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Your Guide to the Social Media Jungle

2020
San Diego, CA March 1-3
Best Content · Best Speakers
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Volunteer at Social Media Marketing World 2020

Our team of “white shirt” volunteers are the heart and soul behind the networking, fun and service-centric energy at Social Media Marketing World.

If your primary goal is to attend the event, we strongly encourage you to take advantage of current discounted prices. You can always resell your ticket later or if we choose you as a volunteer we can refund your ticket. Go here to purchase your ticket.

Volunteer Commitment

Social Media Marketing World 2020 takes place in beautiful San Diego, California from Sunday, March 1 to Tuesday, March 3, 2020 at the San Diego Convention Center.

All-Access Volunteer: For your service of 15 to 20 hours on Sunday, March 1 through Tuesday, March 3, 2020, you will be gifted all the benefits of Social Media Marketing World, including access to ALL of our keynotes*, sessions*, and workshops* (an extra day of content). You also will receive session recordings and access to our amazing networking parties*.

Marketer Volunteer: For your service of 8 to 10 hours on Sunday, March 1 AND Monday, March 2, 2020, you will be gifted access to keynotes* and all sessions*. It does NOT include workshops, session recordings, or access to networking parties. Marketer Volunteers will not have any shifts on Tuesday, March 3, 2020.

*Once shift is complete or as duties allow. In many cases you will still be able to attend some (or even all) of the sessions you desire. We try to accommodate your preferences, but your volunteer duties do come first.

Leader Volunteer

All-Access Volunteer

(Most Popular)

Marketer Volunteer

 
Hours of Service Varies 15-20 hours 8-12 hours
Days of Service 3 days – Hours will be split between Sunday (3/1), Monday (3/2) & Tuesday (3/3) 3 days – Hours will be split between Sunday (3/1), Monday (3/2) & Tuesday (3/3) 2 days – Hours will be split between Sunday (3/1) & Monday (3/2)
Pre-Event Training (Virtual) Role Specific Training AND 3-4-hrs of Pre-Conference Online Training 3-4-hrs of Pre-Conference Online Training 1-2-hrs of Pre-Conference Online Training
Volunteer Kick-Off & On-Site Training Saturday (2/29) from 9am to 6pm at the San Diego Convention Center (Lunch Provided) Saturday (2/29) from 1pm to 6pm at the San Diego Convention Center Saturday (2/29) from 1pm to 6pm at the San Diego Convention Center
Leadership Opportunities YES YES No
Access Keynotes* YES YES YES
Access ALL Sessions* YES YES YES
Access Workshops* YES YES No
Access Networking Plaza Stages* YES YES YES
Recordings (keynotes, sessions, & workshops) YES YES No
Networking Parties* YES YES No
Networking Plaza* YES YES YES
Meals Lunch Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday Lunch Sunday, Monday and Tuesday Lunch Sunday and Monday ONLY
Exposure to the top leaders in the social media marketing industry YES YES YES
Behind the scenes access to the Social Media Examiner team YES YES YES
Expand your network of friends and potential business or employment opportunities YES YES YES
Access to Private Volunteer Facebook Group YES YES YES

If you are selected as a volunteer, there are a few basic commitments we require. If you are unable to meet these requirements, we suggest you purchase a ticket and enjoy the event as an attendee.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Comfort with high public visibility. Outgoing personalities are a plus.
  • Excellent communication and customer service skills.
  • Events experience a plus.
  • Personal awareness and emotional maturity.
  • Flexibility.
  • Availability: Saturday, February 29 1pm (9am for SMMW Leaders) until Tuesday, March 3 at 6pm (or Monday, March 2 at 9pm for Marketer Volunteers).

Before the Event

During the Event

You can expect to serve 15-20 hours (not including the training day for All-Access Volunteers) or 8-12 hours (split between Sunday and Monday, not including the training day) during the event. In many cases, you will still be able to attend some (or even all) of the sessions you desire. We try to accommodate your preferences, but your volunteer duties do come first.

Post Event

Provide feedback following the event through our volunteer survey and/or email.

Timeline

Volunteer Application Available – September 23, 2019

Volunteers Notified of Status – Within 2 weeks of completed application 

Leadership Roles Announced – by December 1, 2019

Primary Roles Announced – Friday, January 24, 2020

Volunteer Schedules Shared – Monday, February 10, 2020

Pre-Event Online Training – TBD

Volunteer Kick-Off – Saturday, February 29, 2020

Event Days – Sunday, March 1 – Tuesday, March 3, 2020

Staff & Volunteer Pizza Party – Tuesday, March 3, 2020 at 6:30 pm

Click to Apply as a SMMW Volunteer

Volunteer Role Descriptions

Download the volunteer role descriptions here.

Every volunteer will be assigned a primary role. We do our best to place you in your first or second choice primary role, but as you can imagine, it’s a fun and challenging puzzle to place all 150+ of you.

Your primary role is where the majority of your volunteer hours will be spent. However, depending on your role, you may have a few additional shifts in other roles to ensure we cover all our

Additional Training will be provided will be provided in the weeks leading up to SMMW along with on-site training.

Attendee Engagement Roles

Content Delivery Roles

Event Operations Role

Leadership Roles

Join our on-site Leadership team as we serve, motivate, and inspire our team of “white shirt” volunteers. As a leader, you’ll oversee a team of volunteers or be an extension of our internal speaker/sponsor team. Leadership roles will be given priority to returning volunteers.
We are currently recruiting for the below leadership roles:

Attendee Engagement Roles

Connections Crew Networking Team (Primary Role)
The Connections Crew volunteers staff the onsite Connections Corner and help attendees make connections and find resources. Volunteers are expected to familiarize themselves with the event app(s), speakers and sponsors, attend pre-event networking training sessions, as well as, participate in pre-event social media networking groups, including the Connections Crew Facebook Group. This is a high energy, outgoing role great for volunteers who love connecting people.

# of Volunteers Needed: 20 – 25 volunteers
Role Hours: 18-20 hours
Shifts: Shift times vary – You will not be able to attend all sessions in this role. You will need to be at your assignment in the Networking Plaza during all breaks including lunch and will then be able to rotate within the Networking Team to attend sessions.
Additional Training: Required training on Saturday, February 29 at 9am
Reports to: SME Networking Coordinator (Deb)

Event Concierge (General) (Primary & Secondary Role)
Event Concierge volunteers are the smiles, energy and public facing “white shirts” attendees see around the venue and city. Tasks may include: badge checking, human “arrows,” directing guests into and out of the Keynote, line management, food monitoring, VIP services, guest support, cheering squad and more. An Event Concierge may have several different assignments within the course of a day. Please note that the Event Concierge requires extended periods of standing.

# of Volunteers Needed: 100+
Role Hours: 12 – 16 hours
Shifts: Day/Time Varies in 2-4 hour shifts
Reports to: Event Concierge Lead

Airport Greeter (Secondary Role)
Create a “wow” experience by welcoming attendees to Social Media Marketing World at the airport. Airport greeters are highly energetic people who are excited to welcome and engage with attendees as they kick start their SMMW experience.

# of Volunteers Needed: 12 volunteers
Role Hours: 3 to 4 hours
Shifts: 8am – 12pm, 11:30am – 3:00pm, 2:30pm – 5:30pm
Reports to: Event Concierge Lead

Hotel Concierge (Secondary Role)
Hotel Concierge volunteers help welcome guests as they arrive at the official Social Media Marketing World hotels. This is a great role for local volunteers who love making San Diego shine by recommending local attractions and directing guests to the San Diego Convention Center. Each hotel will have a SMMW Hotel Concierge desk within the lobby or other central location.

# of Volunteers Needed: 8
Role Hours: 2 – 3 hours
Shifts: 9am – 5:30pm (broken into two to three hour shifts)
Reports to: SME Travel Coordinator (Elizabeth)

Evening Party Concierge (Secondary Role)
Evening Party Concierge volunteers are the smiles, energy and public facing “white shirts” attendees at the evening parties. Tasks may include: badge checking, human “arrows,” directing guests into and out of the venue, line management, VIP services, guest support, cheering squad and more. Please note that the Event Concierge requires extended periods of standing. Being an Event Party Concierge allows you to free up your daytime hours for learning.

# of Volunteers Needed: 25 – 30 volunteers
Role Hours: 2.5 – 4.5 hours
Shifts: Sunday 4:30pm – 9:00pm, Monday 7:30pm – 10pm
Reports to: SME Evening Party Coordinator (Kirsty)

Info Booth Concierge (Secondary Role)
Info Booth volunteers eat, breath and sleep event hospitality and SMMW. The Info Booth is the go-to spot for all event, venue and city support. Volunteers will answer questions, direct attendees to available resources, and help create “wow” moments while solving problems.

# of Volunteers Needed: 6-10
Role Hours: 8-10 hours
Shifts: Day/Time Varies in 2-4 hour shifts
Reports to: SME Info Booth Coordinator

Keynote Ushers (Secondary Role)
Keynote Ushers are stationed either by the entrance doors or within aisle ways. Ushers help man the doors, check badges, and help guide attendees to their seats. Volunteer ushers are able to watch the keynote within their shifts.

# of Volunteers Needed: 15-20
Role Hours: 7.25 hours
Shifts: Monday 7:15am – 9:15am, 4:45pm – 6:30pm, Tuesday 7:45am – 9:30am, 4:15pm – 6:00pm (Ushers will be able to watch the keynote during their shift.)
Reports to: SME Keynote Coordinator

Table Talk Concierge (Secondary Role)
The Table Talk Team works with the Connections Crew to set up Table Talk table signage on Sunday morning. They later serve as guides helping attendees find desired table topic locations during lunch on Monday and Tuesday. Great position for someone who likes organization and event setup and wants to directly help attendees.

# of Volunteers Needed: 6
Role Hours: 6
Shifts: Sunday Setup, Lunch Monday and Tuesday Lunch
Reports to: SME Networking Coordinator (Deb)

Registration Team (Primary Role)
Registration is one of the first touch points an attendee has as they arrive to Social Media Marketing World. Our Registration Team volunteers welcome attendees to Social Media Marketing World, check-in and hand out name badges, lanyards, conference guide and other “goodies,” and help with line management and more. Registration volunteers are highly energetic multi-task oriented people who are excited to welcome and engage with attendees as they kick start their SMMW experience.

# of Volunteers Needed: 40 volunteers
Role Hours: 10-12 hours + Event Concierge Hours
Shifts: Sunday 7:30am – 8:15pm, Monday 6:15am – 12pm (Broken into 2 to 3 hour shifts)
Reports to: Registration Volunteer Lead

Registration Solutions Team (Primary Role)
In collaboration with the Social Media Examiner Customer Service Team, the Solutions Team Volunteers will answer registration questions, help print new badges, support ticket transfers, new ticket purchases, upgrades and so much more.

# of Volunteers Needed: 4 volunteers
Role Hours: 17 hours
Shifts: Sunday 7:30am – 6:30pm, Monday 6:15am – 12pm (Includes rest and meal breaks)
Reports to: SME Customer Service Associate (Nancy)

Vibe Team (Primary & Secondary Role)
This team helps create the energy and vibe at key moments throughout the event. Friendly, outgoing, unafraid, and engaging personalities welcome. You’ll help welcome people to the event, provide fun guidance between sessions, and create surprise and delight moments for guests.

# of Volunteers Needed: 20 volunteers
Role Hours: 9.5 hours + Event Concierge Hours
Shifts: Sunday 10am – 12:30pm (Registration Main Arrival), 4:45pm – 6:30pm (Party Opening), Monday 7:15am – 8:05am (Keynote Arrival), 9:00am – 9:45am (Keynote Departure, Networking Plaza Opening), 12:10pm – 12:45pm (Start of lunch), 4:45pm – 5:20pm (Keynote Arrival), 6:15pm – 6:45pm (End of Day), Tuesday 7:45am – 8:35am (Keynote Arrival), 9:15am – 10:00am (Keynote Departure), 11:50am – 12:20pm (Lunch), 4:15pm – 4:50pm (Keynote Arrival), 5:45pm – 6:15pm (End of Event)
Reports to: Vibe Team Lead

Content Delivery Roles

Room Host (Primary Role)
Support session rooms by manning doors, checking badges, distributing handouts, while supporting attendee and speaker needs. Room Host volunteers enjoy working within a team to create a learning environment, strive on details, and will sit in the back of the room during the sessions.

# of Volunteers Needed: 40 volunteers
Role Hours: 11.5 – 17 hours + Event Concierge Hours
Shifts: Sunday 11:15am-5:30pm, Monday 9:45am – 12:20pm & 1:30pm – 5:00pm, Tuesday 9:30am – 12:05pm & 1:00pm – 4:30pm
Reports to: Room Host Lead

Speaker Presentation Team (Primary Role)
Each room will be assigned one Speaker Presentation Volunteer to be the liaison between the Track Leader and the Room Tech, oversee the transition between speakers, help keep the session on schedule (start/end/breaks), ensure sessions are being recorded (look for the light), help test mics, help speakers plug in their own computers (if needed), collect session slides from the speaker (if needed), and more. The Speaker Presentation volunteer will sit by Tech Table during the session. Speaker Presentation volunteers are comfortable with technology, have an understanding of how to plug in computers to project slides and are detailed oriented to follow a check-list.

# of Volunteers Needed: 11 volunteers
Role Hours: 11.5 – 17 hours + Event Concierge Hours
Shifts: Sunday 11:15am-5:30pm, Monday 9:45am – 12:20pm & 1:30pm – 5:00pm, Tuesday 9:30am – 12:05pm & 1:00pm – 4:30pm
Reports to: Event Operations Team

Speaker Runner (Primary Role)
Speaker Runner volunteers will create an above and beyond experience by welcoming speakers as they check-in to the event, being available for questions, assisting the speaker team and more. You will have a hospitality mindset that focuses on supporting the onsite speaker team goals and making speakers the center of your world.

# of Volunteers Needed: 8
Role Hours: 9 – 11 hours + Event Concierge Hours
Shifts: Sunday 8:30am – 12pm, 12pm – 4pm, 4pm – 7pm, Monday 9:15am – 12:15pm or 1:45pm – 4:45pm, Tuesday 9:30am – 12pm or 1:15pm – 4:15pm
Reports to: SME Speaker Coordinator (Lori)

Event Operations Roles

Event Can Do Squad (Primary Role)
Our “Can Do” Squad are the runners, fillers and overall “make it happen crew” behind the scene. Tasks may include: changing linen, adjusting signs, running water/supplies as requests occur, organizing volunteer room, filling in for no-show volunteers, and more. No task is too small or large for this team. This is a great role if you prefer to work behind the scenes.

# of Volunteers Needed: 15 – 20 volunteers
Role Hours: 15
Shifts: Sunday 9am – 5pm, Monday 9am – 5pm, Tuesday 9am – 5pm (Day/Time aries in 2-4 hour shifts)
Reports to: SME Volunteer Coordinator (Jay)

Leadership Roles

Connections Crew Embassy Captain (Primary Role)
This role is an alumni Connections Crew team member who helps train other Connections Crew on Saturday and works the Connections Corner Embassy as a go-to resource for other Connections Crew and attendees. Serves pre-event as a sounding board for possible networking ideas and helps in Connections Crew Facebook group.

# of Volunteers Needed: 2 volunteers
Role Hours: 18-20 hours
Shifts: Sunday 7:00am – 10:00pm, Monday 7:00am – 5:00pm, Tuesday 7:00am – 3:30pm (Shift times vary – You will not be able to attend all sessions in this role. You will need to be at your assignment in the Networking Plaza during all breaks including lunch and will then be able to rotate within the Networking Team to attend sessions.)
Additional Training: Required training on Saturday, February 29 at 8:30am
Reports to: SME Networking Coordinator (Deb Mitchell)

Connections Crew Table Talk Captain (Primary Role)
As a member of the Connections Crew, the Table Talk Captain will implement the Table Talk plan. Pre-event, this involves proofreading the Table Talk map and signage. On Sunday AM site with Table Talk Team, Captain will set up signage to match map. During Table Talk times, this role serves as the lead for Table Talk questions/issues, directs Table Talk team to serve as guides, and collect number of attendees per table and produce daily tally/report. When not doing Table Talk duties acts as a member of the Connections Crew.

# of Volunteers Needed: 1 volunteers
Role Hours: 18-20 hours
Shifts: Sunday 7:00am – 10:00pm, Monday 7:00am – 5:00pm, Tuesday 7:00am – 3:30pm (Shift times vary – You will not be able to attend all sessions in this role. You will need to be at your assignment in the Networking Plaza during all breaks including lunch and will then be able to rotate within the Networking Team to attend sessions.)
Additional Training: Required training on Saturday, February 29 at 8:30am
Reports to: SME Networking Coordinator (Deb Mitchell)

Connections Crew MeetUp & EatUp Captain (Primary Role)
A member of the Connections Crew, the MeetUp & EatUp Captain serves pre-event starting in February with the Networking Coordinator to manage attendee created MeetUp & EatUps in the event app. Needs regular attention leading up to the event, especially the two weeks before the event. You must be detail oriented and comfortable using phone app and desktop software backend. Helps promote and answer MeetUp & EatUp questions in the app and event communities. On site works the Networking Table at Registration on Sunday and serves on the Connections Crew during key networking periods throughout the event.

# of Volunteers Needed: 1 volunteers
Role Hours: 18-20 hours
Shifts: Sunday 7:00am – 10:00pm, Monday 7:00am – 5:00pm, Tuesday 7:00am – 3:30pm (Shift times vary – You will not be able to attend all sessions in this role. You will need to be at your assignment in the Networking Plaza during all breaks including lunch and will then be able to rotate within the Networking Team to attend sessions.)
Additional Training: Required training on Saturday, February 29 at 8:30am
Reports to: SME Networking Coordinator (Deb Mitchell)

Event Can Do Lead (Primary Role)
The Event Can Do Lead are the link between the Event Team and the “Can Do” team. They help with volunteer check-in/out, training, and supporting the “Can Do” team.

Event Can Do Role Description: Our “Can Do” Squad are the runners, fillers and overall “make it happen crew” behind the scene. Tasks may include: changing linen, adjusting signs, running water/supplies as requests occur, organizing volunteer room, filling in for no-show volunteers, and more. No task is too small or large for this team. This is a great role if you prefer to work behind the scenes.

# of Volunteers Needed: 2
Role Hours: 12-15 hours
Shifts: Shifts broken into 3 to 4-hour shifts
Reports to: SME Volunteer Coordinator (Jay)

Event Concierge Lead (Primary Role)
The Event Concierge Lead supports the various Event Concierge roles. They help with volunteer check-in/out, training, concierge placement and support our Concierges’ while they are out on the floor.

Event Concierge Role Description: Event Concierge volunteers are the smiles, energy and public facing “white shirts” attendees see around the venue and city. Tasks may include: badge checking, human “arrows,” directing guests into and out of the Keynote, line management, food monitoring, VIP services, guest support, cheering squad and more. An Event Concierge may have several different assignments within the course of a day. Please note that the Event Concierge requires extended periods of standing.

# of Volunteers Needed: 4
Role Hours: 12-15 hours
Shifts: Shifts broken into 3 to 4-hour shifts
Reports to: SME Volunteer Coordinator (Jay)

Registration Team Lead (Primary Role)
Registration is one of the first touch points an attendee has as they arrive to Social Media Marketing World. As a Registration Lead, you will manage a team of volunteers checking in and welcoming our attendees. You’ll answer questions, solve problems, manage lines, ensure that all supplies in your areas are replenished (as needed). Most importantly, your role will be to keep our team of volunteers motivated and highly enthusiastic, and help ensure we create a welcoming and positive check-in experience with a sense of urgency. As issues may arise that you are not able to solve, you’ll walk attendees to our Solutions Desk where the SME Customer Service Team will be able to assist them with badge reprints, ticket transfers, and ticket purchases and upgrades

# of Volunteers Needed: 4 volunteers
Role Hours: 18 hours
Shifts: Sunday 7:30am – 8:15pm, Monday 6:15am – 12pm (Includes rest and meal breaks)
Reports to: SME Customer Service Associate (Nancy)

Room Host Lead (Primary Role)
Each of our session rooms and content stages will have one Room Host Lead that will communicate directly with our staff team and the room/stage Track Leader. Your role will be to manage a team of Room Hosts (2 to 6 people) that will watch traffic flow, check for name badges, distribute handouts, and more. As the Room Host Lead, you will be in charge of reporting the room statistics along with working closing with the Track Leader and AV team to support the speaker.

# of Volunteers Needed: 12 volunteers
Role Hours: 11.5 – 17 hours + Event Concierge Hours
Shifts: Room Host Hours: Sunday 11:15am-5:30pm, Monday 9:45am – 12:20pm & 1:30pm – 5:00pm, Tuesday 9:30am – 12:05pm & 1:00pm – 4:30pm
Reports to: Event Operations Team

Speaker Concierge (Primary Role)
Speaker Concierge volunteers are trusted to work directly with Speakers as a true extension of the SME Speaker Team. They will walk select speakers to their sessions, ensuring they arrive on-time and helping with crowd control where needed. In addition, they will help create an above and beyond experience by welcoming speakers as they check-in to the event, being available for questions, and generally assisting the speaker team and more. You will have a hospitality mindset that focuses on supporting the onsite speaker team goals and making speakers the center of your world.

# of Volunteers Needed: 10
Role Hours: 9 – 11 hours + Event Concierge Hours
Shifts: Sunday 8:30am – 12pm, 12pm to 4pm, 4pm – 7pm, Monday 9:15am – 12:15pm or 1:45pm – 4:45pm, Tuesday 9:30am – 12pm or 1:15pm – 4:15pm
Reports to: SME Speaker Coordinator (Lori)

Sponsor Concierge (Primary Role)
Sponsor concierge volunteers will help support the sponsor team and serve the event sponsors as needed throughout the show. Responsibilities include welcoming sponsors at check-in and ensuring they have a smooth experience as they set up and remove their booths. Volunteers also place sponsor signage in track rooms between sessions and various other duties as needed. This role requires a lot of brisk walking throughout the venue and a serving, positive attitude.

# of Volunteers Needed: 4
Role Hours: 10 – 15 hours
Shifts: Day/Time Varies in 2-4 hour shifts from Sunday/Monday/Tuesday from 8am – 6pm
Reports to: SME Sponsor Coordinator (David)

Vibe Team Lead (Primary Role)
The Vibe Team leads is the Vibe “ring-leader,” the lead cheerleader for the Vibe Team. The Vibe team helps create the energy and vibe at key moments throughout the event. Friendly, outgoing, unafraid, and engaging personalities welcome. You’ll help welcome people to the event, provide fun guidance between sessions, and create surprise and delight moments for guests. Before the event, the Vibe Team Lead will help the Event Team brainstorm on creative ways to enhance our key moments that bring delight and smiles to the SMMW attendees.

# of Volunteers Needed: 1-2 volunteers
Role Hours: 9.5 hours + Event Concierge Hours
Shifts: Sunday 10am – 12pm (Registration Main Arrival), 4:45pm – 6:30pm (Party Opening), Monday 7:15am – 8:05am (Keynote Arrival), 9:00am – 9:30am (Keynote Departure, Networking Plaza Opening), 12:10pm – 12:45pm (Start of lunch), 4:45pm – 5:20pm (Keynote Arrival), 6:15pm – 6:45pm (End of Day), Tuesday 7:45am – 8:35am (Keynote Arrival), 9:15am – 10:00am (Keynote Departure), 11:50am – 12:20pm (Lunch), 4:15pm – 4:50pm (Keynote Arrival), 5:45pm – 6:15pm (End of Event)
Reports to: SME Volunteer Coordinator (Jay)

Give us your ideas! Do you have a talent or special gift that you’d like to share at SMMW20? Let us know.

We thank ALL of our volunteers, past, present and future, for their help and enthusiasm in making Social Media Marketing World great experiences for all!

Click to Apply as a SMMW Volunteer