Jan 10, 2020
ETHDenver 2020’s Pre-BUIDLathon Guide
Accepted to #ETHDenver 2020? Here’s how to prepare for BUIDL Week, the BUIDLathon & more.
So you’ve been selected to participate in this year’s ETHDenver BUIDLathon & Community Gathering, which is on track to be the world’s largest Web3 BUIDLathon to date? We’re thrilled to be working alongside you towards BUIDLing the decentralized future! We hope that your time in the Mile High City is a memorable one and we’ve created this guide to help you prepare.
Our team has compiled a list of materials that will get you up to speed before the event, because the more knowledge you have prior to attending ETHDenver, the more you’ll get out of the weekend! This guide will give you several quality resources, from basic to advanced, to help you be as effective as possible during your time at ETHDenver.
For ETHDenver 2020, we are also widening our diversity efforts to include technological diversity. As such, ETHDenver 2020 will be welcoming other chains and technologies that aren’t directly related to Ethereum. We believe that the web3 effort is a “rising tide raises all boats” effort. We believe in a future where blockchain interoperability and collaboration creates limitless possibilities.
Should you have any questions on this guide, please contact our BUIDLer Experience team at buidlx@ethdenver.com or in the #mentor-support channel on the ETHDenver Discord. Happy reading!
ETHDenver 2020's Pre-BUIDLathon Guide
A. Core Concepts
These links will give you a starting place for learning about blockchain & Ethereum. Although you may be aware of these concepts, it is essential to have knowledge of the fundamentals.
2. What industries will Blockchain disrupt?
3. How does Ethereum work anyways?
4. ETHhub Reading & Community Resources
5. Learn about other blockchains and blockchain related software:
- A Brief Primer on a few ethereum competitors (smart contract platforms)
- Chainlink — an oracle system for odd-chain data to be verified and locked on chain
- IPFS — A distributed file system, often paired with blockchain data & contracts
- HyperLedger — a set or projects centering around blockchain for Enterprise.
6. Learn what a DAO is:
- Brief Primer — just a start “DAOwn” the rabbit hole
- DAOFest @ BUIDLWeek — an event you might want to join on 2/13!
B. Education & Skills Development
Courtesy of our education sponsor, Blockgeeks, you are invited to receive 3 months of complimentary access to their world-class, online blockchain educational platform. We suggest studying as much as possible prior to the event in order to get the most out of it!
To accept your complimentary 3 month ETHDenver access to Blockgeeks education:
- Create an account at https://courses.blockgeeks.com/hackathon
- On the payment page, click “Have a Coupon?” and enter code ETHDNV20BG
Essential Blockgeeks Pre-BUIDLathon Courses:
Additional Educational Resources you may find valuable & fun:
- Learn Solidity Programming by Building a Game — Crypto Zombies
- Learn Solidity Security by Wargame (Capture-the-flag)
- DApp Development Tutorial (Videos)
- Interactive Tutorials on Decentralized Web Protocols (more than just blockchain!)
C. #BUIDLathon Team Formation
Prize qualifying BUIDLathon teams consist of 2–4 members. We suggest taking time to start your team formation efforts before the event. Here are some tips to get started if you don’t have a team yet, or do but wish to add a few members:
- Join the ETHDenver Discord and find a team on the #find-a-team channel. Make a post telling us a bit about what you are interested in:
- What skills do you have?
- What do you want to learn?
- Have an idea? Pitch it here so that people looking for teams and projects can DM you to connect!
- Review these Tips and Tricks for BUIDLathons:
- Long-form guide: Your First Hackathon
- Cultivating Good Projects (see Hacking section)
- Tips to Succeding (not just winning) a Hackathon
- 6 tips for putting together a Hackathon team
- Hackathons: Beginner friendly!
- Get the most out of a Hackathon
- Find team members during a Team Formation Icebreaker event on the first day of ETHDenver, Friday, February 14th:
- 1:00PM during Pre-BUIDLathon Workshops (3rd Floor)
- 8:00PM directly following opening ceremonies (3rd Floor)
Note that we have HUNDREDS of solo BUIDLers attending. Make an effort to connect with people via the Discord channel, but don’t be worried if you aren’t able to form or join a team until the first day of the event.
D. ETHDenver BUIDLathon Rules
The Top 10 projects from the Open Track and Impact Track will have an opportunity to present on stage during Sunday’s closing ceremony. Prizes will be awarded to a selection of projects from these two tracks. Sponsors will also announce bounty prizes. All winning teams will be recognized during the Closing Ceremony on Sunday, February 16th.
In order to qualify for prize consideration:
- YOU MUST BE PHYSICALLY PRESENT AT ETHDENVER TO WORK ON A PROJECT FOR SUBMISSION
- You must form a team of 2–4 members
- Your project must integrate blockchain technology (other chains besides Ethereum are fine)
- You cannot work on your project before the event begins
- You cannot steal another team’s source code
- Decisions are final for determining of prizes and awards
- You must be physically present at the closing ceremonies to win a prize
- Please comply with all instructions from ETHDenver organizers
- Be cool — disruptive behavior will not be tolerated and may result in disqualification
- Please refer to the waiver you signed when applying for the event for additional details regarding appropriate behavior
E. BUIDLathon Schedule & Planning
We suggest reviewing the detailed schedule at ethdenver.com (to be released during #BUIDL Week) with your team so that you can schedule time in advance to attend workshops and panels without disturbing your team’s workflow.
#BUIDL Week
Plan to attend BUIDL Week events from Monday through Thursday! Events will center around educational workshops to get you ready to rock at ETHDenver. All #BUIDL Week event details are on ETHDenver’s website. If you decide to arrive in town early but still need to get work done between sessions, be sure to take advantage of complimentary coworking space access at Enterprise Coworking Rino throughout BUIDL Week Feb 10–13. Coworking will also be available at the Sports Castle during early registration on Thursday, February 13th.
ETHDenver Pre-BUIDLathon Workshop Sprint
Doors open Friday, February 14th at 8:00AM at The Sports Castle for registration and seating. Our Pre-BUIDLathon Workshop Sprint starts at 9:00AM and runs until 5:00PM that afternoon. This is your opportunity to learn directly from the people BUIDLing the decentralized future without missing BUIDLathon time.
We suggest arriving at the venue no later than 8:30AM to get through registration and get the best seating. We will post the formal schedule for the Pre-BUIDLathon Workshops on our website during #BUIDL Week. Early registration is also open at the Sports Castle on Thursday, February 13th.
ETHDenver
ETHDenver officially begins at 5:00PM on February 14th with our Kickoff Dinner, Opening Ceremony, and Keynotes. The BUIDLathon itself begins at 8:00PM and runs 24 hours a day until the project submission deadline of 8:00AM on Sunday, February 16th.
The Closing Ceremony, including awards, is on Sunday, February 16th from 2:00–5:00PM. Remember that your physical presence is required for prizes per the guidelines above.
The ETHDenver AfterParty takes place from 5:00PM-10:00PM at The Sports Castle and features live music, libations and an incredible spread catered by top local eateries.
F. Travel/Hotel
Travel Sharing
Join us on the ETHDenver 2020 Discord and look for sharing opportunities in the #travel-lodging-sharing channel, from ride shares, to AirBnB splits and more. Our community is full of people eager to connect with others to split costs and make the event accessible to as many BUIDLers as possible!
Travel Dates
We highly suggest coming out for all of the events including BUIDL Week. Ideally, this would mean arriving by Monday, February 10th and not returning until after the Mountain Retreat on Thursday, February 20th. If you only wish to stay for the main BUIDLathon, do plan on arriving the night before, Thursday, February 13th, if possible, and book your return flight at the very earliest Monday, February 17th so that you can be present for Closing Ceremonies and the ETHDenver Afterparty.
Hotel Discounts
We’ve arranged a limited room block of over 50% discounted rooms at the Art Hotel ($159/night) and at the Sheraton Hotel ($89/night), which can hold up to 4 people per room. More details can be found at ethdenver.com/travel. Remember you can find friends to book these with on the ETHDenver Discord in the #travel-lodging-sharing channel!
Airport Train
Denver’s Airport Train departs every 15 minutes and is just $9 each way, with direct nonstop transportation via the “A Line” to Union Station in downtown Denver. Upon arrival at Union Station, either order a rideshare service or take the free 16th Street Mall Ride to the end of the line, and walk the remaining few blocks to your hotel.
Public Transportation & Rideshare
Both Lyft and Uber operate in Denver for easy rideshare access to the venue. Denver also offers light rail and bus services throughout the Denver metro area.
Parking Garage Locations
There are a number of surface lots in the area that are available for a reasonable price. Check Google maps parking lot search results and Spot Hero for more parking options in the $5-$10 range.
Venue Address: Sports Castle, 1000 N. Broadway, Denver, CO 80203 (map link)
G. FAQs
Q: I have a friend who wants to join my team, can they come?
A: Yes, they can come so long as you do not have more than 4 on your BUIDLer team in total.
Q: What hardware do I need to bring?
A: You are responsible for bringing your own laptop and any accessories/devices you require for your project. The venue will have WIFI throughout, but no ethernet. We are unable to accommodate desktop computers or external monitors due to power limitations. For presentations, please ensure your laptop is capable of accepting a standard HDMI cable or bring an appropriate dongle.
Q: Do I need to bring my own food, snacks and beverages?
A: No. ETHDenver will provide snacks, drinks and meals throughout the weekend from some of Denver’s most prominent food companies. We will have dietary options available from a wide variety of food trucks, including vegan options.
Q: Do I need to sign-up to attend ETHDenver workshop and speaker sessions?
A: No. Seating is first come, first serve. We suggest you arrive at a minimum of 10 minutes before the start of your desired session. For BUIDL Week, each event has specific requirements, so check in on the event’s RSVP details and links.
Q: I have a question that isn’t listed here. How can I get an answer?
A: First check out the FAQ section on ethdenver.com. If the information you’re looking for isn’t there, connect with our team at buidlx@ethdenver.com or hello@ethdenver.com.
