Volunteer

Interested in having your FanimeCon badge reimbursed or getting a preview of staffing at the con? Then volunteer with us!

Starting your volunteer experience is as easy as picking up your badge at Registration then heading over to the Volunteers Department. Signing up, volunteering, and initiating your reimbursement will all take place during the convention. Previous experience is not needed to volunteer, nor is there a required dress code by our department. You can even volunteer while wearing cosplay! Volunteers are wanted at virtually all hours in numerous departments throughout the convention. You can make a schedule according to your plans and task preferences, allowing you to work towards reimbursement while still enjoying FanimeCon!

As a volunteer, you can contribute to FanimeCon in a multitude of ways. Choose from a variety of tasks from departments across the convention, all of which are significant. Some departments include Panels, Video, Gaming, J-Fashion, Masquerade, and more. Some examples of tasks are badge checking, event setup, filling attendee goodie bags, and door guarding for video rooms. The department you volunteer for will train you during your shift and inform you of everything you need to know.

The number of hours required for reimbursement:     

Changes for 2024:

• Masks in the Volunteers Department are Strongly Recommended.
• While the convention has shifted to Masks Strongly Recommended, some departments will have Masks Required as their policy. If you want to volunteer with those departments, we ask that you be prepared to wear a mask during your time with them. The Volunteers Department can provide you with masks.
• Monday Single Day badges are not eligible for reimbursement this year.
• We have new prize offerings this year.
  • ExpressPass: A voucher that will give you priority entry to some Main Programming or exclusive perks. ExpressPasses can be earned by working qualified shifts, then redeemed within the convention.
    • Examples of perks include priority seating at Masquerade or exclusive shopping hours.
  • Grand Prize Drawing: A giveaway exclusively for volunteers with a Full Weekend badge. Completing your reimbursement will enter you into a drawing for prizes like Guest of Honors’ autographs or a Sony PlayStation® 5

Volunteering Process:     

1. Purchase and pick up your badge at Registration during FanimeCon.
2. Go to the Volunteers Room (Silicon Valley Board Room, second floor of the San Jose Marriott Hotel).
3. Speak with a staff member to sign up for our volunteering program. 
4. Browse and select tasks that fit your schedule and preference for your initial shifts.
5. Go to your chosen departments and fulfill your shifts.
6. Continue to sign up for shifts by going to the Volunteers Department throughout the weekend.   
7. Return to the Volunteers Room after completing all of your required hours to begin your reimbursement process with a staff member.
8. Pick out some fun prizes.
9. After FanimeCon ends, the Finance Department will process your reimbursement. 

Volunteering Requirements:

1. Have a valid FanimeCon attendee badge. The badge must cover all the days you intend to volunteer.
2. Have proof of identification. Please bring a government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license or passport). This allows us to verify your identity. For minors, a copy of your student ID will suffice.  
3. Be at least 13 years old. If you are below the age of 18, then you must complete a minor waiver form before or during your first visit to the Volunteers Department. A guardian must sign your minor waiver form.

Reimbursement Process:

After FanimeCon ends, our Finance Department will work hard to process all reimbursements as quickly as possible. If you do not receive your reimbursement within the time frames below, please email us at volunteers@fanime.com.

What is the difference between volunteering and staffing?

Staffing requires you to apply to a department prior to FanimeCon. There is a considerable time commitment required, which involves a series of staff meetings and possible training sessions. During the convention, you must work at least 24 hours. You will receive a staff badge and will not need to purchase a regular attendee badge.

Volunteering does not require any time commitment before the convention, and you can sign up any time during FanimeCon. We are always in need of more volunteers and only in the rarest situations would we turn help away. Once you complete your required hours, you are free to enjoy the rest of the convention. You need to purchase a regular attendee badge first before signing up as a volunteer, but you will be reimbursed after finishing your hours. If you do not reach the required number of hours, you are not eligible for reimbursement, as we do not partially reimburse badges.

**Policies and requirements will vary with each department.

Volunteering is also a great way to preview what being staff is like without putting in the commitment before the convention. Many volunteers move on to joining staff once they have worked in a certain department.

Location and Hours

San Jose Marriott – Silicon Valley Boardroom
Thursday: 2:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Friday: 8:30 am – 9:00 pm
Saturday: 8:30 am – 9:00 pm
Sunday: 8:30 am – 9:00 pm
Monday: 8:30 am – 4:00 pm

Questions?

Stop by the Volunteers Department (Silicon Valley Board Room, second floor of the San Jose Marriott Hotel) during the convention, or email us at volunteers@fanime.com.