VOLUNTEER INFORMATION PACKET 2015 TOUR: January 9-11, 2015 - New Orleans Comic Con January 23-25, 2015 - Portland Comic Con February 6-8, 2015 - Madison Comic Con February 13-15, 2015 - Indianapolis Comic Con February 20-22, 2015 - Cleveland Comic Con March 6-8, 2015 - Bruce Campbell Horror Fest Chicago March 13-15, 2015 - Raleigh Comic Con April 24-26, 2015 - Las Vegas Comic Con May 1-3, 2015 Minneapolis Comic Con May 7-10, 2015 - Philadelphia Comic Con May 22-24, 2015 - St. Louis Comic Con May 29-30, 2015 Greenville Comic Con June 12-14, 2015 Des Moines Comic Con June 19-21, 2015 - Sacramento Comic Con July 31-August 2, 2015 - Richmond Comic Con August 20-23, 2015 - Chicago Comic Con September 4-6, 2015 - San Jose Comic Con September 18-20, 2015 - Columbus Comic Con September 25-27, 2015 - Nashville Comic Con October 2-4, 2015 - Lauderdale Comic Con October 23-25, 2015 - Tulsa Comic Con October 29-31, 2015 - Austin Comic Con November 6-8, 2015 - Louisville Comic Con November 20-22, 2015 - Reno Comic Con 1
HELLO! Welcome and thank you for your interest in volunteering with Wizard World! Wizard World celebrates all things pop culture and our mission is to create a unique environment where fans unite in their passions for comics, toys, movies, TV, gaming, technology and more. Fans will get the chance to meet their favorite celebrities, comic creators and fan communities, while taking part in costume contests, Q&A sessions, video gaming, tabletop gaming and other fun evening and special events. At the Wizard Cons, we strive to provide an environment where individuals can become part a larger community of fans. With that being said, volunteers are a vital part of achieving our goals! Please read the following volunteer information that explains our volunteer expectations, responsibilities, and frequently asked questions. 2
VOLUNTEER INFOMRATION & RULES The following section is dedicated to clarifying the roles of a Wizard World Volunteer. Please read each section carefully and contact the Volunteer Coordinator if you have any questions or concerns. 1. The Importance of a Wizard World Volunteer Our volunteers help create an extraordinary and enjoyable atmosphere for the fans and guests. Most importantly our volunteers help us preserve our mission to provide an environment where individuals can become part of a larger fan community. 2. Why Volunteer With Wizard World? By volunteering for Wizard World you too can become part of the fan community and our team! You will: Meet a new community of people and fans Make new friends Help guests and fans enjoy the Wizard World experience Learn how events are run from set-up to move-out Fulfill college, internship hours and/or community service hours (if applicable) Share in the Wizard World passion Do something new and different HAVE FUN! 3. Volunteer Relations We value the experience and insights of our volunteers and encourage feedback about our organization, processes and programs. Such feedback can be passed through respective supervisors or addressed through email. 4. Commitment to Wizard World Volunteers Wizard World recognizes that volunteers are a fundamental part of running Wizard World successfully. We understand that our volunteers involvement strengthens our goals to promote a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for both the fans and guests. We are committed to providing volunteers with a safe and supportive environment to learn and enjoy the Wizard World from a new and exciting perspective. 5. Expectations of Wizard World Volunteers As a Wizard World Volunteer you will be representing Wizard World. Along with doing your assigned duties you will be expected to abide to the following Rules of Conduct: Respect the property of the convention site, the fans, guests, staff members and fellow volunteers. Respect the direction and decisions of the Wizard World Staff Members. Perform your duties to the best of your ability and advice the Volunteer Coordinator if you are unable to work as scheduled. Deal with conflicts or difficulties in an appropriate manner as outlined in this Volunteer Handbook. Be courteous, friendly, and cooperative. Offer constructive feedback about Wizard World in an appropriate manner. 3
Frequently Ask Questions 1) Does Wizard World provide volunteers with snacks/food during the show? Unfortunately, Wizard World does not provide food during the show. We will provide water during the show. We recommend bringing your own snacks and please make sure to stay hydrated throughout the event. 2) Where do volunteers put their bags and other personal items? Wizard World is not responsible for lost or stolen items and recommends that you leave bags and other valuable items at home and only carry the minimal cash, credit cards, ID with you at the show. Volunteers are not permitted to carry bags (purses, backpacks, messenger bags, camera bags, waist purses, show bags etc.) on the show floor, please do not bring them. 3) Do volunteers have to pay a signing fee for guests that charge? Please DO NOT ask for free autographs (or photos) from the guests at any time. It is at the discretion of each guest if they wish to give volunteers free autographs (or photos). If they are willing to do so, a volunteer coordinator or staff member will inform the volunteers when they will sign items. 4) Can I get items signed before the doors open or would I have to line up like everybody else when I am on break? When you re on a break, you MUST take off your Volunteer shirt (otherwise you re not on a break). Once that shirt comes off, you will to wait have in line with the general attendees to redeem tickets for autographs, photo ops, sketches, etc. No autographs, photo ops or sketches will be available prior to doors opening. 5) Does Wizard cover Parking for Volunteers? Wizard World does not cover parking. We recommend volunteers introduce themselves to one another and see if others live in your area so you can carpool to the show. 4
Volunteer Job Descriptions Programming: Programming volunteers help assist the Programming team with the Programming/Panel rooms. They are responsible for making sure the panels start on time by contacting the Wizard World Staff in the Autograph and Artist Alley areas 30 minutes prior to each panel to let them know a particular guest/artist panel is coming up. They are also responsible to help fans find seating. Registration: Registration volunteers are responsible for keeping the Registration Area flowing smoothly. This includes directing the attendees to the correct lines when they arrive. (Exhibitor/Artist/Professional/Guest/VIP/Advance/On-Site/Student Tickets, etc.). Line Control: Line Control controls the attendee lines. Wherever there may be an issue with a long line, Line Control will swoop in and keep it under control. Line Control is responsible for making sure that no one gets in without a wristband or a VIP line without a VIP pass. Artist Alley: Artist Alley volunteers will assist the artists in this area. You may have to sit at an Artist s table while they take a break or escort them to the Panel rooms for their programming session(s). You will also control the smaller lines in this area and if the lines get too long. Autograph Area: In the Autograph Area, tasks include assisting Wizard World Staff members keep the lines moving and answering general fan questions. Occasionally we will have volunteers sit at a guest table when they are on break, in a photo op, or at a panel. Please do not linger and hang around celebrity booths without assisting with in that area in some capacity. If we receive any complaints from celebrities that specific volunteers are making them feel uncomfortable, we will ask you to leave. Wizard World is responsible for keeping a safe and controlled environment for our celebrity guests and talent. Closing Remarks Once again, we would like to thank you for your interest in Wizard World. As previously mentioned your time and efforts allow Wizard World to continue in our mission to create a safe, fun and exciting event for our fans. - WIZARD WORLD STAFF 5