Proven experience with large-scale events
Cliftons has recently delivered multiple four-day hackathons for leading global and financial organisations. These events ranged from 80 to 120 participants and required precise coordination across space, technology, and catering.
One recent event in our Perth venue hosted 80 participants over four days. The brief was straightforward: dependable internet and a smooth experience from arrival to wrap-up. The event ran without interruption, with connectivity performing exactly as needed for continuous coding, collaboration, and testing.
Another standout example took place at our Sydney Spring Street venue, where 120 participants had exclusive access to the space for four days. This format gave teams complete freedom to collaborate at scale without competing for room or resources.
Spaces built for collaboration
Hackathons thrive on teamwork, and space layout plays a big role in that. For larger events, we frequently configure rooms into open pod layouts. This setup encourages group work and makes it easy for participants to move between teams, share ideas, and stay connected.
Each pod can be equipped with:
- Power boards to support multiple devices per participant
- Hardwired internet access for stable, high-speed connectivity
- Dedicated 40” screens for each team
For the Sydney Spring Street event, every team had its own large screen, giving them a clear view of their progress and tools. A central leaderboard display added a sense of momentum, allowing everyone to track standings in real time.
Fast, reliable connectivity
Internet performance can define the success of a hackathon. Teams rely on cloud platforms, code repositories, and real-time collaboration tools throughout the entire event.
To meet this need, we provision event-grade connectivity, such as:
- Dual internet connections for redundancy
- Dedicated bandwidth, including options like 1GB lines for high-demand usage
In one case, a dedicated dual-connection setup supported seamless performance across all teams, even during peak usage periods.
Catering that fits the pace
Participants want to stay focused. Fixed meal breaks can interrupt the flow of work, so we offer flexible catering that allows guests to eat on their own schedule.
For hackathon events, this often includes:
- Handheld food options that can be taken back to desks
- Continuous access to refreshments
- Easy-to-reach catering stations
This approach keeps energy levels steady without pulling teams away from their work for long periods. For the final day, many clients choose a cost-effective drinks package to celebrate outcomes and recognise team efforts.
Seamless delivery from start to finish
Execution matters. From the moment guests arrive to the final presentation, every detail is managed on-site by experienced teams who understand the pace and pressure of these events.
Feedback from a recent client highlights this approach:
“Everything went perfectly – beyond pleased with the setup, staff attention, and space in general. All special instructions were followed.
Thanks for a well run, seamless experience! Everything from the food to the wifi exceeded my high expectations. Can’t wait to use this preferred venue again in the future.”
Why Cliftons works for hackathons
- Flexible layouts that support team-based work
- High-capacity, stable internet solutions
- Custom tech setups, including screens at every pod
- Exclusive venue options for large-scale events
- Catering designed around participant flow
- On-site teams who keep everything running smoothly
Hackathons run best in spaces that adapt to the way teams work. At Cliftons, every element is set up to support productivity, creativity, and a positive experience for every participant.
