Volunteer | Folk Alliance International 2026 Conference

Who can volunteer?

Anyone over the age of 16 who is a member of FAI can volunteer at the conference. You do not need to be in the music industry to volunteer – a good portion of our volunteers are enthusiastic folk fans. Anyone can become a member of Folk Alliance International before applying to volunteer.

Volunteer Perks

Free conference registration
Volunteer t-shirt
Hospitality room*

* While we do our best to have food available, the amount of meals depends on how much food is donated. We aim to provide each volunteer one meal during the conference.

Requirements

Be at least 16 years of age.
Work a minimum of 16 hours at the conference.
Please note that there are a limited number of volunteer positions available. Applications will be approved starting in September first-come-first-serve.
Become an FAI Member.
Attend the on-site volunteer orientation.
Have a valid email address (no sharing of email addresses).
Agree to the FAI Volunteer Code of Ethics.

Volunteer 2026 FAQ

I've applied to volunteer - now what?

The volunteer coordinator will review your application within 48 hours, and either send you an acceptance email with the registration code OR a follow up email with questions about your application.

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When will I know my volunteer schedule?

Once your application has been approved you will receive an email to register right away. You will receive an email with your schedule 30 days prior to the start of the event.

My availability/travel plans changed - what do I do?

Should your travel plans/availability change please let the volunteer coordinator know as soon as possible (volunteer@folk.org).

I want to volunteer with a friend, how can we be scheduled together?

When filling out the application form, please select the same/similar availability and same interest in volunteer roles. Then please send an email to the volunteer coordinator so they can make note of it when scheduling. We will do our best to accommodate any need or request but cannot make any guarantees.

I was accepted as a volunteer but am having trouble registering for the conference?

Please double check the following things:

You have a folk alliance membership
You have entered the volunteer code correctly
You have filled in all of your information and followed the instructions on the registration page.

If you still have any issues please contact Tisha (tisha@folk.org)

Volunteer Structure

As a volunteer, you will be assigned to a specific team (security, production, runner, etc.) each with its own Crew Leader. Crew Leaders are responsible for scheduling and training a specific volunteer area of the conference and they are also responsible for checking in with their volunteers throughout the conference to ensure that volunteers understand their assignment.

Volunteer teams include:

Communications/Social Media

Exhibit Hall
Hospitality/Food Services
Information
Instrument Check
Load-in/Load-out
Merch
Official Showcases
One-on-One Networking Sessions
Panels/Daytime Programming
Private Showcases
Production Team
Registration
Runners
Safety
Security/Doorkeepers
Special Projects
Volunteer Room

To access the volunteer application form, sign into your membership account using the link below:

APPLY TO VOLUNTEER