Become a SOFT 2025 Volunteer!

Volunteer Coordinators: Dawn Skelrov, Brianna Lehr, Chelsea VanDenBurg
Volunteer Interest Application: Due by September 15
Volunteer Assignments & Instructions Sent: Week of October 13

We’re looking for enthusiastic, dependable volunteers—members and non-members alike—to help make the SOFT 2025 Annual Meeting in Portland a success. If you’re excited to lend a hand and connect with the forensic toxicology community, we invite you to apply today!

Why Volunteer?

Volunteering is a great way to contribute while gaining valuable experience and building meaningful connections. As a SOFT 2025 volunteer, you'll have the chance to:

Be at the Center of It All – Greet attendees and assist at the Check-in Desk, often becoming the first friendly face they meet.
Get a Behind-the-Scenes Look – Learn how a major scientific meeting comes together and support event operations.
Gain New Skills – Join the AV team or help with logistics—great opportunities to stretch your strengths!
Jumpstart Your Morning – Direct runners during the Karla Moore Fun Run on Thursday morning.
Network with Peers and Professionals – Connect with forensic professionals, students, and industry partners.
Have Fun and Make a Difference – Enjoy the energy of the meeting and help create a positive experience for all attendees.

How to Apply

Review the roles below and submit your Volunteer Interest Application by September 15 to join the SOFT 2025 Volunteer Team. We’ll follow up with scheduling and training information closer to the meeting.

Volunteer Opportunities

Registration Prep (Saturday, October 25)
Prepare for the week ahead.

Assemble attendee materials, stuff bags, organize badges, and help set up the registration area.
Skills Needed: Organization, attention to detail, ability to lift boxes.

YFT Symposium (Sunday, October 26)
Support the next generation of forensic toxicologists.

Help with setup, distribute materials, assist speakers, and guide participants.
Skills Needed: Friendly, reliable, and good communication skills.

Check-in Desk/Registration (Sunday, October 26 – Thursday, October 30)
Be the face of SOFT 2025.

Welcome attendees, assist with check-in, answer questions, and distribute materials.
Skills Needed: Customer service, multitasking, professional demeanor.

Workshop Support (Monday, October 27 & Tuesday, October 28)
Keep workshops running smoothly.

Assist with check-in, material distribution, and room monitoring.
Skills Needed: Punctuality, attention to detail, ability to follow instructions.

Exhibitor Game Support (Tuesday, October 28 – Thursday, October 30)
Encourage attendees to participate in The Toxicology Trivia Trail.

Guide attendees to the game start, explain how to play, hand out materials, and answer questions.
Help generate excitement and increase booth traffic in the exhibit hall.
Skills Needed: Friendly and engaging, comfortable giving directions and answering questions.

AV Support (Monday, October 27 & Tuesday, October 28)
Help keep presentations on track.

Support the AV Coordinator by assisting with session monitoring and setup.
Skills Needed: Basic technical awareness, reliability.

Poster Sessions (Wednesday, October 29 & Thursday, October 30)
Support presenters and setup logistics.

Post signage, guide presenters to their locations, and answer questions.
Skills Needed: Flexibility, multitasking, clear communication.

Off-Site Event Support (Wednesday, October 29)
Help with the off-site social event.

Welcome attendees, assist with coordination at the venue, and ensure a smooth experience.
Skills Needed: Friendly demeanor, professionalism, ability to work off-site.

Karla Moore Fun Run (Thursday, October 30)
Direct runners and cheer them on!

Assist with setup and help guide runners on the course.
Skills Needed: Early riser, high energy, good communication.

SOFT Business Meeting (Thursday, October 30)
Support a key part of the SOFT Annual Meeting.

Check in attendees and provide materials.
Skills Needed: Attention to detail, reliability.

President’s Banquet (Thursday, October 30)
Assist with the final celebration of the week.

Help with banquet setup and attendee support.
Skills Needed: Polished, friendly, and attentive to guest needs.

Important Notes

Volunteers are essential to the success of SOFT 2025, and we are truly grateful for your time and energy. Please note: Volunteering does not include compensation, complimentary registration, or reimbursement for travel or lodging.