Volunteer Opportunities

Taste of Florida is always on the look out for enthusiastic volunteers to assist in various task such as setup, guest check-in, security, distributing materials, giving directions, ticketing, and other event support tasks. We are also seeking student volunteers who are eager to acquire practical experience.

Volunteers are the driving force behind our events. To show how invaluable volunteers are to our mission we show our appreciation by providing them with the recognition and support they deserve. Every volunteer receives a complimentary swag bag, filled with a food voucher, a volunteer T-shirt, event goodies and discount coupons from vendors. Expect to have fun and be appreciated for your work. The band will honor our volunteers through a dedicated toast, expressing our gratitude and recognition for their vital and valuable service. Experience all the behind-the-scenes action, an opportunity to meet and learn from chefs and other industry professionals.

Front of House

Assist with guest registration, auction activities, plating arrangements, and overall guest interaction throughout the event.

Water Booth

Promote hydration, monitor water levels in dispensers and refill them promptly to ensure a continuous supply, maintain cleanliness by regularly wiping down surfaces.

Transport

Driving golf carts on-site in a variety of roles.

*Must have a safe driving status on US issued driver’s license and must pass a driving test on-site.

Back of House

Assist with event set-up/break-down, inventory, food rescue

Parking

Help ensure parking areas are organized and efficient. Assist Lake County Sheriff Explorers direct traffic to available parking, reducing congestion and confusion. Provide directions to event entrances.

Student Volunteers

Photography

photographers looking to gain practical photographic experience with event photography and build their portfolio.

Work alongside a small photo team with a lead photographer. There will be a short Event & Food Photography Lesson.

Capture: sponsorship integration, scenic details, General and VIP party candid moments and portrait shots, close-ups of food, and culinary action.

Client interaction: Engage with festival-goers, practice your hospitality skills by assisting guests with portrait shot and ensuring their photo op needs are met.

*No qualifications needed for photography volunteers only that you bring your own camera, dress and act accordingly. (*Limited Positions)

Culinary

Culinary students seeking to gain hands-on experience in a high-paced environment that wish to apply and sharpen practical skills.

Provide culinary support to chefs including prepping, cooking, baking and plating

Client interaction: Engage with festival-goers, serve food, and provide information about the dishes.

Networking: Meet experts in food industry. Build connections with chefs, vendors, and food critics. Discover potential job openings and internships.

*Qualifications: Must be enrolled as a culinary student at an accredited educational institution.

Massage

Massage students seeking to gain hands-on clinical experience to build confidence and competence in real-world scenarios.

Develop communication skills: providing therapeutic massages to participants focusing on areas of tension and stress. Be prepared to adjust techniques based on individual needs and preferences.

Client interaction: greet clients warmly, explain the massage process, and ensure they are comfortable and relaxed before starting.

Gain feedback: After each massage, ask for feedback to improve your services and ensure client satisfaction.

Duration management: keep track of your schedule to ensure you can accommodate as many clients as possible without rushing through sessions.

*Qualifications: Must be enrolled as a massage student at the accredited educational institution hosting the tent.

Event Logistic

Hospitality MGT. Students aspiring to gain firsthand experience at what goes into planning and running a large event.

Leads work alongside event manager and production team. Assist with leading teams of students. Help with setup, logistics, coordination, and possibly problem-solving on the fly.

Develop teamwork skills: collaborate, communicate, cater, and even lead teams.

Stress management: Learn to handle high-pressure situations with a calm and collected attitude.

Client interaction: Engage with festival-goers, practice your hospitality skills by assisting guests, answering questions, and ensuring their needs are met.

Networking: Collaborate with various vendors, sponsors, and other professionals. Meet industry insiders and build connections.

*Qualifications: Must be enrolled as a hospitality management student at an accredited educational institution.

Security

Police Cadets and Citizens Police perusing to gain practical experience the complexities of real-world law enforcement within an environment where alcohol is present.

Help create a safe and enjoyable environment for all festival attendees.

Crowd Management: Help control the flow of people, especially at entrances, exits, and areas prone to bottlenecks, to prevent overcrowding and ensure everyone can move freely

Access Control: Monitor entry points to ensure only authorized attendees gain access.

Conflict Resolution: Handle disruptive or potentially violent individuals, using de-escalation techniques to diffuse tense situations.

Emergency Response: Respond to emergencies, providing assistance and coordinating with other security personnel and emergency services.

Public Relations: Build positive relationships with the community.