Become a Hal-Con Volunteer
Hal-Con is a 100% volunteer-run organization. Our small-but-mighty convention is powered by our incredible volunteers, most of whom return year after year to help make Atlantic Canada’s largest sci-fi and fantasy convention a success.
There are lots of ways to get involved with Hal-Con! You can:
Perks of Volunteering
We ask that our volunteers commit to 12 hours in total over the convention weekend. In exchange, our volunteers will be given the following benefits:
- Free weekend pass for their time and dedication to the convention
- Meals and snacks during peak meal times*
- Volunteer souvenirs (your volunteer t-shirt which you can keep, and your identification badge)
- Friends, fun, and good times!
*Please note that for those with dietary restrictions, though we try our best to ensure you have something to eat, we cannot guarantee that your specific needs will be met. We provide a microwave and fridge on site for those who will need to bring their own snacks and meals.
Rules of Volunteering
Of course, there are rules that come with working at the convention. Here is a quick summary of the rules that come with volunteering. We strive to provide a safe and welcoming environment for everyone, and have a zero-tolerance policy for bullying and harassment.
Rules are subject to change, but in general, volunteers must agree to the following:
- Do not arrive at your shift intoxicated, this also applies to recreational drug use.
- Consuming alcohol/cannabis during your shift at the convention is prohibited.
- No theft
- No harassing guests, attendees, or other volunteers in any way, shape, or form.
- No abusing volunteer privilege, including but not limited to:
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- Allowing people to access the convention who don’t have tickets or passes
- Accessing restricted areas
- Using your volunteer status to network with, and/or showing your work to guests for personal gain
- Your volunteer t-shirt must remain visible and unaltered at all times when you are on duty.
- Face-obscuring masks are not allowed on shift (exceptions are made for masks that are required to comply with any public health orders).
- Make sure you know who your team lead is so you are able to ask questions and get help when needed.
- When off-duty, volunteer t-shirts must be removed or covered. Volunteers seen in line for autographs or photographs while wearing volunteer t-shirts will be removed from the line and asked to change.
- Do not arrive at your shift intoxicated, this also applies to recreational drug use.
- Consuming alcohol/cannabis during your shift at the convention is prohibited.
- No harassing guests, attendees, or other volunteers in any way, shape, or form.
- No theft
- No abusing volunteer privilege, including but not limited to:
- Allowing people to access the convention who don’t have tickets or passes
- Accessing restricted areas
- Using your volunteer status to network with, and/or showing your work to guests for personal gain
- Your volunteer t-shirt must remain visible and unaltered at all times when you are on duty.
- Face-obscuring masks are not allowed on shift (exceptions are made for masks that are required to comply with any public health orders).
- Make sure you know who your team lead is so you are able to ask questions and get help when needed.
- When off-duty, volunteer t-shirts must be removed or covered. Volunteers seen in line for autographs or photographs while wearing volunteer t-shirts will be removed from the line and asked to change.
Once accepted as a volunteer, individuals are expected to attend at least one general training session, unless they are unable due to work or illness. If such circumstances arise, we ask that you get in contact with us so that we can provide you with the appropriate materials needed. Volunteers must also attend the walkthrough of the convention centre that occurs prior to the event itself, generally the day before.
Please also note that you will be expected to perform the duties of whichever role you are assigned. If there is something you are uncomfortable with, please make us aware ahead of time so we can make alternate arrangements. Otherwise, by applying you agree that you understand that the assigned duties of your role are a requirement of volunteering.
Non-compliance to the rules stated here and later covered in-depth via training or documents sent through email will result in disciplinary action, up to and including the removal of volunteer status, at which point the T-shirt and weekend pass received for volunteering could be confiscated. We reserve the right to accept or reject volunteers as deemed appropriate.
Become a Hal-Con Event Volunteer
Volunteer applications for 2024 are now closed
Without our fantastic volunteers each year we simply would not be able to have such an amazing event. We thank you for your interest to help keep Atlantic Canada’s biggest sci-fi and gaming con going! We reserve the right to turn away applicants we feel do not suit a role, or because we have filled all of our volunteer needs. As noted in each section, some positions require you to pass an interview.
If you wish to apply for a volunteer position, please apply using only one application, unless you have been directed otherwise by a team lead. Application links can be found below, but please read role descriptions and volunteer rules before applying.
Please note that positions that require additional screening, such as a background check or Child Registry Check, will say so in the description. If you do not have the necessary background checks already we will still review your application, as this is only required for a small subset of volunteers based on their role.
Operations Volunteer Team (Applications Closed)
APPLICATIONS NOW CLOSED
Driver
Can you drive a large vehicle with grace and honour? Drivers will be asked to drive around the city during the convention to pick up things like coffee and get important people to where they need to go. Drivers can apply on the General Volunteer application. Applicants may be asked how long they have had a valid license for.
Communications
This team is the heart of internal communications at Hal-Con. The Comms team is responsible for signing out radios, relaying messages between teams, and making sure fresh radio batteries get to the people that need them. A cool head, high degree of organization, computer/spreadsheet proficiency, and the ability to listen to multiple things at once are all vital skills.
Ranger
Are you looking for something a bit more next-level in Operations? Are you adaptable to situations? Do you think well on your feet? Have you been accused of being a problem-solver? Able to work independently, but can assess a situation and know when to call back-up? We need a crew who can support all the teams; the cogs of Con! Job duties range from watching the door to helping with more sensitive situations. If this sounds like you, then join the Rangers!
Photography
The Hal-Con Imaging Labs is always on the lookout for passionate individuals to join its team of photographers. The position involves covering specific events as well as general coverage of the entire convention. Because of this, volunteers are on duty all weekend, at all times, but have the freedom to explore the con as well. You must have your own equipment (DSLR and flash). Photography is one of the only volunteer positions that involves approaching and interacting with our attendees (instead of them choosing to approach us) and therefore not only requires skill with the camera, but good people skills as well. If you love taking pictures and want to be part of the Hal-Con team, this could be the place for you!
General Volunteer Team (Applications Closed)
APPLICATIONS NOW CLOSED
Set-Up/Tear-Down
We need volunteers with plenty of energy to move items from point A to point before Hal-Con opens to the public, this normally occurs on Thursday and Friday. On Sunday evening after the convention closes, items need to go back from point B to point A.
Info Desk and Greeters
Located at the Info Desk and near entrance points, you are responsible for directing all attendees to where they need to go. People will come to you if they are lost and/or need more information. Put a smile on, enjoy the costumes, and have fun!
Hospitality
These are the people that will keep the volunteers fed. Reporting to the Hospitality Coordinator, you will assist with accepting meals from the outside vendors, collecting meal vouchers, distributing meals to volunteers and delivering them to the other volunteer rooms/teams. Shifts are scattered throughout the day, surrounding our peak meal times. The ability to do some heavy lifting is useful, but not a requirement in this role.
Registration Desk
Bring a smile and a friendly attitude, and become one of Hal-Con’s Registration team members! The Registration team is often the first Hal-Con representatives that attendees interact with, so a positive first impression is a must. Customer service skills are very important. Duties involve scanning tickets, attaching bracelets/badges, and answering questions. Some cash handling may be required as well as using a debit terminal.
Merch Booth
Sell, sell, sell! As a Merch Booth volunteer, your primary role will be selling Hal-Con’s branded merchandise to eager Hal-Con fans. Other duties may include helping to set up the booth, creating attractive and eye catching displays, and tracking inventory using our point-of-sale system. Experience with cash handling, retail customer service, and POS applications would be helpful.
Area Monitor
Hal-Con Area Monitors are placed in various parts of the convention. Their primary assignment is to watch over their assigned area and answer questions from attendees or vendors (if assigned to the vendors’ hall). They are called on to help other volunteers or staff members with various other tasks as needed. Ideal candidates for this role will be chosen for their customer service skills, friendliness, and keen eye.
Coca-Cola Booth
As one of our presenting sponsors, Coca-Cola will have a booth with Coca-Cola products for sale to our attendees. A candidate for this position should be comfortable handling money. Customer service is key. The ability to do some heavy lifting is useful, as you will be handling flats of beverages. You are not only representing Hal-Con, but also Coca-Cola.
Press Desk
Pride yourself in your great customer service skills? Consider volunteering with our Press Desk. These volunteers are responsible for greeting the press as they arrive at Hal-Con, passing out press passes, keeping track of what press are in the building, answering any questions they may have regarding their access, and working with our Director of Marketing and Media Relations Manager. The Press Desk also acts as the lost and found and an info desk, so Press Desk volunteers would assume some of those duties as needed.
Programming Volunteer Team (Applications Closed)
APPLICATIONS NOW CLOSED
Main Stage Crew
The show must go on! Want to help us make it run smoothly? As part of the Main Stage crew, you will be joining a team that oversees all the main stage events at Hal-Con. This team is responsible for crowd control, capacity checks, and making sure that the mainstage runs smoothly, safely, and on-time. You may also be required to help with stage transitions and must be able to ensure a comfortable and professional environment for presenters backstage. We will be looking for personable individuals who can take directions and take initiative. Please note that applicants for this position may be asked to undergo additional screening.
Programming Crew
Do you want an opportunity to watch a variety of panels while fulfilling your volunteer responsibilities? Are you curious, friendly, adaptable, and able to multitask? Our crew members are stationed in the panel rooms before, during, and after panels to make sure everything runs smoothly. You will be helping with set-up and tear-down, supporting the presenters, and wrangling the audience into and out of the room. During a panel, you’ll be using one of our Hal-Con tablets to take notes on timing, attendance, audience response, and any issues that arise. Please note that applicants may be asked to undergo additional screening.
Costume Contest Wrangler
Welcome to the glorious madness that is the Costume Contest! You are one of the few, the chosen, destined to help make this awesome event even more awesome than it has ever been before. Bring your big smiles and your shiniest, most comfortable shoes, because you are in for one heck of a wild ride.
Please note that by joining our team you will not be allowed to enter the costume contest. You must be able to work the entire day of the costume contest. You will not be making contestants’ costumes. Depending on where you are assigned for this position, you may have to work on another team or in another role to fulfill your required volunteer time.
*Depending on where you are assigned for this position you may have to work in other areas to fulfill your required volunteer time.
Guest Volunteer Team (Applications Closed)
APPLICATIONS NOW CLOSED
Guest Personal Assistants (PAs)
Chosen by our Guest Coordinators after an interview process, PAs work closely with their assigned guest, and love every minute of it. You’ll work hand-in-hand with your assigned guest and have the privilege of ensuring they have everything they need to have a good time at Hal-Con. This is a 24-hour commitment for up to four days. All applicants must be at least 19 years old to apply.
Personal Assistant Runner
Chosen by our Guest Coordinators after an interview process, it’s the PA Runner’s job to assist the PAs in ensuring the comfort of the guests. This includes a little bit of everything from running errands, performing line control, selling tickets for autographs/photographs, and answering questions, etc. Wearing comfortable shoes is key. All applicants must be at least 19 years old to apply.
Gaming Volunteer Team (Applications Closed)
APPLICATIONS NOW CLOSED
Gaming Info Desk
The brains of the operation in the Gaming Kingdom of Hal-Con, the fountain of infinite knowledge is where these volunteers reside. Check with them before putting your Portable Hole inside of your Bag of Holding.
Gaming Floor Monitor
Adventurers in a dungeon rarely go the correct way the first time around. This is where these helpful NPCs come in, helping people find the room that they’re looking for, or warding people away from danger! The best volunteers for the job are those who like dealing with people and have excellent customer service skills.
RPG Game Masters
The main attraction! Whether it’s crawling through creepy dungeons with crazy companions or shooting aliens in on a strange new planet, these folks have all the fun.
Board Game Demonstrators
Show off your favourite board game by teaching people who are new to it how to play. This position offers hours and hours of preaching the rules (and fun!).
Board Game Librarian
Sign out board games! Sign them back in! As a librarian, you will be in charge of maintaining the board game library throughout the convention.
Video Game Monitor
These people keep it fair and square for everyone involved in the Video Gaming section. You will also have to be vigilant and guard the systems and televisions from the wrath of an upset gamer.
Gaming Seminars
Explain in full detail the best way to become a Tetris master, or teach a class on how to be the greatest Dungeon Master around. Share your expertise with the world!
Join the Hal-Con Committee
Hal-Con is run by a team of awesome committee members who contribute their time and skills year-round to help run the biggest sci-fi and comic convention in Atlantic Canada. It’s no easy gig, but we always make it a fun experience!
Time commitment:
- Quarterly meetings for entire committee
- Monthly or semi-monthly meetings with your team
- Average 10-12 hours per month
- Expectation of volunteering during the convention
Perks:
- Admission to the convention
- Opportunity to peek behind the curtain
- Fun team building activities held throughout the year
- Free or discounted admission to year-round public and private events
- Opportunity for resume-building, learning new skills, and making new friends
- Free (and pretty nice!) committee volunteer shirt
- More warm fuzzies than you can handle
If you have any questions about specific postings, please email the contact listed on that posting for more information. Or, email Recruiting@hal-con.com for general inquiries.
Volunteer Team
Hal-Con runs on 100% volunteer dedication and power, and those volunteers need fuel to make the show run smoothly. If you’re interested in becoming one of the most popular members of the team, the one who feeds the crowds, then this is a great opportunity for you. Our Hospitality Coordinator is key to making sure our volunteers are energized and fed over the weekend. To learn more, please see the role description below.
Marketing Team
Putting on a successful convention takes a lot of effort throughout the year; our Marketing Team is a crucial part of keeping Hal-Con in your mind year-round. Our Marketing Team is the voice of our internal and external communications, they manage our social feeds and advertising. To learn more please see the role descriptions below.
Community Engagement Team
Hal-Con’s success relies heavily on it’s relationship with the community around it, which includes such things as participation in fund-raising events for non-profits, appearances at various events, and entering in parades. Our Community Engagement Coordinator and Mascot helps manage that relationship to strengthen our ties to the community. To learn more about the roles, please see below.
Finance Team
Like any other business or organization Hal-Con requires revenue to operate. The Finance Team is responsible for creating budgets, managing accounts payables and receivables, creating financial statements and other day-to-day financial needs. If you consider yourself a “numbers person” and could benefit from the experience, then this is an excellent opportunity. To learn more, please see the role description below.
Operations Team
Hal-Con is a busy time and there are a ton of things happening all at once and often in different places. We have a team of drivers to get people around the city and do the things we need, but that team relies on a person to coordinate them all. Our Driver Coordinator is key to ensuring that all our volunteers, guests, and everything else important get where they need to be. To learn more please see the role descriptions below.
Vendor Team
Look at this stuff, isn’t it neat? Is an otaku’s collection ever complete? The organizers behind Hal-Con’s Vendor Floor say: Nay! Our Vendor Team works year-around to curate a variety of high-quality artists, crafters, and nerdy knick-knacks each year. If you are looking to be to be a part of that world now is the perfect opportunity as a Vendor Coordinator! To learn more please see the role descriptions below.
Join the Hal-Con Board of Directors
Hal-Con is a non-profit organization managed and organized by a Board of Directors. These dedicated individuals work together to make high-level decisions about the organization and the areas that fall under their purview. As well as attending to the above items, they are also expected to:
- Attend monthly board meetings
- Vote on important matters and maintain the organization’s by-laws and policies
- Tend to matters throughout the year over email and phone
- Manage teams that fall under their purview
If you have any questions about specific postings, please email the contact listed on that posting for more information. Or, email Recruiting@hal-con.com for general inquiries.
Hal-Con is not currently recruiting for any board positions, follow us on our socials to keep up-to-date on new openings!