What to Expect as a Volunteer at WordCamp US

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Generous volunteers hold the key to the success of just about every WordCamp. To be sure, a successful WordCamp requires the combination of many factors – yet it is volunteers who often serve as the face of the conference. Volunteers welcome attendees at the registration table. Volunteers help ensure speakers are in the right room at the right time. Volunteers help attendees find where they are going.

As we look to recruit a few more volunteers for what will be one of the biggest WordCamps ever, we are often asked about what volunteers can expect. We have shared a few of those questions – and answers – below. (Please let us know via the comments of any additional questions that you may have.)

What sort of tasks do volunteers perform?

Volunteers help WordCamp US run smoothly. Here’s a short list of just some of the roles volunteers will fill:

  • They will serve at the registration table, welcoming attendees as they arrive.
  • They will distribute t-shirts and swag to attendees.
  • They will serve as room managers, guards and runners, helping keep the speaker tracks on schedule.
  • They will serve in the Happiness Bar, providing tech support to attendees.
  • They will serve as hallway monitors, answering questions, providing directions.
  • They will help welcome the teams of sponsors and help ensure that those teams get the support they need during the conference.
  • They will welcome attendees to the After Party and help everyone have a good time.

Of course, volunteers are asked to serve in a myriad of related ways, essentially performing a welcoming and ambassadorial role.

How many hours per day do I have to work as a volunteer?

That depends totally on you! As you can read on the Volunteer application form, we are asking for a minimum of four hours. Yet, there are volunteers who get a real charge of working hard all throughout the weekend. If you’re up for giving at least four hours of your time over two days, then we encourage you to sign up. If you’re all in – that’s great too!

Do I need any specific training or skills to volunteer?

You do not need any specific training to serve as a volunteer. Our volunteer on-boarding process will include an introductory video, Slack meetings with the volunteer coordinators and plenty of detailed notes. The night before and the morning of WordCamp US, volunteers will be given a tour of the convention center and will be provided with relevant updates and information about upcoming weekend.

As for skills, the only thing we require is a willing attitude and a friendly approach. Our volunteers are bloggers, developers, designers, website administrators, people just exploring WordPress – and more! We have extroverts and introverts as volunteers. We have some people who are young and others who are less so. The one trait that they are have in common is that they are all willing to work to make WordCamp US a wonderfully fun, engaging and memorable time for everyone.

If selected as a volunteer, how can I connect with fellow volunteers before WordCamp US?

In reply to a question asked over Twitter, we have the following answer, delivered over Twitter.

If I volunteer, do I still need to buy a ticket?

Nope! In exchange for helping deliver a great WordPress-focused weekend, volunteers receive free entry to WordCamp US, which also includes lunch on both days and access to the After Party. All applicants who are selected to volunteer will be sent a discount code to register to attend WordCamp US for free.

Don’t miss your chance to be an active part of a great community! Apply now to volunteer at WordCamp US 2016!