Volunteer

Do I need prior experience?

You don’t need prior volunteer experience to make a difference at the 2026 NRPA Annual Conference! Whether it’s your first time or you're a seasoned pro, there’s a role for everyone. Volunteering is a great way to connect, give back and be part of the experience!

What should I wear?

Volunteers should dress in business casual attire with comfortable shoes. You'll receive a volunteer vest to wear during each shift to ensure you're easily recognizable to attendees.

Will meals be provided?

Volunteers are responsible for their own snacks, meals and beverages. Please check your schedule in advance and plan accordingly, allowing time for meals or bringing a snack if you have a long shift.

We’re so grateful for your help! As a volunteer, we ask that you arrive on time, treat everyone with respect and bring a positive attitude to your tasks. Your reliability and teamwork make a huge difference, and we’ll provide a training video well in advance to help you feel confident in your role. Thank you for being part of our team!

• Bag Stuffing
  Bag stuffing volunteers will place informational materials into conference attendee bags and neck wallets. May be asked to provide other related NRPA ‘swag’ related assistance.
• Best of the Best Ceremony
  Best of the Best Ceremony volunteers will assist NRPA Staff with checking in attendees and ushering groups to their seating area as needed.
• Day 2 General Session Usher
  Day 2 General Session Ushers will assist with greeting and directing attendees upon their arrival and may help pass out programs or handouts to attendees if needed.
• Floor Captain (including PCWs and Speed Session Floor Captains)
  Floor captains will be posted outside of session rooms to provide support to the Room Hosts and assist when information or supplies are needed; contact the proper person for help if an education room needs AV assistance; check rooms to ensure all assigned Room Hosts arrive on time. (Two-way radios will be provided for communication purposes).
• Flying Squad
  Flying Squad members will help fill in for positions or areas where additional volunteers may be needed. Tasks might involve: Replacing volunteers who have not arrived for their assignments, delivering messages/documents, or generally acting as a ‘runner,’ assisting with possible emergencies, etc.
• Hospitality Attendant
  Hospitality Attendants will assist attendees by checking out/in mobility scooters and devices, answering questions regarding conference events and direct attendees to NRPA's wellness rooms. Having basic conference knowledge and knowing how to navigate the conference App would be helpful at this station.
• Opening General Session Usher
  Opening General Session Ushers will assist with greeting and directing attendees upon their arrival and may help pass out programs or handouts to attendees. Ushers may also help with directing attendees directly to the Exhibit Hall once the program ends.
• NRPA Member Area Assistant (Exhibit Hall)
  Member Area volunteers will assist NRPA staff in the designated areas/departments within the Member booth, to include helping to keep the areas clean and organized, supporting NRPA staff and other volunteers, answering attendee questions or directing them to NRPA staff as needed.
• NRPA Swag Attendant (Exhibit Hall)
  NRPA Swag Attendants will assist with swapping badge tickets for NRPA sponsored swag or for other Member Area responsibilities which will be eligible to exchange for fun, limited edition NRPA member swag items.
• Opening Reception
  Volunteers will assist with scanning tickets, handing out party passports, or performing other tasks relating to directions or entry into the reception. They may also be dedicated to assisting an event sponsor by greeting VIP Guests.
• Registration Area Line Usher
  Line Ushers will assist in the registration area with directing attendees to the correct registration counter (Pre-Registered or Onsite Registration) and may answer attendee questions as needed. Line Ushers will likely be carrying lollipop signs and must be able to walk and stand for extended periods.
• Room Host (Pre-Conference Workshops)
  PCW Room Host duties include assisting speaker(s) by making announcements prior to and/or following the session providing information about how to acquire CEUs and how the evaluation process works through a supplied Host Script. Room Hosts may also report any audio-visual problems to the Floor Captain or Audio-Visual team; serve as time monitors for speakers; and help with handouts, lighting, etc. May also need to assist with the App-based CEU process and Evaluation system.
• Session Room Host (Education Sessions and Speed Sessions)
  Session Room Host duties include assisting speaker(s) by making announcements prior to and/or following the session providing information about how to acquire CEUs and how the evaluation process works through a supplied Room Host Script. Room Hosts might also report any audio-visual problems to the Floor Captain or Audio-Visual team. May also need to assist with the App-based CEU process and Evaluation system.
• Volunteer Room
  Volunteer Room volunteers will assist in the Volunteer Room with checking volunteers in and out for their scheduled assignments; providing support with handing out and receiving in session packets for education sessions and will provide general information to other volunteers when necessary. Other duties may also be assigned as needed.