Have you ever been in a museum and thought, “If I stayed the whole night here, this is where I’d sleep?”
If the answer is no, think again.

Discovery Place Science hosts multiple overnight events that invite guests, young and old, to spend a night in a place they wouldn’t normally camp out.

This year is our third year of hosting HACKATHONclt, a 24-hour hacking extravaganza where nearly 1,000 “hackers,” coders, developers and innovators will use mathematical formulas to look for patterns of information in data that could help determine a solution to a presented problem.

Over the course of 24 hours, these hackers will take over every part of the Museum, trying to find the best place possible to solve the problem at hand. One big question is: How do these hackers find comfort in a science museum?

The Weeks Leading Up
The first step to any well-thought out plan is to prepare, prepare, prepare!

We invite those who wish to participate in HACKATHONclt to visit the Museum ahead of time and scope out the best work areas. You can get a feel for how many outlets there are, where the best lighting is, or what feels the quietest, even with hundreds of visitors running around.

The Night Before
Just like the night before a big test or game, your strategy starts the day before the event.

Eat healthy throughout the day to ensure proper brain function and attention and get plenty of sleep. You will be up for 24 hours staring at a computer screen. The more rested you feel going into the day, the better you will perform.

Most importantly, get psyched!

This once-a-year opportunity is an exciting way to network with fellow hackers, meet with some of the top global tech companies leading innovation across the world, strut your coding stuff and learn about important social issues affecting residents in our city. You’ll also have a chance to include your projects on your resume and in your portfolio as a demonstration of your capabilities…and compete for HUGE cash prizes.

We advise those who are participating to anticipate and bring everything you think you may need the day of. This lists could include, but is not limited to:

• Blankets/pillow
• Chairs
• Tables
• Extension cords (we are limited on outlets and this gives you more flexibility)
• Sleeping bags
• Music
• Toiletries
• Eye drops
• Laptop computer
• Reusable water bottle
• Snacks
• Pen and paper
• Comfy clothes

When you’re here:

• Establish what works best for you. Would you prefer to work in a group or pod, or do you work better solo?
• Plan your coffee and food runs. Take turns and make sure you stay hydrated and fed.
• Take advantage of the different themed breaks we offer! There will be liquid nitrogen wine slushies at midnight, a yoga instructor and a martial arts instructor to help keep blood moving.
• Have fun! Your BIG ideas can become community solutions that benefit the Population Health of the Queen City.

There you have it — tips for staying the whole night at Discovery Place Science.

We hope to see you all the next morning as we publicly unveil the winner of HACKATHONclt!