Become a Volunteer

• Login into your account on cda.org or create an account.
• Click on My Account at the top right side of the screen.
• Once logged in select the host application form from the menu on the left side of the screen.
• Once you complete the form you will receive a confirmation email that your application was submitted.
• Allow 5-7 business days for your application to be reviewed.
• Once your application is approved you are eligible to host courses at CDA Presents!

Note: Host assignments for a speaker presenting all day will not be split and will be automatically linked to host that speaker for the duration of the day.

Volunteers represent CDA at the convention and are essential liaisons between the association, the speaker and the attendees. 

Expectations:

• Professional, positive and constructive interaction with attendees.
• Professional attire – Business casual to business attire, ties are optional.
• In the event a host need support with an attendee, the host should refer the issue to any available CDA Presents Board of Managers member.
• Review all host information and instructions prior to and during the convention.
• The CDA Presents Board of Managers host committee will visit all the meeting rooms during the meeting to answer any questions and confirm that host responsibilities are being met.
• Schedule your host assignments with a minimum of a one-hour gap between the end of one program and the start of the next. (exceptions for speaker hosts who are assigned to a speaker with courses that do not have a one-hour time gap).
• Active, attentive and consistent participation: host must be present and engaged in the lecture room for the entirety of the course.
• Download the CDA App to your smartphone. Take time to explore the tools and resources within the app so that you can quickly find convention information and may better address attendees’ questions.

Speaker Hosts are the onsite liaison between the speaker and the CDA.

• Contact the speaker before the meeting (at least 2-3 weeks as time allows) to ensure all details have been discussed and obtain the speaker’s introduction.
• Check-in at the Volunteer & Speaker registration booth at least 60 minutes prior to start of assignment.
• General announcement script and 3-digit course code will be included in your packet.
• Greet the speaker upon their arrival at the speaker ready room (or other pre-determined location) at least one hour prior to presentation.
• Arrive at the room at least 45 minutes prior to the course.
• Begin the general announcements on time, introduce the speaker to the audience.
• Remain in the lecture room for the entire presentation to assist the speaker and support the room host as needed at the entrance of the room.
• Closing announcement: thank the speaker for his or her presentation and the attendees for their participation. Announce the 3-digit code provided in the packet received at the registration booth. Do not distribute this code at any other time. The code is for verification purposes only.
• Ensure an on-time schedule is maintained – begin at the scheduled time.
• Accompany the speaker to the speaker/host lunch on the day of assignment and other CDA Presents related events as appropriate.
• Workshop hosting may require some additional duties and speaker support

Room Hosts have overall supervision of room requirements, general housekeeping to assist with an on time and smooth start and finish to each program. Their important role helps CDA create a great experience for attendees and speakers.

• Check-in at the Volunteer & Speaker registration booth at least 60 minutes prior to start of assignment.
• Arrive at the room no less than 30-45 minutes prior to the course.
• Greet attendees as they arrive for the course, ensure everyone in the room has a seat (standing in the back of the room is not permitted).
• Assist the Room Monitor (see below) with the management of standby seating for each course. In the unlikely event the Room Monitor needs to step away, the Room Host should stand outside the door until the Room Monitor returns.
• Coordinate with Temp-staff to monitor attendees scanning in and out of the room.
• When the course begins and all attendees have been seated, close the doors.
• Hosts are provided designated seating in the back of the room by the door.
• Greet and direct latecomers to available seats and keep the doors closed.
• Awareness and knowledge of the Anaheim Convention Center and locations is helpful.
• Communicate any support needs to the CDA Presents Board of Managers.
• Audio-visual/lighting/room temperature/room capacity matters and safety compliance matters.
• Workshop hosting may require some additional duties and speaker support

Room Monitors are temporary staff responsible for monitoring the door to scan attendees’ badges to ensure that everyone who enters the room is registered for the course. They work with room hosts to scan badges, manage standby seating for each course and support a smooth start to each program.

• Attendees may not stand at the back of the room or sit on the floor; however, scouts may sit in designated chairs at the back of the room. Please note, a fire marshal is on the premises and has the right to close down a lecture due to safety concerns.
• “Seat saving” is not allowed. If the room begins to fill, the host must advise attendees to remove their items from open seats and allow others to sit.
• If room gets close to being full, close the doors and place the ROOM FULL sign in front of them. The sign is located behind the schedule sign.
• Additional attendees should be allowed in one-by-one only after open seats have been identified.
• If additional crowd control is needed, contact a Board Member or CDA Presents staff member.
• For “full rooms,” restroom (in/out) passes can be distributed so attendees can exit and re-enter the room without scanning, as scanning out should only be done at the completion of the course. Room monitors are issued in/out passes and are also available for hosts if extra is needed located at the Volunteer & Speaker Check-in.

Arrival and departure times are used to accurately issue official C.E. credit. As a California C.E. provider, CDA is required to verify that courses are attended in full and do not overlap.

• Partial credit will not be granted for incomplete course attendance.
• Note: Credit will not be given if an attendee misses more than 15 minutes of the course. (Please do not publicize this 15-minute cutoff.)
• Scanners will be covered while courses are in progress.
• Scans will not be permitted while scanners are covered.

• Videotaping, photographing or audio recording with personal equipment is not allowed.
• Speakers and products are not endorsed, officially or otherwise, by CDA, except CDA Endorsed Services.
• Course handouts can be downloaded via the Website or access via the mobile app. (Not all courses have handouts.)
• Children are not allowed in lectures and workshops.

The success of CDA Presents hinges upon the time and efforts of many, including our valued speaker and room hosts. Please read this guide carefully, as it contains important details about your host assignment. You may also wish to print a copy of this guide and bring it for your reference during the convention.

Download Guide