How much does a Hackathon Event cost?

BBC News Hack innovation event - FROST principles

We are planning to hold a Hackathon event. How much does it cost?

How much does a Hackathon Event cost?

The cost will depend on the resources you have at your disposal, the number of participants, and your Hackathon goals. You can run small-scale events for free, if you have all the required resources. If you need to rent a venue or require catering or marketing, then you will need a budget.

Further info

These questions will have cost implications that drastically affect your budget:-

  1. Does your organisation have a suitable venue at which to hold the Hackathon?
  2. Do you have support staff to manage the event?
  3. How many participants are you planning to host?
  4. Are you paying for participant travel and/or accommodation?
  5. What kind of prizes do you want to provide?
  6. How long is the event? (2 days, 3 days, 5 days?)
  7. Are you running an overnight Hacking provision?

Standard Hackathon Budget Line Items:

Hackathon Support Team

  1. Planning resource
  2. Support staff
  3. PR for Participant Sign-up
  4. Design
  5. Marketing and PR

Venue

  1. Venue Hire
  2. Venue Furniture
  3. Hackathon Power Supply
  4. Hackathon WIFI Supply
  5. Venue Security
  6. Venue Cleaning

Suppliers

  1. Audio and Visual Supplier
  2. User Testing Supplier
  3. Misc Stage Equipment Supplier

Materials

  1. Stationery Supplies
  2. SWAG (T-Shirts, Stationery, etc – there is a good list of SWAG ideas here)
  3. Prizes.

Branding & PR

  1. Brand identity
  2. Event website
  3. Admin hours helping with local promotion
  4. Paid Advertising

Catering (Food and Drink) for a 2-day Hackathon

Day 1

  1. Breakfast
  2. Lunch
  3. Afternoon Snack

Day 2

  1. breakfast
  2. lunch
  3. End of event drinks & snacks

All Day: Beverages

  1. Hot Drinks
  2. Soft Drinks

AV Coverage for Promotion

  1. Video Camera Person
  2. Stills Photographer

Travel

  1. Attendee travel reimbursement
  2. Transport & Travel for Event Support

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 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

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 : 2020-08-23 15:08:20
Modified : 2020-08-23 15:08:21