Call for Conference Volunteers Become a Volunteer ACT-W conferences run on the energy of our volunteers who care about empowering women in technology. The ACT-W Austin Conference is an annual two-day action-packed event where talented women can build skills, grow their community, and accelerate their career path by connecting with companies that truly fit them best. The conference includes speaking sessions, hands-on workshops, one-on-one coaching sessions, and more. As a volunteer, you’ll be a vital part of the conference and help to create a welcoming and outstanding conference experience for about 300 participants from the Austin and nearby area. The volunteering experience is a unique opportunity to participate in the conference activities. ACT-W Austin volunteers will be responsible for various conference duties such as staffing the registration/information booth, crowd management, assisting speakers and pre-conference course instructors, and communicating information about the conference.

What is expected of ACT-W Austin volunteers? As a volunteer, you’ll be expected to fulfill your obligation to your designated volunteer shift(s). You’ll also be responsible for your own transportation during and from the conference. For out of town volunteers, you’ll be responsible for your own travel and lodging costs. We will need volunteers from ​Friday, August 4th through Sunday, August 6th​, with the majority of coverage needed for the Conference which takes place Saturday, August 5th Sunday, August 6th.

Who can volunteer? ● ●

Anyone 18 and over Non-technical and technical

Volunteer Positions (Examples below, but please note that positions may fluctuate on-site due to event needs)

ACT-W Kick-off Happy Hour “Ask Me” Ambassador These are sociable people that help with set-up, check-in and greet folks at the door, and assist with break-down. You may also guide people to the bar, bathroom, and tables.

ACT-W Conference “Ask Me” Ambassador These are sociable people who are experts on various areas of content: conference schedule content, happy hours, dinners, etc. All of the information they provide is to enhance the attendees’ experiences. They will also assist any overflow attendees by locating alternative sessions they can attend. They will also refer issues to problem solver volunteers or registration/information volunteers as needed. Act as floaters.

Mock Interviewers This role involves conducting one-on-one practice interviews with attendees. The questions asked are typically the more general employer interview questions asked during a first round or screening interview. However​, ​more specific questions may be asked for a technical career position. This position is best suited for folks with hiring and interview experience.

Photographers These volunteers are tasked with documenting the ACT-W experience, encompassing keynotes, sessions, as well as happy hour and social networking, with an emphasis on capturing the dynamics of the event. They will take still photography and possibly videography of our event and attendees. A photographer will also be assigned to headshots. Photographers with experience from amateur to full-on professional are encouraged to join this crew

Registration/Information Booth These volunteers will locate registration packets and explain contents to attendees. Any registrations issues will be transferred to the lead for resolution. They will also act as the source of information about the conference activities, directions and sessions. Volunteers will be required to stay at registration booth for the assigned hours unless otherwise directed.

Room Monitors These volunteers will act as the liaison to speakers during Sessions, Workshops, Keynotes, and Opening/Closing Ceremonies, as well as monitor session capacity and general housekeeping. They will introduce speakers with a pre-written script, assists speakers with basic A/V issues, make sure water has been provided, act as a timekeeper for session/course, act as room monitor to make sure room is not overcrowded If room reaches capacity, they will work with Problem Solvers or “Ask Me” Ambassadors to close the session to further attendees. Volunteers will be required to stay in the session/course for the assigned hours.

Technical Support These volunteers can troubleshoot A/V issues and will be responsible for collecting presentations on a USB drive at end of sessions and workshops.

Social Media / Citizen Journalist These volunteers will be responsible for covering sessions as a reporter. They will make social media posts, and take pictures during the session. Volunteers will coordinate with communications and social media leads to follow posting requirements.

Problem Solver These volunteers assist where needed to resolve unexpected issues. We are seeking people who are comfortable being in customer service and resolving problems on the fly. Please note if you are knowledgeable about audio visual, etc, because technical difficulties can occur during the conference where we may need your help.

Set up / Clean up Crew These volunteers help set up and/or breakdown the conference area, sessions, workshops, career fair, breakfast, lunch. This includes moving chairs, tables, et. Must be able to lift 25 lbs. Questions? Contact us at ​[email protected]​ with any questions or concerns.