Furry Weekend Atlanta FAQ
Furry Weekend Atlanta staffers get asked a lot of questions about the con. While we definitely encourage you to ask us any questions you may have concerning Furry Weekend Atlanta, we have put together this list of commonly asked questions – questions we receive on a frequent basis – as an aid for you in getting the information you need. Because of the volume of mail we receive, we do ask that you check this list first before contacting us with your questions.
Frequently asked questions about Furry Weekend Atlanta’s Artists’ Alley.
Frequently asked questions about Furry Weekend Atlanta’s Dealers’ Den
FAQ: Fursuiting, Pawpetry, and Variety Show
Frequently asked questions about fursuiting, puppetry, or
FWA’s Furries Got Talent?!.
Frequently asked questions about Furry Weekend Atlanta’s host hotel,
the Westin Peachtree Plaza.
FAQ: Photography, Videotaping, Media
Frequently asked questions about collecting media at Furry Weekend Atlanta.
Miscellaneous questions about Furry Weekend Atlanta.
Frequently asked questions about Furry Weekend Atlanta’s move.
Frequently asked questions about Furry Weekend Atlanta’s programming.
Frequently asked questions about registering for Furry Weekend Atlanta.
Frequently asked questions about Furry Weekend Atlanta’s security.
Frequently asked questions about traveling to Furry Weekend Atlanta.
Frequently asked questions about the parking situation in and around the Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel.
Frequently asked questions about volunteering at Furry Weekend Atlanta.
FAQ: Artists’ Alley
Will there be a sign up or lottery for Artists’ Alley? While we may implement a control method in the future, because Furry Weekend Atlanta is not responsible for sales and reporting we generally allow the Artists’ Alley to fill on a first-come, first-served basis.
Does Furry Weekend Atlanta provide a central register? No. Furry Weekend Atlanta only provides space; it is your responsibility to track your sales and taxes due.
What time does Artists’ Alley open and close? Subject to change, Artist Alley will be open from 3 PM to 3 AM on Thursday , 10 AM to 3 AM on Friday and Saturday, and 10 AM to 5 PM on Sunday.
Where may I draw when Artists’s Alley is closed? For those artists who find the Artists Alley hours just aren’t quite enough to satisfy their drawing needs, we will have a soft seating area available for use when Artists Alley is closed. We’ll post more details as soon as we know the final location!
Will power outlets be available in the alley? There will be no individual power outlets available for use. Even if you are sitting near one, you may not use it. However, there will be a communal power strip situated in the room where you may plug in small devices when you need to use them. You must remove the device when you are finished and free up the power plug. You may not use the power strip to recharge devices such as laptops. You may also not bring an external power source into the alley to use, such as a UPS battery backup.
Will artists be allowed to have a bag or luggage in the alley? Artists will be permitted to have one bag or other small luggage item in the alley provided that it does not obstruct walkways (both in front of and behind the tables) or emergency exits.
May I sleep in Artists’ Alley to keep my space? No!! If you are caught sleeping, you will be removed.
Can I just sell things out of my room? No. This is a violation of hotel policy, Furry Weekend Atlanta Policy, and State of Georgia laws. Sales must be limited to the Dealers’ Den / Artists’ Alley area.
What can I sell in the artist alley? You may sell only your work (such as artwork) or items that feature your work (such as comics, videos or CD’s). You may not sell items that were not made by you or are otherwise commercially available (such as food items).
Can I have display racks or small tables that sit on the floor next to my table? No. You are permitted a single 8.5 x 11 sign that must sit on top of your table.
Can I play music or a video at my table? Yes, as long as no complaints are lodged. Also, remember you may not plug the device into a power outlet. Any electronics used at your table must be battery-powered internally. If asked by the staff to turn it down, please do so. If not, it will be removed.
What about taxes? It is your responsibility to collect and file the appropriate tax paperwork and payment to the state of Georgia. Furry Weekend Atlanta does not track your sales and specifically disclaims responsibility for your tax liability – instead, we’ve arranged with the Georgia Department of Revenue to use a special Miscellaneous form, same as our dealers, to report sales tax that does NOT require artisans to have tax IDs. The form, Georgia Form FS-32 is exceptionally simple and should take less than 5 minutes at the end of the day to complete. Assistance will be available for those who need it. Artisans must, however, track their own sales. The tax rate is 8%.
FAQ: Dealers’ Den
Is there room available in the Dealers’ Den? Sorry, but the Dealers Den is no longer accepting new registrations for 2013. To be put on the waiting list, please email us at dealersden@furryweekend.com.
What can I sell in the dealer’s room? For the most part, we allow pretty much anything to be sold in the dealer’s room. One notable exception is pirated works. You must be legally be able to sell every item you have for sale. If questioned by the staff, it is up to the dealer to prove they can legally sell the item in question. Also, any mature items in your inventory must be hidden from view from minors (like behind the table) or be censored in such a way to conform to common decency standards. Finally, because of health and hotel concerns, we ask that homemade food not be sold in the dealer’s room. Pieces of mass market candy (like M&M’s) given away freely in a small candy dish or a small amount of packaged food (like boxes of Poki) as part of your full inventory is acceptable. The dealer room staff or executive staff of FWA has the final say on what can and can’t be sold. If asked to remove or censor an item, the dealer is required to do so. If you have any questions, please email us at dealersden@furryweekend.com.
Can I just sell things out of my room? No. This is a violation of hotel policy, Furry Weekend Atlanta Policy, and State of Georgia laws. Sales must be limited to the Dealers’ Den / Artists’ Alley area.
Are memberships included in the price of the dealer’s table? No memberships are included in the price of your dealer table. You must purchase a membership separate of a dealer’s table. You must have a membership to sell in the Dealers’ Den.
Is electricity available in the Dealers’ Den? The short answer is yes. However because of costs, we will be charging for electricity and to cut the number of spots that we have. Access to electricity will now cost $10 per dealer. Also, we are asking everyone to state why the need electricity. Electricity will not be given on a solely first come, first served basis. If you must have electricity to run your business, we want to make sure you can get it. So, it will be prioritized in that way. First, the people that must have to conduct business will be given access. Next the people that use it for a legitimate business activity will be given spots. Finally, if there are any left, it will be given to the rest of the people. You must request (and pay) for electricity up front. By February 1st, 2013 you will be notified if you got a powered spot. If you didn’t, you will get a refund of your power charge. If, after not getting power, you decide that you can’t sell, you will have up to February 15th, 2013 to get a full refund. To make life easier, we will offer, as we do in the artist alley, a communal power strip that can be used by anyone for legitimate business needs. You won’t be able to charge your phone or laptop on it, but if you need to scan or laminate something, it’ll be available. Please don’t lie to us to try to push your way up the list. If you request power and mis-state the reason why, it will affect you getting a table in the future with us.
Is wireless internet available in the Dealers’ Den?Yes. Furry Weekend Atlanta is planning on providing limited wireless capability in the dealers’ den. As always, we are not and can not be held responsible for access or speed of the internet.
Where is my table located? Because we don’t assign tables “on the fly” – we wait to make sure we can satisfy all the requests – we can’t give you a precise location of your table until one week before the convention.
I need some extra space for displays, wall space or to sit by another dealer. Is that possible? When you register for your table, there will be space for you to make these requests. Please note that requests are filled in a first come, first served basis as much as possible.
I want to share my table with someone. Is that okay? Once you purchase a table, you may subdivide it however you like. However, remember that only 2 people can be behind a single table at a time.
I don’t have the money right now. Can you hold me a table and I’ll pay on date x? We’re sorry but we cannot. Payment is due when reserving your table.
Can I have display racks or small tables that sit on the floor next to my table? Because of space limitations, there are only a few positions in the Dealers’ Den that this is allowed. Please advise us when you sign up for a table that you will want one of those spaces. If you don’t receive one of those spaces, these display items may be asked to be removed by the Dealers’ Den staff if they pose a safety hazard or clog a walkway.
Can I play music or a video at my table? Yes, as long as no complaints are lodged. If asked by the staff to turn it down, please do so. If not, it will be removed.
What about taxes? It is your responsibility to collect and file the appropriate tax paperwork and payment to the state of Georgia. We’ve arranged with the Georgia Department of Revenue to use a special Miscellaneous form, same as our dealers, to report sales tax that does NOT require artisans to have tax IDs. The form, Georgia Form FS-32 is exceptionally simple and should take less than 5 minutes at the end of the day to complete. Assistance will be available for those who need it. Artisans must, however, track their own sales. The tax rate is 8%.
FAQ: Fursuiting, Pawpetry, and Variety Show
Can I wear my fursuit at the convention and around the convention hotel? Absolutely! We not only allow fursuits at the con, we highly encourage and welcome them. That said, please do exercise caution in wearing your fursuit to any place outside of the hotel (see the Local Area Guide for full details about this.
Can I bring my puppets/pawpets to the convention and carry them around with me? Absolutely! Please feel free to bring all of your puppet friends with you if you would like.
What activities, panels, and events will be available for fursuiters? Check out our Fursuiting Page for full details on all of our fursuit activities.
Who can be a part of “Furries got Talent?!” Anyone who has a talent they’d like to show off is welcome to be a part of our show – the more the merrier we like to say! All you need to do is to prepare your act, grab the sign-up form, and show up at the rehearsal session. All acts must go through rehearsal and check in with the show director to be included in the show.
Is this or that appropriate attire for my fursuit? If you’d wear it out in public, you should be able to wear it on the con floor. If you’re unsure, please ask someone, or don’t wear it. Security will ask you to change if they feel it’s indecent. This goes for any clothes, not just on fursuits.
FAQ: Hotel
What is the address of the hotel? The hotel is located at:
-
210 Peachtree Street
Atlanta, GA 30303
You can find information on how to reach the hotel on the Travel Pages.
How many people can we put in a room? In accordance with the fire marshal restrictions, the hotel doesn’t like to see more than four people staying in a room. A room should never have more people than it can comfortably sleep.
What is the minimum age to rent a hotel room? The hotel has informed us that the minimum age to rent is 18. If you are under the age of 18, you will be required to have a parent of legal guardian check you into the hotel. Furry Weekend Atlanta is not able to provide you with sleeping space or cosign on a room with you.
I’m under 18. Can Furry Weekend Atlanta cosign on a room with me or get me a room? No. See above. We cannot assume liability for your room.
Does the hotel have high-speed internet? Yes, the hotel has high-speed wireless Internet available for a small charge. Furry Weekend Atlanta will also be providing limited, free wireless on the convention floor.
Are cheaper accommodations available? Furry Weekend Atlanta cannot recommend any hotel other than the Westin Peachtree Plaza. While there are other hotels in the vicinity, we ask that you stay in the convention hotel because the very financial future of the convention is dependent on us booking a certain number of rooms. Plus, you’ll have a much more pleasant experience if you stay at the convention hotel – you’re just minutes from the action!
Can I bring my pet? Yes. However, please keep in mind that pets are prohibited in areas controlled by Furry Weekend Atlanta (including the convention floor and the convention suites).
Is there a charge for parking? There is a charge for vehicles parked in the hotel parking lot with in and out privileges. More details on parking options will be posted as the convention nears.
I have a large vehicle (recreational vehicle, motorcoach, bus, tractor trailer). Will the hotel be able to accommodate me? The hotel itself has no parking for large vehicles that will not fit in the hotel parking garage. There are several open-air lots within walking distance of the hotel. We will be posting information about this closer to the convention.
What about elevators? Security will be enforcing max limits on the elevators. There are a number of elevators, split equally for the top half of the hotel and the bottom half of the hotel. They are computer controlled to ensure that they are as fast and efficient as possible.
Does Furry Weekend Atlanta have a “quiet” floor or other area where there will be no parties? At the present time, there has not been enough demand for such a space. However, this may change in the future.
Where can we get food? There are over 50 restaurants within a 3-block area of the hotel, and more than 100 within a one mile area. For additional options, please see our Local Business Guide.
Can I pay for my hotel room in cash? Yes, you can. However, Furry Weekend Atlanta recommends that you do not do this. There are some issues with this that you should be aware of.
If you are going to pay in cash, be aware that the hotel has the right to, and most likely will, request a deposit when you check in to cover any incidental charges (telephone usage, room service, etc) made to the room over the course of your stay. This is a standard practice at most major hotel chains worldwide. This requested deposit could be quite large and may be up to and including two (2) nights at the room rate, but may be more or less.
If you wish to pay with cash, Furry Weekend Atlanta recommends that you use a credit card to secure the deposit on the room when you check in, and then pay the full balance in cash on checkout. That removes the need to pay the cash deposit before being allowed to check in.
I don’t have a credit card. Is there another alternative besides cash? Yes. Many people don’t realize that you can get pre-paid debit cards at places like Walmart for a low fee, and work just like credit cards.
I don’t have a credit card. Can Furry Weekend Atlanta “hold” a room/pay for me and I pay the con back? Sorry, but we are unable to do this for the reason listed above under Furry Weekend Atlanta cosigning. We would be assuming liability for your actions and any damages to the room.
If I make a reservation with a debit card, will it be charged immediately? The short answer is no.
The longer answer is that, when making a reservation, the hotel will “authorize” your card, usually by charging a small amount to it (usually $1.00) and immediately refunding it. This will hold your hotel room for you. When you check in, a hold will be put on your card for the full amount of the room plus a certain additional amount to cover any incidentals (telephone calls, etc). This money will not be available to you until you check out, when the hotel removes the hold and the actual costs are charged to your room.
For this reason, Furry Weekend Atlanta recommends that you not use a debit card when booking a hotel room.
I don’t have a credit or debit card. Can I still reserve a room? Yes! Call the hotel when making your reservation and ask them to list your room as “deposit pending.”
However, the downside of this is that, when the hotel sells out, they begin “bumping” deposit pending reservations in favor of people who do have a credit or debit card. So, you’re running a risk by doing this, but it can be done.
Where is a good place to meet people? The Westin is a very large hotel, so it can be a bit overwhelming. There’s plenty of spots to ‘hang out’ on the con floor, and we’ll have tables, sofas and other things spread out for people to gather.
I heard the hotel is non-smoking. Is that true? The hotel is 100% smoke free – this includes the restaurant, bar, and all guest rooms. The hotel has also asked us to tell our attendees not to smoke outside the main entrance as it is a heavily trafficked area.
I’m having problems with someone at the hotel. Who can I contact? You can contact our hotel liaison at hotel@furryweekend.com.
FAQ: Photography, Videotaping, Media
Is photograpy allowed? It’s more than allowed – it’s encouraged!
What if I do not want to be photographed? You can ask that the person not take your photograph or simply walk away.
Will videotaping be allowed? Videotaping for PERSONAL USE will, of course, be permitted. However, videotaping for any commercial or revenue project will not be permitted at Furry Weekend Atlanta without the consent and accompaniment of the staff.
How may I distribute photographs and audio/video recordings that I made at the con? Please see the FWA Audio/Video Recording Policy for full details on this.
I am a member of the media. Can I cover this event? Please visit the Press & Media Page for more information.
FAQ: Miscellaneous
What is the Furry Weekend Atlanta room party policy? It is the policy of Furry Weekend Atlanta that what goes on in the privacy of a hotel room is not of the convention’s concern. However, we do ask that room parties be kept to a reasonable size (remember fire marshal restrictions) and that all noise be kept at a reasonable volume. Hotel security WILL break up parties that receive complaints. However, if Furry Weekend security personnel have reason to believe that illegal activities or activities that could threaten the welfare of the convention are taking place at a room party, they have a duty and a responsibility to act to ensure the safety of the convention and its attendees.
I want to be on staff! What do I do? First, you have to understand that being on staff at Furry Weekend Atlanta is a full-time commitment, entailing 8-12 hours of work a day. Furry Weekend Atlanta gives heavy preference to people who have attended at least one year and have volunteered with the con at least a little bit. For more information on staffing at Furry Weekend Atlanta, please visit our staff page, here.
Can I bring my pet to Furry Weekend Atlanta? While we all love animals and want them to be part of our lives, for the safety of all attendees we must ask that pets not be brought into the convention area. Exceptions are made for working service animals and animals that may be part of presentations that have been cleared with Furry Weekend Atlanta.
Do I need a fursuit to attend? No! It is a common misconception that everyone who attends an anthropomorphic or “furry” convention wears a fursuit. Only a small percentage of our attendees – somewhere between 10% and 15% – attend Furry Weekend Atlanta with a fursuit, and even fewer are in suit at any given time. Most attendees are just everyday people interested in anthropomorphics.
FAQ: Our Move
Why did Furry Weekend Atlanta move hotels? The time we’ve spent at the Sheraton has been wonderful and we enjoyed how excited the staff was to host us. (We’re even excited to hear that some of the Sheraton staff will be joining us as attendees of the convention this year!) As each year has passed, the convention has continued to grow. Once again had to make the move to a larger hotel. Given the size of the Westin, we anticipate being able to stay for at least the next few years!
We surveyed properties all over the metro Atlanta area, from Marietta to Peachtree City. Hotels north of town were ruled out as being too expensive, inconvenient and generally unsuitable to a convention of our type. This left the downtown hotels as being our best option to continue to grow the con.
Why did Furry Weekend Atlanta choose the Westin? The Westin is a wonderful hotel, and and has made a concerted effort to win our business. They are also one of the (several) hotels that hosts Dragon*Con, so they have experience with large fandom conventions. We thought the space, price, privacy, and amenities were the best choice for this point in FWA’s growth!
What does Furry Weekend Atlanta’s move to the Westin mean for me? Furry Weekend Atlanta is very excited by this opportunity because it means:
- Recently renovated rooms
- Iconic Atlanta Hotel with an amazing revolving restaurant at the top!
- 50 restaurants within a 3-block area of the hotel. These range from fast food and buffets to 5-star restaurants with a view to die for. And if you go further out, there are over 100 restaurants within a 1-mile radius.
- Easy to get to. The hotel is located right off the Interstate, and is a two block walk from the Peachtree Center MARTA station. While we would encourage our guests who are not driving in to take advantage of MARTA, we will also have shuttle bus information available to those coming from the airport who wish it. It is basically in the middle of everything.
FAQ: Programming
I have an awesome idea for programming that I’d like to help with. Who can I talk to? Please e-mail programming@furryweekend.com with your proposal.
What kind of programming will be available at Furry Weekend Atlanta? We will have a wide range of programs to appeal to as many interests as we can without overextending ourselves.
How can I be a panelist? Please e-mail our Director of Programming at programming@furryweekend.com with your suggestion.
Can I use space in the convention area for a private function? While Furry Weekend Atlanta has in the past occasionally allowed this, we can no longer do so. Sorry, but liability and space constraints prohibit us from offering this.
FAQ: Registration
What forms of payment are accepted? For preregistration, we will accept Visa, Mastercard, and Discover via our online registration. We will not be accepting mail-in registration payments this year. We will accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, cash, personal checks, money orders, and traveler’s check for payments at the door.
What if my check bounces? We understand that these things happen sometimes, however we will be required to charge you a $30 bounced-check fee, as this is what our bank charges us. You will be given every opportunity to settle the debt, but your membership will be revoked until the debt is settled.
If you have not made arrangements with Furry Weekend Atlanta to settle the debt and bounced-check fee within 30 days of being notified of the bounced check, we are required by law to report the check to the local authorities. Please don’t make us do this. Bouncing a check is illegal in Georgia, and could subject you to penalties of up to $5,000 and/or three years imprisonment.
What do I need to check in if I’m preregistered? You will need valid identification. See the section below on what types of identification are acceptable.
Will I get any kind of “ticket” or membership information in the mail? Nothing will be mailed to you in regards to your membership. To claim your badge, take your photo ID to registration where the staff will print your badge and check you in.
What forms of identification are acceptable? Furry Weekend Atlanta must be able to verify your identity, name, and age. A primary identification will contain your photo, legal name and birth date and be issued by a state or national government. Examples of a primary identification are a driver’s license or state identification card, passport, military identification, or national identification card (for international guests).
Secondary identifications are forms of ID that don’t contain all of the above information or are not issued by a state or national government. While they alone are not solely acceptable for identification to Furry Weekend Atlanta staff, using multiple types of secondary identification is permitted. Examples of secondary identification include school IDs, work IDs, union membership cards, birth certificates, social security cards, health insurance cards, check stubs, or W2 forms.
If you are attempting to use secondary identifications to enter Furry Weekend Atlanta, you must be able to provide photo identity, name, and age. All your forms of secondary identification must match and at least one must be issued by a state or national government.
What if I don’t have a photo ID? Then you will need to get one before coming to Furry Weekend Atlanta. Contact your local DMV about obtaining a Photo Identification – many states offer these. No one will be admitted to Furry Weekend Atlanta without showing valid government-issued identification.
What do I need to register at the door? You will need valid identification. See the section above on what types of identification are acceptable. You will also need a form of payment. We will accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, cash, personal checks, money orders, and traveler’s check for payments at the door. There is an ATM in the hotel lobby. Please note that purchase of God Level memberships at the door is no longer possible.
What if I’m under 18? Furry Weekend Atlanta welcomes attendees of all ages. However, past experiences have forced us to require that a signed, notarized parental permission form (available in DOC, and PDF) be on file with us for all attendees under the age of 18. After registering, you can either mail it to us or bring it with you to check in. NO ATTENDEES UNDER 18 WILL BE ADMITTED WITHOUT PARENTAL PERMISSION ON FILE OR A PARENT OR GUARDIAN AT REGISTRATION WITH THEM. NO EXCEPTIONS.
What if I’m under 18 now, but will turn 18 before the convention. Do I need a parental permission form? As long as you are 18 years of age as of Opening Ceremonies, you will not need a parental permission form.
What if I’m under 18 now, but I turn 18 at the convention? Do I need a parental permission? Can I get a non-minor badge on x day? Because you are not 18 as of opening ceremonies, you are still required to have parental permission on file with Furry Weekend Atlanta. Even if you turn 18 during the convention, we will be unable to print you an additional badge for security reasons.
What if I’m under 13? Due to COPPA restrictions, minors under 13 cannot be registered on the website and must register in person on the day of the convention. No one under the age of 13 will be admitted without the presence of a chaperon. Additionally, signed, notarized parental permission (available in DOC, PDF) must be on file.
Can my brother/sister/uncle/friend sign my permission form? No. Your permission for must be signed by your parents or your legal guardian. Furry Weekend Atlanta reserves the right to (and often does) contact the person listed on your permission form and verify the information provided.
Do I still need a permission form if I’m under 18 and coming from an international country? Even if I’m considered of legal age in my home country? Yes. All persons under 18 at Furry Weekend Atlanta must have parental permission on file with us. Furry Weekend Atlanta has a special International Minor Permission Form (available in DOC and PDF). This form still must be notarized by the equivalent of a public notary in your country.
Do I still need a permission form if my parents will be with me at registration? No. We will have permission forms available at registration, and your parent may sign the form in witness of Furry Weekend Atlanta at registration in lieu of having the form notarized.
I had to have a parental permission form last year and I will still be under 18 this year. Do I have to get the form signed again? Yes. Forms are valid for one year.
Where can I find a “Notary Public?” Check your local phone book under Notary Publics. Many law offices also have a notary public on staff, and many Fedex-Kinkos locations around the country can also provide notary services. You can also check your local city hall or courthouse. If you are in a different country, you may check under Commissioner for Oaths. As a last resort, US Consular Services in many nations can provide notary service.
I lost my permission form or photo ID on the way to the convention. Can you just let me in? Sorry. We hear this one every year, and it won’t work. Do not come to Furry Weekend Atlanta unless you are prepared to show valid identification.
I don’t have an ID, and I can’t get one before the con for x reason. Can you just let me in? See above.
I will be unable to attend Furry Weekend Atlanta. Can I get a refund? Please direct refund requests to registration@furryweekend.com before the closing of pre-registration. After pre-registration closes on February 24th, 2013, we will be unable to issue any refunds.
Didn’t you used to issue credits? For tax reasons, we can no longer issue credits for future years. You are entitled to a full refund before the closing of pre-registration. After pre-registration on February 24th, 2013, we will be unable to issue any refunds.
I purchased a membership to Furry Weekend Atlanta but I won’t be able to make it. Can I give my membership to x? Sorry, but memberships to Furry Weekend Atlanta are non-transferrable. You are entitled to a full refund before the closing of pre-registration. After pre-registration closes on February 24th, 2013, we will be unable to issue any refunds.
Can I upgrade my membership now? Absolutely! Just log in to your profile at MyFWA.com and upgrade your membership, or you can upgrade at the door! If you would like to upgrade to a God Level membership, this must be done before the pre-registration period closes on February 24th, 2013.
Can I upgrade my membership at the door? SURE! We will gladly allow upgrades for preregistered members. However, please be aware that upgrades from pre-registered memberships occur at at-the-door prices. Please note that it is no longer possible to upgrade to a God Level membership at the door.
I want to volunteer with registration. How do I help? Furry Weekend Atlanta policy prohibits volunteers from working in any position where they handle money. However, there are may jobs in registration – such as manning the badge printing station, controlling lines or helping in the convention store – that do not involve handling money. Please contact our volunteer coordinator at volunteering@furryweekend.com for more info on lending a paw.
I can only make it to the convention on x. Will One Day memberships be available? Yes, one day memberships are available. Please see the Registration page for more information.
What is a “Legacy” membership, and how do I buy one? Legacy memberships are Furry Weekend Atlanta’s way of saying thank you to our attendees. Members who attended Furry Weekend Atlanta are eligible to purchase a Legacy Membership to the following year at a discount from the pre-registered and at the door prices if they purchase it at the convention. Legacy Memberships may be purchased at any time during the convention.
I paid by check; why hasn’t my check cleared yet? We process checks received in batches since we must drive to the other side of town to deposit them. Processing time may vary from anywhere between a few days to a month or more. However, all received registrations are entered into our system as having been paid as soon as they are received.
Why did the prices go up? Mostly, because expenses went up. Our convention expenses more than doubled at the new property and, in order to continue to provide the level of service you have come to expect from Furry Weekend Atlanta, we must make an adjustment to the membership prices so that we can continue to operate as a business.
Payments made to a 501(c)(3) organization are deductible as a charitable contribution for taxpayers who are itemizing their deductions on their U.S. federal income tax return, but only to the extent that the amount paid exceeds the fair market value of the benefits received in exchange for the payment. We have already subtracted the value of the benefits received at each membership level from the respective prices to arrive at the tax deductible amounts.
I can’t remember if I registered. Can you tell me? You can always log in to MyFWA.com to see if you have made a profile, and check to see if you have registered for a membership, or contact registration@furryweekend.com with your legal name and e-mail address.
Can you tell me if my friend x has registered for the convention? Sorry, but we are unable to disclose the details of who has and hasn’t registered for the convention. To do so would be a violation of privacy.
I lost my badge. Can you print me another one? Because people have attempted to scam us in the past, we must now ask that all attendees with lost or stolen badge pay a fee to replace their badges. Furry Weekend Atlanta may issue a single replacement badge to an individual at a cost of $10.00. However, we reserve the right to request that you purchase an additional badge at full cost to replace the lost or stolen badge.
Can I get another badge for my fursuit? Generally speaking, no, unless you are willing to purchase an additional membership for your fursuit at full price. Furry Weekend Atlanta does not allow multiple badges; see above.
FAQ: Security
I know of a potential security risk. Who can I talk to about this? Please e-mail security@furryweekend.com. At the con, speak to anyone on the security staff or one of the board members as soon as possible. If you can’t find a security staffer or a board member, then do not hesitate to talk to any staff member and get him/her to locate someone who can handle the situation.
Keep in mind that Furry Weekend Atlanta cannot “ban” someone from the convention just because you don’t like them, because they make you uncomfortable, or because they wronged you personally at some time in the past. We must be presented with specific evidence in support of revoking membership privileges, which usually must involve Furry Weekend Atlanta itself, or with some type of legal document (such as a restraining order).
How is security being handled at Furry Weekend Atlanta? Security is being handled in house by our staff. We have two tiers of security. Animal control will monitor badges / access, be available for questions, and be a leason to security. Security will be dressed up in suit and tie, and there will always be a member of security on duty.
What is Furry Weekend Atlanta’s policy on weapons? In order to avoid alarming anyone, Furry Weekend Atlanta is not going to allow any weapons – real or artificial – on the convention floor. Exceptions can be made for skits and costumes, but will need to be handled through security. If it looks like a weapon or could be easily mistaken for a weapon, we don’t want to see it on the convention floor.
What about water guns and silly string? Please leave these at home. These are potentially harmful to both the hotel as well as our fursuiters (for those who don’t know, fursuits can cost over $1,000 each), and there are plenty of other ways to have fun at the convention without having to bring these items.
I’m worried about someone threatening me at the convention? Security at the convention is designed to keep the attendees safe and everyone happy, but they can not act as your personal body guards. If you are merely concerned about a particular person, we suggest you avoid that person as much as possible. If you are directly threatened by a person (verbal attack, attempted physical attack, inappropriate physical contact, etc.), contact security to report the incident and they will advise you on what can be done about your particular situation.
If you see someone doing things that don’t seem right (especially anything in violation of convention rules or city/state laws), notify security immediately and let them deal with the situation. Anyone violating convention rules or city/state laws will be dealt with appropriately, which could include revoking membership privileges or being handed over to local law enforcement if necessary.
FAQ: Travel
What airport should I arrive into? You’ll want to fly to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
Where can I find cheap airfare? Atlanta is a hub for Delta Air Lines and Airtran Airlines, so both of those should have reasonable prices to and from ATL. Farecast is also a very good resource for hunting down good airfares.
What is the minimum age to rent a car? Rules vary between companies. Most require a valid, insured driver to be 25 years old, though some will allow 21-year-olds to rent. Check with your car company for more information.
I am coming from another country. What should I know about traveling to the United States? Please understand that, following the events of September 11, 2001, the transportation system in the United States is very sensitive to foreign visitors. This does not mean that foreign visitors are unwelcome, but that there are extra hoops they must jump through. Please follow all guidelines and instructions to the letter. Be prepared with at least three forms of current identification and full details about your travel plans including how you plan to get to your location and full contact information.
Under no circumstances are you to joke, AT ALL, with security or anyone else in a security zone or checkpoint area. Certain words, such as bomb, gun, fire, or other related words, will set off alarm bells with security people. Finish the humor before you get to the security area. If you listen carefully to what a security person tells you and do exactly as you are told, you should have no problems.
The United States has visa agreements with certain countries in addition to our neighboring countries of Canada and Mexico. The state department has set up a list of countries with which these agreements are valid. If your country is not on that list, you will probably need a visa. If you are not sure, contact your airline or a travel agent; they should be able to assist you.
Remember that all international visitors must get an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) before traveling to the United States. Visit the Department of Homeland Security for more information.
Be sure to check out our International Visitors page!
I need sponsorship to come into the country. Can Furry Weekend Atlanta sponsor me? No. Furry Weekend Atlanta cannot take legal responsibility for sponsoring international attendees. We suggest you speak with a travel agent in your home country; often, they have resources that can get you sponsored to enter the United States.
FAQ: Parking
Because of our location in downtown Atlanta, parking is not as simple as it has been in the past. However, for that same reason, you have a number of options when it comes to parking near the Westin Peachtree Plaza.
The Hotel Parking Garage
The most obvious parking solution is in the hotel’s parking garage. Details on the parking pricing will be available when the convention is near.
Peachtree Center
The Peachtree Center Mall parking garage is just down the street from the Westin. While this may be a good option for a day of parking, you should probably not park here more than a day at a time.
Across the street from the main Peachtree Center parking garage, there is another open-air parking lot, directly diagonal from the Hilton Atlanta on the corner of Harris and Courtland Streets. Again, as with the Peachtree Center parking garage, this is meant for shoppers to the mall and should probably not be utilized for the entire weekend.
MARTA
We would be remiss if we did not again mention using MARTA. If you live in the Atlanta area and are coming to the con, we would urge you to make use of MARTA and not to drive downtown to the Westin. The Westin is located near Peachtree Center MARTA station. Please, save the parking spaces for people coming from out of town.
Additionally, there is free daily and cheap long-term parking available at many MARTA stations! A full list of stations that have parking is available here. These prices range from $4 to $7 per day so, if you are traveling light, looking to save some money and not opposed to being a few miles away from your car, you may consider parking it and taking the train in.
FAQ: Volunteering
Does Furry Weekend Atlanta need volunteers? Absolutely!
How can I volunteer? Thank you! Furry Weekend is always looking for volunteers to help out around the convention. Check out our Volunteering page for full details on how to sign up. A volunteer table will also be set up at the convention.
Can I volunteer for a specific function? All of our volunteer needs are being coordinated through our volunteer coordinator. Check out our Volunteering page and then e-mail volunteering@furryweekend.com with your request.