Volunteer

linux.conf.au is a grass-roots, community-driven event. It needs bright, enthusiastic people - like you - to make it a success!

Volunteering at linux.conf.au 2012 is a great opportunity, and can be deeply rewarding. On a more practical note, volunteering at linux.conf.au can add to your professional portfolio in many ways - making this an ideal opportunity for students or recent graduates.

• Meeting exceptional people - many of whom are recognised experts in their field and industry luminaries
• Great networking opportunities with people working in the free and open source community
• Gaining practical, hands-on experience and skills in event management, customer liaison, public relations and operation of audio visual equipment - which are invaluable to future employers

What's required of me?

To be eligible for Volunteer Registration at linux.conf.au, you will need to be able to commit to at least four (4) full days of volunteering on the following days:

• Saturday 14th January (for conference setup and AV training - compulsory day for training and induction)
• Sunday 15th January (for registration and conference setup)
• Monday 16th January (for Miniconference room monitoring, AV and general assistance)
• Tuesday 17th January (for conference room monitoring, AV and general assistance)
• Wednesday 18th January (for conference room monitoring, AV and general assistance)
• Thursday 19th January (for conference room monitoring, AV and general assistance)
• Friday 20th January (for conference room monitoring, AV and general assistance and conference packup and tear-down)

We'd also like you to have one or more of the following skills and/or aptitudes:

• A current driver's license
• Ability to meet and greet people and provide basic face to face assistance with a friendly, cheerful disposition
• Familiarity with audio visual equipment
• Confidence addressing an audience, such as introducing a speaker
• Familiarity with technology such as IRC, social media, text editors etc
• Physical fitness for some manual activities (the most you would have to do would be lifting a couch or a coffee table)

The types of tasks you can be expected to be assigned to include:

• General conference set up including moving and commissioning of equipment such as audiovisual and networking gear
• Operating audiovisual equipment such as cameras in the conference venues
• Assisting with registration of delegates and ensuring questions related to accommodation and getting around the conference venue are answered
• Introducing speakers and ensuring they run to time
• Room monitoring activities including co-ordinating with other conference rooms
• Escorting delegates to/from Melbourne Airport
• General event administration tasks
• Assisting with accommodation and food/beverage activities, such as making breakfast for delegates

What's in it for me?

Tempted, but want to know more about what you get for volunteering your time? This is what we're offering:

• Free conference registration (including Penguin Dinner valued at $80)
• Lunch, morning tea and afternoon tea provided every day (at minimum - we may include other meals for instance if you're volunteering of an evening)
• T-shirt
• Schwag bag
• Coverage of some expenses - including mobile phone calls, petrol etc
• Written reference covering your experience and duties - useful for job interviews!

We don't include the following:

• Accommodation
• Travel to and from the conference venue - you will have to make your own way there

Should I register as a Student, Hobbyist or Volunteer?

Many of our Volunteers may be considering Student or Hobbyist registration as well. Here's a neat comparison table to help you make the decision that's right for you.

Sign me up as a Volunteer!

Great! Here's what you have to do:

1. Register or sign in to this site
2. Register as a volunteer at http://linux.conf.au/volunteer/new
3. If you meet eligibility criteria and are chosen as a volunteer, you will be given the option of a 'Volunteers' ticket for Registration. You will then need to complete the usual conference Registration process, ensuring you select the 'Volunteers' ticket type.
4. Join us in Ballarat for the awesome of linux.conf.au!

Any questions? Email us at volunteers@lcaunderthestars.org.au

Please note: Volunteering for linux.conf.au may not be your cup of tea. It can be hard work - but is well worth the effort. Please read the expectations and benefits thoroughly before making the decision to register as a volunteer.