Thank you for your interest in joining the IML volunteer family. It takes the efforts of all of our volunteers to make the IML weekend a success!
A link to sign up for volunteer shifts will be posted on this page for first-time volunteers on April 6th at 6pm Chicago time. For folks who have volunteered previously, you will receive an email by March 28th with a link to the sign up website.
Below is a description of each volunteer role. Volunteer roles have been adjusted this year, so please be sure to carefully read through them. Some roles are well suited for new volunteers, such as registration, market access, and set-up/tear-down.
All volunteers receive access to the vendor market for the entire weekend. To receive all the benefits of volunteering, sign up for a minimum of three (3) shifts, or twelve hours.
Once signed up, please keep a close eye on your email for shift confirmation, reminders, and other information. If you have any questions please email us at our new volunteer email - volunteer@imrl.com
Thank you so much for your interest, we can't wait to see you!
Volunteer for IML!
Thank for your interest in joining the IML Volunteer family. Because of the huge amount of time and effort to make the weekend a success, we need volunteers such as yourself (and many others).
Below is a description about each department you can choose shifts from. To receive all the benefits provided you will need to register for a minimum of three (3) shifts, or twelve hours. Most volunteer shifts are four (4) hours in length although some are longer. For those super volunteers you can register for up to five (5) shifts maximim.
Floater - Floater volunteers are stationed at the volunteer office and could end up performing a variety of jobs. Anything from assisting the executive staff with a specific task to filling in at another department as needed. Volunteers for this area should be returning volunteers and comfortable in a variety of situations, including being sent outside the hotel on errands.
Help Desk - This role is for those who are familiar with the in's and out's of IML and know the layout of the Congress Plaza hotel. Help desk volunteers answer a variety of questions from attendees, vendors, and even other volunteers. This is a good role for someone looking for a lot of interaction while sitting.
Market Access - Duties for this job include checking for wristbands and badges at entrances to the Leather Market, monitoring the information desk within the Market, and monitoring the doors. You will get to see a ton of people, so this is a great shift if you want to show off the latest gear you bought!
Guest Services - Volunteers for these shifts will assist with weekend package sales and pick-ups, as well as the sale of individual event tickets and market passes. This is a great shift for volunteers new to IML, as well as those looking to interact with a lot of people.
Safety - These shifts involve taking event tickets, monitoring doors, and crowd control at IML venues. Working these shifts offers a unique view of opening ceremonies and the contest. Those that have theater/event ushering experience should also consider signing up.
Set-Up / Tear-Down - If you like bringing order to chaos, or lifting heavy things, these are the shifts for you. Volunteers working these shifts will be assisting with load in and load out of the market and office areas. This role is ideal for those who want to get their time in before or after the weekend itself.
Transportation - These shifts involve escorting attendees onto shuttle buses to the Contest on Sunday evening, as well as the Victory Party late Sunday night. Some shifts run overnight and volunteers will be expected to be on duty for the full shift to get full credit. One eight hour overnight transportation shift is enough to earn full volunteer benefits.
IML on Facebook