FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR TEA FESTIVAL VOLUNTEERS
Please Do Not Use Your Cell Phone While You Are Volunteering
Does NWTF run background checks on volunteers?
- Yes. Minimal information is collected, and new volunteers will be screened for any issues that would be a security risk for the festival.
Does online registration guarantee me a volunteer position?
- No.Your participation as a volunteer is dependent on a successful background check. We will notify you within a week if your registration is unsuccessful.
Where is the festival located and where can I park?
- The festival will be held in the Exhibition Hall at Seattle Center, 301 Mercer St, Seattle WA.
- Located between McCaw Hall and Cornish Playhouse with an entrance on Mercer St.
- Parking can be found in the Mercer Street Parking Garage across Mercer St.
Can I take transit to the Festival?
- Yes, several bus routes stop at Seattle Center. You can use the King County Metro Trip Planner and put “Seattle Center Exhibition Hall” as your end point in the planning tool. Please plan your bus trip to arrive at your start time.
- If you have access to a LINK light rail station, ride the light rail to Westlake Station then transfer to the Monorail upstairs at Westlake Center. Transfers are covered if you have an ORCA card. The Exhibition Hall is a short walk from the Monorail station at Seattle Center. Monorail start time is 8:30 a.m. on Sat/Sun so you’ll need to catch a bus in the Westlake Center vicinity if you have an early shift on either day. Please plan your rail/monorail trip to arrive at your start time.
When do I need to arrive?
- Always allow extra time for parking. You should arrive at least 10 minutes before your shift begins to check in, stow your things and be given your initial assignment.
How do I identify myself to the admission crew when I arrive?
- Announce yourself as a volunteer at the admissions entrance and ask for Chris O’Dowd, Chuck Comfort or Jesse Drew, our Volunteer Coordinators..
- If they are not readily available, you can wait for them at the “INFORMATION” table at the north (front) end of the hall.
How long do I need to stay?
- Most shifts are approximately 4-5 hours, unless special arrangements have been made or we have a greater shift length needed, so please plan to be available for the allotted time. Each shift has specified start and stop times in our Volunteer job tool, Volunteer Local.
What should I wear?
- Wear something you are comfortable in that gives you room to move.
- Wear shoes that you will be comfortable walking or standing in for several hours.
- All volunteers are provided with festival t-shirts to help identify them from the general attendees.
Can I attend the festival?
- Yes. Volunteering earns you free admission to the festival hall for both days, including a cup and bag.
Do I get to attend any workshops, tastings or presentations?
- Yes, you may attend festival events either before or after your shift.
- Attendance in workshops depends on space available
Will I be doing the same thing the entire time I am volunteering?
- You have signed up for a specific position which will be the primary focus of your shift. However, you may be asked to do several different tasks depending on what is needed. Examples: serving tea to attendees, providing water for tea tasting events, serving tea to workshop attendees, etc.
If an attendee breaks a cup, what do I tell them?
- Send them to the “INFORMATION” Table where they will be able to replace it.
If an attendee wants to purchase merchandise, what do I do?
- Send them to the “INFORMATION” Table at the north west (front) end of the hall.
Where are the bathrooms?
- At the North East corner of the hall
Where can attendees sign up for workshops?
- At the Box Office area in the front foyer of the hall. Attendees can also sign up online through the Festival Ticketing portal.
Emergencies & Misc. questions and concerns:
- Look for someone with a radio or go to the “INFORMATION” Table to get the answer.