hackathon

A periodic event where programmers get together at some venue to collaboratively create a new application or software system within a few hours or a few days. Also called a "codefest." In September 2011, 15 sponsors at the TechCrunch Disrupt Hackathon in San Francisco offered prizes for the most innovative solution to various problems. For example, for the best in-car integration app via SYNC, Ford Motor Company offered team members a free trip to CES 2012 in Las Vegas along with the opportunity of proving their new software in the car. See hack and hackerspace.