Go Behind the Scenes:
Volunteer at GF26

To our credentialed parents and supporters: You’ve cheered from the stands—now see the magic from the inside. We invite you to volunteer for a few hours to gain a unique, “backstage” perspective on our most iconic events.

Help at Our Events

If you are 18 years of age or older and will be a credentialed Global Finals attendee, we invite you to volunteer for a few hours to get a unique perspective on some of our main events. Click on the title links below to apply.

Welcome Ceremony
Thursday, May 21: 7:30 – 9:00 pm
Volunteer Time Commitment: 5:30 – 7:45 pm

Box n’ Ballers Bash
Saturday, May 26, 6:00 – 9:00 pm
Volunteer Time Commitment: 6:30 – 9:00 pm

Team Manager Lounge
Friday, May 23: 9am – 5pm
Saturday, May 23:  9am – 5pm
Sunday, May 24: 9am – 1pm
Volunteer Time Commitment: 
Friday, May 22: 9am – 1pm or 1pm – 5pm
Saturday, May 23: 9am – 1pm or 1pm – 5pm
Sunday, May 24: 9am – 1pm

Closing Celebration
Sunday, May 25: 4:00 – 6:00 pm
Volunteer Time Commitment: 2:00 – 6:00 pm

Ta-Da
Friday, May 23: 9am – 5pm
Saturday, May 23:  9am – 5pm
Sunday, May 24: 9am – 1pm
Volunteer Time Commitment: 
Friday, May 22: 9am – 1pm or 1pm – 5pm
Saturday, May 23: 9am – 1pm or 1pm – 5pm
Sunday, May 24: 9am – 1pm

How to Volunteer

There are now two ways to apply to volunteer at Global Finals. Nominations are open now. Nominees who have completed their application by February 15 have the best chance of being selected.

Be Nominated!

Individuals who volunteer locally may be nominated to serve as Global Finals Appraisers or other tournament volunteers. If you are a DI volunteer and would like to be nominated, please contact your Regional and/or Affiliate Director(s) to let them know you’re interested.

  • Nominees will be asked to accept or decline their nominations.
  • Nominees must be 18 or older on April 1, 2026.
  • Once accepted, nominees will fill out a formal application.
  • Volunteer selections and invitations begin in late March.

Nominate Yourself!

In order to encourage a more diverse pool of nominees, we are introducing a self-nomination option for Globals.

Anyone may nominate themselves to serve as a Global Finals Appraiser or other tournament volunteer. You will need a DI account if you do not already have one. Create one here.

  • Self-nominees will fill out an application.
  • Self-nominees must be 18 or older on April 1, 2026.
  • Affiliate/Regional Directors will have a chance to provide feedback on these nominees from their areas.
  • Volunteer selections and invitations begin in late March.
Nominate Yourself

BACKGROUND CHECKS

ALL Global Finals volunteers MUST pass a Sterling Volunteers Complete/Level 2 Background Check in order to attend the event. Volunteers will receive a code to process their background check at no cost.

Volunteer FAQ

It is strongly recommended that all volunteers be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. At this time we are not requiring that all volunteers be fully vaccinated and up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations in order to attend Global Finals. We are monitoring local, national, and global public health guidelines and reserve the right to institute a vaccine requirement at any time to respond to any overwhelming COVID-19 infection rates.

Global Finals runs from Thursday to Sunday, May 21-24, 2026. Most volunteers will be asked to arrive before the event begins. Volunteers will be made aware of their required arrival date as needed.

Volunteers are responsible for their own travel arrangements. Volunteers are also responsible for procuring the time off to participate as a volunteer. 

Starting in February, nominees are reviewed and then formally invited to register for Global Finals. During the registration process, individuals select their preferences regarding their volunteer role. While we try to fill all roles based on these preferences, it is impossible to ensure that everyone gets the assignment they want. We appreciate your flexibility and your willingness to give your time no matter what you end up doing. Furthermore, as nominees decline their invitations we will continue to invite other nominees until all volunteer positions are filled. Do not get discouraged if you do not get an invitation right away. You may still get one after the initial round of invitations goes out.

What They're Saying...

Have you ever wondered how your time volunteering for Destination Imagination will have a greater impact? Check out this video to hear from our volunteers and why they give back to DI.