Organise
a hackathon
Spark innovation fast—with impact
A hackathon may look like an extended brainstorm, but it takes things further. Its goal is to generate innovative ideas or prototypes in a short timeframe—whether that's developing new apps, tools, or platforms, improving processes or product concepts, or encouraging collaboration across different teams. It’s a powerful way to unleash energy and creativity within your organisation.
What is a hackaton?
When we talk about a hackathon, people often think of a room full of hackers behind a laptop. Busily typing on their computers, looking for great solutions. But that is not what it is about. A hackaton is an intensive work meeting, sometimes lasting several days. The word 'hackaton' comes from 'hack' and 'marathon'. Coming up with creative solutions over a continuous period of time. While it is indeed originally from the IT world, we now see it reflected in various sectors: healthcare, education, manufacturing, energy and government, for example. And that is not surprising, because we have already seen beautiful innovative and creative solutions pass by at hackatons in Jaarbeurs.
Organising a good hackathon in 5 steps
Like any event you want to organise on a large scale, good preparation is the most important thing. Here are our top tips:
Ask yourself what you want to achieve with the hackaton. Does it need to solve a specific problem or is it an open question? Do you want to get people to work together more and make this self-understanding? Formulate a clear goal and write it down for yourself.
In our opinion, diversity is the best way to achieve good insights. So invite the right people. Think programmers, designers, customers, marketers, students, strategists and experience experts. Above all, think out-of-the-box and look beyond the standard people. Because remember: the more mixed the participants, the more surprising the solutions.
Where is your audience? Is it across the country or in different countries? Can they travel and do they? Then decide which format to choose: online, offline or hybrid. And will you go for one or several days? Do you just want a round full of ideas or should a working prototype also come out of it? Good to know: once you know the format, you can also look for a good event location.
What all do you need for this meeting? Write down everything: think about good technology, wifi, workstations, whiteboards, tables, guidance and maybe a jury for presentations. Think of everything. At Jaarbeurs, we are happy to think along with you. If you let us know what set-up you want and what you need, we'll make sure everything is ready, for example.
End with something special, and participants will keep talking about the hackathon for a long time. Therefore, finish with a unique element. For example by having different teams pitch on a stage. Or hand out prizes. Link back what happens to the ideas. Tell what you gain from the solutions and what you do with them. This way, you give participants the recognition that their work really counts.
Why organise a hackathon at Jaarbeurs?
Central location
Jaarbeurs is adjacent to Utrecht Central Station, with over 3,000 parking spaces. Additionally, we're just 30 minutes from Schiphol Airport.
Focus on sustainability
We're committed to the environment. We meticulously examine our operations and their impact on the environment.
Tailored service
Every event is unique and requires a customized approach. Tell us what you need, and we'll handle the rest.
Versatile spaces
Whether you need an intimate space or a grand celebration, you’ll find venues of all sizes here that are fully customizable to suit your vision.
Jaarbeurs locations for a hackathon
At Jaarbeurs, we have several spaces that are perfect for hackathons.
MeetUp
Modern, bright meeting rooms, perfect for smaller hackathons or team sessions with several rooms.
What is the purpose of a hackaton?
It looks like a brainstorm, but a hackathon goes a bit further. The aim is to come up with innovative ideas or prototypes in a short time. This could be anything. For example, to develop new apps, tools or platforms. Or to improve pathways or projects and test product concepts. Sometimes a hackaton is also used to improve or stimulate cooperation between different departments in an organisation. It is a strong event to release energy and creativity within your team or organisation.
Organising a hackathon at Jaarbeurs
At Jaarbeurs, we have more than 100 years of experience in organising and hosting events and meetings. Unique meetings that are of value. And if you rent a space at Jaarbeurs, you can be sure that you get more than just square metres. We like to think along with you to make your event as successful as possible. Would you like to organise a hackaton with us? Then we are ready for you!
Organising a hackathon?
Get in touch and find out what Jaarbeurs can do for you!
Organising online or offline hackaton?
A live hackaton (i.e. offline) gives participants and organisers a gigantic energy boost. Perfect for making metres, guiding participants intensively or organising a unique conclusion. The power of live meetings plays a major role here. After all, you make the biggest impression when you can look each other straight in the eye.
But, of course, that doesn't mean you can't organise an online version. Because an online hackathon also has advantages. For example, if your participants are spread across the country or the world and cannot easily visit. Or when you want to start low-threshold. Good to know, are you going to organise an online hackaton? Then make sure you use the right technical resources and tools. Nothing is more annoying than a faltering connection or missing software to collaborate.
In doubt between the two variants? Then hybrid might be an option. Here you combine the online with the offline variant. An approachable way to leave the choice with your participants.