Vegfest Volunteer FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Where, when, and to whom do I report at the event? Go to the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall on Mercer Street, enter to the right of the ticket booths, and you will find the volunteer check-in area on your right. Allow 30-45 minutes before the start of your 4-hour shift. Friday volunteers will be informally directed to a job by Caryn Pierce, volunteer coordinator. Saturday and Sunday volunteers will check in at volunteer check-in and attend an orientation before being directed to a job by Caryn.

Can I sit down during my shift? If you are a food demonstrator, ticket salesperson, or volunteer check-in assistant, the answer is yes. There will be a chair behind your table for you to sit down when you need to.  Other roles, like Chef’s Assistant, Supplies, Greeting, and Stocking are active. You may be on your feet for the entire shift.

Will I get a break during my shift?  Volunteer shifts are planned carefully to ensure that key positions are staffed at all times, so we encourage you to keep breaks to a minimum. Please use the bathroom before the start of your shift if possible. You should take time before or after your shift to look around the event, to eat lunch etc.  If you are working 8 or more hours in a row, ask your Zone Leader (supervisor) for the best time to take a break.  He or she will arrange for someone to cover your role for a short period while you take your break.

Do you have directions/map to the Seattle Center?  The Exhibition Hall is on Mercer Street, next to the McCaw Hall and beneath the Pacific Northwest Ballet.  In the Seattle Center grounds, it is the north side of the big fountain.  Please see our Vegfest Location page for a Seattle Center Map and links to directions and transportation options.

Where can I park?
The closest parking lots are the multi-story lot between Mercer and Roy St and flat parking lots on Roy St and 3^rd Ave.  (See the Vegfest Location page).

What public transportation options are available?
The Seattle Center is well served by public transportation. If you are volunteering at the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall, see the Seattle Center's website for transportation options.

Can I volunteer for the same shift as my friend(s)?
Yes, we do all we can to schedule you for the same shift as your friend(s) if you request to do so. There is a space in the Vegfest Application Form for this purpose. However, we cannot guarantee that you will actually be working together during your shift, since there are many different needs which need to be considered in assigning volunteers to specific roles.

I did the orientation last year.  Do I need to do it again this year?
Yes.  While much of the orientation may be similar to last year, we are continually improving our procedures, so we’d like everyone to be oriented every year.

Is there a dress code?
Every volunteer will receive a T-shirt to wear during their shift(s) - it helps us identify the volunteers from the general public during the event. We don't have a specific dress code, but anyone who is going to be seen by the public should look clean and presentable - no torn or dirty clothes. Long hair must be tied back if preparing or serving food. Those who will be selling tickets or door monitors will need warm clothing underneath their T-shirts, since it can be cold in March, and the doors will probably be open for much of the time.

I'm a food demonstrator. Do I need a food handler's license?
No. volunteers do not need a license.  Our orientation will cover what you need to know in order to perform your assigned task.  A licensed person will be on the premises to supervise.  Please ensure that you wash your hands thoroughly and put on gloves before touching any food.

Is there childcare available?  Sorry, but we are unable to provide childcare.  No children are permitted behind booths. If you need to bring children with you, the best role for you is Outdoor Advertising (see below).

What role can kids do?  No children under 18 may handle money.  Children aged 15-18 can do food demonstrating, table stocking and greeting.  Children under 15, who are supervised by parents, can walk around the Seattle Center grounds with signs & flyers (outdoor advertising) directing visitors to come inside and taste the vegetarian food.

Will there be somewhere to leave my stuff?  We have minimal space in the volunteer area, so most volunteers will need to take their coats with them and store them under or near their booth.  Volunteers with roles where there is no space to store coats may leave coats in the volunteer area.  Volunteers must keep track of their own purses or other valuables.

Will Vegetarians of Washington cover my expenses (like parking)? Sorry, we are a non-profit organization and can't afford to do that. We encourage the use of public transport and carpooling to minimize expenses.

I am volunteering on Friday, in the afternoon, or all day Sunday. Can I attend Vegfest on a different day or in the morning before my shift? Yes. Enter through the volunteer check-in area to the right of the ticket booths.  Report directly to the volunteer table, where you will be given a free ticket. You will still need to check-in before your shift as previously requested.

I'm a vegan. Will I be assigned to a vegan food prep and/or food demo?  The vast majority of the food at Vegfest is vegan.  Please inform the volunteer coordinator or zone leader assigning you to a table if you prefer to serve only vegan foods, and they will ensure that you do not have to serve products containing dairy or eggs.

I need to work at least 5 hours to fulfill a volunteer requirement, and my shift is 4 hours. What should I do?  We always have jobs for you to do!  Come an hour before your shift is supposed to start or stay an hour late.  Just keep our volunteer coordinators informed as to when you are available, and they’ll find an extra hour’s work for you.  Check back in at the volunteer table when you are ready to leave if you need a signature to show how many hours you worked.