Anthrocon 2024, a four-day event celebrating the creativity of animal costumes, is expected to draw more than 17,000 attendees. The convention, which began as a small gathering in a dorm room in Albany, New York in 1996, is now the largest of its kind in the world. Anthrocon CEO Samuel Conway attributes the event’s unique energy and enthusiasm to the city of Pittsburgh, where the convention is held.
The event is expected to generate over $70 million in spending from July 4-7, according to VisitPittsburgh. Attendees like Bradley Davis appreciate Anthrocon for providing a space where they can be themselves and feel comfortable. Kristen Sabin, another visitor, praised the event for its creativity and the art and imagination on display.
Local businesses are also preparing for the influx of visitors. Pizza Parma, for instance, transforms into “Furryland” for the weekend, complete with furry-friendly signs and accommodations. The pizzeria has been catering to the Anthrocon crowd for the past 19 years, offering specials like a dog bowl filled with the customer’s choice of food.
Hotels in and around the city are also bracing for the economic impact of Anthrocon. The Westin hotel, which is connected to the convention center and serves as “ground zero” for the event, sold out within two minutes of releasing rooms. This trend is seen across all hotels in the city, contributing significantly to Pittsburgh’s economy.
VisitPittsburgh’s chief sales officer, Andrew Ortale, anticipates this year’s Anthrocon to be the biggest yet. He noted that their block of 10,000 hotel rooms sold out within 12 minutes. Attendees like Pixal and Spade Taylor from Michigan are eagerly looking forward to the convention, having dreamt of attending since they were children.
Source: wtae.com