Avoid common Hack Event Mistakes by following this business best practice in Hackathon guidance. Based on years of experience.
In this post we are outlining the common innovation Hack Event mistakes (aka “Hackathon mistakes”) Events, which are commonly used by most leading businesses in the world today, to generate innovative products and services, and to fully energise and engage their talented teams. If you want help creating the ultimate Hack Event, to avoid these common mistakes, see our pack here.
What are the common Hack Event mistakes?
We are breaking these down into the main areas of mistakes.
1. The venue is in a remote area, and is hard to get to.
2. A boring hotel conference room is selected, and is uninspiring.
3. The venue is not wheelchair accessible, excluding key participants.
1. Force the participants to listen to lengthy sponsor messages. Boring.
2. Sponsors are not relevant or helpful to the participants. Useless.
3. Having sponsors present who to try and recruit from the participants.
1. Long boring demos. The audience will lose interest.
2. Long switchover between demos. This is unprofessional.
3. Bad AV equipment. This lowers your production quality.
1. A kickoff that is too long. Instead, you should get the hackers hacking as soon as possible.
2. Too many interruptions. Don’t spoil the flow!
3. A late finish at the end. Instead, wrap it up quickly and let them leave on a high.
1. Trying to form teams of people who do not know each other, at the event.
2. Not having any techies in a team.
3. Having a perfectionist on a hack event team.
Are you short on time?
Use these templates to help with this Best Practice:
Hack Day Event Template Discount Bundle
This Hack Day Event Template Discount Bundle guides you through the Hack Event design and delivery process. Achieve your goal and avoid common mistakes.
See: Hack Day Event Template Discount Bundle
2 Day Hackathon Event Guide – Simple Step by Step for success, and avoid the common mistakes
This 70 slide PPT tells you how to run an “in person” 2-day Hack Event, and helps you with tips and problems to avoid so that you can maximise your Hackathon Event success.
See: 2 Day Hackathon Event Guide – Simple Step by Step for success, and avoid the common mistakesBusiness Topics that support this Best Practice
Using Hack Events and Hackathons for Innovation
Hackathon Rollout Guide – Getting Ready: Generate Excitement and Avoid Mistakes (PPT & Keynote)
From “green light” through to your event day, this guide helps you roll out your Hackathon. Avoid common issues, and get pointers for a great event.
See: Hackathon Rollout Guide – Getting Ready: Generate Excitement and Avoid Mistakes (PPT & Keynote)
Hackathon Task Checklist and Status Dashboard (Excel)
Keep track of your Hackathon Event tasks: This Hackathon Task Checklist is based on years of experience, and makes event rollout simple.
See: Hackathon Task Checklist and Status Dashboard (Excel)
Hackathon Budget Sheet Excel Template
Requirements and Costs vary massively between Hackathon events. Use this Excel Hackathon Budget Template to select which line items you need, and then to populate with real figures for your target Venue, Participant count, and aspirational format.
See: Hackathon Budget Sheet Excel Template
2 Day Hackathon Event Guide – Simple Step by Step for success, and avoid the common mistakes
This 70 slide PPT tells you how to run an “in person” 2-day Hack Event, and helps you with tips and problems to avoid so that you can maximise your Hackathon Event success.
See: 2 Day Hackathon Event Guide – Simple Step by Step for success, and avoid the common mistakes