Hackathons are a fairly new thing – the first one happened only 20 years ago.

The first known hackathon was held in 1999 when ten developers gathered to collaborate on how to avoid legal issues caused by the export of cryptographic software from the U.S.

Post Y2K, hackathons started getting some traction. Each event was producing new technologies and ways of doing things. Venture capitalists began taking notice and these hacking marathons were the newest and best way to quickly harvest innovation and brain power. 

As a digital solutions agency, a good hackathon is like our SuperBowl.

Most recently, we sponsored and attended one of these competitions put on by a client of ours. 

Sixteen teams, five of which were in Bangalore, spent days brainstorming, creating, and presenting their solutions.

What we found to be most interesting was the level of thinking the teams put into their work. No problem or solution was constrained to a single concern. They all touched on various aspects – social, emotional, and technical. It wasn’t just about presenting a solution, it was about really understanding and articulating the challenge. 

We could go on and on about how cool these things are, but we’ll get down to the good stuff. A how-to guide on hackathons.

Be a Good Sport

Hackathons are communication based. It’s about working under pressure, working in groups, and being able to solve issues on the spot. It also means you need to get along with your teammates and not allow stress to dictate your behavior. Be responsive and not reactionary. Competing teams are made up of intelligent, hardworking innovators, and are likely great connections to have. Be a good sport, don’t let the stress or competitiveness get in the way of enjoying the process.

It’s Not Just About the Tech

Worried your team doesn’t consist of enough developers? You only need one to succeed. What makes a hackathon so interesting is how teams are made to recreate a business model by delegating multiple roles and tasks within an agile environment. You need your presenter/speaker, innovator, developer, architect, and project manager to formulate a fully-developed presentation and plan.

The main take away is to understand and analyze individual strengths and weaknesses so that each of you have a role to excel in and a better chance at winning.

Network

Perhaps you’re out of your element and you don’t feel like being social. Challenge yourself to have a “say yes” attitude and accept those invitations to the after-parties, cocktail events, dinners, and networking opportunities.

You will likely end up meeting really interesting and inspiring people who can give you great advice or tips. Maybe you’ll recruit a new client or employee, find a mentor, or make a lasting friendship. Hackathons have some great minds at your disposal, so take advantage and meet them.

Cards, Cards, Cards

Part of the reason you’re there is to represent your company. You need bring some good swag with your logo and info on it, whether it be a pen, hat, water bottle. Also, business cards. Lots of them. You’ll be meeting tons of people, but without valid contact information, all that networking will be for nothing.

Along the same vein, try to collect as many business cards as you can. Add them to your e-mail contact list and reach out via professional networking platforms [like LinkedIn]. Sustain those relationships.

(Pro Tip: Write a quick note on someone’s business card after receiving it. Jotting down an anecdote from your interaction with them will help you remember that person and give you a starting point for a conversation later.)

Know Your Talking Points

If you’re uneasy about introducing yourself to new people or just started working at a company, make sure you know how to present yourself to others. Even though Hackathons are low-key, it’s still a professional environment full of CEO’s, recruiters, and stakeholders.

If you want to make a good impression and properly represent your company, ask your marketing or communications team for some advice. They will happily prep you and provide key speaking points, as well as a simple summary of the company. It’s always better to be overly prepared.

Have you ever been to a Hackathon?  We’d love to hear some of your how-to-hack tips.  Give us a shout on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.