What is a hackathon?
A hackathon is social coding event where programmers, designers and developers collaborate to solve a problem and compete for cash prizes. It’s one part party, one part work-your-butt-off overnight battle against the clock and the competition.
Why would someone participate in a hackathon?
People participate in hackathons for lots of reason: the challenge, the creative outlet, the community collaboration, the networking, the swag…
Who is this event for?
This event is open to both participants and spectators from the community who want to cheer them on and see what the hackathon is all about.
Is the event open to all ages?
This event is limited to those 18 and up for participants. Be prepared to show ID to enter. Wristbands will be provided to those of legal drinking age. Spectators of all ages are able to attend the kickoff party Friday and awards ceremony on Saturday.
Who can participate? Are there any prerequisites or required skills?
Anyone is welcome to participate in this event. While experience coding and programming is a huge plus, teams will also need people with strong presentation skills and brilliant ideas.
Do I need a team?
While you do have the option of working alone, hackathonCLT is a team event so working with others is encouraged. There are a few ways to find teammates: You can pick your team from people you already know, post in our meetup group to other members, find a team member via DevPost, meet them at a pre-hackathon info sessions (details on events page), or at the kickoff party.
Will there be training?
There is no pre-event training, but we’ll have Tresata team members on site who will be more than happy to answer your questions throughout the event. There will also be some additional information provided at the pre-event mixer, which we encourage everyone to attend.
Is there anything that I need to prep?
Other than finding fellow brilliant minds with complimentary skills to team up with, there is nothing that you need to prepare in advance.
How much does it cost?
FREE. Free for spectators. Free for participants.
Where can I find directions to the building?
This year’s hackathon will be taking place at Discovery Place Science in uptown. The address is 301 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202.
Where do I park?
Discovery Place has its own parking lot (it shuts down at midnight) but there is parking on Tryon and bordering streets. Parking lot fees vary but average $5 – $12 per day. We do not validate parking. We recommend taking the Blue Line to 7th St Station and walking down 7th St towards Discovery Place.
What is the problem we will be hacking to solve?
Details of the business problem will be announced on the night of the event, but we can tell you it relates to making Charlotte the healthiest city in the world!
Where do we do the work?
- You’ll have almost all of Discovery Place Science (minus a few roped off areas) to work your hacker magic!
Do I have to stay the whole time?
While Spectators can plan to just come for the party and/or judging, Participants must stay overnight to be eligible to win.
Will there be prizes?
Absolutely. Check out our prize page for details.
Will there be food?
Yes, delicious food and beverages will be provided throughout the event, courtesy of Kroger Tech.
How will teams be judged?
- There will be a preliminary round of judging in which teams will present their solution “science fair style.” Only teams that are successful in this preliminary round will present to the larger group in the Award Ceremony.
Who will be judging?
The judge panel composition will be announced closer to the date of the hackathon.
Where do I sign up?
In case you missed the all CAPS “Register now” at the top of the page, click the button here!