Volunteering questions

[Invalid 54]

So, I've already reserved my hotel room and 3-day con pass. With this being my first convention ever, I was interested in doing volunteer work for them and I had some general questions pertaining to things like applying for positions and the job requirements.

 

When I go to BABSCon's main site for registering to volunteer, they have a list of positions available and when I go through them, I'll obviously go for the ones I believe I can assist best at. But my main personal concern is, for an "Average Joe" like me who's done mostly manual labor jobs and not much else in the way of brain work, which of these jobs would really suit me? However, I don't want to be too restrictive with my choices and I'm open to new experiences, so I want ask: Are things like E&P and Operations the best option for me? I'd like to know what I'll get myself into before signing up.

 

Also, when choosing a badge type in their staff application form, there's the "BABSCon Staff - FREE" and "EUP Brigade" choices. Which of these do I choose for a first time con goer like me?

 

Lastly, I had a question about con passes. Is there a time limit to picking them up at the convention in order to attend? I'm probably going to arrive at the con during the afternoon hours, but if I have to arrive much earlier in the morning to obtain mine, then so be it.

[Simon 4,557]

Hey there Dekaccho!

 

So great questions. First of all, any of the positions that are looking for some specific skills will say so in the description on this page: http://www.babscon.com/volunteer/As long as you have the requisite skills to do the job you're volunteering for, your biggest priority should be volunteering for the areas you would enjoy the most! If you're really open to doing most any job, be sure to specify in the additional notes that you're open to anything. The list on the registration form is primarily to figure out what areas you're most interested in working on.

 

As for the two types of staff positions, BABSCon Staff tends to be for positions which work both leading up to the convention and at the convention itself. For instance, if you volunteered for a public relations staff position, most of those jobs are working on places like BABSCon's social media long before the convention actually starts. EUP is for positions that are only at the actual convention. For instance, cons need lots of help with physical labor, checking badges, running things from room to room, etc.. those would probably be EUP positions. Other thing to note about Staff vs EUP is that Staff positions receive their badge discount up front where EUP receive a refund on their badge after working an agreed upon amount of hours at the convention. 

 

As for the badge, you'll be able to pick it up any time during the convention hours. Just be sure to specify what days you will actually be at the con on your application so you aren't put on a position which requires you to be there on Thursday or early int he morning.

 

Hope that helps!

[Invalid 54]

Thanks for the informative response.

 

By your description, it would seem the 'EUP Brigade' would be the best choice for me. I don't mind doing the leg work and social interactions that are necessary for the jobs.

 

Something else I forgot to ask, but how much time would volunteer workers have to go about and enjoy the con themselves? Such as taking the time to view/buy merchandise from vendors or meeting up with their friends? Unless breaks cover that...

 

I apologize if all this sounds 'noob-ish' and obvious to most people already, but I'd rather be safe (and prepared) than sorry.