RevolutionUC 2023

Revolution UC is one of the biggest hackathons at the University of Cincinnati. It is organized by the UC chapter of ACM (Association of Computing Machinery). Being a member of ACM@UC and the Secretary and Webmaster for ACM-W at UC, I was offered the opportunity to serve as the Marketing and Branding Lead for RevolutionUC 2023. I have been a participant in several hackathons over the past many years and when I saw an opportunity to be a part of the core team that organizes it, I knew I had to do it.

As the Marketing/Branding Head for RevolutionUC, I had the incredible opportunity to organize and promote an extraordinary hackathon that brought together innovative minds and fostered a culture of creativity and collaboration. All throughout COVID, RevUC was being organized online, which meant people had the comfort of their homes while participating in such a large-scale event. However, 2023 was going to be all in-person which meant that we had to offer really great things for our hackers to leave that comfort and stay with us for all of 24 hours. I was responsible for leading a marketing team of 10 people into creating a brand, an identity for RevUC and ensuring that we had the best minds at our hackathon from all around. Through my strategic marketing and branding efforts, I played a pivotal role in ensuring the success and recognition of this impactful event.

My primary goal was to create a strong brand identity for RevolutionUC and effectively communicate its mission and values to the target audience. I crafted a comprehensive marketing plan that encompassed various channels, including social media, email campaigns, print materials, and partnerships with relevant organizations. I started out with creating the logo for RevolutionUC 2023. It took quite literally a hundred versions to get to one that the entire team liked but it all seemed worth it once we released it online and people loved the concept and theme. To build anticipation and engagement, I initiated a pre-event marketing campaign, leveraging social media platforms to generate buzz and attract participants. My team and I created visually appealing and informative promotional materials such as banners, posters, and brochures. Through engaging content and captivating visuals, we effectively conveyed the essence of RevolutionUC and enticed potential participants as well as sponsors to join. We also established partnerships with local tech communities, universities, and industry professionals to expand the reach of RevolutionUC. By collaborating with influential individuals and organizations, we were able to tap into their networks and leverage their credibility, ultimately attracting a diverse and talented pool of participants. Through this networking, for the very first time ever, the hackathon was held at the 1819 Innovation Hub and we had access to everything they had to offer – right from the Makerspace to their Gaming Lab. And needless to say, the location was beyond amazing.

Throughout the planning process, I maintained open lines of communication with my team and participants, ensuring that all branding elements were consistent and aligned with the overall vision. I provided guidance and support to team members responsible for creating digital content, ensuring that the brand message was effectively conveyed through various online platforms.

The day of the hackathon came with a whole different synergy. I saw brilliant minds work on brilliant ideas and the environment was one of sheer innovation and creativity. During the hackathon, I coordinated with volunteers and other team members to oversee the execution of branding strategies on-site. I ensured that the venue was visually appealing and that all branding materials were prominently displayed. By creating a cohesive visual experience, we fostered a sense of community and excitement among participants.

In addition to marketing efforts, I actively engaged with participants during the event, delivering informative presentations and workshops on personal branding, networking, and career development. These sessions not only added value to participants' experiences but also positioned RevolutionUC as a valuable platform for professional growth.

As a result of our collective efforts, RevolutionUC gained significant recognition in the tech community, attracting participants from various backgrounds and skill levels. The event garnered extensive media coverage and received positive feedback from participants and sponsors alike. The success of RevolutionUC positioned it as a leading hackathon, known for its exceptional organization, inclusive environment, and remarkable impact on the participants' career journeys.

In conclusion, my role as the Marketing/Branding Head for RevolutionUC was a remarkable experience. By developing and implementing effective marketing strategies, I contributed to the growth and success of this renowned hackathon. More than that, at RevUC I made relations that will last way beyond the hackathon. I had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the transformative power of collaboration and innovation, leaving a lasting impact on participants and the wider tech community.