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SXSWeek 2008 › March 7 - 16
Interactive › March 7 - 11
Film › March 7 - 15
Music › March 12 - 16
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General Volunteer Information
Thank You 2007 Volunteers!
SXSW 2007 was a hugely successful year, especially due to the tireless work of our hundreds of volunteers. The volunteer application process for SXSW 2008 will begin October 1st, 2007.
SXSW began in 1987 as a weekend-long music industry conference and festival. It has since grown to span 10 days in March, and now includes SXSW Film and SXSW Interactive events.
South By Southwest owes much of its success to the efforts of hundreds of volunteers, who have contributed years' worth of vacations and spring breaks to help this event run smoothly. We are looking for enthusiastic, outgoing and attentive volunteers to help us on the front lines, as well as behind the scenes.
We have a wide variety of volunteer positions, ranging from badge-checkers and theater staff, to podcasting and digital media editing. Our volunteer crews can accommodate any level of experience.
Volunteering for SXSW can be a lot of fun, but it's not for everybody. As with any event production, there can be a lot of "hurry up and wait," and schedule flexiblity is required. We count on all of our volunteers to fulfill their schedule commitments. This is not just an opportunity to attend the event for free.
Although we appreciate the large number of people who want to help out for just a few hours, volunteer participation must be limited to those who can commit a significant amount of time, and who are willing to work late hours.
Volunteer work prior to the festival is minimal, and is strictly limited to returning volunteers. We need the most help during the event itself.
Volunteers must be committed to being on time and on task during all their scheduled shifts. Volunteers may use their perks to attend the various events while they are off-duty, but because of the large time commitment involved, they will probably not get to see all the shows, films or panels that they want.
If you want to be free to see everything that the event has to offer, we strongly recommend that you buy a badge.
What do volunteers do?
There are two different types of SXSW volunteer crews: Conference and Music Production.
Volunteers must apply for one or the other type of crew. It is not possible to work on both types of crews at the same time. Each type requires a substantial time commitment.
CONFERENCE VOLUNTEERS
Conference crews work in every area of the conference, from registration, trade show and conference access, to hospitality, information and transportation. Some crews operate all day, every day of the event.
Conference volunteers must be able to work a minimum of 30 hours during the event. Depending on the amount of additional time they work, Conference Volunteers are eligible to earn a film pass, music wristband, or conference badge as a perk. The minimum age for Conference crews is 16.
MUSIC PRODUCTION VOLUNTEERS
Music Production crews include Stage Managers, Stage Crews, Special Venues Crew, Town Lake Stage, Production Tech and Radio/TV Broadcast.
Music Production volunteers work either 4 or 5 consecutive nights during the Music Festival, usually from 6:00PM - 2:00AM. Depending on the number of days or nights worked, Music Production volunteers will be issued either a Music or a Platinum conference badge as a perk. Music Production volunteers must be at least age 21.
Answers to frequently asked questions can be found on our Frequently Asked Questions page.
OUT-OF-TOWN VOLUNTEERS:
Out-of-town volunteers (those outside the Austin metro area) must contact vol@sxsw.com before submitting an application. Travel and lodging arrangements must be confirmed with a Volunteer Coordinator before out-of-town applications can be accepted. We do not provide any travel or lodging accommodations.
Out-of-town volunteers must plan to be in Austin from March 6-16, 2008. Out-of-town volunteer applications must be completed no later than February 1, 2008.
For additional information, please send an e-mail to vol@sxsw.com
Volunteer Coordinator Contact Info
SXSW Volunteer Offices
1007 E. 40th St.
Austin, TX 78751
Tel 512.467.7979
Fax 512.451.0754
