A Worldcon is run entirely by unpaid, volunteer staff. Seriously! For over 80 years it has been a convention created by and for fans, fueled by dedicated community servants. More than any other factor, that fact makes this event and this community special and unique, full of acts of creativity, profound quirkiness, and kindness which money literally cannot buy. That is why when you purchase an attending membership to Worldcon you receive a membership and not a ticket. Many local and regional conventions also follow this model.
You too can join this community of makers, doers, and shapers, whether by contributing a few hours during the con, or by engaging in planning activities that last for a season or the whole year. A list of known currently available staff roles can be found below. We would love to have your help as a walk up volunteer, even if you only have a couple of hours to spare. Contact volunteers@seattlein2025.org to volunteer for one of the roles listed below, or walk up to the Volunteers Desk in the level 2 Flex Lobby any time during the convention.
Volunteer Age Policy
This policy applies only to individuals serving in volunteer positions, and does not apply to individuals staffing exhibit tables, staffing dealer booths, or providing program content.
Teens (age 13–17) may volunteer independently. They may not handle monetary instruments (money, badges, vouchers), but are otherwise considered full volunteers and are eligible for all volunteer rewards. Role assignments should be suitable for their age and experience, keeping safety considerations in mind. Some roles, particularly MIMO, require volunteers to be at least 16 years of age.
Children (age 6–12) may volunteer alongside their parent/guardian. They may not handle monetary instruments (money, badges, vouchers). They may receive a volunteer ribbon and have access to the staff lounge with their parent/guardian, but are not eligible for other volunteer rewards.
Currently Available Roles
The following roles are currently available for walk up volunteers as of August 1, but more roles will be added during the convention. Stop by the Volunteers Desk in the level 2 Flex Lobby any time during the convention to see an updated list of available roles.
Pre-Convention Roles ( – )
- Art show build ()
- Lift and connect art show panels (approx 40lbs, team lifts), zip tie panels, add lights to light tracks, zip tie lights to pipe
- Ballroom Floor Protection ()
- This team will, under the direction of the lead rigger, be responsible for moving the plywood that the lifts moves on when in the ballroom
- Dealers’ Room assistant ()
- Help dealers find their spaces, monitor dealers’ room floor, answer dealer questions, work with management to address any issues
- Worldcon History display set up ()
- Unpack, set up, display, re-pack, and load Worldcon History display road cases
- Freebies ()
- Putting out books, break down boxes, putting together furniture
- Exhibits ()
- Assist in creating exhibit displays, one person who can lift and carry, other(s) mostly seated work, assembling document display binders, attaching prints to cardstock, some standing/lifting arms overhead to pin historical artifacts to panel boards.
- Accessibility Desk ()
- Answer questions and offer services regarding accessibility, communicate issues to the AH via text
- Game Library Load in and Set up ()
- Set up the Gaming area
At-Convention Roles ( – )
Please note that all at-con roles require you to be a member of the convention. You can find more information on our Membership page.
- Healthcare Assistant ( and )
- Help with Mask and Covid/Flu test delivery
- Friends of Worldcon Lounge ( – )
- Monitor the Friends of Worldcon lounge area
- Volunteer Desk ( – )
- Hand out meal vouchers, raffle prizes and pre-ordered volunteer merchandise; help walk-up volunteers match assignments; we particularly need help 3:00-6:15
- ConOps ( – )
- Either working in the office, monitoring things or working as a Rover helping people
- Elevator Operators ( – )
- Using card to run elevators to Sheraton parties
- Dealers’ Room assistant ( – )
- Help dealers find their spaces, monitor dealers’ room floor, answer dealer questions, work with management to address any issues
- Cantina staff ( – )
- Monitor Cantina area and report the need to move furniture, remove trash, and replenish supplies and similar needs to the appropriate group
- Paint & Take booth assistant ( – )
- Swap with existing staff for break times, keep booth area tidy, resupply tables, and assist members as needed
- Exhibits ( – )
- This is for the historians, the SF diehards, the combinations of the two and those who want to see items from Worldcon when it cost $2 and drew 300 people. Optimal for those with mobility issues or who request seated volunteer gigs. Volunteers will familiarize themselves with the letters (including Robert Heinlein’s), pictures, vintage magazines, and awards from the first Worldcon Seattle hosted in 1961, including Poul Anderson’s Hugo Award (!). The Hugo will be in a locked cabinet. Volunteers will mention points of interest to attendees in the exhibit. Minor straightening of items on tables during shift may occur.
- Registration Desk ( – )
- Welcome members, issue badges. Requires some computer experience
- Registration Line Monitor ( – )
- Monitor the Registration Queue, direct members to next available station, answer basic questions
- Registration Re-Supply support ( – )
- Monitor supplies at stations (blank badges, lanyards, clips), monitor Souvenir Books/Ribbons, restock any of the above when needed
- Accessibility Registration assistant ( – )
- Monitor the Accessibility queue for Registration to help members get registered in a timely fashion
- Accessibility Desk ( – )
- Answer questions and offer services regarding accessibility, communicate issues to the Accessibility Head via text
- Table Talks room monitor ( – )
- Table Talks require advanced signups. Monitor will need to assign panelists to tables, and let members in based on who is signed up, then manage the waitlist. Each incidence is only about 30 minutes max of work, every 90 minutes, at the start of the session
- Hands On Workshops Monitor ( – )
- Workshops and classes require advanced signup. Monitor will check off names of members and allow in wait listed folks as appropriate. Will take about 20 minutes periodically – some sessions are one hour, some are 2-1/2 hours. Will make up a more concise schedule closer to the convention
- Autographs monitor ( – )
- Assist Autographs coordinator as needed – line management, enforcing 3 item limit when necessary, assisting panelists to find their spots
- Teen Lounge Staff ( – )
- Cleaning area, answering questions, helping out with art areas, these shifts can be short, perfect for teens to do
- Youth Program ( – )
- Room monitor, assist with supplies when there is an art making activity set up and clean up, general tidy space
- Game Library ( – )
- Program Help attendees find and check out games from the Dragonflight GameCon library and the Alexandria RPG Library
- Game Library After Hours ( – )
- After Hours Library help at Sheraton
- Zine Runners ( – )
- Publications Running physical copies of morning/afternoon editions of Daily ‘Zine out to locations on 2, 3, and 4 and replacing the current edition in document holders
- Backstage Hand ( – )
- Multiple grip and house management roles available. Training is available for most roles, though stage experience is beneficial. Some roles can be adapted for a seated position or wheelchair. Most roles require use of a headset and ability to see in low light. This shift includes a lunch and dinner break. Some roles may be practical for only half-day but a full day commitment makes roles more available
- Follow Spot or Camera Operator ( – )
- Operate a follow spot or camera. Training can be provided, though experience is preferred. Must be able to stand, clearly see the stage, and follow instructions over headset. Follow spot operation may be a seated role, if the volunteer provides notice. Shifts must be rehearsal plus showtime. This shift includes a lunch and dinner break. Must wear dark clothing, ideally black
- Voice of Virtual ( – )
- Be the in-room representation of the virtual attendees
Virtual Roles ( – )
- Virtual tech host ( – )
- Help panelists navigate zoom and troubleshoot A/V issues
Post-Convention Roles ( – )
- Art show teardown ()
- Lift and disconnect art show panels (approx 40lbs, team lifts), cut zip ties, remove lights from light tracks and pipe
- Worldcon History display tear down ()
- Re-pack, and load Worldcon History display road cases
- Exhibits ()
- Assist in dismantling/packing historical artifacts from Seacon 1961 Special Exhibit
- Ballroom Floor Protection ()
- This team will, under the direction of the lead rigger, be responsible for moving the plywood that the lifts moves on when in the ballroom
