Thank you for your interest in serving as a volunteer for the IS Annual Conference in Philadelphia. As a volunteer, you will play an important part at a premier nonprofit gathering; you will also have an opportunity to listen as nonprofit leaders from around the country share innovative ideas for addressing the issues facing their organizations and their communities.

Volunteers contribute to the conference in many ways, including helping Independent Sector staff with pre-conference activities; greeting conference attendees and assisting them in locating conference sessions; and ensuring smooth operation of the conference sessions.

A designated staff person will always be available as a point of contact and reference during the entire conference. You will receive an orientation before your first shift and will not be expected to solve any problems that may arise.

Different volunteer roles require varying hours. A list of events for which we need your help appears below. We strongly recommend that you sign up for at least two shifts during the conference to gain a more complete experience.

We are grateful that you are willing to give your time to help us present this conference. Please carefully read the benefits and policies below.

We look forward to meeting you in Philadelphia!

Volunteer Roles

Pre-Conference Packet Stuffing -- Volunteers will help stuff conference tote bags and set up the registration area at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown Hotel on Saturday, November 8, from 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. (A light lunch will be provided.)

Session Room Monitors -- Volunteers will report to the meeting room prior to the start of each session to make sure everything is in place. They will also count the participants, and remain in the room until the end of the session to support the speakers and IS staff.

Volunteer Hours

Shifts for pre-conference activities are generally four hours long. Shifts for session room monitors are generally two hours.

Volunteer Benefits

You will be exposed to topics of interest to nonprofit leaders of local and national charities, foundations and corporate giving programs.

You will have the opportunity to listen in on conference sessions discussing the most current societal issues and trends affecting nonprofits.

You will have an opportunity to learn how Independent Sector helps the nonprofit community advance the common good in America and around the world.

Volunteer Policies

Outside of shift hours, you are welcome to attend concurrent sessions during the day you have volunteered. The following exceptions apply:

• Volunteers are not permitted to attend sessions on the CEO track except those they are working.
• Plenary session attendance is limited to only those volunteers who have committed to work that session. Volunteers may sign up for only one plenary session per day. (Please note the exception for Saturday volunteers).
• Transportation costs will not be reimbursed. We encourage the use of public transportation.

Saturday volunteers: Volunteers who help with packet stuffing on Saturday, November 8, are able to attend any session or event on Sunday, Monday or Tuesday with the exception of the Host Event on Sunday, November 9 and the John W. Gardner Leadership Award Dinner on Monday, November 10. Please note, volunteers are not permitted to attend more than one plenary session per day.

Volunteer Requirements

• All volunteers must be at least 18 years old.
• Volunteers are requested to present a professional appearance. Jeans and comfortable shoes should be worn for conference set-up activities on Saturday, November 8.
• A professional demeanor is required.
• All volunteers will receive a name badge and ribbon, which must be worn while on duty.
• Volunteers will be expected to report to the IS volunteer coordinator.

General Information

• On Saturday, November 8, upon arrival at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown Hotel, please report to the Exhibit Hall located on the 4th floor.
• Sunday, November 9 through Tuesday, November 11, upon arrival at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown Hotel, please report to the conference registration area located on the Grand Ballroom level (5th floor).
• Volunteers are encouraged to keep all valuables with them at all times.
• Refreshments will be made available to volunteers throughout the conference.

Conference Events and Special Sessions

Plenary Sessions, CEO Summit, Public Policy Action Institute, Special Sessions

We offer five plenary session opportunities as well as a host of special sessions for conference participants to gather, listen, and interact with some of the most prominent people working with the charitable community. View the preliminary program for more details.