Call4Volunteers

SFSCON is looking for motivated Volunteers who want to become an active part of the event organisation. The conference takes place every year in November at NOI Techpark Bolzano/Bozen, while the Volunteer programme starts from September onwards.

As SFSCON continues to grow in size, complexity and number of activities, the volunteering programme has been designed to involve Volunteers in the organisational process. This approach allows them to gradually gain a clear understanding of the event, its structure and operations.

How does the Volunteer programme work?

From September, selected Volunteers will:

  • participate in briefing and onboarding sessions
  • get introduced to the conference structure and operations
  • support preparatory coordination activities
  • progressively become familiar with roles, spaces and workflows

By the time of the event, Volunteers will act as SFSCON ambassadors: they will be prepared in advance and are expected to be aware of the full conference flow. They will support participants, speakers and staff across different operational activities and contribute to the overall conference experience.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for curious, reliable and motivated people who are willing to actively contribute to the success of the event. Volunteers should be comfortable working in a collaborative environment, adaptable to changing operational needs and ready to support different areas of the conference when required.

Requirements and commitment 

To take part in the Programme, Volunteers must: 

  • be able to operate in an international environment where English is the working language used throughout the conference
  • be fully available on the days of the conference
  • be available to attend briefings, training sessions and coordination meetings from September onwards

An interest in technology, Free Software, Open Source and digital innovation is considered a plus. Previous volunteering experience is not mandatory, technical expertise is not required. 

Participation in the Volunteer programme requires a commitment from September through the conference days. Volunteers are expected to attend all briefings, training sessions and coordination meetings organised by the SFSCON team, as well as be available during the conference days.

Applicants are therefore expected to review the calendar carefully and apply only if they can commit to all activities.

The Volunteer programme calendar for SFSCON 2026 is outlined below:

  • SFSCON – Kickoff Volunteers | Wednesday, 16th September 2026 ⋅12:00 – 1:00PM
  • SFSCON Volunteers update meeting | Wednesday, 30th September 2026 ⋅12:00 – 1:00PM
  • SFSCON Volunteers update meeting | Wednesday, 14th October 2026 ⋅12:00 – 1:00PM
  • SFSCON Volunteers update meeting | Wednesday, 28th October 2026 ⋅12:00 – 1:00PM
  • SFSCON Volunteers update meeting | Wednesday, 4th November 2026 ⋅12:00 – 1:00PM
  • SFSCON Volunteers organization on site | Wednesday & Thursday 11th – 12th November 2026
  • SFSCON event days | Friday & Saturday 13th – 14th November 2026

Training sessions, briefings and on-site tasks are predefined by the organisation in order to ensure coordination and operational reliability.

What will you do?

Volunteers support the SFSCON team across several operational areas before and during the conference. Depending on organisational needs, activities include:

  • Info points and visitor support
  • Logistics and wayfinding
  • General operational support across the venue
  • Speakers and Supporters check-in and assistance
  • Room monitoring during talks and workshops
  • Workshop support
  • Hackathon support
  • Participant registration and check-in

Additional organisational and preparation activities will be introduced during the onboarding Programme starting in September.

What will you gain?

Participants will receive an official Certificate of participation, the SFSCON hoodie and food vouchers for the duration of the event. 

By joining the SFSCON Volunteer programme, you will gain hands-on experience in the organisation of an international Free Software and Open Source conference, working closely with the SFSCON team at NOI Techpark.

This is a unique opportunity to understand how a large-scale tech event is designed and delivered in practice. Volunteers will also benefit from networking opportunities by interacting with speakers, companies and professionals working in the fields of technology, Open Source and innovation.

Overall, the experience provides a concrete opportunity to strengthen your CV, particularly for those interested in event organisation, technology, community management or Open Source ecosystems. 

Application

Applications are open until 1st September. To apply for the SFSCON Volunteer programme, please complete the application form below. Selected candidates will be contacted by the SFSCON team after the application deadline with further information about the next steps of the selection and onboarding process.

We encourage you to apply only if you can commit to the full Volunteer programme, including meetings, training sessions and conference days. 

Fill the following form to apply:

Apply by 1st September