Volunteer Program
Sponsored by:
If you have any questions please email or call Carol Hiller, Volunteer Manager at caroleyII@aol.com or 303.282.5073.
Why become a volunteer?
"The amount of fun you have pouring, explaining, and enjoying the beers you offer is limitless. You meet people from all over the country and world. I have met friends of friends from high school. The pace is quite hectic and that only adds to the importance of your job. I actually met my wife at the 1999 festival and were later married just last March."
Chris Morriss,
from California, festival volunteer since 1999.
Volunteering
Thank you for your interest in volunteering for the Great American Beer Festival! At this time all volunteer positions for the 2009 event have been filled. However, we would like to add your contact information to our database. Please complete the application form to automatically receive information for the 2010 GABF as soon as it becomes available.
The following is the information you will need to volunteer:
- Volunteer Registration
- Location & Date
- Minimum Age Requirements
- T-Shirt/Clothing
- Check-In
- Responsibilities
- On-Duty Rules
- Attendance
- Arrival & Breaks
- Volunteer Training Session
- Volunteer Benefits
Volunteer Registration
We would be thrilled to have you as part of the Brewers Association 28th annual Great American Beer Festival! The GABF, America's largest beer festival (by number of unique beers on tap and breweries), is dedicated to educating the public about beer. The primary goal of the GABF is to educate the consumer about the vast spectrum and quality of beers currently produced in the United States.
As you know, the Great American Beer Festival could not exist without your volunteer support. All the information you need can be found on this site. Please read the instructions thoroughly, completely fill out the requested information and return the registration form as soon as possible. The earlier you sign up, the better your chances of being assigned to your area and times of choice.
Remember, volunteers represent the Great American Beer Festival to thousands of beer enthusiasts. If the thought of remaining sober during your shifts bums you out, volunteering may not be for you. If greeting and helping beer enthusiasts does seem like something you want to do, then please keep reading. We want friendly, fun loving and dedicated volunteers only. Thank you for your interest and willingness to participate at our festival.
Location & Dates
GABF 2009 will be held in the Colorado Convention Center in downtown Denver from Thursday, September 24 through Saturday, September 26.
Minimum Age Requirements
All new beer pouring volunteers must be a minimum of 25 years of age before the event to volunteer. Photo IDs will be checked upon arrival.
T-Shirt/Clothing
Your volunteer t-shirt is your uniform. You must wear it at all times when you are working. You will receive an event t-shirt when you check in at the beginning of your first shift. Your pants, skirt and the rest of your clothing must be appropriate for the position you are in. (If you are only working one shift, you will not receive a t-shirt.)
Check-In
You will need to check in at least 45 minutes prior to your shift start time. The location of the Volunteer Check-in area will be identified at the Volunteer Training Session.
Responsibilities
Your main responsibility as a volunteer is to offer assistance and information to our guests and brewers in your assigned area. Please be courteous and helpful to all participants and offer any assistance to those with special needs.
On-Duty Rules
Volunteers may not (under any circumstances) over indulge. Over indulgence on site (or the appearance or suggestion of over indulgence) would result in immediate removal from the event. Remember, as a GABF volunteer, we expect that you adhere to all rules & regulations while representing the Great American Beer Festival to the public. Anyone taking advantage of this policy will be escorted out of the event. If you taste, you must taste conservatively.
Attendance
We count on your presence and your prompt arrival for your scheduled shift. If your schedule changes, please contact us immediately!
Arrival & Breaks
Please allow adequate time to allow for parking (to be discussed at the training session) and checking in at least 45 minutes prior to your scheduled shift time. Your breaks will be coordinated by your captain.
Volunteer Training Session
All new volunteers are required to attend one Volunteer Training Session. (Out of state volunteers will be sent the training information for review.) At the training session you will meet the staff of the GABF, get to know your captain, learn the layout of the festival floor, and all logistical details will be explained in detail. Please plan on attending this important session of camaraderie, fun, and information.
Returning volunteers do not need to attend a training session, only those who are new to the 2009 festival.
Saturday, September 12 (10 – 11 am)
Tuesday, September 15 (7 – 8 pm)
Wednesday, September 16 (7 – 8 pm)
Training session locations will be sent closer to the event.
Volunteer Benefits
There are a wide variety of volunteer opportunities at the Great American Beer Festival, and benefits may be earned according to the number of days, shifts and areas worked. Please note that set-up and tear-down shifts are separate from volunteer opportunities during the event, and the benefits earned are separate as well. (They may not be combined with hours worked during the event.)
If you would like to be a volunteer for the Great American Beer festival, please email or call Carol Hiller, Volunteer Manager, at caroleyII@mindspring.com or 303.282.5073.
Volunteer Program
Sponsored by:
