Volunteer Application
Join our team! Our Staff Applications for 2024 are now online, and we are welcoming volunteers!
Learn about our Departments
Not sure where you want to volunteer? Are some of these titles a little confusing on the application? Look no further! We are continually comprising a list of how each staff department functions during the Tekko weekend. Some departments may be missing but will be added in future updates.
All staff, regardless of which department they are in, are expected to adhere to all guidelines listed within the FAQ and follow all rules. Supervisors will give full role responsibilities before the convention begins.
AMV THEATER
The AMV Theater provides programming related to anime music videos (AMVs). This programming includes the AMV Contest and Extreme AMV Contest, music video blocks and other programming devoted to Tekko's convention theme, educational panels geared towards fans interested in video editing and content creation, and the occasional game show. We set up on Thursday and take down on Sunday; in between, we monitor the players to make sure there's no interruption in programming, and we pass out and collect ballots for the Contests. We also have 18+ programming in the late evening; a room clear and ID check is performed each evening prior to programming.
No previous staff or video editing experience is required for the AMV Theater. We are very flexible in scheduling shifts, although we do ask for blocks of at least 3 hours to apply.
ARTIST ALLEY
Artist Alley staff operates within the Exhibition Hall, alongside Vendors staff, on the 2nd floor. Thursday evening and Friday morning are the designated set up times for Artists to set up their tables, so our staff ensures the set up process goes smoothly (making sure Artists go to their correct tables, give them their badges, collect contracts, etc). Our time is split between the Registration Hall and the 2nd floor these days. After Friday set up is done, our staff will monitor the Exhibition Hall and ensure all Tekko rules are being followed by attendees and Artists/Vendors, ensure a speedy close out of the Hall at night, watch the entrance doors/badge check for our Rockstar/Premium attendees Friday-Sunday morning, answer any attendee questions that come up, and more. We are expected to assist Vendors staff and Fundraising staff in the Exhibition Hall as needed as well. Artists enjoy seeing our staff chatting with them as we strive to maintain a great relationship with them, so you are also expected to check in with them throughout the weekend.
No previous staff experience required for Artist Alley, but we do require friendly attitudes as we are in a customer service-type role. Please keep in mind a majority of the days are spent walking, we can accommodate as best we can if you have difficulties with this. We are flexible in scheduling shifts so you can attend our amazing events! Must be available to volunteer beginning Thursday evening to be eligible for Artist Alley staff.
BAND RELATIONS/GUEST RELATIONS (BRGR)
Band Relations/Guest Relations (BRGR) have different responsibilities for each Team, ensuring that our Voice Actors and Bands are well taken care of the weekend of the convention. The Handlers Team assist guests with their schedule (signings, panels, shows) and their merch sales. The Logistics Team helps with transportation of all guests and running errands for them. The Autograph Team focuses on ensuring our autograph booths are set up and put away each night appropriately, and controlling the lines.
BRGR strives to give our Guests the best experience possible at Tekko, which in turn will give our attendees a great experience as well. We want them to continue to come back to Tekko and tell their peers about their amazing convention experience!
BRGR Staff needed for round-the-clock help (such as handlers and drivers) are eligible for free hotel space, access to our motor pool, and general Tekko staff perks if you meet our requirements to staff. A high level of professionalism, customer service, and friendly demeanor are required to staff BRGR. There will be a formal interview conducted for this position after your application is submitted.
COSPLAY
Cosplay at Tekko is HUGE! Between guests, panels, and competitions, our staff may be required to assist in the different areas during the weekend. Such roles include but are not limited to:
Guest Handlers: Assist with their panel/workshop set-ups, on-site errands, watch their booth in Artist Alley when they are not there, and more.
Photo Meet-ups: assist the host(s) and monitor the attendee-run photoshoots, ensuring fun and safe environments and that they finish on time. Take basic photos of the events to use for future social media material.
Assist in checking in approved Fan Photographers, ensure they follow photography guidelines given, and the Lounge is being properly used.
Assist in checking in attendees that signed up for Judging appointments for the Craftsmanship competition. Ensure the applicants line is managed properly, assist the Coordinator with any tasks they may need help with.
Masquerade: managing attendees and ensuring smooth transitions between locations during our event. They will play a pivotal role in guiding attendees on and off stage, maintaining order, and providing assistance as needed.
COSPLAY REPAIR
Applicants for Cosplay Repair must have cosplay creation experience with but not limited to: using sewing machines, hand sewing, prop making, wig care, glue gun/glues and how to fix a variety of props and costumes.
You must volunteer 12 hours from Friday to Sunday. Be prepared to send photos of things you have created to the supervisor once your application has been filled out.
FORMAL BALL
The Formal Dance Team teaches social partner dance lessons throughout the day on Friday and Saturday and hosts the Formal Ball on Friday night. Roles available include teaching (some experience required, but we are happy to help develop junior teachers; most styles are American examples are listed on the website's Formal Ball page), assistant teaching (basic movement experience), dress code/door checking (non-dancing), slides/music assisting (must be able to operate a computer), and floating (may take classes to help even out lead vs. follow, check for safety on the floor, and do general logistics). In this department, you may cosplay and/or wear formalwear or dance outfits any time you're staffing. We request 12 hours minimum across both days from staff but we are happy to accommodate scheduling and accessibility needs. We're all about inclusivity and diversity with a focus on education, so if that aligns with your interests, we want you on our team!
J-FASHION
Tekko's J-Fashion department is dedicated to providing fashion-forward content to all attendees of Tekko! Our flagship events include the J-Fashion Show and J-Fashion Tea Party, but we also hold a variety of smaller events throughout the weekend including a Q&A with our guest designers, panels, and a Swap Meet! J-Fashion staff support these events and other miscellaneous needs throughout the weekend. Knowledge of, or experience wearing J-Fashion is preferred, but not required. We would love to have you staff our fashion-forward team!
KARAOKE
The Karaoke department provides specialized programming for Tekko, in the form of both public karaoke sessions that attendees can attend, as well as private staff karaoke sessions that are held in the staff hospitality suite. We run these karaoke sessions in the form of 3-4 hour blocks Thursday through Sunday. After having our initial training session, and first karaoke session of the weekend on Thursday, staff will operate in certain roles depending on their availability, experience, and availability during the con.
No previous staff experience is needed to assist with karaoke, but we do look for enthusiastic individuals that find interacting with attendees and staff easy, and are able to volunteer for a minimum of 12 hours (this usually equates to 3 sessions) over the course of the weekend. In addition, we are flexible in regards to which sessions staff members are able to help out with, which means you will find ample time to enjoy the con when you're not helping out with our activities!
POKEMON LEAGUE
The Tekko Scarlet/Violet Challenge is a VGC style activity for all ages and skill levels of Pokémon video games lovers. We operate within the Gaming Hall directly adjacent to the Pokémon TCG department. We will be open for selected hours to provide a fun gym-type challenge for attendees as well as hosting side tournaments.
Setup will be on Thursday, with our first events opening with the Gaming Hall on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, but shifts are flexible throughout those days. During the event, you may be asked to run a gym activity for attendees or match against them in Scarlet/Violet using a provided Switch console and video game with provided teams. No experience or skill with the game is strictly necessary, but good showmanship skills and a high level of game skill are welcome.
PROGRAMMING
The Programming department can be summarized as the "things that are happening" department. We are the centralized location for panels, videos, main events, and the master schedule. As such, this department does a lot of coordination with other Tekko departments.
At-show, we are stationed in Con-Ops and serve an attendee-facing role for answering any questions about what is happening and where during Tekko. We also handle any interactions with panelists--reimbursements, scheduling concerns, questions, and are the first line of defense for troubleshooting A/V issues in panel and video rooms.
For first-time volunteers in our department, some example shifts are: 18+ ID Door Checks, Con-ops Information Desk, Floating Panelist Support, and Main Stage Support. There is opportunity for pre-show work as well for those who have volunteered at least one year with Tekko. While we can always accommodate disabilities, there is an expectation that a volunteer can quickly navigate the 3rd and 4th floors as needed. Programming operates from show open to show close (late night availability is ALWAYS appreciated!), but we'll work with volunteers to accommodate your schedule. Must volunteer 12 hours minimum between Thursday evening to Sunday afternoon.
REGISTRATION
Registration's primary focus is customer service, being some of the first faces that attendees see upon entering Tekko, offering a welcoming and friendly experience and often answering questions and helping attendees get started with the event.
Registration opens for badge pickup on Thursday afternoon and closes out midday on Sunday. While our hours on Friday and Saturday run from 9 am to 8pm, we offer flexible schedules to enjoy panels and events at the convention.
No prior convention experience is necessary, but we do encourage those with a customer service background to apply. We offer in-person training for the system we use for badges (Eventeny) for those that have not used it before!
RPG
Calling all aspiring Game Masters! Join our RPG department on the third floor of Tekko for an action-packed weekend of tabletop gaming adventures. Sign up to run games in 2-hour and 4-hour blocks from 10 am to 11 pm Friday and Saturday and 10am-2pm on Sunday. No prior GM experience is necessary; just bring your passion for gaming and familiarity with Safety Tools. To participate, volunteer for a minimum of 8 gaming hours over the weekend, in addition to one 4-hour shift at the Muster Desk, assisting with sign-ups and player inquiries, and adhere to Tekko's rules. Don't miss this chance to be part of an unforgettable tabletop gaming experience at Tekko!
SECURITY
The Security team is responsible for the well-being and safety of all attendees and staff at Tekko! We are looking for friendly, focused, and respectful volunteers to assist with tasks like badge checks, prop check, line control, and safety checks. All Security staff will be provided with pre-show training. This is a great opportunity for first time staffers (or seasoned vets!) to gain exposure to the many different areas of Tekko as shifts typically include walking patrols through the content areas of the convention and working with other departments.
Security has many flexible shifts available throughout the weekend since we are present on the con floor from open to close. We also offer double hours for assisting with a few high-volume events.
STAGE UZUME
Stage Uzume is Tekko's community stage with a full A/V setup that operates on the fourth floor of the convention center - go up the escalator on the right-side of the third floor, walk all the way down and you're there! Thursday mainly involves convention staff constructing the stage and putting together the A/V setup, but in the afternoon/evening we do decorate the stage and make sure everything is ready for the weekend! The rest of the weekend involves supervising and running the community stage and its flagship events (Tekko Idolfest! and Kpop Cover Fest), alongside assisting with the Dance Competition on Main Stage.
Previous staff experience is preferred as we are a smaller team, and any A/V, dance, or idol experience is a plus! Must volunteer 12 hours minimum Friday through Sunday.
Need to reach out? Our list of contacts can be found HERE
Staff FAQs
What will I get for staffing?
The satisfaction of knowing that you have helped do a great thing!
A staff badge granting you access to the event.
A staff t-shirt
Food for lunch and dinner will be provided for all of our volunteers each day of the convention.
If you are scheduled and meet the minimum of 12 volunteered hours, you will also receive a complementary badge that can be given as a gift to a friend or family member.
If you volunteer 18 or more hours, you will have the chance to be invited to the Staff Dinner on Sunday night. This isn’t just any dinner; we provide your meal and arrange for our guest band to put on a private concert as a thank you for all of your hard work.
Access to Hospitality and Cocktail Hours at the Drury Hotel (Must be 21+ to partake in the alcoholic beverages)
Free Access to Bag check to store your belongings securely – No waiting in line necessary just approach the desk and present your staff badge
Additional benefits TBD
Why should I join the staff?
It’s Fun! You’ll be joining a close knit team of over 150 people who share your interests and you’ll have the opportunity to see Tekko from a whole new perspective.
Will I get paid to be on staff?
No, not quite. A majority of the staff of Tekko or its organizer, the Pittsburgh Japanese Culture Society are volunteers.
What will be expected of me?
Tekko should be fun for everyone however there are certain responsibilities associated with joining the team. You will be expected to work a minimum of 12 hours. You will be expected to show up to volunteer at your assigned times and to maintain a positive and friendly attitude toward all fellow staff, attendees, and guests. You will also be asked to log in and log out for work with either your department head or at the Convention Operations Office. We do keep track of the number of hours worked by each volunteer.
What are the requirements to be on staff?
You must be (16) sixteen years old by the first day of the convention.
New staff must attend at least one (1) orientation meeting.
You must be ready, willing, and able to volunteer at the convention.
Is experience required?
NO! We welcome volunteers with any level of experience or none at all, and we will try to place you in the department best suited to your interests and skills.
Are all applications accepted?
Unfortunately not all applications can be accepted. There is a limit to the number of staff that we can have given the amount of space available in the convention center and the size of our convention. Don’t let that deter you from applying though!
What do I need to do to attend the Sunday Evening Wrap Up Party and what is that?
The Sunday Evening Wrap Up Party is our way to thank you for all your hard work at the con. We provide your meal and arrange for our guest band to put on a private concert as a thank you for all of your hard work.
To attend you must volunteer a minimum of 18 hours at the event.
Attend one meeting in person or with your supervisor online/phone call
If you do not want to or cannot commit to 18 hours of volunteer service, please do not indicate that you would like to attend the Sunday wrap-up on your volunteer application.
What departments need the most help?
While all of our departments are always looking for new volunteers, the PittJCS is always looking for dedicated volunteers and future team leads to help with the following departments: Registration, Merchandising, Security, Programming, and Bag Check.