Volunteers help make magic happen at GO Wild! There are a lot of projects volunteers can help with, including helping set up sponsor booths, sorting swag, helping register guests, handing out swag and more.
Every year, we open up GO Wild volunteer applications so anyone can apply. We are humbled when the number of applicants surpasses 500. We wish we could accept everyone, but only have about 100 spots. We try to include a mix of ticketholders local to the host city as well as those traveling. Prior GO Wild volunteer work is a plus, but we always include some first-time volunteers too. Availability is a factor as well.
In exchange for 15 hours of volunteer service, volunteers receive a ticket at half price. You are either reimbursed the difference if you already purchased a full-price ticket, or you can buy a ticket at half-price if you don't already have one.
Depending on your availability, you may be able to help in the days leading up to the event (if you're local) and assignments usually wrap up Sunday afternoon after GO Wild. We try to schedule your assignments to maximize your session viewing time.
We also have a small number of Team Leads who help oversee projects and help guide other volunteers. This requires more hours but includes a free ticket. These limited spots are usually reserved for people who have volunteered with GO Wild in the past and who already have a working knowledge of what is required for a particular project.
When applications are released, interested guests fill out a form with the days and times available, location, access to a car (not required), the option to share about any physical limitations (so we may assign appropriate tasks), et cetera. Volunteers are then notified and invited to join a volunteer-only group. It is very similar to the ticketholder group but much smaller. It's a great place to keep up-to-date with volunteer information, ask questions, and get to know your fellow team members.
Volunteering is not everyone's preferred way to GO Wild (it's a very busy weekend!) but the memories you make behind the scenes are often cherished the most. If you don't know many others GOing Wild and want to make new friends, volunteering may be a great option for you.