A Hackathon is a weekend-long event in which computer programmers and code writers come together to solve a coding or programming problem.Hackathons can occur outside of the programming industry.The word has recently taken on a broader meaning and now includes any group of professionals who come together to address a common problem within their field.To organize a hackathon, first put together clear and achievable goals, then begin inviting participants, finding sponsors, and arranging a venue.
Step 1: Give a clear goal for the Hackathon.
In order for your Hackathon to be a success, you and all of the participants need to have a clear goal.Hackathons are useful for networking, but most attempt to solve a specific problem.The goal of the Hackathon could be to solve a medical issue related to breathing-related deaths in infants.There is a need for more food startup companies.
Step 2: There is a venue for your Hackathon.
Make arrangements for a venue a month or two in advance.It should have adequate seating for the hackathon attendees, as well as a projector, microphone, and bathroom.You may need to find a cheap venue if you don't have sponsors.Depending on the time and resources at your business's disposal, consider venues like: 2 or 3 conference rooms in a local hotel.There is space on a college campus.There is a public library nearby.
Step 3: The Hackathon should be scheduled for a slow weekend.
If your event is scheduled on a weekend when most people will be free, you will have a better turnout.You should not schedule the event during summer and winter breaks.Make sure that your Hackathon doesn't overlap with conferences in your field.The weekends before and after Memorial Day are not good choices for holding a Hackathon.
Step 4: Sponsor your event with 1 or more.
Ask around in your industry to find a commercial sponsor.It is possible for sponsors to help cover the costs of large hackathons by providing space, food, or cash.In return, sponsoring companies will expect something in return: time to address hackathon participants or a booth to sell their products.Your sponsors will return year after year if the hackathon is a success.You can recruit additional sponsors if the hackathon continues to grow.
Step 5: It is a good idea to contact prospective participants a few months in advance.
Hackathon organizers often reach out to people they don't know and recruit professionals from diverse industries.If you reach out to professionals in the field well in advance, they will have time to rearrange their schedules and make travel plans so they can attend the Hackathon.If the hackathon is a requirement for your company or business, you don't need to give as much notice.Inform employees about the upcoming Hackathon a week or two in advance.
Step 6: The number of participants should be capped.
Hackathons can quickly become huge affairs.Limit the number of participants in advance to avoid a large event.If you cap the number at 300 or 400, there will be enough participants to fill the various hacking and training sessions, but not so many that the event feels out of control.Hackathon participants should fit in a single large meeting room or gymnasium according to a useful rule of thumb.Since attendance is voluntary for most hackathons, only a small percentage of invitees will actually attend.
Step 7: Hackathon participants will need transportation.
A charter bus is a popular method for bringing people to a Hackathon.The bus can pick up participants at 6 or 7 different locations before taking them to the Hackathon location.Consider your local transportation needs when you are at a Hackathon.If the hackathon is held at a hotel, you can ask the concierge if the hotel has a shuttle that can take participants around town.
Step 8: You should order more food for the Hackathon.
To keep participants happy and productive, they need to be well fed.When participants arrive each morning, you should have a light breakfast spread and a filling lunch around 1 or 2 pm.You'll need to accommodate any dietary restrictions if you ask participants in advance.The type of food you give depends on the Hackathon.If you don't have a lot of money, you can get plenty of pizzas and soda.If you have more money, you can hire a local company to provide 2 healthy meals a day.
Step 9: Make sure the venue has reliable internet and electrical connections.
Ask the venue manager or owner if their wi-fi can handle 400+ devices at the same time.There are plenty of outlets to plug in laptops, phones, and tablets at the venue.Many participants will bring 2 or more electronic items.Hackathon participants should have access to an average of 1.5 outlets at the venue.
Step 10: If the event budget allows, plan evening entertainment.
If the main Hackathon events end at 5 or 6 pm, schedule some type of entertainment to help participants relax.A karaoke machine can be rented or set up in the main conference room for guests to use.A little entertainment should be covered by a minimal budget.Hackathon participants could rent a private room at a local bar if they called up.
Step 11: Divide people into groups.
Many groups of 3-6 people are working together to solve a problem at a Hackathon.The subject-matter experts in successful groups will blend.Medical professionals, professional coders, or restaurant managers have relatives who are new to them.College students and high school students are interested.The newcomers will struggle to find ways to compete with the experts, so don't allow groups comprised of only experts.
Step 12: There are clear rules for the Hackathon.
Hackathons encourage different groups of programmers to compete.A tech item like a new computer or camera is often given to the most successful team.Participants may be working in multiple 60-minute time intervals if the rules include time limits.Tell participants what types of technology they are not allowed to use.An elaborate structure of rules may not be necessary if the event is meant to be collaborative rather than competitive.
Step 13: Instead of a large contest, feature a few small contests.
The number of chances to win, as well as the amount of prizes offered, will be calculated by adding up all of the competitions featured during the Hackathon.Hackathon participants will be motivated and drawn in by this.There is a small prize for the best innovation using a certain type of technology.If the Hackathon only had 1 overall prize, the prizes for each contest would be larger and more expensive.
Step 14: Prize announcements in advance.
Let the various groups know at the beginning of the event what item they're competing for in the contest or competition.The participants know what they'll be competing for.If your hackathon is sponsored by Dell, they may be willing to give you a high-end laptop as a prize.One of the prizes could be a 2-year subscription to an education-related magazine.
Step 15: Time should be devoted to training workshops for newcomers.
Training sessions for novices within the field are included in some hackathons.Training workshops pair experts with a group of novices.Specific topics should be the focus of the workshops.Hackathon training sessions are very common.New programmers, developers, and coders can learn from successful professionals.