On Aging 2027 Volunteer Program Guide
This guide explains who may apply, how volunteers will be selected, what the role requires, and the expectations that come with the On Aging 2027 volunteer registration rate. Volunteers help create a welcoming, accessible, and well-organized conference experience for attendees.
ASA will select volunteers to support attendee movement and General Session operations during On Aging 2027. Selected volunteers must be available for all required shifts and any required orientation or training. Assignments will be based on conference needs and may change on-site.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be current American Society on Aging members.
- All ASA membership categories are eligible to apply.
- Membership must remain active through the conference dates, March 29 through April 1, 2027.
- Applicants must be available for every required volunteer shift.
- Applicants must complete the volunteer application by the published deadline.
- Applicants must agree to the responsibilities and conduct expectations in this guide.
Membership status will be verified. If a selected volunteer’s membership is not active during the conference, the volunteer may lose the discounted rate or be charged the applicable registration difference, consistent with ASA registration policies.
Application and Selection
The volunteer opportunity is open to all current members who meet the eligibility and availability requirements. Because a limited number of positions are available, submitting an application does not guarantee selection. Applications will be reviewed using consistent criteria, including availability, completion of all application requirements, relevant experience, and the operational needs of the conference. Previous volunteer or committee service does not guarantee selection.
Timeline
- Application opens October 1, 2026 – Apply Here
- Application deadline is October 31, 2026
- Volunteer selection notification will be on November 6, 2026
Volunteer Registration Rate
Selected volunteers will receive a discounted full-conference registration rate of $350 in exchange for completing all required shifts and responsibilities. The discounted rate is a conference registration benefit and is not wages or a cash payment.
Selected volunteers must register at the $350 volunteer rate by December 1, 2026.
Volunteers who do not complete the required shifts may be charged the difference between the $350 volunteer rate and the applicable full registration rate.
Volunteer Expenses
Volunteers are responsible for their own travel, lodging, meals, parking, ground transportation, and other personal expenses. ASA does not reimburse these expenses as part of the volunteer program.
Required Schedule
Each volunteer is expected to serve approximately six hours across four conference days. Exact General Session times, reporting locations, and individual assignments will be provided when the conference schedule is finalized.
| Day | Required Shift | Total Time |
|
Monday, March 29 |
The assigned hours are between 12:00 and 6:00 p.m. |
3 hours |
|
Tuesday, March 30 |
30 minutes before the General Session and 30 minutes after |
1 hour |
|
Wednesday, March 31 |
30 minutes before the General Session and 30 minutes after |
1 hour |
|
Thursday, April 1 |
30 minutes before the General Session and 30 minutes after |
1 hour |
Roles and Responsibilities
Volunteer assignments may include:
- Greeting and directing attendees
Supporting General Session entry and exit - Answering basic attendee questions
- Monitoring doors or reserved seating
- Distributing materials
- Supporting accessibility and attendee flow
- Completing light setup or reset tasks
- Reporting issues to the designated staff lead
Volunteers should not make policy decisions, provide information they have not been trained to provide, or speak on behalf of ASA. Questions or concerns outside the volunteer’s assigned responsibilities should be referred to the designated staff lead.
Physical Requirements and Accommodations
Volunteer assignments may involve standing for an extended period, walking throughout the venue, using a mobile device or conference app, and moving or lifting conference materials no more than 15 lbs.
Reasonable accommodations are available. Applicants may request an accommodation without providing medical details. Accommodation requests will be included as part of the volunteer sign-up form and will not be used to exclude an otherwise qualified applicant.
Volunteer Standards
- Arrive on time and check in before each assigned shift.
- Attend any required orientation or training.
- Wear the required volunteer credential and follow the published attire guidance.
- Remain at the assigned post until released by the designated staff lead.
- Treat attendees, speakers, exhibitors, staff, and fellow volunteers respectfully.
- Follow ASA and conference staff instructions.
- Limit personal phone use while on duty, except when required for the assignment.
- Do not consume alcohol or report for a shift while impaired.
- Report safety concerns, accessibility barriers, harassment, or emergencies immediately.
- Follow all On Aging 2027 terms, conditions, and conference conduct requirements.
- Final volunteer attire requirements will be shared closer to the event.
Attendance Changes and Cancellations
Applicants should accept a volunteer position only if they can complete the full schedule. A selected volunteer who can no longer participate must notify the volunteer coordinator as soon as possible. Volunteers may not arrange their own substitute. ASA may select another eligible applicant when a replacement is needed. The volunteer program will not maintain a formal waitlist.
Failure to report for a shift, leaving an assignment without approval, or not completing the required schedule may result in removal from the volunteer program and an adjustment from the $350 volunteer rate to the applicable full registration rate.
Please refer to the On Aging Cancellation Policy for more information.
Orientation and Onsite Communication
A virtual volunteer orientation will be held in February 2027. The exact date will be announced. Selected volunteers will receive their assignments, reporting instructions, staff contact information, and any required training before the conference.
On Aging 2027 Volunteer Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be an ASA member to apply?
Yes. Applicants must be current ASA members, and membership must remain active through the conference dates.
Does applying guarantee a volunteer position?
No. Limited positions are available at On Aging 2027. Applications will be reviewed using consistent selection criteria and the operational needs of the conference. A formal waitlist will not be maintained.
Will previous volunteers or committee members receive priority?
Previous volunteer or committee service may provide relevant experience, but it does not guarantee selection.
What do selected volunteers pay for registration?
Selected volunteers receive a discounted full-conference registration rate of $350 in exchange for completing all required shifts and responsibilities.
When must selected volunteers register?
Selected volunteers must register at the $350 volunteer rate by December 1, 2026.
What happens if I do not complete my shifts?
You may be charged the difference between the $350 volunteer rate and the applicable full registration rate.
Does ASA cover volunteer travel, lodging, or meals?
No. Volunteers are responsible for their own travel, lodging, meals, parking, transportation, and personal expenses.
Can I choose my assignment?
You may provide relevant experience or accommodation information in the application, but assignments will be based on conference needs. Assignments may change onsite.
Can I volunteer for only part of the conference?
No. Applicants must be available for every required shift listed in this guide.
Can I request an accommodation?
Yes. Reasonable accommodations are available. You may request an accommodation without providing medical details.
When will I learn if I am selected?
Selected volunteers will be announced via email on November 6, 2026.
Where can I find general conference information?
Visit On Aging 2027 for current conference information.