I'm still thinking of volunteering. I did so for the 2008 event and had a blast working in the Legends room. This year, though, I'm going with a newbie who's never been to a big convention. I'm pleased and excited to show her everything and experience it through her eyes, but she wasn't keen on volunteering herself. Being so new and not really knowing too many people yet, I think she was afraid she would be abandoned.
If I can convince her of the fun of volunteering, is there a chance we could be put together to work? That way, she would at least start off hanging with someone she knows and will feel more comfortable and less out of her element.
I'm certain that by the end of the weekend, she'll have a ton new friends though.