Hackathons/Lessons learned

This page is a work in progress.

We are compiling lessons learned from hackathons and other Wikimedia technical events, and tips for new hackathon organizers.

Lessons and Retrospectives from Specific Events:
Lessons from London Hackathon in 2014

Lessons from the 2015 MediaWiki Developers Summit

Retrospective from the Berlin Hackathon in 2012

Venue:

 * If possible your venue and hotel/hostel should be in the same building. This creates a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere while at the same time allowing people to be more productive.
 * Ideally your venue will be open 24 hours, especially with jet lag or if they are a roll, some people like to work through the night.

Food/Drinks/Snacks:

 * Quality vegetarian and vegan options are mandatory.
 * 24 hour water is mandatory
 * Coffee, tea, soda should be available throughout the day
 * Snacks should be available throughout the day, both healthy (fruit) and less healthy (cookies, chips, candy)
 * Breakfast, lunch, and dinner need to be available to all attendees
 * Buffets are good, find ways to allow as many people as possible to serve themselves at the same time. One line to feed an entire event never works.

Help Desk:

 * Having a staffed help desk at your event is very important. Many Hackathon participants will need help and have questions during the event.
 * Things a help desk should be prepared to help with:
 * Directions to a grocery store
 * Maps of the city
 * Directions to a pharmacy
 * Directions to an Electronics store
 * A printer
 * All public transportation options
 * A number for Taxis
 * Medicine onsite: pain killers, stomach settlers, decongestants, first aid supplies
 * Emergency Information
 * Closest Hospital
 * Closest Embassys
 * On call Drs.

Welcome Packs, what should they include?

 * Name Badge, it should be two sided with the participants name large on each side
 * Fun things to add: languages, username, projects that people are interested in
 * Tshirts
 * Womens and Mens sizes
 * Order too many otherwise you will run out of sizes
 * Fun Ideas: Different colored t-shirts for interest in different projects at the hackathon
 * Stickers - with the event/tshirt logo, people like to collect these on their computers