Otafest would be literally impossible without our wonderful volunteers, and we endeavor to make it as fun as possible to volunteer with us! Volunteering is a great way to level up your Otafest involvement while earning valuable experience to put on a resume and gain community service hours!
Whether you’re volunteering alone or with friends, we’ll do our best to keep you smiling throughout the whole weekend.
This page will provide you with information on volunteering with Otafest including descriptions of the various positions, benefits, responsibilities, and important dates. Please review all of the information before applying for a volunteer position.
Selections will be made after the volunteer application deadline has passed. We will notify all applicants as to whether they've been accepted or not at that time.
Otafest selects its volunteers based on your submitted availability and departmental needs, in addition to the following requirements:
If any of these requirements are not met, we regretfully cannot host you as a volunteer this year.
There is a $20.00 deposit to volunteer for Otafest.
In the past, Otafest has had issues with volunteers not fulfilling their commitments (being late, not showing up at all, etc.) The deposit helps us ensure that volunteers will show up, be on time, and complete their duties.
Please understand that this deposit is not about making money – we’d much rather return it to you! By showing up on time, staying focused on your tasks, and adhering to the event guidelines, you’ll get your deposit back (and then some!)
Otafest has historically provided food for volunteers, however volunteer surveys have shown us that volunteers prefer their own freedom of choice when it comes to selecting food.
As such, instead of directly providing food, we offer the following compensation program for volunteers to purchase their own food during their breaks. Volunteers will be compensated based on the number of shifts they are working:
4 Shifts
$30.00
5-6 Shifts
$40.00
7-8 Shifts
$50.00
9+ Shifts
$60.00
+ our undying affection and gratitude
Café, Pokémon League, Sketch Drive, and other specialized volunteers receive $50.00 regardless of the number of shifts worked as these positions tend to require a large commitment prior to Otafest.
You may select which role(s) for which you are interested in volunteering on your application. Below is a short description of each position, click on each title to expand its details.
Admissions volunteers are responsible for selling Otafest admission to patrons and checking in those who pre-purchased their tickets online. This position is a fast paced work environment, however you should still be friendly and interactive with all of our attendees!
All Volunteer Responsibilities
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Useful Skills
CONbini volunteers promote and sell Japanese baked goods, drinks, and other items to hungry/thirsty patrons throughout the weekend.
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Exhibitor Hall volunteers get attendees to their destinations in the Exhibitor Hall, even if the attendees don’t know where they’re going! These knowledgeable volunteers constantly interact with attendees, whether answering questions, directing them, or encouraging them to donate to our yearly charity.
All Volunteer Responsibilities
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We’d say the pun was unintended, but would you really believe us?
Gaming volunteers patrol the gaming room area to monitor occupancy, assist attendees with equipment, and ensure that everyone is playing fairly, sharing the equipment fairly, etc.
All Volunteer Responsibilities
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Line Control volunteers are enthusiastic and energetic individuals who manage line flow and attendee traffic all around the festival. They use kindness and fun to keep people flowing. They are able to guide folks to events and are often the first to meet attendees and introduce them to the Otafest experience, so kindness and a positive attitude are mandatory! Line Control Assistants are needed in all areas of the festival. Join this team if you like to be organized and in control!
All Volunteer Responsibilities
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Merchandise volunteers run the Otafest Merchandise booth. This position involves promoting and advertising Otafest merchandise as well as assisting attendees with sizing and information regarding the different products.
All Volunteer Responsibilities
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Policy Enforcers maintain a visible presence at the festival, ensure that Otafest’s policies are being followed, and that everyone has a safe and fun time. If you like being out and about while meeting new people this is the role for you.
All Volunteer Responsibilities
This Role’s Responsibilities
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Programming Helpers ensure that Otafest events/panels run smoothly and oversee that event transitions are as seamless as possible. These volunteers work with panelists and attendees to create a safe and fun experience for everyone involved. This role is great for those who enjoy being more involved with various Otafest events.
All Volunteer Responsibilities
This Role’s Responsibilities
Useful Skills
Otafest communicates primarily through email. Please check your email regularly and add volunteer@otafest.com on your safe senders list as we have had occurrences where our emails were flagged as spam.
If you have any questions or concerns please send us an email to volunteer@otafest.com.
You must be at least 13 years old by the date of your first shift.
Once you’ve received your acceptance email, let the volunteer team know at volunteer@otafest.com and your pass will be refunded.
Yes! Just head to the volunteer room first to check in early and get your materials & wristband.
After that, you’re free to explore Otafest until your shift!
If you must cancel, you can email volunteer@otafest.com to let the team know as soon as possible so we can reassign your shifts.
Please note that cancellation after May 1st will negatively affect your opportunity to volunteer for future Otafest events unless there are extenuating circumstances.
Bring anything you need to ensure you can have a safe time while volunteering.
Otafest
May 16 – 18, 2025
Calgary Telus Convention Centre
120 9 Ave SE
Calgary, AB T2G 0P3
May 16 – 18, 2025
