Staff FAQs
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 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 20 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 DoubleTree 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
In 2019:
A Tekko souvenir cup which gave you the ability to purchase unlimited soda refills from stands throughout the Convention Center (One-Time purchase)
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 20 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 24 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.