I may be a bit early here but I just sent in my 2008 volunteer app and was wondering what type of volunteer opportunities are there? This will be my first GenCon but I wanted to help also... So any idea on previous "jobs" some people did would be great...

Thanks,

SirMathos aka Jose'

There are all sorts of jobs for the volunteers at GenCon.  Pretty much everything from info desk jobs, to working the sign-up booths, to handing out the swag bags, ect...

Stran Ger:

There are all sorts of jobs for the volunteers at GenCon.  Pretty much everything from info desk jobs, to working the sign-up booths, to handing out the swag bags, ect...

Kewl beans... Works for me... Just getting excited for my first con...

Thanks!!!

Hey no problem.  I'm sure someone that has volunteered will have tons more info for you.

Yep, all those, as well as "badge checker" at places like the Exhibit Hall, and even just being in the volunteer "pool" for when there is a sudden need somewhere.

I know True Dungeon is still looking for Tavern volunteers - they run a great operation. 

Keep in mind, I believe TD handles these volunteers independantly from GenCon. DirtDazzy? Summoning DirtDazzy. Where is our adorable little tavern Pixie?

atstepchild:

Keep in mind, I believe TD handles these volunteers independantly from GenCon. DirtDazzy? Summoning DirtDazzy. Where is our adorable little tavern Pixie?

Not contradicting you at all there, Emu. Just reminding people that there are always alternative avenues to persue. Also check with Tom about helping at the Gamers for Humanity booth. I think Tygerlilly might be a contact for that as well.

If you want to help, there are no lack of opportunities to do so.

It's really amazing how many microcosms exist within Gen Con; so you can volunteer for Gen Con proper, and do that before the Con, by emailing volunteers@gencon.com, or you can do that onsite, even if you just have a couple of hours and want to give it a try, you can stop by the Volunteer HQ booth and let them know you'd like to help out.

But then, there's volunteering for True Dungeon; there's volunteering for MHE events, and there's volunteering for my SPA open crafting room (hint hint); all little words you can volunteer in.  So it's really a matter of what interests you, and what YOU want to do, and then going from there. :)

 Be careful voluteering your first year. I know genCon needs all the help thay can get from volunteers, but also remember to take time for yourself to see and do everything you want. I know a few people who volunteered their first years and didn't get to do nearly as much as they wanted. I'm not saying don't volunteer, but do so in moderation. Also True Tavern can use part time volunteers ::advertises for her pixie slave driver:: stop on by truedungeon.com and take a look around.

True.  Remember why you are going to Gen Con in the first place (reasons will vary).  Volunteer as much as you wish but take some time for yourself also.  I for one, appreciate all the work that volunteers do for attendees.  Without volunteers Gen Con could not happen without them.

So here's to you, mister and miss Gen Con ticket taking, True Dungeon wenching or barding, SPA handling, Event Reg processing, badge watching volunteers

tripleh1mptHHH:

 

If I were to volenteer during the time the exhibitor hall is open, While there a chance to go....Shopping either before or after the hall closes?

I think you are asking if there are special hours for volunteers for teh exhibit hall.  No, there are no "special" hours for volunteers to shop in the exhibit hall.  So I suppose therotically, you could volunteer every hour the dealer hall was open, checking badges, and not therefore have a chance to shop.

That said however, volunteer staff coordinators will work with you, and would not force you to work every hour the dealer hall is open.  If you are trying to get 32 hours volunteering, just let Volunteer HQ know, but also let them know you want a few hours off here and there for shopping in the dealer's hall, I'm sure they will be able to accomodate you.

Hi.  I'm wondering what the volunteer opportunities are for working inside the Exhibition Hall? 

Thanks,

-Steve G. 

avatarart:

Hi.  I'm wondering what the volunteer opportunities are for working inside the Exhibition Hall? 

 

Thanks,

-Steve G. 

Do you mean with Gen Con or with exhibitors?  The main Gen Con volunteer opportunites in the exhibit hall would be badge checking and possibly the gift shop, although I'm not sure if they use other than senior volunteers in the gift shop.

Don't forget the Anime area always could use some more volunteers.  Send me a PM if you are interested!

marimacc:

Do you mean with Gen Con or with exhibitors?  The main Gen Con volunteer opportunites in the exhibit hall would be badge checking and possibly the gift shop, although I'm not sure if they use other than senior volunteers in the gift shop.

So badge checking and gift shop are the main opportunities, but I'm curious as to what else is out there.

-Steve G. 

As far as for volunteering with Gen Con in the exhibit hall itself, that's about it. There are some volunteers from Operations (Ops), who do monitor the exhibit hall, as well as other areas of the Con, but they are all Seniors, and there aren't that many of them.  That's not an entry level volunteer position, I guess is my point.

 Are you looking for something specific?  There's really not anything else in the dealer's room.

As far as volunteering for exhibitors, we often have vendors come to the Boards looking for people to help with their booth, and it's certainly likely we'll have that again this year, so that might be something to look out for if you are interested in that.