Admissions Attendants 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.

CONbini assistants 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.

Exhibitor Hall Assistants 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.

We’d say the pun was unintended, but would you really believe us?

Gaming Monitors 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.

Line Control Assistants 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

Merchandise Attendants 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.

The Operations setup team gets Otafest ready to go before the show even starts! They help get the festival ready to operate for the weekend by setting up signs and equipment, moving bins and displays, and handling fragile materials. A behind-the-scenes experience!

Note: this role is specific to the Thursday (all day) and Friday (morning) of Otafest only!

This Role’s Responsibilities

• You will be doing a lot of lifting and moving in this role.
• Moving Otafest equipment between the loading dock, event rooms, temporary storage, and the staff room.
• Setting up and deploying Otafest signage.
• Transporting supplies and equipment to different parts of the venue.

Useful Skills

• Knowledge of special equipment handling (e.g. speakers, computers, sets).
• Observant and aware of your surroundings.
  Detail oriented.
• Confidence in asking questions when you’re unsure.

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).

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).