Volunteer Information

About the Volunteer Program

Thank you for interest in volunteering your time and effort to help make the National Communication Association (NCA) Annual Convention a success! Volunteers perform much of the work at the convention, which provides students with an excellent opportunity to attend and engage with professionals in the field.

The goal of our volunteer program is to roll out the red carpet and show the attendees an incredible time. During the Convention, you are our ambassadors; the success of this conference is very much in your hands. There are a variety of volunteer roles for our student members. Shifts include assisting in a pre-conference workshop room, registering exhibitors upon their arrival, helping out with speakers on the stages, serving as a wayfinding assistant and directing attendees, and so much more. There are many ways to get involved! Please use this unique opportunity to make new connections and learn more about NCA.

Dates & Deadlines

• Convention Dates: November 19-22, 2026, New Orleans, Louisiana 
• Volunteer Sign-up Deadline: September 12
• Convention Registration Deadline: September 12
• Live Volunteer Training: October 2oth at 4:00 PM ET
• Cancellation or Swap Deadline: November 2

Registration Guidelines

• Please do NOT register as a volunteer before checking your presentation schedule in the online program (coming Summer 2026).
• You must secure a volunteer shift before you register for your complimentary convention registration. Doing so beforehand will result in a cancelled registration.
• You must complete your volunteer shift on time and in full in order to receive your complimentary convention registration. You will be invoiced post-convention if you fail to fulfill your volunteer responsibilities.
• Select only ONE (1) volunteer position. If you register for multiple positions, your registrations will be canceled/voided.
• *Student volunteers are offered complimentary convention registration, but this does not include membership with NCA. All volunteers must be active student members and join or renew their membership if it expires before December 1. Please join or renew several days before registering as a volunteer to allow your membership to process.
• Day-of Check-In: All volunteers must check in 15 minutes before their shift at the Volunteer Office.
• Important: You must obtain your convention badge from the Volunteer Office; badges will NOT be available at the general registration area.

Required Training

All volunteers must attend mandatory virtual training that will take place on October 20th at 4:00 PM ET. Registration will available at a later date.

What to Expect — New Two-Step Process 

We’ve updated our volunteer registration process! Unlike previous years, you’ll now complete volunteer signup and convention registration in two separate systems. Here’s your step-by-step guide: 

1. Log in to your NCA account to verify your student membership is active through December 1 or later. This is necessary to sign up as a volunteer. [Important Note: If your membership is not active through December 1, please renew your membership before signing up as a student volunteer. Failure to join or renew your student membership first will result in your inability to sign up as a volunteer.]
2. Sign up as a volunteer at the following link .
3. Wait to receive your volunteer confirmation email before registering for convention. Your confirmation will provide instructions on how to register for your complimentary student registration. Within your confirmation there will be a discount code to use when registering for convention. Do not share this code with anyone.
4. After receiving your volunteer confirmation email, proceed to register for Annual Convention at the following link. Once you’re fully registered you will receive your convention registration email and you’ll be all set for the convention!

[Note: Volunteers who have signed up without a valid convention registration by September 12 will have their volunteer shifts cancelled.]

IMPORTANT POLICIES

• No-Show Policy: This is a binding commitment. No-shows will be charged the full registration fee ($155). Any cancellations after November 2 may also incur charges.
• No Substitutions: You cannot send someone else in your place. All volunteers must be active NCA student members registered for the convention. See above for the swap policy.
• Student Caucus Travel Grant Policy: Volunteers who apply for and receive the Student Caucus Travel Grant must fulfill all volunteer responsibilities to receive grant funding.

Volunteer Manual

To see further descriptions for each volunteer shift and policies regarding signing up, please review the Volunteer Manual (COMING SOON).