A Hackathon - GET-A-WAY - We Did It Our Way!

As the CIO, leading 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 programmers 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.

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!

Our hero, Captain Robin, convened his merry crew of 13 to support the event and determine the rules. A lot of thought went into the rules, "there are none just avoid using babies and animals for experimentation!"

Intensity!

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! Intensity soon followed!

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 set high, the ideas inspirational and our panel of 3 awesome judges [myself included of course] offered feedback and a range of prizes were awarded.

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!

On Saturday, the surrounds of Brisbane reverberated to the gentle sound of snoring as adrenalin abated and normality returned!

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!

The Winners!  Lisa and Leila!

The Teams!

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