Volunteer

No, prior experience is not required for many roles. Previous volunteer or event experience is an asset, but not mandatory. We are looking for people who are reliable, professional, and willing to learn.

Volunteers are needed during Departure Festival + Conference Week, May 4-10, 2026. Shifts vary in length, and can range between 3-8+ hours. We ask that volunteers commit to a minimum of 10 hours and treat them as a professional obligation. All volunteers must review and sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA).

In addition to getting an inside look at an innovative conference and festival bridging music, art, comedy, tech and more, working alongside like minded individuals and making new friends, volunteers will also receive a 2026 Departure volunteer t-shirt; accreditation with lanyard; access to select conference and festival events when not on duty once you’ve reached 5 volunteer hours (Keynotes, panels, showcases, curated networking & happy hours); light snacks at most times during eligible shifts; meals provided for those working full day hours; gain valuable skills; opportunities to network with peers and industry professionals; a certificate of appreciation or letter of recommendation upon request after successful completion of shifts; and an invitation to our exclusive Volunteer Appreciation celebration. Returning volunteers are offered the first opportunity to sign up for shifts and may receive additional perks during the event.

Departure 2026 encompasses both a Conference and a Festival. The Conference will welcome some of the most influential voices in the industry including comedians, music legends, Grammy-nominated songwriters, and streaming hit-makers. The Festival will once again feature curated music showcases, exclusive premium music shows, comedy, film & television events and interactive pop-ups in various venues across the city. Volunteers have the opportunity to choose their preferred volunteer stream.

Roles vary across the conference and festival and may include: Registration and check-in; Room and panel support (ushering, seating, Q&A support); Stage management and production assistance; Information desk and concierge support; Volunteer room / HQ support; Media, green room, and VIP support (limited); Festival venue support (line management, wristband checks, wayfinding). Specific role preferences can be indicated in the application. Placements are based on event needs, skill set, and availability upon scheduling.

We will review applications and start to build the team once we have completed our recruitment outreach through February and have determined support needs. Applicants will be updated on the next steps in the process throughout the program.

Yes! We encourage you to sign up for an exciting and rewarding shared experience. Include your friend’s name(s) on your application or email to let us know. While we do our best to accommodate requests to work together, we can’t guarantee that you will be able to serve in the same role, venue, or shift times due to shift availability and operational needs. Most volunteers will have the opportunity to self-schedule from available shifts at the time access to the schedule access is granted. If completed at the same time, you should be able to achieve this goal.

Snacks and meals will be available for eligible shifts, and we also encourage you to bring your own food. Light snacks (E.g. granola bars) will be available at most times during eligible shifts; meals (E.g. large salad, wraps) will be provided for those working full day hours. Breaks are provided based on shift length and availability. Volunteers are asked to only smoke/vape while off duty and off Departure Conference + Festival grounds.

Departure is committed to being as accessible and inclusive as possible. The application form includes space to share accessibility, medical, or accommodation needs, and this information is kept on file for emergency and support purposes. We will make every reasonable effort to match volunteers with roles and locations that suit their needs. If you have specific accessibility questions, please contact us in advance.

We are pleased to offer self-scheduling for most roles through the interactive volunteer portal. Once selected, active volunteers will gain access to the schedule to sign up when the time comes. This happens in groups as we roll the schedule open. If selected, most volunteers will have the opportunity to sign up for their shifts of choice, based on availability, skills, and role preferences at the time of scheduling.

We will be hosting virtual Orientation sessions and one in person meeting for all selected volunteers leading into Departure Week. All volunteers are required to attend an orientation meeting and role-specific training (in-person or virtual). Dates and times to be provided for sign up in advance.

Yes. Volunteers are provided with an official 2026 Departure Volunteer t-shirt that is to be worn on every shift with pants or skirts and clean, comfortable shoes. Volunteers are required to wear this uniform and their Departure accreditation and lanyard at all times while on duty unless otherwise directed. It is your responsibility to launder your t-shirt between shifts and bring these assets with you each time. You will get one of each that will be your responsibility to manage, we will not have replacements.

Yes! We are grateful for your support and want to reward you for your time. Volunteers will have access to select conference and festival events (Keynotes, panels, showcases, curated networking & happy hours) when not on duty.

Filling out an application doesn’t commit you to service. Sign up to be updated on program details and Departure information. You are not considered a committed, confirmed volunteer until you have been selected and signed up for duty.

Conference volunteers can also reach us at confvolunteers@departureto.com and Festival volunteers can reach us at festvolunteers@departureto.com.