We’re very excited to announce the return of the Houston Hackathon on May 16-17, 2015. For 24 hours at the Houston Technology Center, over 200 people will collaborate on projects to make life in Houston a little better. Everyone is welcome: coders, designers, data nerds, artists, makers, beginners, kids.
This is our third annual Houston Hackathon. Our first hackathon was quite an adventure, while our second hackathon fell in the middle of collaboration season. This year will be the best year yet. As always, the top three teams get to present to the Mayor in a followup meeting. You can RSVP here.
Bring Your Good Ideas
Have an idea, but aren’t sure how to get started? Leading up to the hackathon, Open Houston will be holding monthly civic hack nights. At these meetups, you can meet new teammates and talk about your ideas with city representatives. If you’re new to the Houston civic hacking community, this extra effort will pay off at the hackathon.
Most civic hack nights have a theme. In April, we’ll be meeting at the Houston Public Library to work on projects and learn more about hackathon projects for the library. It’s a great opportunity to plan your hackathon project in advance. They can be tough to plan on the fly.
Or Simply Bring Your Skills
You can also show up at the hackathon without a plan. We get started with a fun, team building exercise where you can pitch your ideas or your skillsets. If that doesn’t work out, we have several volunteers who will help you find a place with a good team.
Intro to HTML/CSS With Girl Develop It
Are your coding chops are a little rusty? Girl Develop It! Houston will be teaching an introduction to HTML/CSS workshop immediately after the hackathon starts. Don’t worry: you’ll have a chance to participate in the team formation exercise before running off to this workshop.
This 90 minute workshop is designed to give you the basics of web architecture and design. You’ll be re-introduced to the principles of HTML and CSS, and get enough knowledge to carry you through the rest of the event. Get on a team, get a refresher, and get to work.
Kid-Friendly Art Projects
Want to do something fun with the kids? Keep an eye on the hackathon agenda. We’re planning some fun, outdoor art projects outside the Houston Technology Center and throughout the new parks of Midtown.
Last year, @iwishthiswashou set up a fun, lofi, interactive exhibit.
Fun Surprises In Store
We’re not spilling all of the beans just yet. You’ll have to come to the event to see all of the awesome things we have planned.
Volunteers Welcome
Since this is a 24 hour event, we’re always on the lookout for volunteers. If you’d like to devote some time to the hackathon, please introduce yourself by email or at one of our monthly hack nights.
Once again, many thanks to Mayor Annise Parker and Councilmember Ed Gonzalez for co-chairing the hackathon. This event would not be possible without their support.
