Volunteer Application

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.

Requirements

Fees & Benefits

Food

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.

Departments

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

  • Completing the online training module.
  • Being on time for your shift(s).
  • Checking in with the volunteer room before your first shift each day.
  • Answering attendee questions or directing them to someone who can help.

 

This Role’s Responsibilities

  • Receiving payment for tickets using both a till and iPad (must input everything accurately).
  • Scanning pre-purchased attendee tickets.
  • Applying the correct wristband to patron wrists after their payment has been processed.

 

Useful Skills

  • Customer service experience is an asset.
  • Cashier experience / money-handling experience (basic math skill is required).
  • Must be able to cope with busy lineups and stay calm under pressure.
  • Must be able to think on your feet and adapt quickly to changing situations.

CONbini volunteers promote and sell Japanese baked goods, drinks, and other items to hungry/thirsty patrons throughout the weekend.

All Volunteer Responsibilities

  • Completing the online training module.
  • Being on time for your shift(s).
  • Checking in with the volunteer room before your first shift each day.
  • Answering attendee questions or directing them to someone who can help.

 

This Role’s Responsibilities

  • Recommending and selling Japanese baked goods and assorted Japanese drinks to patrons.
  • Learning about the products to assist patrons with any dietary concerns.

 

Useful Skills

  • Cash handling skill is an asset but not required.
  • Customer service and people interaction experience are assets.
  • Having a fun and outgoing personality.

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

  • Completing the online training module.
  • Being on time for your shift(s).
  • Checking in with the volunteer room before your first shift each day.
  • Answering attendee questions or directing them to someone who can help.

 

This Role’s Responsibilities

  • Checking for attendee proof of admission (wristbands) before they can enter the area.
  • Monitoring and promoting traffic flow.
  • Helping attendees find the booths/tables they seek or with other questions they have.
  • Collecting funds for Otafest’s selected charity.

 

Useful Skills

  • Customer service and people interaction experience are assets.
  • Comfort with a certain level of activity (you’ll be on your feet and moving around a lot).
  • Having a friendly/outgoing/energetic/enthusiastic personality.

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

  • Completing the online training module.
  • Being on time for your shift(s).
  • Checking in with the volunteer room before your first shift each day.
  • Answering attendee questions or directing them to someone who can help.

 

This Role’s Responsibilities

  • Checking for attendee proof of admission (wristbands) before they can enter the area.
  • Monitoring gaming equipment to ensure that it’s being safely used and shared fairly.
  • Assisting attendees with getting set up on a game and/or any technical difficulties.
  • Monitoring occupancy and foot traffic.
  • Cleaning/organizing the equipment in the room.
  • Setting up and tearing down the room.

 

Useful Skills

  • Customer service and people interaction experience are assets.
  • Being observant and aware of your surroundings.
  • Comfort with large groups of people.
  • Gaming knowledge is an asset but not necessary.
  • Technical troubleshooting knowledge is an asset but not necessary.

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

  • Completing the online training module.
  • Being on time for your shift(s).
  • Checking in with the volunteer room before your first shift each day.
  • Answering attendee questions or directing them to someone who can help.

 

This Role’s Responsibilities

  • Providing directions to attendees looking for specific events.
  • Directing and forming lines for events and rooms.
  • Ensuring attendees still have a good time, even while they’re waiting in line.
  • Working closely and communicating with Otafest’s Policy Enforcement team.
  • Checking for attendee proof of admission (wristbands).

 

Useful Skills

  • Ability to remain calm and kind under pressure.
  • Customer service and people interaction experience.
  • Good with directions and able to read maps.
  • Team oriented.
  • Solution-oriented mentality.

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

  • Completing the online training module.
  • Being on time for your shift(s).
  • Checking in with the volunteer room before your first shift each day.
  • Answering attendee questions or directing them to someone who can help.

 

This Role’s Responsibilities

  • Selling Otafest merchandise.
  • Assisting patrons with sizing and color recommendations.
  • Accepting transactions in cash and card.

 

Useful Skills

  • Cash handling is an asset.
  • Customer service and people interaction experience are important assets.
  • Sociable and outgoing personality.

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

  • Completing the online training module.
  • Being on time for your shift(s).
  • Checking in with the volunteer room before your first shift each day.
  • Answering attendee questions or directing them to someone who can help.

 

This Role’s Responsibilities

  • Ensuring costume props conform to Otafest’s guidelines.
  • Assisting in running the Policy Enforcement Desk.
  • Walking throughout the festival space to maintain a visible presence.
  • Reporting any unsafe situations/behaviors.
  • If you’re above the age of 18, we may ask you to do late-night shifts (e.g. shifts which end at midnight).

 

Useful Skills

  • Customer service experience is an asset.
  • Observant and detail-oriented mind.
  • Energetic and enthusiastic to be at Otafest.

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

  • Completing the online training module.
  • Being on time for your shift(s).
  • Checking in with the volunteer room before your first shift each day.
  • Answering attendee questions or directing them to someone who can help.

 

This Role’s Responsibilities

  • Checking for attendee proof of admission (wristbands) before they can enter panel rooms.
    • This is what you will be doing for the majority of the time.
  • Monitoring and supervising assigned events.
  • Assisting Programming staff and Zone Leads with any general help they need.
  • Performing panel setup and tear down (includes some light lifting).
  • Assisting panelists with technical issues and troubleshooting for their event (or finding someone who can help).

 

Useful Skills

  • Knowledge of special equipment handling (speakers, computers, etc.)
  • Personable and friendly.
  • Comfortable with large groups of people.
  • Energetic and enthusiastic to be at Otafest.
  • Observant and aware of your surroundings.

Important Dates

Questions & Emails

Frequently Asked Questions

You must be at least 13 years old by the date of your first shift.

If you’d like to volunteer with your friends, please indicate it on the relevant field in the application form. We do our best to assign you with your friends but we can’t guarantee that all of your shifts will overlap. 

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!

The fee exists because Otafest needs to cover upfront administrative costs that we could otherwise not bear, including your admission to the festival on the days/times that you’re not actively volunteering. We hope that our food compensation program will help offset the fee (and then some) for you.

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.

  • Comfortable shoes
    • You’ll probably be on your feet a lot!
  • A water bottle
    • There are refill stations around the venue
  • Snacks
    • Especially if you have any dietary considerations
  • Cash/wallet/cards
    • If you want to buy anything from the Exhibitor Hall, etc.
  • Extra clothes (that are not your volunteer shirt)
    • When you’re not volunteering, please don’t wear your shirt or we’ll think you’re still on shift and pull you in to do more work!

Application Form