Often groups of 2-5 individuals form around a project, such as building a new data visualization, writing a document, or collaboratively investigating a problem. Participants take out their laptops, connect to power and wifi, and get working.
Hacking begins with project introductions. Participants that bring projects to the event have an opportunity to briefly (1 minute max) explain what they are working on at the very start of the event so that other participants can join that project. At the end of the event, a wrap-up session gives each project a chance to demonstrate some accomplishments.
Cultivating Good Projects
Not every project makes a good hackathon project. It is extremely important to maximize the following qualities in the projects at your event:
Clearly articulated. Projects should have a clear question or problem they are trying to solve plus a reasonably specific proposed solution.
Attainable. Most projects will accomplish about 25% of what they think they can accomplish in the limited time