF is updated, will update remaining this evening.

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Updated these into the article

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Furry Weekend Atlanta 2021 CANCELLED

https://twitter.com/FurryWeekend/status/1362912221366476800

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Updated, thanks

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BiggestLittleFC2021 has been rescheduled from its June 3rd-6th time slot and moving to sometime this fall, with exact dates TBA later on:

https://twitter.com/BiggestLittleFC/status/1370103728955482112?s=20

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10/21 - 10/24/21

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Furlandia says no convention in 2021.
https://twitter.com/Furlandia/status/1371639931878080515?s=20

The question is where and when in 2022. Another comic con like convention, Fandom PDX, has booked the Memorial day weekend at the same hotel Furlandia was held for the last few years. I don't think fandom PDX will happen this year year but will Green Mustard entertainment, the company running Fandom PDX, have dibs on memorial day 2022.

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Argentina FurFiesta cancelled their 2021 event last week. Instead of a recurring Flag Day virtual event, they say a full fledged 2021 virtual event is in the works.
https://graph.org/ArFF--Comunicado-COVID-19-05---EN-03-13

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Above comments implemented. Fur Reality also added as they announced a few hours ago.

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Anthrocon 2021 added

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Heya, also to add:

https://globalfurrytv.news.blog/2021/03/25/covid-19-and-furries-five-furcons-can...

Fur-Eh! (cancelled)
BLFC (deferred further into October)
Furlandia (cancelled)
Cesfur (cancelled)
Fur Out West (completed physical event)

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Items above updated. Thanks.

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Anthro Ohio cancelled: https://twitter.com/anthrohio/status/1392087060601872386?s=20

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FurDU (Australia): held
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXax7Xgzltk
https://twitter.com/FurDUcon/status/1393149348784058371?s=20
Once Upon A Fur Con (OUFC, China): held
https://weibo.com/u/7554914212?is_all=1#_rnd1620281944792
Southern Paws (New Zealand): held
https://twitter.com/cheetor5923/status/1388003339787390978?s=20

Aurawra (Australia): deferred fron 23 - 25 July to 30 July - 1 Aug.
https://t.me/AurawraUpdates/15

Furry Summer Mexico, CityFur (Mexico): Closed; cancelled indefinitely
https://www.facebook.com/FurrySummer/photos/a.478540602299678/1818734258280299/
https://facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=488492739180921&id=109821910381341

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The final link seems to be an April Fool's thing? I'm guessing the first link is the announcement of Furry Summer.

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Oh boy. Please ignore the second link - that's not Cityfur, but April Furs; a huge mix up here.

CityFur has, since their planned dates in March this year, not updated their statuses.
April Furs hasn't said anything on their stats yet.

I've reached out to April Furs and Cityfur for clarification on their statuses.

Apologies Sonious!

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I wouldn't put time into the April Furs one.

April Fool's Day is a Western Holiday (on April 1st) where we kind of 'celebrate deception/misinformation' and pulling pranks on people.

I mean, yeah, one could argue that as more seem to celebrate those concepts year round which makes the day more quaint than anything. Similar to how Halloween looses some edge when you costume year round.

But in short, "April Fur" may not even exist as a convention, and their statement on social media was a false announcement, since it was made on April 1st and some of the language in the announcement is trying to point out that it is related to the day.

You have nothing to apologize for, you're working on getting information, and I'm thankful for that.

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Hey Sonious!

First, April Furs is an actual convention - and they are still ongoing.
Meanwhile, I've received confirmation from CityFur that they have been permanently closed.

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Thanks, Given we're up to three conventions that have permanently closed due to Cornoavirus (or the tangential inflation economic whiplash) I should probably make a new section including those items.

I guess I was the fool for thinking it was an April Fools thing, thanks for reaching out to them on that. I should get better at such things.

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April Furs might have a naming issue; people are going to have trouble taking their announcements seriously. Kinda like PAFCon.

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For the Aurawra announcement I'm seeing the deferment, but I'm not seeing where they state that they will be holding it on the 30th?

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Heya, that was the wrong link For Aurawra. This is the correct link for them: https://t.me/AurawraUpdates/33

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Camp Tiny Paws is officially permanently closed.

https://twitter.com/CampTinyPaws/status/1410270707292987397

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To add on, the furcon will have its last digital edition Aug 13-15, over their originally planned physical event dates

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Thanks, up to this comment has been updated with this information. Will have to note to do a seperate article on the Camp Tiny Paws situation.

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Further Confusion is postponing its 2022 convention date among fears of rising cases of the Covid 19 variant Omicron (no future date has been determined yet): https://twitter.com/furcon/status/1479319429246701568

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Thanks, this will be its own article, if another wave of cancellations and postponements occur then they will occur on a new article.

This one has some outdated text and I think 2 years is a good cutting point.

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