Furries snatch up hotel rooms within minutes for Pittsburgh convention

This summer’s furry convention in Pittsburgh — Anthrocon 2024 — is expected to be as big as ever, attracting potentially over 14,000 attendees to the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.

VisitPittsburgh said the hotel room block earmarked for Anthrocon guests sold out within 12 minutes after registration opened.

Every summer, anthropomorphics or furries — people dressed as human-like animal characters — travel from all over the world to Pittsburgh. The group is a collection of artists, animators, writers, costumers, puppeteers and anyone who enjoys cartoon animals.

This year’s convention, labeled Anthrocon 2024: AnthroCoaster, runs July 4-7 in Pittsburgh.

The hotel block opened for this summer’s convention with 10,349 available hotel rooms, VisitPittsburgh said.

An additional 1,894 rooms were able to be secured for the convention, expanding blocks at the Omni William Penn and Hilton Garden Inn Pittsburgh Downtown.

New contracts and rates were also established at the Cambria Hotel Pittsburgh Downtown, Fairfield Inn & Suites Pittsburgh Downtown, Residence Inn by Marriott North Shore, Sheraton Pittsburgh Hotel at Station Square, Joinery Hotel Pittsburgh and Kimpton Hotel Monaco Pittsburgh, VisitPittsburgh said.

As of Wednesday, 11,103 were booked for the furry convention.

“This event’s substantial growth speaks to the strong partnership we have established, Anthrocon’s robust community impact and the neighborly nature found throughout Pittsburgh as we welcome the return of our furry friends year after year,” said Jerad Bachar, president and CEO of VisitPittsburgh.

About $15.7 million is anticipated to be spent over the four-day convention by attendees, according to VisitPittsburgh.

“The convention’s relationship with this incredible city creates a unique environment for our attendees, and we couldn’t be prouder to be a part of the Pittsburgh community,” said Sam Conway, Anthrocon’s chairman and CEO.