How to throw a hackathon.

How to Throw A Hackathon @ShyRuparel NYCWiC | April 8th 2016

Github.com/Shy/talks

Shy @SHyrUparel Deputy Commissioner Major League Hacking

POWERED BY

WHAT is a Hackathon?

Hackathon = Invention + Marathon The word hackathon is a portmanteau of the words hack and marathon, where hack is used in the sense of playful, exploratory programming, not its alternate meaning as a reference to computer crime. — Wikipedia

FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY Students arrive by bus, train, They spend the next 24-36 Students demo projects and plane. They pitch ideas hours intensely focused on science-fair style. The top and form teams organically building and designing their hacks demo on stage in front and get straight to work on hack projects. There are breaks of the audience and a panel of bringing their ideas to life. for meals and fun mini-events. judges to determine a winner.

expert mentors

I wish I could have attended hackathons as a student. As a mentor, I'm glad I can help the next generation of programmers discover their passions, learn new skills, try out concepts they have learned in class, and build real applications that real people can interact with. — John Britton (GitHub Education Lead)

Science-Fair style expos

WHAT Does a Hackathon Look Like?

how popular are hackathons?

Extremely and still growing

2015

200+ Major League Hacking Member Events in 2016

80,000 Students just like you.

10,000+ IDEAS BROUGHT TO LIFE

The sponsors The world’s top brands participate as sponsors at our hackathons. Many sponsors send mentors and recruiters.

Why Should you Organize A Hackathon?

skills organizers learn Student organizers gain experience planning a large scale event and collaborating with many stakeholders. managing and participating on a team managing finances interacting with corporations on a professional level fundraising event planning and logistics marketing

How to Throw A Hackathon @ShyRuparel NYCWiC | April 8th 2016

Let’s talk about... Hackathon Planning

Organizing a Hackathon is not Easy

POWERED BY

how long does it take to plan a hackathon?

Most Hackathons are planned in 4-9 Months

Timeline 4-9 Months Out 4 Months Out 2 Months Out 1 Month Out 1 Week Out Pre Hackathon Opening Cermonies During Hacking Judging Event Closing Post Event

Finding a Venue

Types of Hacker Spaces

large room

Smaller Rooms

Wifi

4 devices per attendee

Power

2.5 Outlets Per Hacker

Tables

Audio/Visual

Cost

Timeline 4-9 Months Out 4 Months Out 2 Months Out 1 Month Out 1 Week Out Pre Hackathon Opening Cermonies During Hacking Judging Event Closing Post Event

Finalize Your Team

Establish a Brand

Start working on Sponsorship

Sponsorship is Hard

Timeline 4-9 Months Out 4 Months Out 2 Months Out 1 Month Out 1 Week Out Pre Hackathon Opening Cermonies During Hacking Judging Event Closing Post Event

Start your Promotion

Line Up Prizes

Find Mentors, Judges, and Volunteers

Source your Workshops

Pros/Cons

Launch Registration

Timeline 4-9 Months Out 4 Months Out 2 Months Out 1 Month Out 1 Week Out Pre Hackathon Opening Cermonies During Hacking Judging Event Closing Post Event

Establish a Headcount

Lets talk about Attrition

Schedule Transport

Order Swag

Order Food

Catering vs. Local Restaurants

Release a Schedule

Planning for an Emergency

Timeline 4-9 Months Out 4 Months Out 2 Months Out 1 Month Out 1 Week Out Pre Hackathon Opening Cermonies During Hacking Judging Event Closing Post Event

Send Reminders

Over-communicate

Prepare your Volunteers

Buy Snacks

Create a Run of Show

Run of Show

Plan to Sleep

Timeline 4-9 Months Out 4 Months Out 2 Months Out 1 Month Out 1 Week Out Pre Hackathon Opening Cermonies During Hacking Judging Event Closing Post Event

Event Setup

Establish Registration

Welcome and check in attendees

Welcome Sponsors

Put out Food

Do a Tech Check

Double Check Power & Wifi

Timeline 4-9 Months Out 4 Months Out 2 Months Out 1 Month Out 1 Week Out Pre Hackathon Opening Cermonies During Hacking Judging Event Closing Post Event

Set the Tone

Welcome

API Demos

Timeline 4-9 Months Out 4 Months Out 2 Months Out 1 Month Out 1 Week Out Pre Hackathon Opening Cermonies During Hacking Judging Event Closing Post Event

Team Formation

Maintain Energy

Be Visible

Hungry Hackers

Stop and look around

Project Submissions

POWERED BY

Timeline 4-9 Months Out 4 Months Out 2 Months Out 1 Month Out 1 Week Out Pre Hackathon Opening Cermonies During Hacking Judging Event Closing Post Event

Presentations or Expo?

Presentation Style

Expo Style

POWERED BY

Stack Ranking

Timeline 4-9 Months Out 4 Months Out 2 Months Out 1 Month Out 1 Week Out Pre Hackathon Opening Cermonies During Hacking Judging Event Closing Post Event

Respect Participants Time

Tech Check and Practise

Thank Everyone

Timeline 4-9 Months Out 4 Months Out 2 Months Out 1 Month Out 1 Week Out Pre Hackathon Opening Cermonies During Hacking Judging Event Closing Post Event

Sleep

Follow Up

Settle the Books

Success Stories

LETS DO this AGAIN!

Guide.mlh.io

Github.com/Shy/talks