Gateway FurMeet (GFM) is a fall convention held at the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark in downtown St. Louis, Missouri. After relocating from a suburban spring format to an October downtown slot, it drew 1,288 attendees in 2025 and raised over $19,000 for Friends of the Pet Adoption Center. The convention celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2026.
GFM's strategy shift paid off. By moving their event into October at the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark, the convention saw a near-31% jump in attendance.
The new downtown location enhances the convention experience, giving attendees walkable access to dining and nightlife in St. Louis.
Building on this momentum, GFM returns to the Hilton on October 16-18, 2026. The October timing lets them lean into the crisp atmosphere of the Halloween season, creating a distinct vibe from the summer convention rush while raising funds for groups like the Friends of the Pet Adoption Center.
Historical data and growth track record
| Year | Dates | Theme | Attendance | Charity Raised | Guest(s) of Honor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2027 | TBA | TBA | TBA | TBA | None Announced |
2026 | Oct 16-18 | 10th Birthday! | TBA | TBA | None Announced |
2025 | Oct 3-5 | Magical Menagerie | 1,288 | $19,254.74(Friends of the Pet Adoption Center) | Savaj |
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