What is the best Hackathon Event Schedule?

Hackathon Events must have SWAG (aka Merch)

Our tried and tested Hackathon Event Schedule, to maximize your chances of having a successful Hack event.

What is the best Hackathon Event Schedule?

In short, the single most important element is to make the kickoff and intro speeches as short as possible, and the hacking time as long as possible. There is never enough hacking time at a Hackathon event, so don’t waste the hackers’ time!

How long should the Hackathon introduction be?

Keep it as short as you possibly can: Welcome; Health & Safety (fire exits and procedure); Reminder of the mission; how to get help; Start your hacking!!

What should I say to Hackathon Sponsors who want to demo their products in the introduction?

Tell them that they can have a demo stand at the side, and that you will promote them on the Hackathon Website. Do not let them prolong the introduction!

What are the top tips for a great Hackathon event?

1. An exciting challenge: A “How might we…?” to inspire your participants.
2. “Come as a team”: Encourage pre-formed teams.
3. A great venue: Bright, with character, and near transport and entertainment.
4. Flawless event support: Good food, beverages, strong wifi, tech help, and friendly staff.
5. Lots of hacking time: Maximize the Hack time, and interrupt as little as possible.

Specifics for designing the best Hack Event Schedule

General Hack Event Design Guidance:

Two days is a good length for a Hack Event, but people run them longer and shorter – it depends what you want.
Keep the intros short – 30 mins MAX.
Thank everyone for making the time to participate.
If you have sponsors, set them up with a demo stand at the side. DO NOT make your participants sit through long promotional powerpoint presentations.
Provide all event information on posters on the wall, or ideally on a public website.

Example Hackathon Schedule for a 2 Day Hack:

	DAY 1
09:30 AM	Registration opens – provide light breakfast for those who are hungry.
10:00 AM	Welcome! – quick hello, intro, wifi details, “toilets and fire exits”, health & safety, and *run through today’s schedule.
10:10 AM	“The Reason Why We are All Here” – plus overview of the challenge(s) by someone impressive (a celeb in your field, ideally).
10:20 AM	LET THE HACKING BEGIN! – everyone gets started, and we refrain from interrupting them any further.
	(During the morning you may want to run “Tech Talks” from those who are bringing ideas to the event, and from your sponsors. MAKE THESE OPTIONAL – e.g. “Speaker’s Corner”. Do not force people to sit through them – they just want to get on and to HACK).
01:00 PM	Lunch is provided.
03:00 PM	Audience Feedback sessions – provide a service to test your participants’ prototypes with target audience.
06:00 PM	Team progress report – quick “around the room” standup; each team shares a quick summary of what they are doing, and the MC asks them if there’s anything they need.
07:00 PM	The Venue closes for the night.
	(You may want to select a pub/bar where participants can socialise, grab some food etc, if they want to).

	DAY 2
08:00 AM	Registration – reopen for participants on Day Two.
10:00 AM	Book your Demo slot – Participants register their “hacks” and sign up for a pitching slot.
11:00 AM	How to make your Pitch – Optional session to get help with Pitching techniques. The pitching slots are short, so they need to prepare, and be told “this is your only chance to influence the judges”.
01:00 PM	Lunch is provided.
01:45 PM	Hacking Ends – get people off their tables, and into the seating for the demos at 14:00.
02:00 PM	PITCH SESSIONS – all teams will have 2-3 mins (plus Q&A) to present their hacks to the judging panel and other teams.
	(We invite press and key people from participating organisations to attend the pitch sessions. Be sure to manage numbers here).
04:00 PM	The judges retire to decide the winners – drinks are provided for the participants.
04:30 PM	Prizegiving & quick “Thank You” speech.
05:00 PM	Close – you may want to select a pub/bar where participants can socialise, grab some food etc, if they want to.

The 2-Day Hack Event Schedule

Are you short on time?

Use these templates to help with this Best Practice:

Hack Day Event Template Discount Bundle

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See: Hackathon Budget Sheet Excel Template

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)