Even with the high positions considered, the most important member of any convention is the volunteer. Convention staff are always looking for people that are willing and able to lend a hand, since the staff they keep is rarely enough. Of course, the position is difficult with long hours and lots of hard, somewhat thankless work. After all, keeping 500 to 30,000+ anime fans in line elicits a number of reactions, from annoyance to outright vulgarity from the particularly agitated. Combine this with a general lack of sleep, and a workload that would make most people groan, and the task becomes that much more daunting.

However, the act is indeed a labor of love. Conventions never have enough people, and the thrill of helping to make something amazing happen, with a ton of like-minded people is a motivator for many. Those on the fence are urged by the convention staff to grab a broom, and lend a hand. "Do it," says Friedman, "every con needs help." Lim agrees, stating that "we are always looking for passionate, energetic people to join our staff."

However, spoilsports and freeloaders need not apply. Friedman cautions the less-motivated to "help out because you want to help, not because the con offers you something," and to "be in it to help the con be a great con." Much like any other job, the self-centered opportunists tend to be the ones that suck the fun out of the room faster than a political debate.

If the above doesn't scare the pants off a potential applicant, then perhaps he is convention material. Lim advises those interested in volunteering to simple "talk to the staff and tell them that you are interested in helping out." Staffers are equipped to offer "more information on how to apply to be on staff or become an attendee volunteer and help... figure out which department you'd be more interested in and best match your skills."