2026 Volunteer Application Members -

2026 Conference Volunteer Application Form

Fill out this application to be considered as a volunteer at the 2026 Folk Alliance International Conference, January 19 - 25, in New Orleans, Louisiana.
In order to receive a complimentary full conference registration, you must volunteer 16 hours during the conference.
The volunteer approval process starts in October. Applications are reviewed weekly thereafter.
If you are accepted as a volunteer, you will receive an email with instructions on how to register for the conference at no charge.
If for some reason FAI is unable to use you as a volunteer, you will receive a discounted registration to the conference (discount amount is based on how early you applied).

Contact Information

First Name

Last Name

Pronouns

Mobile Phone

Please upload a photo of yourself (headshot) so we can recognize you! (This will not appear on your badge, it's just for FAI to get to know you better.)

Photo

Choose a T-Shirt Size

You will receive a complimentary t-shirt to be worn during your volunteer shifts. Unisex sized.

In addition to volunteering, what are your other obligations during the conference?

(check all that apply)

I'm an artist with intent to showcase.

I'm working at a booth in the Exhibit Hall.

I'm hosting/working a Private Showcase Room.

I'm speaking on a panel.

I'm hosting a workshop.

I'm hosting/working a networking session.

I'm covering the event for a media outlet.

I have family/work obligations during the conference.

I'm not staying at the hotel, so I have daily travel commitments.

(Optional) Describe any other obligations not listed above.

Volunteer Structure

Is this your first conference?

Yes

If you have volunteered with FAI before, what did you do?

Are you interested in volunteering with that team again?

Yes

Maybe

Are you interested in being a Crew Leader or Assistant Crew Leader?

A Crew Leader will volunteer more than the required 16 hours but have some flexibility in the time they volunteer. As a Crew Leader you will schedule the volunteers in your area and train them in their roles. Some pre-conference volunteer hours required (can be from afar). You must have volunteered at the conference in the past to be a Crew Leader.

The Assistant Crew Leader helps the Crew Leader in their role with shift changeovers but does not schedule volunteers. This is an on-site role only.

Yes

Maybe

Are you fluent in English?

Yes

Please share any languages you are fluent in other than English?

Please check all that apply:

I am comfortable with physical activity (aka lifting things, moving bins and boxes).

I can spend up to five hours standing if needed.

Please check all that apply:

I tend to remain calm under pressure

I am ok being in crowded environments for up to 4 hours at a time

I am ok being in noisy environments for up to 4 hours at a time

Do you live in the New Orleans area?

Yes

Please share any accessibility accommodations you require that we should keep in mind when assigning your volunteer shifts.

Technology & Production Experience

Do you have previous stage management/stage hand experience? If so, please briefly describe your experience below.

Are you comfortable/confident assisting musicians to patch into provided backline?

Yes

Do you have sound board experience and are you comfortable running sound?

Yes

Please describe other skills you may have that might be helpful as a volunteer?

Availability

You will be able to update this later, but please fill it out as accurately as possible to help us match you with open positions.
There are only a few shifts on Monday and Tuesday, most of our needs occur Wednesday through Saturday.
Most shifts are 3-5 hours in length & will be scheduled within time frames where you indicate availability.
All volunteer shifts are subject to time availability and conference volunteer needs.
We break up availability into 4 time frames.

Time Frame Definitions:
1. Morning: 7:30 am to 12:30 pm
2. Daytime: 12:30 pm to 5:30 pm
3. Evening: 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm
4. Late Night: 10:30 pm to 3:30 am

Please put a checkmark next to any time frame you are available to be scheduled for as a volunteer. A checkmark means "Yes, I'm available during that time".

Monday, January 19 (very few shifts)

Morning

Daytime

I am not available on this date

Tuesday, January 20 (very few shifts)

Morning

Daytime

I am not available on this date

Wednesday, January 21

Thursday, January 22

Morning

Daytime

Evening

Late Night

I am not available on this date

Friday, January 23

Saturday, January 24

Morning

Daytime

Evening

Late Night

I am not available on this date

Sunday, January 25 (very few shifts)

Morning

Daytime

Evening

I am not available on this date

Code of Ethics Verification

I agree to the following:

I understand that if accepted as a volunteer at the 2026 Folk Alliance International Conference, I am bound by and I will abide by the FAI Volunteer Code of Ethics.
I will allow Folk Alliance International to publish photographs taken of me for use in promotional materials in print or web form.

2026 Conference Volunteer Application Form

Contact Information

Volunteer Structure

Technology & Production Experience

Availability

I agree to the following:

I understand that if accepted as a volunteer at the 2026 Folk Alliance International Conference, I am bound by and I will abide by the FAI Volunteer Code of Ethics.

I will allow Folk Alliance International to publish photographs taken of me for use in promotional materials in print or web form.