Staff
Welcome to the ConnectiCon Staff page. Here you will find information on our dedicated Staff, and any current Staffing opportunities.
All staff and volunteer positions of ConnectiCon are unpaid positions. They consist of people who believe in the community and the success of the organization. An interest in attending conventions, in their fandom, and previous convention experience is not required to join; however, it is helpful to have experience/knowledge in any of these areas. For staff positions, leadership and organizational skills are recommended.
Please read all the information about our positions, policies, and benefits before submitting your application. By joining Staff, you agree to abide by these rules and policies or else face consequences determined by Executive Staff.
Staff Information
At-Con Staff Information
Staff Rules
Staff FAQ
Open Positions
Staff
A Staff Member is a person who does work for the convention year-round. Responsibilities of a staff member may include, but are not limited to:
• planning and running events (during the year and during the convention)
• creating programming schedules
• set-up and clean-up of events
• regularly attending meetings and events
• overseeing volunteers
• promoting events
• enforcing the rules of the convention
• settling disputes in correlation to your convention duties
• trouble-shooting challenges and emergency situations
• communicating with other staff members/departments, convention center staff, guests and industry professionals, and members via phone, e-mail, forums, and in person
At-Con Staff
At-Con Staff Members are people who assume staff roles and responsibilities during the convention only. They are not required to attend regular staff meetings and events, and are usually not involved with the pre-planning of events.
Rules
All Staff and Volunteers are subject to the rules and policies of the Convention, the office building, and Convention Center, as well as any laws in the state of Connecticut. As a Staff Member, you are considered a public face of the organization and will be expected to conduct yourselves in a professional manner. The rules in this section apply at all times; during events/meetings and outside of the context of the convention (online, other conventions, etc.) This is to protect the convention, its staff, volunteers, affiliates, and its members from harm and legal ramifications.
AS STAFF, YOU WILL NOT…
-steal money or items from the convention, its staff, volunteers, attendees, sponsors, vendors, business associates, etc.
-endanger, harass, or threaten other staff members, volunteers, attendees, guests, vendors, etc. verbally, physically, or sexually. Be aware that if you take physical action (even attempting to restrain or subdue a member), you take legal responsibility upon yourself. If possible, contact security first.
-grossly abuse your authority (see FAQ for details).
-attend any ConnectiCon events while intoxicated, bring alcohol/illicit drugs/contraband onto the premises, or attempt to sell contraband items at events. In addition, make sure you are fit to work on-call throughout the duration of ConnectiCon events.
-participate in or become an accessory to any rule or law violations. This includes not handling or reporting misconduct.
-allow non-staff members into staff/guest of honor hotel rooms or other staff areas unless instructed to.
-abandon your duties without prior notification.
-handle duties and situations in an unprofessional manner. This includes, but is not limited to: yelling/screaming, physical contact, accusations, public defamation/gossip, insubordination, etc.
-solicit guests, vendors, businesses, make managerial decisions (how to handle challenges or emergencies, confiscate badges, expel someone from the premises, or strip anyone of their position) or make public statements (this includes interaction on any community outlets) unless you have the authority to do so.
-discuss internal convention matters with anyone outside of Staff. This includes, but is not limited to: unannounced guests, events, changes, disagreements or legal issues with guests, staff, vendors, or attendees, non-public financial information, etc. Such matters are confidential, in accordance with convention policies and CT state laws.
-intentionally subvert the policies and procedures of the convention, even if you disagree with them. They are there for a reason! Talk to us about them or any other issues first!
Staff members must adhere to any additional rules and guidelines set forth in the ConnectiCon Staff Handbook, which is subject to changes. Executive Staff reserve the right to take disciplinary action against any Staff members they deem to be in violation of Staff conduct not explicitly stated, with certain exceptions.
F.A.Q.
What are the requirements of becoming Staff?
-You must be at least 18 years of age and able to perform your position’s duties.
-Unless you apply for an at-con position, you must commit to attending at least 3 staff meetings or events throughout the planning year.
-You must commit to 25-30+ hours of volunteering throughout the convention weekend, usually in 4-8 hour shifts, or as needed.
-You must present yourself professionally at all times during events and convention-related instances. This includes, but is not limited to, following Staff Rules and procedures, and wearing your Staff shirt and badge while on duty (and taking them off when you are not on duty.)
What if I can’t meet the requirements?
We can waive attendance requirements for people living far away or who are otherwise unable to attend regular meetings (illness, work, transportation, etc.) If you cannot keep up with the work for whatever reason, you can always volunteer for the convention or become part of At-Con Staff.
WORKING AT THE CONVENTION IS REQUIRED OF ALL STAFF AND IS NOT NEGOTIABLE.
How do I become At-Con Staff?
If you are interested in joining staff, but cannot commit to it on a regular basis, you may be able to obtain At-Con Staff status from a Department Head or Executive Staff member. We always require trustworthy people to handle important at-con jobs such as registration, tournaments/prize system, and operations duties. We prefer that you have already volunteered or staffed a convention before, and/or that we are very familiar with you.
What are the benefits of becoming a staff member?
Aside from helping out the convention and making it the best possible convention it can be, staff members have a few privileges, both tangible and invaluable. The work is hard, but we have a blast doing it.
First, the boring stuff:
Volunteering for a convention is a learning experience; it gives you a whole new perspective on the activities you enjoy, and you may learn valuable skills. You can learn about conventions, how they run, behind-the-scenes information about the various industries you are interested in, etc. You can add your volunteer work to a résumé or application, including any staff titles you may obtain. In addition, you can build a diverse network of friends, colleagues, and industry professionals.
Stuff people care about:
-free membership for the following year and a Staff badge (staff polo shirt must be purchased for $12).
-free hotel accommodations for the duration of the convention with a commitment to work at least 24 hours at the event.
-if you volunteer for ConnectiCon during other events and conventions, you may be reimbursed to attend those events (a free badge, gas, etc.) if given prior approval.
-a 35% staff discount on merchandise purchased through the Member’s Shop, including the ability to special order certain items.
-access to the staff after party (free food!)
-commission on advertising sales (see offers for details.)
What are NOT benefits of becoming a staff member?
Staff members do not get paid for their positions. We would like to pay everyone, but it is currently impossible with the growing costs of the convention. They may, however, be reimbursed for convention-related expenses, with prior approval. You also may not abuse your staff privileges. Doing so may result in disciplinary action.
What is considered abuse of privileges?
Though staff members wield a certain amount of authority, they may never abuse their powers. This includes, but is not limited to:
-using your staff status for unreasonable personal gains:
-accessing database information without authorization
-stealing personal information from members/the convention/affiliates
-stealing money or items from members/the convention/affiliates
-giving “freebies” or other special privileges to yourself or anyone without authorization
-threatening or intimidating anyone
-soliciting special privileges from other organizations/events/persons in the con’s name without
permission
-accessing industry professionals for personal means only, etc.
-you have no legal authority and cannot “enforce” any rules or laws; uncooperative persons must be handled by convention center staff or local emergency/law enforcement personnel
Doing any of the aforementioned may result in you getting kicked out of/banned from the organization, the convention, or result in legal actions against you depending on the offence. (These decisions are usually made by the President.) If you are unsure about the boundaries and limitations of your position, and they are not discussed here, consult with an executive staff member.
What are the other rules and policies of ConnectiCon Staff?
They can be found here.
How can I contact Staff or a department?
Please use our contact submission form.
Open Positions
Please fill out the form thoroughly when applying for the positions listed below. You may be required to submit other information or documents in addition to your initial application.
Listings by Department:
Artists’ Colony
A/V
Communications
Console Gaming
Cosplay HQ
Dealer’s Room
FMV Contest
Gaming
Guest Relations
Main Events
Online Media Guests
Operations
Panels, Workshops, and Special Events
Registration
Screenings
Communications
Public Relations Crew
Public Relations is responsible for working with the Press and other public relations attending the convention. The crew develops and implements PR strategies as delegated by the Public Relations Department Manager. Public Relations Crew will be coordinating interviews and meetings as a liaison between ConnectiCon Staff, Guests of Honor, Media Outlets and other spokespeople from groups and organizations to build a positive relationship with the media. Responsibilities include answering questions from the media or other groups and organizations, researching information before the convention, handling equipment, handing out pamphlets and brochures to the press, maintaining and updating information throughout the convention, handling sensitive PR situations as delegated by the Department Manager, and meeting the general needs of the Press.
Board Game Instructors
Board game instructors perform two functions; assisting with board game library sign outs/ins which includes recommending games to be played, and teaching games to new players, whether as part of a scheduled event, or as requested by convention attendees. At-con instructors may be awarded ticket prize support, to be used at the convention, in addition to other staff benefits. When submitting an application, please include a list of games you are capable of teaching.
Guest Relations
Guest Handler
Each guest handler works as the primary point of contact for one or more guests to keep said guests on schedule and help facilitate any requests they may have. Handlers must check in with division director throughout weekend and are on-call for the entire duration of the convention. Please note all guest relations positions require a level of professionalism and decorum. Applicants MUST provide references and should have relevant experience. Must be 21 or older.
Guest Handler & Booth Manager
Some of our guests have booths where they sell merchandise and sign autographs, and, in addition to the duties listed under the Guest Handler description, handlers of said guests will also need to work one shift per day helping manage their guest's booth. Please note all guest relations positions require a level of professionalism and decorum. Applicants MUST provide references and should have relevant experience. Strong preference of 21 or older.
Information Desk Staff
The Information Desk staff is responsible for providing excellent customer service in assisting the general questions of the members attending the convention. As this is a high-volume position, the Info Desk staff must be able to multi-task and be able to prioritize tasks while maintaining great communication (and possibly taking notes.) Responsibilities may include answering questions, giving directions, assisting members with the program book and its associated maps, reading schedules, coordinating with department heads and their staff, and having general knowledge of ConnectiCon and the Hartford area.
Operations Crew
Operations Crew is responsible for being a jack of all trades at the convention. The ideal candidate for this position must be able to provide excellent customer service and can easily adapt to situations for troubleshooting and resolving problems. The Operations Crew member must be flexible and ready to take on any given task at the convention. Some examples of responsibilities include transporting equipment, relaying pertinent information to staff, communicating with members attending the convention, enforcing convention policies, inspecting equipment, maintaining orderly appearance of storage areas, conducting inventory counts, providing supervision during large-scale events and providing any general labor assigned by the Operations Manager. It is important that the Operations Crew follows the convention rules and conduct to set an example and to ensure the safety of the members attending the convention.
Line Crew
Line Crew is responsible for coordinating lines for events. This includes organizing members, directing traffic, guiding members away from doorways and fire exits, and ensuring the general safety of the members. In some instances, lines will start outside of an event but be separated into several different line queues throughout the convention center, which requires the crew to communicate by speaking clearly and using specific signs to guide the members attending the convention. The crew is also responsible for counting the number of people in line and corresponding with the event leader.
Overnight Operations Crew
Overnight Operations Crew provides supervision and ensures the safety of members who are attending the overnight events at the attached Marriott hotel and Spotlight Theaters. Night events include the dance, video games, console games and screenings. Responsibilities include watching doorways, monitoring hallways and ensuring the general safety of members attending the convention. Overnight Operations Crew are also responsible for coordinating with their immediate supervisor in case of an emergency. The Overnight Operations Crew are not required to work during the daytime of the convention.
Panels, Workshops, and Special Events
Panel Room Attendant
A staff member who supervises individual panel/workshop rooms to ensure smooth operations at-con. They assist the panelist pre-panel in any tech. or logistical needs, completes the review sheet/check list for each panel at the start of the panel and clears room at end of panel. They routinely check that tech. or AV equipment is still operational. They also assist the Cityside/Riverside managers in directing panel room lines, ensure rooms are not over capacity of fire code and politely turns attendees away if panel is at capacity. At-con only. No experience required. Must be able to sit or stand for long periods of time.
Registration
Registration Clerk/Horse-Shoe Operator (6+ shifts)
A staff member who attends the Registration Desk or Horse-Shoe Desk at intervals throughout the weekend. They are responsible for serving, interacting with, and checking in members using the Con electronic database, occasionally handling monetary transactions, answering questions and referring issues to senior staff as necessary. Can be at-con only. No experience required- customer service, cashiering, and related experience helpful. Good place to learn! Must be able to sit or stand for long periods of time and use a computer with some proficiency.
