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.

Having trouble finding the page you’re looking for on the website? You can find a complete SITEMAP to help you find a specific page.

FAQ: Artist Alley

Frequently asked questions about Furry Weekend Atlanta’s Artist Alley.

FAQ: Dealers Den

Frequently asked questions about Furry Weekend Atlanta’s Dealers Den

FAQ: Fursuiting, etc

Frequently asked questions about fursuiting and furry related activities.

FAQ: Hotel

Frequently asked questions about Furry Weekend Atlanta’s host hotel, the Marriott Marquis.

FAQ: Photography, Videotaping, Media

Frequently asked questions about collecting media at Furry Weekend Atlanta.

FAQ: Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous questions about Furry Weekend Atlanta.

FAQ: Programming

Frequently asked questions about Furry Weekend Atlanta’s programming.

FAQ: Registration

Frequently asked questions about registering for Furry Weekend Atlanta.

FAQ: Wristbands

Frequently asked questions about Wristbands.

FAQ: Safety

Frequently asked questions about Furry Weekend Atlanta’s safety.

FAQ: Travel

Frequently asked questions about traveling to Furry Weekend Atlanta.

FAQ: Parking

Frequently asked questions about the parking situation in and around the Marriott Marquis.

FAQ: Volunteering

Frequently asked questions about volunteering at Furry Weekend Atlanta.

FAQ: Video Game Room (VGR)

Frequently asked questions about the Video Game Room (VGR) at Furry Weekend Atlanta.

Artist Alley

What time does Artist Alley open and close?

The Artists Alley will have the same opening hours as the rest of the general Vendor Hall : Friday 10am-6pm, Saturday 10am-6pm, and Sunday 10am-5pm

Dealers Den

Is there room available in the Dealers Den?

Check the Dealers Den Page for more information and updates on the status of the Dealers Den.

Fursuiting, etc.

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.

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.

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. Safety will ask you to change if they feel it’s indecent. This goes for any clothes, not just on fursuits.

Hotel

How can I get a hotel deposit refund for FWA 2020?

The Atlanta Marriott Marquis has agreed to refund the room deposit for bookings made in our 2020 room block. We are working with the hotel and will provide further details as soon as possible.

What is the address of the hotel?

The hotel is located at:

265 Peachtree Center Ave
Atlanta, GA 30303
United States of America

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.

Where can I find people to share a room with?

Although we no longer host forums, we have a Facebook group just for posting about room and ride shares. There is also a site that hosts forums for each convention, ConRoomies. They put up the site for each con about 4 months before the convention. Furry Weekend Atlanta cannot vouch for the suitability of any site or matches. Each person should ask for references and use their best judgement. Make sure you know some of their friends and ask around before agreeing to a room or ride share.

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.

Can I ship stuff to and from the hotel?

Yes, through the onsite FedEx.  Detailed information on shipping stuff and from the hotel is available here. The hours and services available are outlined on the FedEx location webpage.  There are charges that vary by weight as well handling and storage fees. You can also contact the FedEx shipping center at (404) 586-6190.

Are cheaper accommodations available?

Furry Weekend Atlanta cannot recommend any hotel other than the Marriott Marquis. 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?

No. pets are not permitted. Service animals are permitted as required by law. Questions about this should be directed to the Marriott Marquis.

Is there a charge for parking?

There is a charge for vehicles parked in the hotel parking lot. More details on parking options will be posted as the convention nears on the parking page.

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.

What about elevators?

There are 18 elevators that cover the 47 floors in a staggered fashion.

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?

The hotel is directly connected via sky bridge to the Peachtree Center Mall food court (it is literally about 200 yards from the convention floor). There are over 50 restaurants within a 3-block area of the hotel, and more than 100 within a one mile area.

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?

Yes it will be charged for 1 night.

When making a reservation, the hotel will charge one full night, plus possibly more to cover incidentals (telephone calls, etc) This money is taken immediately out of your account. If you do get a refund, it will be given back to you, but generally take a week or two for processing. Also once you check in, they will place a hold on the card for the full amount of the room, plus additional for incidentals, and this money will not be available to you until you check out, when the hotel removes the hold and the actual costs are then charged to your room.

For this reason, Furry Weekend Atlanta recommends that you do not use a Debit Card when booking a hotel room.

Where is a good place to meet people?

The Marriott is a very large hotel, so it can be a bit overwhelming. There’s plenty of spots to ‘hang out’ on the con floors, 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 can’t afford a hotel room. Can I just crash somewhere in con space?

No. Hotel and Furry Weekend Atlanta policies prohibit sleeping in the convention space. If you are caught sleeping in convention space, you will be asked to move along. If you are caught again you risk being asked to leave the hotel.

I can’t afford a hotel room. Can I just stay up the whole time?

You would be exceedingly unwise to do this.

I can’t afford a hotel room. Can I sleep in my car?

Again, you would be exceedingly unwise to do this. The hotel itself will not allow people to sleep in cars, and many of the surrounding parking garages and surface lots have similar policies. You run the risk of being asked to leave.

Okay, then, what should I do if I can’t afford a hotel room?

Get roommates! By splitting a room with 3 other people, you cut the cost down to 1/4 of a full cost room. You’ll also have a chance to get to know some other people who may become lifelong friends!

I’m having problems with someone at the hotel. Who can I contact?

You can contact our hotel liaison at [email protected].

Photography, Videotaping, Media

Is photography allowed?

Photography for personal use is more than allowed – it’s encouraged!

However, if you are planning on shooting pictures for any commercial or media project, your use falls under Furry Weekend Atlanta’s Media Access Policy, and must be cleared by our staff.

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 is encouraged!

However, videotaping for any commercial or revenue project will fall under Furry Weekend Atlanta’s Media Access Policy, and must be cleared by our staff.

How may I distribute photographs and audio/video recordings that I made at the con?

As long as they were shot for personal use, you may distribute them in any way you see fit.

However, if your use is commercial or revenue, your project falls under Furry Weekend Atlanta’s Media Access Policy, and must be cleared by our staff.

Generally speaking, if you are making any money by being at Furry Weekend Atlanta and by shooting photos or video, you need a press pass.

It should be understood that Furry Weekend Atlanta, Inc. retains the trademarks to, and reserves the right to determine the appropriate use of, the name “Furry Weekend Atlanta.”

I am a member of the media. Can I cover this event?

Please visit the Press & Media Page for more information.

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. Pets (again, excluding service animals) are not permitted in the hotel as well.


Programming

I have an awesome idea for programming that I’d like to help with. Who can I talk to?

Please e-mail [email protected] 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 [email protected] with your suggestion.

I want to propose to my boyfriend/girlfriend/mate at the convention. Can you help?

First, congratulations!

While in the past our policy has been a blanket “no” to these requests, we now ask instead that you contact us and tell us your idea. While we can’t make any promises, often we will try to help provided it is done in such a way as that it minimizes the commitment of our staff and disruption to the convention. Anything that adds a little bit more joy to the world is a good thing.

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 our hotel agreements and liability insurance no longer permit us to sublease space.

Registration

What hours will Registration be open?

Please see our app for current Registration hours. The app is available for AndroidiOS (FWA: Furry U).

You can purchase your membership online at any time prior to your arrival at the convention by choosing Register Now on our home page.

If you opted to have your wristband mailed to you, please follow the signage for Mailed Wristband in the Registration area on the International Level of the Marriott Marquis.

If you need to pickup your wristband at Registration, follow the signage for Registration, depending on your membership level.

What forms of payment are accepted for registering online?

For pre-registration, we will accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express via our online registration. We do not accept mail-in registrations or mail-in payments. We will accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express for payments at the door.

I don’t have a credit card, but I want to pre-register. What can I do?

You can purchase pre-paid debit cards at many grocery stores, pharmacies, and other locations. These can be used to pay for your registration.

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?

Unless you opted into having your wristband mailed, nothing will be mailed to you in regards to your membership. To claim your wristband, take your photo ID to registration where the staff will give you your wristband 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 for little or no charge.

If you simply cannot acquire a government-issued photo identification, bring as much identification as you can. Birth certificates, utility bills, school IDs. Please, help us help you.

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, American Express for payments at the door. There is an ATM in the hotel lobby – but it often runs out of money over the course of the weekend so please don’t rely on that as your sole funding source.

Please note that purchase of Gold Level memberships at the door will be very limited.

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, 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 issue you an additional wristband 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, with a parent or legal guardian present to chaperone you. No one under the age of 13 will be admitted without the presence of a chaperone, who must accompany the minor at all times. Additionally, a signed parental permission (available in DOCPDF) must be on file. We will have these available for your parent or guardian to sign at registration

Can my brother/sister/uncle/friend sign my permission form?

Only if your brother/sister/uncle/friend is your legal guardian.

Your permission form 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, so please don’t try to pull anything funny on us.

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. Furry Weekend Atlanta operates under the laws of the United States of America, the State of Georgia, and the City of Atlanta. Regardless of what legal age is considered in your home country, we are bound to follow our laws.

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, or signed by your parent or guardian at Registration once you arrive.

I really want to come, but my parent/guardian won’t sign the permission form. Can I just show up?

No. Every attendee is required to present identification that verifies age, and each attendee under the age of 18 as of the first day of the convention must have a signed permission form. Those who cannot do this will be turned away. Why not invite your parents to come with you? We have many families that attend the convention each year and have a great time together. This may be a good chance to introduce your parents to the fandom!

Do I still need a permission form if my parents will be with me at registration?

Yes. 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 in advance.

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 the convention year in which they are signed.

Where can I find a “Notary Public?”

Search online under Notary Public. Many law offices also have a notary public on staff, and many FedEx Office 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, no. 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 and, if under 18, a signed and notarized parental permission form.

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. Pretty much anything that ends in “can you just let me in,” the answer is more than likely no.

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 end of March in the convention year. After that date, 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 Gold Level membership, they are limited and will likely be unavailable once they reach their cap. Upgrading to Gold Level may not be available at the convention.

Can I upgrade my membership at the door?

SURE! We will gladly allow upgrades for pre-registered members. However, please be aware that upgrades from pre-registered memberships occur at at-the-door prices. Please note that it may not be possible to upgrade to a Gold Level membership at the door.

I want to volunteer with registration. How do I help?

We’d love to have you volunteer with Registration! Furry Weekend Atlanta policy prohibits volunteers from working in any position where they handle money. However, there are many jobs in registration – such as checking in people who've already paid, controlling lines, or helping in the convention store – that do not involve handling money. Please contact our volunteer coordinator at [email protected] 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 at the door. Please see the Registration page for more information.

Why did the prices go up?

Because it is an unfortunate economic reality that, over time, the expenses that we incur to operate the convention increase, and in order to continue to provide the level of service you have come to expect from Furry Weekend Atlanta, we must occasionally make an adjustment to the membership prices so that we can continue to operate as a business.

You’re a 501(c)3, right? Can I deduct my membership from my taxes?

Furry Weekend Atlanta cannot offer you tax advice, and we recommend you consult a tax specialist or financial planner. Any advice given is for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as representing any factual or qualified financial advice.

That said, 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. These amounts are noted on the registration page.

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 Submit a Request with your legal name and email 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 had to cut my wristband off!

Bring the cut pieces to Registration and they will help you with a new one.

Do I need to buy a registration?

Yes! Your registration to the convention is what pays for the convention to happen. It is our primary source of income and allows Furry Weekend Atlanta to exist.

I’d like to purchase multiple memberships for friends/family/dealers assistants, etc. or provide a membership as a gift. How do I do that?

If you would like to purchase a membership for someone else, select the membership level on MyFWA.com, add it to your cart, and finalize your purchase. Once you’ve bought all your memberships, you can then go to your Wallet to view them. To assign the membership to another person, click on “Set Will Call” on the membership you want to give, and enter their legal name in the “Name For Will-Call” box and hit save. Make sure the name matches their name exactly as it appears on their government issued ID!

You can now give them a printed copy or screenshot of the membership and the barcode that accompanies it. They can take this to registration with their ID and redeem their gift pass! Remember, all attendees must have their own MyFWA.com account to redeem memberships!

Wristbands

Why does FWA use wristbands instead of badges?

Great question and we get this one a lot! There are a lot of misconceptions about why FWA uses wristbands and we appreciate your curiosity!

  1. As the fandom continues to grow conventions are challenged to register every attendee in a timely fashion (ever hear of line con?). We’re a volunteer organization, able to operate by the gracious donation of our volunteer and staff’s time. Our personnel resources are limited and the addition of wristbands has helped us deliver a fast and efficient check-in with a minimal burden to our staff and volunteers! Since we don’t have to print badges and call out names over everyone talking, in 2019, the average check-in time per person was less than 30 seconds!
  2. Technology! Year over year we plan to add more functionality that physical badges just can’t deliver. We admit the first year was rough. We’ve learned from that and in 2019 we shortened wait times at reg (the longest wait time ALL weekend was 30 minutes!). In 2023 FWA was the FIRST furry convention to offer a mailed registration option!
  3. Did you know that a common policy at Furry Conventions is that if you lose your badge, you have to buy a new registration? OUCH! Wristbands are uniquely tied to a specific person, we can activate and deactivate the wristband without the worry of inconveniencing the guest. That means that we’re happy to announce that we have sunset our policy of charging a full registration cost for lost badges. We’re happy to deactivate the old wristband (rendering it unusable) and activate a new one for you!

Oh, by the way, did you know that you can pick up a novelty badge at the convention? If you missed your chance last year, head over to constore.furryweekend.com to pick one up!

I purchased a Gold or Silver Sponsor membership as a gift for someone. How will they receive their mailed wristband.

Please Submit a Request for assistance.

I have my wristband but can’t attend the convention. Can I give it to someone in my place?

Unfortunately, memberships are non-transferable.The wristband you received is tied specifically to your account so the wristband you received cannot be given to anyone else.

Can I upgrade my Regular or Sponsor registration to Silver Sponsor or Gold Sponsor so I can have my wristband mailed to me?

You sure can! Go to your MyFWA.com profile and select “Upgrade” on your registration to upgrade to Silver Sponsor and Gold Sponsor.

What happens if I move after I’ve elected to receive my wristband through the mail?

You can change your mailing address in MyFWA.com up until the wristband cut-off date. Once the cut-off date has passed, the wristbands have been mailed and the address cannot be changed.

If I have my wristband, do I still need to go to Registration at the event?

Yes! More info will be available about this as the convention approaches. We will still need to verify your ID and activate your wristband when you arrive.

What happens if I forget my wristband at home?

Please don't forget your wristband at home! If you do, you'll need to talk to a registration staffer to get it fixed, and that defeats the purpose of your speedy check-in!

I don’t want my wristband shipped, I would rather pick it up.

Not to worry. Having your wristband mailed is an Opt-in process. You will only be mailed your wristband if you’ve selected to do so via MyFWA.com

I’m not a Gold or Silver Sponsor, can I still have my wristband mailed to me?

Yes! Up until the wristband cutoff date, you can upgrade your registration at MyFWA.com to purchase the Mailed Wristband Upgrade and select to have your wristband mailed to you.

Do you ship wristbands internationally?

Sorry, at this time we cannot ship wristbands internationally.

Do you offer discreet shipping?

Sorry, all our packages have our company name and address on the label. Fear not though, the shipping container itself is unassuming.

When will I receive my wristband?

Wristbands are slated to be mailed out mid/late April. Tracking information will be sent to your MyFWA.com email address so that you can track your order. Since shipping times vary, we can’t tell you exactly when to expect your wristband.

I opted in to having my Wristband Mailed to me what happens when I arrive?

Make sure you arrive to the convention with your wristband secured to your wrist and your legal documentation (see information on identification requirements here). Bring your ID, to a staff member at a check-in kiosk, scan your wristband and show your ID. We’ll verify your account information and you’ll be on your way!

Make sure to follow us on twitter and opt-in to registration emails so you can remain up to date with all the information regarding your membership.

Safety

I know of a potential security risk. Who can I talk to about this?

Please e-mail [email protected]. At the con, speak to anyone on the Safety staff or one of the board members as soon as possible. If you can’t find a Safety staffer or a board member, then do not hesitate to talk to any staff member and get them 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).

I don’t like person x. Can you ban them?

Sorry, but Furry Weekend Atlanta cannot “ban” someone from attending just because you don’t like them. If you have an interpersonal disagreement with someone, we suggest you either work it out before coming to Furry Weekend Atlanta, or avoid said person altogether. Either way, we expect all persons attending Furry Weekend Atlanta to behave as adults.

Now, if you have legal documentation (such as a restraining order), you should contact our security as soon as possible. However, our security staff will not get involved in personal disputes, and any issues will be referred to local authorities.

Person x wronged me, owes me money, stole my mate, etc. Will you ban them?

See above.

Person x did thing y at other convention z. Will you ban them here?

Furry Weekend Atlanta does not ban people based on what they do at other conventions. They must violate our rules before being banned.

Am I banned?

If you are banned, you will know it. You will have been provided with both verbal and most likely written notification (though it may be via email) notifying you that you are not welcome to attend Furry Weekend Atlanta and, if warranted, the length of your ban.

How is security being handled at Furry Weekend Atlanta?

Our Safety Division coordinates with the Atlanta Police Department, hotel security, private security vendors and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel to ensure all attendees, volunteers and staff members have the safest experience we can provide.

We have Atlanta Police officers working in the convention space 24 hours a day along with private security staff. We also have teams of paramedics on duty 24 hours a day who are fully equipped to deal with any medical emergency.

What is Furry Weekend Atlanta’s policy on weapons?

To ensure the safety of all of our attendees and other people in the hotel, Furry Weekend Atlanta will be strictly enforcing a ban on weapons at the convention. If it looks like a weapon or could easily be mistaken for a weapon, we don’t want to see it in the convention area. Functioning weapons will absolutely not be tolerated. Possession of a concealed carry permit or weapons carry license does not override this policy. Anyone caught with a weapon will be expelled from the convention, and barred from attending future conventions. Anyone refusing to leave or who returns to the event after expulsion may be subject to arrest for criminal trespass.

Individual convention hotels may also have their own restrictions on the possession of weapons on their properties in addition to the convention policy.

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.

Travel

What airport should I arrive into?

Where can I find cheap airfare?

Atlanta is a hub for Delta Air Lines and has a large presence with Southwest Airlines, so both of those should have reasonable prices to and from ATL. Hipmunk or Kayak are very good resources 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 (with an accompanying, rather steep, deposit). 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. Please check the State Department’s Visa Wizard page for more information.

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.

Parking

Where can I park?

Please see our Parking Options page with information about parking options.

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?

We do our best to accommodate volunteering requests. However, Furry Weekend Atlanta policy precludes volunteers from working in certain area of the convention (most notably, any position that involves the handling of money). All of our volunteer needs are being coordinated through our volunteer coordinator. Check out our Volunteering page and then e-mail [email protected] with your request.

Video Game Room

Is the Video Game room cool?

Yes, it’s awesome.