One of our most popular volunteer opportunities of the year!!! Hours go towards the 2026-2027 season since this is a July event. Two shifts available - Saturday and/or Sunday, working 8-5:30. That's up to 9 hours of volunteer credit in one day!
SharkCon, hosted by YMKN's own Spencer and Sara Steward, comes back to the Florida Fairgrounds Expo Hall bigger and better in 2026 with the stars of the shark world, celebrities, photographers and more!
Volunteer activities may include manning a ticket or information booth, supporting stage operations, or helping with the celebrity talent. Nothing strenuous, AND IT'S AIR CONDITIONED!
Important Information:
- DEADLINE TO APPLY AND SIGN UP IS SIGN UP IS THURSDAY, JUNE 18TH! This is so the volunteer t-shirts can be ordered.
- Selected volunteers will be notified during the week of June 22nd.
- By applying, you agree to uphold all event policies and guidelines before, during, and after the event.
- Please do not apply and sign up if you cannot fully commit. We had a handful of no-shows last year, and that really hurt scheduling for the event.
- In addition to registering here, please click the following and complete form to apply:
SharkCon12 Volunteer Application
- Volunteer hours earned count towards the 2026-2027 season!!!
- All volunteers will receive a t-shirt, lunch event tickets, scheduled breaks, and plenty of fun throughout the weekend.
- Priority is given to applicants who can volunteer for both days, as consistency really helps the event run smoothly.
Facebook
Website
SharkCon is a full-fledged “Con” in every way. There numerous FREE engaging activities for you and the kids to sink your teeth into, but that’s just where the fun-frenzy begins. There are speakers from Shark Week, National Geographic, and Animal Planet. There are over one hundred vendors of shark and ocean related merchandise, including, but not limited to jewelry, art, clothing, & collectibles. Learn how you can enjoy the ocean even more with indoors scuba diving with professionals as well as other water sports.
SharkCon is more than just a great time. It is an event dedicated to raising awareness about shark and ocean conservation, as well as substainability. It raises money for ocean and shark conservation efforts, which are undertaken by our partners at SharkCon. We want to ensure the health of the oceans for generations to come! All of this great SharkCon wonder is included in the price of admission.
SharkCon has invited groups in the local community, such as Tampa Bay Watch & Florida Fish and Wildlife, as well as global organizations, such as National Geographic and OCEARCH. There are numerous free engaging activities for families to sink their teeth into. This year features speakers from this year’s National Geographic’s SHARKFEST as well as scientist and personalities from Aquariums, Field Research, Shark Week, & Animal Planet. There are over 150 vendors of shark & ocean related merchandise & a dozen non-profits to engage guests & show them how they can get involved in saving the oceans. Guests also have the opportunity to have some physical fun by trying indoor scuba diving with trained professionals sponsored by Trilogy Dive Center.
