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Job Description

Job Title: Panels and Meetups Team

Division: Programming
Department: Panels and Meetups
Reports to: Panels and Meetups Manager
Position Type: Unpaid Volunteer
Location: Remote with occasional in-person meetings (location-dependent), expected to be on-site during convention dates, including the day before and the day after for setup and teardown.

About Anthro SoCal

Anthro SoCal is a community-driven convention celebrating furry fandom through art, performance, gaming, and social connection. Our success depends on the dedication and enthusiasm of our volunteer team. Anthro SoCal was formally known as Another Furry Con in 2024-2025.

Position Overview

The Panels and Meetups Team member is the essential frontline facilitator for the core community programming of the convention. In this staff-level role, you are responsible for overseeing the smooth operation of our panel rooms and meetup spaces -acting as the primary point of contact and helper for community presenters and hosts. You will bridge the gap between backstage operations and everyday attendees, ensuring that rooms are set up on time, technical issues are resolved rapidly, and accurate attendance data is tracked. If you are an organized, helpful, and proactive problem-solver who wants to support the diverse creators and sub-communities that make our event thrive, this role is a perfect fit.

Time Commitment

• Year-round: None
• As convention approaches: Attend online staff meetings and trainings when requested
• Convention weekend: On-site presence is required with flexible hours
• Pre and post-convention: On-site presence is required to assist with setup and teardown activities the day before and the day after the event

Key Responsibilities

Your role will center around space readiness, host hospitality, technical troubleshooting, and data collection:

• Host Readiness & Hospitality: Welcome and brief panelist and meetup hosts before their scheduled slots. You will ensure they are in the correct room, have their required materials, and are ready to start their session on time
• Space & Technical Troubleshooting: Act as the primary on-site problem solver for the spaces on behalf of the convention. You will step in to troubleshoot minor laptop connections, microphone volumes, or room layout issues, and escalate larger technical or security concerns to the appropriate department leads immediately
• Data Collection & Surveys: Take surveys of each panel and meetup assigned to your shift. You will count and track attendance numbers and gather attendee feedback regarding the quality of the session
• Room Turnaround Management: Assist in guiding the flow of traffic between events, ensuring previous attendees exit smoothly so the next host can set up their equipment without cutting into their programming time

Qualifications

Required:

• Punctuality & Reliability: Strict adherence to your scheduled shift times and room assignments. Panel tracks run on a tight, continuous schedule, and hosts rely on staff being present
• Problem-Solving: The ability to "think on your feet" when an HDMI adapter glitches, a room runs over time, or a host needs immediate assistance under a ticking clock
• Professionalism & Interpersonal Skills: Strong verbal communication skills to interact with nervous hosts, large crowds of attendees, and technical crews with a calm, helpful, and authoritative demeanor

Preferred:

• Fandom & Convention Knowledge: A strong understanding of convention culture, community interests, and typical panel room dynamics, enabling you to anticipate technical needs for specific topics
• Customer Service or Event Experience: Prior experience in hospitality, front-desk reception, AV support, room monitoring, or community event coordination
• Conflict Resolution Skills: The ability to stay grounded, polite, and completely unbothered when managing packed panel rooms, handling schedule friction, or de-escalating stressed presenters

What We Offer

While this is an unpaid volunteer position, we provide:

• Free convention membership and staff perks
• Staff hospitality (meals/snacks during your shifts at-con)
• Exclusive staff events and social opportunities
• Recognition in convention materials
• Experience in event management and team leadership
• A supportive, creative community environment
• References and recommendation letters upon request

Anthro SoCal is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, experiences, and skill levels. All volunteers must be 18 years of age or older.