Paws and Chaos: GOH Vendor Perspective of Furnal Equinox 2025
The Journey Begins: Montreal to Toronto
Early Thursday morning, we embarked on our adventure to Furnal Equinox. Packed up the vehicle, coffee in hand, and hit the road from Montreal around 6:00 AM. The drive was smooth, and anticipation was building. This year was special – I'd been invited as a Guest of Honour (GOH), which was both exciting and slightly surreal!
Check-In and First Impressions
Room check-in at the Toronto Westin was scheduled for 3:00 PM, but we aimed to arrive by 2:00 PM.
The convention staff were absolute legends from the moment we arrived. They were attentive in the most delightful way – constantly checking if we needed coffee, snacks, or bathroom breaks. One morning, they even surprised us with a box of Tim Bits to kick-start our day. Talk about going above and beyond!
CN Tower: A Spectacular Dinner Adventure
Thursday evening was a highlight. We rode in a stretch Humvee – a vehicle I'd long mocked on the street, only to discover it's a reverse TARDIS: much smaller on the inside than it looks from the outside. Seriously, getting in was like solving a human Tetris puzzle. You literally had to crawl in on your knees because there wasn't enough room to stand. One of our tall friends was practically folded into a human pretzel by the time we arrived. Pro tip: Humvees look impressive, but they're basically mobile clown cars.
We finally squeezed ourselves out and into to the CN Tower's 360 Restaurant. The restaurant rotates, offering breathtaking views of Toronto at sunset. As someone who never wanted to splurge on the tower's tourist experience, this was a dream come true. The meal was spectacular, and watching the city lights come alive was magical.
Convention Kickoff and Guest of Honour Experiences
Friday brought the real excitement. Opening ceremonies, meet-and-greet sessions, and my first taste of being a recognized creator in the furry community! People were genuinely excited to meet me, which felt both humbling and weird. As a jeweller who's been part of the scene for a while, it was fascinating to suddenly be "seen" in a new light.
From Zero to Business: My Startup Story
At 2:30 PM, I took the stage for a candid presentation about my entrepreneurial journey. The talk focused on the critical questions aspiring business owners need to ask themselves before diving in. With about 20-30 people in attendance, I broke down the nuanced advice for different types of creative entrepreneurs – from first-time shooters to commission artists and product-based businesses.
The core message? It's not just about passion – it's about practical preparation. I emphasized the importance of understanding your market, defining your sales strategy, and most crucially, having a solid financial backup. Starting a business isn't just about creativity; it's about sustainability. Where will your income come from? How will you sell? What exactly are you selling? These were the key questions I encouraged everyone to deeply consider.
The beauty of the talk was its diversity – attendees ranged from budding artists to potential business owners, each with their unique creative path. While the specific advice varied, the fundamental principles remained the same: know your market, plan meticulously, and ensure you have a financial safety net to support your creative dreams.
A Culinary Interlude: The VIP Chef's Table
Our initial plans for a VIP dinner with top-tier membership holders got a bit scrambled due to a communication mix-up. Originally scheduled for Friday, the dinner was shifted to Saturday evening. When it finally happened, it was an intimate, fancy affair – a true Chef's Table experience. The small gathering felt exclusive, with the Guest of Honour and their plus-ones enjoying a meticulously prepared meal focusing on locally sourced ingredients. Despite the scheduling hiccup, the evening turned out to be a delightful culinary journey, offering a moment of refined relaxation amidst the convention's high-energy atmosphere.
Raising Funds for a Great Cause
One of the most heartwarming aspects of the convention was the fundraising for wildlife rehabilitation. The community raised an incredible $21,000! I personally contributed by donating a signature FE 2025 pendant that sold for $500, and one generous donor even dropped $1,000 outright to the cause. Seeing the community come together for a good cause was truly inspiring!
Convention Diversity and Community Spirit
What I love most about these conventions is the incredible diversity. We had people from all walks of life – electrical engineers, accountants, military personnel, chefs, and CEOs – united by a shared passion for animals. One particularly wholesome moment was meeting a 9-year-old girl experiencing her first furry convention with unbridled joy!
The Not-So-Glamorous Moments
Conventions aren't all glamour. Late nights followed by early mornings became challenging (I'm definitely not 20 anymore). A late-night fire alarm incident and a disappointingly chlorinated hot tub added some unexpected drama. Monday's checkout was chaotic, with long waits for dollies and jammed elevators. Vending advice: get out as early as you possibly can, else face everyone else doing so at the same time!
Final Thoughts: Why I Keep Coming Back
Despite the exhaustion and occasional hiccups, I absolutely love these conventions. The connections, the creativity, the sheer joy of being surrounded by like-minded individuals – it's incomparable. Meeting fellow creators, seeing international fans (we had someone from New Zealand!), and experiencing that unique convention energy makes every challenge worthwhile.
Already looking forward to next year's Furnal Exquinox adventure!
Thanks for reading,
