Volunteer Applications Will Open Mid-August
We’re so glad you’re here—and grateful that you’re considering joining our incredible volunteer team for 2027!
Volunteers are at the heart of this festival. Whether you’re guiding someone to their first workshop, supporting a keynote speaker behind the scenes, or capturing the magic of a packed reading, your presence helps shape the warmth, creativity, and connection that define this conference.
What’s New This Year?
We’ve reimagined the volunteer experience to make it even more rewarding, sustainable, and aligned—for both volunteers and staff. Based on everything we learned in 2026, this year’s process offers:
- Clearer roles
- More intentional matching
- Smoother onboarding and scheduling
In the application, you’ll move through a few focused sections—each aligned with different types of volunteer experiences. This structure helps us match you to a role where you’ll thrive and ensures each part of the festival is supported by people who feel energized and aligned.
Volunteer Tracks
Each role plays a vital part in bringing the conference to life—but they require different skills, time commitments, and types of energy. As you move through the application, you’ll choose the path that best reflects your strengths and interests:
🌟 Guest Services Teams
Front-facing roles that center on hospitality, attendee support, and smooth event flow.
- Spanish Program Team
Supports all Spanish-language workshops and events. Requires native Spanish fluency and cultural familiarity. - Workshops Team
Assists with English-language workshops and teen sessions; supports logistics and faculty needs. - Ballroom Ushers
Manages seating and flow for large-scale events like keynotes. Calm presence and clarity are key. - Social Events Team
Supports receptions, happy hours, and the Fiesta—ensuring guests feel welcomed and celebrated. - Program Events Team
Oversees check-in, seating, and guest experience at readings, author events, and open mics. - Hospitality Team
Offers VIP-level support to keynote speakers and featured guests. - Concierge Team
Greets and orients attendees with warmth and helpful info. Local knowledge a plus. - Wayfinders
Roving volunteers who help attendees navigate the venue with ease.
🛠 Tech & Logistics Teams
Behind-the-scenes roles that rely on tech skills, event tools, and operational flow.
- Registration Team Manages attendee check-in and materials using event systems and spreadsheets.
- Bookstore & Keynote Table Team
Assists with book sales and signings. Comfort with tech tools and guest service required. - Production & Tech Team
Supports setup, A/V, transitions, signage, and decor. Great for tech-savvy folks with stamina.
🎥 Marketing & Communications Team
Roles for creative professionals who want to help tell the story of the conference.
- Marketing & Comms Team
Captures photos, video, and social media content throughout the event. Professional experience required; offered as a pro bono service.
Volunteer Benefits
We’re deeply grateful for the time, energy, and care each volunteer brings. In return, all volunteers receive a thoughtful package of benefits designed to help you enjoy the festival alongside your service.
✨ General Volunteer Benefits
- 3 Keynotes
- 10 Literary Spotlight Events
- 1 Plenary Session
- Access to All Free Events
- Volunteer Party
- 50% discount for the Opening Reception, the Closing Reception, and the Fiesta
🌠 Lead Volunteer Benefits
Lead Volunteers take on added responsibility—supporting scheduling, training, and team coordination before and during the conference. Each team has one Lead.
- 8 Keynotes
- 2 Panels
- 1 Plenary Session
- 1 Opening Reception
- 1 Closing Reception
- 1 Fiesta
- 10 Literary Spotlight Events
- Access to All Free Events
- Volunteer Party