So your startup is "seriously underfunded," you're a starving student, you just want to lend a hand, or you just can't imagine yourself at GDC without hundreds of your friends. Whatever the reason, you may still be able to attend this premiere event. Are you willing to earn your attendance by doing about 20 hours of work with a fantastic group of people? Apply to volunteer as a Conference Associate (CA)!
GDC 2012 runs from Monday, March 5th, 2012 through Friday, March 9th, 2012. Conference Associates have pre-conference assignments and a required orientation dinner on Sunday, March 4th, 2012. If you are accepted into the program, you are needed from the start of your pre-conference assignments through the end of the conference on the evening of Friday, March 9th, 2012, so plan accordingly.
Simply click the application link at the bottom of this page and submit your application. You will be notified if you are accepted (or not) for our elite force by January 5th, 2012.
Please note: applications will be accepted up until the day before the orientation dinner. If your application is received after January 1st, all positions will have been filled and you will be given instructions for being added to the waiting list.
About 20 hours of challenging tasks (some might require advanced degrees) like:
What restrictions do I have at GDC compared to an attendee?
Usually none. You have the same all-access pass the attendees have. However, your work shifts must come first so you get to use your all-access pass when off-duty.
What if I have particular sessions I want to attend?
Volunteers submit work preferences that are factored into their schedule. That plus the ability to trade work shifts with other volunteers should allow you to definitely attend at least a few preferred sessions, including summits and tutorials.
What are you looking for in an applicant?
We don't state specific criteria nor how we do volunteer selection. In an Internet age, everyone would find out anything we share and tell us what we want to hear. Everything we do mention you will see on the application when you go to fill it out.
Do you take groups?
No. Each person in your group is welcome to submit their own application. We will consider each one on an individual basis.
How much does the CA housing cost?
That varies from year to year and prices change as GDC approaches. It is usually under $60 per person per night for a shared room.
Are all the volunteer positions really full after the deadline mentioned above?
Yes, always! You may still submit a volunteer application and you will be emailed instructions about how to get on the waiting list.
What are my chances on the waiting list?
We can't answer that on an individual basis. In general the odds are low but not zero. We also do not share our criteria for filling openings from the waiting list. Same reason as above.
What about the rest of my questions?
We get a lot of applications. We provide the information that volunteers need to everyone who is accepted. If you have a question that you need answering now, prior to applying, please email us and we will be happy to help. Otherwise, please wait to see if you get accepted and if all the information you receive then answers your questions.
The conference associate application will be available later this fall.
calounge.com is owned and operated by Neurobatics Corporation. Email camanager@calounge.com if you have any questions about volunteering or the website.