Vegfest Volunteer FAQ

(Frequently Asked Questions)

Where and to whom do I report? 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. Friday volunteers will be informally directed to a task by volunteer coordinator, Caryn Pierce. Saturday and Sunday volunteers will check in at the volunteer desk and attend orientation before Caryn directs you to a specific task.

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 on 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 lot is the multi-story lot between Mercer and Roy St. Carpool if you can. On Sundays, on-street parking is free, so you may be able to find a free spot. (See the Vegfest Location page).

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.

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.

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.  A volunteer at the check-in desk will verify that your name is on the list and allow you to enter free of charge. Friends and family who are not volunteering will still need to purchase tickets, and you will still need to check-in at the volunteer desk before your shift starts as previously requested.

Can I volunteer with my friend(s)? Yes, there is a place on the Vegfest Application Form where you can list the friends you want to volunteer with. If you each fill out an online application requesting the same role and shift, you will most likely be assigned to work together or at least near each other during Vegfest. It also helps if you arrive together and attend orientation at the same time as it may be difficult to keep track of each other in the crowded Exhibition Hall. However, because of the many different volunteer needs that arise during Vegfest, we cannot guarantee that you will be working together. The volunteer coordinator needs the flexibility to assign volunteers where they are most needed.

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, Demo Support, 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 plan to take time before or after (not during) your shift to look around the event. 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 assignment for a short period while you take your break.

I am volunteering all day (8 hours or more), what should I do about meals? While there is a drinking fountain back by the restrooms and plenty of free food being served all around the exhibition hall, the water may be far away from your work station and the samples are being served in small bite sized pieces in a crowded room. It may not be practical to get a full meal during your short break. We recommend bringing your own water bottle and a sack lunch to supplement the samples you are able to pick up during your break. Also, please do not eat while you are volunteering at your assigned task.

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 to their work area and store them on the back of their chair or under the table. Volunteers with roles where they will be up and walking around the Exhibition Hall may leave coats in the volunteer area. Volunteers must keep track of their own purses or other valuables.

Is childcare available? Sorry, but we are unable to provide childcare.  No children aged 14 or younger are permitted behind booths. If you need to bring children with you, the best role for you is Outdoor Advertising (see below).

Is there a role kids can do? Children aged 15-17 can do food demonstrating, table stocking and greeting.  Children under 15, who are supervised by parents or teachers, can walk around the Seattle Center grounds with signs & flyers (outdoor advertising) directing visitors to come inside and taste the vegetarian food.

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.

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 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 greeting will need warm clothing underneath their T-shirts, since it can be cold in April, and the doors will probably be open for much of the time.

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.

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 milk or eggs.