We are planning to hold a Hackathon event. How much does it 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:-
- Does your organisation have a suitable venue at which to hold the Hackathon?
- Do you have support staff to manage the event?
- How many participants are you planning to host?
- Are you paying for participant travel and/or accommodation?
- What kind of prizes do you want to provide?
- How long is the event? (2 days, 3 days, 5 days?)
- Are you running an overnight Hacking provision?
Standard Hackathon Budget Line Items:
Hackathon Support Team
- Planning resource
- Support staff
- PR for Participant Sign-up
- Design
- Marketing and PR
Venue
- Venue Hire
- Venue Furniture
- Hackathon Power Supply
- Hackathon WIFI Supply
- Venue Security
- Venue Cleaning
Suppliers
- Audio and Visual Supplier
- User Testing Supplier
- Misc Stage Equipment Supplier
Materials
- Stationery Supplies
- SWAG (T-Shirts, Stationery, etc – there is a good list of SWAG ideas here)
- Prizes.
Branding & PR
- Brand identity
- Event website
- Admin hours helping with local promotion
- Paid Advertising
Catering (Food and Drink) for a 2-day Hackathon
Day 1
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Afternoon Snack
Day 2
- breakfast
- lunch
- End of event drinks & snacks
All Day: Beverages
- Hot Drinks
- Soft Drinks
AV Coverage for Promotion
- Video Camera Person
- Stills Photographer
Travel
- Attendee travel reimbursement
- 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 TemplateBusiness 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 mistakesTemplate and Guide Aspects that support this Best Practice
Hack Day Event
Hackathon Rollout Guide – Getting Ready: Generate Excitement and Avoid Mistakes (PPT & Keynote)
See: Hackathon Rollout Guide – Getting Ready: Generate Excitement and Avoid Mistakes (PPT & Keynote)Hackathon Task Checklist and Status Dashboard (Excel)
See: Hackathon Task Checklist and Status Dashboard (Excel)Hackathon Event Templates
Hackathon Rollout Guide – Getting Ready: Generate Excitement and Avoid Mistakes (PPT & Keynote)
See: Hackathon Rollout Guide – Getting Ready: Generate Excitement and Avoid Mistakes (PPT & Keynote)Hackathon Planning and Delivery
Hackathon Rollout Guide – Getting Ready: Generate Excitement and Avoid Mistakes (PPT & Keynote)
See: Hackathon Rollout Guide – Getting Ready: Generate Excitement and Avoid Mistakes (PPT & Keynote)
Templates and Best Practice in this Business Ecosystem
Innovation
Continuous Innovation: The ongoing exploration and combination of ideas, technology and business models to create new products and services, and to excite your talented staff.
See: Innovation