2026 Emerging Craft Market Volunteer Portal
Scroll to review the contents of the portal or use the buttons below to quickly reference specific information.
Volunteer Orientation
We will host two volunteer orientation sessions on Zoom the week before the event. You only need to attend one of the sessions. Sessions will be recorded for anyone who cannot attend, but please attend live if you are able to so you can ask any questions you may have.
Volunteer Orientation Session #1: Saturday, August 22 at 11:00am
Volunteer Orientation Session #2: Tuesday, August 25 at 7:00pm
Volunteers will receive a Zoom link via email the week of the orientations.
Contact Information
Primary Contact:
Kim Potenga
Phone: 304-459-9937
Important Note:
For last-minute emergencies the night before or day of or if you are unable to make it to your shift, please do not email. Please text the Volunteer Coordinator cell phone number (304-4259-9937).
Please do not call because the venue will be very loud, and we won’t be able to hear our phones. Text only the number above.
Arrival & Volunteer Check-in/Check-out
Arrival
The Energy Innovation Center is located at 1435 Bedford Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.
The main entrance is located along the side of the building closest to the parking lot:
Parking
When you arrive, please park either in the lot across the street from the Energy Innovation Center, which is currently $6.25 per day, or in the limited street parking available along Bedford Avenue. Unless you need to use an accessible parking space, please keep the Energy Innovation Center parking lot clear, as it will be reserved for food vendors and limited shopper parking.
Keep in mind as the market begins, lines may begin forming and parking may become busier, so please plan accordingly and give yourself plenty of time to park and get inside the building.
Public Transportation
PRT bus routes 81, 82, and 83 will all get you close to the Energy Innovation Center.
From Downtown Pittsburgh:
Recommended route: 81 - get on at Wood Street & 6th Avenue stop
Get off at Bedford Avenue & Crawford Street stop
Alternative routes: 82 or 83 - get on at Wood Street & 6th Avenue stop
Get off at Bedford Avenue & Logan Street stop
Walk 0.2 miles up the hill to the Energy Innovation Center
From Oakland:
Recommended route: 81 - get on at 5th Avenue & Thackeray Street stop
Get off at Bedford Avenue & Mercer stop
Walk 0.2 miles to the Energy Innovation Center
Volunteer Check-in
Enter through the front doors. Once inside, bypass the box office and take the elevator to the second floor, where the market is being held. You do not need to purchase a ticket as a volunteer. If the market is already open when you arrive, simply let the volunteer or staff member at the box office know that you're here for your volunteer shift.
Once you reach the second floor, head toward Volunteer HQ, located near the back of the market. Follow the signs by turning left as you enter the market hallway. Volunteer HQ will be located inside the DLC Brightspace room.
We'll have a public market map available soon, and Volunteer HQ will be clearly labeled.
When you arrive, check in with Kim to receive your volunteer apron and assignment.
Volunteer Check-out
Please make sure you check-out with the Volunteer Coordinator at the end of your shift to turn in your lanyard and apron.
When you check-out, the Volunteer Coordinator will also give you your complimentary 15 raffle tickets. We appreciate you volunteering!
After you’re volunteering, if the Emerging Craft Market is still open, we encourage you to stay and shop. There is no need for you to reserve a ticket.
Volunteer Roles
You will receive an assignment and detailed instructions when you arrive, but here is a brief overview of the various roles.
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Direct attendees to the correct line depending on whether or not they already have tickets.
Check-in attendees who already have tickets by scanning their tickets, checking their printed tickets, or checking their tickets on their phones.
For attendees who don’t have tickets, direct them in registering on their phones by scanning a QR code or register them by collecting their name and email.
Assist the Box Office Coordinator as needed.
This role is mostly stationary and can be done sitting or standing.
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Welcome attendees to the event and answer simple questions, such as helping with wayfinding.
Sell raffle tickets by cash and credit cards.
Monitor items on display for raffle.
Monitor Handmade Arcade’s donation jar.
Collect names and emails for our email list.
This role is mostly stationary and can be done sitting or standing.
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Welcome members and artists to the lounge
Ensure the space stays reserved for members (and their guests) and artists only
Encourage mingling, networking, and relaxing in the lounge
Hand out membership brochures to non-members who approach the lounge
This is a relaxation and networking space, not a sales or check-in area
Smile, be welcoming, and help make the lounge feel comfortable and fun!
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Communicating with roaming volunteers that their shift has ended
Checking volunteers in and out for their shifts in the Volunteer & Staff HQ
Covering volunteer posts to allow for volunteer breaks
Briefing volunteers about their assigned tasks or important event updates
Filling in volunteer gaps as needed depending on volunteer attendance
Event Schedule
Friday, August 28, 2026
4:00-7:00pm: Maker load-in and booth set up
Saturday, August 29, 2026
8:00am: Final set-up
9:00-10:00am: Sensory-friendly shopping hour (ticketed, limited attendees)
10:00am-6:00pm: General admission shopping (pay what you can admission)
6:00-8:00pm: Maker load-out
Safety & Security Plan
Volunteers will have a high-level safety and security plan on the back of their lanyards.
The full security plan will be updated here before the market for review.
Food & Breaks
Check back soon for more information!
Accessibility
If you have accessibility needs, please let the Volunteer Coordinator or any Handmade Arcade staff know so we can best support you.
Restrooms & Water Fountains
Check back soon for more information!
Event Map
The event map will be posted here before the event, please check back soon!
Event Ticket Links
Check back soon for more information!