
Startup Weekend is a Techstars event - you should check them out, too!
Startup Weekend 2018 - What to Expect
At Startup Weekend, you'll join a team, build a startup, and compete against other teams for awesome prizes. Whether you have an idea for a business you want to start or not, this is your chance to put your entrepreneurial skills to the test. Come with a startup idea you've been thinking about for awhile, or join a team with an idea you believe in. Either way, you're going to get a lot out of it. Techstars Startup Weekend happens in 3 phases.
Part 1: Team Formation
After dinner and a little networking on Friday night, everyone gets a chance to pitch their ideas to the group. The format is open mic style and anyone with an idea is encouraged to pitch. From there, you and everyone else vote on your favorite ideas. The ideas with the most votes become the teams that compete throughout the rest of the weekend. It's a good idea to arrive early and start getting to know other attendees during dinner on Friday, because those are the people with whom you'll be forming teams. Strong Startup Weekend teams have the right mix of skills, passions, and personalities, and you've got limited time to find your tribe. Use that time wisely.
Part 2: Buildout
Saturday and most of Sunday are dedicated to building out your idea. "Building" can mean a lot of things. For software products, most people aim for a prototype to demo to the judges. Your team might build a website with an informational video, a physical prototype, or something else cool that you can present on Sunday night. Workshops and mentorship are available throughout the day on Saturday to help you get things moving. You'll get a chance to finish up the details on Sunday morning, then you should spend the afternoon perfecting your presentation.
Part 3: Presentations
Sunday evening is the culmination of all your hard work, and also your chance to win some really awesome prizes. Your team presents to a panel of judges (and an audience of your peers) for the opportunity to win. This is the part of the weekend where you demo your prototype, show off your skills, and make an impression. Even if you don't keep your team together after the weekend ends, this is your chance to show off all the incredible things you've accomplished in just a couple of days.

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