FA: United

Fur Affinity: United (also known as FA: United or FA:U and briefly known as Unleashed!) was a furry convention held in Virginia, USA. "United" was chosen as the convention's title to reflect Fur Affinity and the Northeast Anthropomorphic Association's goal to help strengthen the Furry community's bond.

The convention focused on live music and entertainment, hosting rock bands such as the Gay Blades during the convention.

FA: United


Headed by Shy Matsi, the Northeast Anthropomorphic Association (a non-profit 501(c)7 based in New Jersey) partnered with Fur Affinity began planning for a new convention in the New Jersey region in 2005 following Anthrocon's announced move from Philadelphia, PA to Pittsburgh.

The convention was held August 10-12th, 2007 at the Ramada Newark Airport International (now Wyndham Garden Hotel Newark Airport) in Newark, New Jersey. .


 * Attendance: 310
 * Fursuit parade count: 25
 * Guests of Honor: Blotch and Roxikat
 * Charity: $1,600 to the Lakota Wolf Preserve
 * Featured bands: The Gay Blades, Sikamor Rooney, Zsa Zsa Gabortion and the Back Alley McBeals (led by staff member Sox Pup)

Notes:


 * More "founding member" sponsorships were purchased than regular sponsorships. "Founding Members" received a free, limited-edition "Fur Affinity" USB flash drive.
 * Cake was the first active fursuit at FA: United.
 * The con bag handed out at registration contained "FA Bucks," gift certificates which could be redeemed in the Dealer's Room or convention store for cash.
 * All bands performed for free on the condition drinks would be on the house.

2009
Due to financial issues, partly because of the ongoing economic recession, a standard size convention would not be feasible. This was to be compromised, however, with a "weekend party/cook out with music, booze and more" furmeet (which was considerably cheaper), to be held at the Pine Creek Miniature Golf course in Ringoes, NJ. This was given the codename "FA: United 2.5" to bridge the gap between FAU2 and 3. But thanks to unfavorable weather conditions, scheduling problems, and disagreements FA: United 2.5 ultimately did not get off the ground, and thus 2009 was left without any organized activity for FA:U.

2016 Move
The convention moved from its home in North New Jersey to North Virginia, due to Dragoneer moving to the Northern Virginia area.

Cancellation
On December 2, 2020, citing pressures from the COVID-19 pandemic, Dragoneer tweeted a message "formally announcing FA United is closing its doors."

The webpage of FA:U has been configured to display this announcement as well.

Organization
In recent years the convention has shifted from being operated by FA United LLC (A limited liability company in the state of New Jersey (filing no. 0600336301)) to being operated by Ferrox Art LLC, who owns and hosts Fur Affinity. This change has been reflected on the convention's website and legal forms.