Volunteering for Buckeye Game Fest:
Join us March 12-15, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency in Downtown Columbus, Ohio. In exchange for working at the show, you will receive a full show badge and other volunteer benefits. Our show only happens thanks to our volunteers!
Volunteer opportunities at BGF include Library, Registration, Raffle Aids, Movers, and Consignment Stores.
To learn more about the roles & requirements & benefits, click here.
Volunteer Benefits
- Full Show Volunteer Badge
- NEW All volunteer badges include War Room access!
- 5 raffle tickets (15 raffle tickets for 2026 CABS members!)
- 2 games from the attendee game giveaway (if we have one)
- 2 meals during the show (pizza dinner Friday, sub lunch Saturday)
- Access to the volunteer lounge and storage area in the show office.
Volunteer Requirements (including CABS members++)
- Work 2 shifts of 3 hours
- Watch a short training presentation and complete a quiz
- Library and Registration volunteers only
- Agree to the BGF Volunteer Policy
- Join the BGF Discord server
Want to earn extra raffle tickets? We love it when volunteers go the extra mile! As a thank-you, you’ll earn 10 bonus raffle tickets for every additional shift you work.
Consignment Store Volunteer
Our consignment store volunteers have different shift requirements and additional benefits.
Interested? Email Kristin Horvath at kristing@buckeyegamefest.com
- Must be available for both shifts
- Friday: 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm
- Saturday: 8:30 am – 1:30 pm
- Agree to the BGF Volunteer Policy
- Join the BGF Discord server
Additional Benefits (on top of regular volunteer benefits)
- First-choice shopping for each wave (limit 5 games per wave)
- Waived master sheet and unsold item fees
++ Previously, CABS members had different shift requirements, which added extra work for the volunteer committee. Since the committee members are volunteers themselves, already contributing many hours to make BGF happen, aligning shift requirements for everyone helps reduce administrative overhead while keeping the event fun and rewarding.
Once you sign up for shifts, our volunteer board will process your request and register you for the show. You will be notified of your scheduled shifts and badge allocation, and you can even see what shifts were approved by looking at “My Shifts” after applying.
Volunteering for The Origins Game Library:
Join the 2026 Origins & BGF Game Library Volunteer Team!
Origins Game Fair will take place June 17–21, 2026, at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio.
We manage the Origins and Buckeye Game Fest (BGF) Game Library, giving Origins attendees access to the Columbus Area Boardgaming Society’s massive collection of 1,800+ board games. Whether attendees are looking for classics, hidden gems, or the hottest new releases, our library has something for everyone! But we can’t do it without an amazing team of volunteers.
We are on the lookout for enthusiastic volunteers who are ready to help us run the Origins and BGF Game Library once again! Whether you’ve been with us before or you’re joining us for the first time, we need your help to make this year’s events even better.
What Do Our Volunteers Do?
✔ Library Greeter – Welcome attendees and explain the library rules.
✔ Library Checkout – Check out games and manage IDs.
✔ Library Check-in – Process returned games and IDs.
✔ Library ID Handler – Secure and organize collected IDs.
✔ Library Assistant – Help find and reshelve games.
✔ Game Prep – Prepare and inspect new and returned games.
✔ Movers – Transport and set up the Game Library before and after the event.
Our volunteers play a vital role in making the Game Library a success. From greeting attendees to checking out games, each role is essential in creating a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Volunteer Requirements
- Work 3 shifts of 3 hours each (9 hours total).
- At least one shift must be on Friday or Saturday, starting at 2:30 PM or later.
- Review training materials and complete a short training quiz.
- Join the BGF Discord server for team communication.
Volunteer Benefits
- Origins Full Show Game Master Badge (admission for all five days)
- Origins and BGF Game Library Volunteer T-shirt
Don’t Wait, Sign Up Today!
👉 Don’t miss your turn—click here to sign up and claim your shifts before the game is over!
Interested in joining the library move team?
👉 Want to be a part of the heavy lifting (literally)? Click here to sign up and claim your spot on the move team today!
Join us for an unforgettable experience, and help make the 2026 Origins and BGF Game Library the best one yet!
Want to volunteer with Buckeye Game Festivals?
We are happy to have your help running some of the premier board gaming events in Central Ohio. Our volunteers help make these events some of the most well-attended and enjoyed of their kind.