Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions As a rule, all public areas of our convention are kept at a PG rating. Areas and/or events that are marked 18+ will be stated explicitly within individual panel listings. Please note that parents/guardians/chaperones are responsible for the supervision of minors around marked areas. Be sure to bring the following: Also, consider these things: Not at all! There are no requirements to do anything in particular to be a part of our convention, and many attend the convention even if they don't identify as 'furry'. Many simply attend to explore the community or hang out with friends. Costumes and accessories are just part of the fun! Attendees who wish to record any sort of media for personal enjoyment are encouraged to do so! For individuals or media personnel who are recording our events for research, reporting, or commercial uses, they must be approved by the convention prior to the event and wear a convention-provided Media Pass at all times. If you're interested in receiving more information, please reach out on the Contact Us page.What’s the general content rating of the convention?
What should I bring to the convention?
Do I need to be a ‘furry’ or wear animal costumes to be a part of this convention?
Can I take pictures or film this event?
Coming soon — check back later for updates!
Coming soon — check back later for updates!
Panels & Events We’ve host a wide variety of informative and entertaining panels at Furnal Equinox, including panels involving arts & craftsmanship, literature, comedy, discussion & focus groups, and stage performance. You’ll be able to view our schedule online approximately one month before the event. Most of our panels and events take place in conference rooms within the convention space at the Sheraton Centre Toronto. A convention map will be available on our website and at the event to help you navigate the space. Not all panelists are comfortable with recordings being made of their panels. If you're interested in filming, please check in with the panelist first. Large events like the Dance Competition or the Fursuit Games are commonly recorded by attendees. Please reach out to Press & Media Inquiries through our Contact Us page for any interests in recording for commercial or rebroadcast purposes.How can I find out what panels and events are happening at the convention?
Where do panels/events take place?
Can I film or record panels/events?
I'm interested in submitting a panel or event to the convention. How can I learn more?
I'd like to perform in one of Furnal Equinox's main events. Where can I learn more?
Attendee Policies All attendees must have a valid convention badge visibly on their person in designated “con space”, which is defined as space used exclusively by Furnal Equinox. Pets are not permitted in event space for safety and allergy-related reasons, unless cleared beforehand by Furnal Equinox for specific events (i.e. Charity animals). Service animals are permitted under the AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act). If you have questions about service animals, please reach out to our Accessibility team through the Contact Us page. Most fursuits do not fall under 'alternative apparel' as they are a common item that speaks to the core interests of the fandom. However, all alternative apparel restrictions apply to fursuiters as they do for any attendee. We know that in previous years our practices on apparel were not consistent or well communicated, and we understand that is frustrating for attendees. We're working on improving communication on these policies. Furnal Equinox has had the benefit of working with pup groups and panelists, and we aim to carry a lot of that experience forward into outlining our current policies. As the community continues to grow and other things become more popular, specific mention of these will likely enter our policies, so that attendees are clear on our position. We do this in the interest of fostering an environment where everyone can enjoy themselves, as well as give groups support to grow in a healthy manner. The intent of the guidelines are not made to single out any particular group, but to provide guidance for things which have increased in popularity and demand. Certain apparel items pose risks in the case of an emergency, and your safety is most important. We will only allow them under properly supervised conditions so that the wearer has the assistance they require. To make your convention smoother and help our staff address your concerns, please reach out to us before the convention through the Contact Us page and, if possible, attach a picture. Our staff take your privacy and comfort very seriously and will do our best to help. We’ve decided that 9pm is a reasonable time to relax our rules for events like the dance and other panels where alternative apparel is appropriate. As a result, we usually schedule programming that’s more friendly to alternative apparel during these time frames. Yes, but please do so respectfully and make your way directly from your hotel room to the convention space or vice versa. Entering other hotel or public spaces may be considered a disruption to other guests. Please respect the directions of hotel staff. Our Security team can help you with questions regarding acceptable attire, costume, props, or other items at the convention. Use the Contact Us page to reach out to our Security team and they’ll be happy to advise you. First, please comply with the request to change your clothing when asked. You are welcome to ask questions about what was unacceptable, please be respectful. If you believe, after reviewing the policy, that your apparel is appropriate, please take a photograph of the attire if you feel comfortable enough to do so, and do one of the following: In these cases, decisions may be escalated to the event Directors. The decision of the Directors is final.Can I get into the convention space without a badge? Can I bring a friend through without a badge?
Can I bring my pet to the convention?
Why does Furnal Equinox have an 'alternative apparel' policy?
Why is there a big focus on gear related to pup play?
Why are certain apparel items only allowed in certain panels?
What if what I want to wear is not on that list?
Why do the apparel guidelines change between 9pm and 3am?
Is it okay for me to wear my alternative apparel in the hallways or elevator of the hotel?
I’m not sure if what I’m wearing / bringing around the convention is appropriate. Who do I ask?
What if Security says my apparel was inappropriate and asks me to change?
I’d like to share my feedback / question / concern on a specific policy.
Bans Anyone banned from our event will receive a formal ban letter through email or conventional mail, depending on the information we have available to us. The letter will outline the reason for the ban, when the ban will end, and the necessary steps to challenge the ban. If you have not yet received a ban letter, you are not currently banned. While we do our best to get reliable sources during our assessment of a ban, we also need to assess the risk of having an individual attend our event. As a private and paid event, we do have the right to refuse any individual registration. In the event we feel it is safer to deny access to someone due to information brought to our attention, it's within our rights and our duty to respect the safety of our attendees. To respect our privacy policy, and to ensure that we're protected from slander or libel, we cannot share information about a ban to anyone other than the recipient of the ban and their approved representatives. Our Security team can be reached on our Contact Us page. Please provide as much information about the person you're concerned with, any evidence or supporting references you have, and how you feel they'll be a risk to the event. Submitting this information is not a guarantee of a ban.Am I banned from this event?
I shouldn't be banned! This isn't true!
Is this person banned from your event?
This person should be banned from your event!
