Austin-based entertainment festival and conference South by Southwest is looking for help from volunteers at both the conference and festival taking place this March.
According to a report by KVUE, signup opened on Jan. 17 and can be done online. There are two crew types and volunteers can choose from more than 20 crews in production and operation. This includes artist parking operations, ambassadors, stagehand, event transportation, signage and other aspects of the operations of the festival and conference.
A minimum of 24 hours of work is required of volunteers and there are positions available for both day and night. Spokesperson Tami Richter told KVUE that they are looking for “2,500 volunteers each year.”
No experience is required. Volunteers must be 16 years or older. The Music Festival volunteer only works the days and nights of the festival. The SXSW volunteers are working all types of hours around the convention centers. Volunteers can earn types of badges that give them the opportunity to attend South by Southwest and South by Southwest EDU.
According to information by South by Southwest on the festival website, those participating in South by Southwest need to require proof of a primary vaccination series against COVID-19 or a negative test to maintain credentials.
All staff and volunteers on-site at the conference and festivals will show this proof. On-site testing requirements may be part of getting credentials. Masks will be required in all conference rooms, exhibitions, registration and wherever else deemed necessary. It is urged that people wear masks in all other indoor areas where social distancing cannot occur.
The website added that the Austin Convention Center and other venues involved have enhanced their mitigation efforts to fight the spread of COVID-19. This includes upgraded air filtration and top of the line sanitization efforts.
South by Southwest takes place from March 11-20. The festival has brought in some of the world's top talent consistently, with a wide array of music ranging anywhere from the Beastie Boys to Johnny Cash. It is widely renowned for its film and comedy festivals, as well. This is the first year since 2019 that the festival has been held in person due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Those interested can sign up at volunteer.sxsw.com.