Maker Faire has always needed the help of volunteers and this year’s “The Future We Make” is not any different…however the program is!
Welcome to the NEW Maker Faire volunteer program. You still have the opportunity to earn entry into Maker Faire, collect some cool stuff and have a great experience, we are just organized in a new way.
HELPING HANDS
- Be outdoors for the duration of the shift.
- Represent Maker Faire with a positive, can-do attitude.
- Work well with guests and/or team members throughout the shift.
- Lift ~25lbs.
- If you need accommodations for any of these skills, please alert our team and we will find the position that fits best.
Helping Hands Positions:
- Transportation – There are many ways to get to Maker Faire, help direct folks as they arrive.
- Traffic Flow – Lots of people come to Maker Faire! Help make sure the event stays safe.
- Maker Helpers – Sometimes Makers just need some extra hands, positions vary!
- Information Booth – People always have questions about getting around the Faire. You don’t have to know everything, but be willing to help people find what they are looking for.
- Event Help – The Faire is a big undertaking and takes many hands, so come lend yours. This is for folks who are willing to help anywhere.
The Shifts:
- Thursday, May 16th: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Friday, May 17th: 11 pm – 4 pm & 3 pm – 8 pm
- Saturday, May 18th: 9 am – 1 pm & 12:30 pm – 4:30 pm & 4 pm – 8 pm
- Sunday, May 19th: 9 am – 1 pm & 12:30 pm – 4:30 pm & 4 pm – 8 pm
You Give:
- Before you arrive, review all Maker Faire volunteer and position overview documents (sent after sign up)
- Arrive on time to work your 4-5 hour shift onsite
You Get:
- 2 tickets to Maker Faire!
- A volunteer credential
- One vintage swag item
- 10% SHED discount
- Access to Snack Paradise
HANDS ON ACTIVATIONS
- Enjoy working one-on-one or in small group instruction.
- Be patient and supportive of a variety of ages and skill sets.
- Be able to stay with participants throughout the workshop shift.
Hands-On Activations Positions
- Cardboard Unicorns – Help whimsy-loving visitors transform corrugated cardboard into a fantastical creature in this simple build.
- Giant Bubbles – No matter the age, people love bubbles; help make some epic ones.
- Glow Plushies – Have a soft spot for simple circuits with monstrous personalities? Cuddle up to this project!
- Learn to Solder – Maker Faire’s most popular hands-on activity is back! Do you know how to solder? Then come help others learn too.
- Learn to Breadboard – Know how to prototype circuits on a solderless breadboard? Hook visitors up with this powerful tool!
- Screenprinting – Fashion forward or just love to think ink? Looking for peeps who know their way around a squeegee.
- Rocket Launch – We love rockets! We need ground crew to build and launch paper projectiles high in the air!
- Workshops – A variety of in depth, hands on workshops scheduled throughout showtime.
The Shifts:
- Friday, May 17th: 12:30 pm – 5:30 pm
- Saturday, May 18th: 9:30 am – 2:30 pm & 2:00 pm – 7:00pm
- Sunday, May 19th: 9:30 am – 2:30 pm & 2:00 pm – 7:00pm
You Give:
- Before you arrive, review all Maker Faire volunteer and position overview documents (sent after sign up)
- Arrive on time to work a 5 hour shift onsite
You Get:
- 2 tickets to Maker Faire!
- A volunteer credential
- One vintage swag item
- 10% SHED discount
- Access to Snack Paradise
SIGN UP FOR HANDS ON ACTIVATIONS:
https://mfba19-activationvolunteers.eventbrite.com
ALUMNI & EVENT PEOPLE ENCOURAGED
We encourage Maker Faire Alumni and people who are familiar with events to sign up for these positions. Maker Faire is a wonderful orchestration of many different types of people and projects. It’s not your typical event! These roles greatly benefit from people that know the venue, understand the different groups of folks that arrive onsite and have a sense for the dynamic nature and scale of the show. We appreciate the enthusiasm and knowledge of Maker Faire Alumni.
PRODUCTION SUPPORT
- Get in your steps! There will be lots of walking around the faire.
- Be outdoors for the duration of the shift.
- Stay positive while giving directions and information.
- Be familiar with the overall map and areas of the faire.
- Be at least 18 years old
Production Support Positions
Runner/Assistant – General support to set up and run various aspects of the show. This might include walking around the faire, standing at a booth and/or lifting boxes (roughly 25lbs).
Direct Traffic – Folks arriving on site need guidance and directions. You will be in the parking lot or on the curb directing folks and setting them up to go to the right place. This is good for someone who enjoys interacting with lots of people. This is a key role to help Makers and Sponsors arrive on site and feel welcomed and ready to go!
Access Control – Support the traffic flow onsite. Help Makers, Sponsors and attendees find the right queue lines and directions. You will be outside and on your feet for your shift. This is the first point of contact for Makers and attendees arriving to the site. Please welcome them with the excitement of Maker Faire!
The Shifts:
- Thursday, May 16th: 9 am – 6 pm
- Friday, May 17th: 7 am – 3 pm
- Saturday, May 18th: 7 am – 3 pm
- Sunday, May 19th: 7 am – 3 pm
You Give:
- Review all Maker Faire Volunteer Overview and Position Overview docs
- Arrive on time to work your 8-9 hour shift onsite
You Get:
- 4 Tickets to Maker Faire
- Parking pass (for the day you work)
- A Crew credential
- Lunch with the Crew
- One vintage swag item
- 10% SHED discount
- Access to Snack Paradise
REGISTRATION
- Stay at your booth during your shift (except bio and lunch breaks).
- Enjoy engaging with Makers and guests, often giving the same directions repeatedly.
- Be comfortable with looking up information both digitally and on paper.
- Be at least 18 years old.
Registration Positions
Makers – On Thursday and Friday, we need help at our Check In desks. We greet the Makers with a smile and show them the way to their booth location. You will be on your feet for the shift and need to keep a smile and welcoming attitude.
Information/General Registration – During showtime, these roles help with general directions for attendees, checking for wristbands and keep an eye out for a fun and safe show.
The Shifts:
- Thursday, May 16th: 9 am – 6 pm
- Friday, May 17th: 7 am – 3 pm
- Saturday, May 18th: 7 am – 3 pm
- Sunday, May 19th: 7 am – 3 pm
You Give:
- Review all Maker Faire Volunteer Overview and Position Overview docs
- Arrive on time to work your 8-9 Hour Shift ons
You Get:
- 4 Tickets to Maker Faire
- Parking pass (for the day you work)
- A Crew credential
- Lunch with the Crew
- One vintage swag item
- 10% SHED discount
- Access to Snack Paradise
MAKER FAIRE VOLUNTEER FAQ's
How do I know if I was accepted as a volunteer?
We work really hard to make sure we can accept ALL volunteers. If you signed up, we expect to see you there, so consider your shift confirmed!
How old do I have to be to volunteer for Maker Faire?
You must be at least 13 years old to volunteer at Maker Faire.
- If you are 13 – 15, you must have a parent/guardian onsite while you volunteer (don’t worry, they don’t have to buy a ticket), and you need to bring this signed permission slip with you: Download Permission Slip for 13-15 years old
- If you are 15 – 17, you don’t need a parent/guardian onsite, but we need this signed permission slip: Download Permission Slip for 16-17 years old
What if I want to attend the Faire on Saturday and volunteer on Sunday?
There are many people who do! When you come to enjoy the Faire before you shift, you will check in at the desk and confirm your shift and your promise to return and then you are escorted into the Faire. We then expect you to return for your shift.
Can I give my tickets away?
Absolutely, someone should use them!
Will I get more information about my position and being onsite?
YES! The details are moving all the time, but you will get the volunteer and/or position overview at least 1 week before the Faire.
I am part of a large group that wants to help, do we all have to sign up?
That’s great! We love groups coming together. EVERYONE in your group will need to complete the sign up form and sign the Participation Waiver.
Why did you change the Traveler Program?
Our goal is for this change to level up the volunteer experience. Thanks for being a part of it.
What if I still have questions?
Start here: to find the nitty gritty details like where to stay or how to get there, etc.
If you still have more questions, please email volunteers@makerfaire.com.
