Decoding the Difference: Hackathon vs. Hack4Good

[Liv Sather]

Decoding the Difference: Hackathon vs. Hack4Good

Hello to our Community!! 

As you gear up for CreatorCon, we want to make sure you know exactly what to expect once you step foot on the showfloor. Today, I'm going to provide some knowledge (get it?) on two activities where you can create and build at CreatorCon. With that being said, let’s break down the differences between two of our exciting showfloor activities – The CreatorCon Hackathon and Hack4Good.  

While their names might sound similar, each offers a distinct experience tailored to different passions and goals. Let's explore what sets these two electrifying activities apart. 

The Hackathon: Fueling Competition and Innovation 

Imagine a room filled with teams of brilliant minds, buzzing with excitement and anticipation. That's the Hackathon scene at CreatorCon. Here, participants dive headfirst into a fast-paced marathon of coding, problem-solving, and creativity. The goal? To develop cutting-edge solutions using the Now Platform, all within a tight timeframe and with a specific category or prompt in mind. 

In the Hackathon, teams made up of all roles race against the clock to prototype and present their innovations. It’s eight hours of skill, innovation, and teamwork, where participants push the boundaries of what's possible with our technology. From optimizing workflows to crafting user-friendly interfaces, the Hackathon is all about pushing the envelope and showcasing what's possible with the platform and of course, a little creativity. 

Most importantly, the Hackathon is all about imagination. You’ll have four categories to choose from based upon a ServiceNow solution or a creative problem to solve, and it’s up to you and your team to come up with an idea for an application. Plus, it’s not limited to just developers! Any background and skills are welcome to participate.  

So, why participate? 

• Build community with your fellow ServiceNow enthusiasts of all skill levels. 
• A great resume builder (😉)
• Did I mention a chance to win bragging rights and a highlight right here on Community?
• As always, there will be fabulous prizes. 
• and lastly, this year, one *super secret* category may lead to your inclusion in future CreatorCons! 

During the Hackathon, participants can create new apps, build-ups or integrate 3rd party applications into the Now Platform to help streamline customer experiences. 

If you’re interested in the Hackathon, but are unsure who you’ll team up with, fear not! We've got you covered. Stay tuned to the CreatorCon Community Hub for our “Finding your Hackathon Teammates” blog where we'll connect you with some pretty great teammates.

Curious for more? Check out the dedicated 2024 Hackathon website, and sign up for pre-conference events like virtual team formation and Know-Before-You-Go sessions. 

Hack4Good: Coding for a Cause 

Onto the next! Now, we're going to shift gears and step into the world of Hack4Good. Here, the atmosphere is equally charged, but the focus is on a different kind of challenge: using technology to drive positive change.  

At Hack4Good, participants harness their coding superpowers to tackle real-world issues and make a tangible difference in the world. This year, the CreatorCon team has partnered with Technovation, a “global tech education nonprofit that empowers girls to become leaders, creators and problem-solvers.” Want to find out more about Technovation? Read about them on their website! 

Hack4Good is fueled by empathy, collaboration, and social impact. Participants work together to develop solutions from a backlog of stories. Once you arrive, you’ll check in, let us know where you excel, and we’ll match you with a story from the backlog. When you’re done building, you can validate the solution with the people who will be actively using it. When we move your story to the “Done” column, and you can walk away knowing you have made a positive impact in the world.

Plus, we'll even throw in an exclusive Hack4Good t-shirt as a thank you! 

In short, Hack4Good is your opportunity to channel coding expertise into projects that leave a lasting impact on communities and individuals. 

Finding Your Fit at CreatorCon 

So, which event is right for you? That depends on your interests, goals, and what gets your creative juices flowing. If you thrive in high-pressure environments and love pushing the boundaries of innovation, the Hackathon is your playground. If you're passionate about using technology to make a difference in the world and want to be part of something bigger than yourself, Hack4Good beckons. 

Or, if it were me, (and I say this with zero bias), I'd check them both out! You can't attend CreatorCon and not create, right?

At CreatorCon, the choice is yours, and the possibilities are endless. Whether you're drawn to the thrill of competition or the satisfaction of contributing to meaningful change, there's a place for you. So, gear up, get ready to code, and prepare for an unforgettable journey. 

REGISTER FOR CREATORCON!