LupineFox

2015-08-31T23:09:37Z

71.204.45.37: Surple.com is now FURsvp.com

'''LupineFox''' (occasionally '''Lupine''' for short), real name '''Ken''', has been involved in [[furry]] since 2005. He holds monthly (or so) [[furmeet]]s in [[Wikipedia:Quakertown, Pennsylvania|Quakertown, Pennsylvania]], U.S.A. His [[fursona]] is a [[fox]] with bluish-purple hair, typically wearing sleek sunglasses and smoking a cigarette.

LupineFox frequents [[Second Life]] as '''LupineFox Paz''', where he runs a business selling scripted cigarettes and related items.

==Real life==
In [[real life]] Ken owns a small software company he founded as well as a DIY solar kit company. His hobbies include history, antiques, home repair, woodworking and disc golf.

Ken created the [https://www.FURsvp.com/ FURsvp] (formerly Surple.com) online event manager, but has since passed it on to [[SkippyFox]].

==Convention involvement==
LupineFox founded [[New Years Furry Ball]], transferring it to [[protocollie]] after four years. He was a [[Furfright]] hospitality staff member from 2009-2011, and usually volunteers unofficially at the [[Anthrocon]] [[art show]].

==External links==
*[http://lupine-fox.livejournal.com/ ''Lupine's Den''] - LupineFox on [[LiveJournal]]

{{person-stub}}
[[Category:People]]
[[Category:Folf characters]]
[[Category:Pennsylvania]]

[[es:LupineFox]]

Megaplex

2014-04-18T03:45:30Z

71.204.45.37: /* Innovative Ideas */ Editing for concision and clarity; added some refs; removed contested statements

{{Infobox convention
| name = Megaplex
| logo = [[File:Megaplex_Logo.jpg|200px]]
| caption = Megaplex logo
| subject = Furry
| location = {{flagdiv|usa|[[wikipedia:Florida|Florida]], [[wikipedia:United States|United States]]}}
| url = http://www.megaplexcon.org/
| status = ongoing
| first = 8-10 March 2002
| final =
| organizer = Pawpet Live Experiences, Inc. (PLEx)
| charity = The CARE Foundation [http://www.megaplexcon.org/charity]
| resources = {{con resources}}
}}
'''Megaplex''' is a furry [[convention]] first held in March 2002 as '''[[Pawpet]] Megaplex'''. The latest edition, [[Megaplex XII]], was held 26-28 July, 2013 in [[Wikipedia:Orlando, Florida|Orlando]], [[Wikipedia:Florida|Florida]]. [[Megaplex XIII]], with the theme "The Candy Factory," is scheduled to run 25-27 July, 2014. The convention's slogan is ''Florida Sun, Furry Fun''.

Megaplex's stated goal is to provide "a celebration of interactive arts and performance, with a primary focus on [[anthropomorphic]]s and fantasy".<ref>[http://www.megaplexcon.org/about About Megaplex] (22 September 2010)</ref> Programming has focused on [[fursuit]]ing, [[puppet]]ry, improvisation, and other types of performance, including musical performances by [[Wikipedia:Toxic_Audio|Toxic Audio]], [http://www.42five.com/ 4:2:Five], [[Hali|Matthew Ebel]], [[Fox Amoore]] and [[Rhubarb the Bear]], and a performance of stage musicals [[Julie Bunny Must Die!]] and [[Fosgate: Ferret Loan Officer]].

A variety of factors<ref name="candidcomments">''[http://community.livejournal.com/megaplex/24878.html Some Candid Comments on Megaplex, from the Chair]'' - [[Carl Fox]], {{lj-comm|megaplex}} (24 December 2006)</ref><ref>''[http://community.livejournal.com/megaplex/35393.html Goodbye, 2007...Hello, 2008!]'' - [[Carl Fox]], {{lj-comm|megaplex}} (7 March 2007)</ref> has caused Megaplex's attendance to fluctuate over the years. The 2013 event had the highest attendance to date with 821 members.

== History ==
{{Megaplex}}
'''Pawpet Megaplex''' (8-10 March 2002, 126 attending) came into being as a replacement for [[Furry Spring Break]], which was held in 2001. FSB was unable to secure hotel space for a second convention in 2002, and folded. In its stead, Pawpet Live Experiences, Inc. was formed and held the first Pawpet Megaplex at the Ramada Resort and Convention Center in Orlando, FL.

'''Pawpet Megaplex 2''' (21-23 March 2003, 197 attending) moved to the movie-themed Sheraton Studio City Resort, closer to [http://www.universalorlando.com/ Universal Studios Florida]. The convention had its first [[guest of honor]], [[SueDeer|Susan Rankin]]. This was also the first year [[Wikipedia:Toxic_Audio|Toxic Audio]] appeared.

'''Megaplex 3''' (19-21 March 2004, 357 attending) returned to the Sheraton Studio City, with guest of honor [[Wikipedia:Trace Beaulieu|Trace Beaulieu]], of [[Wikipedia:Mystery Science Theater 3000|MST3K]] fame (Dr. Clayton Forrester, Crow T. Robot). The convention's theme played heavily on the fact the name of the con could be abbreviated to "[[Wikipedia:MP3|MP3]]"; this was seen in promotional materials, as well as on-site artwork and the con book. The convention officially dropped the "Pawpet" from the name this year; however, the official web site remained ''ppmp.info'' until 2009.

'''Megaplex 4''' (11-16 March 2005, 387 attending) moved into larger quarters at the Sheraton World Resort, right next door to the [http://www.seaworld.com/ SeaWorld Orlando] theme park. The guest of honor was professional puppeteer [[Wikipedia:John_Kennedy_(puppeteer)|John Kennedy]]. As part of the convention, Orlando's Potpourri of Puppets was hosted on Sunday night. The convention's theme, taking into account the fact Interstate 4 goes through Orlando, was a "road trip."

'''Megaplex 5''' (17-19 March 2006, 257 attending) was held at the Sheraton World Resort. The fifth anniversary con's theme saluted the B-movies of days gone by, lending MP5 the subtitle of "...Teh Horror!" [sic]. Unfortunately, part of the horror was the hotel, which staff and attendees alike had troubles with{fact}. [[Brian Reynolds]] attended as a guest of honor with his wife, [[Tracy Reynolds|Tracy]].

'''Megaplex 6''' (2-4 March 2007, 185 attending) was held at the Wyndham Jacksonville Riverfront. The primary reason for the move to Jacksonville was cost - hotels in Orlando and [[Wikipedia:Tampa, Florida|Tampa]] wanted two to three times what Megaplex had paid for space in the past, whereas the Wyndham's offer was more in line with past deals. The convention had a game show theme, and its guest of honor was [[Mike Kazaleh]].

'''Megaplex 7''' (28-30 March 2008, 255 attending) returned to the Wyndham Jacksonville Riverfront. The theme (announced at Megaplex 6's [[closing ceremonies]]) was comics, with heroes and villains battling it out in the form of convention mascot MegaPanther, and his arch foe, Baron Von Redtail. [[Adam Wan]] was the guest of honor, and the special musical guest was [[Hali|Matthew Ebel]], who also participated in the traditional live ''Rocky Horror'' event performing as Frank N Furter.

'''Megaplex 8''' (24-26 July, 2009, 425 attending) marked a move away from the traditional March time frame in response to [[Furry Weekend Atlanta|FWA]]'s move into March. The convention also returned to Central Florida, at the Radisson Worldgate Resort Orlando, located in nearby Kissimmee, FL, and a short distance from [[Wikipedia:Walt Disney World|Walt Disney World]]'s main gate. The convention had a "Toyland" theme, with a "Christmas in July" sub-theme, and the guest of honor was [[BigBlueFox]]. Popular events for Megaplex 8 included a reprisal of the "Rocky Horror Picture Show," with Matt Ebel as Frank N Furter, a live performance of the Funday Pawpet Show, The Big Blue Fox "Dance till Dawn," and the return of "Fursuit Deal or Big Deal."

'''Megaplex 9''' (23-25 July, 2010, 410 attending) once again took place at the Radisson Worldgate Resort in Kissimmee, Florida. The convention featured a Mad Science theme with Guest of Honor [[Wikipedia:Paul Zaloom|Paul Zaloom]], the actor behind [[Wikipedia:Beakman|Beakman]] from [[Wikipedia:Beakman's World|Beakman's World]]. The con expanded its meeting space to include a larger Dealer's Den, an Artist Alley, and lounge area dubbed "The Lair." 81 fursuiters were in the Fursuit Parade and the con raised $2,928 for the CARE Foundation.

'''Megaplex 10''' (29-31 July, 2011, 553 attending) returned to the Worldgate Resort (which dropped the Radisson name) for Megaplex 2011: Retro Arcade. This was the 10th Megaplex, with [[Chad Krueger]] as Guest of Honor. 86 Fursuiters walked in the first Fursuit Parade at the con, and 64 walked in the second Late Night Fursuit Parade. Megaplex raised $1,368 for the CARE Foundation this year.

'''Megaplex XI''' (27-29 July, 2012, 625 attending) was the final year at Worldgate Resort, which they outgrew, with the theme "Steampunk: Turn Back The Gears." The Guests of Honor were Ron Schnieder, also known in Disney circles as EPCOT center's "Dreamfinder" and [[Wikipedia:Noel MacNeal|Noel MacNeal]].

'''Megaplex XII''' (26-28 July, 2013, 821 attending) moved the con to the Marriott Orlando Airport in Orlando proper, with the theme "At The Hop". The Guests of Honor were [[Fox Amoore]] and [[Tirrel]].

'''Megaplex XIII''', to be held over July 25-27, 2014, will have the theme "The Candy Factory". The Guests of Honor will be [[Mary Mouse]] and [[TaniDaReal]].

== Staff and organization ==

Pawpet Live Experiences, Inc. (PLEx) is a class C for-profit corporation operating out of the State of Florida.<ref>''[http://www.sunbiz.org/scripts/cordet.exe?action=DETFIL&inq_doc_number=P02000002192&inq_came_from=NAMFWD&cor_web_names_seq_number=0000&names_name_ind=N&names_cor_number=&names_name_seq=&names_name_ind=&names_comp_name=PAWPET&names_filing_type= Pawpet Live Experiences]'' - Florida Department of State</ref>. PLEx, Inc. was incorporated in January 2002, a mere two months before putting on Pawpet Megaplex 1, and went the faster route of incorporating under the less stringent for-profit statutes. The Board of Directors runs the convention on a not-for-profit basis.

PLEx, Inc.'s current president is [[Yappy Slyfox|Randy "Yappy" Fox]], and the vice president is [[Kuddlepup|John "K.P." Cole]]. Together they currently share the role of [[convention chairman]].

The current Board members are:

* [[Yappy Slyfox|Randy "Yappy" Fox]] - President, Registration Director
* [[Kuddlepup|John "K.P." Cole]] - Vice President, Hotel Liaison, Programming Director
* [[skippyfox|Zachary "skippyfox" Friedrich]] - Promotions Director
* [[Wolfpac|Kyle "Wolfpac" Bergeron]] - Security Director
* [[STiTcH|Matthew "STiTcH" Pence]] - A/V Director
* [[Shy Matsi|Carlton "Shy Matsi" Hurdle]] - Hospitality Director
* [[Erik "Hino" Johansen]] - I.T. Director

Other staff members include [[Blitz Wolfang]], [[Brejar HowlynStar]], [[Dingoroo]], [[Genesis Whitmore]], [[Inukaza]], [[Johnmutt]], [[Michel Mephit]], [[Mini Zee]], [[Rasvar|Jim "Rasvar" Mogle]], [[Sparky Fox]], [[Takala]], [[Urson]], and [[WildWolf|Wild Wolf]].

The convention actively recruits new staffers through open face-to-face meetings and on-line chats. A more comprehensive listing of Megaplex staff and their roles, including former staff members, is available on the convention's website<ref>[https://my.megaplexcon.org/staff Contact Us/Staff List], Megaplex official website</ref> and archives.<ref>[https://my.megaplexcon.org/history Megaplex History: Past Convention Archives]</ref>

== Innovative Ideas ==

Megaplex has successfully introduced many creative and innovative ideas to augment the convention's programming and atmosphere:

* Pre-registered attendees can provide a personal avatar to appear on their convention badge.
* Megaplex was the first furry convention to introduce a convention fursuit mascot, Pounce the Panther, in 2008.
* Starting in 2012, Megaplex has created a commemorative poster celebrating each year's convention. One copy of the poster is offered for sale at the convention's charity auction.
* Collectible glassware is given away to all attendees.<ref>https://twitter.com/TheDanteOxalis/status/441613535224008705 Twitter photo of a Megaplex mug found at a Goodwill store</ref>
* Megaplex offers high dollar member levels above supersponsors Megasponsor and Gigasponsor. Both receive all the perks of a Supersponsor level, plus special unique gifts each year such as engraved pocketwatches.
* New game show concepts have been introduced such as "Fursuit Deal or Big Deal," partly mirroring "Deal or No Deal," with fursuiters instad of models.
* The convention's main events have been streamed live online since 2005.
* An exclusive hospitality lounge with hot meals is provided to sponsor and higher level attendees.
* The convention has donated "con badge number 1" for the following year in the charity auction since 2010. This badge number is usually reserved for convention chairman. The auctioning of badge number 1 raised over $300 for charity in 2010.
* Hall prizes called "Achievements" are awarded to attendees who accomplish them at any point during the convention. Most achievements are typically kept secret until the time they are rewarded.
* Megaplex archives all of its past con books, artwork, badge imagery, photos and videos on-line, available for all individuals to view on its web site.

== References ==

<references/>

== External links ==
* [http://my.megaplexcon.org/ Megaplex] official site
* [http://www.furaffinity.net/user/megaplex/ Megaplex] on [[Fur Affinity]]
* [http://www.facebook.com/MegaplexCon Megaplex: Furry Fun, Florida Sun] on [[Facebook]]
* [http://twitter.com/megaplex_con Megaplex] on [[Twitter]]
* [http://www.youtube.com/user/Megaplexcon Megaplex] on [[YouTube]]
* [http://community.livejournal.com/megaplex/ Megaplex] on [[LiveJournal]]
* {{con resources}}

{{Conventions}}
[[Category:Conventions]]
[[Category:Florida]]
[[Category:2002 births]]
{{featured article}}

[[de:Megaplex]]
[[es:Megaplex]]
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WikiFur - User contributions [en]

LupineFox

Megaplex