Morgan Bickle provides 13 tips for getting the most out of a hackathon: 1) Learn the tools and APIs before attending. 2) Test the wifi connection right away. 3) Focus on building something rather than just ideating. 4) Reduce the scope of your demo to make it compelling.

1. 13 Tips for getting the most
out of your next hackathon
By: Morgan Bickle
CTO of Kinvey

2. 1 - It starts before it starts
Learn the API & toolset before showing up
Do I have enough
This Documentation time to get coffee?
is really thorough!

3. 2 - Test wifi
APIs often require strong wifi signal,
check network strength right away

4. 3 - Creation trumps ideation
No one has ever "thought" their way to
hackathon success, it's all about execution
Okay, I think we’ve finally
got it. it’s one left, one right,
start start
DONE!!
another left...

5. 4 - "Portion control" your demo
GSD - Reducing scope is often key to a
compelling demo
uh oh...

6. 5 - Don't start from scratch
If there's a base sample app, use it.
then customize
Ready-
Made
APP
with s!
Now ation
Cust omiz

7. 6 - Solo Silo
Turn to your peers for feedback & validation
What's the best way
to get Oauth to work?

8. 7 - Ignore the distractions
When it's time to get hacking, focus is key.
Tune out chatter, pitches HOS TING !
GET YOU R HOS TING HER E!

9. 8 - Don't go it alone
Often 2 to 3 person teams produce the best results
(& have more fun)
wingman other
wingman

10. 9 - Ask for help
Most hackathons staff coaches and experts.
Use them
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.ge t("
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textView.setText(...)

11. 10 - Polish your presentation
Presentation Demo
I'd invest based
on the deck alone!
If the demo is half
as good, I'm in

12. 11 - Don't take your pitch too seriously
A little humor in your presentation goes a
long way
A developer,
an engineer,
and an Architect
walk into a bar…

13. 12 - Hack first, learn second
Don't try to learn a new language, instead,
hack something together with what you already know
Hacking Theory
Lab
Clackity Clack Clack!!!! Clack Clack Clackity!!!

14. 13 - Don't forget to network
Hackathons are great places to find future
employment, investment, friendship
Funny, that’s my
brother’s name too!