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How to run a hackday

It has been almost 2 years since I have been to hack event.  That's too long.  Even worse, very few developers in south florida have been to one.  I'd like to change that.

What is a hack event? 

A hack event is for programmers.  A number of them get together in a semi organized event and spend 24 non-stop hours working on a small adhoc project.  The idea is to come to the event with nothing and produce something conceived and built in 24 hours.

It is important to note that hack events are for programmers to learn and implement some technology or idea.

It is a contest.  A judging panel award prizes.

This is what it takes to run a hack event

First, decide how many people will be allowed at the event.  The number of people is everything.  This drives the size of the venue, catering, wifi concerns and just about everything.

Here is the checklist:

  1. A venue - Be prepared to stay 24 hours. 
  2. Wifi - this is most important.  And it has to be reliable wifi. No wifi, no event.
  3. Food - this is a 24 hour event. No one leaves. Coffee, snacks, energy drinks, fruit.  Keep it simple but keep it coming.
  4. Prizes - This is about bragging rights.  Expensive prizes are not necessary and should be discouraged.
  5. Make sure there are enough power outlets.
  6. Everyone brings their own laptop.
  7. Need 5 - 8 judges.
  8. t-shirts are a good idea.

A hack event should be promoted at least a month in advance.

Have several 30 min tech talks.  These are to quickly enable programmers to get a fast start on some API or technology.

As the hack period comes close to ending, hackers register their hacks.  Once hacking ends, each hacker gets 90 seconds to present their hack.  After that, the judges award winners in various categories.  This is kept fairly loose.  It is really all about learning and fun.  Establish some basic categories.  Allow the judges to make up a category of their own.  There is always some creative hack that defies being categorized.

The schedule of events would go something like this:

  1. Registration
  2. Tech talks
  3. Hacking begins
  4. Hacking ends
  5. Presentations
  6. Judging
  7. Awards

Things to bring to a hack event

  • Power strip
  • Extension cords
  • Pillow
  • Change of clothes
  • Toothbrush
  • Camera