What makes a great hackathon?

Hackathon Events must have SWAG (aka Merch)

From the founder of BBC News Labs and the #newsHACK hackathon event series, some tips and tricks.

What makes a great Hackathon?

1. An inspirational shared challenge.
2. A great venue, at a great location.
3. Maximised “hacking” time, and minimised interruptions.
4. A focus on making it a joy for participants; support, refreshments, attention.

How do I choose a good Hackathon venue?

Make it close to transport links, near good bars and restaurants, and in a memorable building with good ventilation and lighting. Avoid bland hotels.

How do I frame a Hackathon challenge?

Use the “How might we…. ?” approach to framing an inspirational, open challenge. Avoid specifying technology, and avoid citing other products or approaches.

How long should I make our Hackathon?

Typically, Hackathon events 1-3 days, with the sweet spot being 2 days. 1 Day is fine for an “in house” company Hackathon, and generally 3 days is too long for people to “get away from the day job”.

The Top 5 things to remember for a Great Hackathon

1) An inspirational shared challenge

Choose a problem that all participants are interested in solving, so that you have a shared mission. You can use a “How might we …?” question to frame the challenge. Be sure to keep it broad and unrestricted.

2) A great venue at a great location

Avoid bland hotel spaces, and industrial estates out of town. Think: natural light, unusual, spacious, within buzzing communities, and good transport links.

3) Maximum “hacking” time, and minimum interruptions.

Get the participants in quick, and kick off rapidly. Avoid making participants sit through sponsors’ or stakeholders’ presentations (do those as trade stands at the side of the room instead). Do not interrupt your participants

4) Focus on making it a joy for participants

Provide comprehensive support – whatever you can afford: Technical, Expert, User Testing, Artistic, Physical materials, etc!

5) Fresh food and refreshments

Refreshments are essential – make sure they are always available, and ensure that the catering provides good, hot, diverse food.

Hack events are only good when they are done well!

A hack event design is easy to screw-up. Avoid common pitfalls and find out more about designing a great hack event here.

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

Hackathon Business Case Guide & Template (PPT and Keynote)

The business case guide template for your Innovation Hackathon Event: Argue the benefits to your organisation and staff using these 60 slides of guidance and templates.

See: Hackathon Business Case Guide & Template (PPT and 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)

Business 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 Guide – Simple Step by Step – plus the mistakes to avoid

Running a 2-Day Hackathon – Use our Simple Steps and avoid common issues. Keep the event moving, and your participants happy!

See: 2 Day Hackathon Guide – Simple Step by Step – plus the mistakes to avoid
See all Using Hack Events and Hackathons for Innovation

Template and Guide Aspects that support this Best Practice

All Business Best Practice

See all Business Best Practice here.

Created : 2020-08-25 18:53:23
Modified : 2020-08-25 18:53:44