Hosting FOBA every two years is a complex endeavor. We are proud to put on the Focus on Book Arts Conference with an all-volunteer staff.
A dedicated group of people helps with planning, organizing, and managing the conference—before, during, and after. You can be part of that group.
Every bit of your help makes a difference.
You can help from wherever you live. Except for at-conference volunteer needs, you do not need to be in Oregon. Many board and committee members are scattered around the United States.
The benefits you’ll receive from volunteering are a closer connection, deeper experiences and the knowledge that our time together is possible because we stepped up to help. FOBA also has a benefit program for volunteers, explained here.
How Conference Volunteers Contribute
- Helping with setup
- Helping with takdown
- Staffing the information desk
- Checking in registrants
- Directing participants to events
- Assisting instructors in the classroom
- Assisting vendors in the trade show
- Talking to visitors at the exhibits
- Selling raffle tickets
- Assisting with evening programs and speakers
- And much more
Details about volunteer opportunities at FOBA 2026 will be available soon. In the meantime, if you are interested in volunteering in any capacity, we would love to hear from you. Please contact Volunteer Director Jeri Oswalt at volunteers@focusonbookarts.org to express your interest.
Another way to contribute is with a tax-deductible donation or conference sponsorship. Both support our educational mission and help keep costs affordable for FOBA participants, while enabling us to compensate instructors fairly. Donations also help us build up seed money necessary for future conferences and programs. For sponsorship information, please contact Development Director Cindy Luxhoj at development@focusonbookarts.org.