HackerZone

Description

AutoZone seeks to partner with the FedEx Institute of Technology to execute a hackathon designed to create opportunities for innovators from across disciplines to come together to generate new ideas, solve cool problems, and iterate on topics that matter to Memphis and the corporate community in the city.

Business Value

Hackathons are expected to generate actionable ideas, strategic product concepts and process improvements. At the team level, hackathons provide a great way to inspire teams and promote creativity, collaboration and innovative thinking. Programmed in the right way, hackathons can drive an important cultural shift within the team: the experimentation & innovation mindset. The AutoZone HackerZone builds on the work of AutoZone leadership by bringing the hackathon business value into spaces of recruitment and public engagement.

Hackathon Theme

The automobile defines innovation in America. Whether you are talking about the history of technology innovation or the future, the opportunities and challenges of the automobile frame a conversation about what is possible. For this hackathon we challenge attendees to think differently about what the automobile means to society and how we can create solutions around this enduring technology. AutoZone and the FedEx Institute of Technology understand that innovation cannot be constrained by a single topic, and that the best environment for ideas is one that allows creativity to flow. The theme serves as a guidebook, but feel free to explore on your own.

Indicative Investment

The cost per attendee is $247.50 with a total indicative investment of $50,000 based on the estimated attendee breakdown above. This will include catering for the duration of the event, marketing and promotional materials, conference supplies, swag, and prizes. Attached is a quote for the total expenses of the event. The FedEx Institute of Technology will bill AutoZone as an invoice upon completion of the Hackathon.

Timeline of Execution

The suggested dates for the Hackathon are April 20th to 22nd, 2018 or April 13th to 15th, 2018. The FedEx Institute of Technology will require a minimum of 6 weeks to execute planning and marketing for the hackathon.

Building a Workforce Pipeline

The HackerZone will address workforce needs at AutoZone by bringing talented and motivated individuals from across the city together for three days of innovation. To help AutoZone identify and cultivate their workforce, students and attendees interested in internship and employment opportunities at AutoZone will provide their resumes as part of the registration process. A space will be provided to AutoZone leadership to allow for interviews with potential employees and have one-on-one conversations. The FedEx Institute of Technology will work with AutoZone leadership to facilitate any additional resources for workforce development that are required.