Volunteering At Wellycon
INTRODUCTION TO WELLYCON
You probably know that Wellycon is a 2-day board game convention which is held annually over Queen’s Birthday weekend in Wellington. What you may not know is that it is run 100% by volunteers!
As of 2020, Wellycon is a not-for-profit, incorporated society with a committee of 5-9 volunteers whose roles are to organise and deliver the Biggest, Fun, Friendly board game event in New Zealand. In addition to this, the event could not operate without the help and support of a raft volunteers who pitch in both before and during the event itself.
WELLYCON VOLUNTEERS
The Wellycon volunteers play a vital part in the viability of the event. Without the volunteers, who fill a wide variety of roles at Wellycon, this community not-for-profit event could not operate. They are the ambassadors for the event – the smiling face welcoming attendees, the knowledgeable game players that help create a unique atmosphere, and our champions helping spread the word of what Wellycon is all about.
We know volunteers come from all walks of life and have varying levels of availability and interests. Some of you can only do one or two shifts throughout the weekend; others may choose to dedicate themselves to the whole event. It’s up to you! What everyone can agree on is that volunteering at Wellycon is a fantastic way to participate in and give back to the gaming community, meet like-minded people, and have a great time.
WELLYCON VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION
Creating fun is serious business! Wellycon has always depended on volunteers, and we need heaps of friendly, committed ambassadors to ensure it is a success. A variety of roles are available; depending on the specific event, the minimum commitment we require is between two and four hours. Most volunteers do it for the love of being involved, but we like to recognise your time and effort, so there is usually a bonus for being part of the crew that contribute to the warmth of the event.
Interested in being a Wellycon volunteer? We’d love to have you – please get in contact with our Volunteer Coordinator at info@wellycon.org.nz
Expectations for All Volunteers
The volunteer is the face of the con and helps to make it special. As a volunteer, you are a friendly face, a patient teacher and a helpful resource.
The primary objective for the volunteer is to ensure everyone attending the con is as involved as they want to be and having fun. We recommend you familiarise yourself with the different areas and activities happening throughout your particular event, in particular those during your shift because you can then help people who may need ideas on what to do and where to go.
All in all, though, just be yourself. Be friendly, don’t feel like you have to have all the answers or know all the games and help people feel comfortable and involved. The last thing we want is someone to leave because they are too shy to get into a game.
Wellycon Volunteer Roles and Descriptions
Here are examples of the types of things you can help with, based on the 2019/2020 events:
ALL VOLUNTEERS | |
DESCRIPTION | All volunteers are expected to keep an eye on things like:
|
ROLE | Front Desk and Registration Volunteer |
RESPONSIBLE TO | Section lead |
DESCRIPTION | You’ll be the first friendly face that attendees see as they come in the door, and giving a first impression to help set the atmosphere. You need to be OK with cash handling and EFT-POS, though help will be available – at worst just a phone-call away and we’ll pair more experienced people with you if this is your first time.
We will have laptops or iPads on-hand for people to register, you will be expected to help attendees if required. You’ll be involved with Prize Draws and Golden Tickets, including taking prize-winners photos All children under the age of 14 are required to have a responsible adult on site – we’re not providing daycare. You’ll also be doing an approximate survey of how many attendees are in the venue. Please arrive 5 min early for your shift to allow smooth hand-over. The primary objective for front desk volunteers is to ensure everyone attending the con feels welcome. All in all though just be yourself. Be friendly, don’t feel like you have to have all the answers, just help people feel comfortable and involved. If you don’t know something, ask a committee member. |
# VOLUNTEERS | 6 volunteers 10am-10:30, 2 volunteers thereafter |
Length of Shift | 4 hrs |
ROLE | Welcome Area |
RESPONSIBLE TO | Section lead |
DESCRIPTION | In this role, you will:
Please approach people if they look a little hesitant. You will also direct people to the other areas of the con that are suitable (learn to play, designers, etc) This position requires friendly, easygoing people, with a basic knowledge of a variety of games. You will be someone who enjoys meeting new people and making connections. |
# VOLUNTEERS | 2 – 4 every shift, but may need only 1 after 6pm |
Length of Shift | 4 hours |
ROLE | Game coordinator – Library support |
RESPONSIBLE TO | Section lead |
DESCRIPTION | In this role, you will:
Please approach people if they look a little hesitant. You will also direct people to the other areas of the con that are suitable (learn to play, designers, etc) This position requires friendly, easygoing people, with a basic knowledge of a variety of games. You will be someone who enjoys meeting new people and making connections. |
# VOLUNTEERS | 2 – 6 every shift |
Length of Shift | 4 hours |
ROLE | New Release Game Support |
RESPONSIBLE TO | Section lead |
DESCRIPTION | Each game will be featured on 2 tables for the duration of Wellycon, and volunteers will be on hand to teach the new releases to as many attendees as possible. Volunteers will each be responsible for teaching one game title during the four-hour shift and for helping new players through their first game.
This volunteer position requires an outgoing personality and good game teaching skills. |
# VOLUNTEERS | 1 per 4 hour shift per new release (10:00-14:00 and 14:00-18:00 daily) |
Length of shift | 4 hrs |
ROLE | Play to Win Area |
RESPONSIBLE TO | Timon and Pike |
DESCRIPTION | In this role, you will:
|
# VOLUNTEERS | 2 every shift, but may need only 1 after 6pm |
Length of Shift | 4 hours |
ROLE | Buy, sell, swap |
RESPONSIBLE TO | Section lead |
DESCRIPTION | In this role, you will:
|
# VOLUNTEERS | 1 each day – 10am – 12noon (responsibility will then revert to reception) |
Length of Shift | 2 hours |
ROLE | Tournament Organiser |
RESPONSIBLE TO | Section lead |
DESCRIPTION | Tournament planning
On the Day
Guidelines Entire tournament must take less than 4 hours Minimum number of participants to be eligible for a prize = 8 Tournaments should be set and timetabled by the time tickets go on sale
You will be given support to advertise the tournament through the committee |
# VOLUNTEERS | Tournaments are all run by volunteers – number we have determines tournaments |
Length of Shift | However long the tournament runs (max 4hrs) |
ROLE | Escape Mate support |
RESPONSIBLE TO | Section lead |
DESCRIPTION | You will be supporting Escape Mate – this may involve setting up the room, taking photos and various tasks to support the smooth running of this activity. |
# VOLUNTEERS | 1 per shift |
Length of Shift | 4 hour shifts |
ROLE | Roamer |
RESPONSIBLE TO | Section lead |
DESCRIPTION | You will walk the floor of the convention, checking for ? and helping those who you can. You will identify people looking lost and suggest options for them.
Help with:
This role would suit someone who enjoys finding things to do and is observant. |
# VOLUNTEERS | 1 – 3 per shift |
WHEN? | 4 hour shifts |
ROLE | Venue Setup |
RESPONSIBLE TO | Section lead |
DESCRIPTION | Help with:
|
# VOLUNTEERS | 6+ |
WHEN? | This role is helping on Friday 29 May from 10am onwards – whenever you are able to come. Aiming to be finished by 6pm |
ROLE | Venue tear-down |
RESPONSIBLE TO | Section lead |
DESCRIPTION | Help with:
|
# VOLUNTEERS | 4+ |
WHEN? | This role is helping on Sunday 31 May from 9:30 onwards. Estimated finish time is approx 11pm. |