The Seven2
Hacks-a-Thon
We're all just hacks.
And that's kind of the point.
We're calling this a Hacks-a-Thon for a reason: none of us are pretending to be expert developers (except our expert developers of course), and it's okay to be a hack. The Seven2 Hacks-a-Thon is a focused, time-blocked experiment designed to help everyone on our team learn how to build with AI. All you need is an idea, curiosity, and a willingness to try.
The Plan
This playbook outlines the structure we'll follow to move from idea to live demo in just a few weeks. It's more than just a sprint. It's your chance to unlock a new creative superpower.
Roles
- Kickoff
- Office Hours
- Facilitation & Q&A
- Final Showcase Host
- Reflection Questions
- Calendar Blocking
- Meeting Setup
- Recording Transcripts
- Logistics Coordination
- Build Solo Project
- Update IdeaLab
- Demo at Final Showcase
- Share Reflections
Outcomes
By the end of the Hacks-a-Thon, every participant will have:
- Built a live prototype
- Updated IdeaLab with their project URL
- Demonstrated their work
- Reflected on what they learned
Success is defined by participation, momentum, and growth — not perfection.
The Blocks
It's all about time blocking. Each block moves participants from idea to live demo while staying integrated into the normal rhythm of work.
Introduce Loveable, explain vibe coding, set expectations, and outline the structure. Encourage the use of AI to help you work with AI.
Remove intimidation and create clarity before ideas begin.
Before
- Calendar invite sent
- Recording enabled
- Loveable demo prepared
- Account setup instructions ready
- Helpful YouTube links ready
- Slack channel (#hacks-a-thon) created
- IdeaLab instructions shared
During
- Record session
- Share Loveable resources in Slack
- Reinforce passion-driven projects
After
- Share recording with Nick
- Confirm subscription access for all
Next Day Check-In
Quick reactions and initial thoughts.
Your chance to brainstorm, define and submit your project idea at IdeaLab.seven2.com
Commit to a direction and articulate why the idea matters to you.
Participant Requirements
- Idea title
- Who it's for
- Problem it solves
- Why it matters to you
- Initial direction
- Use AI to help you AI
After
- 100% submission confirmed
Next Day Check-In
Share the title of your idea (teaser only).
Each participant delivers a 1-minute pitch with light feedback from the team.
Sharpen ideas and build collective energy.
Before
- Pitch order is Status order
- Timer ready with 50-second warning tone
- Recording enabled
During
- Enforce 1-minute limit
- Keep feedback concise and encouraging
After
- Encourage Slack follow-up
- Participants refine IdeaLab entry if needed
Next Day Check-In
Did your idea change after getting feedback?
Develop specifics around your idea using AI, ZERO.Prmptr.ai, IdeaLab, or all three.
Translate the idea into a low-prompt, buildable direction.
Participant Requirements
- Refined build direction
- Defined first milestone
- Updated IdeaLab entry
After
- Confirm build direction exists
Next Day Check-In
What are you building first?
It's time to start your project in Loveable!
Jumpstart development of your idea.
Before
- Confirm Loveable accounts are active
- Office hours Zoom open
During
- Encourage Slack progress posts
- Provide live support
Participant Requirements
- Begin building
- Publish early working version (even rough)
Next Day Check-In
What did you get working?
Protected build time with optional office hours.
Iterate and improve.
During
- Office hours open
- Slack reminder to post progress
Participant Requirements
- Improve functionality
- Refine demo flow
Next Day Check-In
What improved?
This is your last time-blocked build session. However, you are free to work on it further in your free time.
Polish demo flow and prepare for showcase.
During
- Office hours open
- Encourage final polish
Participant Requirements
- Final Loveable URL ready
- IdeaLab updated with live link
- 3-minute demo prepared
Next Day Check-In
Are you demo-ready?
Each participant presents a 3-minute (or less) demo followed by 2-minute Q&A from the team.
Celebrate learning, reflect on insights, and capture takeaways.
Before
- Demo order finalized
- Meeting link distributed
- Recording enabled
- All project URLs verified
During
- Enforce time limits
- Capture standout quotes
- Ask reflection questions
Participant Requirements
- 3-minute or less demo
- Final link confirmed in IdeaLab
- Summary form completed
Projects
What the team is building. Project cards are pulled from IdeaLab as ideas take shape.
Projects will appear here as the team submits ideas to IdeaLab.
The Hacky Awards
Celebrating what matters. Winners announced at the Showcase Showdown.
Most Creative Idea
TBD
Best Use of AI
TBD
Most Unexpected Build
TBD
Best Execution
TBD
People's Choice
TBD
Most Seven2 Energy
TBD
Reflections
What the team discovered along the way.
- What surprised you the most?
- What do you wish you would have known going into this?
- What did you learn along the way?
- What would you build next?
- Did this change how you think about AI or vibe coding?
- What advice would you give to another creative starting this?
- What might help future Seven2 creatives jump into vibe coding faster?
Featured reflections will appear here after the Showcase.
Run Your Own
Want to run a Hacks-a-Thon at your company? Here's the framework.
Pick Your Platform
Choose an AI builder like Loveable. Give everyone a subscription. Lower the barrier to zero.
Block the Time
2–3 weeks. Short, focused sessions (15–45 min). Integrated into normal work. Use daily standups for check-ins.
Structure the Journey
Kickoff, ideation, pitches, documentation, build sessions, then a showcase. Each phase has a purpose.
Celebrate the Learning
Awards, reflections, demos. Success is participation and growth, not production-ready apps.
Downloads
Resources to get you started — coming soon after the event wraps.