CS5 East 2026 Volunteer Program
Behind Every Great Conference Is a Crew That Cares
Applications are now open. We are building a crew of 16 volunteers across six operational teams to help run CS5 East 2026 at the Gaylord National Resort. Volunteers receive conference access, hotel accommodations in National Harbor, meals throughout the event, and a front row seat to the community they are helping build.
CS5 is a conference for the community, built by the community, and our volunteers are at the heart of that mission. Every attendee experience, every successful session, and every meaningful connection is made possible by the people who choose to serve and support this event. As a CS5 East volunteer you are not simply helping at a conference. You are helping create an environment where cybersecurity professionals, students, leaders, veterans, and newcomers across the Defense Industrial Base can learn, connect, and grow together.
Start with the Volunteer Handbook
The handbook covers every team, the full schedule, benefits and recognition, expectations, and what to expect on site. Read it before you apply so you know exactly what you are signing up for.
Six Teams. Sixteen Volunteers. One Mission.
Volunteers are organized into six operational teams. Each team has a defined mission, clear responsibilities, and a Team Captain who serves as the primary point of contact.
Registration Team
Create a welcoming and efficient check-in experience for attendees.
Key Responsibilities
- Badge printing and badge pickup
- Swag distribution
- Ribbon distribution
- Registration support
- Line management
Main Session Team
Support keynote sessions and large conference gatherings.
Key Responsibilities
- Ballroom entry and seating assistance
- Crowd flow management
- Attendee support during keynotes
- Speaker assistance
Session Room Team
Ensure every breakout room is conference-ready and speaker-supported.
Key Responsibilities
- Speaker support
- Room readiness checks
- Survey reminders
- Speaker gifts
- Issue escalation and room monitoring
Exhibitor Hall Team
Support sponsors, exhibitors, and attendee engagement in the hall.
Key Responsibilities
- Exhibitor support
- Roundtable Revolution
- Sponsor assistance
- Attendee engagement
Attendee Experience Team
Create a welcoming and helpful conference experience for every attendee.
Key Responsibilities
- Wayfinding and directional support
- Lollipop signage placement
- Attendee assistance
- Networking support
Floaters and Support Team
Provide flexible support wherever it is needed most.
Key Responsibilities
- Break coverage
- Peak-period support
- Staffing gaps
- Emergency assistance
- Special assignments
Tell us your team preferences in the application. Volunteer Leadership makes the final assignments and sends team placements and schedules before the event.
A Note on Flexibility
Volunteer Program details and times may shift a bit as the event comes together. We'd like to thank you in advance for meeting these changes with patience and flexibility. Your gracious support makes this all possible.
Forum Makers Team
What You Are Probably Wondering
No. Many volunteers come from the Defense Industrial Base community, but we also need people who are great at hospitality, logistics, and connecting people. Students, veterans, career changers, and newcomers are all welcome. If you care about the community and want to help build it, you belong here.
Sixteen, across six operational teams. Each team card above lists how many volunteers that team needs.
No. Dedicated operational crews handle logistics, physical setup, and breakdown. Volunteers are here to support people, sessions, and the attendee experience, not to serve as a labor crew. Tuesday and Wednesday volunteer work is training, preparation, signage, and registration setup.
Yes. Volunteers have access to conference sessions and activities when they are not actively assigned to volunteer responsibilities. Team Captains coordinate breaks so coverage stays continuous, and meal periods are a good time to network with attendees.
Yes. Volunteers receive hotel accommodations for the duration of the volunteer program. Rooms are booked at a hotel in the National Harbor area, close to the Gaylord National, though not necessarily in the conference hotel itself. Your specific hotel and confirmation details are sent before the event.
Meals and refreshments are provided throughout the event. Tuesday and Wednesday volunteers receive a $150 food gift card to help cover meals during setup and preparation days. On conference days you get breakfast, snack breaks, and lunch alongside attendees.
Tuesday, October 20 through Friday, October 23. Setup and preparation days run 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM ET on Tuesday and Wednesday, and conference operations run 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM ET on Thursday and Friday. The Registration Team works an adjusted 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM shift on Wednesday, and the Exhibitor Hall Team is on site Wednesday evening from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM ET for booth move-in. Schedules may be adjusted based on conference needs.
The application asks about your preferences, skills, and experience. Volunteer Leadership makes the final assignments so every team has the coverage it needs, then sends final schedules and team placements before the event.
Every team is led by a Team Captain who supports the team, communicates daily priorities, coordinates coverage, and escalates issues. The chain is simple: volunteer to Team Captain to Volunteer Leadership. You will always know who to contact.
Wear your assigned volunteer shirt and conference badge while on duty. Comfortable footwear is strongly recommended, since most roles involve time on your feet.
Yes. Every volunteer receives an official CS5 Volunteer Certificate recognizing their service, plus the volunteer swag package with apparel and exclusive conference items.
There are only 16 positions. If we cannot place you this time, we keep your information for future CS5 events and let you know about other ways to contribute to the community.
Applications Open
Ready to Join the Crew?
Read the Volunteer Handbook, pick the teams that fit you best, and submit your application. There are 16 positions across six teams, reviewed on a rolling basis until every spot is filled.
