To become a member of the Convention Support Team, please fill out the application located on out website

Please note the following:

• Selecting an area does not guarantee placement in that area.

• Some areas receive more requests than available positions.

• All shifts will be scheduled by the Convention Support Team Coordinator

• Please request only the areas and times of day you genuinely intend to work.

All Convention Support Team members must successfully complete the required background check before being officially approved.

If you have questions, please contact:

volunteer@gama.org

Electronic contracts and required documentation must be completed before your first scheduled shift.

Convention Support Team members are expected to:

• Maintain a professional and courteous attitude

• Provide excellent customer service

• Be reliable and punctual

• Work cooperatively with attendees, exhibitors, and staff

• Follow convention policies and procedures

Most positions do not require specialized experience. However, all roles involve some level of attendee interaction.

Additional requirements include:

• Passing a basic background check

• Attending an online Convention Support Team meeting with the Convention Support Team Coordinator

The background check is conducted through CoreScreening.

Approved applicants will receive an email with instructions to complete the process. GAMA does not receive or store your Social Security number. Only limited public-record information related to the screening is provided to GAMA.

No. Convention Support Team badges are assigned after your hours and eligibility are approved.

If you purchase a badge before receiving your Convention Support Team badge, any refund requests will be subject to the registration system’s refund policies and fees.

Once your shifts are approved and your background check has been completed, you will be sent a unique code to register for your badge.

Please note even if Origins sells out for one or more days, approved Convention Support Team members will still receive their badges.

Convention Support Team Leads are experienced team members who have demonstrated strong leadership, reliability, and communication skills.

Leads oversee designated areas of the convention and serve as the primary point of contact for Convention Support Team members working in those areas.

Responsibilities may include:

• Assisting attendees

• Answering questions

• Coordinating team members

• Managing area operations

• Communicating with staff

If you are interested in becoming a Convention Support Team Lead, please email volunteer@gama.org. Openings are limited, but interested candidates are considered when positions become available.

No. Game Masters (GMs) are separate from the Convention Support Team program.

Game Masters run scheduled games and events during the convention. For information about becoming a GM, please visit the GM section of the Origins website.

No. Due to insurance requirements and the mandatory background check process, all Convention Support Team members must be at least 18 years old.

Unfortunately, no. All Convention Support Team members must complete the application and background check process before the convention begins.

Because assignments and staffing needs are planned in advance, on-site applications cannot be accepted.

Shift schedules are created based on operational needs within each area of the convention. The Convention Support Team Coordinator will schedule you based on your requested areas and availability.

General scheduling guidelines:

• Most shifts are four hours long

• Some positions may require six-hour shifts

• Shift overlaps are sometimes scheduled to allow smoother transitions

• Overlapping shifts cannot be selected

• If you are only working 8 -15 hours, you will be required to have 1 Friday and 1 Saturday shift, that are between the hours of 2pm -12 am

• If working 16+ hours you will be required to have 1 shift on either Thursday, Friday, or Saturday.

If you are unable to work a scheduled shift, contact the Convention Support Team Coordinator as soon as possible through:

• Email: Volunteer@gama.org

• Discord

That is entirely your preference, but please note that shifts are going to be made based on need, so if you only want to work in one area and that is full you will be placed where you are needed.

Several factors are considered when approving shifts, including:

• Operational needs

• Previous experience

• Total volunteer hours

• Area staffing requirements

Because some positions are highly requested, assignments are not always guaranteed.

Bathroom breaks are permitted as needed. Please notify your Convention Support Team Lead before leaving your station.

To ensure adequate coverage:

• Avoid waiting until the last possible moment

• Return promptly after your break

• Do not leave the area unattended

Please note:

• Bathroom breaks are not intended for meals, shopping, or extended time away from the area

• Meal breaks should be planned into your schedule whenever possible

• Back-to-back shifts may not always include an automatic break period

If you have a medical condition requiring scheduled meals or accommodations, please notify your area lead or staff member in advance.

Convention Support Team members should plan to arrive early enough to:

• Pass through security checkpoints

• Visit Registration

• Pick up supplies

• Report to their assigned area on time

Convention Support Team members are expected to maintain a neat, professional, and respectful appearance.

Dress code expectations include:

• Wear your official Origins Convention Support Team shirt

• Wear clean, appropriate bottoms

• Avoid ripped or excessively tight clothing

• Shorts or skirts should be appropriate and approximately knee-length

• Wear suitable footwear for your assigned area

Important safety note:

• Closed-toe shoes are required in the exhibit hall during set-up and teardown periods

Additional expectations:

• Maintain good personal hygiene

• Do not wear clothing with explicit language or imagery

• Avoid clothing or accessories displaying political affiliations while on shift

• Smoking and vaping are prohibited inside the convention center

Comfortable shoes are strongly recommended.

While wearing a Convention Support Team shirt, you are representing Origins Game Fair and GAMA, even when off shift.

Please maintain a professional and respectful attitude at all times.

Convention Support Team members should:

• Treat attendees courteously

• Avoid criticizing convention programming or activities

• Refrain from negative comments about exhibitors, products, or pricing

• Assist attendees whenever possible or direct them to someone who can help

Exhibitors and attendees are essential to the success of Origins, and professionalism is expected in all interactions.

Convention Support Team badges are picked up at Registration.

Additional materials, including:

• T-shirts

• Time sheets

• Assignment information

• Other convention materials

will be available at the information booth.

Origins staff members wear black GAMA staff shirts and official GAMA name badges.

Convention Support Team Leads will identify themselves within their assigned areas.

Yes.

Your time sheet must be signed by a Convention Support Team Lead or staff member to verify attendance and hours worked.

At the end of your final shift:

• Submit your completed time sheet to the information booth

• Ensure all shifts are properly signed

Unsigned or missing time sheets may delay or prevent payment processing.

Convention Support Team Leads should have another lead or a GAMA staff member verify and sign their hours.

Any work beyond your approved schedule must receive prior approval from registration management.

Approved additional time should be recorded separately on your time sheet.

No. Convention Support Team members are responsible for bringing their own water or refillable bottles.

Staying hydrated during the convention is strongly encouraged.

Yes, within reason.

Guidelines include:

• Drinks must have secure lids

• Beverages should remain off desks and away from electronics or paperwork

• Snacks should be consumed discreetly and during slower periods

• Meals should be eaten during designated breaks whenever possible

Please keep food and beverages out of attendee-facing areas whenever practical.

If you have a medical need requiring food or drink access, notify your Convention Support Team Lead.

That depends on your assigned role.

Some positions involve primarily standing or walking, while others include desk or seated responsibilities.

If you have accessibility concerns or physical accommodation needs, please contact volunteer@gama.org before the convention so we can help place you appropriately.

If an issue arises during the convention:

1. Contact your Convention Support Team Lead first

2. If additional assistance is needed, contact the Convention Support Team Coordinator or a staff member

3. The Information Booth can also assist with contacting staff

Convention Support Team Coordinator Contact Information:

• Phone: 614-506-4868, during the show please text as e-mails are not checked regularly

• Email: volunteer@gama.org

Staff members can be identified by their black Origins staff shirts.

For concerns outside convention dates, please contact the Convention Support Team Coordinator by email.