Volunteer at NIRSA+IDEA® World!
The joint 2026 NIRSA + IDEA® World Conference and Expo will be a landmark event, and we have exciting plans for engaging and supporting our volunteers this year!
Volunteers play a vital role in creating an exceptional conference experience for all attendees. In addition to making a meaningful impact on attendee experiences—whether by offering directions, sharing insights, or helping guests feel welcome—volunteers will also have the unique opportunity to go behind the scenes of a world-class event and gain firsthand experience in how it all comes together.
Qualify for a 30% registration fee reimbursement
Volunteering at a premier industry event comes with several intangible benefits, for sure! But this year—part of the exciting collaborations happening at the joint NIRSA & IDEA® World Conference—we are also excited to offer volunteers who complete at least six hours of assigned volunteer service a 30% reimbursement on their paid event registration fee!
Volunteer opportunities
Several opportunities are open for volunteer registration now, and more will be added in the coming weeks.
Session Hosts
Session Hosts play a key role in ensuring smooth and engaging education sessions. Responsibilities include checking in attendees through the Pheedloop app (new this year), greeting participants at the door, verifying schedules, managing the session’s stand-by line, and introducing speakers at the start of each session. Hosts also assess room and presenter needs, including equipment and A/V.
Shifts begin 15 minutes before each session to assist speakers with AV support and check-in attendees before they enter the room. Prospective volunteers can sign up for an education session block.
Registration Table
Registration Assistants are the first contact an attendee will have at the event. Registration Assistants will check-in attendees, exhibitors, expo guests, and event VIP’s as they arrive at event registration check-in. Registration Assistants must be able to focus on individualized customer service, as well as be efficient in facilitating event check-ins and reducing wait times.
Event Operations
Event Operations Assistants will be responsible for moving session equipment and clearing rooms of equipment at the conclusion of sessions. This position can be labor-intensive, and Operations Assistants must be capable of lifting 25 lbs. Event Operations Assistants must be flexible to work in other areas as needed during the event including Registration, Session Hosting, Expo Hall Operations, or as assigned.
Volunteer reimbursement details
NIRSA + IDEA® World Conference and Expo volunteers who fulfill a total of six assigned volunteer shift hours including a mandatory one-hour onsite volunteer orientation will be eligible for a 30% reimbursement on their conference registration fee (maximum value of $300).
Due to impromptu event cancellations and changes, volunteer schedules cannot be guaranteed, and NIRSA + IDEA® reserve the right to alter volunteers’ schedules on site as needed. Changes will be communicated in advance, and alternative options will be offered when possible if conflicts occur. We take the needs of each volunteer member into consideration. Communication is key, so please contact events@nirsa.org with any questions or concerns.
Reimbursement funds will be issued approximately two weeks after the conclusion of the event and dispersed to the original payment source.
Reimbursement-eligible volunteer opportunities will be limited; should NIRSA + IDEA® World receive more volunteer applications than there are available positions, volunteer selections and assignments will be awarded through a lottery process.
