2025 Safety Information
(This site will be updated with additional FAQs as we receive further questions)
In the second week of January 2025, the San Jose Convention Center (SJCC) received reports of a potential security concern. Though FC is grateful for San Jose Police Department SJPD’s intervention and considers the original concern resolved, we are cooperating with the SJCC Security team to implement their recommendations for FC2025.
Out of an abundance of caution, the SJCC will have increased security measures including additional security staff and security checkpoints with threat detection gates.
Further Confusion is in consistent communication with our venue partners and relevant safety organizations, and we expect this year to be just as safe and as fun as years past.
How will this impact FC?
To ensure the safety of all attendees the convention center will implement the use of OpenGate, a type of security gateway that detects large metal objects. We do not expect smaller metal items to trigger these gates (such as belt buckles, fursuit accessories, etc.).
We ask you all for your understanding and patience with this last minute update to San Jose Convention Center security. Please be respectful and cooperative with the SJCC security staff. They are here to ensure everyone’s safety.
Can I wear my fursuit through the checkpoints?
The SJCC is requiring that all access to OpenGate-protected space requires either a visible face OR a current FC2025 convention badge. Fursuiters or costumes presenting badges will not be expected to remove their heads or face coverings to identify.
Further Confusion attendees without a badge will be expected to pass through security checkpoints with their face visible (costume heads off, no substantial masks or character makeup).
To speed up the screening process, please be prepared to present your badge before reaching the checkpoint, so you will not be expected to remove your head and identify your face to security.
Please be courteous and respectful to security staff and comply with any instructions.
What is an OpenGate?
OpenGate is a high tech security gateway designed to be quick and efficient with few false positives and minimal disruption to the flow of your travel. They are configurable with options to scan for specific types of concerns. They are not expected to alarm on medical devices, implants, watches, belt buckles, or fursuit constructions including those with metal or electronics.
Do I need to worry about my safety?
We expect the convention to be as safe as it has been in prior years. Further Confusion believes the steps taken by the SJPD address the concern. The enhanced security is an additional precaution recommended by the SJCC for everyone’s protection.
Update: Last week (Thu Jan 9), we got a tip about a security concern involving a member of the community. The individual related to the tip is receiving the love and support from the community around them, and is getting the help they need. FC believes that this individual has no intentions of attending the convention.
Why was the parade cancelled?
This decision wasn’t easy, but the logistics of throwing a parade with the introduction of security checkpoints so close to the convention date made it feel impossible: We had so many unknowns about the new security requirements, and we felt the parade was unlikely to be a successful event. Potential problems that we considered were stop and go traffic and de-heading at security checkpoints, among other logistical issues.
But don’t worry, we’re still keeping an essential part of the parade from years prior: The Fursuit Photo. Go to the Fursuit Parade Page for additional information.
Where will the gateways be located?
The gateways will be located at the three entrances to the convention center: At the front entrance adjacent to the courtyard, and within the convention center at the thresholds between the Marriott and Hilton. Guests will only walk through the gates as they enter the convention center.
For questions please reach out to us at info@furtherconfusion.org.