[sisterdiscord]

Hey, all. We're here to answer your questions about staffing ACen. What do you want to know?

[The Fujoshi]

Because of this hectic year and my sense of bad luck, I was wondering is there a job helping mailing and or mailing pre order badges?

If so what are the requirements, start time, etc.?

[Voltaire30]

The Fujoshi, on 02 August 2011 - 09:11 AM, said:

Because of this hectic year and my sense of bad luck, I was wondering is there a job helping mailing and or mailing pre order badges?

If so what are the requirements, start time, etc.?

If I am correct, yes there is, but I believe that it is in conjunction with being a staffer in the Registration Department.
I am not to sure what the requirements of a Registration Staffer are, and I don't want to say something that isn't right, as Registration is not part of the Exhibit Space Department, but I assure you that "sisterdiscord" and "ever" will be able to help you out with those more specific questions.

[sisterdiscord]

Voltaire30, on 03 August 2011 - 12:51 PM, said:

If I am correct, yes there is, but I believe that it is in conjunction with being a staffer in the Registration Department.
I am not to sure what the requirements of a Registration Staffer are, and I don't want to say something that isn't right, as Registration is not part of the Exhibit Space Department, but I assure you that "sisterdiscord" and "ever" will be able to help you out with those more specific questions.

Voltaire is correct, the Registration staff team up to manage the badge mailing process, so if that's your interest, reg would be the right home. Having said that, the pre-con hours don't remove the at-con work expectation. Reg needs all the good folks it can get to keep the line going and keep the attendees flowing into con.

Rosa

This post has been edited by sisterdiscord: 04 August 2011 - 11:20 AM

[The Fujoshi]

Ok another question (wasn't sure if this would be good here or registration:)

What are the requirements for registration since I still want to be active at the con? Do we have to meet up every saturday up until the con or can you choose a specific section/hour/department? Or is it more like a job and they just put you where they put you?

[sisterdiscord]

The Fujoshi, on 04 August 2011 - 02:44 PM, said:

Ok another question (wasn't sure if this would be good here or registration:)

What are the requirements for registration since I still want to be active at the con? Do we have to meet up every saturday up until the con or can you choose a specific section/hour/department? Or is it more like a job and they just put you where they put you?

Reg has a schedule of pre-con stuff. It wasn't every weekend this last year, and Melinda will need to speak to the specifics she's planning to change.

At-con, you have a schedule. From Thurs. thru Sun, you're expected to do a minimum of 24h of staffing time. Typically you'd work with your DH to make sure you're not on shift when there are specific events you want to attend.

(Edit- best typo of the day. The forums changed 'shift' to 'crap' because I left out the "F" DOH!

This post has been edited by sisterdiscord: 05 August 2011 - 07:37 PM

[redneckotaku]

Do Staff have a place to sleep? It doesn't say on the website, but it does say that Volunteers are able to get crash space for committing to 16 hours. Am I safe to assume that Staff get crash space also because we must work at least 24 hours?

[Zilveari]

We had crash space available for reg last year, I would assume the same this year. BTW hi2u Aberdeen, MD. I used to live in White Marsh.

[The Fujoshi]

Ok these are the last questions, since you guys have been really helpful:

*Does the minimum of 24h of staffing time include pre con hours or just registration at con hours?

*Let's say that I have two photoshoots, one around 12-1 and a panel around 1-3 on Saturday. Will this conflict with registration work? One of the reasons why I never staffed before was that I planned events and cosplay when the information about panels/shoots were released on a day by day basis.

*Do registration staff get badges or do we pay a discounted price?

*What are the hours of registration in 2012?

*When do staff do meet ups, (I had a former associate who worked staff at Acen and had to meet every Saturday for two-three months,) precon and how much is required? I know last year it wasn't required but 2012 might be different.

*If a person doesn't want to work staff but still wants to help, what are their options?

That's it whew.

[sisterdiscord]

redneckotaku, on 06 August 2011 - 06:48 AM, said:

Do Staff have a place to sleep? It doesn't say on the website, but it does say that Volunteers are able to get crash space for committing to 16 hours. Am I safe to assume that Staff get crash space also because we must work at least 24 hours?

We don't house 100% of our staff, but roughly 70% of every department's staff receive housing. Whereas gofer space is 'crash space', our regular staff in most areas are housed 4/room. Departments that house everybody (IRT and Reg are two, there are others) operate on more a 'crash space' approach, with management managing the room keys rather than staff being assigned to a room. We have about 100-125 hotel rooms full of staffers, give or take a dozen rooms, every year at the hotel.

[sisterdiscord]

The Fujoshi, on 08 August 2011 - 09:09 AM, said:

Ok these are the last questions, since you guys have been really helpful:

The Fujoshi, on 08 August 2011 - 09:09 AM, said:

*Does the minimum of 24h of staffing time include pre con hours or just registration at con hours?

The 24h commitment is Thursday through Sunday (Or Wednesday thru Monday, depending on your dept.) If you don't want to work during con, a better bet would be signing up with Volunteers for the setup teardown crew, which is all pre- and post-con work on Thur. and Sun.

The Fujoshi, on 08 August 2011 - 09:09 AM, said:

*Let's say that I have two photoshoots, one around 12-1 and a panel around 1-3 on Saturday. Will this conflict with registration work? One of the reasons why I never staffed before was that I planned events and cosplay when the information about panels/shoots were released on a day by day basis.

Most departments have some flexibility to work around your schedule. The Photoshoot schedule, and all the schedules, we try to release to staff as early as they're available so that availability plans can be made. I can't guarantee you yes or no, but if you talk to a DH, and say "I need to be available Sat. afternoon for some events.." that's something we can usually work around.

The Fujoshi, on 08 August 2011 - 09:09 AM, said:

*Do registration staff get badges or do we pay a discounted price?

All staff receive their badges for free.

The Fujoshi, on 08 August 2011 - 09:09 AM, said:

*What are the hours of registration in 2012?

I don't believe they've been set yet, but usually Thurs. evening, all day Friday and Sat, and a few hours Sunday morning.

The Fujoshi, on 08 August 2011 - 09:09 AM, said:

*When do staff do meet ups, (I had a former associate who worked staff at Acen and had to meet every Saturday for two-three months,) precon and how much is required? I know last year it wasn't required but 2012 might be different.

We have monthly staff meetings, but they are not a requirement for regular staff. We'll have at least one new staf training session every few months, that schedule gets published to our mailing list so everyone can come in for a basic orientation. We'll do some online sessions this year for our folks who aren't local. (I'm not local--I live in KY, so I totally understand the challenge of getting to staff meetings.

The Fujoshi, on 08 August 2011 - 09:09 AM, said:

*If a person doesn't want to work staff but still wants to help, what are their options?

Volunteer with our super-duper squad of at-con volunteers (aka 'gofers'/ runners)

[The Fujoshi]

I know I said that the previous question would be the last one but the Volunteers for the setup teardown crew sounds interesting.

What are the hours for that on Thrusday and Sunday? Also would there be anyplace to put my suitcases or would I have to go back home and drop it off before I start the work on Sunday?

[LC Asuka]

The hours for Thursday and Sunday can vary by department. I can only speak for Main Programming, but most MP staff get to the Hyatt from 10a-1p Thursday and work until the main stage is done; the end time varies each year. Tear down also varies for us - variables include when the final event in Main ends, the number of people outside of MP that help us, how long people can stay to help out for, etc. If you have to leave, you have to leave - it's not held against you.

I can't really speak about the luggage, because I'm one of those derps that never gets to use the staff rooms as I always end up staying with my non-staff friends at other hotels. *sigh*

[The Fujoshi]

LC Asuka, on 09 August 2011 - 11:43 AM, said:

The hours for Thursday and Sunday can vary by department. I can only speak for Main Programming, but most MP staff get to the Hyatt from 10a-1p Thursday and work until the main stage is done; the end time varies each year. Tear down also varies for us - variables include when the final event in Main ends, the number of people outside of MP that help us, how long people can stay to help out for, etc. If you have to leave, you have to leave - it's not held against you.

I can't really speak about the luggage, because I'm one of those derps that never gets to use the staff rooms as I always end up staying with my non-staff friends at other hotels. *sigh*

I could work with 10-1p on Thursday. I usually pre reserve my hotel for Thursday through Sunday anyway.

What's the requirements for this position (training, etc. since it seems to be manual labor,) and what's the earliest/latest I can sign up and where? Also who would I let know if anything comes up (god forbidding?)

If everything goes right I can hopefully do this and help out this year, which is a first for me.

This post has been edited by The Fujoshi: 09 August 2011 - 01:50 PM

[LC Asuka]

The Fujoshi, on 09 August 2011 - 01:48 PM, said:

What's the requirements for this position (training, etc. since it seems to be manual labor,) and what's the earliest/latest I can sign up and where? Also who would I let know if anything comes up (god forbidding?) If everything goes right I can hopefully do this and help out this year, which is a first for me.

What's nice about MP is that we work hand-in-hand with the A/V Crew that comes to ACen. As such, they do a lot of the supervising when it comes to setting up the equipment, and will show you how to put something together. That being said, the only labor requirements (aside from your standard staffing ones) is that you're able to lift moderate to heavy pieces of equipment...but even then if something's heavy, for the safety of the equipment, you'll be lifting it with someone else.

In addition, it is mandatory that everyone in MP works the Masquerade; the MP and Masquerade departments need every hand they can get to keep things running smoothly. Those of us in MP work from the beginnings of Masquerade set-up to close. On the bright side, if there's a specific place you want to work during the Masquerade, Gendo/Chaos (our DH and ADH, respectively) are always accommodating. There's plenty of areas that you can work: crowd control in the house (the seating area), line control backstage, badge checker to get into Main, and many more.

Aside from the Masquerade, you aren't mandated to work specific events; instead, you get to request to work certain events (for example: I love working during Anime Hell and Samurai Dan, as I both get some of my required required hours and watch events that I love). As long as you work your required number of hours, Gendo's happy. Also, you'll never be working alone; one or two other MP staffers will be there in addition to either the DH or one of the ADHs.

As for when you can apply for MP, being a regular staffer I don't think I'm the best qualified to answer that for you. Your best bet is to contact our DH/ADH at mainprogramming@acen.org with questions about staff openings, applications, and "anything that comes up".

[The Fujoshi]

LC Asuka, on 10 August 2011 - 07:30 AM, said:

What's nice about MP is that we work hand-in-hand with the A/V Crew that comes to ACen. As such, they do a lot of the supervising when it comes to setting up the equipment, and will show you how to put something together. That being said, the only labor requirements (aside from your standard staffing ones) is that you're able to lift moderate to heavy pieces of equipment...but even then if something's heavy, for the safety of the equipment, you'll be lifting it with someone else.

In addition, it is mandatory that everyone in MP works the Masquerade; MP and the Masquerade departments need every hand they can get to keep things running smoothly. Those of us in MP work from the beginnings of Masquerade set-up to close. On the bright side, if there's a specific place you want to work during the Masquerade, Gendo/Chaos (our DH and ADH, respectively) are always accommodating. There's plenty of areas that you can work: crowd control in the house (the seating area), line control backstage, badge checker to get into Main, and many more.

Aside from the Masquerade, you aren't mandated to work specific events; instead, you get to request to work certain events (for example: I love working during Anime Hell and Samurai Dan, as I both get some of my required required hours and watch events that I love). As long as you work your required number of hours, Gendo's happy. Also, you'll never be working alone; one or two other MP staffers will be there in addition to either the DH or one of the ADHs.

As for when you can apply for MP, being a regular staffer I don't think I'm the best qualified to answer that for you. Your best bet is to contact our DH/ADH at mainprogramming@acen.org with questions about staff openings, applications, and "anything that comes up".

Thanks for all the information! I would be sure to email them whenever I get another computer!

[dreamgirl]

Hello, my name is Tierianna!
I was a little fuzzy if the application process has started.

Nonetheless, I want to apply for 3 positions and the first listed is the one I am most interested in. I understand there is a process to apply and interview process for Guest Relations, so please let me know the best way to go about it, ie. where to send resume, and personal info. thank you!

Position interest:
1. Guest Relations
2. Main Programming
3. Staff Suite

[EmoSasuke]

I plan to be in a skit with some friends for the masquerade this year (potentially doing a hall cosplay entry), but I'm also interested in staffing. Are these two mutually exclusive things? Like, if I'm staff, I can't enter either of those? Or does that just mean I can't apply to be a staff member in the Cosplay department? That was only one of a few departments I was interested in applying for.

Thanks for your time!

[LC Asuka]

dreamgirl, on 02 October 2011 - 11:58 AM, said:

Nonetheless, I want to apply for 3 positions and the first listed is the one I am most interested in. I understand there is a process to apply and interview process for Guest Relations, so please let me know the best way to go about it, ie. where to send resume, and personal info. thank you!

Position interest:
1. Guest Relations
2. Main Programming
3. Staff Suite

EmoSasuke, on 10 February 2012 - 03:45 PM, said:

I plan to be in a skit with some friends for the masquerade this year (potentially doing a hall cosplay entry), but I'm also interested in staffing. Are these two mutually exclusive things? Like, if I'm staff, I can't enter either of those? Or does that just mean I can't apply to be a staff member in the Cosplay department? That was only one of a few departments I was interested in applying for.

Thanks for your time!

I don't think you would be able to apply for Main Programming, as that's the one event that all MP staffers work at once (the rest of the events are divvied up between the lot of us). I'm not 100% sure on this though.

That being said, to the best of my recollection Main Programming is either fully staffed or extremely close to being fully staffed...so those interested in MP might have to wait until next year to join and/or transfer to the department.

[Unka Josh]

EmoSasuke, on 10 February 2012 - 03:45 PM, said:

I plan to be in a skit with some friends for the masquerade this year (potentially doing a hall cosplay entry), but I'm also interested in staffing. Are these two mutually exclusive things? Like, if I'm staff, I can't enter either of those? Or does that just mean I can't apply to be a staff member in the Cosplay department? That was only one of a few departments I was interested in applying for.

Thanks for your time!

Once upon a time, our circle of friends did Masquerade costumes and sketches. We became staff, and did both!

...Briefly.

Problem is, we became DH and ADHs, so we don't have the time to do the Masq and also handle the jobs we have. However, that's us, and that's us taking on big jobs. If you can make it work for you, go for it!

(Briefly reminisces on the glory days of Not Ready For Bandai...)

[obakasan]

I can only speak for Exhibit Space here. We often have staffers who attend in participatory events such as the masquerade. It's fine with us as long as you can also do your staffing duties. Our department has rather flexible staffing shifts (currently in 1-hour incrememnts for all but a few positions) so someone can get the time off in bits and pieces for panels etc.

As Unka Josh sez though, sometimes the demands on your time in the department due to your position in the department doesn't give you much opportunity or extra energy to spend. Also, some departments require long shifts that may overlap events. In those cases you would have to see what the individual department policies are.

Note that masquerade participation (if you are actually in it) can be a near all-day affair considering costume preperation, check-in, any rehersals, reporting time/waiting time, etc.