All volunteer scheduling will be handled through the web page for VolunteerLocal, NAFSA's online scheduler. On the page, volunteers will be able to:

• View available shifts in the event calendar
• Pick up shifts they want to work and manage their shifts based on their availability
• Receive confirmation of their shifts in a timely fashion
• View and print their calendar of scheduled shifts at any time
• Change or cancel shifts as needed prior to the start of the conference
• Communicate with volunteer managers and receive email updates regarding their shift details

If you sign up to volunteer, please check your VolunteerLocal calendar for your scheduled shifts and arrive on time. Prior to your first shift of the conference, you will need to check in at the Local Arrangements Team (LAT) office, located in the San Diego Convention Center, to receive your volunteer identification and timesheet for the week.

Any no-shows or habitual tardiness could affect your registration rebate and ability to volunteer at future conferences. If a scheduling conflict arises, please alert the volunteer coordinator at least 24 hours before the shift is scheduled to begin. There will also be a phone number available during the conference.

Based on documented hours worked, volunteers may be reimbursed 50-100 percent of the general conference registration fee paid. Reimbursements are processed 4-6 weeks after the conference and are paid in the same manner as your registration fees (i.e. credited to credit card, check cut back to institution, etc.).

Volunteers are the face of the NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo. As such, volunteers are expected to be punctual, respectful, and helpful during your shifts. It is very beneficial to you to become knowledgeable about various aspects of the conference such as event locations, layout of the convention center, general conference information, and program details.

Scheduling more than 200 volunteers for a seven-day event requires a tremendous amount of planning and cooperation; NAFSA appreciates your willingness to help make this year’s conference a huge success by honoring your shifts, showing up on time, and staying until the job is done!

Bookstore
Volunteers will assist in the bookstore by answering questions, directing customers to products, and helping them complete their bookstore order forms. They may also be asked to assist with restocking shelves and displays.

Career Center
Volunteer to serve as a Career Adviser at the NAFSA 2025 Annual Conference & Expo, May 27–30, 2025. NAFSA Career Advisers are an essential part of our NAFSA Career Center during the Annual Conference. As a Career Adviser, you will meet one-on-one with registrants seeking career advice, a quick scan of a resume, and views on international education. We welcome your enthusiastic and knowledgeable support for IE professionals who will benefit from your perspective. NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo registration is required.

Apply to volunteer as a NAFSA 2025 Career Advisor.

Conference Information Center
Volunteers will work with the Local Arrangements Team to provide information to attendees who visit the Conference Information Center. Duties will include answering questions, directing attendees to various conference activities, and handing out local maps and brochures.

NAFSA Pavilion
Volunteers can advance their own careers by becoming knowledgeable about ways to connect with NAFSA, meet with other members, and get to know staff. They will be asked to recruit conference participants to connect with NAFSA.

On-site registration
Volunteers will assist attendees registering and checking in for the conference. Duties will include handing out conference materials and answering general questions at the registration desk.

Sessions and workshops
Volunteers will be responsible for guiding participants to events, ensuring individuals find seats, assisting in handout delivery, and other duties assigned by NAFSA staff.

Special events
Volunteers will assist attendees at all NAFSA special events. Because many of the events are ticketed, volunteers will be asked to take tickets at the door, assist with crowd control, and hold signage.

Are registration discounts available to conference volunteers?

All conference volunteers must first register and pay conference registration fees. Based on documented hours worked, volunteers may be reimbursed 25–100 percent of the general conference registration fee paid. Reimbursements are made 4–6 weeks after the conclusion of the conference.

What are the requirements to be a volunteer?

You must be a registered conference attendee in order to serve as a conference volunteer.

What jobs will I perform as a volunteer?

Examples of shifts are as follows:

• Taking tickets at special events
• Directing traffic at plenaries
• Working badge pickup and handing out materials and tote bags in the registration area 
• Providing local information and conference directions at Conference Information and Hospitality Center
• Working as a monitor for sessions and handing out and collecting session evaluations