What Can I Expect? (Hackathon details)

Many of our participants and most of East Texans are new to the Hackathon world. We recently had a great question (see below) concerning what can be expected at the event. We'll try to answer that in great detail here.

"For those of us who are new to the whole Hackathon arena:
What should we expect? A.k.a. are we told the prompt at the starting point of the hackathon or is it something we should be planning now….etc.”

This year, the TWDHackathon2016 theme is “Pets” and any project benefitting pets will be accepted. You can put your thinking cap on and begin coming up with ideas now. Our specific hope is to create solutions for Pets Fur People — a Tyler no-kill animal shelter.

Developers are welcome to maximize their creativity and think as far outside the box as they want or they can focus their creativity and work on the specific issues that Tyler Web Dev and Pets Fur People will present during the Hackathon orientation. The reason we are not sharing all the specific details at this time is to keep an even playing field for all participants. Thinking and brainstorming is allowed at any time but ALL PROJECT DEVELOPMENT MUST BE DONE DURING THE EVENT.

The Hackathon begins Saturday, Aug 27, at 10AM. Project submission deadline is Sunday, Aug 28, at 12PM. Awards and celebration is Sunday, 5PM-8PM.

Here’s a more specific breakdown of what you can expect:

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At the beginning of the Hackathon event, we will present a video describing some of the specific software issues Pets Fur People currently has. Gayle Helms — the Executive Director of Pets Fur People — will be there in person to share additional details and answer questions from participants. You can choose one of three options: 1) Attempt to solve one of the specific Pets Fur People issues presented, 2) Attempt to solve a Pets Fur People issue that is NOT presented but you believe to be important, 3) Attempt to solve a “General Pet Issue” that you feel passionate about.

We will not release detailed information until the event and all project work MUST be done during the Hackathon (between Saturday, Aug 27, 10AM & Sunday, Aug 28, 12PM). If you would like to do a little prep work and research before the event we have a few recommendations below.

PETS FUR PEOPLE RESEARCH
We suggest you take a look at Pets Fur People’s current website and social media pages. Although we will present specific Pets Fur People issues, any projects benefitting Pets Fur People in ways such as helping raise awareness of their organization, promoting adoptions of their pets, streamlining any of their processes, and alleviating unnecessary management overhead are all examples of areas that would make a “positive impact” on Pets Fur People — anything that helps Pets Fur People function more fluidly and accomplish their mission of saving pet lives.

GENERAL PET RESEARCH
What are some common issues concerning pets that we hear all the time? Over-crowding in shelters. Shelters having to close or down-size due to lack of donations and funds. Pets getting lost or stolen. Animal abuse not being reported or punished. Overpopulation — pets not being spayed or neutered. Anything helping aide awareness in these areas or making a positive change would be great but there are many more areas than just these. We recommend checking out the American Humane Society’s information on Pet Issues & Awareness as a good place to start for more brainstorming ideas.

PROJECT ACCEPTANCE: Projects of all types (while remaining relevant to the problem, and containing some form of code) will be accepted and encouraged. And remember, although we would love the Hackathon to produce 20+ perfectly polished projects that’s simply not a realistic expectation for a 24-hour event. The main goals of this event are to have fun, spur innovative ideas, get to know and collaborate with your fellow developers, and start creating something really cool for Pets! Sure, a project will gain additional points for being a functional but remember — projects are also rated on Creativity and Impact.

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SATURDAY, AUG 27

WHAT WE’LL PROVIDE
We will have tables and chairs. There are multiple outlets around the room but please come with a fully charged laptop if possible. We will have some project work boards set up for those who prefer to map their project out with index cards. Tyler Web Dev volunteers in Orange Shirts will be available during the entire event to provide assistance clarifying any questions that relate to the processes of the Hackathon or in submitting your projects but you will be expected to develop your submissions on your own.

Lunch will be provided around noon thanks to Marco’s Pizza!

CHECK-IN (10AM)
@ Tyler Public Library Auditorium
All participants need to check in at this time and pick up their swag bag and any additional information we’ll have at the check-in table (Wi-Fi login, event schedule, etc).

ORIENTATION (10:30AM)
We will have a brief orientation. A video describing the specific Pets Fur People issues will be presented and representatives from Pets Fur People will be available for questions.

BRAINSTORM & HACK! (11AM)
After the orientation, participants can form teams. We recommend small teams — 3-4 participants. There are no size restrictions but the larger the team the more overhead and time will be needed coordinating efforts. Participants may also work individually. At this point, a brain storming process would likely occur. Once you and/or your team decide on your cool project, it’s time to begin building!

NEW VENUE (5PM-9PM)
@ The Foundry Coffeehouse
We have to vacate the Library at 5PM but we have a room reserved less than two blocks away (easy walking distance) at The Foundry Coffeehouse. All participants are encouraged to continue Hacking with us at The Foundry from 5PM - 9PM. The Foundry is generously donating coffee. Dinner will be provided. Come get your caffeine and food on!

MIX & MINGLE (9PM-11PM)
@ Rick's on the Square
At 9PM, some of us are going to head up the street to Rick’s On the Square — a local restaurant and bar — to kick back and relax. We’d love for everyone to join us!

SUNDAY, AUG 28

OPTIONAL GATHERING (9AM-12PM)
@ The Foundry Coffeehouse
The Hackaton project submission deadline is noon on Sunday. Participants may continue working on their projects until the deadline at any location. Some of us will be gathering at The Foundry Coffeehouse in the general area. If you’d like to coworker and wrap up your projects, please join us there!

JUDGING (12PM - 4PM)
All submissions must be turned in by noon on Sunday. Judges will then begin reviewing the submissions and scores will be tallied.

AWARDS & CELEBRATION (5PM-8PM)
@ The Butler Architecture Firm
We will gather at Butler Architecture Firm (Front St & Broadway) with Hackathon participants, sponsors, judges, local tech supports, and Tyler Web Dev members to celebrate. Winners will be announced and prizes awarded at 6PM. Water, beer, wine, and snacks will be provided.

WE SAY “GOODNIGHT” & “UNTIL NEXT YEAR!” (8PM)

#TWDHackathon2016