NBA-Style Tech Hackathon

Shaan proposes creating a tech industry version of the NBA All-Star weekend, featuring top tech companies and leaders competing in a hackathon-style event with additional entertainment elements. The event would showcase tech talent actually working and building products while creating engaging content.

Key Points:

• Core Event Structure:

  • Main attraction is a hackathon competition
  • Each top tech company sends a team
  • Teams consist of:
    • 1 engineer
    • 1 designer
    • 1 marketer
  • Teams build and pitch products during the weekend

• Participation Requirements:

  • Only invite legitimate, top-tier tech companies (Facebook, Figma, etc.)
  • Need high-profile tech leaders (Zuck, Elon, Airbnb founders)
  • Focus on A-players to maintain event prestige

• Entertainment Elements:

  • Additional fun competitions like speed typing contests
  • Gimmick games (potentially involving alcohol)
  • Broadcast the entire event

• Business Model:

  • Generate revenue through sponsorships
  • Could be run by:
    • Independent organizer (like Shaan or Eric Thornburg)
    • VC funds like Andreessen Horowitz
  • Position as alternative to traditional boring conferences

• Value Proposition:

  • Great recruiting event for companies
  • Brand building opportunity
  • Allows tech leaders to return to building/creating
  • Provides rare glimpse of tech leaders working in real-time
  • Creates content that makes tech leaders more relatable and admirable