Visitors began lining up seven hours before registration opened for Anthrocon 2024 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh, anticipating over 17,000 attendees for the four-day event celebrating creativity in animal costumes. Anthrocon CEO Samuel Conway highlighted the unique enthusiasm the event brings, noting its origins as a small gathering in a dormitory in 1996.
This year’s convention is projected to be the largest yet, with VisitPittsburgh estimating more than $70 million in economic impact from July 4-7. Attendees expressed appreciation for the inclusive environment, with visitor Bradley Davis emphasizing the importance of spaces where individuals can be themselves.
Local businesses are preparing for the influx of visitors. Pizza Parma, which transforms into “Furryland” during the convention, has been catering to the furry community for 19 years, offering themed specials like their “dog bowl” meal. Hotels in the area are also experiencing high demand, with the Westin hotel reporting a quick sell-out of rooms shortly after they were released.
VisitPittsburgh’s chief sales officer noted the event’s significant economic influence, highlighting that their housing block of 10,000 rooms sold out within just 12 minutes. Attendees, like Michigan residents Pixal and Spade Taylor, expressed their excitement for the weekend, marking a vibrant celebration of furry culture in Pittsburgh.
