How’s this for a resume booster:

“Assisted in the planning and execution of the nation’s premier wine and food festival alongside some of the world’s most renowned chefs, culinary personalities, and wine and spirits producers.”

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.

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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.

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Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers play a major role at all our events which take place at multiple 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 the following 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, directional support, general event support, talent relations, and the SOBEWFF® Auction.

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 your US issued driver’s license and must pass a driving test on-site.

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Timeline

Leadership applications available

Apply online via SOBEWFF® Lead Application

September 12, 2022

Leadership applications are reviewed & selected

View your shifts by logging into Deputy

September 26, 2022

General application window opens

Click here to schedule your appointment

October 3, 2022

SOBEWFF® orientations go live

Click here to view your orientation

February 1, 2023

SOBEWFF® volunteers begin to arrive on site

Need to contact us? Click to chat with us on Discord

February 20, 2023

SOBEWFF® Festival week is here!

Need to contact us? Click to chat with us on Discord

February 23-27, 2023

SOBEWFF® Exit Survey goes live

Click here to submit exit survey

March 1, 2023

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are volunteers paid?

Volunteers are not paid. Currently enrolled FIU students that meet FIU’s eligibility criteria, receive a scholarship for volunteering.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Can we apply in groups?

Yes, corporate groups or organizations that would like to volunteer as a group, please contact [email protected].

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 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.

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