FOOD & WINE | Volunteer Program

FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen

Volunteer Program

Experience three days featuring cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, and panel discussions alongside world-renowned chefs and wine experts. As a volunteer, you will have an opportunity to support the community and enjoy this culinary event. 

Volunteers will have access to Grand Tastings and seminars on a space-available basis during non-assigned work hours (access is determined based on hours committed and assigned shifts).

The Food & Wine Classic in Aspen will take place June 14-16, 2024; volunteer registration will begin next spring / prior to the event.  Please check back for more information soon.

Please remember that all volunteers must meet the minimum requirements below: 

  • Must be 21+ years of age on June 14, 2024
  • Able to lift up to 50lbs 
  • Work in rain, snow, wind, or heat 
  • Stand and/or actively move-around a venue for extended periods of time 
  • Can be flexible with water and food breaks 
  • Access and ability to complete a self-guided digital orientation 
  • Must be in Aspen, CO in-person between June 9-16, 2024 for credential pick up, team meeting(s), and assigned work hours.

Please have your head shot photo ready to upload at time of registration. Your head shot photo should be taken against a white backdrop, close up to your face, and no hats or sunglasses - similar to a US Passport photo. 

If you have questions about volunteering, please email [email protected].

Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any changes to the volunteer program this year?

Any changes to the 2024 volunteer program will be posted soon.

What measures are being taken to ensure health and safety of attendees?

FOOD & WINE is committed to the health and safety of all our guests’ staff, volunteers and talent. Attendees’ safety and comfort will remain our top priority as we plan and prepare for the 2024 F&W Classic in Aspen. The festival regulations, policies and protocols are under constant review, fully subject to change and will be continually updated and revised in accordance with the most current public health (CDC, State of Colorado, Pitkin County, City of Aspen) information, direction, and official guidelines.

What training is required to be a volunteer?

Mandatory Volunteer Orientation is an online course that all chairpersons and volunteers take from his/her own computer or device. A link to the orientation will be sent to confirmed volunteers in May and must be completed prior to picking up volunteer credentials. 

Volunteers for the 2024 event will be required to complete a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) course which will also be conducted online and completed by each volunteer on his/her own computer or device prior to picking up volunteer credentials. Volunteers that completed the DEI training in 2022 and 2023, will not be required to conduct the DEI training again for 2024.

How do I volunteer for  the event this year?

If you are a volunteer in good standing from 2023, you will receive an email with an invitation to register prior to public registration. The email will be sent to the email address we have on file from 2023 and will be valid for the recipient only. An invitation does not guarantee a position or priority registration once public registration has opened. 

If you were not a volunteer in 2023, the public registration date will be April 2024 (exact date to be announced soon).

How are volunteers assigned?

Priority registration is given to returning volunteers from the previous year who are in good standing. New volunteers are confirmed to shifts on a first-registered, first-qualified basis based on needs and availability of committee shifts. All shifts and committees are subject to change. Volunteer confirmation considerations include applicant has volunteered for The FOOD & WINE Classic in the recent past, past performance as a FOOD & WINE Classic volunteer, application submission date.

Do I have priority if I volunteered in 2023?

Volunteers from 2023 in good standing will receive an invitation to register for this year's event prior to public registration. 

Do I have priority if I volunteered for 5, 10, or even 20 years but missed 2023?

Only volunteers in good standing who volunteered in 2023 will receive a priority registration invitation. Due to the ongoing evolution of the volunteer program, especially in the last few years, we are grateful for your tenure and welcome you to register during public registration.  

What does priority or invitation registration mean?

Volunteers in good standing who volunteered in 2023 will receive an email with a link to register for a volunteer position before public registration goes live. The link will be valid for the recipient only. The email will be an invitation notification only and does not guarantee a position or priority after public registration begins. Invited volunteers still need to complete a full registration form in order to qualify for a volunteer position and will be considered in the order of time and date received.

 

What does "in good standing" mean?

All volunteers were evaluated on their performance by his/her chairperson or shift leader in 2023 based on the following criteria: attendance, teamwork, and compliance. Performance information was provided to the Volunteer Director for qualification determination for 2024.
 

What if I miss volunteer registration or it is full when I go to register?

During the returning volunteer registration period and the public volunteer registration period, the waitlist will be available to all eligible volunteers. The waitlist will be considered in order of registration time and date, we highly recommend registering under the waitlist when volunteer positions fill up. Volunteer applicants on the waitlist may be contacted to fill a position up until the actual event weekend. 

When does public volunteer registration open?

Public volunteer registration will open April 2024 (exact date to be announced soon).

I still have questions - who can I contact?

You may reach out to: [email protected] - please allow up to 24 business hours for a response.