(last updated 8/17/26)
Las Vegas Howlfest (or Howlfest) is a gathering for fans of anthropomorphic (commonly known as “furry”) art and works held in Las Vegas, Nevada. The convention is organized by Southern Nevada Anthropomorphic Events (SNAE), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization incorporated in Nevada. SNAE is committed to not just creating a great educational experience for its attendees, but also empowering communities and raising funds for charitable causes such as LGBT+ rights.
Howlfest grew out of LVFC, another furry convention in Las Vegas, which in turn grew out of the University of Nevada – Las Vegas’ Rebel Anthropomorphic Works and Recreation club, or RAWR. LVFC in particular has become very popular for a unique greenspace-focused venue that encourages spontaneous meetings in courtyards and in hotel rooms, as well as 21+ attendance that buys out every hotel room in the venue, creating a “furry village” vibe that has become a distinguishing feature. SNAE’s Executive Director and Board saw the enormous amount of demand LVFC gets for its unique venue and experience, so reasoned: why not do it twice a year?
But Howlfest is more than just “LVFC 2: Electric Boogaloo.” It is a sister con in the Fall, particularly during Halloween season, allowing it to take on a different flavor than the Spring-based LVFC. The Halloween season naturally gives rise to an ability to explore spooky/horror themes in the same way other cons like Furpocalypse are famous for.
Structure
SNAE has 12 Directors, chosen in elections with six seats up every two years; Staff members are eligible to register and vote for the Board.
The SNAE Board chooses a Convention Chair and Convention Committee to run Howlfest. The Chair periodically gives reports to the Executive Director of SNAE, but has broad autonomy in day-to-day convention affairs. Contrary to assumptions, the Con Chair does not run the con with absolute authority, but instead comes up with overall goals and works with their Commtittee to appoint and supervise a team of executives who run the convnetion.
Executives lead various Executive Departments/Divisions of the Convention (Marketing, Operations, Sales, etc.). All executives report to a Chair or Vice Chair.
Most executives oversee a number of subsidiary departments (e.g. Sales supervises Dealers Den and Registration), working with HR and the Chair to ensure all departments have Leads to manage their staff.