Volunteer
That’s the opportunity you’ll receive as a SOBEWFF® student volunteer – an invaluable foundational experience that prepares you to become a future hospitality industry leader. The Festival offers real-world, hands-on experience in a variety of areas including, but not limited to volunteer recruitment, event management, fundraising, logistics and sponsorship fulfillment.
Becoming a Volunteer
Volunteer opportunities are available to the community at large not just our students. We have a variety of roles to suit all interests, backgrounds, and levels of experience and we also provide ADA accommodations. Sign Up to Volunteer!
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers play a major role at all our events which take place at multiples venues and locations throughout South Florida. Volunteer roles vary from greeting guests to providing logistics and operational support. While all volunteers will be required to speak English fluently, certain opportunities require additional skills or qualifications such as culinary skills or holding a valid US driver’s license.
Available Volunteer Roles
Volunteer Roles vary from event to event, but fall under four main categories:
Event Logistic Leads
Work alongside event managers and production teams and assist with leading teams of volunteers.
Front of House (FOH) Volunteers
Assist with guest registration, the Talent Ambassador Program, the SOBEWFF® Auction and general event support.
Back of House (BOH) Volunteers
Assist with event set-up/break-down, inventory, food rescue and the green team.
Culinary Volunteers
Provide culinary support to chefs including prepping, cooking/baking and plating.
Transport
Volunteers in this role will be driving golf carts on-site in a variety of roles. You must have a safe driving status on their US issued driver’s license and must pass a driving test on-site.
Timeline
Leadership applications available
October 2, 2023
Leadership applications are reviewed & selected
View your shifts by logging into Deputy
October 27, 2023
General application window opens
November 1, 2023
SOBEWFF® orientations go live
February 5, 2024
SOBEWFF® volunteers begin to arrive on site
February 19, 2024
SOBEWFF® Festival week is here!
February 22-25, 2024
SOBEWFF® Exit Survey goes live
March 1, 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the volunteer’s position/role be changed once assigned?
Volunteer’s assignments may change as the event evolves. When filling out the volunteer application form, applicants can specify if they require special accommodations or if there are specific tasks they cannot perform for accessibility reasons.
How are volunteers assigned to their roles/positions?
Volunteers will speak to a Recruitment Coordinator as part of their application process, who will assess previous SOBEWFF® or industry experience, interpersonal skills, and availability. If additional skills are required for a position, follow-up interviews or on-site assessments may be needed. No preparation is required ahead of time.
Can we apply in groups?
Yes, corporate groups or organizations that would like to volunteer as a group, please contact [email protected].
Is there an age limit?
Minors between the ages of 14-17 are allowed to volunteer with their parent’s signed consent form at our family events. All other ages are welcome!
As a volunteer, can I attend the events?
All volunteer opportunities require volunteers to be focused on their assigned tasks in order for the events to be successful. The only way to attend and enjoy a SOBEWFF® event is by purchasing a ticket.
Are meals provided?
Meals are provided for all shifts that are four hours or longer. Volunteers that sign up for multiple smaller shifts where meals are not provided, can visit our Volunteer Headquarters located at the Royal Palm Hotel for snacks and refreshments.
Is transportation provided for volunteers?
SOBEWFF® does not provide transportation for volunteers. Carpooling is highly encouraged and currently enrolled FIU students that meet FIU’s eligibility criteria, can be reimbursed for parking up to $20 per day as well as receiving a bonus for giving rides to other volunteers. Join our Discord server and ask to be placed in the carpool chat.
Will hotel or travel accommodations be provided for volunteers?
SOBEWFF® does not cover volunteer hotel accommodations with the exception of pre-determined leadership positions which require volunteers to be on-site for extremely long hours and on-call during the week of the Festival.
Are volunteers paid?
Volunteers are not paid. Currently enrolled FIU students that meet FIU’s eligibility criteria, receive a scholarship for volunteering.