Do you want to make more friends and connections in the woodturning community? Or maybe you're joining a woodturner at the symposium, but aren't a woodturner yourself? Come volunteer for the symposium! We have many useful tasks and time slots available to fit everyone's schedule. We'll teach you everything you need to know on site, and you'll be a large part of making the symposium a success.
Anyone is welcome and encouraged to volunteer at the symposium. This includes woodturners, spouses, partners, family, friends and anyone else interested in lending a hand to help make the symposium happen. Nearly all open volunteer opportunities do not require AAW membership or symposium registration.
When I volunteered, I met a young man in his teens that was a budding woodturner. He told me stories about his learning process and about folks that have helped him. He also shared how he has developed his entrepreneurial skills by selling his turnings. My ‘official’ status by wearing an event ‘volunteer’ T-shirt made this heartwarming conversation possible. - 2022 Symposium Volunteer
Are you part of a woodturning chapter/club that hosts regional or local events? Getting a behind-the-scenes look by volunteering at the largest woodturning symposium of the year is a great way to gain the vital experience needed to successfully run your local chapter events.
Volunteering is not only crucial to the success of the symposium, you will also help support the art and craft of woodturning, meet new people from around the world, work with a team of passionate people, and get a free symposium volunteer t-shirt!
There are many different volunteer options. Here are just a few:
Volunteer Booth
Yes, we need volunteers to volunteer for volunteers! This booth is located near the entry of the symposium where you can see all the smiling woodturners as they enter the expo. Your smiling face will be able to greet the volunteers as they sign in and get their special free volunteer t-shirts, just like yours.
AAW Merchandise Booth
The merchandise booth is a great place to make new friends as you sort through t-shirts, turning smocks, and books. Everyone will want a Louisville souvenir, and you can help them find it!
Registration
If you plan to be in Louisville with your woodturning spouse, volunteer to work at the registration desk. You will be one of the first friendly faces attendees see as you help them check-in or register for the event.
Instant Gallery
Sign up for some volunteer time in the Instant Gallery and help woodturners from all over the world find a table location to show their artistic creations. Meet professional turners and up-and-coming pros as they display their work for others to see. You will also be able to stroll the gallery to admire the displays and make sure the turners’ work stays safe.
I attended a previous AAW symposium and had an afternoon free so I went into the instant gallery. The volunteers that were helping direct the turners to their show space in the instant gallery were very busy so I asked if they could use some help. They signed me up and I had a great experience as a volunteer. -2022 Symposium Volunteer
Learn to Turn Area
Get the joy of seeing future woodturners learn safety measures and new skills, while developing their hand-eye coordination using the turning tools. Watch as they develop their confidence and celebrate their successes with registered family members and friends and YOU as a volunteer helper in the Learn to Turn area.
There are many more volunteer opportunities, including the auctions, lathe raffle, special exhibitions and more. Are you ready to sign up? Create your account on the SignUp Genius webpage and sign up for all the time slots you'd like before they're filled up!
Have more questions? Check out the volunteer FAQ page, or reach out to us at volunteer@woodturner.org