07/30/2012
By: Kot

As you probably don’t know, there is a calm, economically developing country in middle-east Europe. This country, is Poland. And as you may also not be aware of some interesting facts about this place, one thing is really important – we are here, futrzaki (eng. furries).

This year it is anniversary of the biggest polish furry convention, sometime ago called Futrzakon, recently re-branded to Futerkon. Convention is organized since 2008, which make local polish convention as old as second one hold on the UK, ConFuzzled (and 5th biggest stationary, closed acreditation furry event in the Europe, just after Eurofurence, ConFuzzled, Russfurence and CesFur). Obviously, we are not that big, Futerkon is mainly targeting local furries.

But firstly, let’s give you a small taste of local community. How this actually looks like? As per estimation based on internet platforms, we have over 1100 individual furries user registered on two main, competing forum platforms. We have also two separate IRC channels working within FurNet network. There are several smaller sites gathering smaller groups of furries, however those are linked to either one or both forum platforms as well. This gives us approximately ~700 unique furries creating community. With no doubt, more than 200 is socially active, participating in local meets, and two main conventions organised in the country. Also, there are isolated groups working within web galleries like DeviantArt, which may be able to raise total number of registered users significantly

Most of furries, are obviously pretty the same as anywhere in the world. Main difference that might be visible for foreigners is lack of fursuits on meets and conventions, due to lower GDP and few fursuits creators in the area, working for local community.

The idea of Futrzakon (nowadays Futerkon) was born in 2008, when couple of friends realised, there is no big convention in this area of Europe. Building first convention from scraps and having very limited resources, first edition of convention was more than modest, having only couple of main programme attractions and gathering approximately 50 furries.
Both second and third editions were naturally a continuation of the idea. As convention was getting more recognizable in fandom, more furries started to attend. This was a trigger for developing more smaller events, happening during the convention. Also, and additional programme track was introduced during third and fourth edition.

This year, as this is anniversary, we look forward to aim higher then before and surprise everyone who will attend the convention. This years theme refers to post apocalyptic vision of furry world (as this is 2012 year nevertheless). Traditionally, all attendees will spend 4 days in rented cottages. Convention programme is split into two main areas – main ongoing program, announced on public around month before the convention start, and more theme-related feature programme, that is kept as a secret and surprise, and will be revealed during the first, introduction day of Futerkon.

As per typical furry convention, we are following proven and reliable patterns, introducing events such as karaoke, charity auctions, sport activities, dancing parties and such. Also, as every year a charity auction will be made to raise funds for local domestic-animal rescue foundation.
This year is special, as we have also special guest from UK, who will tell us more about furry fandom on the Isles organization, meets and conventions

Event will take place from 8th of August to 11th of August 2012, and as the registration is already closed, hope that photo-story posted afterwards and developing formula will make you interested to contact us to help improving the convention, or maybe start a partnership between other convention organised in Europe and beyond.

read more:
www.futerkon.pl [pl]
www.en.wikifur.com/wiki/Futrzakon

About the author

wrote one article on this blog.

Staying in touch with polish fandom for 4 years, since 2008, however aware of the community for 9. Sovereign member of two biggest competing furry boards in Poland, vice coordinator of biggest polish furry convention (fourth/fifth in Europe in terms of constant-accreditation participants). Personally soft IT and finance specialist working for one of the biggest brewing company in the world.

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