DevDive Workshop: How to Win a Hackathon - 7 Victories with 1 Playbook

South Florida Tech Hub’s DevDive is back with another hands-on developer meetup! If you're a professional developer looking to get up to speed on , this session is for you. Forget the beginner tutorials—this is a deep dive tailored for experienced programmers who want to understand and learn more skills.

"How to Win a Hackathon — 7 Victories with 1 Playbook"

Damian Montero, a seasoned technologist and 7-time hackathon champion, pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to win. This isn’t just theory—it’s a battle-tested guide forged in the adrenaline-fueled trenches of competitive coding.In this fast-paced and candid session, Damian shares the essential strategies that separate winners from the rest:

• Why your presentation is just as critical as building your app
• How to align your project with sponsor goals to unlock niche prizes
• The power of kindness and collaboration—because judges remember how you made them feel
• The art of “faking it until you make it”—prioritize functionality, mock your data, and polish later

He’ll also demonstrate how to deploy a working prototype in minutes using platforms like Vercel, so your team can spend less time configuring and more time impressing.Whether you're a first-time hacker or a seasoned dev looking for your next win, this talk will equip you with the mindset, tactics, and shortcuts to dominate your next hackathon.

Whether you're a first-time hacker or a seasoned dev looking for your next win, this talk will equip you with the mindset, tactics, and shortcuts to dominate your next hackathon.

Damian Montero is a seasoned technology consultant serving the federal government, with over 26 years of experience crafting innovative web and mobile applications. He leads one of South Florida’s largest developer communities. Outside of work, Damian is a proud father to a teenage daughter and is considered by many to be a part-time comedian.

Led by popular instructor Damian Montero, this workshop will cover everything from forming a balanced team and choosing the right tools to pitching your project with clarity and impact. You’ll walk away ready to approach your next hackathon with confidence, creativity, and a winning edge.

🎤 Want to be our next DevDive Instructor?

• 6:30 PM - 7:00 PM | Check-In & Networking
• 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM | Hands-on Workshop
• 8:00 PM - 8:30 PM | Q&A
• 8:30 PM - 9:00 PM | Networking

💻 Bring your laptop—any laptop! Even a Chromebook or iPad will work.❓ Questions, comments, and corrections are welcomed—this is an interactive session!

RSVP now and take your skills to the next level!

SPONSOR

is South Florida’s number one furniture and mattress retailer. We’ve stayed true to that original vision of value, offering the widest range of styles at the best prices and quality. Our services have expanded to provide customers with a superior shopping experience, like free design and the industry’s fastest delivery. And as our business grows, we remain rooted in our history of family spirit and local community, working every day to give back and take care of our world.

VENUE HOST

Exact location TBD. The event will be held in Palm Beach County.

is continually Building South Florida’s Tech Hub!

We are the only fully regional nonprofit membership association uniting and building all technology industry verticals from startups to enterprise throughout South Florida from Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and now even into the Treasure Coast.

South Florida Tech Hub promotes industry growth by working with educational institutions, government entities, and business groups to support the goals of our members.

Tech Hub's core focus is fixed on producing long-term economic impact by attracting new business, supporting startups, and building the talent pool.

With a scope of services that meet the needs of a wide range of industry professionals, from corporate CEO’s to freelance developers, we believe in fostering the industry through networking, special events, education, advocacy, and community support.

TOGETHER, we are #BuildingSoFlo! ()

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