Make a Difference at MWSUG 2026
MWSUG is a community-driven organization made possible by the dedication and commitment of volunteers. Each year, volunteers play an essential role in creating a welcoming, organized, and successful conference experience for attendees, presenters, Section Chairs, and the broader MWSUG community.
Volunteering at MWSUG is more than simply assisting with conference activities. It is an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow SAS professionals and users, build relationships with MWSUG leaders, gain insight into the organization and operation of the conference, and become more actively involved in the MWSUG community.
This information is intended for individuals who are registered to attend MWSUG 2026 and are interested in contributing their time and experience as a conference volunteer.
Volunteer Commitment
The success of MWSUG depends on individuals who are willing to contribute their time and take responsibility for specific conference activities. When you select a volunteer assignment, we ask that you make every reasonable effort to fulfill that commitment and arrive prepared and on time.
Volunteer assignments are designed to provide flexibility while ensuring that all conference activities have the support they need. Volunteers are entitled to appropriate breaks and will have opportunities to attend conference presentations and participate in other activities when their assigned responsibilities permit.
Because volunteers may occasionally need to step away from their assignments, Float Volunteers are an important part of the volunteer team. Float volunteers provide coverage and help ensure that conference operations continue smoothly throughout the day.
Volunteer Scheduling
Volunteer scheduling will be conducted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Additional information regarding the date, time, and virtual meeting details will be provided to registered volunteers.
If your availability changes after selecting an assignment, please notify the Volunteer Coordinator as soon as possible. Timely communication is important because volunteer assignments may be limited, and advance notice allows another volunteer an opportunity to provide coverage.
Volunteer Opportunities
MWSUG 2026 offers several volunteer capacities designed to accommodate different interests, schedules, and levels of involvement. Please review the opportunities below and select the roles that best align with your interests and availability.
- Section Volunteer
Section Volunteers work directly with Section Chairs to help ensure that presentation sessions run smoothly and provide an excellent experience for both presenters and attendees.
Responsibilities may include:- Assisting with attendance counts.
- Managing timing cards and helping presenters stay within their allotted presentation time.
- Assisting presenters with room setup and presentation technology.
- Helping with microphones or other room-related needs.
- Monitoring the room and assisting the Section Chair as needed.
- Helping maintain an organized and professional session environment.
- Assisting with other tasks that may arise during a presentation.
Section volunteer coverage will generally be divided around conference breaks. Typical timeframes include:- Morning - before the break
- Morning - after the break
- Afternoon - before the break
- Afternoon - after the break
This role is particularly well suited to attendees who already have an interest in a particular section, topic area, or group of presentations. Additional opportunity: Section Volunteers will have an opportunity to connect with their Section Chair during the Volunteer Meeting. This provides a valuable introduction to MWSUG leadership and may be particularly beneficial to individuals interested in becoming more involved with MWSUG in the future.
- Section Float Volunteer
Section Float Volunteers provide flexible coverage for Section Volunteers who need to step away from their assigned rooms.
A Section Float may be asked to temporarily cover a session while another volunteer:- Take a scheduled break.
- Attends a presentation.
- Participates in another conference activity.
- Handles another personal or conference-related obligation.
Float volunteers will be provided with information about available coverage needs and, where possible, preliminary access to session information. This allows volunteers to identify opportunities that align with their interests.
The Section Float role is an excellent choice for attendees who want to contribute to the conference while maintaining flexibility in their schedule.
- Registration Volunteer
Registration Volunteers serve as an important point of contact for conference attendees and assist with the smooth operation of the registration and information area.
Responsibilities may include:- Assisting attendees with the registration process.
- Distributing conference badges and name tags.
- Distributing conference materials, swag, and other attendee resources.
- Providing directions and answering general conference questions.
- Helping attendees locate appropriate resources or members of the Operations team.
- Supporting the Operations team with activities in and around the registration area.
- Assisting with setup and organization of the registration area as needed.
Registration shifts will generally be scheduled in blocks surrounding key conference activities, including opening sessions and breaks.
This role is an excellent opportunity for individuals who enjoy interacting with attendees and would like to gain a broader understanding of conference operations.
Additional opportunity: Registration Volunteers will have an opportunity to meet the Volunteer Coordinator and members of the MWSUG Operations team during the Volunteer Meeting. This provides an opportunity to learn more about the organization and explore potential future volunteer or leadership opportunities.
- Registration Float Volunteer
Registration Float Volunteers provide flexible coverage for the Registration team when primary Registration Volunteers need to step away from the registration area.
Float volunteers may be called upon to provide short-term coverage during:- Breaks.
- Conference sessions.
- Opening activities.
- Other periods when additional registration support is required.
This role offers flexibility while providing valuable support to the Registration and Operations teams. Registration Float Volunteers will be contacted regarding available coverage needs and can help fill gaps based on their availability.
- Odd Jobs, Setup/Teardown & Activities Volunteer
Some of the most important conference tasks are the ones that happen behind the scenes. Odd Jobs, Setup/Teardown & Activities Volunteers provide flexible support to the Volunteer Coordinator and MWSUG Operations team wherever assistance is needed.
Potential responsibilities may include:- Organizing and preparing session rooms.
- Assisting with conference setup before activities begin.
- Preparing and organizing conference materials.
- Helping with attendee activities and special events.
- Assisting with room or conference-area cleanup.
- Supporting conference teardown.
- Running occasional errands or assisting with logistical needs.
- Providing general operational support during the conference.
Ready to volunteer and contribute to MWSUG 2026?
Complete the MWSUG 2026 Volunteer Interest Form to let us know how you would like to get involved.
Assignments may be communicated before or during the conference, depending on the nature of the activity.
This role is particularly appropriate for individuals who enjoy variety, prefer a flexible volunteer schedule, and are willing to assist wherever their contribution can have the greatest impact.
Why Volunteer?
Your contribution as a volunteer helps MWSUG provide a professional, engaging, and welcoming conference experience for everyone.
In addition to supporting the conference, volunteering provides opportunities to:
- Expand your professional network by meeting SAS users, professionals, presenters, Section Chairs, and MWSUG leaders.
- Become more involved with MWSUG and learn about opportunities beyond attending the annual conference.
- Develop leadership experience by taking responsibility for conference activities and working with MWSUG teams.
- Gain insight into conference operations and learn how the various components of MWSUG work together.
- Build relationships with Section Chairs and Operations team members that may lead to future volunteer or leadership opportunities.
- Contribute to the SAS community by helping create a positive experience for fellow attendees.
- Make a meaningful contribution to an organization that depends on the involvement of its members.
If you have questions,
If you have questions about volunteer opportunities, scheduling, assignments, or the Pre-Conference Volunteer Meeting, visit our FAQs page or contact the MWSUG Volunteer Coordinator, Urvi Mehta
Thank You for Supporting MWSUG
MWSUG is made stronger by the participation and commitment of its members. By volunteering your time, you are helping create a successful conference and contributing to the community that makes MWSUG possible. We appreciate your willingness to lend your time, energy, and expertise and we look forward to seeing you at MWSUG 2026 in Madison, Wisconsin!
Last updated: August 22, 2026