Hit the Trail to Oregon May 23-26, 2024
Come for the woodturning, stay for the Oregon Coast, Mount Hood,
Columbia Gorge, wine country, and more.

Portland, Oregon 2024

"Join AAW for their third symposium in Portland, Oregon. All four local woodturning chapters are excited to support the symposium and welcome everyone. Portland is a great place to visit and a launchpad to the beauty of Oregon."

Dale Larson
2024 AAW Symposium Local Lead & AAW Past President

Portland is known for having the amenities of a major city (such as an international airport, an efficient public transit system, major league sports teams and many museums and art galleries) and the charms of a small city (such as plentiful arts and crafts fairs, independent bookstores and local traditions like the annual Rose Festival Parade).

It’s typical to spend a day in Portland strolling through one of the city’s many unique neighborhoods, visiting locally owned businesses, restaurants, public green spaces and cultural attractions.

Perhaps because of our abundant rainfall, Portland’s culture of coziness encourages people to spend time indoors honing their crafts, making art, enjoying delicious food, seeing live music, browsing bookstores, and sipping tea, beer, wine, cocktails and coffee.

Rain or shine, you can take advantage of the city’s proximity to nature by playing in the Willamette River, wandering through lush public parks and gardens, biking the city’s 162 miles (261 km) of bike lanes and hiking trails both within city limits and in the nearby Columbia River Gorge.

How do I sign up?

Once you have opened SignUpGenius by clicking on SIGN-UP above, follow these steps: 1. Review possible sign-up areas and choose one of interest. Click on it to open. 2. Review Time slots needing volunteers. Choose a slot suitable to you and click ‘Sign Up’ box to select. You may select multiple time slots. 3. When you have finished selecting time slots within that sign-up area, click on “Save and Continue” at the bottom. That will take you to another page to fill in your personal info; Name, email and T shirt size. Then click on “Sign Up Now” 4. Close the sign-up screen and SUG will take you back to the list of volunteer options. You can now select another sign-up area and follow the same process. Make sure you fill in both pages and make sure you finish by clicking “Sign Up Now” 5. Sign up for as many time slots as you wish, but make sure you have not selected times from different sign-up areas that overlap. After following this procedure, you will get an email confirmation of the times you signed up for. Review them to make sure it will work for you. You will also get another email reminder a few days before Symposium.
Can I sign-up others under my account in SignUp Genius?

No, each person should create their own SignUp Genius account and sign up. SignUp Genius is not required but it is highly recommended that you make use of this tool. If volunteers do not use the program, they will miss some of the items listed below. It is easy and takes just a few minutes. It shows you all the areas that need volunteers. You can go back into program and sign up for more slots without having to register again. It provides AAW with your email (to send out reminders), cell phone number (if we need to call you during the symposium), and t-shirt size (you receive a free t-shirt for volunteering).
Does my spouse, partner or companion have to buy a registration to volunteer?

No, registration is not required, unless your spouse or companion attends any of the demonstration/panel rotations. You can volunteer in most areas listed without being an AAW member. However, there are a few areas that require you to be a registered AAW member. These areas will state that information in the description.
Can my family members or friends volunteer?

Anyone can volunteer to help. We encourage everyone who is able and willing to volunteer. We encourage spouses, companions, family members, and friends to sign-up. Volunteers do NOT have to be registered for the symposium and/or be an AAW member for most volunteer opportunities. There are a few areas that DO require you to be registered for the symposium and/or be an AAW member. These areas will state that information in the description.
Is there a minimum or maximum amount of time I can volunteer?

There is no limit on the amount of time you can volunteer. The only requirement is that a volunteer must complete the full amount of time that slot requires. Volunteers may sign up for one slot or several slots, as long as slots do not overlap.
Do I get compensation or a discount for volunteering?

There is no compensation or discount for volunteering. Volunteers help ensure a successful symposium. We encourage everyone to sign up to volunteer - woodturners, family members, and friends.
Do I need to be an AAW member to volunteer?

No, volunteers are not required to be AAW members unless they plan to attend any of the Rotations. You may volunteer in most of the areas listed without being a AAW member. There are a few areas that require you to be an AAW member and registered for the symposium. These areas will state that information in the description.