Participate: Be a Hopper!
Hoppers are temporary conference staff who work 8 hours at the conference in exchange for a complementary conference registration and a Tshirt. This can be a great way to get involved with the conference, meet other attendees and get to know ABI staff.
Conference staff agree to work the 8 hours that are assigned, even though this might mean missing a session. Hoppers pay for their own travel expenses (airfare, hotel, etc), which can be substantial. Do not apply to be a Hopper until you have secured funding for your travel expenses.
Work assigned to conference staff will include monitoring program sessions, stuffing conference bags, greeting attendees, taking notes in sessions, staffing the store, and many other things. Work hours may precede the conference or be during the conference. If you sign up for hours that precede the conference, be sure you will be able to arrive at the conference site before your scheduled work hours. This might mean paying for an extra night in the hotel.
If you would like to work as conference staff, please fill out the application before 8/1/08 and do not register for the conference. We will accept applications through 8/7/08 for scholarships applicants who were not selected. You will be notified by 8/31/08 if you have been accepted, at which point you can register for the conference as a Hopper with no registration fee. If you are not accepted as a Hopper, you will be allowed to register for the conference at Early Bird rates.
Work assignments will be communicated by 8/31/08. Conference staff are expected to be available by cell phone during the conference in case it becomes necessary to change work assignments.
Any questions, contact conference staff manager, Sally Ahnger, using the Contact form.