These are my slides and a paraphrased summary of my talk from the API Strategy & Practice Conference in San Francisco.
Don’tThrow THAT Hackathonby @SwiftAlphaOne
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Note: Not Ryan Gosling.@SwiftAlphaOne
What is aHackathon?
0306090Q4/2011 Q1/2012 Q2/2012 Q3/2012 Q4/2012 Q1/2013 Q2/2013 Q3/2013Hackathons are on the Rise
Why are companiesgoing to Hackathons?
3ReasonsCompanies goto hackathons.main
ProductFeedback#1.
Optimize our product’s developer experienceby directly interacting with customersas they integrate and use it.
Mindshare &perception#2.
Mindshare &perception#2.(a.k.a. Marketing)
Acquire developer mindshare and trustby associating our brand withawesome stuff.
Change the way developers perceive usby associating our brand withawesome stuff.
RecruitingTop Talent#3.
Actively identifying, approaching, andinvesting in top hacker talent.
“Lots of really innovativecompanies are doingthis ‘hackathon’ thing.”We should too!
Seriously though,
Don’tThrow THAT Hackathon
That soundsCounter-intuitive.
“What are you hoping toaccomplish by throwing a hackathon?”if you can’t answer this question,don’t throw that hackathon.
build A (startup | app)#1. using my products
Hacks are not startups.Hacks are not long term commitments.Hacks are just hacks.
Better Solution: Month-long App Contest
spawn innovation#2.around my industry
Real innovation doesn’t usuallyhappen over a weekend.
Better Solution: Innovation Grant / Fund
Meet & support#3.My community
Hackathons & conferencesreally don’t mix well.
Better Solution: Throw a conference / Meetup.
When should I throwmy own Hackathon?
There Aren’t any#1. events nearby
xxxProtip: No NYC, Boston, or SF.
You’re Targeting#2. specific folks
You’re Launching#3. Something new
ThanksI’m @SwiftAlphaOne on Twitter.