Skip to content
FOSDEM Logo FOSDEM Volunteers Docs

Video

Section titled “Quick Links”

Background

Section titled “Background”

Not everyone can attend FOSDEM, and even those who do attend can’t make it to every talk. For many years, we’ve been recording most talks and making them available on our website for viewing afterwards. This makes FOSDEM accessible to thousands more people around the world!

But we can’t do it alone. There are lots of rooms to video (30+ devrooms in parallel) and lots of videos to process. The video team is one of our largest volunteer groups, and your help is essential.

What does video volunteering involve?

Section titled “What does video volunteering involve?”

Because this task is more technical than it might seem, you will be:

  • Coached and trained by more experienced volunteers
  • Contacted before the event (if it’s your first time) for a basic overview
  • Invited to a training talk - the first talk in Janson on Saturday morning serves as training
  • Paired with experienced volunteers when possible
  • Given the full AV manual (PDF) with detailed instructions

Want to know more about the equipment and what you’ll actually be doing? Check out the Equipment Overview page.

Don’t worry if you’re new! The video team is welcoming and supportive. If you’re unsure about anything before the conference, contact the Video team at video@fosdem.org.

Requirements & expectations

Section titled “Requirements & expectations”
  • Technical interest - you should be comfortable with basic AV equipment
  • Reliability - video recording is time-sensitive
  • Patience - sometimes equipment has issues that need troubleshooting
  • Teamwork - you’ll work closely with other video volunteers
  • Physical ability - some equipment is heavy; setup involves cables and positioning

Scheduling

Section titled “Scheduling”
  • Video tasks are usually undertaken by at least two volunteers per room, though this isn’t always possible
  • Please arrive at Infodesk K about 20 minutes early for your shift
  • If possible, volunteer for two-hour slots instead of one-hour slots - this makes coordination far easier
  • Be on time - talks start promptly, and recording must begin on schedule

Training

Section titled “Training”

Saturday morning - Janson auditorium:

  • The first talk in Janson is the training session for video volunteers
  • Highly recommended for first-time video volunteers
  • Covers equipment basics, common issues, and procedures
  • Experienced volunteers will be there to answer questions

Throughout the event:

  • Experienced volunteers available for questions
  • Video team Matrix channel for support: #video:fosdem.org
  • AV manual PDF available for reference

T-shirts & identification

Section titled “T-shirts & identification”

Video volunteers are special - you get green t-shirts instead of orange! This helps attendees and other volunteers identify video team members quickly.

Getting your green t-shirt

Section titled “Getting your green t-shirt”
  • Available at Infodesk K
  • Take a fresh one each day when starting your first shift
  • Various sizes available
  • Yours to keep! These are our gift to say thanks for helping

Creating your name tag

Section titled “Creating your name tag”

Stickers and markers available at both Infodesk K and Infodesk H:

  • Write your name clearly
  • Add languages you speak using ISO-639-1 codes
  • Example: John | EN FR DE

When to wear your t-shirt

Section titled “When to wear your t-shirt”
  • DO wear it: While actively volunteering or willing to help
  • Take it off: When you want a break or to attend talks without being approached for video issues
  • Keep it handy: Store in your bag when not wearing it

Communication

Section titled “Communication”

Matrix Channels

Section titled “Matrix Channels”

All FOSDEM-related Matrix channels are organized in the FOSDEM Matrix Space - join the space to easily access all channels!

Video team channels:

  • #video:fosdem.org - Main video team coordination channel
    • Technical questions during the event
    • Report issues or get help from the team
    • Coordinate with other video volunteers
  • Video backstage channel - You’ll be added to this private channel for team coordination

Other useful channels:

  • #volunteers:fosdem.org - General volunteer coordination
  • Individual devroom channels - Each devroom has its own channel (e.g., #rust:fosdem.org, #python:fosdem.org)

Email

Section titled “Email”

Contact: Email video@fosdem.org for questions before the event

Why volunteer for video?

Section titled “Why volunteer for video?”
  • Technical learning - gain AV production experience
  • Critical role - you make FOSDEM accessible to the world
  • See the tech - work with professional recording equipment
  • Community impact - your work benefits thousands of viewers
  • Special team - be part of the legendary FOSDEM video crew
  • Green t-shirt! - Stand out from the crowd

Tips for success

Section titled “Tips for success”
  • Read the AV manual before your first shift
  • Attend the training talk in Janson Saturday morning
  • Arrive early - 20 minutes before your shift
  • Ask questions - experienced volunteers are there to help
  • Test everything before talks start
  • Stay alert - monitor for technical issues during talks
  • Be prepared for problem-solving
  • Join the Matrix channel - #video:fosdem.org

Thank you for helping make FOSDEM videos possible! Your work ensures that people around the world can experience FOSDEM talks.