With Further Confusion being in a new location, some attendees may be unfamiliar with the new area and what there is to do there. And every year there are always new dealers, artists, and fans, so stuff changes around. And some of you are really dumb and sit in the lobby for 80% of the con. I see you there, looking all sad. So here we go, a short, quick list of some of the things to see in and out of the con.

Dealer’s Den
The dealer’s room in the new hotel is a bit larger this time, but it’s by no means huge. Still you noobs may be wondering where to throw your money. If you’re a sketchbook fan you’ll want to check out Gideon’s Corral (Booth 63), Susan Rankin (Booth 34), or Brian and Tracy Reynolds (Booth 49).

You might notice a lot of people in some badass leather badges like the one on the right. You can’t have one now, you’re not cool enough. But if you head over to the Cooner Arts booth (Booth 35) during the con you can order one, and/or get a sweet sketch for your book (maybe your character as a cowboy?).

And of course be sure to pick up merchandise. Sofawolf Press (Booths 37 and 38) will have much of their catalog, including two new books, The Seventh Chakra and <>Shadow of the Father. Weasel Wordsmith highly recommends both of them. Down the aisle to the right of SofaWolf is FurPlanet Comics (Booth 32) where you can grab comics from many talented authors and artists.

Panels
I’m not a big fan of panels in general. Not to discount the quality of them, but they’re very specific and I tend not to fall into the niches. That said, this year seems to have a better selection of panels. For you writer types, the entire Writing Track is pretty solid. Kyell Gold will be hosting numerous panels, reading passages from his upcoming book, and even recording an episode of Unsheathed, the furry writing podcast. Many other talented authors, like Not Tube, Alopex, K.M. Hirosaki, and Blackfeather will be there. I guarantee these will be some of the most useful and most interesting panels at the convention.

Art Show
There are a lot of really talented artists with pieces up for auction this year. And since you know the Blotch pieces are going to skyrocket, go look for at some of those up and coming artists. The website doesn’t list everyone in the gallery, so expect a few surprises, like Teaselbone putting up hot suggestive pieces.

If I weren’t so racist against African animals I’d bid on this hyena piece right now. I know how big his junk is, but you’ll have to go there to find out.

Off Campus
FC is fun, but chances are you’re going to get bored hanging out in the hotel. Luckily you’re going to be in the heart of downtown San Jose and there is plenty to do. Within walking distance of the hotel are things like the Tech Museum of Innovation, which currently has a Star Trek exhibit for you nerds. there are also numerous bars, restaurants, and stores in the general vicinity. You’re just a few blocks from San Jose State University, so there are plenty of places to go. It’s a little nerdy, but the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Library is the largest public library west of the Mississippi River. When it comes to places to eat you can’t really go wrong with the Gordon Biersch, but if you feel like going to a douchier place, the Fahrenheit Ultra Lounge is right down the street. But honestly even without a car you shouldn’t have any problem finding things to do and places to eat.

If you do have a car and want to explore, there are places both north and south of San Jose that may be up your alley. Down south on Cannery Row is the Monterey Bay Aquarium. They have motherfucking otters, y’all. Up in San Francisco there’s the California Academy of Sciences. The museum was rebuilt in 2008 so everything is shiny and new. It’s a pretty fantastic museum too, with penguins, and a four story rainforest dome you can walk through. If you’re free on Thursday night the museum has its Nightlife event, where they open the door up after 9 p.m. and play music and serve alcohol.