Volunteers at Balloon Fiesta are called Navigators. They are called Navigators because they help guests "Navigate" the Balloon Fiesta. To Navigate is to direct, guide, or manage a traveler on its course. A Navigator is a person who navigates by offering guidance to our guests so that a successful experience is had by all. Approximately 1200 individuals have completed the Navigator application process and been assigned to one of 45 teams.
Navigators help before, during, and after the event and are critical to the event's success. Navigators are under the direct supervision of an AIBF Staff person, who may or may not be assisted by a Navigator Team Leader(s). Navigators are critical to every area of operations, providing guest services, administrative services, balloon coordination, safety, set-up, and logistics.
Navigators are asked to work five (5) shifts during Fiesta and for that there is a very nice package of swag. Here is what one receives - Admission into the 9-day event, parking for the 9-day event, access to the Navigator Hospitality Tent for snacks and beverages, invitations to a variety of Balloon Fiesta parties, two of the current year's Navigator shirt, the current year's Navigator pin, the current year's program and calendar, and the current year's Navigator Jacket.
My 2024 SWAG BAG
Some Navigator positions require work before Fiesta as you help get things ready.
There is a great training program to help the Navigators learn about Fiesta and Ballooning.
Also by working 51+ hours you may receive free dry camping in the South RV Lot.
Simply put being a Navigator is really Fun and people come from all around the world to be Navigators and have been doing so for years.
Again one should go to the AIBF web site at balloonfiesta.com for more information about all the Navigator opportunities and their requirements. On the top of the page locate the Behind the Scenes tab and scroll to Volunteering.
The door prizes at the Navigator party are amazing!
I will bang the drum again of starting to plan now if one is thinking of attending AIBF.
I am proud and honored to be a Navigator at AIBF as I am a small part of the event helping folks enjoy such an amazing event.
HOW KEWL!!!
ZEBRAS GETTING READY IN THE NAVIGATORS TENT