As HackFRee 2025 wrapped up, it was clear that the event had a huge impact on both the participants and the organizing team. There were moments of brilliance, incredible projects, and lessons learned along the way. In this post, I’ll reflect on the event’s successes, share some feedback from participants, discuss areas for improvement, and offer advice for anyone looking to organize a hackathon in the future.
Event Successes: Highlights and Standout Moments
One of the most exciting parts of HackFRee 2025 was seeing the projects created by the participants. A few projects stood out, especially those that combined creativity with technical skill. For instance, one project used face and eye-tracking to control the mouse, which was not only a unique idea but also had great potential for accessibility. Another project targeted at helping older children with amblyopia used visual therapy through gaming, which combined computer vision with a real-world health issue—something that I liked as a fan of both health and computer science.
These projects showed not only technical ability but also a strong desire to solve real-world problems using technology, something that is always exciting to see at a hackathon. It reminded me of the true potential hackathons have in encouraging students to use their skills for a greater cause.
Feedback from Participants: What They Enjoyed
After speaking with some participants, it was clear that the mentorship and support throughout the event were particularly appreciated. Many students mentioned how helpful it was to have mentors available for guidance, whether it was with debugging code, brainstorming project ideas, or simply navigating the DevPost submission system. It was also great to hear that participants enjoyed the social aspect—many mentioned that they had a lot of fun hanging out with friends while working on their projects, and the mini-events like karaoke and trivia added to the overall positive atmosphere of the day.
One of the key lessons I learned from this feedback was the importance of creating an environment that supports both collaboration and community. While the primary focus of a hackathon is obviously the coding and problem-solving, having an inviting, supportive atmosphere can make a huge difference in the participants’ overall experience.
Areas for Improvement: Challenges We Faced
While the event was a success, there were certainly areas for improvement. One of the most noticeable challenges was the judging process. It took much longer than we anticipated, which led to delays in the schedule. Some of our traditional events, like karaoke and the Cup Stacking Challenge, had to be cut short to accommodate the extended judging time. Next time, we’ll need to account for the complexity of the judging process and ensure that there’s enough time for each team to present without impacting other activities.
Another issue we encountered was task delegation within the organizing team. Although we did our best to assign clear responsibilities, some team members were either unaware of or forgot their roles, which created some confusion. I had to step in a few times to help keep everyone on track. This taught me a valuable lesson in ensuring that everyone not only has a clear understanding of their responsibilities but also that there is a system in place to check in with each team member regularly.
Suggestions for Other Organizers: What I’ve Learned
If you’re planning to host a hackathon, here are a few pieces of advice based on what I’ve learned from organizing HackFRee 2025:
Don’t Just Focus on the Coding:
While coding challenges are the core of any hackathon, don’t forget that the participants are human too. Hackathons can be intense, and students often need a break. Incorporate fun, social activities like mini-events (karaoke, trivia, etc.) and make sure there are plenty of opportunities for participants to network, share ideas, and relax. This will help maintain their energy and create a sense of community.
Nurture Your Mentors:
Mentors are a crucial part of the hackathon experience. But it’s important not to just assign them to a group and expect them to figure things out. Create a mentor training session or provide them with a guide that includes the tools and resources they need to be effective. This can be particularly helpful when mentors need to quickly step in to provide technical or emotional support during high-stress moments.
Delegate, But Delegate Thoughtfully:
It’s easy to assign tasks in the beginning, but make sure to follow up. Delegating isn’t just about giving people tasks—it’s about ensuring they feel accountable and understand exactly what’s expected. Consider using tools like project management software (e.g., Trello or Asana) so everyone can see their responsibilities clearly. Additionally, assign check-ins with team members who have bigger roles to ensure things are on track.
Build Flexibility Into Your Schedule:
No matter how well you plan, things will not go as expected. Whether it’s delays in the judging process or something taking longer than anticipated, have some wiggle room in your schedule. For example, if you’re running mini-events, consider having buffers before or after the main activities, just in case there’s a delay. It’s much easier to move things around than to try and pack everything into a tight window.
Think Beyond the Event Day:
Hackathons are not just about one day of coding. Make sure you’re thinking about follow-up opportunities for participants. Perhaps offer post-event mentorship, showcase projects on a social media platform, or even create a community space where students can continue working on their ideas. Engaging participants even after the event will make your hackathon more impactful and help them grow as they work on their projects.
Clarify Roles Early:
One mistake we made was that while we did delegate tasks, some team members didn’t fully understand their responsibilities. One way to solve this in future events is to create a task matrix that lists each person’s specific role and the expected outcomes. When everyone is clear on their duties from the start, the event will flow much more smoothly.
Final Reflections: Moving Forward
HackFRee 2025 was an incredible learning experience, and I’m proud of everything we accomplished as a team. The energy, collaboration, and innovation that took place that day were inspiring, and it reinforced my belief that hackathons can be extremely impactful and rewarding. The projects were interesting, the mentorship was invaluable, and the overall community spirit was something I will carry forward into future events.
While there are always ways to improve, I’m excited to build on the successes and lessons from this year. Whether it’s making our judging process smoother, improving task delegation, or adding more social elements to the schedule, there’s always room to grow.
Looking Ahead: Final Thoughts and the Next Hackathon
If you’re considering hosting a hackathon, don’t be intimidated by the planning process. Yes, it’s a lot of work, but it’s also one of the most rewarding experiences you can have. The key is to be adaptable, communicate clearly, and focus on creating an environment that promotes learning, collaboration, and fun. Take initiative, keep things organized, and most importantly, keep the energy up. The rest will follow.
If you were organizing a hackathon, what would be your top priority?
0%Creating an engaging and fun participant experience
0%Securing great speakers, mentors, and sponsors
0%Ensuring smooth logistics and technical support
0%Designing exciting challenges and projects
About the Author:
I'm Jophy Lin, a high school junior and researcher. I blog about a variety of topics, such as STEM research, competitions, shows, and my experiences in the scientific community. If you’re interested in research tips, competition insights, drama reviews, personal reflections on STEM opportunities, and other related topics, subscribe to my newsletter to stay updated!
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