Hello friends! BetaNYC is looking for volunteers to participate in our annual conference that brings together the City’s technology, data, and design communities during Open Data Week. We’re calling for dedicated individuals to join our team and help make this year’s conference an unforgettable experience.
Interested? Learn more about the opportunities below and apply today! We look forward to meeting you.
Volunteer with BetaNYC at NYC School of Data!
Application Details
Application Link: https://betanyc.forms.fm/nyc-school-of-data-2024-volunteer-application/forms/9841
Application Deadline: March 1, 2024
Note: We are accepting volunteers on a rolling basis and volunteer assignments will be finalized by March 11, 2024. Please know that a submission does not guarantee entrance to the event. If your application is not selected, you will receive an offer to purchase a ticket at an early bird rate.
Who should apply? We’re looking for individuals who like to collaborate, solve problems, take initiative, and facilitate great experiences for others. We are passionate about public interest technology, NYC, and inclusive community events— it would be great if you are too, but it is not a prerequisite. Bring your experience, or come to learn! We hope you will create connections and find a home in our community.
About Volunteering at School of Data
When are volunteers needed?
School of Data will take place on Saturday, March 23. We’re looking for people to support our team for partial or full-day shifts on Friday, March 22 (set-up) and Saturday, March 23 (production).
Where does volunteering take place?
All volunteer shifts take place at the conference venue: CUNY School of Law, 2 Ct Square W, Queens, NY 11101.
What do volunteers do?
Many things! Please read the descriptions of volunteer positions below for more information. In your application, select all of the roles that interest you. We will do our best to make assignments according to your preferences.
What is provided?
- Access to the conference! Outside of your shift, volunteers are invited to participate in conference sessions and meals.
- On-site childcare is offered on a first come first served basis. Children must be vaccinated and registered under a childcare ticket.
- Meet and work alongside a friendly team that is passionate about public interest technology!
Descriptions of Volunteer Positions
Captain: Captains are responsible for leading a small team of volunteers to success on their shift! Captains ensure that their team knows where to be and what to do at all times. They serve as a point of contact and are comfortable giving direction, resolving conflict, and being in a leadership role. Captains will need to spend a small amount of time preparing for their shift in advance of the conference. This involves reviewing a run of show and checking in with our staff to clarify any questions and expectations about the assignment. This is a great position (and resume builder!) for someone interested in harnessing their leadeship skills.
Culinary Crew: You help ensure conference guests are well fed! As a volunteer on the culinary crew, you will keep an eye on food and beverage stations, making sure they’re set up nicely, well stocked, and accessible by attendees throughout the day. If you love bringing people together around food and thrive in production environment, this role is for you!
Concierge: You are responsible for answering questions from conference attendees at our Information Desk. If you are a courteous and professional communicator, enjoy helping people, and are comfortable sitting at a desk for the duration of a shift, this role is for you! This role requires minimal physical activity.
Mainstage Tech: You’re responsible for helping ensure all sessions on the mainstage run smoothly. This is an all day role for someone with technical knowledge and skills (experience in AV is a plus!), who likes to problem-solve, and is generally unflappable.
Photographer: You’re responsible for capturing conference moments! As a photographer, you will take photographs of guests, presenters, conference talks and workshops, special guests, staff, and volunteers. After the conference, you will send your photos to us in a timely manner. If you event photography is your jam, you are comfortable with a camera, and know how to be boldly inconspicuous, this role is for you!
Pinch-hitter: You are responsible for filling in where needed! Often, this entails delivering a message, being a point of contact for vendors (childcare staff, caterers, audio/visual). If you’re professional, communicative, reliable, and comfortable making small trips around the venue, this role is for you!
Registration Greeter: You are the first point of contact at the conference! You are responsible for welcoming and checking in guests at the registration tables. If you’re hospitable, a team player, and attentive to details, we want you! You should be comfortable sitting at a table for the duration of your shift and using an iPad or tablet to check in guests (we’ll show you how!).
Session and Tech Monitor: You are responsible for greeting and supporting presenters in their session room before and throughout their conference session. We’re looking for people who are sociable and supportive (presenters might be nervous!), punctual (keep things on time, even if it means interjecting yourself), and know how to operate Zoom on a desktop computer. This role requires minimal physical activity.
Space Navigator: You are responsible for controlling traffic and directing people to the correct location. If you like wayfinding, have a knack for exploring spaces, and don’t mind being on your feet, this role is for you!
Speakers’ Runner: You’re responsible for supporting our staff in ensuring that keynote speakers and special guests have a seamless experience. We’re looking for folks who are courteous and professional communicators, have a “can-do” attitude, and are proficient at executing small assignments. You will be on your feet in this role, potentially using an escalator or elevator to guide special guests to a designated room.