Runner

Schedule

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

Where: Volunteer kitchen at Infodesk K (K building)

Team size: 3-4 runners per shift

What is the runner task?

Be the flexible “rapid response team” for FOSDEM operations. Based in the volunteer kitchen at Infodesk K, you wait to be called upon for various tasks and handle whatever is needed to keep FOSDEM running smoothly.

Requirements

Good knowledge of English (spoken) - other languages very useful too
Able to communicate clearly and calmly
Knowledge of the ULB campus - helps with navigation
Basic knowledge of FOSDEM - understanding context helps
Willingness to help with anything
Outdoor clothing appropriate to current weather

What you’ll be doing

The waiting game:

Wait in volunteer kitchen for task assignments
Work on personal projects or watch streams during downtime
Stay responsive to calls via Matrix or in-person

When called, you might:

Transport - supplies between infodesks, items to video team, equipment between locations
Fill in - cover heralding shift, help at infodesk rush, support cloakroom peaks
Problem-solve - locate lost items, assist with issues
Communicate - relay messages between teams, find people
Support - help wherever extra hands needed

Task workflow

Arrive at volunteer kitchen at Infodesk K at scheduled time
Check in and receive volunteer t-shirt
Find a spot in kitchen to wait and stay responsive
Keep Matrix open and monitor for task calls
Complete assigned tasks promptly and efficiently
Return to kitchen and report availability
Repeat throughout shift
Sign out at end

Safety

Stay responsive - keep Matrix open and phone charged
Know the campus - study nav.fosdem.org for quick navigation
Communicate clearly - confirm tasks and report completion
Be ready - time is often of the essence
Watch your step - moving quickly between locations

What to bring

Comfortable, practical clothing
Sturdy closed-toe shoes (essential!)
Warm layers - you’ll move between indoors/outdoors
Water bottle - stay hydrated
Personal phone - for Matrix communication if needed
Laptop (optional) - for downtime

Why volunteer?

Variety - every shift is different
See everything - all over campus, meet all teams
Essential role - keep FOSDEM operations flowing
Problem solver - help fix issues in real-time
Meet everyone - interact with all teams
Flexibility - downtime to enjoy talks
Adventure - never know what’s next!

Questions? #volunteers:fosdem.org