Be A Volunteer

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!

Apply Now to Volunteer!

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.
Apply Now to Volunteer!