Part I in a 3-part series on volunteering

Volunteering can take many forms. Perhaps you help run Sunday School at church, assist at a weekend pet adoption, or engage in some other charitable work. But while often associated with philanthropic activities, volunteering actually refers to the type of compensation you receive. In a career environment, instead of a pay check, you receive experience. That’s why volunteering is one of my favorite methods for anyone looking to enter or develop their skills in the meeting/event industry.

Many meeting and event companies are more than happy to allow you to volunteer at their events in return for a chance to shadow them at work. Consider what you might learn from, say, working a tradeshow setup and floor:

• How loading docks work
• Union labor rules
• What kind of booth assembles quickly and easily
• Networking with exhibitors, conference planners, suppliers and venue
• Entertainment options as ‘attention grabbers’
• Tradeshow floor layouts
• What other conference components may take place alongside a tradeshow (general sessions, breakouts, evening events, exhibitor events etc.)
• Comfortable shoes are a must!

In addition to on-the-job training, volunteering is also a job search tactic. When an opening becomes available, the company will know you and you have already proved your dedication by working outside the payroll. Maybe not in this company – but don’t underestimate the value of networking. At the very least you will have a good reference from an established member of the industry. True, volunteering doesn’t ‘pay’, but don’t underestimate its value!

Look forward to hearing from you,

Q

Coming soon:  Volunteering Part II –  How to Find the Best Volunteer Opportunities