Nov

Volunteer for The Long Conversation

The Arts & Industries Building Team is putting on our second annual Long Conversation in the Arts & Industries Building on December 7, and we need your help!

The Long Conversation is a radical, transformative day that brings together the biggest thinkers in the arts and the sciences to talk about ideas that make them optimistic for the future. Once a year, NASA astronauts, Grammy-winning musicians, tech CEOs, poets, inventors and more converge in the historic Arts & Industries Building for a lively 8-hour relay race of surprising conversations around the best ideas on the horizon. Plus, the event features incredible performances, art installations, pop-ups from DC’s coolest chefs, and the rare chance to explore the soaring halls of America’s first National Museum.

Sound crazy? It is—and it’s uplifting, authentic, and a ton of fun!

Are you in? AWESOME! Here’s what you need to know:

Event Date: Friday, December 7^th

Event Time: The event runs 2:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Doors will open for guests at 1:30 p.m.

Location: The Historic Arts & Industries Building, 900 Jefferson Drive SW, Washington, D.C.

How do I sign up?

Please email Anya Simmons (SimmonsA2@si.edu) with the following information:

your name
email
day-of contact number
the shifts you would like to sign up for
your shirt size

We’ll send you a confirmation email when we receive your response. Additional information about your role will be provided in the days leading up to the event.

I know someone who might be interested in volunteering with me. Can they come too?

Absolutely! We would love their help! Please feel free to forward this email to any friends or family you think might be interested. To sign up, have them contact Anya with their information as instructed above.

What are the volunteer shifts?

Volunteer shifts are available at the following times on Friday, December 7^th:

12:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
4:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

What volunteer roles are available?

Volunteer roles include helping guests check-in, providing directional guidance and information throughout the space, escorting special guests and performers, and assisting visitors as they engage with the large-scale interactive art installations.

What is the attire?

You’ll be doing a lot of walking and standing. Please wear jeans and comfortable shoes or sneakers. We will provide you with an event shirt.

Is there a volunteer training?

Yes! We promise you will be fully prepared! There will be volunteer training on Thursday, December 6^th, from 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. in AIB. You’ll get a sneak peek at our setup and we will walk you through all the details. Can’t make the training? No worries! We’ll get you fully oriented when you arrive onsite for your shift.