Volunteer FAQ
Our convention is a labor of love and hard work from a band of like-minded unpaid volunteers, known as “Team” when those hours of dedication exceed more than a casual at-con volunteer would invest.
We’re not like commercial conventions. Ours is 100% run by fan-based, unpaid volunteers whose passion and drive to make a great experience for the fan attendees and guests is their greatest reward. We’re always looking for more staff to join us in pre-con preparations and at-con volunteer work.
In exchange for your help, we offer free/discounted badges and hoteling based on hours worked, as well as being able to be involved in many aspects of the “behind-the-scenes” work of the convention. You can help us make the convention experience great for all.
If you’re ready to lend us a hand, please read the list of departments and then click on the VOLUNTEER NOW blue button below. A member of our recruitment team will follow up with you. If you don’t know where you could fit, we’ll find something that plays to your strengths.
Departments
Here is a list of departments, and what each one does. To join in the fun of being on our Team, come fill out our team application by clicking on the “Volunteer Now” button at the bottom of this page.
This list is frequently updated as different chapters look for people at different times throughout the year. Check back throughout the year as other departments will be added.
Not sure where you would like to help? We’ll help you find your spot!
Accessibility Services
We help cover all of our attendees’ accessible needs while they are at the convention. Be it a spot to sit while in line, a reserved spot close to the stage, or anything else to help accommodate your needs, we are the ones who can help make it happen. For more info and to find out how to request assistance, please check come check out more of our info on our Accessibility Services page.
Autograph Alley & Photo Studio
Help our attendees create lasting memories by being part of our Autographs & Photographs department. This group will help sell autographs and photo sessions with guests, as well as help keep traffic moving through the area.
Candid Photographers & Videographers
Travel throughout the public areas of the convention, taking photos and/or video clips for our social media and publicity departments to be able to use throughout the year. Previous experience is a must,
Charity Auction
Are you a chrismatic individual who can motivate people into a bidding frenzy? Then this is the spot for you. Each year we have hundredes of items donated to help raise money for Fandom Charities as well as our selected charities. You will be in charge of making sure the items are presentable, maintain records of who bought what, and help collect payment for the items.
Convention Operations
Sometimes, we all get a bit wild and party a little too hard. Convention Operations is there to help keep an eye on things, and make sure nothing gets out of hand. If there is a line that needs to be controlled, a lost child that needs to be reunited, or a situations that needs to be deescalated, Con Ops is the group to turn to.
Fan Experiences
This team works throughout the year to provide once in a lifetime immersive and interactive experiences for our attendees and invited talent, both at the convention at other events we run.
Gaming
Want to be able to sit around paying tabletop & board games all day long? Then you will feel right at home here. Help teach new games, introduce people to some of your favorites, and just have a good time, while keeping an eye on FCI’s library of games.
Hospitality
Hospitality is the foodie arm of the convention. The help prep small food items for use by our team members and guests. They also help with other small catering needs around the convention.
Hotel Liaison
Assists with the negotiation of our contract with the hotel. Responsible for knowing all aspects of the contract. Manages the booking of room for staff and talent. Will be the primary point of contact during the event between the con staff and the hotel.
Information Desk
The Information Desk is the real-life, one stop Google of the convention. They know where everything is, when everything is happening, and can answer any other convention questions that might come up.
Logistics
Manages the load in and load out of all convention equipment at the venue. Will be needed a day before the convention, as well as possibly the day after.
Marketing & Promotion
Helps with promoting outreach events as well as the convention itself
Operations Support
These are the gophers and assistants for the Operations Division. Main roles including keeping the Operations Office organized, as well as assisting any Operations staffers with food/water delivers from Hospitality as well as bathroom breaks if they are stuck in a position that requires them to be in one place for the duration of their shift
Press Relations
Bloggers, Vloggers, and other press want to cover our convention. This department will interface with them, and make sure they have everything they need at the convention to promote us.
Programming Operations
This is the group that hangs out in the panel room, making sure they start/end on time, and helping the panelists stay hydrated.
Registration
This department is responsible for on-site sales on badges, distributing pre-purchased badges, and making sure any wristbands needed by attendees are distributed to the right person or place.
Social Media
Maintain all of our social media platform, as well as posting/keeping the information on them updated.
Team Resources
These kids are responsible for making sure all volunteer applications are processed before the convention, as well as making sure anyone who comes up at the event wanting to volunteer is helped.
Technology Resources
Sets up and maintains all of the audio/visual needs for our panels and events. Relevant experience is preferred, but all are welcome
Vendor Hall
Assist with the soliciting of vendors and setting up at the Sunnydale Mall; During the convention, providing assistance to vendors and attendees; assist with the running of the Fandom Charities table at the con.
Website/IT Management
Helps maintain all of our non-social media technology platforms, including www.thehellmouth.org and www.fandomcharities.org. Note: This is a year round position, with 99%+ of your work happening while not at the convention.
Ready to Volunteer?
There’s just so much help you can do!!
If you have a great attitude and would like to donate your time and skills, we’d love for you to join our team! Just click on the “Volunteer Now” button and let us know where you’d most like to help out. Not sure? We’ll help you find your spot!