Hack Our City 2018: New Westminster's 2nd Annual Hack-a-thon

Welcome to the 2nd annual Hack Our City! New Westminster hosts Innovation Week Feb 23-Mar 3, and a highlight event is the Hack-a-thon, sponsored by Amazon and TransLink. We invite teams of 1-4 people to compete in transportation-themed apps and projects for prizes. This year's hack-a-thon takes place February 24th and 25th, 2018, from 9am to 5pm both days. 

Location:

This year's hack-a-thon takes place at Douglas College's New Westminster campus, in the atrium and "fishbowl" on the main level. Douglas College is easily accessible by transit, and pay parking is also available. The location is fully accessible, though wheelchair users should enter via Royal Avenue where there are ramps. 

Mentors: 

Mentors from various sectors will be on hand to help you on both days with your apps and projects. We are grateful to Amazon, TransLink, and Douglas College for providing some of the mentors, and to community volunteers for their time to help guide the hackers. 

Lottery Registration:

Due to demand demonstrated last year, we are accepting online registrations for the hack-a-thon until February 5th, but if required, participants will be drawn by lottery to determine who will be invited to hack as the room and resources only has so much capacity. Registration for this Eventbrite event does not guarantee a spot, and you will be refunded completely if your team is not drawn. If capacity is not exceeded, there won't be a need for the lottery and all participants will be confirmed February 5th. 

Once confirmed, participants will be supplied with more details about the hack such as open data sources you can access, the themes the judges will be looking for, and judging criteria. 

Once confirmed, refunds will not be given. 

About Your Team:

Maybe you work together, or maybe you're all in the same class? Or perhaps you're just a group of friends who like to code together. Who is on your team is up to you, but each team should register on one Eventbrite order with a ticket for each team member. Teams can be 1-4 people. Each person is $15 (plus Eventbrite fees) - this covers your snacks and lunch fees for both days, which is pizza one day, sandwiches the other, so please let us know in the form if you have dietary restrictions. There will be access to coffee and tea.

Although beginners will be welcome, you should have some understanding of what a hack-a-thon is - what the goal is, how to use open data, and how to build an app. You are responsible for all of your own equipment, cords, and other gear needed. Power outlets are available, but you probably can't be plugged in the whole time. Wifi is free and accessible. There are tables and chairs and some couches in the space. 

Workshops: 

New this year, we are also offering two optional workshops for teams to take advantage of as they work on their projects. On day one you may attend a 30 minute workshop on privacy considerations and constraints by Cindy Oxenbury from Canopy Privacy. Cindy will also be on hand to answer questions during the hack. On day two, hackers may opt to attend a workshop given by Steve Kim, from VANTEC Angel Network on how to professionally present your app or project to the judge panel, ranging from how to speak into a microphone, to how to quickly communicate the benefits to your project. 

Schedule: 

Day One: 

• 9am - welcome
• 930am - optional privacy workshop with Cindy Oxenbury from Canopy Privacy
• 12pm - Lunch available
• 5pm - venue closes for the day. Take all your stuff home! 

Day Two:

• 9am - venue open
• 930am - workshop on presentation skills with Steve Kim from VANTEC Network
• 12pm - Lunch available
• 3pm - Hacking is done
• 3pm to 3:30pm - Stretch your legs and grab a snack to power up
• 3:30pm - presentations begin
• 4:30pm (approximately) - Judge panel deliberations and awards presentation

Prizes: 

• Winning Team: $750 + aim mentor package prize from TerraTap Technologies, valued at $4,000
• Second Place: $350
• Third Place: $250
• Best Presentation: $150

What is theTerraTap Technologies  aim mentor package prize? The first place winner of the hack-a-thon will receive an in-kind aim mentor package from TerraTap Technologies Inc. The aim package (accelerate, innovate, motivate) includes 4 (2 hour) private mentor sessions with TerraTap’s award winning CEO and CTO to help them take their hackathon prototype to the next level. Package includes personalized workshop style creation of value proposition, business model canvas, technology architecture, development roadmap, along with strategic alliance, networking, and funding options - up to $4,000 in value. 

TerraTap Technologies Inc. is a Canadian technology company owned and operated in New Westminster, BC since 2009. TerraTap develops mobile and web solutions that utilize open data, location based proximity technology, and the Internet of Things (IoT). TerraTap has won numerous entrepreneurial awards for their product neartuit​.

With thanks to our sponsors and partners for this event! 

The City of New Westminster makes the Eventbrite services available to you in a voluntary capacity. Please note that any personal information that you disclose to Eventbrite is stored on servers located in the United States and as such is subjected to U.S. Law. If you choose to use this service, your personal information will be used to track event registration and send you event reminders for City events you registered for. You may wish to review the Eventbrite privacy policy for more information before using this service. The City has the authority to collect personal information under Section 26(c) of the Freedom of Information and Privacy Act. By registering for a City of New Westminster event on Eventbrite you are consenting to the collection of your personal information in this manner and for the purposes described above and to it being stored and accessed outside Canada. Should you have any questions about the collection, use or disclosure of this personal information please contact Ruby Campbell, Intergovernmental and Community Partnerships Manager, 511 Royal Avenue, New Westminster, V3L 1H9, 604-515-3821, privacycomplaints@newwestcity.ca.