Volunteer · SDDW 2026

Come be part
of something
wonderful

San Diego Design Week runs on the generosity of volunteers who care about their community. If that sounds like you, we’d love to have you with us.

Sign Up to Volunteer See the Roles

Free Event Access

Enjoy sessions, talks, and Opening Night alongside the community you’re helping

Make Real Connections

Meet fellow designers, speakers, and neighbors who love this city

Grow & Learn

Gain hands-on experience at one of San Diego’s most beloved creative events

Give Something Back

Help make free design education possible for everyone in our community

Free Event Access • Real Experience • Community Impact • Network Building

What It Means to Volunteer

More Than Helping Out.

Being Part Of it.

SDDW volunteers are the warmth behind Design Week. You’ll work side-by-side with our small, passionate organizing team to bring 80+ free events to life — from intimate morning workshops to the big Opening Night celebration.

No design background needed. What we’re really looking for is someone who genuinely cares about their community and shows up with a good attitude. We’ll handle the rest — full orientation, clear roles, and people around you who are happy to help.

“I showed up not knowing anyone. By the end of the week, I had a new job and a group of friends I still have today.”

— SDDW 2024 Volunteer

When

September 2026 — specific shift dates confirmed upon placement. Most volunteers commit to 2–4 shifts across the week.

Where

Venues across San Diego including Point Loma, Balboa Park, and downtown event spaces. Locations confirmed closer to the event.

Time Commitment

Typically 4–6 hours per shift. We work around your schedule — early morning setup, daytime events, and evening sessions available.

What You’ll Get

A volunteer shirt, free event access, an invitation to the volunteer appreciation event, and a whole lot of gratitude.

Who Can Apply

A volunteer shirt, free event access, an invitation to the volunteer appreciation event, and a whole lot of gratitude.

Volunteer Roles

Find Your Perfect fit

We have three volunteer roles, and each one matters. Tell us what feels like the right fit — we’ll do our best to place you somewhere you’ll enjoy being.

01 / Role

Event Setup & Logistics

The crew that makes magic happen before the doors open. If you like being behind the scenes and getting your hands on the details, this one’s for you.

  • Venue setup, breakdown, and transitions between events
  • Signage installation and wayfinding prep
  • A/V and equipment support alongside venue staff
  • Coordinating with vendors and delivery teams

02 / Role

Guest Check-in & Wayfinding

You’re the first face people see, and that matters more than you might think. A warm welcome sets the whole tone for someone’s Design Week experience.

  • Welcome guests and manage event check-in flow
  • Help people find their sessions, restrooms and amenities
  • Handle accessibility needs with care and patience
  • Stay connected with your team lead throughout the shift

03 / Role

Social Media & Content Capture

Love photography, video, or storytelling? Help us share Design Week with the world as it unfolds — in real time, from the inside.

  • Capture photos and short-form video throughout events
  • Post to SDDW social channels using our content guidelines
  • Collect attendee quotes and moments worth sharing
  • Coordinate daily with the SDDW communications team

What We Ask Of You

Show Up.
Be Yourself.
Have fun.

We keep things simple and human. Volunteers are the heart of SDDW and we want you to feel supported, valued, and genuinely glad you came.

We just ask that you come to a quick orientation beforehand, show up on time for your shifts, and give us a heads-up if anything changes. The rest, we figure out together as a team.

Sign Up Via Google Form

Attend Orientation

One mandatory session (virtual or in-person) held two weeks before Design Week

Commit to Your Shifts

2–4 shifts of 4–6 hours each. We match your availability as best we can

Wear the Volunteer Shirt

Provided free — it’s how attendees know you’re the person to find

Be Communicative

Use our volunteer Slack channel to stay in sync with your team lead

Bring Good Energy

Seriously. That’s the most important thing on this whole list