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Infodesk (onsite)

Schedule

Section titled “Schedule”

When: Saturday 09:00-19:30, Sunday 08:30-18:30 (shifts of 2-3 hours)

Where:

  • Infodesk K - Primary (K building, ground floor, volunteer coordination hub)
  • Infodesk H - Secondary (H building, level 2, more central)

Team size: 2-7 volunteers per shift (varies by location)

What is the Infodesk task?

Section titled “What is the Infodesk task?”

Be FOSDEM’s central information hub where visitors and volunteers come with questions, feedback, and issues. You’ll answer questions, sell merchandise, take donations, distribute supplies, and handle lost & found.

Requirements

Section titled “Requirements”
  • Good English (other languages helpful at international conference)
  • Clear, calm communication
  • Ability to count EUR cash
  • Basic FOSDEM and ULB campus knowledge (you’ll learn quickly!)
  • Willingness to help with anything
  • Friendly demeanor - you’re the friendly face of FOSDEM

What you’ll be doing

Section titled “What you’ll be doing”

Sales & donations:

  • Sell t-shirts (€30) and hoodies (€60)
  • Accept major debit/credit cards and EUR cash
  • Take donations of any amount
  • Handle tablet POS system and card terminal
  • Provide receipts when requested

Answering questions:

  • Answer visitor questions (ask experienced volunteers if unsure)
  • Direct people to FOSDEM NAV (nav.fosdem.org) for locations
  • Direct people to the FOSDEM Schedule (fosdem.org/schedule) for schedules
  • Provide QR codes for digital schedules and apps
  • Help with facility questions (toilets, food, WiFi, etc.)

Handling issues:

  • Take reports of problems and forward to appropriate teams
  • Collect lost & found items in the box (and transfer these from H to K)
  • Direct Code of Conduct concerns to staff immediately

Task workflow

Section titled “Task workflow”
  1. Arrive at Infodesk K or H at your scheduled time
  2. Check in with the coordinator and get location assignment
  3. If new, get trained on POS system before handling transactions
  4. Take breaks as needed but ensure coverage with your team
  5. Answer questions, sell merchandise, handle issues
  6. Help other volunteers and coordinate with team
  7. Sign out and handover any notes to next shift

Safety

Section titled “Safety”
  • Protect cash - keep donations and change secure
  • Report issues - tell staff about any safety concerns or system problems
  • Stay calm - if you don’t know an answer, just ask for help
  • Be patient - especially during peak times

What to bring

Section titled “What to bring”
  • Comfortable, practical clothing
  • Sturdy closed-toe shoes (essential!)
  • Water bottle - stay hydrated
  • Personal phone - for Matrix communication if needed

Common questions

Section titled “Common questions”
  • “Where is [room]?” → nav.fosdem.org
  • “What time is [talk]?” → fosdem.org/schedule
  • “Where are toilets/food/WiFi?” → Use nav.fosdem.org or point to nearest
  • “Cloakroom?” → K building near Infodesk K
  • “T-shirt prices?” → €30 t-shirts, €60 hoodies
  • “Payment methods?” → Cards and EUR cash
  • “Medical?” → K building, 2nd floor (Sat-Sun 09:00-19:00)
  • “Lost something?” → Check in the box at Infodesk K

Why volunteer?

Section titled “Why volunteer?”
  • Be the friendly face of FOSDEM for thousands of visitors
  • Meet people from around the world
  • Learn how FOSDEM works and campus layout
  • Help solve problems and improve experience
  • Essential contribution - Infodesk is FOSDEM’s information heart!

Questions? #volunteers:fosdem.org