Hack Days 2023 at EGYM
Hack days at EGYM are a well established and highly anticipated yearly tradition of the Software Engineering Department. Each year, we come together with a simple goal: to build things, challenge ourselves and push the limits of possibilities.
Keeping with the tradition, this years Hack Days started on November 2 and comprised of two action packed days filled with hacking fun. The event took place on-site at our Munich and Berlin offices. And we also had some people joining remotely from various locations in Europe. The only guideline in place was that the ideas should be scoped so that an initial version can be finished in two days and at the end of the hack days, the teams can present an initial working prototype. And just like every year this year was no different. Everyone was surprised by the ingenuity of all the ideas and solutions that we built and how far we were able to push our limits.
The event was kicked off with an opening ceremony which consisted of people making short five minute elevator pitches. The goal was to organize ourselves in small teams of 3–4 people and start working on a project. And so the floor was open: Anyone with a fun and ambitious idea pitched it to their fellow spirited hackers hoping to recruit some who would help bring their ideas to life.
Let the Hacking begin
With the lively elevator pitches of the opening ceremony done, small teams were formed and everyone started diving into their projects. The atmosphere was buzzing with collaboration and creativity and the participants found themselves tuning into the thrill of problem-solving and turning ambitious ideas into reality.
In between the coding sessions, people found themselves immersed in vibrant discussions during lunches and informal conversations, connecting with each other and rediscovering their shared love for the craft of software engineering. And just like that, the Hackdays were not just about coding or hacking anymore. It became a coming together and celebration of the dynamic community of engineers we have at EGYM where innovation, collaboration and fun converge seamlessly.
The Hack Days culminated in a closing ceremony, where each team took the stage to present the outcomes of their project. The projects ranged from exciting real-time fitness challenges to interactive chatbots that enhance and streamline training floor experience and just outright filled with nostalgic joy making it possible to play old arcade classic on our Smart Strength machines but not without breaking a serious sweat. The array of projects on display were nothing short of extraordinary and showcased the depth of creativity within our Software Engineering Department.
And finally, to acknowledge the spirit and hard-work that everyone put in over the course of two days, prizes were handed out in categories such as most ambitious, most customer-centric, best back-end and best front-end. This shared moment of recognition and celebration was a testament to the collective effort and creativity that was on display for the entire duration of the event.
The success of this year’s Hack Days goes beyond just the impressive projects; it’s about the camaraderie that flourished and the connections that were forged. As we reflect on the achievements and the spirit of unity fostered during these memorable days, we eagerly anticipate the continuation of this tradition. The success of this year’s event only fuels our excitement for the next round of innovation and fun. So, until we meet again in the next Hack Days, let’s carry forward the enthusiasm, creativity, and collaborative spirit that define our exceptional community at EGYM. See you in the next Hack Days!!
