Dear Interested Volunteer,
You can be part of the OCEANS 2022 Hampton Roads Conference! We are looking for volunteers for one of the world’s most diverse and prestigious conferences and expositions regarding our most critical resource – the oceans.
This international conference is a major forum for global thought leaders and innovators in the areas of marine technology, engineering, science, research, and education to gather and exchange their knowledge and ideas regarding the future of the world’s oceans. Conference attendees will hear from industry experts, engineers, and scientists regarding the latest in maritime research, technical innovations, and environmental issues and policies affecting the field of marine science.
The conference will be held at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. More than 2,000 attendees and 100+ exhibitors are expected, and over 500 technical papers have been submitted for presentation. You can be part of this! The volunteer program will reward you with an enriching conference experience and provide you with special opportunities to learn more about Oceanography, Marine Science, and Engineering.
Technical Session Assistants: Ten (10) Volunteers needed for each indicated shift:
| Date | Morning Shift | Afternoon Shift |
| Mon, OCT 17 | None | None |
| Tue, OCT 18 | None | 12:30 – 5:00PM |
| Wed, OCT 19 | 9:30AM-12:00PM | 12:30 – 5:00PM |
| Thu, OCT 20 | 7:00 – 10:00AM | 12:30 – 5:00PM |
Human Arrows / Exhibit Hall Assistance: Four (4) Volunteers needed for each indicated shift:
| Date | Morning Shift | Afternoon Shift |
| Mon, OCT 17 | None | None |
| Tue, OCT 18 | 7:30AM-12:00PM | 1:00 – 5:00PM |
| Wed, OCT 19 | 7:30AM-12:00PM | 1:00 – 5:00PM |
| Thu, OCT 20 | 8:00AM-12:00PM | 1:00 – 5:00PM |
Speaker Preparation: One (1) Volunteer needed for each indicated shift:
| Date | Morning Shift | Afternoon Shift |
| Mon, OCT 17 | None | None |
| Tue, OCT 18 | 7:30AM-12:00PM | 1:00 – 5:00PM |
| Wed, OCT 19 | 7:30AM-12:00PM | 1:00 – 5:00PM |
| Thu, OCT 20 | 8:00 – 11:00AM | 1:00 – 3:00PM |
Conference Bag Assembly: Eight (8) Volunteers needed for Saturday, OCT 15 from 10:00AM – 2:00PM. Location: Virginia Beach Convention Center.
Ice Breaker Greeter / Support: Three (3) Volunteers needed for Monday, OCT 17 from 5:30 – 8:30PM. Location: Virginia Beach Aquarium.
Conference Gala Greeter / Support: Three (3) Volunteers needed for Wednesday, OCT 19 from 6:00 – 9:30PM. Location: Norfolk Nauticus Museum.
Volunteer Position Descriptions and Benefits
Volunteer positions do not require any special experience, but it is important that applicants be reliable and conscientious. Volunteer positions will require a minimum of four-five hours of duty on days you are available to support the conference (either morning or afternoon shifts). Positions that need to be filled, along with a short description of duties, are listed below:
- Technical Session Assistants: This is the most critical need for volunteers. Serve as session chair assistants. Learn how to run a technical session at a professional Help session chairs with time keeping, A/V issues, disseminating/collecting session evaluations, and deal with unanticipated issues as required. Note: these volunteers should be technologically savvy.
- Human Arrows / Exhibit Hall Assistance: Assist conference planners with conference signage and other Provide direction to attendees during breaks and heavy traffic flow periods. Help with planned student activities as needed.
- Speaker Prep Support: Help speakers with equipment, supplies, questions, and any other needs they may have as they get ready for their presentations.
- Student Poster Session Support: Work directly with the student poster session coordinator to make sure posters are properly installed and that required support material is accessible at every board.
- Conference Packet Assembly Support: This activity is scheduled for the Saturday before the conference (OCT 15th). Help assemble conference bags that are distributed during registration. Normally takes between two – four hours depending on the number of volunteers and the amount of material included in each bag.
- Offsite Venue Greeters. Help check-in attendees at the conference offsite events – the Ice Breaker reception at the Virginia Beach Aquarium on OCT 17th and the conference Gala dinner at Nauticus in Norfolk on OCT 19th.
There are several positions available for each description. Volunteers selected to work at OCEANS 2022 will receive the following benefits:
- Registration to the conference, including technical sessions and keynote addresses;
- Access to the exhibit floor;
- Lunch and admission to special events on day(s) worked;
- A T-shirt which will identify you to participants as a volunteer.
Volunteer Information Note:
Please feel free to volunteer for as many days, shifts and events that you are available to support. Orientation / training will be provided for each position at the beginning of each shift. Confirmation of all OCEANS 2022 volunteer assignments will be provided to those who respond no later than September 23rd. Please contact the Conference Volunteer Coordinator, Tom Bosse by email or phone if there are any questions.
We are eager to receive your online volunteer application and look forward to hearing from you,
Tom Bosse
OCEANS 2022 Conference Volunteer Coordinator
Phone: 757-477-4534
Email: tebosse@aol.com