Now accepting volunteer applications for the 2020 Conference!
Be A Volunteer!
We are a conference of learning, connecting and networking.
Volunteering with the conference is a great way to attend the conference. Help make the Guelph Organic Conference experience amazing for our guests, and attend workshops all in one weekend!
There are a variety of positions available, from interacting with workshop speakers, assisting with vendor set up, or helping attendees register and have a great experience. There is something for everyone.
Volunteering at the Guelph Organic Conference encourages networking through the organic community.
In exchange for 4 volunteer hours, you receive access to workshops for the rest of the day you volunteer, as well as an honorarium for lunch!
Volunteer Job Descriptions
Speaker Support
- Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday positions – morning or afternoon.
- Interact and assist speaker(s) with set up and possibly minor issues that may arise during the workshop, including technical support in setting up computer and presentation.
- Must be computer competent in order to assist workshop speakers with PowerPoint, etc.
- The lead Audio Visual Coordinator will be available for contact during your shift to assist with larger technical issues.
Workshop Monitor
- Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday positions – morning or afternoon.
- Checking attendee badges and wristbands at the entrance of workshops.
- Hand out & collection evaluations.
- Count & report number of attendees
- Introduce and thank speakers.
- Assist attendees with any questions.
Registration Desk
- Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday positions – Morning or afternoon shifts.
- Assist with attendee registration, handling money, working with ipads and Square card readers.
- Welcoming attendees, answering questions, assisting with wrap up conference.
Coat check
- Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday positions – Morning or afternoon shifts.
- Welcome and interact with attendees, handle cash, make change.
- Hang coats in an orderly and organized fashion.
Coffee sales
- Saturday 7:30am to 1:30pm / Sunday 8:30am to 1:30pm.
- Interacting with attendees, handle money and make change, keep area tidy, ensure sufficient supplies.
- Coffee is provided by the University of Guelph Hospitality and is self-serve.
Greeters / Info Table Assistants
- Saturday, Sunday positions. (Greatest need is for morning shifts.)
- Welcome and interact with attendees, help direct attendees to registration.
- Aid registration desk in helping guests fill out registration forms.
- May assist at Information Booths in the Trade Show areas.
Parking & Trade Show Set-Up – Saturday Morning
- Saturday only position 6:00am to 9:00am.
- Assisting vendors of trade show – welcoming them, helping them unload & find their booth, helping them move items to their booth.
- Assist attendees with arrival and parking.
- Involves some work outdoors, and possibly some heavy lifting.
Wednesday Set Up
- Wednesday positions 3pm to 7pm.
- Assist with the set up of the registration area, unloading and moving supplies from vehicles, moving large tables and other furniture, hanging signs and other similar duties.
- Must be able to lift at least 30 lbs to volunteer for this shift.
Trade Show Tear-Down
- Sunday 3:00pm to 7:00pm
- Aid vendors with loading their vehicles
- Assorted Conference tear-down duties such as collecting signage, re-arranging furniture, packing paperwork etc.
- Some heavy lifting, but handcarts and elevators are available.
Enewsletter Proofing (September to March)
- An opportunity to review conference articles and e-newsletters before they are posted
- You should have either good proofing/grammar/spelling skills AND/OR a background in organic agriculture.
- Usually, there is a 2-3 day turn around to read the article and e-newsletter and respond with feedback to the Communications Coordinator.
- Frequency of editing is about 1-2 times per month. Volunteers don’t need to respond every time, but the expectation is that most times they do.
- Applications for this position are ONLY accepted until December 21st – preferably sooner.
- Completion of this duty does not qualify you for free entry to workshops.