Would you like to help run Animazement?
Every year we need qualified volunteers to help out in various areas of the convention. No previous experience needed, just stop by Con Ops during the convention and sign up! All hours that you help out will go towards earning Volunteer Rewards!
Who Can Volunteer?
If you are a registered attendee of Animazement you are eligible to serve as a volunteer. We are looking for guys and gals who have some time on their hands and would like to get a behind the scenes look at the running of an anime convention. The best way for you to do this is hands on. We need people to help out in registration, art room, panels, convention special events and other areas. Naturally some areas are more specialized than others. But when you walk in the door we will definitely have something for you to do. Our request is for you to remain flexible. Some jobs will demand some stamina (registration or crowd control) while some require very little work on your part (panel badge check) but are still equally important to making sure the convention runs smoothly. Of course, we want to fit your personality with the right job, so you can always make a request when you come in and we will seek to make placement where you are comfortable and will get the most enjoyment from your experience.
How Much Time Can I Put In?
We leave that entirely up to you. Who knows your interests and schedule better than you? Our best advice is that after you have registered and have your con booklet, prioritize those things that you are most interested in (Dealers Room, Cosplay, Music Videos, Panels, Dances). You will enjoy the convention more if you know from the beginning what you want to do. After you are able to determine where you will be and when, look for those down times when you have nothing going on and write us in. This may be 1, 3, 6, 9, or 18 hours. It’s different from person to person. But whatever the amount of time, we definitely can use your help.
If I Decide To Volunteer, What Steps Do I Need To Take?
In your convention booklet there will be a layout of the convention center. Look for Con Ops. Stop by at your convenience, and we will be happy to talk with you about current and future volunteer needs and explain to you the overall process involved in convention volunteerism.
Can I Wear My Cosplay Outfit While Volunteering?
Most definitely. You’ve put a lot of time into your costume and we know you want to show it off! Plus, it adds to what we are all about as a convention. In fact we may want to put you in some of the high profile locations so that folks will have a chance to see what you have accomplished!
Will There Be Opportunities For Volunteer Work Before The Convention?
Yes. We will have several times when we will need to call on volunteers to help us with such things as setting up for the convention and loading things back up when it’s all over. However, we do not offer volunteer compensation during these activities. We view the work during pre- and post-convention as a labor of love. We do it because we believe in what Animazement is all about.
Please remember: When working as a volunteer that you are representing Animazment. You are taking part in shaping the impressions and memories that many will have of this convention. We expect all volunteers to conduct themselves in a way that will help build up this cultural experience and not detract from what we are seeking to accomplish.
How Can I Become Animazement Staff?
In general, our staff members start out by first volunteering at the convention. This helps new recruits learn what happens behind the scenes, and allows them to gain some experience in convention work. It also gives our staff a chance to get to know you and your skills! Becoming a staff member is a major commitment, requiring a lot of dedication and really hard work, all year long. Because of this, it is very important to us to ensure that all of our staffers have an assignment that is well-suited for them. All of our staff members are volunteers, too, just with extra responsibilities! If you have a particular interest or special skills that you feel would make a significant contribution to the convention, please feel free to contact our Volunteer Coordinator, and tell us about yourself, your history with Animazement, and what you can do to make Animazement even better!
What Are Volunteer Rewards?
Volunteer Rewards are our way of thanking you for helping make Animazement possible! Please reference the following chart to see what you could earn for volunteering.
| Animazement Volunteer Rewards | |
|---|---|
| 3 hours | 50% off Convention t-shirt |
| 6 hours | 50% off shirt + $5.00 |
| 9 hours | 50% off shirt + $10.00 |
| 12 hours | 50% off shirt + $15.00 |
| 15 hours | 50% off shirt + $20.00 |
| 18 hours | 50% off shirt + Free registration to next year’s Animazement! |
If you have any questions, please contact us!
