A better phrasing of my question: Is there free parking for those who are attending the conference or volunteering, but are not staying in a nearby hotel?

Across the street from the conference center there is a parking garage with free parking. However sometimes the conference provides free passes to their garage. Depends on the package/arrangment. A few times i got free parking while attending an event there and other times i was charges

It really depends on the event contract if parking is free or not for attendees/volunteers. The parking garage is shared with MarketStar and the Hotel so space is limited. When there is a fee for parking it's $5. But for free parking with a very short walk, park at the megaplex parking garage behind the church on 24th and Grant Ave.