Volunteer Positions

Assist presenters and speakers throughout KinkFest.

Time Period of KinkFest: During KF

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Physical Abilities that can apply to this Volunteer Position:

- (Possibly) Sitting

- Standing

Other Training, Experience, or Tools that apply to this Volunteer Position:

- ASL Certification Required

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More Details:

What do volunteers on this team do before/during/after KF?

Provide interpretation services for workshops

What skills are good for this position or team?

Certification needed, Prior experience in this field or team is required, Skills demonstration will be required. Must meet State Requirements.

Is there anything else volunteers should know about this position?

This is a paid position.

Answer questions, provide information, and assist with rented mobility devices.

Time Period of KinkFest: Set-Up, During KF

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Physical Abilities that can apply to this Volunteer Position:

- Sitting

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Other Training, Experience, or Tools that apply to this Volunteer Position:

- (Helpful) ASL Experience

- (Helpful) De-Escalation Training or Experience

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More Details:

Host the Accessibility table. You will be fielding questions from event guests and providing information. You may be required to physically show where something is or provide push assistance for a wheelchair. This role has a lot of interaction with attendees.

Check the status of drivers and direct them to Accessibility Parking areas closer to the entrance of KinkFest.

Time Period of KinkFest: Set-Up, During KF

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Physical Abilities that can apply to this Volunteer Position:

- Standing

- Walking/Moving with one or neither hands available to carry objects, but can use a bag or basket to move small items between locations

- Walking/Moving with both hands free to carry items/objects

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Other Training, Experience, or Tools that apply to this Volunteer Position:

- (Helpful) ASL Experience

- Lift 40 pounds

Keep our shoes shiny and our leather well loved!

Time Period of KinkFest: Set-Up, During KF

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Physical Abilities that can apply to this Volunteer Position:

- Sitting

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Other Training, Experience, or Tools that apply to this Volunteer Position:

- (Helpful) ASL Experience

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More Details:

Love a good shine? Join our bootblack crew and help attendees step out in style! You'll bring boots and shoes back to life while spreading good vibes and community spirit. Welcome folks to your station, chat about their footwear, and pick the perfect products and technique for the job. Clean, condition, polish, and shine with care, and always ask before touching a pair of boots. Set up and break down the station, keep it tidy and safe, and handle tips per KinkFest policy. Shifts will be broken into 3-4 hour blocks of time. Bootblack stands are supplied, but personal supplies are not.

Assist with hosting events, and setting up / tearing down spaces for events in the "community events" area.

Host the 'community events' area at the Expo Center. You will greet event hosts, direct people to the correct areas for community events, reset chairs & tables to keep pathways clear and things organized, post the different event times and names up throughout the day. This role has a lot of interaction with attendees.

Assist the Littles Lead in running Littles events during KinkFest.

Help set up the little's area pre-event, and break it down post event for some people. During the event, this volunteer will oversee the little's area making sure people are following the rules for the little's area, keep things tidy, this volunteer may explain some of the activities happening, and also will be interacting with people as they come in and out.

Pet Lounge Attendants keep the lounge clean, help run pet events, answer questions, and help provide a safe & enjoyable experience attendees

Pet Lounge Attendants keep an eye on the lounge and ensure everyone has a fun and comfortable visit. This includes things like general tidying, answering questions and keeping an eye on the space to maintain a relaxing and inviting environment for all attendees. Lounge Attendants will receive special training to make sure they feel equipped to navigate some of the intricacies of pet play, and while experience with pet play is not required- it sure doesn’t hurt! Shifts are in 1-2 hour blocks anywhere from 10AM-2AM Friday/Saturday, and 11AM-7PM on Sunday. Chairs, snacks and rolled up newspapers are provided!

Operates the switches to the winch for the 20-ft tripod and suspended cage, ensuring the people using them are safe.

Works shifts during KinkFest to operate the lift winches for the tripod and suspended cage. Lift certification is a plus, but the team Lead will have a certification to cover the basics.

[Description coming soon to a webpage near you!]

Moves dungeon furniture and storage totes to and from the Expo Center. Assembles and disassembles furniture in the dungeon.

During KinkFest Set-Up, we meet at a storage location and load the moving vehicles, transport all supplies and dungeon equipment to Expo Center for staging, unload dungeon equipment and supplies, and set up the dungeon according to a map that is provided. We also assist in distributing supplies to other departments. After KinkFest on Sunday evening and Monday, we do all the same as before but in reverse order. We look for volunteers who can constantly lift and move heavy loads, have good communication skills, listening skills, and who are safety minded. A good sense of humor also helps! Forklift certification is handy but not mandatory. You will work long hard hours when you are tired the most (after KF, especially on Sunday night). There is good camaraderie and it is a real treat to see the dungeon come together.

A small team of dungeon crew members who work year-round, building and repairing furniture for the PLA and KinkFest.

Check in classroom monitors, change signage, answer attendee questions, communicate with team by radio, cover Classroom Monitor shift if necessary.

Assists with checking in Classroom Monitors and changing signage, answers attendee questions and/or concerns, offers directions, records data, and is available by radio to communicate with Education Team throughout classes. Must be willing and able to cover a Classroom Monitor shift if required. Desk volunteers may be asked to do random tasks as they come up. The information desk is next to the education desk and they are happy to have us point people in their direction if we need to. Most desk volunteer shifts will have at least one team lead at the table as well. Helpful skills include face to face communication, ability to de-escalate when necessary, comfort talking with people, ability to manage sudden high volume of attendees with questions, comfort communicating through radio when necessary.

Assist dungeon crew in moving equipment (such as St. Andrew’s crosses, spanking benches, supply tables, massage tables, etc.) to classrooms and back to their original location.

A newly created position as of KinkFest 2026, the equipment runner’s primary responsibility is to see to it that classes have the appropriate equipment, in the right place, as requested by the instructor, and to return it to wherever it was taken from after classes end. Equipment typically includes St. Andrew’s crosses, spanking benches, supply tables, massage tables, and various other items. Equipment Runners will be provided extra support for moving any large or heavy pieces of equipment. Helpful skills include punctuality, good communication, planning ahead, comfortable walking long distances and moving large/heavy equipment (with help).

Assure that Silent Disco headsets are charged each night and ready for use the next morning.

Headphone Volunteers are responsible for making sure all classroom Silent Disco Headsets are charged, and ready for use (wiped down, unplugged, in blue totes, and at headphone tables in classrooms) on Saturday and Sunday mornings. This position is ideal for part time volunteers, as it requires two 4 hour shifts in the evening, one on Friday and one on Saturday. Helpful skills include communication/coordination with other headphones volunteer(s), comfort with doing repetitive tasks.

Prepare gift bags, provide transportation, act as a point person for presenters and help presenters with emergent needs during the conference.

Before KF, some team members will help prepare gift bags for presenters by soliciting donations from local businesses and helping to put those bags together before the con. Team members may be asked to receive shipments to hold in advance of the con, such as the aforementioned donations. The Presenter Support team also provides logistics between Airport, Hotel, and Expo Day-of coordination and support. During KF, the role of the presenter support team is to help presenters with emergent needs. This may look like going offsite for various reasons, helping find missing class supplies, setting up or restocking the presenter lounge, helping a presenter find information, and various other tasks. Helpful skills include organization, problem solving, agile thinking, initiative, kindness, customer service mindset. Must have a valid license and be able to provide transportation (a dedicated van will be provided), must have trauma-informed de-escalation skills (training available), be willing and able to learn, and/or be able to ask for help and mediation when needed. This position was previously called “Presenter Concierge” and “Presenter Liaison”, but we don’t want to have to keep spelling either of those words.

Greet presenters, move chairs if needed, bring supplies from Education Desk, introduce classes, assist with Q&A, monitor rooms for capacity and accessibility, keep time for presenters, take attendee count.

Main duties include, but are not limited to: Greeting Presenters, moving chairs if/as needed, bringing class supplies from the Education Desk to the presenter, introducing classes and assisting with attendee Q&A, monitoring rooms for max capacity and accessibility, enforcing classroom rules if broken, working with A/V in the event of technical issues, holding/moving cameras, keeping time, and taking attendee count. A/V, Education Desk, and Equipment Runner volunteers will be available to support. It’s extremely important that you be at the Education desk at the start of your shift (15 minutes prior to the start of class), to give yourself time to check in with the presenter and start the class on time. Helpful skills include punctuality, comfort with public speaking, ability to lift up to 30lbs, willingness to perform crowd control (examples: asking people not to block an exit or walkway, turning away attendees if a class has no late entry, etc.).

Maintain restrooms, restock the dungeon, and generally promote/provide a clean interior environment for KF!

What do volunteers on this team do before/during/after KF?

In the days leading up to KF, tasks include helping out with trash needs and making sure all the bathrooms are stocked and ready to go for the event. During the event the Clean Team help keep our KinkFest clean! maintaining restrooms, taking out trash, and helping to restock our dungeon. This is a very important job as it allows there to be less outside folks behind the curtains which promotes a kink safe environment. After the event the Clean Team helps bring the event space back to its original form. Tasks include taking out lots of recycling, trash and tidying spaces.

What skills are good for this position team?

Ability to be on the move for an extended period of time, attention to detail, able to lift 5-15 pound bags of trash and comfortable with cleaning messes.

Setup and organize rooms, maintain food/beverage stock, meet needs of Performers, Presenters, and Volunteers.

What do volunteers on this team do before/during/after KF?

Setup and organize rooms, maintain food/beverage stock, meet needs of Performers/Presenters.

What skills are good for this position or team?

Capable of lifting 50 pounds, Must be able to stand for long periods of time, Must be able to sit for long periods of time

Set up, staff, and tear down Solutions Center, confirming who comes in/out, charging radios, and printing last-minute documents.

What do volunteers on this team do before/during/after KF?

The main function of this role is to run the Solutions Center (aka the ops office), which is the heart of the Operations Team during the event. The runners and Clean Team will report here and have access to this space for down time during their shifts. It’s also a hub for all Core Team members, and a safe/confidential space for folks to talk about sensitive matters. As such, anyone spending time in the Solutions Center must sign a Safer Use of Sensitive Information Agreement. During the event, the Solutions Center Coordinator will sit at the front of the room and answer any questions folks may have, direct volunteers to where they need to go, and collect any lost and found items. They will also perform tasks such as taking over the radio dispatch for the Operations Director and Assistant Director, and managing access to the Solutions Center.

What skills are good for this position or team?

Able to multitask, retain a variety of information (with tools available such as a whiteboard), uphold the privacy of the space and direct folks to where they need to go. No lifting is needed in this position.

Make trips to local stores for last-minute supplies, assist in communications and transportation of supplies between teams.

What do volunteers on this team do before/during/after KF?

Runners will report to the Solutions Center and stand by to respond to needs as they arise during the event. This typically includes tasks such as running equipment to teams/locations that need them, shopping for extra supplies, and helping restock water bubblers. There will be at least one on-site runner and one designated off-site runner for each volunteer shift. Please note that The Solutions Center is a hub for all Core Team members, and a safe/confidential space for folks to talk about sensitive matters. As such, anyone spending time in the Solutions Center must sign a Safer Use of Sensitive Information Agreement.

What skills are good for this position or team?

Capable of lifting 50 pounds, able to stand/walk for long periods of time, customer service, attention to detail, calm demeanor and a flexible attitude. All off-site runners must have a valid driver’s license and access to a car that they are willing to use during the event.

Help with tech rehearsal, production assistant for stage, assist performers, possibility of announcing/MC'ing acts

What do volunteers on this team do before/during/after KF?

Help with tech rehearsal, production assistant for stage, assist performers, possibility of announcing/MC'ing acts

What skills are good for this position or team?

Capable of lifting 50 pounds, Prior experience in this field or team is required, Would like to work with folks who have stage management experience.

Is there anything else volunteers should know about this position?

AV and rigging training will be provided. And will try to schedule at least one possible MC per shift

Assemble and strike the Main Stage for performances.

Support the DJ and sound crew in setting up the dungeon's sound and lighting.

[Description coming soon to a screen near you!]

Assembles pipe structures and draping them to create walls within the Expo Center.

What do volunteers on this team do before/during/after KF?

"Before KF, this team assembles and erects all of the pipe-and-drape walls and segmentation throughout the Expo Center. During KF, if there are any issues with the drapes, they will respond. After KF, they disassemble it all, and pack it back into the trucks."

What skills are good for this position or team?

Capable of lifting 50 pounds, Must be able to stand for long periods of time

Assemble & strike stages & chairs, including floor taping for chairs and ADA seating.

Marking and taping the floor plan in the dungeon, classrooms, and other areas according to a map.

Be one of the first people to get on your knees in the KinkFest dungeon! We start days early to lay down the foundations of the event's layout. We will be determining measurements from a map provided to us and then measuring out and marking those major points. Once the base is ready, we will use tape to lay it all down. This position requires the ability to reach the floor repeatedly (many many times) to lay the tape down, travel large distances around the Expo Center, work together, be flexible (last minute changes and mistakes will be made, and we always persevere!), and work together as a team. The ability to read and understand a map and use a tape measure is a bonus. The Tape Team will also be needed afterwards on Sunday evening to tear all the tape up and bring us back our tape ball mascot, Tapey, once again! Please note that this is a physically demanding position, you will get countless steps and squats done and volunteers have reported being tired and sore following the process.

Assembles and disassembles truss in the dungeon.

Please note this is a very physically demanding job!

• The Truss Team should be proficient in the safe use of hand tools, particularly socket and crescent wrenches to tighten nuts and bolts in small spaces that often can't be seen.
• Truss Team should also be capable of safe, repeated lifting of 50 pounds, working on knees and/or above head for extended periods, and capable of working on ladders (~6ft. high).
• Ability to work with minimum supervision.
• Must be available to work the two days leading up to the event for set-up and directly after to tear down the event.
• Tools and Equipment: The Truss Team should have closed toed shoes, and gloves that allow for dexterity (rubber coated construction or gardening gloves work well).

As the welcoming first point of contact, check-in volunteers warmly greet attendees, verify IDs, apply wristbands with consent, distribute event materials, and ensure a smooth, streamlined check-in process.

Volunteers with this team will need to stay in prompt email contact with the Check-In Lead regarding updates and schedules, with opportunities to aid in Thursday Set-Up or early check-in hours. Main event responsibilities focus on managing computer stations- welcoming attendees, checking waivers and IDs, applying camera tape and wristbands, and distributing materials. Following the event, responsibilities include completing a feedback survey and optional Sunday Tear-Down. This role requires basic computer literacy, accommodates flexible sitting or standing arrangements, and gains value from ASL knowledge, though ASL is not required. Valuable strengths for this position include exceptional customer service, clear communication, keen attention to detail, endless patience, composure under pressure, stamina for front-desk monotony, comfort using inclusive language, proper consent practices, confidentiality, physical sitting endurance, active listening, and overall adaptability. As the primary point of contact for arriving attendees, maintaining a welcoming demeanor is essential to establishing a positive tone. Although front-desk tasks are mostly seated, team members may stand or stretch during quiet periods, and Check-In Leads remain available to assist with any issues.

Clear out the various spaces when they close, keep vanilla areas vanilla, remind people of the Code of Conduct.

Check wristbands, control access to certain areas, check Accessibility cards, keep vanilla areas vanilla, remind people of the Code of Conduct.

The Community Care Team (fka KIND) provides KinkFest attendees with information about the event, resources, and supports the enforcement of our Consent Revocation policy by processing no-contact boundaries when required.

The Community Care Team (formerly known as KIND) provides KinkFest attendees with information about the event, resources, and supports the enforcement of our Consent Revocation policy by processing no-contact boundaries when required. Members of this team are trained in trauma-informed de-escalation practices and are on call in shifts to respond to support overwhelmed guests with guidance to conference resources and resources for self-care. The Community Care Team is a part of the Safety team and hosts the Information desks and works in cooperation with Dungeon Monitors, First Aid, and Code Awareness teams, along with all teams that require assistance.

Monitor play (and manage the crowd if needed) in an assigned area of the dungeon, answer play-related questions from attendees.

Please note you will be vetted for this position!

• Prevent congestion of walkways around scenes that attract attention.
• Be aware of broken furniture that could pose a hazard. If this is found, the DM should report it immediately to the Head DM. The Head DM will relay the information to Dungeon Crew.
• Be aware of actions that could be unintentionally harmful to an attendee. Think 'danger to life and limb'. This could include but not be limited to a bottom that is unconscious, violent blows to the head, heavy striking to internal organ areas and spine, loss of circulation (during a rope scene), etc.
• Patrol the floor as instructed by your Head DMs, keeping spread out as to make sure that the dungeon stays covered.
• Communicate with the DM staff and KinkFest team via in-ear radio regarding questions, concerns, and logistical issues that arise during your shifts.
• Evaluate and respond to concerns expressed by attendees.
• Must be able to stand on concrete for at least two hours without a break.
• Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds and should be able to support another person's body weight if necessary.
• Should be DM trained and willing to present either certification of training or materials from training upon request.

Provide attendees with any needed first aid interventions including supplies.

Provide trauma-informed care with different incident types and responses, assist with accessibility accommodations and document preferred interventions, and respond to mass casualty events.

Receive clothing and baggage to store in a secure location until the owner returns. Also assists people with rented mobility devices.

Coat check attendants run our coat check service. They store coats and toy bags in exchange for payment. They also assist the Accessibility Team by storing and charging mobility devices. They are familiar with basic KinkFest info like rules, schedules and locations so they can answer questions from attendees. Volunteers in this position should be kind and helpful with terrific customer service skills. Be familiar with accepting payment (card, cash), trustworthy, and able to lift heavy toy bags.

Proactively assist with set-up and/or tear-down for various teams before and after KF.

[Short description coming to a screen soon! Expand to see more details explanation for the position.]

What do volunteers on this team do before/during/after KF?

Before KF: Healing Space Orientation, virtual meet and greet, provide bios, pics, and descriptions of your healing modalities and possibly setting up Healing Space. During KF: Perform the hours that you've dedicated to work in your healing modalities. After KF: None

What skills are good for this position or team?

Empathy, well-versed in your healing modalities, and adaptability/flexibility. Must be able to assemble and disassemble your own equipment. Is there anything else volunteers should know about this position? You will need to fill out an additional application form for final approval. All services are voluntary, but people have been known to get tips for their services. It is particularly satisfying for people in the Healing Arts.

Assist the Merch Lead in setting up, selling merch, and then tearing down the KF Merch Booth. Also provide information if asked.

What do volunteers on this team do before/during/after KF?

Set up volunteers for merch are on site Thursday from 2pm to 5pm setting up Merch space, unpacking, and inventorying merch. Merch volunteers during KF will be selling items to attendees, restocking as needed, have a general knowledge of convention map, and using point of sale system. Strike volunteers will help teardown Merch area, count inventory, record inventory numbers, pack up remaining items, and label boxes.

What skills are good for this position or team?

Must be able to stand for long periods of time, Must be able to sit for long periods of time

Assist the SIGNS Lead in printing and laminating last-minute signs, then displaying the signage appropriately.

The SIGNS Squad creates and posts signage and maps around KinkFest to make information more readily available to attendees, volunteers, and presenters. If working during Set-Up, this volunteer will help laminate and/or display easels, banners, posters, and signage in accordance to the SIGNS Lead's direction. The SIGNS Tear-Down Crew is a group of 3 to 4 volunteers who remain at the Expo on Sunday evening after KinkFest has concluded to help the SIGNS Lead inventory and pack signs. The work includes: Collect all of the signs and maps that have been posted for the event into one location, sanitize signs from the bathrooms and medical play areas, wipe marker off reusable maps, and pack everything away into boxes and cases for use the following year. People with the following skills would do well with this position: Sharp eye for outstanding signs and easels, patience and tenacity for cleaning laminated pages and packing plastic stands properly into boxes, and the work ethic (and energy reserves) to come help pack up KinkFest for a full 4 hours after what is likely a long and exhausting convention weekend. Ability to count signs and log inventory while packing is a bonus.

Work as a group to assemble packets and items for attendee swag bags ahead of check-in hours.

What do volunteers on this team do before/during/after KF?

"Filling swag bags with event program and other advertising items. Will need to move completed bins to registration tables. Ability to lift 25-50 lbs preferred. Must be available during the day Wed/Thurs prior to event. Arrive at 8am with minimum 8 hour shift w/ break for lunch. Work may extend past 5pm if the volume calls for it. All work expected to be completed prior to doors opening."

Assist the Vendor Director with setting up the Vendor Hall, checking in vendors, and supporting vendors before, during, and after KinkFest.

Time Period of KinkFest: Set-Up, During, Tear-Down

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Physical Abilities that can apply to this Volunteer Position:

- Sitting

- Standing

- (Helpful) Walking/Moving with one or neither hands available to carry objects, but can use a bag or basket to move small items between locations

- (Helpful) Walking/Moving with both hands free to carry items/objects

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Other Training, Experience, or Tools that apply to this Volunteer Position:

- (Helpful) De-Escalation Training or Experience

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More Details:

Staff the Vendor Relations booth, answering questions, assisting vendors and troubleshooting issues. Walk the floor every other hour, checking on vendors. If requested, watch a vendor's booth if they need to use the restroom. In the mornings, keep coffee station tidy and return supplies to Hospitality at 10:00AM. Must be able to sit or stand for long periods of time, and must be able to traverse the vendor floor for long periods of time.

Pick this volunteer position if you have no preference and simply want to volunteer wherever and whenever you are placed! Volunteer Coordinators will do their best to place you according to the other information you provide on your volunteer application.

If you know you know ;)