In June 2017, the first hackathon ever took place at SugarFactory. More and more companies are deciding to invest in hackathons, a concept that has spread from the American IT sector. But what exactly is it? And are there opportunities for your company?
What is a hackathon?
A hackathon is an event in which several teams of specialists come up with solutions and valuable ideas for complex issues in a short period of time—between 8 and 48 hours. The goal is to design several workable prototypes that can be tested by the company organizing the hackathon. At the end of the hackathon, a winner is chosen.
Why does a hackathon last between 8 and 48 hours?
When there is little time to come up with a solution to a complex problem, we switch to a practical and goal-oriented approach. We think in terms of possibilities rather than limitations. Those limitations are usually what cause delays. A hackathon is about big ideas, which may not always be realistic, but the useful parts of those creative ideas can be selected at a later stage.
Some companies organize hackathons with their own staff. What is the main reason for this?
A hackathon is a perfect way to stimulate connection within large companies. It is not just an event for developers. It is precisely by allowing employees from different levels of the company and with different functions to participate in the hackathon that more complete and creative ideas emerge. Project managers, strategists, and business developers each look at the problem in their own way—but with an eye to the culture and position of your organization in the market—which may allow you to move forward where you previously got stuck.
But you can also invite external participants to a hackathon. What is the advantage of that?
You will also see that many companies invite students to their hackathons. The advantage of this is that, as an external party, they can look at an issue with a fresh perspective. It is also a great opportunity for your recruiters to make new contacts.
What else is important?
You have a clear case and a great guest list of hackers. But organizing a hackathon involves more than just arranging a large space with lots of computers. Look for a location that contributes to the special atmosphere of a hackathon, put together a suitable side program, and, of course, take care of your guests. You are asking participants to work for you, so make sure they enjoy participating and look back on this day (or days) with fond memories. Start with a joint kick-off with an interesting speaker to set the tone. Then it's time to get started. When you invite techies, they want their equipment to be protected, even when they leave their workstation for a moment. So make sure you have security and watertight insurance. And hard work makes you hungry. Opt for easy snacks and drinks, because there won't be time for a full dinner. There should also be a place where people can relax or be physically active, so that they can quickly overcome that inevitable energy dip. After all, they won't be getting much sleep. Finally, determine the grand prize for the winners, who will be chosen by a strong jury, and conclude with a party where participants have time to network. Because intrinsic motivation is just as important.
The follow-up to an event is very important. Even for a hackathon, right?
Yes, it certainly is! How nice would it be to show participants an after movie of the event? Film the pitches and have a video and photo report made of the event. You can then share the material on social media, keeping your community alive and allowing participants to interact with each other.
Organizing a hackathon at SugarFactory
At SugarFactory, we have a lot of experience organizing various types of events. In June 2017, the first hackathon ever took place at SugarFactory. We know that a standard connection is not enough when organizing a hackathon. That is why we offer a strong WiFi network. It is also possible to combine different event spaces to meet the various requirements of a hackathon. Are you interested in organizing a hackathon at SugarFactory? Please contact us.
Image: Hannie Verhoeven Photography
