Volunteering has changed!
That’s the message from 300 fair volunteers and staff members from the International Association of Fairs and Expositions Convention in Denver.
When IAFE attendees voted on hundreds of possible topics for their convention, my session on Finding Volunteers rose to the top.
Then at the convention, not only was the session packed, but people also didn’t want to leave. Since there was time in the schedule, we stayed in the room for an extra 15 minutes of great conversations and ideas.
I shared the best insights in an article for Fairs and Expos Magazine, (September/October 2026 Issue), published by the International Association of Fairs and Expositions. Reprinted with permission:
Download a PDF of the article: Volunteering has changed, 300 fair peers said. Good news about who volunteers now and where to find them.
But that’s not all! There’s also an even more detailed report with even more ideas.
There was a limited amount of space for the magazine article, so I had to leave out some of the great ideas.
And I presented a second session at the Convention, on my Idea Friendly Method. Once again, it rose to the top in the voting against hundreds of other topics. And once again the room was packed!
In the Q&A time, people shared more ideas about making your fair or expo a welcoming place in the community. So I saved those too.
That’s what you’ll find in the PDF ebook Finding More Volunteers and Community Outreach is about Being Welcoming: more volunteer ideas and more ideas about connecting with your community.
Download the detailed volunteering and welcoming report PDF here.
No signup or email address required. Enjoy!
Wondering what it’s all about? Here’s a quick summary.
This is a summary of the “Finding More Volunteers” workshop and discussion led by Becky McCray at the December 2025 International Association of Fairs and Expos Convention in Denver.
1. Recruit Youth Volunteers Through Their Relationships and Activities
Youth volunteers come in pairs or groups, not as individuals. Partner with unexpected groups. Frame volunteering as a path to employment.
2. Become a Movement that Attracts People, Not a Membership that Burdens Them
Eliminate or minimize committee structures that require year-round meetings. Create talent pools where people can be called on when needed. Tell people how you make a difference in the community.
3. Find NEW Volunteers Where They Already Gather Around Shared Interests
Replace declining civic organizations with informal activity-based groups. Talk to every group that uses your facilities throughout the year.
4. Keep Volunteers with Affordable Celebrations, Recognition and Letting Go of Non-Essentials
Show value with appreciation events, gift cards, distinctive volunteer shirts, thank you notes and text messages. Stop zealous follow up on nonessential tasks.
5. No Coordinator? Share the Load Across Your Board and Community
Delegate volunteer management by section to board members. Use newsletters to acknowledge volunteers efficiently. Investigate loaned executive programs.
6. You Can’t Always Fire Difficult Volunteers, But You Can Help Them Find New Meaning
Redirect negative energy into more positive roles. Let new volunteers bypass conflict.
If that summary sounds useful, get the two PDFs:
Download a PDF of the magazine article: Volunteering has changed, 300 fair peers said. Good news about who volunteers now and where to find them.
Download the detailed volunteering and welcoming report PDF here.
More resources for you
Find More Volunteers video to share
Find More Volunteers includes a lot of the big concepts, and is shareable so you can convince others.
The Book: The Idea Friendly Guide
If you want to learn more about my Idea Friendly Method, start with my 120 page book The Idea Friendly Guide. It’s available wherever you buy books in ebook, paperback and large print. Learn more and pick up your copy at https://saveyour.town/IFGuide
Becky McCray
If you have questions or want to follow up, reach out to me on my speaking contact form.
And if you want topics that your attendees will love, packed rooms, and rich idea exchanges, invite me to your community or event at BeckyMcCray.com
