The document provides guidance for non-technical participants on how to succeed in hackathons by leveraging strategies such as understanding sponsors and their APIs, effective project management, and creating impactful presentations. It shares insights from the author's experience in multiple hackathons, including project examples, team dynamics, and essential presentation tips. Key advice includes practicing presentations, engaging with sponsors, and focusing on innovative project ideas to enhance chances of winning.

1. Hacking Hackathons for Non-technical Hackers
How to win hackathons as well as learn something, even for the non-technical hackathoner.
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2. Do I know anything about
Hackathons?
• Yes
• I’ve competed in or advised teams for
about 10 hackathons in last 4 years
• Various sizes, technology, and industry
focus.
• Last three won prizes.
Placeholder
Boston
Hackathon
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3. Projects I have worked on or
advised
• Encrypted Twitter Client
• Hardcopy Facebook mailer for the non-
technical
• ATT Uverse integration with Social media
• Interactive TV and mobile phone
integration
• Beacon triangulation for location tracking
and text-to-speech guidance indoors
• TV and Travel mobile interactive app
• “AirBnB for Adult/Fetish Parties”
Placeholder
Boston
Hackathon
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4. There is no perfect size or
team makeup
Teams range in size and technical skill
Smallest team size = 1 person
Largest team size = 8 people
Winning teams = 2, 4, and 7 people per team
From 0 developers to 4 developers
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Panel Picker
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5. Strategize for the Sponsors
• Know the primary sponsors
• Target their API’s
• Use the personal help they provide
• Ask questions, even if you think you
don’t need to
• Check what prizes you want to ‘compete’
in and use those API’s somehow
• Winning begets winning
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Interactive Panel Picker
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6. What you need
Project management
Strategy for Sponsors, API’s, and Prizes
Design the workflow for the project
Code a working example
Social Media for Hackathons targeting public
interaction
GREAT PRESENTATIONS DANG IT!!!
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Panel Picker
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7. GREAT PRESENTATIONS
DANG IT!!!
Write a script
Practice, and Practice, and Practice
Be FAST
2/3rds of the allotted time at most in
practice
Get a Lead speaker, but feel free to add
others.
Walk Through the real world use case.
Sample Presentation for SXSW Interactive
Panel Picker
Final Presentation will have more info