About Washington DC
Located between the Potomac and Anacostia River, the city of Washington DC is a current center of power with a diverse culture and interesting history. It was named after the first President and is home to the White House, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial and other famous sites. The town was built with the purpose of being the nation’s capital, and has held the title for over 200 years now. The city is a combination of modern and historic, with new buildings popping up alongside some unchanged architecture, like the Old Stone House that dates back to 1765.
At only 68 square miles and 700,000 citizens, Washington DC is a small but dense area with a diverse population. All roads lead to the Capitol Building which is found at the center of the city and is surrounded by pleasant neighborhoods, fun attractions and nature parks. The area is very welcoming to all people, and is a great place to have a hackathon event.
Hackathon Space Options in Washington DC
At hackathon events, software engineers and developers gather to work on new projects. The goal is to develop a new software by the end of the hackathon, which means that these events are busy and can get intense. In order for everything to run smoothly, you will need to have everything planned out and set up properly.
- Computers and Equipment
For the engineers to be able to develop the software, they will need good computers to work on. They will also need keyboards, mouses, monitors and all of the other necessary equipment. Consider renting everything from a local business in Washington DC.
- Furniture
In order for everyone to work efficiently, they will need to be able to sit comfortably. Make sure that your venue has enough tables, chairs and desks for everybody attending.
- Internet Access
Internet access is crucial for this kind of event since there will be people working together on the same project. There are some companies that offer temporary internet access for events, which will be a good option for your hackathon.
Hackathon Space Companies in Washington DC
Hosting a hackathon isn’t easy, and you can probably benefit from some professional advice. Washington DC is full of great companies that can help you find and set up everything that you need.
- AVRExpos
One of Washington DC’s leading companies for audio and computer equipment is AVRExpos. They have good options for projectors, screens, computers, monitors, charging stations and everything else that you might need at a hackathon event. The technicians have the expertise to set up a space that flows well so that you have no concern about the technical side of things.
- American Office
This company began in 1932 and works with a goal of making workplaces that are comfortable and encourage success and creativity. They have services for space planning and design that can help you make the most of your venue and offer chairs, tables, desks and cubicles for sale that can be used in your Washington DC hackathon space.
- Trade Show Internet
Looking for temporary bandwidth? Trade Show Internet looks after short term and event internet needs. For hackathon events specifically, they provide a fast, enterprise class network with on-site IT support. Their network engineers have the experience to ensure a smooth flow of service for as long as you need. Since 2008, they have served clients like Google, Nissan, Disney and more.
Pros and Cons of Hackathon Spaces in Washington DC
Every location has advantages and disadvantages, and no city is perfect. Before you decide to host a hackathon space in Washington DC, make sure that the pros outweigh the cons.
Advantages
- Public transit
With so many people living here and lots of yearly tourists as well, it is impressive that Washington DC is said to have one of the best public transit services in the nation. Of course it will be busy, but this town has the title for second fastest commute in the country and it will get you where you need to go.
- Great place for career growth
Washington DC has a diverse and competitive job market, offering employment in a variety of sectors. It is a great place to find a job and grow your career, which also makes it an optimal spot for a hackathon.
- Free activities
This city is well suited to its tourists, offering lots of activities and sights to see. You can find more than 160 monuments and memorials scattered around town as well as 70 unique museums, some of which are free to visit. With so many options you will have no trouble finding something to do on your day off.
Disadvantages
- Not a foodie city
You are less likely to find an out-of-this-world meal in Washington DC as you might in some other places. Although there is nothing wrong with the food here, the selection is said to be a bit sparse and there is a reason it does not appear at the top of any foodie lists.
- High cost of living
One thing you will notice about Washington DC is that it can be expensive to shop here and you can expect to spend more on most things in this city. Unless you are coming from another big city and are used to the elevated prices, you may need to adjust your budget.
- Mosquitoes and ticks
When you visit this city you will be welcomed not only by the residents but by the bugs too. Not only mosquitoes like to live here but ticks, fleas and other pests as well. They can make it unpleasant to spend time outdoors, so be aware of this if you are planning to be outside a lot.
Famous Locations in Washington DC
- Veterans Memorials
Surrounded by other famous locations, like the Capitol Building and Lincoln Memorial, are numerous Veterans Memorials. These structures pay respects to the people who lost their lives during the Vietnam War, Korean War and World War II. These memorials take the form of sculptures of soldiers, both men and women, and walls inscribed with the names of all the brave people who died or were missing during the wars.
- National Air and Space Museum
As one of the most popular museums in the world, Washington DC’s National Air and Space Museum is home to a collection of famed air and spacecraft that have made history. One of the planes you could see here is the original Wright Brothers Flyer from 1903 or the first plane to fly across the Atlantic solo; the Spirit of St. Louis. The museum has an abundance of interactive exhibits to enjoy, some of which are permanent and others that change from time to time.
- John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts
Made in memory of the former president of the United States and completed in 1971, this performing arts center houses the National Symphony Orchestra and Washington National Opera. An average of 2,200 shows are put on here every year by some amazing guest artists of all types, from traditional to contemporary.