├── LICENSE
├── README.md
└── imagess
└── guide.png
/LICENSE:
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/README.md:
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1 | The Ultimate Guide to your own Blockathon
2 | ===================
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 | This is an open source template for organizing your own Blockathon.
7 |
8 | We wanted to provide a single README file with as much support material as possible. This will help you understand what is required so you can start planning your very own awesome Blockathon!
9 |
10 | # Table of Contents
11 |
12 | Before the Event
13 | - [What is a Blockathon](https://github.com/bitfwdcommunity/Blockathon#what-is-a-blockathon-1)
14 | - [Organising Team](https://github.com/bitfwdcommunity/Blockathon#organising-team)
15 | - [Theme](https://github.com/bitfwdcommunity/Blockathon#theme)
16 | - [Title](https://github.com/bitfwdcommunity/Blockathon#title-and-description)
17 | - [Format](https://github.com/bitfwdcommunity/Blockathon#format)
18 | - [Date and Time](https://github.com/bitfwdcommunity/Blockathon#date-and-time)
19 | - [Venue](https://github.com/bitfwdcommunity/Blockathon#venue)
20 | - [Budgetting](https://github.com/bitfwdcommunity/Blockathon#budgetting)
21 | - [Sponsorship](https://github.com/bitfwdcommunity/Blockathon#sponsorship)
22 | - [Pitch Format](https://github.com/bitfwdcommunity/Blockathon/blob/readme_edit_1/README.md#pitch-format)
23 | - [Speakers / Judges / Mentors](https://github.com/bitfwdcommunity/Blockathon#speakers-and-judges)
24 | - [Prizes](https://github.com/bitfwdcommunity/Blockathon#prizes)
25 | - [Merchandise / Swag](https://github.com/bitfwdcommunity/Blockathon/blob/master/README.md#merchandise)
26 |
27 | Marketing
28 | - [Landing Page](https://github.com/bitfwdcommunity/Blockathon#landing-page)
29 | - [Registration](https://github.com/bitfwdcommunity/Blockathon#registration)
30 | - [Information pack](https://github.com/bitfwdcommunity/Blockathon#distribution-and-spreading-the-word)
31 | - [Distribution and Spreading the Word](https://github.com/bitfwdcommunity/Blockathon#distribution-and-spreading-the-word)
32 |
33 | During the Event
34 | - [Organising Team](https://github.com/bitfwdcommunity/Blockathon/blob/readme_edit_1/README.md#organising-team-1)
35 | - [Morning Preparation](https://github.com/bitfwdcommunity/Blockathon/blob/readme_edit_1/README.md#morning-preparation)
36 | - [Arrival](https://github.com/bitfwdcommunity/Blockathon/blob/readme_edit_1/README.md#arival-of-attendees)
37 | - [Introduction + Keynote Speaker](https://github.com/bitfwdcommunity/Blockathon/blob/readme_edit_1/README.md#introduction--keynote-speaker)
38 | - [Team Formation + Brainstorm activities](https://github.com/bitfwdcommunity/Blockathon/blob/readme_edit_1/README.md#team-formation--brainstorm-exercises)
39 | - [Food](https://github.com/bitfwdcommunity/Blockathon/blob/readme_edit_1/README.md#food)
40 | - [HACK !!!!!!](https://github.com/bitfwdcommunity/Blockathon/blob/readme_edit_1/README.md#hack)
41 | - [Social Media](https://github.com/bitfwdcommunity/Blockathon/blob/readme_edit_1/README.md#social-media)
42 | - [Code Freeze + Pitch Collection Period](https://github.com/bitfwdcommunity/Blockathon/blob/readme_edit_1/README.md#code-freeze--pitch-collection-period)
43 | - [Pitch](https://github.com/bitfwdcommunity/Blockathon#the-pitch)
44 | - [End of the Pitches](https://github.com/bitfwdcommunity/Blockathon/blob/readme_edit_1/README.md#announce-winners--prizes)
45 | - [Winner announcement + Thank everyone + Celebrate](https://github.com/bitfwdcommunity/Blockathon/blob/readme_edit_1/README.md#thank-you-for-sponsors-judges-mentors-and-organising-team)
46 |
47 | After the Event
48 | - [Packing up](https://github.com/bitfwdcommunity/Blockathon/blob/readme_edit_1/README.md#packing-up)
49 | - [Get some sleep](https://github.com/bitfwdcommunity/Blockathon/blob/readme_edit_1/README.md#get-some-sleep)
50 | - [Follow up with your winners, judges, mentors and sponsors](https://github.com/bitfwdcommunity/Blockathon/blob/readme_edit_1/README.md#follow-up-with-your-winners-judges-mentors-and-sponsors)
51 | - [Feedback form](https://github.com/bitfwdcommunity/Blockathon/blob/readme_edit_1/README.md#feedback-form)
52 | - [Thank you + Keeping in touch with the attendees](https://github.com/bitfwdcommunity/Blockathon/blob/readme_edit_1/README.md#thank-you--keeping-in-touch-with-the-teams)
53 | - [Follow up content](https://github.com/bitfwdcommunity/Blockathon/blob/readme_edit_1/README.md#follow-up-content)
54 |
55 |
56 |
57 |
58 | ## What is a Blockathon?
59 | Blockathon = Blockchain + Hackathon.
60 |
61 | Blockchain encompassing the technology driving the new age of trust and decentralisation and hackathon being an event in which anyone from any field can come together and work on a project in a given timeframe. By combining the two, you get an event where people come together and work on meaningful projects for the Blockchain.
62 |
63 | Whether you are a Hacker (programmers), Hipster (Growth/User Interface/User Experience), Hustler (Business XX) + Academic, anyone is welcome to participate. Blockathons have been founded on the principles to further develop the Blockchain community, coming together with like-minded individuals and learning from one another.
64 |
65 |
66 | Blockathons typically last between a day to a week in length, depending on the event. The ideas that people work on can either be pre-planned or formed on the day of the event. Depending on the Blockathon, there may be a specific focus which can include the programming language used, the operating system, an application, an API, the subject and the demographic group of the programmers. In other cases, there is no restriction on the type of software being created. Today, this term is not related to "hacking", it is just a programming marathon.
67 |
68 |
69 | A lot of planning has to be done in order to get a Blockathon rolling, but that's what this guide is for. Key considerations include who will be organising most of the event, when and where will it be held, how much money will you have for the event and who will be judging at the end.
70 |
71 | ## Organising Team
72 | Your organising team is the most important foundation for running a successful blockathon. You will all be working together for XXX. There are several key roles that we have identified:
73 |
74 | * Logistics - This person will handle the venue organisation, catering for food/drinks and ensure the event runs smoothly
75 | * Finances - The person will liase with the respective stakeholders to finance the event.
76 | * Marketing/Social Media - This person will be in charge of marketing the event to the necessary audience through the most appropriate channels (Facebook, Twitter, Telegram etc.) - If your organization has its own Twitter or other social media accounts, you may want to consider giving this person temporary access so they can manage the social media tools for the event.
77 | * Other - Someone responsible for design of promotional material+ development for website if necessary
78 |
79 | These roles can be delegated or a sole person can handle all the activities.
80 |
81 | ## Theme
82 | The best themes are the ones that are most relevant to your audience and consideration of their expertise in the topic/industry. With the current state of Blockchain technology, there are so many problems that can be solved by leveraging it's protocols and infastructure so finding a theme should be no problem.
83 |
84 | Example themes include: Art, Civic, Data, Education, Games, Green Energy, Health, Journalism, Language, Mobile, Movies, Music, Photos, Politics, Robotics, Science, Sports and Water
85 |
86 | This theme will tie into what they will be solving and if there are specific APIs / plguisn that will be used ...
87 |
88 | Your hackathon attendees will appreciate you putting a lot of thought into your theme 🙂
89 |
90 | Below are a list of past Blockathons:
91 | * [MCIC Blockathon](https://mcichack.com/blockathon/)
92 | * [Akropolis.io Mini-Blockathon](https://www.meetup.com/BokkyPooBahs-Ethereum-Workshop/events/247793778/?eventId=247793778)
93 | * Add more to the list...🔴🔴
94 |
95 | ## Title and Description
96 | Give your event a catchy name that represents your theme and will stick in the minds of developers/participants.
97 |
98 | Provide a detailed, but concise description of your event. Generally 250-750 characters is sufficient to explain the theme and outcome of the blockathon.
99 |
100 | ## Format
101 | The formats for hackathons depend on the organisers. Usually they revolve around two formats:
102 | * Hack Day - 12 to 24 hour timeframe
103 | * Hack Weekend - 24 to 72 hour timeframe
104 |
105 | ### Hack Day Example ( 24 Hours)
106 |
107 | | Time | Agenda |
108 | | --- | --- |
109 | | 900-930AM | Set up of venue |
110 | | 930-1030AM | Breakfast + Registration + Welcome |
111 | | 1030-1100AM | Introduction + Team Building Exercise |
112 | | 1100-1130AM | Keynote Talk + Presentation of problem|
113 | | 1130-1200PM | Team Formation Exercise |
114 | | 1200-1230PM | Lunch |
115 | | 1230-430PM | Hack! |
116 | | 430-500PM | Code Freeze + Chillout |
117 | | 500-545PM | Pitches |
118 | | 545-600PM | Judges Discussion for winners |
119 | | 600-615PM | Presentation + Prizes |
120 | | 615-700PM+ | Afterparty drinks |
121 |
122 | ### Hack Weekend Example (48 Hours)
123 |
124 | | Time | Agenda |
125 | | --- | --- |
126 | | 900-930AM | Set up of venue |
127 | | 930-1030AM | Breakfast + Registration + Welcome |
128 | | 1030-1100AM | Introduction + Team Building Exercise |
129 | | 1100-1130AM | Keynote Talk + Presentation of problem|
130 | | 1130-1200PM | Team Formation Exercise |
131 | | 1200-1230PM | Lunch |
132 | | 1230-800PM | Hack!!! + Mentoring + Any guest speakers + Dinner! |
133 |
134 | | Time | Agenda |
135 | | --- | --- |
136 | | 900-930AM | Set up of venue |
137 | | 930-1030AM | Breakfast + Welcome |
138 | | 1030-1100AM | Review of the first 24 hours|
139 | | 1100-1230AM | Hack! + Mentoring + Any guest speakers + Dinner! |
140 | | 1230-100PM | Lunch |
141 | | 100-430PM | Hack!!! |
142 | | 430-500PM | Code Freeze + Chillout |
143 | | 500-545PM | Pitches |
144 | | 545-600PM | Judges Discussion for winners |
145 | | 600-615PM | Presentation + Prizes |
146 | | 615-700PM+ | Afterparty drinks + food|
147 |
148 | ### Hack Weekend Example with proper 2.5 days (60 Hours)
149 |
150 | | Day 1: Time | Agenda |
151 | | --- | --- |
152 | | 400-500PM | Set up of venue |
153 | | 500-530PM | Registration + Welcome |
154 | | 530-600PM | Introduction + Team Building Exercise |
155 | | 600-630PM | Pizza |
156 | | 630-900PM | Hack begins + Teams forming |
157 |
158 |
159 |
160 | |Day 2: Time | Agenda |
161 | | --- | --- |
162 | | 900-930AM | Set up of venue |
163 | | 930-1030AM | Breakfast + Welcome |
164 | | 1030AM-1200PM | Hack! |
165 | | 1200-1230PM | Lunch |
166 | | 1230-800PM | Hack!!! + Mentoring + Any guest speakers + Dinner! |
167 |
168 |
169 |
170 | |Day 3: Time | Agenda |
171 | | --- | --- |
172 | | 900-930AM | Set up of venue |
173 | | 930-1030AM | Breakfast + Welcome |
174 | | 1030-1100AM | Review of the first 24 hours|
175 | | 1100-1230AM | Hack! + Mentoring + Any guest speakers + Dinner! |
176 | | 1230-100PM | Lunch |
177 | | 100-430PM | Hack!!! |
178 | | 430-500PM | Code Freeze + Chillout |
179 | | 500-545PM | Pitches |
180 | | 545-600PM | Judges Discussion for winners |
181 | | 600-615PM | Presentation + Prizes |
182 | | 615-700PM+ | Afterparty drinks + food|
183 |
184 | This is a sample agenda and represents just a few approaches to formatting a hackathon. The best way to find out what works is attend other events, and find the characteristics you like best.
185 |
186 | ## Date and Time
187 | The date can have significant influence on how well it is attended and how much impact it has. Community blockathons are typically held on weekends when people are not working. So it is necessary to choose a date to allow yourself to promote and have the attendees clear their schedule. Also best to avoid any public weekends / holidays as people will be away on vacation during that time. Also make sure that the event does not clash with any other events within the Blockchain community and that it is promoted well in advance.
188 |
189 | For time, clear the schedule of your event to participants in advance. If you choose a 9am start time, expect 20% to show up at 10am. Having an itinerary published at event signup will help make sure you can get started earlier. Schedule reception type activities at the beginning of the day to allow for some late arrivals.
190 |
191 | ## Venue
192 | The venue is also crucial to the atmosphere of the event. Most blockathons are held in a co-working space or an Innovation Hub area which is easy to get to. The place should also represents the theme of the Blockchain culture of innovation and creating something new for the world!
193 |
194 | * Food area + bins
195 | * Bathrooms
196 | * Accessbility
197 | * Internet
198 | * Size of venue
199 | * Area to hack
200 | * Security
201 | * OHS
202 | * Wifi
203 | * Power sockets + safety
204 | * Audio + visual
205 | * Microphone
206 | * Projectors
207 | * Enough utensils
208 |
209 | Blockathons come in all sizes from as small as 5-10 people to 200 people. Bigger isn't always better, but conducting larger events without proper experience and resources can be a major disaster. Keep size in line with your over goal for throwing a blockathon.
210 |
211 | Asking for pre-registration will give you and your team an indication of the number of attendees for the event and how much catering you will have to provide. Using services such as Eventbite or Google Form can help you with this process.
212 |
213 | ## Budgetting
214 | Understanding your budget is crucial to the running of the event. Most of the budget will be for the food and drinks catering as it is important to keep your attendees full and let them focus on hacking. Spending an entire day or weekend together, solving problems and sharing breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night snacks has a way of bringing people together.
215 |
216 | Make the food at your hackathon a healthy, fulfilling experience for attendees. Sample Budgets (Priced in AUD) as below:
217 |
218 | 12 Hour Blockathon Day
219 | For 12 Hour Blockathon Day
220 | - One Lunch + One Dinner and Drinks + Snacks
221 | - Approx cost: $300 - 1000
222 |
223 | 24 Hour Blockathon Day
224 | - One Breakfast + One Lunch + One Dinner and drinks + Snacks
225 | - Approx cost: $500 - $2000
226 |
227 | 48 Hour Blockathon Day
228 | - Two Breakfasts + Two Lunches + Two Dinners and drinks + Snacks
229 | - Approx cost: $1000 - 10000+
230 |
231 | - Breakfast ideas: Waffles, Pancakes, Cereal, Toast
232 | - Lunch ideas: Sandwiches, Buritos, Falalel wraps, sushi,
233 | - Dinner ideas: Pizza, Pick a favourite restaurant nearby and do an Uber Eats order
234 | - Snacks: Chips, Dips, Lollies, Tea, Coffee
235 |
236 | For alcohol budgetting, it is usally best to estimate $10 per person.
237 |
238 | ## Sponsorship
239 | Unless you have a budget for Hackathons, you will want to find a sponsor for your event to cover your costs. Costs include those for a venue (if you are unable to find a free option), and food. Your sponsor may be able to provide you with a venue for your event.
240 |
241 | In addition to providing a good working space for your attendees, it’s a good idea to provide plenty of food. Not only will your attendees appreciate the gesture, but you want them to be able to focus on their projects without the distraction of leaving to get food and drinks. For a one-day event starting in the morning, be prepared to provide coffee and pastries in the morning, a nutritious lunch with beverages, and snacks, water and cold beverages through the day.
242 |
243 | When you talk to prospective sponsors about your event, they may have never heard of Blockathons. They will want to know what to expect, so be prepared to explain a bit about Hackathons as well as about your cause. Think about how they can benefit from your Hackathon so you can explain to them. Benefits may include:
244 |
245 | * Being associated with their brand name
246 | * Being able to meet and talk with the Blockathon attendees
247 | * Having attention paid to their particular business area
248 | * Exposure for their open data efforts
249 | * Having prototype apps created using their API/data
250 |
251 | Be sure to let them know that you’d like to thank them publicly for their support, both on your Hackathon web page and via your social media. Sometimes event sponsors are happy to help out but are not comfortable with the more public forms of gratitude such as Twitter and Facebook, so be sure you have their permission to mention them in social media. You want to show thanks in a way that works for them.
252 |
253 | Part of the benefit of using sponsors is of course covering the costs. Another benefit is to increase the exposure for your cause, or associate your cause and organization with other organizations. Remember the reputation of your cause and organization will be affected by the host and sponsor you associate with, and vice versa, so choose organizations that are well respected and easy to work with. Be respectful, gracious and professional in your interaction with them.
254 |
255 | ## Pitch Format
256 | The format of the pitches varies, but typically they follow this example format:
257 |
258 | - 5 minutes pitch time
259 | - Strict time guidelines are to be addressed by measuring with the Phone timer etc.
260 | - First warning bells / sign at 4 minutes and second warning ball and cutoff at 5 minutes.
261 | - Judging time will be between 3-5 minutes as well
262 | - Judges should have the judging criteria sheet + pen + extra paper to write notes
263 |
264 | [Here is a sample registration Google Form we created](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/16hM6Tmd3EBDclWubygj711fHMgoKWMx9GiW8Mz_rTX8/edit?usp=drive_web
265 |
266 |
267 | ## Speakers, Judges and Mentors
268 |
269 | Speakers, judges and mentors are in important piece of hackathons. Often times they are representing sponsors, but you should consider workshops and other talks that are more informative and help hackathon participants succeed.
270 |
271 | Have a structured approach to structuring your speaker line-up. Provide a framework for speakers to pariticpate in, providing title and abstracts for their talk within a set format and time line you dictate.
272 |
273 | Make sure your speaker line-up is logical and fits well with the theme and schedule of your hackathon.
274 |
275 | For Judges and Mentors, these are people who are well respected in the Blockchain community and can offer valuable feedback to the blockathon participants who are pitching. Judges should range from 3 to 5 individuals. Mentors are any number of individuals who are available to help out during the hacking and answer any expertise questions the attendees may have on the day.
276 |
277 |
278 |
Example: Blockathon Judges / Speakers
279 | 280 | ## Prizes 281 | Not every hack day needs prizes so make sure it's not all about the money/toys. Some people go to hack days to learn, or to play. However if you do choose to award them prizes,make sure it is divisible to encourage teamwork. Commonly in blockathons, it is some cryptocurrencies. 282 | 283 | An example prize that we found was really cool was giving away Trezor / Ledger Nanos or prizing some ETH. 284 | 285 | Remember, the hackathon is not about the winner or prizes. It's about the learning, experience and community :) 286 | 287 | ## Swag and Merchandise 288 | You may also want to consider getting special tshirts, stickers and other merchandie for your team + attendees if it is within budget. They will serve as a really nice memory for everyone! 289 | 290 | 291 |305 | [MCIC Blockathon](https://mcichack.com/blockathon/) 306 |
307 | 308 | 309 | ## Registration 310 | 311 | A formal registration process for the hackathon should setup to handle attendees from start to finish. The most commonly tools are Facebook Events, Eventbrite Google Forms. Some required field would be: 312 | 313 | * First Name 314 | * Last Name 315 | * Email 316 | * How did you find out about the event? 317 | * Any Dietary requirements? 318 | * Add any other questions / fields that are required for your Blockathon 319 | 320 | A registration process will give you the necessary tools to manage your attendees and understand the scope of your event--as well as give your participants the feeling of organization around the whole process. 321 | 322 | The bitfwd 'stack' that has worked well for us has been: 323 | * Creating a Facebook event with the description - This is for awareness 324 | * Creating an Eventbrite ticket or Google Form link for registration and detail collection 325 | * Send an information pack 1 week before the event to all the registrants 326 | 327 | For any other 'stacks', feel free to add below for the community :) 328 | * Insert stack 329 | * Insert stack 330 | * Insert stack 331 | 🔴🔴 332 | 333 | When you require your attendees to register, make it clear what information is required for signing up and what the deadline for the registration is. If there’s a maximum number of attendees the venue can handle, communicate how the selection process works and when/how people will be notified if they’ve been granted attendance or not. 334 | 335 | If there’s a waiting list for the event, make sure to explain how it works. 336 | 337 | ## Distribution and Spreading the Word 338 | The most important part is getting as many participants coming to your event! So distribution and utilising the various social media and messaging platforms will help you promote your event to the right audience. 339 | 340 | Email 341 | For those that have an email list, this will be a very strong source to send out an EDM to reach potential attendees. 342 | 343 | 344 | Telegram 345 | Telegram is a very common communication tool for people in the Blockchain / Crypto space so doing an announcement and including the event details + links will be awesome. Getting individuals to start talking about it in the respective groups will be great for your event as well. 346 | 347 | Facebook 348 | Twitter and Facebook are also another commonly used social media platform in the Blockchain / Crypto space. Posting there with an FB event / event details will help spread the word. 349 | 350 |