Today, friends, we’ll be exploring the fascinating question, what is a hackathon?
The word itself is exciting – the combination of the words hack and marathon. Hack, in the sense of exploratory programming, not the Hollywood cliche of hacking into mainframes. And a marathon, in the sense of being a long-lasting or difficult task or activity, not a 26 miles 385-yard running race.
Below we’ll give you a concrete hackathon definition, as implied in the title. Then we’re going to explore deeper into bigger questions that explore why hackathons are so cool.
So, if you’ve ever wondered what the benefits of these events are, what you do at them, how long they last, and a litany of more fascinating details, read on!
A Hackathon Definition
We’re going to be answering the question, of what is a hackathon in greater depth as we go on, but for now, let’s start with a concise and easy hackathon definition. Sound like a plan?
So, here’s our hackathon meaning:
- A competitive event that can take the form of a marathon or sprint. It involves computer programmers, software engineers and related professionals/students collaborating and/or competing on software projects.
Now. Write it down, read it twice, paste it into your notes, or whatever you like. Once you’re ready, let’s charge forward and learn more about hackathon events!
Talking Hackathon Benefits
Hackathon Meaning via Pinterest
Now you have a concise hackathon meaning it’s time to talk about hackathon benefits.
For the attendee, it’s a solid place to kickstart your career. You can learn through competing and workshops. You can network with fellow pros – and most importantly – employers!
These are just base-level hackathon benefits for showing up and taking an interest. For those that win – or simply do well – the dividends can be impressive. From a flashy title to display on your CV to glamorous prizes that range from cold hard cash to clothing, bag, and even sweet tech hardware!
Conversely, organisers typically hold hackathons for two reasons. Firstly, to scout talent. And secondly, to develop innovation in their products. And a further incentive for organisers – especially startups – is to lure in investors!
A famous example of innovation derived from hackathon events is Facebook. Some of their signature features have been developed at hackathon events. You’re familiar with their ‘like button’, Facebook Chat, video and timeline, right?
So, in short, hackathons benefits are where everyone gets something.
Types of Hackathon
- Hackathon Event to Build: A common type of hackathon is a building event. Anything and everything is developed from general product development, and complex operating systems, to video game upgrades, and building mobile apps.
- Side-bar: Another build that is more altruistic is building for online communities. For example. Blockchain communities who are dedicated to creating a more open and fair online world.
- Hackathon Event for Altruism: Altruistic hackathon events are where participants collaborate to find solutions to societal problems such as public transportation, education, and disaster response.
- Hackathon for Event Training: Training hackathon events can be done by an external private organisation or externally, and can range from beginner to intermediate and even experts.
- Hackathon Event for Team Building: Team building is popular for internal hackathon events. They develop brainstorming solutions, increase employee engagement, foster development, and of course, train key skills.
- Hackathon Event for Diversity and Inclusion: Another type of hackathon is one that is exclusively for a certain demographic such as women, ethnic minorities, or disadvantaged students. These hackathon events are designed to foster opportunities in tech fields for underrepresented people.
- N.B. A Hackathon event built for the purpose of finding talent is something of a subtext.
In-Person, Virtual, and Hybrid Types of Hackathon
Now, later on in our what are hackathons article, we will speak about venues. However, that isn’t the whole story. Because a hackathon doesn’t necessarily have to take place in a physical location. As it goes, our hackathon meaning accounts for three distinct realms:
In-Person: An in-person event is a traditional way of doing things. Old fashioned, almost, by today’s standards. Where the hack takes place at a physical location, and everyone is there in person, competing and collaborating with each other.
Virtual: A virtual hackathon is done entirely online by remote attendees. These events are done through slack, zoom, or similar online theatres. They are great for companies with remote employees scattered around the world. And they are cheap too!
Hybrid: And then you have hybrid hackathons. The best of both worlds, some would say. This gives your attendee the choice if they want to go in person or stay at home and compete online. Plus, it allows for a larger audience and yields the benefits of both types of hackathons noted above.
What do You do at Hackathon Events?
We couldn’t discuss, what is a hackathon, without discussing side events. Yes, there is the main event, the main hack, the big task/competition, and so on.
However, the key to an event with real depth is side events. We’re talking about things like mini-workshops, mini-competitions, talks, training, and event entertainment like video games, table tennis, and the like.
Then, of course, you need a space for people to rest, chat, eat, and network. So there’s more to hackathon events than just turning up with a laptop and coding away!
How long do Hackathons Last
So, we’ve answered, what are hackathons? But now you’re probably wondering, how long do they last? Well, they usually last between 24 and 72 hours.
- N.B. Participants have been known to bring sleeping bags to nap in the breakout rooms.
Who Organises Them and Who Attends Hackathon Events
So, to get a deeper understanding of our hackathons meaning let’s talk about who organises them, who attends them, and more specifically, what types of hackathons they’re usually involved with.
Who Organisesers hackathon events:
- Startups (To build, innovate, team-build and find talents)
- Tech firms (To build, innovate, team-build and find talents)
- Universities (Training, altruism, and introducing students to potential employees)
- Nonprofits (Training, team-build and altruism)
- Government Organisations (Training and altruism)
- ENTHUSIASTS (Developing communities and networks)
- You?
And who attends them:
- Students
- Pros
- Employees
- ENTHUSIASTS
- You?
What is a Hackathon Venue Supposed to Look Like?
There are no hard and fast rules about what a hackathon should look like. You can book literally any location you want, so long as it comes with the following amenities and services:
- Main hack room (for feature events)
- Breakout rooms (for workshops, presentations, naps, merch, catering)
- Energy Source and Several Outlets
- WiFi
- Catering services/space
However… let’s not overlook style. These are tech events, so it makes sense to host your hackathon at a techy kind of place.
Playful and Creative Tech Event Venue in Paris
What Are Hackathons via Spacehuntr
So maybe churches, historical halls, wedding venues, and the like aren’t the right fit – unless you want to shock people on purpose.
Spacious and Rustic Venue
What Are Hackathons via Spacehuntr
What you need are sleek, futuristic places. Or maybe you want to go down the ‘edgy’ route with a former warehouse venue?
Where to Find Hackathon Events
What is the point of learning the meaning of hackathon events if you can’t find them, eh? Well, you’ll be happy to know that they’re happening all over the world, all the time. There are loads of forums, chats, and sites that keep track of hackathon calendars around the world. Here are some that we tend to go back to:
Your second option is, of course, to use your old friend Google. Because as we should all know by now if you can’t find it on Google, it doesn’t exist. Search by your area, your field, or a preferred type of organisation. You’re in charge. It might save you time instead of trawling through different online calendars.
The third option is actually not to bother finding a hackathon event at all, but to host one of your own! You’ve read this far, so you must be excited about them by now. And as a blockchain and crypto event specialist here at Ch3, we can help you put it together!
Wrapping up
So now you know the answer to the question, what is a hackathon? We’ve also dived into some bigger questions, like the different types of hackathons you can get involved in and their benefits.
