As a leader of a team of 150+ passionate computer professionals, I was looking for something a bit different and inspirational. I settled on the idea of a hackathon!!
Never heard of a hackathon? What about a hackfest? No? OK, well a hackathon is generally an event where computer peeps get to spend a pre-specified period of time, typically 24 or 48 hours having loads of fun and “doing their own thing”.
So I set about doing some research … looks like everybody’s who’s anybody’s doing it! Atlassian, Facebook, Google and closer to home, realestate.com.au.
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| Location! Location! Location! |
Did we do the same? Sure … well no, not quite, we did it our way and so last week, our 1st ever 24-hour hackathon kicked off in Brisbane. Over 100 representatives from several departments came together for GET-A-WAY, an innovation themed event where anybody could create an idea, form a team and make IT happen – in 24 hours! Announced in early June, lunchtimes and personal time were soon sacrificed as teams formed and ideas blossomed! Secrets were whispered, ideas exchanged and non-disclosure agreements signed … in blood!
2pm Thursday madness prevailed and a frenzy of activity overwhelmed as computers and teams arrived, goody bags and t-shirts were distributed, loud conversations and swaggering bravado flowed through the Grand Ballroom! Within 20 minutes, reality hit! This was it, time for serious conversation, concentration, passion and determined planning!
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| So much to think about! |
2pm Friday and the final bell tolled, well it sort of fizzled really but everybody got the message, it was over and each team had just 5 minutes for “the pitch!”. The bar was high, the ideas inspirational and our panel of 3 awesome judges [myself included of course] offered feedback and a range of prizes were awarded.
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| Time for beer and pizza! |
Sweet 16 was the order of the day – 16 teams, 16 presentations and 16 metres of pizza consumed! So many stories to tell, so many pictures, some spent the night, at least one slumbered in a local hotel, others napped in cars! Yes really!
Well done to all who took part, everyone a winner! Congratulations team, you made it a resounding success! We have new and innovative ideas, our teams are stronger than ever, motivated and passionate, all of us learned so much and we all had fun doing IT! … and for me personally? Definitely a highlight of my career! And what a relief! A success!
Where shall we travel next? Shhhhh … GET-A-WAY Sydney is already set for mid October!!! Can’t wait!
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| The Winners! Lisa and Leila! |
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| The Teams |
Funny and Serious ... food for thought ... 
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