Frequently Asked Questions about Volunteering at DCC ’13

Complete our VOLUNTEER APPLICATION (see the sidebar menu). In addition to filling out the application, you will also need to fill out a waiver that will allow us to run a background check. You will fill this out during volunteer orientation in spring 2013 (exact date to be determined). Since our volunteers often work in sensitive areas—such as with children, celebrities, and money—it is important to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

You can volunteer if you are 15 or older. Volunteers age 15-17 will need to have a parent sign a Parental Consent Form (see the sidebar menu) prior to the Con. The form is located on our sidebar menu. Please print, scan, and email back to the Volunteer Services office prior to the volunteer orientation.

Most daily commitments will be 4-6 hours per day. Because it’s a big job to schedule 250 volunteers, we ask that you commit to volunteering for a whole day, even if you only work 4-6 hours. For example, if you have another commitment for part of Friday, please volunteer for Saturday or Sunday, not Friday. During the days you don’t volunteer, you’ll be able to explore the Con.

Once you have volunteered for one year, and upon an area manager’s recommendation, you can sign up for a Crew position, if you choose. Crewmembers work behind the scenes for the last month of DCC planning and prep. They also work the whole weekend, from set up Thursday though Con closing on Sunday.

Each volunteer gets a volunteer t-shirt (to be worn while on duty), one day’s admission to the Con for each day you volunteer (if you volunteer for two days, you receive a one-day admission pass for you and one other person for the same day), and an invitation to the Volunteer Appreciation Party on Sunday night of the Con. For example, if you volunteer for Friday, you will receive admission for yourself for either Saturday or Sunday, your choice. If you volunteer for Saturday and Sunday, you will receive two admission passes for Friday.

Crewmembers receive a crew t-shirt, admission all weekend to the Con, a one-day admission for a friend or family member, other special incentives being put together by the staff, and an invitation to the Volunteer Appreciation Party.

Denver Comic Con is a very inclusive group and we will do everything possible to accommodate any special limitations you might have. When you complete your application, please let us know about any concerns you have and we will work with you on an individual basis. There are many positions that will allow you to sit, such as registration, which you might consider if, for example, you have trouble being on your feet for long periods of time.

Each area (registration, merchandise booth, artist alley services, etc.) has an area manager. The area manager will determine before the Con what hours or shift you’ll need to volunteer. They’ll also make sure you get breaks throughout the day. There will be a designated Volunteer Break Room with snacks and water just for volunteers and staff.

Each day you volunteer, you will check in at the volunteer registration desk at the Convention Center. We ask that you check in a minimum of one (1) hour before your shift. That way we’ll know who is on the premises. Should something happens at the last minute that prevents you from showing up for your shift, we can find someone to fill in for you.

Once we receive all the volunteer applications, our staff will work with the area managers to create assignments. You will receive your assignment at the volunteer orientation that will occur in spring 2013 (exact date to be determined).

Don’t volunteer at Denver Comic-Con 2013 if you don’t have time. Volunteers pay their dues by working hard to serve thousands of guests each day of the Con. If you can’t commit to your volunteer schedule, or think volunteering will conflict with your favorite program or activity, you should pay for admission instead.

Denver Comic Con accepts volunteer applications from residents in the greater Front Range area only. In order to be well prepared, volunteers are required to attend our orientation and training meetings. We find that out-of-state volunteers find it difficult to meet this requirement. One option to still be involved is to consider becoming part of the Street Team (streetteam@denvercomiccon.com) and promoting Denver Comic Con in your area in advance of the Con.