AWEA - American Wind Energy Association

Volunteers play an essential role throughout this event. Don't miss this opportunity to be a part of the conference!

Attend the WINDPOWER 2012 Conference & Exhibition by becoming a conference volunteer. Volunteering not only allows you to meet and mingle with other wind energy professionals, it allows you to attend conference sessions and other events in exchange for your work.

Getting involved in AWEA will not only benefit the future of our industry, but will also help advance your career. Consider the following benefits:

Work 16-20 hours over 3-4 days and:

• Receive a complimentary main conference registration ($630 - $1430), equivalent to getting paid approximately $40 - $72/hour
• Attend sessions and listen to presentations after volunteer responsibilities are fulfilled
• Network with industry professionals
• Enhance your career through leadership visibility
• Access continental breakfasts, lunches, exhibit hall, conference sessions, sessions handouts, and receptions that occur during the conference

Types of Volunteer Opportunities

1.  Session Volunteers

• Will assist within the session rooms with tasks such as setting up speaker tent cards, collecting Q&A cards, working with moderators, passing out handouts, distributing and collecting session evaluation forms, assisting temps with scanning attendee badges upon entry, as well as any other needs the Conference Staff may have.

2.  Poster Volunteers

• Reserved for poster presenters ONLY!
• Will check in poster presenters, assist conference staff, presenters and attendees at the poster reception (unless they are poster presenters themselves), and perform periodic poster run-throughs for upkeep.

3.  Exhibit Volunteers

• Will assist the exhibition team in distributing the Show Daily, making booth drops, selling booth space, escorting VIPs, maintaining sponsorship bins, and directing attendees. Must be able to stand for long periods of time and lift boxes up to 20lbs.

4.  Green Angel Volunteers

• Will Assist in green efforts at the conference. Assignments will vary as you help promote and coordinate different green initiatives during the conference. Exceptional verbal communication skills a must and need a commitment to stay through Wednesday evening.
  

5.  Membership Volunteers

• Will assist with member/ exhibitor meet and greet, distribute thank you notes and awards and plaques to exhibitors and members, keep all literature at the booth stocked and other duties as assigned. Must be able to stand/walk for long periods of time (up to 8 hours) and lift up to 25 lbs.
  

6. Grassroots & WindPAC Volunteers

• Will assist with member registration for the WindPAC reception, distribute handouts during the general session, and staff the Grassroots/ PAC booth.

7. Education Volunteers

• Will work specifically on the following initiatives - KidWind Challenge which includes giving students (4th to 12th grade) tours of the exhibit hall, implementing activities for students in between challenges, and explaining judging process to industry judges; N.E.E.D. Teacher Training which includes assisting trainers during the teacher training by collecting note cards and distributing materials; Education Work Group Meeting which includes checking-in meeting attendees prior to the meeting. Must be able to stand for long periods of time, speak and understand English, and lift boxes up to 10 lbs.

8. Policy Volunteers

• Will assist with logistical tasks for the Public Policy department committee meetings, which entails distributing materials, handing out name plates, on-site printing, running microphones in the meetings, ensuring the proper technology is available and functioning, and other projects as necessary.
  

Please note that all positions will be assigned by AWEA.

Time Commitment for Volunteers

Prior to the start of the conference, volunteers can expect to participate in a MANDATORY orientation meeting to be held on June 3rd. Volunteers will be working June 3rd - June 6th (June 3rd if selected to volunteer during the pre-conference seminars) in predetermined shifts and times which will allow you to participate in other aspects of the conference.

You will NOT be selected if you cannot work all 3 days of the main conference.

Expenses Associated with Volunteering

AWEA does not reimburse volunteers for travel, lodging and other expenses associated with volunteering for AWEA. Please keep in this mind when contemplating your volunteer commitment.

Please note we require credit card information to ensure your commitment. There is an Administration Fee of $150 for those that cancel their participation after the May 3rd, 2012 deadline or fail to show up on-site.

As a volunteer, you should:

• Attend and fully participate in all scheduled volunteer meetings and/or activities
• Be open and willing to learn from your fellow volunteers and conference staff
• Be knowledgeable in the area for which you are volunteering; you don't need to be an expert, but a general understanding of the duties you will be performing is very helpful
• Be familiar with AWEA's goals and mission (About AWEA)
• Be open to new ideas and ready to share experiences
• Participate in the volunteer experience with energy and commitment
• Be able to stand/ walk for long periods of time and lift up to 20 lbs
• Communicate comfortably in English.
  

Volunteer Selection Process

Once you complete the Volunteer Application Form, you can expect the following:

• AWEA staff will review applications and interview candidates on an ongoing basis until April 30th
• If you are selected, your volunteer assignment and other detailed information will be sent you by April 30th
• Positions are available on a first come first serve basis!
• Please do not contact AWEA staff regarding the status of your application. If you do not hear from us then you were not selected to volunteer this year.

**We will only accept up to 10 volunteers per organization/college/university.***

THE DEADLINE TO SUBMIT A 2012 VOLUNTEER APPLICATION IS APRIL 30, 2012