Who can participate?

We welcome anyone interested in web design or its elements to participate. Youth are encouraged to join a team, with the only rule being a team must consist of a majority of adults (18 and over). This Challenge is open to amateurs and professionals. See the list of skill sets that make strong web development teams. First time participating in a Hackfest? No problem, we want you!

What if I’m new to HackFests?

True North HackFest has great opportunities for people that are new to programming. In fact, we encourage new programmers to come because hackfests provide an opportunity to gain experience. As a new programmer at True North HackFest, you will learn a lot in a short amount of time, be challenged, and build something awesome.

What if I’m not a web developer?

Programming not your thing? That’s fine! We encourage graphic designers, marketers, project managers, creative thinkers and problem solvers to participate in True North HackFest Website Challenge. The best teams have members with a variety of skill sets. Don’t want to be a participant? You can help by sponsoring the event. You can also spread the word about this event to students, friends, and media.

How will website hosting & domains be handled?

Non-Profits will be offered a free domain for the first year and free hosting for 1 year. The hosting environment will be PHP/Apache with control panel access. Accounts will be set up before the event and instructions will be provided.

What web platforms can I use to build the site?

You can use any platform you want, but it needs to be uploaded or accessible via the internet prior to judging. We encourage the use of a content management system that is user-friendly and editable by the non-profit.

What are the expectations for final product?

Website teams will be charged with creating a new website, not altering or updating an existing website. Content/photos from an existing site may be copied to the new site. The client will guarantee all text, images and other artwork provided are either owned by the client or has permission to use. Teams may choose whatever platform they wish to use. Keep in mind that the 1 year of free hosting will be a PHP/Apache environment with Cpanel. At the end of the competition there is no guarantee the website will be completed and fully functional. At the close of the competition, the participating teams will be required to assist their agency with any remaining site set up details, not to exceed 10 hours. Upon site completion, copyright for the collective work created will be assigned to the client, with the developer(s) retaining the right to display and link to the project.

Is there a place to sleep?

Go to the Visit Bemidji website for hotel listings: Visit Bemidji Website

What should I bring?

Laptop, cell phone, business cards, and maybe an extension cord.

Must we work on-site the whole time?

We ask that all participants work on their projects at LaunchPad Friday evening until 10:00, or until the non-profit reps depart, whichever comes first. Overnight, teams may choose to work where they choose, whether that is at LaunchPad, their hotel room, place of business, or elsewhere. All teams should return to LaunchPad Saturday morning by 8:00 am and work from LaunchPad for the reminder of the competition. If photos or contents is needed to be gathered off-site, this is certainly permissible.

How many people can be on a team?

We recommend working in teams of 2-6 people.

Do I need a team to sign up?

No, we will take individual registrations and form teams from the single registrants. We want teams of at least two or more, to give each non-profit a strong design team. Any individuals interested in being added to a team should contact Tiffany Fettig at launchpad@greaterbemidji.com.

Will there be food?

Yes, we want you to worry only about the challenge at hand. Friday evening a pizza dinner will be served. Saturday, juice and rolls will be available for breakfast, with light snacks throughout the day. Feel free to bring your own munchies, if you wish. We encourage you to grab lunch from one of our downtown eateries on Saturday, if you so choose. Take out/delivery menus will be made available. Beverages, pop and water, will be available throughout the competition.

Can I start working before the True North Website Challenge starts?

No, you will not know the non-profit you are paired with until Friday evening. If you want to prepare for the challenge, focus on gaining experience with and knowledge of the tools you hope to use to build your site.

How does judging work?

Teams will demo their solution to a panel of judges, who will deliberate on their favorite submissions to choose the winners. Judging will be based on criteria of creativity, usefulness, technical difficulty, and form.

Is there a registration deadline?

The True North Hackfest Website Challenge scheduled for March 23 & 24  has been postponed due to low team registration. In an effort to improve the event and participation we urge you to take a moment to complete the survey at the link below.  It will give the planning committee valuable information as we move forward and design the next tech event.

Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HDHWD52

Deadline for the team registration is March 14, 2018. Due to the need to match teams with non-profits, we will not be able to accept late registrations. If the deadline date gets extended, we will post that on our Facebook page and this website.