First Convention Survival Guide: The 6-2-1 Rule & Beyond

Your first furry convention is going to be a sensory overload in the best way possible. But "Con Drop" and "Con Crud" are real, and they can ruin your week if you aren't prepared.

This guide covers the unspoken rules that veterans live by.

The Golden Law: 6-2-1

If you remember nothing else from this website, remember this ratio. It is non-negotiable.

6 Hours of Sleep

Not "resting your eyes" in the headless lounge. Actual sleep. In a bed. Fursuiting is heavy cardio. Walking the con floor is exhausting. If you don't sleep, your immune system crashes, and you will get sick.

2 Meals a Day

Pocky and energy drinks are not a meal. You need protein and carbs. A burger, a sandwich, even a decent salad. Your body is burning massive calories from excitement and movement. Fuel it properly.

1 Shower a Day

Please. With soap. Scrubbing. Conventions are crowded, hot spaces. Even if you "don't smell," you do. Be the person everyone wants to hug, not the person everyone steps away from.

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Safety First (Real Talk)

The "Drink" Rule

Never, ever leave your drink unattended. This applies to alcohol, water, soda—anything. If you put your cup down to take a photo, do not drink from it again. Buy a new one. It is not worth the risk.

• Pro Tip: Bring a reusable water bottle with a screw-top lid that you can clip to your belt.

"No" is a Complete Sentence

The furry community is hug-heavy, but you are never obligated to touch or be touched.

• If someone asks for a hug and you don't want to, a polite "No thank you, I'm just waving!" is perfectly acceptable.
• If someone makes you uncomfortable, walk away. Find a staff member or "Con Ops" (Convention Operations).

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Dealing with "PCD" (Post-Con Depression)

Nobody warns you about the Tuesday after the con. You've spent 4 days surrounded by friends, fun, and dopamine. Returning to work/school/normality causes a massive chemical crash in your brain.

Symptoms:

• Sadness / Lethargy
• Feeling lonely
• Irritability

The Cure:

1. Plan for it: Take the day off after the con if you can. Do not go straight back to work.
2. Connect Online: Hop into the con's Telegram or Discord chats. Everyone else is feeling it too.
3. Upload Photos: Reliving the memories helps transition back to reality.

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Etiquette 101

For Non-Suiters

• Do not glomp: Never tackle a suiter. They have limited vision and can fall easily.
• Ask for photos: "May I get a photo?" works wonders.
• Get on their level: If a suiter is kneeling to talk to a kid, wait until they stand up to ask for a photo.

For Suiters

• The "Magic" is optional, Safety isn't: If you are about to pass out, take your head off. Nobody cares about "ruining the magic" if you are having a medical emergency.
• Headless Lounge Protocol: Do not bring your non-suiter friends into the lounge unless they are your dedicated handler. It's a break room, not a social club.

Final Checklist

• ID: In your wallet.
• Cash: In small bills ($1s and $5s for tips).
• Meds: Ibuprofen, allergy meds, prescription meds.
• Hand Sanitizer: Use it every time you touch a door handle.
• Water Bottle: Hydrate or diedrate.

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Welcome to the fandom. You're going to love it.