Staff Fest 2023
Staff Fest is an annual recognition event to say thank you to Emory University employees for their hard work throughout the academic year. It is always held the Friday after Commencement.

The 45th Annual Staff Fest is back on the Quad!
Friday, May 12 from 11:30 am – 2:00 pm
Who
Staff Fest is for current Emory University staff, faculty and retirees only. We are unable to accommodate family members or non-University employees.
Food
Staff Fest provides a free, full lunch catered by Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q (including a vegan option). Serving starts at 11:30 and lunch will be served while quantities last.
Staff Fest Menu
Entrees (choice of):
- Pulled chicken
- Pulled pork
- Black bean burger
Side Dishes:
- Baked beans
- Cole slaw
- Potato salad
- Cheese biscuits
- Fresh fruit
Deserts:
- Lemon pie bars
- Chocolate brownies
- Chocolate toffee cookies
Drinks:
- Variety of Coke products, donated by Coca-Cola.
There will also be ice cream and popcorn throughout the Quad.
RSVP to Staff Fest
Let us know you’re coming! Completing the RSVP form will also add Staff Fest to your Outlook calendar so you don’t miss the fun!
Bring Your Own Refillable Water Bottle
Staff Fest partners with the Emory Office of Sustainability Initiatives to make this event as sustainable as possible.
All attendees are strongly encouraged to bring their own water bottle to this event to limit the number of plastic water bottles distributed.
We will also have maps of refill stations on the Quad.
Activities
President Fenves will welcome the crowd at noon.
In addition to the Fun Run/Fun Walk, Volleyball Tournament and Chalk the Walk (see details below), Staff Fest will include:
- DJ and dancing
- Zumba
- Rock wall
- Lumberjack axe throw game
- Rapid Flash (interactive game of speed)
- Cornhole
- Giant Jenga, Checkers and Connect Four
- A roaming photo booth
- Hand-drawn caricatures
Run of show (timeline of events) will be announced the week of Staff Fest.
Registration is now open for the following events:
Chalk the Walk
Register teams of 2-4 colleagues to compete together in the Staff Fest Chalk the Walk contest. The team who best demonstrates the Staff Fest theme “Planet Emory—Soaring to New Heights!”, as voted on by Staff Fest attendees, will be crowned the 2023 winner. This contest is open to 18 teams and no more than two teams per school/division. Artists may start as early as 9:00 am and must be finished by noon. View contest rules.
Volleyball Tournament
Can your team win the gold? Put together your team, select a captain and register for the Volleyball Tournament! Only Team Captains can register their teams. Tourney can accommodate up to 16 teams, on two courts. Maximum of 10 players per team.
- Location: On the Quad
- Time: Refereed games will occur between 10:30 am-2:00 pm
- Only team captains should sign up for their team. One registration per team. All captains are required to attend one of two Captain's Call: 5/3/2023 at 2 pm or 5/5/2023 11:00 am. Invites will be sent 4/28/2023.
- Questions? Contact blomeyer@emory.edu
Fun Run/Walk
Celebrate Staff Fest this year with the Fun Run/Walk event! As is tradition, this event is open to all Emory employees and will kick off the day's events. Whether you want to run, walk, or do a little of both, this event is for you. You also have the option to create a team and bring your co-workers along for the fun!
- Location: Starting at Asbury Circle and ending on the Quad!
- Time: Check-in by 10:15 am, race begins at 10:30 am.
- Questions? Contact Healthy Emory Team HealthyEmory@emory.edu
Thank you!
A big thank you to our corporate sponsor, Coca Cola, for providing drinks and a special shout out to all of our volunteers! We couldn't do it without you!
Staff Fest 2023 Video
Watch our video to see what to expect at Staff Fest 2023!