Volunteer
Interested in having your FanimeCon badge reimbursed or getting a preview of the staffing experience? Then volunteer with us!
Starting your volunteer journey is easy. Just pick up your attendee badge at Registration and then head over to the Volunteers Department at either of our locations. The entire volunteering process will take place during the convention: from registering for our volunteer program, signing up for shifts, volunteering, and initiating your reimbursement.
No prior experience? No problem! The departments you sign up with will inform you of your duties during your time with them. We need volunteers across all hours and departments, allowing you to build a schedule that works around your convention plans. Volunteering is a flexible way to contribute to the convention and work towards your reimbursement. There’s no required dress code, and you can even volunteer in cosplay!
FanimeCon runs on awesome volunteers like you, and there are many ways to help out. Departments like Panels, Gaming, Video, J-Fashion, and Masquerade are just a few of the departments looking for support. Tasks may include:
- Handing out prizes at Stage Zero
- Checking out board games at Gaming
- Filling attendee goodie bags at Registration
- Stagehanding for Masquerade
- Door guarding for Swap Meet
Whichever department you’re helping out, they’ll give you a quick rundown and make sure you’ve got everything you need to jump in confidently.
Volunteer reimbursement requirements by badge type and attendee age:
| 13 to 17 years old* | 18 years and older | |
| Full-Weekend | 16 hours | 20 hours |
| Half-Weekend | 8 hours | 10 hours |
| Single-Day** | 4 hours | 5 hours |
** Monday single day badges are not eligible for reimbursements.
Volunteering Perks:
In addition to reimbursement of your badge, volunteering offers perks such as:
- Entry into our Prize Drawing for high-value prizes and FanimeCon memorabilia
- Access to the Volunteers-only Lounge
- Exclusive FanimeCon Volunteers Department swag
- Free item storage with Fan Storage
Locations
Volunteers Main Room:
Our Main Room, located in the Silicon Valley Board Room of the San Jose Marriott, is our main location of operation. Here, all volunteer-related services will be available (see table below), and this location will be fully staffed with multiple stations to efficiently serve groups.
The Main Room will also be where the Prize Drawing is held at the end of FanimeCon. Prizes will be displayed in the Main Room all weekend. Entry tickets will be turned in here as well.
Volunteers Lounge:
The Volunteers Lounge is an exclusive space for volunteers to relax and recharge throughout the convention. This space, located in the Plaza Room of the Hilton San Jose, is only accessible to volunteers who meet the nominal hour requirement.
Our Lounge has amenities such as limited Volunteers Department services (see table below), tables and chairs, electronic device charging, and games. We hope you’ll swing by and take a well-deserved break with us!
Available services by location:
| Main Room (San Jose Marriott, Silicon Valley Board Room) | Lounge (Hilton San Jose, Plaza Room) | |
| Volunteer registration | ✔ | ✔ |
| Task sign-ups | ✔ | ✔ |
| Reimbursement initiation | ✔ | |
| Seated rest areas | ✔ | |
| PPE pick up | ✔ | ✔ |
Volunteering Process:
- Purchase and pick up your badge at Registration during FanimeCon.
- Go to one of the Volunteers Rooms (Silicon Valley Board Room, San Jose Marriott or Plaza Room, Hilton San Jose).
- Speak with a staff member to sign up for our volunteering program.
- Browse and select tasks that fit your preference for your initial shifts.
- Go to your chosen departments and fulfill your shifts.
- Continue to sign up for shifts by going to the Volunteers Department in either location throughout the weekend.
- Return to the Volunteers Main Room after completing all of your required hours to initiate reimbursement with a staff member.
- After FanimeCon ends, the Finance Department will process your reimbursement.
Volunteering Requirements:
- Have a valid FanimeCon attendee badge. The badge must cover all the days you intend to volunteer.
- Have proof of identification. Please bring a government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license or passport). This allows us to verify your identity. For minors, a copy of your student ID will suffice.
- Be at least 13 years old. If you are below the age of 18, then you must complete a minor waiver form before or during your first visit to the Volunteers Department. A guardian must sign your minor waiver form.
Reimbursement Process:
After FanimeCon ends, our Finance Department will work hard to process all reimbursements as quickly as possible. Please keep your timesheet as a receipt of your completed hours.
What is the difference between volunteering and staffing?
FanimeCon is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that can validate volunteer service hours–a great opportunity for anyone needing documented community service, regardless of whether you are a staff member or volunteer.
Staffing
Becoming a staff member requires applying to or joining a department before FanimeCon begins. Staffing comes with a larger time commitment, including pre-con meetings and possible training sessions. During the convention, staff are expected to work at least 20 hours. Staff do not need to buy an attendee badge.
Volunteering
Volunteering is a flexible and varied way of contributing to the convention. Signing up, volunteering, and starting your reimbursement all take place during the convention. Volunteers can build their schedules at the convention around their own personal schedule, including which departments and tasks. The volunteer hour requirement (by badge type) must be met in order to qualify for reimbursement. Partial reimbursements are not offered.
Whether you’re looking for a full-on staff experience or want to help out as a volunteer, we’re excited to have you on board!
Take a look below to see which is a better fit for you:
| Volunteering | Staffing*** |
|---|---|
|
|
Volunteering is also a great way to get a feel for staffing without committing before the convention. Many volunteers go on to join Staff after working with a department and getting to know the team. It’s a low-pressure way to explore more involved roles at FanimeCon!
Locations and Hours
Volunteers Main Room
San Jose Marriott – Silicon Valley Boardroom (2nd floor)
Thursday: 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Friday: 8:30 am – 9:00 pm
Saturday: 8:30 am – 9:00 pm
Sunday: 8:30 am – 9:00 pm
Monday: 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
Volunteers Lounge (Limited hours and services at this location)
Hilton San Jose – Plaza Room (2nd floor)
Friday: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Saturday: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Sunday: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Monday: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Questions?
Stop by the Volunteers Department during the convention, or email us at volunteers@fanime.com.