AIGA's twelfth biennial Design Conference, "Next", will take place in Denver. We will be hearing from some of the most influential voices shaping our world today from design, civic leadership, education and science. More than 70 sessions-main stage presentations, breakout sessions, workshops, site visits and events–will provide opportunities for dialogue, engagement, insights and inspiration.

In order to make this event a success, we need the help of 70–80 volunteers and six to seven group leaders to help with all aspects of onsite management of the event. As an AIGA volunteer, you will be able to listen to many of the speakers and reflect upon issues that you may not have the chance to explore with the pressure of daily work. You will be giving back to the profession as well as offering yourself an opportunity to make connections that will last a lifetime.

The conference will be held Thursday, October 11 through Sunday, October 14 at the Colorado Convention Center, 700 14th Street, Denver. For a description of the conference and a list of speakers, please refer to the conference website at http://designconference.aiga.org.

We will need 75 volunteers to help us with all aspects of onsite event management. In essence, this means:

- Volunteers must be a member of AIGA.
- Volunteers must attend an orientation session at 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 9 in Denver.
- Volunteers will spend most of the day on Wednesday, October 10 collating conference materials.
- Volunteers will be assigned additional responsibilities from Thursday, October 11th through Saturday evening, October 13th.

Responsibilities will include staffing the registration desk, ushering, managing microphones during Q&A, way finding, etc. Group leaders will assist the volunteer coordinator with volunteer recruitment, assignments and communication. Group leaders will also provide hands-on leadership for volunteer teams.

- Total working time between Tuesday and Saturday is expected to be approximately 30–35 hours.

- Volunteers will receive complimentary conference registration and invitations to all events and parties upon reciept of AIGA Commitment Contract (see below). Schedules will be designed to allow volunteers to attend as many presentations as possible.

Download the AIGA Commitment Contract here.

Here are the steps that need to happen to be a Conference Volunteer:

1. Fill out the online form here
2. Be sure to check to box that says "I would like to Volunteer for Next: 2007 Design Conference"
3. Download, print, and completely fill out the AIGA Commitment Contract
4. Mail, or email your completed Contract to the contact below:

volunteer@aigacolorado.org
or
Volunteer Director
454 Gladiola Street
Golden, CO 80401
(Fax coming soon!)

5. Await confirmation with additional instructions, which will be in August.

Description of assignments
(subject to change prior to and during the conference)
These are the types of activities to which you will be assigned throughout the conference:

Collate registration materials. We will assemble 2,500+ registration packets and sponsor materials. These items (conference program and schedule, local maps, etc.) will be inserted into a tote bag or other container. This task is mandatory for all volunteers.

Assemble name badges. Name badges must be placed in name badge holders and alphabetized in containers for the registration desk.

Set up on-site registration. Unpack boxes; set up registration packets so they are easily reached. Set up name badges so they are in the right alphabetical section and easily found and handed to the conference attendee. Completely familiarize yourself with registration procedures.

Serve as runner for speaker rehearsal. Shadow the Program Curator and perform tasks as needed during speaker rehearsal.

Usher/way finding. Stand at doors to sessions to monitor entry, guide attendees to seats and provide general direction.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs). All volunteers are to be available while on duty to answer FAQs including location of facilities, schedule of presentations, activities and receptions.

Registration desk. Completely familiarize yourself with registration procedures and contents of packet. Be able to answer FAQs and recognize designations of name badges, including speakers and press. Ensure that attendees receive their materials quickly, and that the area maintains an efficient flow.

Evening receptions. Help monitor flow of the crowd. Anticipate problems and solve or get help. Be able to answer questions about location of facilities, schedule of presentations, activities, receptions, and directions to area restaurants.

Focused session "producer". Assist speakers in preparing the room for the session. Act as a resource for any issues that may arise.

Break down registration. Pack materials for shipping to New York.

Group leaders. This position will lead its volunteer team in all its assigned tasks. The group leader will act as a conduit of information and communication between the volunteer coordinator and his/her team as whole.

Our chapter has posted additional information about the conference here.

We look forward to an exciting event and invite you to share the experience.

Thank You!