Missoula's Science Fiction & Fantasy Convention

MisCon 38: the Dark Forest, May 24 - 27, 2024 Missoula, Montana

MisCon 38 Volunteers

MisCon, like any convention or event, needs volunteers to help it run smoothly. MisCon uses volunteers in many capacities, from the Convention Committee, or ConCom, who meet year 'round to put the convention together, to the volunteers who help register excited con-goers.

How Can I Help?

As in the past, MisCon is looking for a few good volunteers to help us at MisCon 38. When you sign up, by filling out the Volunteer Application, let us know in which areas you would prefer to work and we will do our best to match your needs with that of the convention. Below is a list of MisCon's Departments and how they use volunteers:

Art

Assist with the set up, break down and monitoring of the Art Show, as well as preparation for the Art Auction.

Art Auction

Assist with preparation for, modeling during, and tear down for the Art Auction.

Costume Pageant

Assist with preparation, as well as, the running of MisCon's Costume Pageant.

Decoration

Assist with decorating the convention space. This takes place primarily on the Thursday before MisCon begins.

Electronic Gaming

Monitor the Electronic Gaming Department during short intervals when other ConCom member are unavailable.

Game Days

MisCon's quarterly Game Days are a great opportunity to volunteer throughout the year. Volunteer hours logged during Game Days count towards MisCon hours, which is an easy way to meet commitment requirements for attaining the elite volunteer status of High Cultist! Volunteering during Game Days also earns Cthulhu Cash, which can be redeemed during MisCon convention and used in Hospitality, the Merchant's Room, or to pay for Registration.

Gaming

Gaming doesn't only need people to run the games, but also to assist in the behind the scenes activities. This includes hanging signs, giving directions, notating schedule changes, as well as keeping track of time for GMs and Gamers.

General Help

Providing general assistance to MisCon and MisCon staff as needed throughout the convention; from running errands, to decorating or watching art, to helping at registration or guiding Pros and Guests between rooms.

GMing

Running one or more games at MisCon in the gaming rooms and on the official gaming schedule.

Kids Activities

You'll be assisting with the panels geared towards children. This may include prep for art and other projects, helping the kids to complete their project, general help for the Kids Activity Director, and cleaning up after a kids panel.

Merchants

Many merchants require assistance with the transportation of their wares throughout the duration of the convention. Volunteers can also help staff the MisCon Merchant table. This is a great way to meet people and to scout out potential purchases!

Operations/Logistics

Operations, or "Ops," needs help from volunteers for a variety of tasks. These include setup and tear-down throughout the convention such as setting up rooms for panels or setting out chairs. As well as special assistance for Guests of Honor, and decorating for the annual dance.

Registration

Registration needs volunteers to help check in Con-goers. This could entail entering data into our Registration computers, sorting Pre-Registered Guests' purchases and distributing them, helping assemble badges, and keeping registration lines orderly. This all helps Registration to run smoothly so that all Con-goers can be registered efficiently and enable them to enjoy the Convention as quickly as possible!

Security

MisCon needs a security team to protect the convention from liability, and to help keep everyone safe and secure. These activities include assisting Con-goers, safety-bonding weapons, and keeping room parties safe. Security personnel must act with professionalism and must be reliable and trustworthy.

Set Up

If you've been to MisCon - or any other convention - you've seen the decorations, informational signs, etc. that go up to convert an ordinary hotel into THE Convention. Thursday setup involves many different activities including assembling Swag Bags, putting up decorations and posters, setting up panel rooms, and unloading MisCon supplies. Pretty much if we need a body, you're it! Just let us know if there is anything you are unable to do, such as moving heavy objects or standing on a ladder.

Tear Down and Clean Up

What goes up, must come down. Not only is it a law of physics, it's a law of conventions. If you can stay after the convention and help with some of the cleanup, it will be greatly appreciated! Any hours logged will be rewarded before you leave, but make sure you've done any of your purchasing before hand as the merchants will all be headed home!

Video and Film Festival

Volunteers at MisCon can help out at the Film Festival. The Film Festival director needs assistance during the Festival in a number of ways. This includes distributing and collecting ballots, presenting awards, seating, and showing videos.

When you sign up by filling out the Volunteer Application let us know in which areas you would prefer to work and we will do our best to help match your needs with that of the convention.

Compensation

At MisCon we appreciate our volunteers and strive to compensate them for their efforts. To learn more visit the Volunteer Compensation/Expectations/Protocols Page.

Volunteer Orientation

Once you have signed up, please watch this video:

An then take this quick survey to let us know.

MisCon 38 Volunteers Hours of Operation

  • Friday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
  • Saturday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Sunday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Monday: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

If you have any questions .