**What’s up! Congratulations on even CONSIDERING doing a hackathon * clap clap clap *. After reading this guide you’ll be even more excited to sign up. SO, whether it’s your first OR you’re preparing for your next one, here is a guide to help you out. **
ALSO, there are way more than 10 tips, just makes the title sound cooler.
This is GUIDE. It’s long af so here is an outline:
What is a hackathon?
What is web3?
What’s the difference between web3 hackathons vs regular hackathons?
What does the layout of a hackathon look like?
What to know before attending your first hackathon?
I’m non-technical af, how can I help?
I don’t have any experience in the areas mentioned, what do I do now?
Non-native English Speakers *listen up*
Closing thoughts
A hackathon is an event where people come together to build innovative projects in a short time, usually over a day or a weekend. It’s a chance for developers, designers, and other creative thinkers to push their skills to the limit and create something amazing.
At a hackathon, you’ll get to work with a team of talented individuals. Teams have 1 - 5 members ( a well-rounded team could consist of 2-3 developers, 1 Product/Project manager, and 1 designer). You’ll have access to all the resources you need to turn your ideas into a reality, including top-of-the-line technology and tools.
But it’s not just about the technology — hackathons are also a chance to meet new people, learn from experts in your field, and have a ton of fun. (By “fun”, I mean you feel a rollercoaster of emotions that ultimately feel worth it when the project is submitted and pitches are done.) Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, there’s a place for you at a hackathon.
Web3 is a term used to describe the next generation of the world wide web, where users have more control and ownership over their online data and experiences.
Web3 is made possible by new technologies like blockchain, which is a way of storing and sharing data across a network of computers in a secure and transparent way. With web3, you can have more control over your online identity and your online interactions, and you can be more confident that your data is being used responsibly.
Web3 is also about creating new opportunities and experiences online. Developers can build new types of apps and services that work in ways that weren't possible before. Imagine being able to earn rewards for contributing to online communities, or having the ability to create and sell your own digital assets.
Web3 is still in the early stages, but it has the potential to revolutionize the way we use the internet. Get excited, because the future of the web is looking brighter than ever. *shoutout chatGPT*
A web3 hackathon is a type of hackathon that focuses on building projects using web3 technologies (i.e blockchain, decentralized applications (dApps)).
A regular hackathon, on the other hand, might focus on building projects using more traditional web technologies (web2). These hackathons might involve building websites, mobile apps, or other types of projects that don't necessarily use web3 technologies.
Both types of hackathons can be a lot of fun and a great way to learn new skills, meet new people, and WIN MONEY through bounties! So whether you're interested in web3 or more traditional web technologies, there's a hackathon out there for you.
The example I’m using is an EthGlobal hackathon. Typically 38hrs long. This is my example because those are the only ones I have been to lololol.
Day 1
Opening announcements/Start of hackathon (ex. 8pm Fri)
Find/Finalize a team
Identify who is doing what (developer [front/backend], design, pitching, management, etc.)
Come up with the idea for the project AND find sponsored bounties ($$$) your team can go after ~ listed in the hackathon website and opening announcement
Hack, hack, work, hack, work, work, change position, water/coffee break, “midnight snack”
Day 2
Some ppl don’t sleep. People literally bring sleeping bags and catch naps at the event. I say sleep. Snooze for a few hours in your Airbnb/Hotel.
decide what time to meet back at the event ( ex. 6am Sat)
more work
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are typically offered
Grab MERCH
Keep working and speak to sponsors at the event about the project ~ specifically to the ones whose bounties you’re going after ( IT’S A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO UNDERSTAND WTF THESE SPONSORS DO)
Attend relevant workshops
Strategize new ideas, change them up if you need to, and speak to more sponsors/mentors
Talk to others, ask questions, and be open to feedback
Create a pitch deck and practice pitching
Day 3
Midnight snack lolol (picture getting a churro, tamales, or tacos at 12am yuuuuum )
Work some more
Practice pitching (practice both 2 min and 4 min pitches)
Start documentation requirements for final submission ( i.e: list team members, describe how the bounties were used in the project, describe the project, provide images of the project, project logo, less than 4 min video presentation of the project, etc.)
Submit final submission (ex. 9am Sun)
CELEBRATE - then back to work. Time for pitches.
The sponsors for bounties listed will be present at the event, your team needs to go to each sponsors booth (ONLY BOUNTIES YOUR TEAM WENT FOR) and pitch the project (some tables want 2 min, others are ok with 4 min. NO ONE wants to sit there for 10 min. There are hundreds of groups and if each one pitched for 10 min??? no f that.)
Finish pitching (ex. cutoff early afternoon Sun)
CELEBRATE - wait for prizes to be announced (ex. 3pmishhhh Sun)
Prizes announced
The top 10 winning groups will be called to stand on the main stage and pitch their projects
After party/ dooooone (ex. 5pmishhhh Sun)
1) Research the event
- Find out as much as you can about the hackathon you'll be attending
- Look for information on the event website or social media pages
- Web3 Hackathons
-→ EthGlobal : Has events all over the world and online, all year
https://ethglobal.com/events/hackathons
-→ EthDenver: Typically in Feb to early March
-→ There are many more, the two listed are a good place to start
2) Determine your goals (i.e what do you want to get out of the hackathon)
- Do you want to learn new skills, meet new people, or build a specific project?
- Setting goals will help you focus and make the most of your time at the event.
- Get a job? That’s right, people get job offers at hackathons.
- Be prepared to network and make connections with other attendees, as hackathons can be a great way to meet potential collaborators and employers.
3) Come prepared with any ideas or projects you want to work on
Social impact: Projects that address social issues or problems, such as poverty, inequality, or environmental sustainability, tend to be well-received.
- an app that helps people in need find and access social services and resources.- A platform that connects volunteers with organizations and causes that align with their interests and skills.- A website that crowdsources and maps data on environmental issues, such as air and water quality.Innovation: Projects that offer novel solutions to problems or that push the boundaries of what is currently possible tend to stand out.
- new type of renewable energy device or system that has the potential to revolutionize the way we produce and consume energy. - A machine learning algorithm that can perform a task that has previously been thought to require human intelligence. - A virtual reality platform that allows users to experience and interact with virtual worlds in a new and immersive way.Practicality: Projects that have clear, practical applications and that solve real-world problems tend to be more successful than those that are more experimental or theoretical.
- An app that helps people with disabilities access and navigate public transportation more easily. - A platform that connects farmers with consumers, allowing for more efficient and sustainable food production and distribution.Feasibility: Projects that are feasible and can be completed within the time frame of the hackathon tend to be more successful than those that are overly ambitious or unrealistic.
- A website that helps people plan and book their next vacation, including flights, accommodations, and activities. - An app that helps people track and improve their mental and physical health through personalized recommendations and feedback. - A platform that connects students with tutors and educational resources in their local area.Teamwork: Projects that showcase strong teamwork and collaboration tend to be more successful than those that are more individualistic.
- A game that promotes teamwork and communication through cooperative gameplay. - An app that helps teams collaborate and manage their work more effectively, including features such as task assignments and project tracking. - A platform that connects people with shared interests and skills and helps them form teams for various projects and activities.
3) Assemble a team
- Hackathons are often more fun and productive when you work with a team esp. for your first.
- Look for people with complementary skills and interests
- Make sure everyone is on the same page about your goals for the event.
- Form teams based on personal connections. If you know other people attending the hackathon, you can form a team with them.
**Ultimately**, the important thing is to find a team that works well together and is able to effectively collaborate and communicate to achieve their goals.
- Ok but THE BEST WAY TO FIND A TEAM: join a community with the hackathon you’re signing up for. They typically have a discord channel (aka a messaging platform with a lot of sub-channels). There you can find the event and people looking for teams.
- Still unsure? Search for groups attending the hackathon on Twitter. There are many organizations that SPONSOR people to go to hackathons on behalf of the group. Feel more comfortable in women-led teams? There’s a group. Have a bangin’ idea and want to push your limits? there’s a group.
- Sponsorships can include all/some of the following: travel accommodations, travel stipend (I’ve seen up to $750), Hacker House accommodations (co-op space to work), exclusive workshops, meeting friends/potential team members IRL, access to events
- Here is a list of some organizations that sponsor attendees to hackathons:
HER DAO: A womxn-focused developer DAO that includes self-identifying women, trans women, non-binary audiences, and allies.
Blu3 DAO: Empowering women, non-binary, and allies to learn, earn, and play in web3.
Talent House: an initiative that has the goal to motivate and support high-potential talent to attend their first Web3 conference, in order to grow their network, learn new things, and get the right drive to start their own projects.
https://talenthouse.talentprotocol.com/
Padawan DAO: This DAO aims to alleviate financial barriers for kids 15-25 to attend crypto conferences
4) Prepare your tools
- Make sure you have all the equipment and software you'll need to work on your project.
-→laptop, charger, portable charger (just in case), mouse (some people prefer this), extension cord (3ft to 6ft ~ you can make it work without it but it’s annoying if there are limited seats), pen/pencil, scratch paper for notes, and headphones (get in the zone mama).
5) Pack for the event
- Bring everything you'll need for the duration of the hackathon, including clothes, toiletries, snacks, and any other essentials.
-→ look up the weather beforehand
-→ for Day 1 and Day 2 you want to be comfy/cool. Think t-shirt, jeans, jacket, socks, closed-toed shoes, beanie/hat
-→ Day 3 is pitching/presentation: think nicer jeans/pants (lol), a nice shirt (could be a t-shirt but like a nicer one ya know? nice quality), makeup/whatever makes you feel like a badass AND make you look a little more awake
-→ the event could get cold while you’re hacking away. Consider bringing a blanket, sweatpants, sweatshirt, snacks (just in case you’re not a fan of what’s provided), and sleeping mask (never know where you may catch a few zzz’s)
-→ PACK MINDFULLY. There is so much merch. I’m not joking. Guaranteed = t-shirt, hats, socks. Rare/1st to go = windbreaker, jackets, fanny packs. Miscellaneous: stickers, journals, pens, battery packs, laptop vacuum, friendship bracelets, etc. You will come home with MORE than you came with.
6) Get EXCITED
- Hackathons can be an intense and rewarding experience. Embrace the challenge and have fun!
You can DEFINITELY help in a hackathon even if you are non-technical. There are many ways to contribute. The key is to find a way to use your strengths and interests to support the team and help move the project forward. Below is a table of ways you could help.
I. got. you.
Let’s take a look at each one
Remember, just because you don’t hold these titles doesn’t mean you can’t be these things. You have great time management and organization? Project Manager. Do you have a social media account? Content Creator. Do you like drawing in your spare time or scrolling through Pinterest? Designer. You can sell just about anything and like the limelight? Pitching. Try not to think about it too much. Does it pique your interest? Do it.
Project Manager key skills: organization, time management, problem-solving
As a project manager at a hackathon, you can expect to:
Organize the project team, ensuring that all elements are on track and aligned with the overall vision for the product.
Structure the timeline and milestones for the hackathon, keeping the team focused and on track.
Help guide and align the team to maintain clear communication and a shared vision.
Work closely with the product manager (if different from the PM role) to ensure that the product vision is maintained and that the project is aligned with the product's target market and customers.
Product Manager key skills: strategic thinking, product development, communication
As a product manager at a hackathon, you can expect to:
Lead and guide the team to ensure that the product vision is maintained and that the project is aligned with the product's target market and customers.
Work closely with the project manager (if different from the product manager role) to ensure that all elements of the project are organized and on track.
Act as the key decision maker for the product, making strategic choices about features, design, and target market.
Communicate with sponsors or mentors, to ensure that the project is aligned with their needs and expectations.
Apps/Websites to help
Notion: more commonly used, invite group members to collaborate, structure the timeline, check off boxes, create sub-pages for team members
Trello: popular with project managers, helps you organize tasks to group members
UI (user interface)/UX (user experience) key skills: visual design, layout ideas, and collaboration
Visual design: You like to create aesthetically pleasing things. Think of the apps/websites you look at on a day-to-day basis. Why do you like the color/vibe of some vs others? Envision font, color coordination, and overall brand.
Collaboration: Designers should be able to work with the rest of the team, to ensure that the user interface is consistent and aligned with the overall vision for the product.
Layout/Wireframe: Taking ideas and putting it to paper. Do you like mapping out steps? ex. If user clicks this button, then x, y, z will happen. It takes drawing out lines and squares.
User experience design: make sure the user interface is intuitive and easy to use.
Content Creator key skills: creativity, social media, communication
Creativity: creative skills and be able to generate ideas for new and engaging content.
Social Media: Create a Twitter handle with teams and hackathon project, and keep it up to date to increase engagement. This is another opportunity for sponsors to see what the team is working on.
Communication: Content creators should be able to effectively communicate with team, to ensure that the content aligns with the overall vision for the product.
Apps/Website to help
Canva: (BOTH) is a graphic design tool that allows users to create and edit visual content such as logos, graphics, presentations, and more. It has a user-friendly interface and offers a wide range of templates, images, and design elements that can be easily customized. beginner friendly af
Figma: (UI/UX) a graphic design tool that allows users to create and edit visual content. It has a similar focus to Canva but is geared more towards design work. do your research before using, not very beginner friendly
Dribbble: (UI/UX) inspiration for ui/ux
Behance: (UI/UX) inspiration for ui/ux
Twitter: (CC) web3 loves Twitter so might as well have one just in case you’re cc *content creator
Pinterest vs Savee.it : (BOTH) inspiration for the design
Looka: (branding) Free logo generator. It has a range of templates, design elements, and customization options to choose from.
Coolors: (BOTH) color generator where you can create, and save color schemes. It has features such as a color picker, color wheel, and color harmony options.
The key skills for the people pitching are: public speaking, persuasion, storytelling
Communicate the value and potential of the project to teammates, sponsors, and judges.
Convince others of the value and potential of the project through persuasion and storytelling.
Present the project with confidence and conviction, even under pressure.
Deliver presentations or pitches to groups of people, potentially including public speaking.
The pitcher varies. It can you one person on the team or all. Make sure you know who is pitching by noon on day two. You need to practice and practice and practice.
BONUS: Cater the pitch to the sponsor. How was their product helpful and what was the experience with it? Go after 5-6 bounties anymore and you could run the risk of not making the pitch personal enough. Make sure everyone in the teams introduces themselves. It is nice to see everyone in the group speak but it’s not necessary to win a bounty.
Key skills of someone in marketing are: research, analysis, communication
As a marketing team member at a hackathon, you can expect to:
Understand the target market and gather insights about customer needs and behaviors through research. Research as in google searches, surveying other hackers, personal experience.
Effectively communicate the value and benefits of the product to potential customers.
Work with the team to ensure that marketing efforts are aligned with the overall vision for the product.
App/Websites to help with pitching and marketing:
Canva / Figma: can create pitch decks and visually pleasing designs.
Google Analytics: for marketing (don’t know if this is actually used by marketers was suggested by the internet)
YOU MAY HAVE TO DO A LITTLE OF EVERYTHING! Don’t think you can? Change that mindset. Push yourself to do new things. The next time you do it, it’ll get easier OR you realize you don’t like it and at least you tried.
The hackathons listed are predominately in English. The majority of judges, sponsors, and workshops, are predominately in English. There are so many incredible people who attend these hackathons who speak a different language and may need help translating. In cases like this, I would recommend having at least two native English speakers pitch, present, and/or translate. I have attended hackathons where teams that consisted of non-native speakers had difficulty presenting their projects.
You will be pushed outside your comfort zone. The emotional rollercoaster in a hackathon can be tremendous, but after everything is done, it is inspiring what people can do when they have a goal in mind and work together.