Volunteer

Volunteers play a really important role at Chicago Stationery Fest! We work hard to ensure volunteers have a positive experience performing their volunteer duties and connecting with other volunteers, event staff, festival participants, and vendors. 

Chicago Stationery Fest is successful in part because of all of our wonderful volunteers! Volunteer activities include supporting vendors with load in and teardown, assisting attendees with check-in and wayfinding, helping event staff with crowd control and line management, tending to vendor needs in the vendor lounge, and pre-festival tasks like organizing supplies and filling gift bags. It is a great experience to connect with other passionate stationery fans while also gaining professional skills. 

What Does Volunteering at CSF Look Like? 

To be a volunteer, you must be able to make the following time commitment requirements: 

• February 2026 — Attend a VIRTUAL Volunteer Onboarding Call 

• March 2026 — Complete at least one 6-hour shift during or leading up to the event (you may also volunteer for additional shifts if you have interest)!

As a volunteer, you must be committed to: 

• Loving stationery and how it brings all of us together! 

• Working with others to create an excellent event space for fellow stationery fans.

• Acting with kindness and caring in all interactions with attendees, fellow volunteers, vendors, and event staff.

• Maintaining your composure in moments of stress.

• Understanding that flexibility is key with CSF volunteering, as volunteers may support a range of different event needs. As the weekend progresses, we may have different needs that need to be met. 

As a volunteer, you must: 

• Be at least 18 years of age

• Be able to stand for much of this 6-hour volunteer shift. The majority of volunteer opportunities involve being able to stand for long periods of time and walk around the venue. 

• If this is not possible for you, please let us know, as there will be some seated volunteer opportunities. 

• Be able to and prepared to lift at least 20 pounds. 

• If this is not possible for you, please let us know if you cannot.

As a volunteer, you will receive:

• With volunteering for at least one 6-hour shift, you receive Weekend Pass Admission to the Chicago Stationery Festival as part of our appreciation to you. 

• Time connecting with the CSF volunteer and staff community as we work together to build the first CSF! 

• A CSF shirt to wear during your volunteer shift

• Professional skillbuilding

Questions You May Have: 

Will CSF reimburse me for my parking or transit to CSF venue? 

No, we will not be doing reimbursements, but we do encourage volunteers to use public transportation to arrive on-site! 

Is there a space to lock up my personal belongings? 

There is a very small space in the venue for staff and volunteers; however, space will be limited and this space will not be regularly monitored. Therefore, it is not recommended to bring valuables to volunteer. 

Are there snacks and beverages available to volunteers? 

CSF will provide light snacks, coffee, and water in a dedicated area at the event for volunteers. 

Is there a dress code for me to volunteer? 

Please wear your CSF shirt during your volunteer shift! Other than that, please be comfortable during your shift! We recommend wearing comfortable walking/running shoes that also have traction and grip that you can use to move quickly around the venue or outside of the venue during the winter as needed.

Am I allowed to enjoy alcoholic beverages at CSF while volunteering? 

No. We ask all volunteers and staff to abstain from drinking while completing their work. You’re welcome to enjoy alcohol after your shift!