VOLUNTEER

Volunteer sign-up will open May 5, 2026.

We require volunteers to help with a number of tasks, from little to big, and both before and during the conference.
Dedication and hard work on behalf of volunteers is essential to making this conference a success!

We appreciate your interest in getting involved!

VOLUNTEERING AT SMM2026

INCENTIVES FOR VOLUNTEERING

In addition to the rewarding experience of giving back to the marine mammal community and receiving a stylish volunteer garment, volunteers who contribute a minimum of 12 hours are eligible for a reimbursement toward their conference registration. Student members and members from low-income countries will receive 50% of their registration fee, while full members will receive a $100 USD reimbursement. All reimbursements will be issued after the conference and upon successful completion of the required volunteer hours.

REQUIREMENTS TO VOLUNTEER

To qualify for a registration reimbursement, volunteers must meet the following requirements:

  • Be a current member of the Society for Marine Mammalogy and registered for the conference by the Early-Bird Registration deadline (June 24, 2026).
  • Commit to and complete a minimum of 12 volunteer hours.
  • Be available for volunteer shifts, which are typically at least 4 consecutive hours and may take place as early as 7:00 AM and as late as 11:00 PM.
  • Be fluent in English (additional languages are strongly encouraged).
  • Attend a mandatory volunteer training session on Sunday, October 18, 2026.
  • Successfully complete all assigned volunteer shifts. Reimbursements will be issued after the conference once all shifts have been fulfilled.

Volunteers, like all conference delegates, may purchase optional add-ons (e.g., closing celebration tickets or conference merchandise) through the standard conference registration system.

Volunteers who do not require a registration reimbursement are still welcome to apply. If this applies to you, please inform the volunteer coordinator when submitting your application.

VOLUNTEER TASKS

Volunteers will wear identifying garments provided by the SMM2026 Conference Team during their shifts. Tasks may include, but are not limited to, assisting with:

  • Conference Events (e.g. PODs)
  • Greetings, directions and general information
  • Help Desk
  • Merchandise Sales
  • Pre-conference online support
  • Poster Session (i.e. set-up and take-down)
  • Registration Desk
  • Room Monitor at plenary sessions, concurrent sessions and awards ceremony
  • Welcoming Reception/Closing Celebration

More information on volunteer shift scheduling will be available after the volunteer selection process is complete. 

HOW WILL VOLUNTEERS BE SELECTED?

Volunteers will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis, and the planning committee has the right to refuse a volunteer. Both successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified shortly after submitting their application.

HOW DO I APPLY?

Volunteer sign-up will open May 5, 2026 at 12 (noon) Atlantic Time (GMT-4)!

To complete the volunteer application once the application period opens, please log in to your SMM account and navigate to the conference software. The volunteer application will be available on the conference software profile home page. Click HERE to login to SMM.

Please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteers@marinemammalscience.org if you have any questions. 

PLEASE NOTE: The conference Planning Committee and Society Board have the right to refuse a volunteer.