Become a Volunteer
Welcome to a life changing opportunity… be a part of the 47th NBMBAA® Annual Conference & Exposition by volunteering. Houston, TX will be our host City supported by NBMBAA local Houston Chapter. We are expecting thousands of thousands of attendees to join us from all the USA and especially those from the 44 chapters of the NBMBAA. Creating a rich opportunity to network and connect with like-minded professionals. The Conference will run from Tuesday, September 23, 2025-Friday, September 26, 2025. We will need a lot of in-person volunteers to ensure the success of this year’s conference. Your assistance will be needed as early as Monday, September 22, 2025. Volunteers are involved in significant coordination of activations behind the scenes. You can also expand your networks, share skills, gain experience, and contribute to the efficient operation and success of this annual event.
Why Volunteer?
Why People Love Volunteering
Tiffany L. Maqubela, MBA
NBMBAA CONFERENCE VOLUNTEER
- How has volunteering with the NBMBAA impacted you as a professional?
Volunteering has impacted me as a professional in many ways. It has given me the opportunity to connect and create relationships with others. I have learned so much from these connections, such as discovering different roles at various companies and what they entail or learning how to navigate different work styles and personalities. This has supported me professionally when working with my colleagues. Connecting helps me to foster ways to work collaboratively and efficiently. - What transferable skills have you enhanced or developed by volunteering?
There are many transferable skills I developed or enhanced by volunteering at conference. Being able to pivot in real time when plans fall through is a skill I was able to enhance during my time with the volunteer team. One must be flexible to change and remain grounded when challenges arise. Another skill I enhanced was the discipline to show up early and stay late consistently. Being present and on time ensured we had the coverage needed to get the work done and that the team felt supported. - Why would you encourage others to volunteer?
Volunteering is a remarkable experience that I would encourage others to do. Everyone is there for the common goal of a successful conference, as well as supporting those who are seeking to make their next move in their career. Being in community with like-minded folks is always a good time. We work hard and build lasting relationships. - How has being a Member of The NBMBAA benefited you?
Being a member of the NBMBAA has benefited me in several ways. I have had the opportunity to connect with several leaders across several industries, as well as serve as a board member for my local chapter. I have also been awarded an economic impact scholarship to offset the cost of some of my student loans. Lastly, being a part of an organization that seeks to build the wealth of its community is an honor, as we continue to uphold and support the mission and legacy of the NBMBAA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Three key reasons other volunteers have highlighted: Access to people of influence. Resources both at conference and post conference that are life changing. A low cost way to have the conference experience and benefits. They believe volunteering is an opportunity to network to increase their net worth.
The NBMBAA® Why is because volunteers are an essential human resource in the execution of the conference. They fulfill a number of functions that are important to the overall success of the conference. We appreciate the significant contributions that volunteers make, and we welcome your assistance in reaching our goals.
Online volunteer registration is Open! Click Here
On-site registration will begin on Monday, September 22, 2025 in the Volunteer Office.
Location: The George R. Brown Convention Center |1001 Avenida De Las Americas, Houston, TX 77010 | Room #: TBA
Please send an email to volunteer@nbmbaa.org.
The National Black MBA 47th Annual Conference & Exposition is taking place in Houston, TX.
The conference location will be: The George R. Brown Convention Center |1001 Avenida De Las Americas, Houston, TX 77010.
Tuesday, September 23, 2025 – Saturday, September 27, 2025.
Yes, the minimum age is 21 years old, and you do not have to be a NBMBAA® Member. Nor do you need to be a business major or hold a degree in business.
Volunteers are asked to support a variety of important roles during the conference. Some areas of need available to volunteers include but are not limited to the following:
|
|
|
|
Yes, you may select assignment(s) that interest you and fit your schedule.
Please Note: If a volunteer, who registered for an assignment/opportunity but fails to check-in 45 minutes in advance of the assignment, may lose that assignment to a volunteer who is waiting for an assignment. Also, note you must sign-in and out of all assignments at the start and finish to get credited hours for volunteering.
Volunteers can register for as many assignments as their schedule permits. Please do not register for opportunities that you cannot work the entire shift.
Note: The system will not allow you to schedule overlapping opportunities. Trying to do so will result in that assignment not showing up on your schedule.
Volunteers are allowed to register for conference events at their own expense. Being a volunteer does not give you access to events, sessions, or activities free of charge. Your access to conference is based on the assignments you choose to volunteer work.
A Volunteer is expected to satisfy the entire time that is posted for the assignment. You must plan to arrive 45 minutes prior to the start of an assignment. You should create your volunteer schedule based on the volunteer rewards you want to qualify for receiving. (See the volunteer rewards chart in this document)
If you have decided to attend the in-person volunteer orientation, you should plan your arrival to the conference based on the orientation you want to attend.
Virtual Volunteer orientations will be done over a zoom platform.
|
Virtual Volunteer Orientations:
Use this zoom link: |
Onsite Orientations:
|
Each volunteer is responsible for securing his/her own travel and hotel. Volunteers can make their hotel arrangements via the NBMBAA® website, but please note that there is no discount available by making your reservations via this website. Additionally, The NBMBAA® assumes no responsibility for volunteer hotel or travel plans and encourages volunteers to purchase travel insurance. Light snacks and drinks will be provided daily until the volunteer office closes.
Volunteers will be provided with an NBMBAA® polo shirt to be worn only during your volunteer shift. Volunteers may keep the shirt at the end of their shift(s). All volunteers should wear black or dark colored slacks or skirts and dark (comfortable) shoes. Note some opportunities require business attire only. Please come prepared to walk as there will be a significant distance between some assignments. We also encourage you to wear business attire everyday. This position you for all available opportunities.
We strongly encourage all volunteers to register for conference. If you want to ATTEND CONFERENCE EVENTS, SESSION, AND MEAL FUNCTIONS. Please go to the registration website to see your options for registering to attend conference events, sessions, and activities. However, if you are planning to only volunteer YOU DO NOT NEED TO REGISTER FOR CONFERENCE.
Based on the total number of hours volunteered and your membership status, volunteers may qualify for one of the on- site rewards and one of the 2025 Post Conference Rewards.
Some of the on-site rewards you can choose from include 1- one-day access to the Career Expo, or 1- entry to one General Session (The sessions you may select from are chosen by the NBMBAA® .) All on-site rewards must be used before the end of conference and volunteers can earn only one on-site reward.
A Reward redeemable post conference is assessed based on your membership status and the total number of hours you worked. These rewards may include one of the following 1- complimentary 2026 NBMBAA Premium Conference Registration & a 1-Year NBMBAA Membership; 1-2026 NBMBAA® Standard Conference Registration(Career Expo Only); 1- complimentary 1-year NBMBAA membership.
Volunteers can earn both an on-site reward redeemable at conference and a reward that is redeemable post conference. You may qualify for on-site rewards if you volunteer 12 hours or more by Thursday. The on-site rewards include:
- 1-Day Pass for the Career Fair
- Access to a Session or Workshop (designated by NBMBAA®
- NBMBA Live Concert (Thursday or Friday)
All rewards are limited and are awarded based on the first group of individual volunteers who qualify for the Reward. Once the NBMBAA® has reached a rewards category’s designated quota no more rewards will be distributed for that reward category. All rewards are non-transferable and must be redeemed prior to expiration date. Failure to redeem your reward by the indicated deadline may result in expiration of the reward. No rewards can be banked or carried over to another conference year. Get access to the Volunteer Rewards Chart by clicking the button on the volunteer registration page.
Our Volgistics System will allow us to accurately keep the date, time, and total hours you have accumulated. We will notify qualifiers of Post Conference Rewards, one to two weeks after the opening of conference registration for 2026.
YES!
- Volunteers have access to a leading HR and Professional Development Team that works only with our volunteers.
- All volunteers have access to the NBMBAA® Conference jobs portal. The link will be shared once operational.
- You have access to free onsite resume review both pre-conference and onsite by the Volunteer HR Team Only!
- Onsite free one-on-one interview coaching by the Volunteer HR Team Only!
- Free professional development Info Sessions that will prepare you to maximize your time at the Career Expo and beyond. These sessions are both pre-conference and onsite!
- Please note once you cash in your rewards points, they cannot be used toward another onsite reward. YOU ARE ALLOWED ONLY ONE ONSITE REWARD.
- All rewards are limited and are awarded based on the first group of individual volunteers who qualify for the reward.
- Once the NBMBAA® has reached a rewards category’s designated quota no more rewards will be distributed for that reward category.
- All rewards are non-transferable and must be redeemed prior to expiration date. Failure to redeem your reward by the indicated deadline may result in expiration of the reward.
- NBMBAA® has the sole discretion as to the day of entry to the Career Expo.
- PLEASE NOTE: NBMBAA® at its discretion can change the type of reward at any time without prior notification to the reward recipient.
- No rewards can be banked or carried over to another conference year.
- Volunteer Operations Team members and Local Conference Planning Committee members are not eligible to participate in the Volunteer Rewards Program.
- Self-Scheduling is the method by which you are allowed to select your own volunteer assignments/ opportunities.
- To self-schedule you will need the email used to register to volunteer and a 6-digit password you should receive at the completion of your volunteer registration form. Please email us at Volunteer@NBMBAA.org if you don’t get your password (numbers)/pin number.
- Use this link to enter the Self-Scheduling Portal: https://www.volgistics.com/vicnet/31527/login | Once in the portal, you can select, change, and view your schedule of assignments.
- Troubleshooting questions can be sent to this email: Volunteer@nbmaaa.org
- There will be a Volunteer Info Sessions scheduled to walk-through this process. Once scheduled you will receive an email with a zoom link.
- Other Info Sessions dates to prepare you for conference are will also be shared, once they are scheduled via email with the zoom link.
Volunteer Registration
Online Volunteer Registration will open on Monday, July 14, 2025, and remain open until Friday, September 26, 2025. However, if you want the top pick of opportunities and prime volunteer times, you want to register today!
Volunteer Office Information
Volunteer Office Hours:
Pre-Conference Virtual Office Hours:
Dates and times will be shown on Volunteer Engagement Calendar
Access Zoom link here.
Virtual Information Calendar:
Access the Virtual Volunteer Calendar here.
On-site Office Hours:
Monday, September 22nd | Immediately following Volunteer Orientation (7:30pm to 9:30pm CST)
Tuesday-Thursday, September 23rd-September 25th | 7:30 am– 8:00 pm CST
Friday, September 26th | 8am – 6p CST
Office location:
The George R. Brown Convention Center
1001 Avenida De Las Americas, Houston, TX 77010
Room #: TBA
Volunteer Conference Orientations
All Volunteers are required to attend ONLY one of the orientations listed below. Therefore, you should plan your arrival for in-person volunteering based on the orientation you want to attend. You have the option to attend virtually or in-person. See dates and times below. The virtual link will be sent to only those volunteers who select this option on their volunteer registration form.
Virtual:
Thursday, August 21st | 6:30 pm – 8 pm CST
Tuesday, August 26th | 6:30 pm – 8 pm CST
Thursday, September 4th | 6:30pm – 8pm CST
Zoom Link: https://rebrand.ly/2025VolunteerMeetings
In-person:
Monday, September 22nd | 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm CST
Tuesday, September 23rd | 11:30 pm – 1:00 pm CST
Location: The George R. Brown Convention Center 1001 Avenida De Las Americas, Houston, TX 77010 | Volunteer Office | Room (TBA)
About Rewards
All rewards must be verifiable by use of our volunteer opportunities Volgistics System. Failure to check-in and check-out of the system may result in disqualifications for conference rewards.
Using rewards at Conference: 1-day Career Expo Pass good for Thursday, September 25, 2025 or Friday, September 26, 2025. MBA live Event Tickets are good for Thursday, September 25, 2025 or Friday, September 26, 2025.
Post-Conference rewards will be based on your membership status and the total number of hours you volunteered. All rewards are non-transferable and must be redeemed prior to the expiration date. Failure to redeem your reward by the indicated deadline will result in the expiration of the reward. No rewards can be banked or carried over to another conference year.
We will notify qualifying volunteers of Post Conference Rewards two weeks after the Conference Registration opens for the 2025 NBMBAA Conference. See the Volunteer Guide for a full description of rewards and how to earn them.All rewards must be verified by our volunteer opportunities Volgistics System. Failure to check-in and check-out of the system may result in disqualifications for conference rewards.
Using rewards at Conference: 1-day Career Expo Pass good for Thursday, September 25, 2025 or Friday, September 26, 2025.
Post-Conference rewards will be based on your membership status and the total number of hours you volunteered. All rewards are non-transferable and must be redeemed prior to the expiration date. Failure to redeem your reward by the indicated deadline will result in the expiration of the reward. No rewards can be banked or carried over to another conference year.
We will notify qualifying volunteers of Post Conference Rewards up to 30 days after the Conference Registration opens for the 2026 NBMBAA Conference. See the Volunteer Guide for a full description of rewards and how to earn them.
2024 Onsite Rewards Overview
- Resume Review
- Resume Posting (Will open September 2nd to Volunteers)
- One-on-One Job Interview Coaching & Professional Development Info Sessions
- Career Expo One-Day Floor Pass
- Access to select workshops or sessions, if volunteers work 8hrs in one day
2024 Post-Conference Rewards Overview
- 2026 Conference Premium Registration & 1 Year NBMBAA® Membership
- 2026 Premium Conference Registration
- 2026 Standard Conference Registration (Career Expo Only)
- 1-year NBMBAA® Membership
Collegiate volunteer partner rewards structure varies so please refer to the 2025 Collegiate Volunteer Partner Guide.