Volunteer FAQ

About Otakuthon

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For general inquiries, please contact the Information Desk at info@otakuthon.com.

For all registration questions, please contact registration@otakuthon.com.

1. Why should I volunteer for Otakuthon? What do I gain from volunteering?

Volunteering is always a nice thing to do and is appreciated wherever you go.  As a fan-run, non-profit organization, Otakuthon depends and relies on our volunteers' capabilities to keep the organization running smoothly. Without the generosity of everyone volunteering their time, Otakuthon would not be possible.

Other benefits:

• Gain practical working experience.
• Work with as a team.
• Get to meet new people and make new friends.
• Help your starving wallet in the form of registration reimbursements and volunteer benefits (more information on our rewards here.

2.  What can I do as a volunteer?

There are plenty of things you can do to help such as assisting with registration, garage sale, equipment setup/teardown, badge checking, etc. Every volunteer helps to make a convention that much better and more enjoyable for the convention-goers and less hectic for the organizers. You can find more information on volunteer tasks here.

3. How do I sign up to be a volunteer?

To be part of the volunteer team:

• You must complete the volunteer application and waiver forms and send them to volunteers@otakuthon.com.
• You must be 15 years of age to volunteer (sorry, no exceptions).
• It is highly recommended you be pre-registered.

4. I got accepted as a volunteer, but it says I should attend the volunteer orientation session. Do I need to attend?

While not mandatory, we strongly recommend that all volunteers (both returning and new recruits) attend one volunteer orientation session to get up to date with the latest protocols and procedures .  Also, those who come to the orientation will have first choice on their tasks and time slots.

5. How do I get reimbursed as a volunteer? What if I can't pick up my reimbursement in person?

You will be reimbursed in the registration room during between 2pm and 12am on the Sunday of Otakuthon and Monday from 10am to 5pm.  If you aren't able to pick up your reimbursement, please contact volunteers@otakuthon.com as soon as possible as unclaimed reimbursements will not be carried over into future years.

6. I heard there are limited spaces for each volunteer position; how do I make sure I get the one I want?

The best way is to apply as early as you can and to attend the volunteer orientation session. In the application form, we will ask you to give out your 1st, 2nd and 3rd choice of position so that if ever you don't get your first choice, you'd get your second, and so on.

7. How many hours do you expect me to work during the convention?

You may volunteer for 6, 10, 14, 18, 22 or 24+ hours. Please refer to the volunteers' benefits program for more details on the advantages of volunteering for more hours. 

8. Do I get any breaks on my shifts?

Otakuthon appreciates and acknowledges the volunteers and we make sure to treat them and guide them very well. Rest assured, you will get breaks during your shifts. More details will be given at the volunteers' training session.

9. What benefits do I get for volunteering during the night shift?
What does it mean by 'Volunteering hours from 12am to 8am will be counted 1.5 times'?

For each hour volunteered during the night shifts (12am to 8am) will be counted as 1.5 volunteer hours (ex: if you volunteer for 4 hours between 12am to 8am, we will count as if you have volunteered for 6 hours).

NOTE: You must be 18 years or older to work the night shift.

10. What is a "Volunteer's Time Sheet" and what is it used for?

This is a very important sheet to any volunteer and should be kept on hand when volunteering at all times. Volunteer hours are tracked with this time sheet and it is required for a volunteer to be reimbursed and get their volunteer benefits.   Do not lose this sheet!!!

11. May I cosplay while I volunteer?  Can I stop and pose for a photo if someone asks while I'm volunteering?

Feel free to cosplay when you're volunteering, though please refrain from posing too long for pictures.  When volunteering, your priority is to carry out your volunteer tasks and help the convention run smoothly.  Be sure that your cosplay does not obstruct the path (too large or bulky) or hinder your ability to complete your task.

12. May I take pictures while I volunteer?

It is not recommended to carry valuables like a camera while you volunteer since you might lose them.  Taking pictures of the events is okay when you're not working but  please try to refrain from doing so when you're on shift.

13. Who should I seek for if I have any questions?

Do not hesitate to ask any questions relevant to volunteering for Otakuthon by e-mail to volunteers@otakuthon.com.