Volunteering is as easy as showing up to FanimeCon, getting your badge, and letting us know you want to volunteer. No need to attend meetings or learn anything in advance. We train you on the spot and tell you what you need to know.

Why Volunteer
Because FanimeCon needs your help! Work just 20 hours and get a full reimbursement of your weekend membership or 5 hours to get reimbursed for a single day badge. Volunteers are wanted at all hours in virtually all departments, so stop by and find the schedule that works for you.

What do I need to know
Volunteers need to be at least 18 years old or 13 years and up with a guardian signed minor waiver form. Reimbursements will be mailed out after the convention.

Where do I sign up
Once you get your badge immediately head over to the Volunteers Room located on the second floor of the Marriott right next to the hallway leading to the convention center!

When do you guys open
The Volunteers Room hours are as follows but subject to change.
Thursday: 5 pm – 9 pm
Friday – Sunday: 8 am – 9 pm
Monday: 8 am – 4 pm.

How do I learn more
Read the FAQ below, stop by the Volunteers Room, or email us at volunteers@fanime.com.

FAQ
What do I need to do to get reimbursed?
If you purchased a full weekend membership either through pre-registration or at the convention you will need to work at least 20 hours to get a reimbursement. If you purchased a one-day membership you only need to work 5 hours to get reimbursed. Once you have completed your hours return to the Volunteers Room with your timesheet.

When do I get reimbursed
Allow 4-6 weeks to receive your reimbursement check. If you do not receive your check please email us at volunteers@fanime.com. We work very hard to ensure everyone gets their reimbursement as quickly as possible.

What do Volunteers do
As a volunteer you are not limited to just one job or one department. There are a wide variety of tasks available and all of them are important. Some examples are badge checking, watching doors, helping with setup and breakdown, bag stuffing, working video rooms, helping attendees, etc.

What is the difference between Volunteering and Staffing
To staff, you must apply to a department prior to FanimeCon and they may add you if there is room. There is a significant time commitment which involves a series of staff meetings and possible trainings. During the convention you must work at least 24 hours although more is typically expected. You do receive a staff badge and will not need to first purchase a regular attendee membership.

Volunteering does not require any time commitment before the convention and you can sign up at FanimeCon. We always need more volunteers and in only the rarest situations would we turn help away. Once you complete your 20 hours (5 hours for a one-day badge) you are free to enjoy the rest of the convention. You do have to purchase a regular attendee membership first but you get reimbursed after finishing your hours.

How old do I have to be
You must be at least 13 years old to volunteer. If you are below the age of 18, a guardian will have to sign your minor waiver form.

Will I still have time to see stuff
Absolutely, we offer flexible schedules meaning you don’t have to miss your favorite events and will have plenty of time to enjoy the convention.

Volunteering before and after the convention
Certain departments need volunteers for setup before the Volunteers Room is open. Come to the Volunteers Room as soon as possible and we will get you signed up and retroactively credit you the hours worked. The head of the department you volunteered for will still need to sign off on your hours so make sure you know who that person is and have a way to reach them.

If you work hours after the Volunteers Room closes on Monday you will need to scan your timesheet with the required signatures and email it to volunteers@fanime.com.

How can I get double time
Hours worked on Thursday or Monday are worth double time. That means if you work 4 hours on either of these days we will credit you with 8 hours. Other tasks may also get bonus hours.

What if I don’t finish all my hours
We do not give out partial reimbursements, it is all or nothing. But work as much as you can and if you cannot complete your 20 hours for whatever reason we greatly appreciate your help and please enjoy the rest of the convention.

Can my friend(s) and I split hours
20 hours only reimburses one membership badge and anyone who volunteers will need to purchase a membership badge, but there is nothing to stop a group of people from working the required hours to reimburse a single badge.

How do I get reimbursed during the convention
Our policy is to mail out reimbursements after the convention. Only under rare circumstances will reimbursements be given at-con and will always be in the form of a check.

Can I jump the registration line if I volunteer
Unfortunately, you will still need to wait in the registration line like everyone else even if you decide to volunteer, so show up as early as possible. At peak times the registration line can be as long as two hours.

I’m tired, I’m hungry, and I’m thirsty
The Volunteers Room will be stocked with food, drinks, and plenty of chairs for a quick break. We’ll make sure you are well taken care of.

What happens if I lose my timesheet
Don’t lose your timesheet! If it does happen you will need to get a new timesheet and get all your hours signed off a second time.

What’s the maximum number of hours I can work at a time
There is no maximum number of hours you can work straight, but allow time for breaks, eating, sleeping, etc.

What’s the minimum number of hours I can work
You have to work at least 5 hours per day.

How do people know I’m a volunteer
You will be given a “Volunteer” ribbon to go on top of your membership badge.

Do I have to attend any staff meetings
You do not need to attend any staff meetings.

Do I need any training
You do not need any prior training. We will teach you everything you need to know at the convention.

Is there a limit to the number of people that can volunteer
At this point, there is no limit to the number of volunteers we will accept.

Can I sign up ahead of time
You can sign-up ahead of time by emailing volunteers@fanime.com. This will save you some time during the volunteer registration process.

Can I request specific jobs ahead of time
You cannot sign-up for tasks ahead of time. They will be handed out on a first come, first serve basis at the convention.