Gofer FAQ

If you have a question that isn't listed here, please contact us via the Otakon contact form and we'll reply via e-mail as soon as possible.

General Questions

No. As much as we'd like to take everyone who's willing to gofer, the harsh reality is that we don't have the budget. Each gofer costs a certain amount of money, and as a not-for-profit organization, Otakon has to watch every dollar.

As a point of reference, in the past 2 years, we haven't turned down a single gofer (who met all requirements). Unfortunately, we can't guarantee that very year.

How early should I get in line at the Friday morning Gofer Call?

In the past, most members that arrived an hour early rarely missed out on becoming a gofer. Please keep in mind that this is NOT a guarantee but we will take as many people as we are able.

Understand, the Sharp Street Lobby won't open until 8:20 am, so you'll be waiting outside from whatever time you show up until 8:20 am.

Can I pre-register as a gofer?

Otakon Web Boards replaced the old BBS. If you're not a member, sign up and then send a private message to MattTheMinion requesting access to the restricted gofer areas.

Will I get as many hours as I want?

Absolutely!! Otakon Gofers Operations Staff guarantees you WILL get as many hours as you ask for. If you sign up for 20 hours...you WILL get 20 hours. Our only requests are that you work the hours you sign up for and you schedule yourself time for a break. Don't request 15 hours if you can only work 12.

If you want to add MORE hours...hey thanks a lot. We appreciate the dedication and 9 out of 10 times, you'll get your extra hours. We've also been able to re-schedule those who missed hours...for the most part. If you want to switch hours, we do suggest you find another gofer with the hours you want to change and see if they want to swap. We can't guarantee swapping, extra hours, and re-scheduling, but we'll do our best.

But the simplest solution is to sign up for the hours you want at Orientation and then show up for all your shifts. Easy, huh?

Can I work in costume?

That depends. Are you dressed as a Gundam (or any other giant robo) with a 6 foot laser rifle? This question has been asked so many times when the answer is so simple. Yes, you can work in costume...as long as that costume does NOT interfere with the job you're supposed to perform.

The only thing you are required to wear while working (other than some form of clothing) is your GOFER hangtag, which attaches to your badge. We recommend you don't wear a costume but the choice is yours. Just understand that if your costume interferes with your duties, we'll ask you to change.

Incentive Questions

Here's a checklist:

• (Optional) Get together other gofers to share your room. Keep in mind that only four gofers will be reimbursed per room per night.
• Book/pay for your room. Be sure to take advantage of the Otakon discounts.
• Work the required hours as a gofer to earn the room reimbursement perk.
• On Sunday, sign out as a gofer and get your worksheet approved by staff.
• Provide Gofer Ops with your hotel room receipt WITH YOUR NAME listed and fill out the short form we give you.

Must MY name be on the hotel room receipt?

YES!!! We will only reimburse gofers that are named specifically on the hotel receipt. If you're not the person paying for the room, you can still get your name listed. Hotels prefer having the names of all room occupants. Just make sure at the time of booking that the hotel will list your name. Don't find out too late!

Worst case scenario...the person that registered for the room can verify your occupancy with a signed statement.

If you do NOT have your name listed on the hotel receipt (either via the hotel or the registered occupant), then you WILL NOT get a reimbursement...sorry.

Can I get the check made out to someone else?

Yes. In fact this year Gofer Ops will implement a short form for hotel reimbursements so you can provide us with all the info we need including who to make the check out to, where to send it, etc.

Can you help me get roommates?

Well, we can try. The Otakon Web Boards have a section for those who are looking for roommates as well as those who need them.

Anything Else?

If you have any specific questions, we highly recommend that you visit The Otakon Web Boards. There is a special section on the board specifically for questions about gofering. Or you can contact Gofer Ops through the Otakon contact form.