The conference theme this year is Your California HR Advantage.  This is a remarkable opportunity for you to help shape the impact the California HR Conference has on the HR community in California.  PIHRA is rooted in community. We’re dedicated to building safe, welcoming, and inclusive spaces at every event—and we’d love for you to be part of building community at CAHR26.

We are seeking 90 volunteers for on-site and virtual roles to support various conference functions. Volunteers who complete a volunteer shift will receive a full registration for the conference, allowing them to attend learning sessions and receptions on their free day.

Important Dates:

• Volunteer Application Submission Deadline: Friday, January 16, 2026
• Goal for Volunteer Position Confirmation: Week of February 9, 2026

Applicants who are not selected can purchase a CAHR26 registration at the early bird rate. Volunteers will primarily work full-day shifts, with some exceptions.  They will be able to attend learning sessions and receptions when not on their volunteer shift. Ready to make an impact? Scroll down to review available volunteer positions and apply today! For questions or concerns, please contact us at membership@pihra.org.

VOLUNTEERS WILL ENJOY:

1. A full day of free time (unless working remotely) at the 2026 California HR Conference to attend sessions, enjoy lunch and snack breaks, visit the Experience Center, and participate in social receptions.
2. Complimentary CAHR26 virtual access pass to view all sessions On Demand (valid for three months)
3. Invaluable professional and personal development as you network with peers.
4. Building relationships with PIHRA leadership and staff.
5. Access to the volunteer lounge on the day you volunteer.

The volunteers must arrive on time on the day of their shift and be prepared to work. If a volunteer arrives onsite late, on the wrong day and/or cannot fulfill their duties, they will be asked to leave.  They will not be allowed to attend the conference unless they pay the in-person registration rate.

ALL VOLUNTEERS MUST AGREE TO:

1. Review the guidelines and sign a volunteer commitment form.
2. Attend ANY training that may be assigned for their role.
3. Once selected, you must complete your volunteer assignment to avoid being charged for attending the CAHR26 conference.

Prior to completing the volunteer application, please review the volunteer guidelines and the volunteer role descriptions below.

APPLY NOW

GENERAL INFORMATION:

All volunteers will be onsite at the Hilton Anaheim unless selected for a virtual volunteer position. Full-day shifts may be up to 10 hours in length (including breaks and meals) and begin as early as 6:30 am and end at 5:30 pm. Regardless of your shift, you will be allowed to attend the conference during free time.

Anyone with a volunteer badge will have a specific assignment and, when onsite, will be required to work as a volunteer. During your volunteer shift, please refrain from taking advantage of conference activities outside of your role or using your cell phone/laptop (unless it’s to use the conference app or during your break). PIHRA will make reasonable efforts to accommodate volunteers’ preferences; however, selected volunteers are expected to commit to their assigned shift date and time. Schedule change requests may not be accommodated and could result in forfeiture of the assignment.

VOLUNTEER POSITIONS AVAILABLE

Volunteer Leads (Full Day) – Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday
Assist senior PIHRA staff and manage on-site volunteer check-in, assignments, and communication. Will be assigned other tasks as well.  Strong leadership and communication skills are required.

In-Person Session Moderators (Full Day) – Tuesday or Wednesday
Ensure session speakers stay on schedule and assist with A/V needs. Must have public speaking experience and strong communication skills.

Virtual Session Moderators (Full Day) – Tuesday or Wednesday (Remote)
Engage with attendees in chat and help facilitate online discussions. A positive attitude and familiarity with the conference platform are essential.

Spotlight Stage Host (Full Day) – Tuesday or Wednesday
Manage the schedule for speakers and assist attendees. Experience with public speaking and technology is preferred.

Registration Hosts (Full Day) – Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday
Assist attendees at the registration area and handle various inquiries. Friendly and helpful personalities are essential.

CAHR26 Greeters (Full Day) – Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday
Greet attendees and assist in the conference area. Outgoing and friendly personalities are a must.

CAHR26 Experience Center Hosts (Full Day) – Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday
Support exhibitors and attendees in the exhibition area. Vital customer service and problem-solving skills are necessary.

PIHRA Booth Hosts (Full Day) – Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday
Engage with attendees at the PIHRA Booth and provide membership information. Help with setup and takedown. Must be knowledgeable about PIHRA.

Book Signing Hosts (Full Day) – Tuesday or Wednesday
Assist with the book signing area and engage with attendees. Good customer service skills are essential.

Speaker Lounge Hosts (Full Day) – Tuesday or Wednesday
Provide support for speakers in the VIP Room. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are required.

Photographer/Social Media Manager (Full Day) – Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday
Capture the spirit of the conference and create content for social media. Experience in photography and content creation is a plus.