ALL specific volunteer positions (e.g., chef assistants) have been filled. However, general helpers for Forum setup and teardown and Championship setup and teardown are still needed. If you are interested, please contact Kathryn Gordon at the e-mail address or phone number listed under Application and More Information at the bottom of this page.

Assignments

Jobs are assigned based on a volunteer's level of commitment, available dates, experience, and timing. Assignments will be allocated on a first come, first served basis based on commitment and availability. The earlier you can commit, the greater the choice in assignments.

If you really want to see a competition kitchen close up because some day you plan to compete yourself, you should consider volunteering to be a server because they have good visibility to the competition kitchens throughout the two days of the competition. To be a server you will need to attend a mandatory training/set-up session and be available to work all day on both 7/5 and 7/6.

Volunteer Opportunities

6/27 - 7/4 - Prior to and During the Forum
Volunteers are needed to help unload our trucks and set-up the Forum kitchens. We also need people to assist with administrative, organization, student registration, and to collect lunch-ticket checks. Pastry chefs with various experience levels are needed to assist Chefs teaching the Forum classes, and should be available continuously 6/29 through 7/4. We also need assistants for dishwashing, inventory, clean up and pack up.

7/5 and 7/6 - During the Competition
Volunteers are needed to help with the trade show, verify security badges on the competition floor, assist demonstration chefs, act as competition servers (and judging area assistants), take tickets during the awards ceremony and Gala dinner, and clean up before the Gala party on Tuesday evening. If you are local, or know anyone who could come help Tuesday afternoon with the post-competition kitchen clean-up/inventory/packing on Wednesday 7/7, please contact us.

7/6 and 7/7 - Pack Up and Load Out
Volunteers are needed to help Carymax staff (aka "the black shirts") take down competition kitchens, inventory equipment, and reload the trucks. Dress is definitely jeans/t-shirts and closed shoes. Again, if you're local and can enlist friends to help, that would be fantastic.

Administrivia

What to do if your plans change

Remember: the Competition relies on volunteers like you. If, for any reason, you cannot fulfill your volunteer assignment, in whole or in part, we ask that you notify us as soon as possible.

Accommodation

Please try to stay at the Marriott as this will keep you close to all the action - especially after hours networking - as well as help the producers of the event.

You should ask for the Carymax event room discount when you book through the Marriott (details on the Reservations page). Of course, accommodation becomes cheaper if you can find roommates (please post your requests on forums.worldpastryforum.com). Packages for the competition, dinners, etc. are also available for your families through the website.

Compensation and Expenses

Carymax does not pay for air fare, hotel, room/board, reimburse personal expenses, or provide any form of stipend. You will receive a letter of appreciation from Carymax, and of course, the event is a great networking opportunity.

Depending on how many days you are available and the total number of hours you volunteer, you will be eligible for a variety of rewards including future World Pastry Forum Demonstration Program tuition discounts, lunches during the Forum, and tickets to the 2010 World Pastry Team Championship Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner. Volunteers assisting with Pack Out are eligible for tuition discounts for the Demo Program in 2011.

If you are a no-show or disappear during an assignment, these rewards will be forfeited immediately.

Notes on Dress and Typical Questions

During the Forum set-up and pack-up sessions, jeans, a t-shirt and closed toe shoes are advised.

During the Forum or the Competition, the dress code is a clean chef uniform (aprons are not required unless you help a demonstration chef). If you are a server or judging area assistant, you should wear clean black pants (not jeans) and a pressed white button-down shirt; service aprons will be provided. No makeup/jewelry; hair must be restrained.

In addition to bringing jeans/t-shirts and full chef uniforms, it is hot in Phoenix. In prior years, have been able to swim at night. You will probably also wind up at a variety of BBQ style dinners and/or vendor cocktail parties, and the pastry Gala after the competition. Dress is usually casual, but also all over the place. Please check the website blog for updates/details prior to departure.

A sharpie is always good to have on hand. If you are assigned to help a Forum chef, please bring a digital scale.

In prior years, the Marriott had free washing machines for guests!!! Ask if they still do when you book your room package; that could help in terms of how many chef jackets, aprons etc. you need to bring.

The Volunteer Desk

Signs will be posted at the Marriott so you know where to report daily.

Application and More Information

Positions are being filled now, on a first-come, first-filled basis. To apply or if you need more information, please contact Kathryn Gordon at kathrynlmg @ yahoo.com. Please send your level of pastry/kitchen experience and note the dates you will be available to assist, and if you are fluent in another language. (Note: per the Competition rules, teams cannot have an assistant -- but sometimes language skills are useful).