The Hack-A-Way is an annual event held mid year respective to the annual Evergreen conference. The original intention was to provide a mid year chance for developers to continue the momentum gained during the annual conference. As the annual conference has become larger and larger the Hack-A-Way has increasingly taken on the role of the opportunity for staff to meet face to face and work through difficult issues.

The Evergreen Hack-A-Way has adopted the same code of conduct and photography policies that are used for the International Conference. Each year a combination of green, red and yellow ribbons are brought for that purpose but barring the presence of a ribbon we expect photographers to ask the preference of any subjects. One exception is the cameras that are often used to broadcast the event to virtual attendees. These cameras are setup to provide a view of the space where speakers may be standing and anyone not wishing to be on screen should take the initiative to sit out of camera angle and organizers will help accommodate any requests. You can read both here: Evergreen Event Photography Policy & Evergreen Code of Conduct

The Hack-A-Way is for most, if not all, participants a working event. Although informal we ask that everyone remember that is is a close space for participate and everyone be considerate of the proximity including keeping voices to a reasonable conversational level, not playing music and otherwise create unnecessary distractions or noise during the main working hours.

The proposal process for the Hack-A-Ways is managed by Rogan Hamby. Previously the Hack-A-Way took proposals immediately after the conference each year. As of the 2015 Hack-A-Way the process is changing a little in order to accommodate how the event has changed. As of the 2016 Hack-A-Way we will take proposals the year before the Hack-A-Way to allow for more advance planning. For 2017 the deadline will be July 31st 2016.

The host facility is expected to provide the following:

• A clean meeting space for 10 - 20 people.
• Working space for laptops.
• A TV or other display for other participants to show up on with a Google Hangout.
• Laptop for said Google Hangout.
• Adequate bandwidth for the users (we don't use that much)
• A few snacks and forms of hydration and caffeine to keep blood sugar and typing up
• Facilitate reasonable hotel accommodations (cheaper is better but no bed bugs)
• Help out with some shuttling to and from the airport, hotel, meeting space, dinners
• Although not required it's become tradition for the host to supply lunches
• The event is Wed - Friday roughly 10 am to 6 pm each day with flexible travel

What a host receives for their labors is good will, recognition, helping move development forward and the adulation of millions (give or take an undetermined integer value).

Locations and times are selected by surveying the developer community after proposals have been received. Proposals are encouraged to address some of the requirements but are considered statements of intent rather than needing full contractual details.

The events are self sustaining and do not draw on community funds.

2012: Atlanta, GA

• The first Hack-A-Way was held in Atlanta, GA in 2012 and was kindly hosted by Equinox Software.

2013 Hack-A-Way: Grand Rapids, MI (September 17-19, 2013)

• The second Hack-A-Way was hosted by Calvin College on their campus and in their library in Michigan in 2013. Major accomplishments of the Hack-A-Way in 2013 include setting a final committed course for the new web-based staff client and creation of a responsive designed TPAC.

2014 Hack-A-Way: Rock Hill, SC (September 24-27, 2014)

• Hosted by the Rock Hill Public Library.

2015 Hack-A-Way: Boston, MA (November 4-6, 2015)

2016 Hack-A-Way: Indianapolis, Indiana (Nov 2nd - 4th, 2016)

2017 Hack-A-Way: Indianapolis, Indiana (Nov 7th - 9th, 2017)

2018 Hack-A-Way: Atlanta, GA (Nov 5th - 7th, 2018)