24 Hour WP7 Hackathons in UK

We have learnt of some fantastic news for any England based developers (abroad too if you can get to the events by March) with two local hackathons based solely on Windows Phone 7 development. The one-day events - which are entirely free – are built on the previous successful DeveloperDeveloperDeveloper sessions that focused on developers learning, interacting and sharing unique ideas in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. The event is hosted in Manchester on March 18th, with Birmingham following on the 25th. Both beginning at 18:00 (6pm) on a Friday.

The events have one single goal: to get as many apps ready for Marketplace submission as possible (within the 24 hours), while having fun along the way, learning tricks and networking with fellow developers. As mentioned on the official website, one should attend if:

  • You’ve got a great idea for an app and need help getting started
  • You’re building an app but need help on implementing some features
  • You have an app that’s nearly ready and need advice on how to get it through the Marketplace submission process
  • You want to collaborate with other WP7 devs and contribute to the creation of open source libraries, controls or components

The obvious downside (also stated on the website) is that the event only has a limit of 50 places. If too much interest is present, preference will be received by those who already have a WP7 account registered on AppHub (create.msdn.com). Should you consider not attending due to the 24-hour development not being an attraction, you don't have to be at the event throughout the night. You can leave at night and return in the morning.

While at the event, expert help will be available on hand from MVPs and folk from Microsoft's DPE group to aid overcome technical obstacles, while having the ability to provide solid advice on Marketplace submission. Last but by no means least, there will be a number of prizes available for best app ideas, best app created, and most improved app, among random awards. To list only a few of the prizes: Windows Phone 7 devices, Xbox 360 consoles and freed licenses for .Net Reflector from Red-Gate.

Food and beverages high in caffeine will also be provided to help prevent British Health & Safety getting involved. To register interest and find out more information (addresses etc.), head on over to the DeveloperDeveloperDeveloper website and check out the Manchester & Birmingham event pages.

Via: Plip

Rich Edmonds
Senior Editor, PC Build

Rich Edmonds was formerly a Senior Editor of PC hardware at Windows Central, covering everything related to PC components and NAS. He's been involved in technology for more than a decade and knows a thing or two about the magic inside a PC chassis. You can follow him on Twitter at @RichEdmonds.