PAWCon 2025 Guest of Honor

PAWCon is happy to announce our 2025 GOH: Vinson Minx

PAWCon is honored to welcome Rod O'Riley as our 2025 Guest of Honor!! His longstanding commitment to the furry community is evident in his diverse and impactful contributions.

Rod O'Riley, alongside his life-partner Mark Merlino, founded ConFURence in 1989, a pivotal event that helped to shape the modern furry convention scene! Today, Rod runs the Prancing Skiltaire party in Garden Grove, California. The Prancing Skiltaire (one of the longest-lasting furry and fannish group households in California) has fostered a welcoming space for connecting with local furs (and other fans) every second Saturday of the month!

Rodney’s creative spirit extends to story writing, songwriting, and bass guitar playing as well. He is also a vegetarian and a dedicated environmental activist. Currently, he's immersed in the fascinating project of developing a (hopefully!) comprehensive encyclopedia of furry films, a testament to his dedication to preserving and showcasing the fandom's cinematic history! Rod is an avid art collector, having hundreds of prints in his collection. Furthermore, alongside Mark, Rod initiated the moving and meaningful Furry Ofrenda at PawCon 2018, providing a space for remembrance and reflection each year.  We invite you to connect with Rod at PAW and celebrate his meaningful contributions to the furry world.