For Beautiful Convention Life

General Staff Questions:

Do Staffers get paid?

No. We are a non-profit organization and function on dedicated people who volunteer their time with the reward of the convention running for others to enjoy. No individual on our staff, or even the directors, are paid. Staff are awarded benefits and incentives for their hard work which located in Staff Incentives & Benefits.

What are In-person Interview requirements?

We hold three staff meetings throughout the year which applicants and returning staff may do training, meet the directors, hear the status of how things are coming along with the convention and give input, and fill out any necessary forms. During a portion of the meeting applicants are given the opportunity to meet with Department Directors to do an informal interview to get an approval signature for possible placement. Meeting dates are listed on the main staff section page and run from 2:00 - 6:00pm (New Staff Orientation starts at 2:00) at the convention hotel.

What if I turn 18 before the convention, do I still need to fill out a Consent for Minors?

No. If you turn 18 anytime before the convention starts then you will not be required to fill out a Consent for Minors. This is why the waiver isn't due till the day before the convention. Only people who are between the ages of 16 - 17 during the time of the convention will need to fill that form out.

Can I work in two different departments?

As much as it's nice that our staff want to help as much as possible. We encourage staffers to work in just one department. Every department needs as much help as possible and there is always something to be done, so always ask your assigned department first. If there isn't anything to be done then just enjoy the convention till your next shift, or you may go to the HR/Con Ops department to see if there is any need elsewhere.

Can I cosplay while on duty?

Please refer to section C. Dress Code & Props and your assigned Department Handbook for answers to this question.

When will I know which department I will be working in?

Once your application has been processed and reviewed you will first recieve an Acceptance/Confirmation Email. You will receive a Department Placement Email in regards to which department you have been assigned to. The Department Placement email is based off of meeting individual requirements and available slots within certain departments. Emails will begin to be sent a week after the first staff meeting. Departments that require an in-person interview will need to have their interview done first before placement can be made. If you do not meet the interview requirement then placement will be at the discretion of the HR/Staffing Directors. 

How do I know which departments need staff?

Although, all the departments need staff, there are some that need it a little bit more to make the convention run smoothly. Before choosing your department choices, we humbly ask that you look to make sure you fit the requirements for the departments you are inquiring about to work. As departments have cut offs or fill up we will remove it from the online application or annouce it at the meetings.

Do I need to submit a resume?

No. You just need to fill out the forms provided on the website or staff meetings.

How do I work in the Maid Cafe?

The Maid Cafe is a sub department of Events. Those who are interested need to be interviewed and approved by a Department Director. Dead line date for interviews and applications for this department is on June 9th, 2013.

Are staffers allowed free admission to the AWA ball?

No. We do on the other hand offer a discount price to staffers for the AWA Ball. Please refer to the Staff Benefits and Incentives for more information.

What if I don't know what department to work for?

If you don't know what department you wish to work for, why not try doing them all? The Human Resources department does a variety of duties, helping out most of the departments that need an extra hand. This will give you a chance to experience different departments or learn about all that is involved to help make a better decision. You can also email the Staffing Director at staffing(at)awa-con.com to help you figure out department options.

What if I don't turn in a form by the cut off date and I want to staff? Can I still be on staff?

No, BUT if you are 18 yrs old then you can be a walk-in volunteer at the convention. Please refer to the Volunteer link for more information regarding how to be a walk-in volunteer. The cutoff dates exists for a reason and the reason is simply called time. Cut off dates are listed on the main staff page and under the application link.

What if I have a pre-registered membership for the current convention, but want to be on staff?

If you tell us at a staff meeting or emailed in advance before signing up, then we can either reimburse 1/2 of the pre-reg membership, or you can have it transfered to another person. If you inform us at the time of the convention or after the convention then we will not reimburse, since you had plenty of time to inform us before hand.

How do I register for my Staff Badge?

There is no registering for a staff badge. Once you have been fully accepted onto the AWA Staff then you have been registered for a badge. Then it is up to the applicant to maintain the minimum hour requirement to continue getting the staff badge each year. Failure to do so means forfeit of the free staff badge. Instructions and location to pick up staff badges will be emailed to staffers closer to the convention date.

Walk-In Volunteer Questions:

Can Walk-in Volunteers work wherever they want?

No. Placement for walk-in volunteers is immediately in the HR (Con Ops) department, no placement exceptions unless approved by a Department's Head Director in person. Jobs are first come, first served as they arise during the convention.

Is there a minimum age you must be in order to volunteer?

Yes. All volunteers need to be eighteen (18) or older at the time of the convention. We are not taking any one under the age of 18 for legal liability reasons. We are not allowing parents to give us authorization to let their child who is under 18 to be allowed to volunteer for AWA.

Do Walk-in Volunteers get free admission/discounts to the AWA Ball?

No. Volunteers DO NOT get the Staff Benefits or Incentives.