Furry conventions are yearly gatherings of the furry community, where people tend to go to have fun, party together, hangout, enjoy shows and meet new friends. There are several of them all over the world, normally run alongside charities and a dealers den, where community members can sell their art and craft to others.
Today, I interviewed the staff of Brasil FurFest, the biggest furry convention in Latin america(as far as I know) and one I intend to visit in the future, to know more about the event and what it is about!
Me: Can you tell me about the history of the convention and how it has evolved over the years?
BFF: The Brasil FurFest started in 2016 with the idea of bringing together the Brazilian furry community in a safe, fun, and creative space. Initially, it was a smaller, cozier event that naturally grew as more people began to participate. Over time, BFF gained more structure, new activities, and a larger audience, without losing the community atmosphere that has always been a part of the event.
Me: What are the biggest challenges faced when organizing a furry convention and how does the team overcome them?
BFF: Organizing the Brasil FurFest involves dealing with various challenges simultaneously: logistics, scheduling, team management, budget, and, of course, unexpected events. What helps to overcome all this is teamwork and the experience accumulated over the editions. Everyone helps each other, learns from past experiences, and solves problems together, always with great commitment.
Me: In what way does the convention seek to promote inclusion and diversity within the furry community?
BFF: BFF always aims to be a space where everyone feels welcome. Respect is a very strong foundation of the event. There are clear rules, a prepared team to support the participants, and a schedule designed to reflect the diversity of the furry community itself.
Me: What are the most popular activities among the participants and why?
BFF: The fursuit parade is always a major highlight, but the Furry Bazaar, games, competitions, and parties are also very beloved by the audience. These activities work well because they encourage interaction, creativity, and provide many unforgettable moments during the Brasil FurFest.
Me: What is the selection process for guests and artists participating in the convention?
BFF: The BFF team always looks for people who have a genuine connection with the furry community and contribute in some way to the event experience. There is also a special care in bringing names that people don’t usually encounter in their day-to-day fandom life.
Me: How does the team handle safety and well-being issues for participants during the event?
BFF: Security is treated with seriousness but without taking away from the event’s laid-back atmosphere. Brasil FurFest has an identifiable security team, volunteers available to assist participants, and online channels to request help or report any situation. The priority is for everyone to feel safe to enjoy the event.
Me: What are the expectations and plans for future convention editions?
BFF: The idea is to keep evolving with each edition, bringing improvements and novelties based on public feedback. BFF wants to grow but always responsibly, maintaining the welcoming environment that is one of the event’s trademarks.
Me: Could you share some of the most memorable experiences or funny stories that happened during the convention organization?
BFF: There are always funny stories behind the scenes: furries in amusing situations, last-minute rushes that turn into inside jokes, chaotic situations that work out in the end. There are also many poignant moments, such as participants telling how they made important friendships or felt truly part of the furry fandom at Brasil FurFest.
Me: Could you comment on the charity event? When/how did it start, what is it, etc.
BFF: Charity is something common at furry conventions all over the world. When we created BFF and were inspired by foreign events, we brought the same initiative. We help shelters for street animals in the city of Santos, where the event was born, and it is a way to unite the fandom around a cause that is related to the community and the event.
Me: Finally, any message the team would like to leave?
BFF: Brasil FurFest only happens because of the community. Participants, volunteers, artists, and staff make the event what it is. The final message is a big thank you to all furries who trust in BFF and help build this wonderful event year after year.
Highly recommend checking out Brasil FurFest!
