Volunteer Information and FAQ

[Schala]

The volunteer application for 2014 is now closed. If you still wish to help out, feel free to email me and I will let you know if any shifts open up.

Other questions? You've come to the right place.

Do I have to pre-register to volunteer?
No, but you can only be reimbursed for your ticket if you've pre-registered. Plus, it's the only way to guarantee your ticket, so it's a good idea!

Reimbursement? How do I get reimbursed?
If you work at least eight(8) hours the weekend of the convention, or you work the Saturday, November 15th shift, you qualify for a full reimbursement. A partial reimbursement for less hours is in the works as well!

Saturday, November 15th? What's that shift?
That shift is pre-event work. The actual length of the shift depends on how quickly everything is finished, but volunteers won't be expected to work more than eight hours (if it somehow runs that long). Food will also be provided for that shift. If you are in the area and free that day, it's the best option to work the convention, as it gets all of your hours over before the convention starts!

What kind of jobs will I be doing?
The Saturday, November 15th shift is all convention prep, so it will be things like preparing the bags for attendees.
During the convention, the primary jobs are Runner and Guest Handler. Other jobs might pop up as we get closer to the convention.

What's a Runner?
A Runner does all sorts of odd jobs around the convention, from delivering items or messages for staff members that can't leave their posts, to checking up on areas or situations for those people. There's usually a good amount of down time too, so don't worry about being constantly on the move during your shift.

What about Guest Handler?
Guest Handlers work with our guests and ensure that they have everything they need and that they know where to go for their seminars/autograph sessions/etc. You might be spending a lot of time with them, or you might just be taking them places and be available if they need something. It depends on the guest.

I want to be a Guest Handler! How do I get that job?
You can always put your preference, but if you want to be a Guest Handler, here's some guidelines:
1. You have to be willing to work for a large part of the convention, and long shifts.
2. Having experience working at other conventions, especially as a staff member or in a position related to guests (preferably with someone we can talk to verify that you worked there, and your performance), is a big plus.
3. Be willing to answer questions from myself and the Guest Coordinator (she will be the one making final decisions on Handlers).
4. There is now a separate application for guest handlers. You can find it here.
Remember that there's no guarantee that you get this particular job. We have limited slots.

Can I cosplay during my shift?
As long as it doesn't interfere with your job, and you can display your volunteer badge prominently, cosplay is fine. Just remember that you shouldn't be stopping for pictures while working.

I have another question! How do I contact you?
My email is [e-mail] Feel free to contact me with a question. Alternatively, you can post here.

[nico]

If we signed up for guest handling, will we know either way if we are being considered for it?

[Schala]

Here's a basic run down of the various 'jobs' volunteers can be scheduled for.

Runner: Delivering messages and/or items for staff that can't leave their posts. Checking up on rooms and areas for staff that can't leave their posts.

Costume Pre-Judging: Signing people up for pre-judging slots. Watching the room for the judges, and letting contestants in and out as needed.

On Call: Available to take on a shift if someone doesn't show.

Family Room: Watching the room and ensuring children aren't left unattended.

Door Guard: Watching a door to prevent people from entering and/or exiting it.

Costume Contest: Helping out with the contest, which includes making sure contestants are ready to go on stage and helping the judges.

Film Festival: Helping set up and run the film festival.


The following are all positions where you will be helping a staff member out in a certain area. The specifics of the job depend on what the staff member needs at that time, but possible activities include helping set up for an event, helping with lines/crowds, watching the room, and delivering messages. You will get the specifics from the staff member when you arrive for your shift.
The possible areas are as follows:
Main Stage
Dealers/Artists
Exhibition Hall
Gaming Room
Panel Room 2
Anime Room

[Schala]

Guidelines:

You can get your volunteer badge by checking in at the table by the main box office, through the main entrance to the building. After getting your badge, you can check in with the Volunteer Coordinator by heading to Con Ops.

You should also check in at Con Ops before each shift, and after each shift if possible.

Please arrive for your shift 15 minutes before it starts. This allows plenty of time to explain anything about the job and answer any questions, as well as for you to get to your post on time.

Stopping in after your shift to inform the Volunteer Coordinator that you were successfully relieved by the next volunteer is not mandatory, but is very much appreciated.

For those of you working the first shift of each day: because Grand Rapids Comic Con is a closed event, attendees will begin entering the building at the start of the first shift. In order to get you all to your areas on time, we will be meeting by the check-in table. This only applies to people working the first shift of each day. All others will report to Con Ops before their shifts.

Con Ops will have food and refreshments that you are welcome to as a volunteer.

On Call individuals are required to check in at the start of their shift, and may be required to stay in Con Ops. until either all other volunteers check in for their shift, or a volunteer is unaccounted for, at which point they will take over the shift of the missing volunteer. If all other volunteers are accounted for, they will be free to go, but should be available to step in as needed for the duration of the shift, and thus should have some way to contact them, such as a phone, on them at all times.

Attire: Cosplay is allowed, as long as you are able to display your volunteer badge prominently, and the cosplay does not affect your ability to work (i.e. not restricting your motion while you are working as a Runner).