The 2025 BC Library Conference in Nanaimo is a great opportunity to volunteer and get event experience, with the bonus of attending conference sessions for free! Join us on beautiful Vancouver Island and meet new people, network with the library community, catch up with old friends, and contribute to your Association.
Please review the volunteer options below and submit your application. We are excited to hear from you!
2025 BC Library Conference Volunteer Roles
Registration Desk
Duties
-Organize name tags, etc.
-Greet delegates and answer questions and inquiries.
-Provide a high level of customer service.
-Provide general information to delegates.
Special Skills / Qualities
Friendly, helpful personality, ability to remain calm in hectic situations, professional demeanour, ability to think on your feet.
Volunteers are expected to act as representatives of the Association.
Registration Info
Registration fee for one day covered by BCLA.
Volunteer for half-day; spend rest of same day attending sessions. (Can also register for additional days at own expense.)
Shifts Available
Once your application has been accepted, you will have the opportunity to select your shift:
5.25 hour shifts available on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
-morning (starting at 7:30 AM)
-afternoon (ending late afternoon/early evening)
Directional
Duties
-Greet delegates as they arrive at the conference, join a session or enter the trade show.
-Ensure all delegates have a name tag when entering the breakout or keynote sessions or trade show.
-Provide a high level of customer service.
-Direct people to breakout or keynote sessions, as needed.
-Direct people to trade show exhibits, hotel washrooms, off-site venues, as needed.
-Provide general support to Conference Office, including but not limited to running items between office and desks.
Special Skills / Qualities
Friendly, proactive, helpful personality, professional demeanour, attention to detail.
Volunteers are expected to act as representatives of the Association.
Registration Info
Registration fee for one day covered by BCLA.
Volunteer for half-day; spend rest of same day attending sessions. (Can also register for additional days at own expense.)
Shifts Available
Once your application has been accepted, you will have the opportunity to select your shift:
5.25 hour shifts available on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
-morning (starting at 7:30 AM)
-afternoon (ending late afternoon/early evening)
Convenor
Duties
-Ensure room set-up is adequate (check room temperature, lighting, seating, etc.); monitor attendance and seating capacities in room.
-Troubleshoot tech issues as the go between speakers and on-site AV technicians.
-Welcome and greet everyone.
-Prepare and deliver speaker introductions.
-Count attendees in each session.
-Thank session Sponsors.
-Make any applicable announcements, including land acknowledgment(s).
-Moderate the Q&A
-Ensure accessibility best practices are followed (guidelines provided).
Special Skills / Qualities
Experience dealing with VIPs, professional demeanour, excellent organization skills, ability to remain calm in hectic situations, ability to think on your feet.
Volunteers are expected to act as representatives of the Association.
Registration Info
Registration fee for full conference covered by BCLA.
- Register for full conference.
- Convene one day; attend sessions day not convening.
Shifts Available
Once your application has been accepted, you will have the opportunity to select your shift:
Full day shifts available
-Thursday (8:30 AM -4:15 PM, with breaks)
-Friday (8:00 AM -2:30 PM, with breaks)
Submit your application
Please note, this is a volunteer opportunity for BCLA Members (and students qualify for a free membership!). If you’re not sure whether you’re a member, please email BCLA.
To apply for a position please complete the volunteer application form. Submissions will be reviewed on a rolling basis and we will begin contacting volunteers in mid-March to confirm opportunities and schedule shifts.
If you have questions about volunteering, please contact BCLA Project Coordinator, Cynthia Ford.