Baltimore Convention Center
Baltimore, Maryland, USA
Gofer FAQ
If you have a question that is not addressed here please contact us via the Otakon contact form and we will reply via e-mail as soon as possible.
General Questions:
Why Gofer?
Because we "go-fer this, and go-fer that". Also Gofers and Otakon Staff are both volunteer positions. This helps us to differentiate between the two types of volunteers.
If I come to the Friday morning Gofer Orientation am I guaranteed a Gofer spot?
No, we only have a limited number of Gofer openings available which will be filled on a first come first served basis. However remember that we purposely limit the number of pre-registration gofers to 200. This is less than the number we will need for the con.
How early should I get in line for the Friday morning Gofer Orientation?
You should arrive at least 1 hour before the meeting's scheduled time. Keep in mind the limited number of Gofer openings and plan accordingly.
When is Gofer Orientation? What is Gofer Orientation? Gofer Orientation takes place at two times on Thursday for pre-registered gofers only and Friday morning for all others as well as pre-registered. We will have a Friday evening orientation if our volunteer needs have not been met with previous orientations.
More information on Gofer Orientation will be posted closer to Otakon
During Gofer Orientation you will be introduced to the "Dos" and "Don'ts" of gofering, as well as other information. Gofer Orientation covers everything you need to know about volunteering at Otakon and it is MANDATORY. Food and drink will be available at orientation.
I hear there is a Bulletin Board on the Internet that Gofers use to for information and to get to know each other. Is this true? How do I get on it?
Yes, on the Otakon Web Boards. If you are not a member for 2013, sign up and then send a private message to Cousinsue requesting access to the restricted Gofer Forum.
Can I work in a costume?
Yes, as long as the costume does not interfere with your Gofer duties. Also your Gofer identification and Otakon membership badge must be clearly visible at all times.
Can I be made staff at Otakon?
No, but positive recommendations from the staff you work with will be passed on to the Otakon Chief of Staff at the end of con. It requires the recommendation from 2 different staff members, present and in good standing, to be considered for staff next year.
How many hours do I need to work?
Minimum of four hours to a maximum of twenty hours or more depending upon availability of work and needs of the con. All work over 20 hours earns only the undying gratitude of the Otakon staff.
Why would I want to be a Gofer at Otakon?
- To be part of this wonderful thing we call Otakon.
- You brought your kids to the con and want something to do other than follow them around.
- Being a Gofer is a pathway to becoming staff!
- Incentives!
- Because working at Otakon is fun!
Incentive Questions
Beyond your undying gratitude what do I get for volunteering at Otakon?
- For every full four hours you work you get a food voucher. We are currently working on aspects of the voucher part of our program. These vouchers will not be good for Starbucks items.
- After eight total hours you get a Gofer T-Shirt, if you have provided us with your shirt size prior to con.
- After twelve total hours you get an Otakon T-shirt.
- After 16 hours you have earned full membership reimbursement. A check will be sent to you after con.
- For the most dedicated volunteers who put in twenty hours or more, you will get a choice of either $40 per room night hotel reimbursement or a valuable prize grab bag. Once again as for the membership reimbursement above the hotel reimbursement will be a check mailed to you after the con.
About the hotel room reimbursement: how does that work exactly?
Here's a checklist.
- (Optional) You can share the room with other gofers so more of the total room costs can be reimbursed. Keep in mind that only four gofers will be reimbursed per room per night.
- Book and pay for your room. Be SURE to get your name on the receipt!
- Work 20 or more hours at Otakon.
- On Sunday, sign out as a Gofer and get your worksheet approved by staff in Gofer Ops.
- Provide Gofer Ops with your hotel room receipt WITH YOUR NAME listed on it and fill out the short form we give you.
- Otakon will send you a check promptly in the mail.
Must my name be on the hotel room receipt?
YES!!! We will only reimburse gofers that are named specifically on the hotel receipt. If you are not the person paying for the room, you can still get your name listed on the receipt. Hotels prefer having the names of all room occupants listed on the receipt. Just make sure at the time of booking if the hotel will list your name. Even at check-out you can ask the hotel employee to have your name listed on the receipt.
Can I get the reimbursement check from Otakon made out to someone else?
Yes, there is a short form for hotel reimbursements so you can provide us with all the information we need including who to make the check out to and where to send it.
Can you help me get roommates?
The Otakon Web Boards has a section for those who are looking for roommates as well as who needs them.
Anything Else?
How can I get more information on Gofering?
If you have any specific questions visit the Otakon Web Boards. There is a special section on the board specifically for questions about gofers and gofering. Otherwise you can contact Gofer Ops through the Otakon Contact Form.
To continue on to Gofer Pre-Registration follow this link.
Gofer Pre-Registration
