Edit: Reading through these comments, it surprises me to see that so many people think of Startup Weekend first when they see hackathon. Startup Weekend takes on the format of a traditional hackathon, and shares many elements, but it's not a hackathon. Another commenter hit the nail on the head when they called it a business-a-thon. It just so happens that the culture surrounding it tends to use a lot of tech.
But please, don't equate Startup Weekends with hackathons. They aren't. And that's fine. They are what they are. Confusing them with hackathons however will lead to disappointment.
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Startup Weekends are not hackathons though.
Edit: Reading through these comments, it surprises me to see that so many people think of Startup Weekend first when they see hackathon. Startup Weekend takes on the format of a traditional hackathon, and shares many elements, but it's not a hackathon. Another commenter hit the nail on the head when they called it a business-a-thon. It just so happens that the culture surrounding it tends to use a lot of tech.
But please, don't equate Startup Weekends with hackathons. They aren't. And that's fine. They are what they are. Confusing them with hackathons however will lead to disappointment.