AUSTIN, Texas — South by Southwest (SXSW) is seeking volunteers to help make sure this year’s events run smoothly.
Both the SXSW Conference and Festivals, which run from March 7-15, and SXSW EDU, which runs March 3-6, are in need of volunteers. Returning volunteers will receive an email with sign up instructions in early January, while new volunteers are asked to attend the SXSW Volunteer Call or support sessions to register, select a crew and create a schedule with volunteer managers.
SXSW offers two volunteer types, and volunteers can choose from more than 20 different crews that support the production and operations of the conference and festivals. Those include Accessibility, Ambassadors, Exhibitions, Event Transportation, Registration, Sessions, Stage Crew, Tech and more. Both night and day positions are available.
All volunteers must be 18 by March 1 and should be able to contribute a minimum of 18 hours during the event to receive an opportunity to attend SXSW EDU or a minimum of 24 hours to attend SXSW.
How to register to be a SXSW volunteer
SXSW will host a Volunteer Call at the Austin Convention Center’s Ballroom ABC on Sunday, Jan. 26, from 1-4 p.m. SXSW says attending this open forum event will provide volunteers with the best opportunity to learn more about volunteering, selecting a crew and building a schedule.
After the Volunteer Call, there will be three Volunteer Support & Sign-Up Sessions in the lobby of SXSW Headquarters, located at 1400 Lavaca St. At these sessions, volunteers can sign up for crews/shifts and work on their schedules with crew managers.
The sessions will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 3, and Thursday, Feb. 13, and from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 22.
Online sign up will also be available to both new and returning volunteers. SXSW encourages volunteers to register as soon as possible to sign up for the widest selection of crews and shifts. Returning volunteers can register starting on Jan. 13, and new volunteers can register online starting on Jan. 27.
For more information, visit www.sxsw.com/volunteer/register or email [email protected].