How Hackathon Organizers Can Ensure Success: Lessons from Samsung Next

Organizing a hackathon takes more than a good idea and a date on the calendar. The best events create real value for both participants and the company behind the challenge. Royi Benyouseff, an Android developer since 2009, member of the Google Experts program for Android since 2013, and Ecosystem Relations Manager at Samsung Next, knows what makes a hackathon not just run, but thrive. Drawing from his experience leading high-impact events, especially one built from scratch for SmartThings, now part of Samsung Next, Royi shares lessons that every hackathon organizer should consider. His story shows how early preparation, clear vision, and a focus on continued engagement can set any event apart.

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Behind the Scenes of a Memorable Hackathon

Royi Benyouseff’s background in Android development started back in 2009. His years with the Google Experts program and later at Samsung Next gave him a front-row seat to the evolution of developer communities. Among the many events he helped organize, one hackathon for SmartThings in Mountain View, California stands out.

SmartThings, a home automation platform, was new to many participants at the time. Some had heard of the product but didn't know what to build. Others lacked connections with the broader development team. This variety brought unique challenges but also created space for big breakthroughs.

What truly made this hackathon different? The Samsung Next team didn’t throw it together overnight. They:

  • Started preparations months in advance, bringing together teams and project ideas long before the day of the event.
  • Built relationships and brainstormed online, allowing participants to explore concepts, ask questions, and cut out ideas that clearly wouldn’t work.
  • Ensured that by the hackathon day, projects were already mature and ready to polish.

By the time the hackathon arrived, excitement was high, and the stage was set for real achievement. Every team had clear ideas, support from experienced devs, and the drive to finish something meaningful. That upfront effort led to tangible results—some teams created projects that became real features or products. Others left excited to keep building on what they’d started.

What made this event stand out?

  • Long lead time for preparation
  • Online collaboration before the event
  • Defined roles, teams, and project scopes
  • Participants with a direct connection to the product’s developers
  • Projects that were more complete by the final demo

If you want more step-by-step details on getting an event organized, take a look at this guide on how to organize a hackathon.

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Why Early Preparation Makes All the Difference

Good hackathon organizers know that magic doesn’t happen overnight. The best results come from months of thoughtful preparation. In the case of the SmartThings hackathon, starting early meant building teams, brainstorming, and knocking out bad ideas before anyone showed up for the big day.

Here are some key benefits to an early start:

  1. Teams arrive with direction. With months to connect and discuss, groups can clarify their goals and pick the best ideas.
  2. Dead ends get spotted early. Projects that won’t work are spotted before the clock starts ticking.
  3. Participants are already invested. The relationships and plans they’ve been building give them a stake in the outcome.
  4. Projects are closer to finished. More time spent brainstorming means less time spent stuck during the hackathon.
  5. Excitement is higher. People come in ready to execute, not still searching for a direction.

Want to get started with remote team-building? Tip: Create a dedicated online forum or workspace a few months ahead. Encourage teams to share project pitches, ask for feedback, and refine their plans.

Tip: Use regular virtual check-ins to keep teams motivated and on track. Introducing mentors early can also help by offering feedback and helping participants avoid common pitfalls.

For more resources on structuring team prep and online connections, the Hackathon Guide provides practical strategies used by experienced organizers.

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Setting a Clear Focus and Agenda for Your Hackathon

It's easy for hackathon organizers to want to let everyone build whatever they want. However, Royi Benyouseff’s experience shows that giving teams a clear focus isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.

It's not rude to set an agenda. Instead, it sets everyone up for success. When projects all shoot for the same goal or address a definite business need, teams know what matters. This clarity prevents resources and attention from being scattered and helps organizers measure impact.

A focused hackathon produces:

  • Finalized projects that address real, pre-defined needs
  • Stronger developer engagement and ongoing product interest
  • More insightful feedback and collaboration
  • A greater sense of accomplishment for teams

Example: At the SmartThings hackathon, having a firm domain allowed teams to get familiar with home automation needs ahead of time. It made the hackathon more productive and the results more useful.

If you’re searching for a complete resource on effective event planning, the successful hackathon events guide 2022 can help you stay on track.

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Measuring Success Beyond the Hackathon Day

For hackathon organizers, it’s tempting to judge success by what happens at the final demo. Did the project ship? Did the code work? But real success often shows up after the event.

Royi’s advice: don’t stop measuring progress when the hackathon ends. The best outcomes appear weeks or months later. Look for signs like:

  • New projects built or released based on hackathon work
  • Ongoing developer conversations and inbound questions
  • Broader product adoption within and beyond the developer community
  • Teams maintaining or iterating on their initial ideas

“A great outcome isn’t always just a finished project on demo day—it’s the buzz, connections, and creativity that keep growing long after,” says Royi Benyouseff.

Hackathon organizers should keep track of these post-event indicators:

  • Number of follow-up projects or features developed
  • Growth in community participation or communication
  • Continued engagement with the platform or product
  • Feedback that shapes future events

The complete guide to organizing a successful hackathon offers more frameworks for thinking about long-term success.

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Key Takeaways for Organizers Planning Their Hackathon

Here are some actionable tips from Royi Benyouseff’s experience that will help any hackathon organizer running their first event or refining their process:

  • Start building and connecting teams online months before the event
  • Set a clear, specific agenda or theme
  • Foster teamwork and brainstorming before anyone meets in person
  • Plan for success beyond just the event day—track follow-up activity
  • Encourage feedback and iterate on your hackathon process for future events

These steps set apart great hackathon organizers. The end result? Higher quality projects, more engaged teams, and lasting impact for your community and brand. For more concrete steps and checklists, visit this article with hackathon organization tips.

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Resources and Further Reading

The most successful hackathons don’t happen by accident. They’re the result of months of preparation, clear direction, and a commitment to long-term value. For hackathon organizers looking to make their mark, taking a cue from Samsung Next’s story is a smart first step. Whether you’re planning your first event or aiming to improve, starting with a plan and focusing on people will always pay off.

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