Anthrocon Celebrates 15th Year in Pittsburgh This Weekend
Annual Conference Returns for Its First In-Person Gathering since 2019, With a Record 10,000+ Attendees Expected
PITTSBURGH – Anthrocon 2022, Pittsburgh’s premier Furry convention for those fascinated with anthropomorphics, returns June 30 – July 3, with a record 10,000+ attendees expected at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center (DLCC).
Back in Pittsburgh for the 15th year following 14 consecutive meetings in the city (2006-19), the theme for the 24th annual Anthrocon Convention is “Aesop’s Fables,” with delegates expected from across the globe. In fact, more than 20 countries were represented in 2019.
Pittsburghers are invited to join in the fun this weekend. The sixth annual outdoor “Fursuit Parade” is scheduled for Saturday, July 2, with step off from the DLCC East Lobby scheduled for 2 p.m. The Parade will march toward 10th Street before looping back to the DLCC West Lobby. Following the Parade, the inaugural Anthrocon 2022 Block Party will take place on Penn Avenue, between 9th and 11th Streets, until 9 p.m. Both the Fursuit Parade and the Block Party are free and open to the public.
Anthrocon contributed $71.0 million to the local economy between 2006-19. Utilizing 12 Downtown hotels, this year’s conference is expected to generate an estimated $1.6 million in hotel revenue alone.
“We are excited and thankful to be welcoming Anthrocon back to Pittsburgh,” VisitPITTSBURGH Chief Marketing Officer Susan Klein said. “Anthrocon has shown incredible loyalty to our region, and their meeting is an annual summer highlight for Pittsburghers. Event organizers are anticipating a 10 percent increase in attendance this year over the 9,358 who attended in 2019. We’re hopeful for a proportional direct spend increase, too, providing a boost for our local businesses and attractions.”
Anthrocon has raised $341,000 for Western Pennsylvania animal-related charities since 2006. This year, the convention will support Wildlife Works, Inc.
Anthrocon brings together animators, artists, costumers, puppeteers and fans of cartoon animals to engage in workshops, seminars, costume-building, animation, writing and art design in a relaxed and welcoming setting.
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