October 20-24, 2026 Banff, Alberta, CA
APPLY TO BE A
2026 VOLUNTEER
The Gathering Festival is more than just an event—it's a movement that brings together the brightest minds and boldest innovators in business. By volunteering, you'll have the unique opportunity to be at the heart of this transformative experience, contributing to an event that drives industry change and inspires everyone involved.
Why Volunteer With Us?
Volunteering at The Gathering Festival means being part of something bigger — a movement that celebrates creativity, community, and purpose. You’ll join a passionate team that helps bring an unforgettable experience to life, while building connections, skills, and memories that last long after the event ends.
This isn’t just volunteering — it’s belonging, contributing, and being inspired by something extraordinary.
Key Benefits:
- Gain Experience
Jump behind the scenes and see what it takes to run a world-class event. Build your skills, your confidence, and your story. - Grow Your Network
Meet inspiring leaders, creators, and dreamers. The connections you make here can spark new adventures long after the festival ends. - Make an Impact
Every helping hand matters. Your energy shapes the moments and memories that make The Gathering so special. - Feel Inspired
Surround yourself with creativity, purpose, and good vibes. Volunteering isn’t just giving—it’s being part of something unforgettable.
🌟 Inspiring the Next Generation of Marketing Innovators
check it out ⤵️
Discover how Mount Royal University students are transforming their academic experiences into real-world marketing insights. By volunteering at The Gathering conference in Banff, these aspiring marketers engaged directly with industry leaders from iconic brands like Coca-Cola, Disney, and Netflix. Their journey exemplifies the power of immersive learning and the impact of community engagement on shaping future professionals.
Who Are Our Volunteers?
Our volunteers are the heartbeat of The Gathering Festival — passionate, generous, and driven by purpose. They embody our values of unreasonable hospitality, facilitated generosity, belonging, and elevated experiences, turning every moment into something extraordinary.
What We Look For:
We're looking for people who bring heart, energy, professionalism, and intention to everything they do.
- Unreasonable Generosity
You go above and beyond to make others feel seen, valued, and cared for. - Facilitated Generosity
You give freely - your time, energy, and positivity - to help others thrive. - Belonging
You create space where everyone feels welcome and connected. - Elevated Experiences
You take pride in excellence and help craft moments that inspire. - Adaptability
You stay calm, flexible, and solutions-focused in any situation. - Positive Energy
You bring good vibes, collaboration, and contagious enthusiasm to the team. - Reliability
You show up, follow through, and make The Gathering unforgettable.
Types Of Roles
Read more about what kind of roles we offer
Registration & Guest Services
Be the first face of The Gathering Festival! As part of the Registration and Concierge team, you’ll welcome guests, manage check-ins, print badges, and provide exceptional service. You’ll set the tone for the entire experience—helping every attendee feel seen, supported, and excited from the moment they arrive.
Speaker/VIP Hosts
Our Speaker and VIP Hosts bring next-level hospitality to The Gathering. You’ll work closely with speakers and VIP guests, ensuring their experience is seamless and memorable—from pre-event coordination to on-site support. Your warmth, professionalism, and attention to detail will make our most important guests feel right at home.
Flow Experts
You’re the energy keepers! As a Flow Expert, you’ll guide attendees through the festival experience, manage entry points, scan badges, and help everything move smoothly. You’re the heartbeat of the event—keeping the vibe high and the logistics flawless.
Room Hosts
Help create unforgettable sessions. Room Hosts support speakers, moderators, and stage teams to keep everything running on time and on point. You’ll manage seating, cue speakers, and ensure every session feels seamless. Your organization and calm presence keep the show flowing.
Inner Sanctum Hosts
As one of our elite Inner Sanctum Hosts, you’ll oversee The Gathering’s most exclusive sessions. You’ll handle registration, scan badges, and uphold the Inner Sanctum’s signature standards—protecting the space’s intimacy, energy, and exclusivity. Your discretion and professionalism make these sessions truly special.
Production Support
If you thrive behind the scenes, this is your moment. As a Production Support volunteer, you’ll assist the stage and production teams with everything from set prep to on-stage readiness. You’ll help manage transitions, coordinate with speakers, and ensure every detail is polished to perfection.
Drivers/Transportation
Drive the experience—literally. In this vital role, you’ll transport speakers between Calgary (YYC) and Banff Springs, as well as around Banff during the event. You’ll ensure safe, timely, and comfortable travel for our guests while representing The Gathering’s signature professionalism and care.
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
Think you’ve got what it takes to be part of something extraordinary? Join us as a volunteer for The Gathering Festival 2026 and help create an experience that inspires thousands. Applications open January 2026—don’t miss your chance to be part of the magic.
- Apply Online
When applications open, complete your submission through our online form. Tell us about yourself, your experience, and why you want to be part of The Gathering. - Application Review
Our team will carefully review your application. If we’d like to learn more, we’ll reach out to schedule a short virtual meet & greet to get to know you better. - Selection & Confirmation
You’ll receive an email letting you know if you’ve been accepted into the volunteer program. - Training & Preparation
In the months leading up to the event, we'll send you updates, role assignments, and training details - everything you'll need to hit the ground running when it's time.
WHY VOLUNTEER?
Hear from one of our very own
YOU MAY NEED TO KNOW
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can volunteer?
Anyone with a passion for innovation, collaboration, and making a difference is welcome to apply. Whether you're a student, professional, or simply enthusiastic about the event, we encourage you to join us.
What is the time commitment?
Volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum of two out of the four event days, working about six hours per day.
Speaker and VIP Hosts are required to be in Banff and available October 21–23.
We do our best to schedule shifts so you’ll have time to attend sessions and enjoy the festival.
At this time, we’re unable to accommodate partial-day commitments, but we’ll work with you wherever possible.
If you have questions about scheduling, please reach out to us!
How long are volunteer shifts?
Shift lengths vary by role and typically range from 2 to 8 hours, with most averaging around 5 hours.
In some cases, you may be scheduled for a split shift (for example, a short 2-hour evening shift at a Night Gathering or being “on call” as a driver).
What if I can no longer make my shift or volunteer?
Please email our team at volunteer@thegatheringfestival.com as soon as possible so we can adjust the schedule and fill your spot.
Will I receive any training?
Yes, all volunteers will receive training and guidance to ensure you're fully prepared for your role.
What do I get in return?
As a volunteer, you'll enjoy free access to event sessions around your shifts, along with complimentary snacks and beverages in the volunteer room. Upon request, you'll also receive a certificate of appreciation or a letter of recommendation. And that's just the beginning—more benefits will be revealed once you're confirmed as a volunteer, and trust us, they're exceptionally good!
Am I guaranteed a volunteer spot if I apply?
Not automatically.
We match volunteers to positions based on availability, skills, and event needs until all roles are filled. We encourage early applications for the best chance at placement.
Do I get to choose my volunteer position?
We’ll do our best to place you in the role you’ve expressed interest in, but sometimes we may ask you to take on a different position or support multiple areas depending on event needs.
Are accommodations, parking, mileage, or meals covered?
Volunteer expenses are not covered by The Gathering.
However, we offer a small gift of appreciation for volunteers who work more than 6 hours in a day as a token of appreciation. Full details will be shared during onboarding.
Are there discounts for hotels or transportation?
This is dependent on our Partnerships for the year. If available, accepted volunteers will receive full details regarding discounted hotels and transportation options in Banff.
Are meals provided?
Meals are not provided, but there will be a designated Volunteer Hub at the Fairmont stocked with light grab-and-go snacks.
We recommend planning meals around your shift schedule — there are plenty of food options nearby.
Can I volunteer if I don’t live in Banff or Calgary?
Absolutely! We welcome volunteers from across Canada and beyond. All volunteers must be available to travel to Banff for the designated event days.
Is there an opportunity for leadership roles?
Yes! Each team will have at least one Team Lead and possibly Assistant Leads.
If you’re interested in taking on a leadership role, please indicate this on your application.
"I may have learned more in each of their 40 minute presentations than in the entirety of my university career. The depth of knowledge and insight from each of them was almost inconceivable, and their ability to captivate the audience was equally as impressive."
Nathan Hedrick
"I have never felt so inspired or moved by a volunteer experience in my life. I really hope to come back to the gathering again, this truly had a profound impact on my mindset as a young graphic designer and advertiser!"
2025 Volunteer
"Thank you for including me in the greatest week ever!! I’m going to be riding this high for a while! I didn’t know what to expect and it blew any expectation out of the water. I honestly cannot wait to experience it again"
Kylene D
Event Management Professional, 2025 Gathering Volunteer
"Thank you for creating an environment of community, belonging, and pride. I clear my calendar so that I can be part of this event and will continue to do so."
Cat S
Business Owner & 2025 Volunteer Team Lead
"I was honestly just blown away by the whole experience, it was truly incredible to see it all come together and I loved the VIP speaker role!"
Jessica P
Business Owner & 2025 Volunteer
"It was so cool to see the behind the scenes of an event of this size! It was really cool to see so many like-minded people in one place!"
Sophie K
2024 Volunteer
"I honestly loved being part of the energy! It was really exciting to see and meet so many new people and be at the Fairmont with an event going on. Getting out of my bubble and going to this event was such an expansive experience, and it felt great to be part of the team. I felt valued as a volunteer, and it felt so wonderful to help knowing that I could influence an attendee's experience at the event in a positive way by bringing my energy and being kind and helpful."
Jayden B
2024 Volunteer
Join Us and Be Part of Something Bigger
The Gathering Festival is an unparalleled event that drives industry innovation and creates lasting connections. By volunteering, you’re not just supporting an event—you’re becoming part of a community that values your contribution and shares your passion for progress.