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Five Practical Steps to Get More Out of a Hackathon, Even Without a Win

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The article traces hackathons back to a 1999 OpenBSD gathering and notes how the format has grown into a popular way to spark innovation through intense, short build sessions. It argues that some participants leave with rich experiences but no prizes, while others become so focused on winning that they miss what makes these events valuable. The author, a Hackathon Community Manager at Major League Hacking, shares five steps to avoid coming away empty-handed, with winning defined more broadly than a trophy. The advice centers on talking with other attendees, organizers, and MLH representatives, who can offer resources and connections. It also encourages observing how other teams approach problems and attending demos to learn from a wider range of work.

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