Competing in a global hackathon like the 2023 Worldwide AI Hackathon can be both an exciting and intimidating experience. It is important to be prepared and know the dos and donts of the event. We’ve compiled a list of 3 dos and 3 donts for every hackathon contestant.

 

Before attending the Worldwide AI Hackathon, it’s important to do a little bit of research.

 

What are the challenges you’re expected to solve? What are the rules you must abide by? What is the timeline of the hackathon and does it crash with your own schedule?

 

Another suggestion for brainstorming is to research the hackathon judges and explore their fields of expertise to get ideas for projects you could create.

 

Even if you come up with nothing, knowing the basics is still a terrific start, and you'll be setting yourself up for success when the hackathon actually starts. 

 

You won't be doing yourself any favors by pulling all-nighters and living off energy drinks. Hackathons require a tremendous amount of energy, both emotionally and physically. So have a supply of fiber-rich, healthful snacks like fruit, granola bars, and trail mix on hand and create a sensible sleep or nap plan that you can follow.

 

Worldwide AI Hackathon will be intense and taxing so it's important to take breaks to rest and recharge. Make sure to take breaks to eat, sleep, and stretch to keep your energy levels up.

 

Worldwide AI Hackathon is a great opportunity to learn, and there will likely be other contestants and mentors around who can assist you if you get stuck. If you and your team cannot figure things out on your own, know that you have help from your mentors, who have years of experience in their respective industries and may have already guided at other hackathons. You have unique access to valuable knowledge that is unavailable elsewhere.

 

When you're stuck, need clarification, or simply want to present your concept to someone outside your team for a new perspective, don't pass up the chance to hear their viewpoint.

 

You can also ask other teams. We know what you’re thinking, you’re not supposed to chat with the enemies. But they are not just your competition. You have a great chance to connect with like-minded individuals in a welcoming environment so put your ego aside and start mingling—what that's hackathons are all about! The likelihood of someone copying your concept within a five-minute chat is highly unlikely anyways.

 

Lastly, you have us, the Worldwide AI Hackathon organizers. We’re always active on our Discord channel or you can send us any inquiries via email [email protected]. We’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

 

Though it may seem frightening to register as a solo contestant, there is nothing strange about it. In fact, solo participants at hackathons are so common that event organizers, including Worldwide AI Hackathon, have now put in place methods to pair you up with other participants.

 

Matchmaking, or more popularly "team formation," is how participants transition from arriving alone to building a successful hackathon team. Online channels and designated workspaces are available for virtual hackathons to assist participants in matching their ideas with the best teams or vice versa.

 

So you should not be afraid if you are a beginner. There will be many new members that don't have a team yet, and with online chat and virtual workplaces, you can quickly meet some awesome teammates.

Although the focus of the Worldwide AI Hackathon is on coding, it is also important to remember the presentation portion of the event since your team will be judged based on that if you make it to the finale. 

 

Make sure to take some time to practice your presentation and refine it to make it as impressive as possible. Ask for help from your mentors on any presenting tips they might have for you as well. 

 

Even if your team doesn't win, Worldwide AI Hackathon will be a lot of fun, so soak it all in, have fun, and give it your all. If you come prepared, treat your teammates with respect (particularly when you disagree with them), and try to be a pleasant person to work with, you'll offer yourself the best chance of success.

 

Keep in mind that this is a hackathon and not a race against time, so put your competitive side forward, have fun, and get hacking!

 

 

By following these dos and don'ts, you'll be well on your way to success and have loads of fun at the Worldwide AI Hackathon. Ready to test your skills?

 

Register now!