WeTransfer: 4 Years, 4 Hackathons
WeTransfer: 4 Years, 4 Hackathons
WeTransfer: 4 Years, 4 Hackathons
WeTransfer: 4 Years, 4 Hackathons
WeTransfer needed a way to sustain a culture of innovation as our workforce became more specialized. So together with a crew of enthusiastic pioneers we created the WeTransfer Hackathon ritual, – a 2.5-day hybrid event designed to break down silos and reignite creative collaboration.
The involvement
I was the host and lead organizer for four editions of this hackathon, held both in-person (Amsterdam, Los Angeles, New York) and online. I led a volunteer team to ensure the event ran smoothly, from concepting and internal promotion to jury selection & final presentations.
WeTransfer needed a way to sustain a culture of innovation as our workforce became more specialized. So together with a crew of enthusiastic pioneers we created the WeTransfer Hackathon ritual, – a 2.5-day hybrid event designed to break down silos and reignite creative collaboration.
The involvement
I was the host and lead organizer for four editions of this hackathon, held both in-person (Amsterdam, Los Angeles, New York) and online. I led a volunteer team to ensure the event ran smoothly, from concepting and internal promotion to jury selection & final presentations.
Client
Client
WeTransfer
WeTransfer
Type
Type
Ritual
Ritual
Year
Year
2019-2022
2019-2022
Process
Full Company Participation: We shut down WeTransfer for the hackathon, inviting all 150+ employees to participate, regardless of their department.
Showcasing the power of execution: Teams tackled challenges relevant to WeTransfer users or explored their own creative ideas. This empowered employees to contribute outside their normal roles and make a real impact.
A real buzz: We created a buzz around the event through activations like "Hackathon TV" and culminated with presentations judged by the leadership team.
A branding focus: Working with WeTransfers incredible internal creative team, we made sure every edition had it’s own visual identity, creating that much more energy around the event.
Full Company Participation: We shut down WeTransfer for the hackathon, inviting all 150+ employees to participate, regardless of their department.
Showcasing the power of execution: Teams tackled challenges relevant to WeTransfer users or explored their own creative ideas. This empowered employees to contribute outside their normal roles and make a real impact.
A real buzz: We created a buzz around the event through activations like "Hackathon TV" and culminated with presentations judged by the leadership team.
A branding focus: Working with WeTransfers incredible internal creative team, we made sure every edition had it’s own visual identity, creating that much more energy around the event.
Outcome
Outcome
Outcome
Valuable research and development:
The hackathons generated innovative solutions and were a major source of input for new product development at the company, the hackathons inspired many features to make it into the products across the range. One example is 'Storm' a database de-duplication solution that represented very significant financial savings for WeTransfer.
Increased Energy and Collaboration:
More than just concrete outputs, the hackathons energised the company culture, fostered cross-departmental connections, and reminded everyone of the power of creative collaboration.
Valuable research and development:
The hackathons generated innovative solutions and were a major source of input for new product development at the company, the hackathons inspired many features to make it into the products across the range. One example is 'Storm' a database de-duplication solution that represented very significant financial savings for WeTransfer.
Increased Energy and Collaboration:
More than just concrete outputs, the hackathons energised the company culture, fostered cross-departmental connections, and reminded everyone of the power of creative collaboration.
Testimonials
Testimonials
Testimonials
"Loved the hackathon. Really, one of my highlights of the year..." → Participant, 2020
"It's just great and positive energy. It's nice to get to know and work with people that are new to you." → Participant, 2021
"Thanks a lot for putting in the time and effort in organising the hackathon. It was super fun to work together with other colleagues!" → Participant, 2019
"I was able to connect with new colleagues and had fun collaborating remotely." → Participant, 2022
"Loved the hackathon. Really, one of my highlights of the year..." → Participant, 2020
"It's just great and positive energy. It's nice to get to know and work with people that are new to you." → Participant, 2021
"Thanks a lot for putting in the time and effort in organising the hackathon. It was super fun to work together with other colleagues!" → Participant, 2019
"I was able to connect with new colleagues and had fun collaborating remotely." → Participant, 2022
Collaborators
Collaborators
Collaborators
Volunteer Team: Martijn Vermaat, Bastiaan Terhorst, Roos Metjes, Boris Emorine
Creative Team: Lumir Spanihel, Stevie O'Neill, Madeline Masarik, Abbie Robinson
Volunteer Team: Martijn Vermaat, Bastiaan Terhorst, Roos Metjes, Boris Emorine
Creative Team: Lumir Spanihel, Stevie O'Neill, Madeline Masarik, Abbie Robinson
Socials
Goodreads