Dear What If Community,

We’re excited to announce an evolution in our ticketing approach for this year’s What If event (previously known as BitF). We’re transitioning from our previous “Directed Tickets” system to a new “Steward Tickets” program that better reflects our community’s current needs and values.

In previous years, our Directed Tickets program was designed to guarantee access during sell-out scenarios.

As our capacity constraints have evolved, we’re shifting focus to recognize and reward those who help steward our community’s culture through early engagement and participation.

Steward Tickets offer a discounted price as our way of thanking those who commit early to bringing their creative visions to life and supporting the What If community.

We want to recognize these groups for their monumental contributions, and in a sense, acting as stewards of our community through their active engagement with production and ongoing volunteer commitments throughout the year.

Who Qualifies for Steward Tickets?

Steward Tickets are available to:

• Production Leads
• Volunteer Leads
• General Volunteers
• Artist Leads and their minimum essential crew needed to realize their vision
• Theme Camp Leads and their minimum essential crew needed to realize the camp
• GVIAS Committee Members

Please note: Ticket Aid recipients are offered a separate and fixed lower priced ticket that does not compound with Steward Ticket eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I qualify for a Steward Ticket?
As an artist, theme or sound camp lead: Fill out the art/theme or sound camp placement form as soon as possible https://whatif.now/participate/placement/
As a prospective volunteer: Complete the volunteer signup form https://share.vomevolunteer.com/ljh3IrYFoTb

Will there be enough Steward Tickets?
We have allocated a significant budget and expect to accommodate most requests. That said, we do reserve the right to limit excessive camp or art project ticket requests if necessary.

I’ve filled out my placement/volunteer form. When can I expect my Steward Ticket?
Steward Tickets are distributed through our directed ticket system and will be made available through leads of various projects and teams. Once your placement or volunteer form is approved, a budget will be allocated to your team lead for distribution on a rolling basis.

I’m an essential crew member of a camp or art installation, how do I get my Steward Ticket?
Ticket budgets will be offered out on a rolling basis to team leads as placement applications come in. So please be in touch with your team lead, as it will be their responsibility to issue you this discounted ticket.

When do Steward Tickets become available?
The system will open slightly before the main sale, and will continue through June and July on a rolling basis.

Is there a deadline for Steward Ticket Eligibility?
Steward Tickets will be available to placement applicants until mid-June (with option to extend), and to volunteers on an ongoing basis as supply allows. While our deadlines are more flexible this year to accommodate expected changes in participation, we strongly encourage everyone to sign up for placement or volunteer roles ASAP to guarantee the lower price. The tickets made available through the system can be bought up until July 6th at 11:59 PM.

If I accidentally purchase a general ticket but then qualify for a Steward Ticket, can I get a refund to swap them?
Unfortunately, no. As a 100% volunteer-driven event hosted by a non-profit, the labor and financial costs of processing numerous refunds exceed our capacity. If you think you might qualify for a Steward Ticket, please contact your lead before purchasing a general ticket to see if you’ll be included in their budget.

How do I apply for a Ticket Aid ticket?
You can apply for a Ticket Aid ticket here https://whatif.now/ticket-aid-application/ and they will be issued out on an ongoing basis through the directed system until we run out.

Questions?
Contact us at [email protected]
We’re looking forward to building this year’s What If experience together with our dedicated community of stewards!

The What If Registration Team
Arthur, Chris and Ilan