[PikaAxel20]

Carnage_Black3, on Apr 6 2010, 08:54 PM, said:

The limit for hours per day is 24.

ahhhh! So we can't work 48 hrs!! (dang!!! I was hoping that would happen...oh shoot, there goes my plains...=3 *raids the gofer hole*)

[Carnage_Black3]

*fortifies the gofer hole* "Incoming!"

[PikaAxel20]

Carnage_Black3, on Apr 6 2010, 10:15 PM, said:

*fortifies the gofer hole* "Incoming!"

*takes out a bazzuka! And blast the wall*
mahahahah! Victory!
*plays victory fanfare! Raids the place of it's candy and chcoclate*

[Carnage_Black3]

Sorry, no candy or chocolate, too early. Wait til ACen. Anyway, back on topic. I'll locate and post a map when I can find one.

[PikaAxel20]

Carnage_Black3, on Apr 6 2010, 10:39 PM, said:

Sorry, no candy or chocolate, too early. Wait til ACen. Anyway, back on topic. I'll locate and post a map when I can find one.

okie dokie! Keep me posted if anything changes or u want me to do something ahead of time! Ok?
Thanks again!

[Sig]

The con starts on the 14, which is a Friday, but I can come in at the Hyatt Hotel (I assume the one right next to the con? Wouldn't hurt to be sure.) on Thursday? So what's the earliest day and time I can sign up? I just walk in and sign up? Also if I do get room do I get the hotel parking space or can I leave my car in the garage and pay for all three days during the last day?

[Carnage_Black3]

Thursday afternoon would be the best time to show up and try to gofer. Most of what needs to be done prior is for the staff. We tie up some of the loose ends and help with reg on thursday.

[KnitChick]

Sig, on Apr 6 2010, 10:44 PM, said:

The con starts on the 14, which is a Friday, but I can come in at the Hyatt Hotel (I assume the one right next to the con? Wouldn't hurt to be sure.) on Thursday? So what's the earliest day and time I can sign up? I just walk in and sign up? Also if I do get room do I get the hotel parking space or can I leave my car in the garage and pay for all three days during the last day?

I'm not sure what you mean about "the one right next to the con" -- the Hyatt *is* the con hotel. It's next door to the convention center, if that's what you're asking.

Hyatt parking is at your own expense (no free parking for anyone). As far as paying at the end, that's something you'll have to ask the Hyatt. I didn't park last year but the year before (as an attendee) I paid for all three days up front as I entered the garage on Thursday.

[Carnage_Black3]

Alot of people also choose the parking at the blue line lot. Some say it's much cheaper.

[Bloo09]

The hotels normally collect the money for parking as you enter during the convention.

[Sig]

I didn't know you could pay for hotel parking if you didn't use or reserved the hotel to begin with and I never heard of the blue line lot. In general I just want a place to leave my car for all 3 days and pay it all at once or daily. I'll just come in hours early just to drive around and ask questions about the best way to do things. Until then I'll pester the con center's admin office for info.

[Carnage_Black3]

Just call up the hotels. A bit easier that way.

[zan316]

hey i want to be a gofor how do i sign up?

This post has been edited by zan316: 13 April 2010 - 11:15 AM

[Alkaren Hyralt]

zan316, on Apr 13 2010, 12:15 PM, said:

hey i want to be a gofor how do i sign up?

You go to the gopher hole at the con and sign up there - the location was discussed earlier in the thread. :]

[Carnage_Black3]

First post modified with hours! Man, they're being really nice this year. 4 hours for crash space and 16 for comp. You gofers have it good this year.

[Exezer]

Well i think i may try to become a gopher for alittle during Con, only reason for alittle while is that this is my first Anime Con and i would like to experience the most part of it and i would also like to get to know the staff of the department that im helping out or just meet new people.

[Carnage_Black3]

Sweet deal. We can use all the people we can.

[Trini]

Yeah, I'm def gofering. Chances are if don't mind working, I'll jump up to actually staffing next year.

[Carnage_Black3]

That's happened to a few gofers. Plus it's a good way to check out some of the departments before deciding to devote a year to them.

[Angel]

Carnage_Black3, on Feb 27 2010, 11:46 AM, said:

5 Year Gofer Elite Carnage Black^ here!

Ever become bored while at the con? Ever wonder what to do when all your friends are at a panel and there nothing for you do do for an hour or two? Ever want to know what it's like to be on staff without having to commit? Ever want to do some thing for the con that brings you much joy?

Give back to ACen. Become a Gofer!

That's right! Become a Gofer at ACen this year! Perks include:

Free Crash Space (4 hours per day, only good for that night)*

Even get your badge COMPED FOR NEXT YEAR! (After working 16 hours totaled. Again, you must register and pay. Mailing charges WILL NOT be refunded. Hours worked can be accumulated over the entire weekend.)

DOUBLE Hours Thursday and after Closing Ceremonies/Teardown Sunday!

Please show up on Thursday. We need the help.

Experience the thrill of helping multiple departments. Perhaps even find one you want to staff the next year? Many gofers have moved into staff positions. They've become IRT, Staff Services, Registration, and others too! To sign up is so simple! Just find the Gofer hole. We'll be in the lower level in the Charles de Gaulle Room. We should be ready by noon, hopefully. Or ask a staff member, "Which way to the Gofer Hole?" It's that easy! We only ask that you be 16 years old or older to sign up with us. Any questions, just post ITT or PM me.

Don't just be tempted to help, help out!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
^Not staff, just a 5 year Gofer Veteran.
*Crash space is at a first come first served basis.
(Will add/edit all hours in the list as the information filters in)

CORRECTION: YOU CAN BE UNDER 16 YEARS OF AGE. REQUIRES PARENT PERMISSION.

[Angel]

PikaAxel20, on Apr 5 2010, 11:02 PM, said:

Cool thanks!

But why would u need a refunded badge? I already paid in full, for it?
And we get cash...to spend?

WE PREFER TO OFFER A ROLL-OVER BADGE. A FREE FULL (EQUAL TO WHAT YOU PAID FOR) BADGE FOR THE FOLLOWING YEAR, INSTEAD OF A REFUND. SEEMS TO WORK BETTER FOR THOSE WORRIED ABOUT FUNDS GETTING LOST IN THE MAIL.

*IF YOU DO NOT KNOW THE ANSWER FOR A DEPARTMENT - INSTEAD OF ANSWERS (NOT FROM SAID DEPARTMENT) - FEEL FREE TO MAIL THE DEPARTMENT*

[Angel]

sweetbeanpaste, on Apr 6 2010, 06:03 PM, said:

I would really love to be a gofer this year...unfortunately I don't turn 16 until September

THIS WAS A MISUNDERSTANDING. YOU CAN BE UNDER 16 YEARS OF AGE. WITH PARENTS PERMISSION.

[Rini]

I highly suggest gophering.

Gophering/staffing=best choice I ever made.

[Angel]

UP-DATE TO ALL:

Gopher Hole will be OPEN THURSDAY MORNING in the basement.
Down the stairs turn left (Gamers Hallway for those who have been there before) First Room on Left.
YES THERE SHOULD BE A SIGN
*There is a Chance* This room will NOT BE OPEN - In that case, the frosted glass long bar table on the side wall (mere 5 ft away from room door)
WILL HAVE the SIGN & WILL be the MAKESHIFT meeting location.
DH of Gopher Hole: Is a man named - WILL. He will be meeting you there.
(With hope, I will be there as well)
*BALL PARK TIME OF (drum roll please) 9AM THURSDAY MORNING. :::fingers crossed:::

YES! YOU READ IT CORRECTLY! 9AM IS Just How Early WE NEED GOPHERS.

DID I MENTION, THURSDAY & SUNDAY HOURS COUNT AS DOUBLE


IF YOU CAN COMMIT TO A THURSDAY OR SUNDAY (OR EVEN BOTH!) SHIFTS (EARLY) (LIKE NOW, LIKE RIGHT NOW, AS YOU READ THIS... THINK OF HOW YOU ARE GOING TO WRITE YOUR RESPONSE... I WANT TO WORK DOUBLE SET-UP/TEAR DOWN HOURS!
You should do it now. Here. Right here. Or message me directly.

CARNAGE Thank You, again, for ALL Your Help! (And I do EXPECT to see you!)

There will be NO Volunteer Badge along with your ACEN Badge. INSTEAD, there will be a "VOLUNTEERS" Sticker to go on your REGISTERED ACEN BADGE.

There are at least 6 Departments that NEED Gophers on THURSDAY for SET-UP, THERE WILL BE WORK.

**SIDE NOTE** We are trying something new this year...
A sign-in sheet will be posted on the table. Said sheet will be a time table broken up by half hour marks.
Times listed are slots we are asking the Gophers when they can stop in or stop by the Gopher Hole to see if there is work.
Sees as we can not CALL YOU - YOU CHECKING IN / ASKING FOR WORK is how you pick up hours.
This also gives our other departments a "Heads-up" that a Gopher will be checking in soon...

^Example^ Video Gaming: Gophers NEEDED 9am THURSDAY
^Example^ Main Programming: Set-up THURSDAY & TEAR DOWN SUNDAY
(This is a special project - and requires 3-6 Gophers EASY Chance for DOUBLE HOURS) *Requirements do apply*
Requirements:
Prefer at least, 18/21 yrs of age. To be discussed
Lifting is included
Tech knowledge is welcomed and helpful

^Example^ Con Ops / Con Services / Staff Services
^Example^ REGISTRATION: 11am THURSDAY! (IF THIS IS NOT YOUR FIRST YEAR, INSERT LAUGHTER HERE)
^Example^ Guest Relations: Mainly, Friday & Saturday

In Conclusion! IF YOU WANT TO GOPHER SPEAK UP NOW!
BRING YOUR FRIENDS (IF THEY ARE DEPENDABLE TO WORK)

ACEN NEEDS BODIES (in gopher hole) PIRATES & NINJAS WELCOME (do not forget the zombies)

SEE YOU THERE!

[Koneko_089]

angel evil, on May 2 2010, 10:58 PM, said:

UP-DATE TO ALL:

Gopher Hole will be OPEN THURSDAY MORNING in the basement.
Down the stairs turn left (Gamers Hallway for those who have been there before) First Room on Left.
YES THERE SHOULD BE A SIGN
*There is a Chance* This room will NOT BE OPEN - In that case, the frosted glass long bar table on the side wall (mere 5 ft away from room door)
WILL HAVE the SIGN & WILL be the MAKESHIFT meeting location.
DH of Gopher Hole: Is a man named - WILL. He will be meeting you there.
(With hope, I will be there as well)
*BALL PARK TIME OF (drum roll please) 9AM THURSDAY MORNING. :::fingers crossed:::

YES! YOU READ IT CORRECTLY! 9AM IS Just How Early WE NEED GOPHERS.

DID I MENTION, THURSDAY & SUNDAY HOURS COUNT AS DOUBLE


IF YOU CAN COMMIT TO A THURSDAY OR SUNDAY (OR EVEN BOTH!) SHIFTS (EARLY) (LIKE NOW, LIKE RIGHT NOW, AS YOU READ THIS... THINK OF HOW YOU ARE GOING TO WRITE YOUR RESPONSE... I WANT TO WORK DOUBLE SET-UP/TEAR DOWN HOURS!
You should do it now. Here. Right here. Or message me directly.

CARNAGE Thank You, again, for ALL Your Help! (And I do EXPECT to see you!)

There will be NO Volunteer Badge along with your ACEN Badge. INSTEAD, there will be a "VOLUNTEERS" Sticker to go on your REGISTERED ACEN BADGE.

There are at least 6 Departments that NEED Gophers on THURSDAY for SET-UP, THERE WILL BE WORK.

**SIDE NOTE** We are trying something new this year...
A sign-in sheet will be posted on the table. Said sheet will be a time table broken up by half hour marks.
Times listed are slots we are asking the Gophers when they can stop in or stop by the Gopher Hole to see if there is work.
Sees as we can not CALL YOU - YOU CHECKING IN / ASKING FOR WORK is how you pick up hours.
This also gives our other departments a "Heads-up" that a Gopher will be checking in soon...

^Example^ Video Gaming: Gophers NEEDED 9am THURSDAY
^Example^ Main Programming: Set-up THURSDAY & TEAR DOWN SUNDAY
(This is a special project - and requires 3-6 Gophers EASY Chance for DOUBLE HOURS) *Requirements do apply*
Requirements:
Prefer at least, 18/21 yrs of age. To be discussed
Lifting is included
Tech knowledge is welcomed and helpful

^Example^ Con Ops / Con Services / Staff Services
^Example^ REGISTRATION: 11am THURSDAY! (IF THIS IS NOT YOUR FIRST YEAR, INSERT LAUGHTER HERE)
^Example^ Guest Relations: Mainly, Friday & Saturday

In Conclusion! IF YOU WANT TO GOPHER SPEAK UP NOW!
BRING YOUR FRIENDS (IF THEY ARE DEPENDABLE TO WORK)

ACEN NEEDS BODIES (in gopher hole) PIRATES & NINJAS WELCOME (do not forget the zombies)

SEE YOU THERE!

Heh heh heh nice use of the zombie ninja pirates thing. Fringe will be happy. I'll come thur. to gopher kinda need to go get badge before crazy people anyway. I do not remember if i had pre-registered or not so this would make things easier. besides i live in chicago this just a skip and jump for me.

[dollfaces]

angel evil, on May 2 2010, 05:58 PM, said:

UP-DATE TO ALL:

Gopher Hole will be OPEN THURSDAY MORNING in the basement.
Down the stairs turn left (Gamers Hallway for those who have been there before) First Room on Left.
YES THERE SHOULD BE A SIGN
*There is a Chance* This room will NOT BE OPEN - In that case, the frosted glass long bar table on the side wall (mere 5 ft away from room door)
WILL HAVE the SIGN & WILL be the MAKESHIFT meeting location.
DH of Gopher Hole: Is a man named - WILL. He will be meeting you there.
(With hope, I will be there as well)
*BALL PARK TIME OF (drum roll please) 9AM THURSDAY MORNING. :::fingers crossed:::

YES! YOU READ IT CORRECTLY! 9AM IS Just How Early WE NEED GOPHERS.

DID I MENTION, THURSDAY & SUNDAY HOURS COUNT AS DOUBLE


IF YOU CAN COMMIT TO A THURSDAY OR SUNDAY (OR EVEN BOTH!) SHIFTS (EARLY) (LIKE NOW, LIKE RIGHT NOW, AS YOU READ THIS... THINK OF HOW YOU ARE GOING TO WRITE YOUR RESPONSE... I WANT TO WORK DOUBLE SET-UP/TEAR DOWN HOURS!
You should do it now. Here. Right here. Or message me directly.

CARNAGE Thank You, again, for ALL Your Help! (And I do EXPECT to see you!)

There will be NO Volunteer Badge along with your ACEN Badge. INSTEAD, there will be a "VOLUNTEERS" Sticker to go on your REGISTERED ACEN BADGE.

There are at least 6 Departments that NEED Gophers on THURSDAY for SET-UP, THERE WILL BE WORK.

**SIDE NOTE** We are trying something new this year...
A sign-in sheet will be posted on the table. Said sheet will be a time table broken up by half hour marks.
Times listed are slots we are asking the Gophers when they can stop in or stop by the Gopher Hole to see if there is work.
Sees as we can not CALL YOU - YOU CHECKING IN / ASKING FOR WORK is how you pick up hours.
This also gives our other departments a "Heads-up" that a Gopher will be checking in soon...

^Example^ Video Gaming: Gophers NEEDED 9am THURSDAY
^Example^ Main Programming: Set-up THURSDAY & TEAR DOWN SUNDAY
(This is a special project - and requires 3-6 Gophers EASY Chance for DOUBLE HOURS) *Requirements do apply*
Requirements:
Prefer at least, 18/21 yrs of age. To be discussed
Lifting is included
Tech knowledge is welcomed and helpful

^Example^ Con Ops / Con Services / Staff Services
^Example^ REGISTRATION: 11am THURSDAY! (IF THIS IS NOT YOUR FIRST YEAR, INSERT LAUGHTER HERE)
^Example^ Guest Relations: Mainly, Friday & Saturday

In Conclusion! IF YOU WANT TO GOPHER SPEAK UP NOW!
BRING YOUR FRIENDS (IF THEY ARE DEPENDABLE TO WORK)

ACEN NEEDS BODIES (in gopher hole) PIRATES & NINJAS WELCOME (do not forget the zombies)

SEE YOU THERE!

Is there any info you need from those interested in becoming gofers?

[Angel]

Koneko_089, on May 5 2010, 01:04 AM, said:

Heh heh heh nice use of the zombie ninja pirates thing. Fringe will be happy. I'll come thur. to gopher kinda need to go get badge before crazy people anyway. I do not remember if i had pre-registered or not so this would make things easier. besides i live in chicago this just a skip and jump for me.

THURSDAY GOPHERS are more than welcome! Glad to have you! See you in the Basement! If you get there BEFORE REG OPENS you CAN Still Work.

dollfaces, on May 5 2010, 09:59 AM, said:

Is there any info you need from those interested in becoming gofers?

PROOF OF BADGE & PERSONAL INFO (EMERGENCY CONTACT/ALLERGY/MEDICAL ISSUES THAT SHOULD ME KNOWN ASAP)

[Angel]

Gofer

Attendees who elect to do unscheduled work at the convention, in exchange for lodging and a badge to the next year's ACen, are affectionately known as gofers. Gofers are managed by the Volunteers department.

If you know someone interested in doing gofer work, encourage them to contact the Volunteers DH at volunteers@acen.org.

Contents
1 The Gofer Hole
2 Becoming a gofer
2.1 Restrictions
2.2 Identification
3 Gofer work
3.1 Types of work
3.2 Documentation
3.3 Compensation
3.3.1 Crash space
3.3.2 Rollover badge
3.3.3 Food

The Gofer Hole
The Volunteers department operates out of a room affectionately called the Gofer Hole. This is where gofers wait for work assignments.

In 2009, The Gofer Hole was located on the Lobby Level in The Dulles Room. For 2010, The Gofer Hole will be on the International Level (Lower Level) in the Charles de Gaulle Room.

Becoming a gofer
In order to begin work as a gofer, an attendee must visit the Gofer Hole and must give the Volunteers department his or her name, badge number, mailing address, phone number, and email address. When gofers sign up, they receive a sticker for their badge (see Identification below) and a timesheet (see Documentation below), which they are expected to keep for the duration of the con.

Staff in the Volunteers department should encourage gofers to fill out their MedicInfo cards with information that would be relevant to EMRT in an emergency: food allergies, medications they are taking, medical conditions etc.

Restrictions
During the convention proper (Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday), gofers must have a valid, current attendee badge and must provide the Gofer Hole their badge numbers. (This also applies once Registration is open on Thursday. Gofers may only work without a badge if Registration is not yet able to provide badges.) Gofers under 18 years old cannot be assigned to IRT jobs.

Identification
In 2009 and before, gofers were each given a special T-shirt and separate gofer badge to identify them. Whenever they were wearing the shirt or displaying the badge, they were expected to be working, or in the Gofer Hole waiting for work.

This year's policy will be different: gofers will only receive permanent stickers for their attendee badges, and these stickers will not signify that the gofers are on duty. The stickers are designed not to be removable, so gofers will be permitted to display them when they are not working.

Gofer work
Gofers do not make any commitment to work at specific times. When gofers wish to work, they must go to the Gofer Hole to wait for an assignment. There is not always work available for all gofers, and gofers do not receive credit for idling in the Gofer Hole, but only those who are present when a gofer request is received will be assigned to work.

In previous years, gofer availability was completely unpredictable, because no system was in place to allow gofers to tell Volunteers when to expect them. In 2010, Volunteers will ask gofers to list the times they can check in at the Gofer Hole to see if there's work to be done; when the Gofer Hole population is sparse this will allow Volunteers to provide an ETA on additional gofers.

Types of work
Gofers are assigned to simple jobs:

Setup & Teardown at the Begining and Ending of the Convention will count towards more hours earned.
(See Compensation below.)
Sitting Door - Checking for Badges for a Department as needed.
Serving/Setting up food in Staff Services.
Moving of Boxes, Hardware, Equipment, etc. etc.
Yes, WE DO SEND GOFERS to IRT. No, YOU CAN NOT FIND OUT WHAT THEY DO HERE.
(See age requirements in Restrictions above)

Documentation
Each department must designate some of its staff as having gofer sign-off priveleges, such that there is always a staff member on duty able to sign off on gofer time sheets. These staff members must add their names (legibly printed), signatures, and initials to the Volunteers department's reference sheet so that their initials can be used to verify gofer labor, as follows:

Gofers carry a time sheet, on which staff with gofer sign-off priveleges record the time they work. When a gofer reaches the location of an assignment, such a staff member should record the time the gofer starts work. When the job is done, a staff member with gofer sign-off priveleges must record the time of completion and sign his or her initials to certify the job was done. If no initials or signature are provided, the gofer will not receive credit for the hours.

Gofers receive only one time sheet, which they will use for all of their work during the convention. Gofers must keep their time sheet until they leave the convention for good, at which point they give it to the Volunteers department.


Compensation
Gofer compensation depends on the number of hours of work completed at the current convention. Gofers receive bonus hours (amount TBD) for work done during setup on Thursday and teardown on Sunday, as an incentive to be available at those times. Volunteers receives the most and the largest gofer requests on Thursday and during teardown Sunday. We need gofers on Sunday. Encourage gofers to work on Sunday.

Crash space
ACen rents three hotel rooms as gofer crash space: one for minor male gofers, one for minor female gofers, and one co-ed room for gofers over the age of 18. Gofers must complete a certain minimum number of hours each day (TBD) to earn crash space for that night. Gofers are not provided individual keys to these spaces. One key to each room circulates among the gofers; the other is kept by the Volunteers department.

Crash space is not guaranteed, even to gofers who complete the minimum hours on a given day. Crash space is allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis for gofers who are eligible.

Rollover badge
Gofers who have been credited a certain number of hours (TBD) over the course of the con will be awarded a badge to the subsequent ACen, identical in scope to the badge they had for the current con. That is, if a gofer has a 2010 badge for Saturday and Sunday only, the badge they earn through gofering in 2010 will be for Saturday and Sunday at ACen 2011. This is only valid for the very next ACen; gofers who e.g. earn a rollover badge in 2010, but do not attend in 2011, will not receive a badge for ACen 2012 or any subsequent year for their 2010 work.

Food
Unfortunately, ACen is unable to provide gofers access to the staff suite. Make sure gofers know they will have to bring their own food, or buy food during the convention.

[Angel]

CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU ALL THERE! THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR HELP IN ADVANCE!

[Irish]

So I hopped on this thread with the intent to post something sarcastic and witty. Yeah... that plan didnt work out so well. Instead I offer words of encouragement to Gophers.

RUN

I mean... RUN NOW. Gophers are always 110% appreciated during con. Particularly when events in the grand ballroom are going on and people want to use the glass double doors (which theyre NOT SUPPOSED TO. Unless its a fire)... grabbing a few gophers and having them act as Sentries saves us from running back and forth yelling at people. It probably also saves IRT from having to deal with complaints about our yelling.

If you're thinking about being a Gopher - go for it. If anything else, you'll appreciate a little bit more our ability to hold what little bit of calm, collected resolve we have

-Irish
IRT Guest Escorts/Tunnel Rats '10, '09, '08, '07, '06 (dear god, it HAS been that long hasnt it...)