
APPLY TO BE A BOOTBLACK
Event Date & Location
August 28th - August 30th at the Embassy Suites by Hilton in Des Monies, Iowa
Bootblack Opportunities
Bootblack shifts are 2 hour time slots during all vendor hours and during contest.
Shifts will be open to mentors*, mentees*, table bootblacks, general bootblacks, and single shift bootblacks
Mentors*
Bootblacks who are more experienced in working the stands and would be willing to share stand time, knowledge, and skill development with a mentee.
Mentees*
Bootblacks who are newer to working the stands and would like to work alongside a more experienced stand mentor.
Table Bootblacks
Bootblacks who prefer to work on drop off items at a table rather than the stands.
General Bootblacks
Bootblacks who want to work the stands but do not want to participate in the stand mentorship program.
Single shift bootblacks**
Bootblacks who prefer to work a single 2 hour shift during the weekend.
NEW IN 2026 - ILW bootblack stand mentorship program!
Mentors and mentees will be paired together prior to the event based on shared interests, skill areas, and identities. All mentors will be vetted by two experienced bootblacks who are not affiliated with the ILW bootblack team to address potential bias prior to being accepted to the mentorship program.
*Bootblacks will receive volunteer compensation for there volunteer hours worked for the event. Your bootblack shift(s) will count for 100% off a Weekend Pass.
**Single shift bootblacks will receive volunteer compensation based on number of total volunteer hours worked for the event. Your single bootblack shift will count toward 1 shift for 25% off a Weekend Pass.

Bootblack at ILW 2025