Volunteer at the Calgary Futures Forum

Want to help shape conversations about Calgary's future?

Design Talks Institute (d.talks) is supporting the Calgary Futures Forum, a two-day gathering bringing together creative thinkers, community leaders, designers, and changemakers to explore what Calgary could look like in the years ahead.

The Forum takes place on October 26 - 27, 2026, at Contemporary Calgary, featuring interactive workshops and hands-on activities exploring the future of our city.

Unlike traditional conferences, the Calgary Futures Forum is an application-based event. As a volunteer, you'll have a unique opportunity to experience the programming while helping things run smoothly behind the scenes!

VOLUNTEER ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Load-in & Setup (Sunday, October 25)
Approx. 2:00 - 5:00 PM (exact time TBC)

We're looking for 2 - 3 volunteers to help prepare the venue before the Forum begins.

Responsibilities include:
- Setting up tables, chairs, and signage
- Organizing workshop and design materials
- Assisting with general venue preparation

2. Registration & Event Hosts (Monday, October 26 and Tuesday, October 27)
7:30 AM - 4:30 PM each day

We're looking for 2 - 3 volunteers per day to help welcome attendees and support event activities.

Responsibilities include:
- Greeting attendees and assisting with check-in
- Distributing name tags and answering general questions
- Taking turns staffing the registration table
- Setting up, tidying, and replenishing workshop materials throughout the venue
- Providing general event support as needed

Full-day availability is required for these roles. Volunteers will rotate responsibilities throughout the day, with opportunities to attend Forum sessions when scheduling allows.

3. Teardown (Tuesday, October 27)
After 4:30 PM (end time TBC)

Help wrap up the Forum by:
- Packing up workshop materials and signage
- Stacking chairs and organizing tables
- Assisting with general cleanup and venue reset

Please note that some volunteer duties involve lifting, bending, and navigating stairs. If you have accessibility needs or require accommodations, please let us know so we can discuss suitable responsibilities.

WHAT TO EXPECT

- Opportunities to attend Forum sessions and activities when volunteer responsibilities allow
- Lunch provided for full-day volunteers
- Opportunities to connect with Calgary's creative and civic communities
- Experience supporting a unique event focused on Calgary's future

HOW TO SIGN UP

Interested in volunteering? Complete our short volunteer interest form:

https://forms.gle/mcJyRTyuUQmzQ4T99

We'll follow up with shift sign-up details and next steps. Completing the form does not guarantee a volunteer placement.

Want to learn more about the Forum and see which sessions interest you? Explore the agenda:

https://www.calgaryfutures.com/agenda

Questions? Contact volunteer@dtalks.org.