> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://guide.mlh.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://guide.mlh.com/general-information.md).

# General Information

- [Hackathon Timeline](https://guide.mlh.com/general-information/hackathon-timeline.md): A typical timeline while planning a hackathon is listed below. Different articles will be sorted accordingly here for a better reference.
- [Finding the Date and Purpose](https://guide.mlh.com/general-information/finding-the-date-and-purpose.md): First things first, you'll need to decide when and why you want to host a hackathon.
- [Build Your Leadership Team](https://guide.mlh.com/general-information/build-your-leadership-team.md)
- [Locking Down a Venue](https://guide.mlh.com/general-information/locking-down-a-venue.md)
- [Hackathon Budgeting](https://guide.mlh.com/general-information/hackathon-budgeting.md): Know the costs associated with your hackathon.
- [Legal Considerations](https://guide.mlh.com/general-information/hackathon-budgeting/legal-considerations.md)
- [Getting Sponsorship](https://guide.mlh.com/general-information/getting-sponsorship.md): Now that you have your team finalized and have picked out a date, it's time to get started raising money for your event!
- [Introduction to Fundraising](https://guide.mlh.com/general-information/getting-sponsorship/introduction-to-fundraising.md): Securing funds is a major cornerstone for any hackathon. This article aims to give you an idea of how and what sponsorship for a hackathon looks like.
- [Understanding Your Sponsors](https://guide.mlh.com/general-information/getting-sponsorship/understanding-your-sponsors.md): Before setting your goals and starting to reach out to sponsors, it's extremely necessary to understand them and their perspective towards supporting hackathons.
- [Evaluating In-kind Sponsorships](https://guide.mlh.com/general-information/getting-sponsorship/understanding-your-sponsors/evaluating-in-kind-sponsorships.md): In-kind sponsors are those who provide goods or services instead of money as a sponsor of your event. Learn how to evaluate them in this section!
- [Potential Sponsor Perks](https://guide.mlh.com/general-information/getting-sponsorship/potential-sponsor-perks.md)
- [Sponsorship Prospectus](https://guide.mlh.com/general-information/getting-sponsorship/sponsorship-prospectus.md): Before approaching sponsors, create a short informational packet with three tiers of sponsorship.
- [The 5-Step MLH Sponsorship Process](https://guide.mlh.com/general-information/getting-sponsorship/the-5-step-mlh-sponsorship-process.md): Once you’ve assessed how much money your hackathon needs and created your sponsorship materials, you’re ready to embark on the fundraising process.
- [Cheat Sheet: Emailing Your Sponsors](https://guide.mlh.com/general-information/getting-sponsorship/cheat-sheet-emailing-your-sponsors.md): We know that emailing sponsors can be difficult. Below is a guide to help craft your initial email.
- [Hackathon Website](https://guide.mlh.com/general-information/hackathon-website.md)
- [Making an Accessible Design](https://guide.mlh.com/general-information/hackathon-website/making-an-accessible-design.md): Things to consider when choosing your designs
- [Placeholder Website](https://guide.mlh.com/general-information/hackathon-website/placeholder-website.md): The first iteration of your Hackathon website
- [Main Website](https://guide.mlh.com/general-information/hackathon-website/main-website.md): Your hackathon's face to the external world!
- [Marketing Your Event](https://guide.mlh.com/general-information/marketing-your-event.md)
- [Promoting Your Event](https://guide.mlh.com/general-information/marketing-your-event/promoting-your-event.md): Learn about marketing!
- [Marketing Email Template](https://guide.mlh.com/general-information/marketing-your-event/promoting-your-event/marketing-email-template.md): An email example to share far and wide
- [Marketing Goals & Timelines](https://guide.mlh.com/general-information/marketing-your-event/marketing-goals-and-timelines.md): Planning the target attendee goals and timelines of registrations
- [Managing Registrations](https://guide.mlh.com/general-information/managing-registrations.md)
- [Registrations](https://guide.mlh.com/general-information/managing-registrations/registrations.md): Registering your hackers' interest in the event!
- [Free Registration Tool - OrganizerHQ (OHQ)](https://guide.mlh.com/general-information/managing-registrations/free-registration-tool-organizerhq-ohq.md): If you are partnering with MLH you can use OHQ for registrations for your event.
- [Sending Reminders](https://guide.mlh.com/general-information/managing-registrations/sending-reminders.md): After capturing the interest of everyone, the next step is to followup, reminding them about the hackathon!
- [Email Templates](https://guide.mlh.com/general-information/managing-registrations/sending-reminders/email-templates.md): Example email templates to use to send reminders to hackers, volunteers, judges, etc.
- [Check-in Process](https://guide.mlh.com/general-information/managing-registrations/check-in-process.md): Collecting the day-of information
- [Event Logistics](https://guide.mlh.com/general-information/event-logistics.md)
- [Hackathon Communication Platform](https://guide.mlh.com/general-information/event-logistics/hackathon-communication-platform.md): Software needed to keep an hackathon connected
- [Hackathon Themes](https://guide.mlh.com/general-information/event-logistics/hackathon-themes.md)
- [Project Challenges](https://guide.mlh.com/general-information/event-logistics/project-challenges.md): Ideas and descriptions for different tracks
- [Ordering Swag and Prizes](https://guide.mlh.com/general-information/event-logistics/ordering-swag-and-prizes.md): Adding a physical touch to your events!
- [Set Up Your Event](https://guide.mlh.com/general-information/event-logistics/set-up-your-event.md): Before the day arrives it is important to have the setup ready and good to be used by the hackers.
- [Working with Food Vendors](https://guide.mlh.com/general-information/event-logistics/working-with-food-vendors.md)
- [Hosting Hackers with Dietary Restrictions](https://guide.mlh.com/general-information/event-logistics/hosting-hackers-with-dietary-restrictions.md)
- [Distributing Meals](https://guide.mlh.com/general-information/event-logistics/distributing-meals.md)
- [Transportation/Travel Plans](https://guide.mlh.com/general-information/event-logistics/transportation-or-travel-plans.md)
- [Hardware](https://guide.mlh.com/general-information/event-logistics/hardware.md)
- [Prepare Your Emergency Plan](https://guide.mlh.com/general-information/event-logistics/prepare-your-emergency-plan.md)
- [Judging and Submissions](https://guide.mlh.com/general-information/judging-and-submissions.md)
- [Rules for Your Hackathon](https://guide.mlh.com/general-information/judging-and-submissions/rules-for-your-hackathon.md): Being extra clear ahead of time can prevent headaches down the road
- [Judging Plan](https://guide.mlh.com/general-information/judging-and-submissions/judging-plan.md): Check out our example template at https://hackp.ac/judgingexample - Email league@mlh.io if you need any help!
- [Cheating Check](https://guide.mlh.com/general-information/judging-and-submissions/cheating-check.md): Things to keep an eye out for
- [Judges Communication and Recruiting](https://guide.mlh.com/general-information/judging-and-submissions/judges-communication-and-recruiting.md): You’ll need to recruit a variety of individuals to judge your hackathon.
- [Hackathon Submission Portal](https://guide.mlh.com/general-information/judging-and-submissions/hackathon-submission-portal.md)
- [Using Devpost](https://guide.mlh.com/general-information/judging-and-submissions/hackathon-submission-portal/using-devpost.md)
- [Using Devfolio](https://guide.mlh.com/general-information/judging-and-submissions/hackathon-submission-portal/using-devfolio.md)
- [Hackathon Scheduling](https://guide.mlh.com/general-information/hackathon-scheduling.md): Some key points at different points of your event
- [Detailed Run of Show](https://guide.mlh.com/general-information/hackathon-scheduling/detailed-run-of-show.md)
- [Run-Through with the Team](https://guide.mlh.com/general-information/hackathon-scheduling/run-through-with-the-team.md)
- [MLH Tips and Templates](https://guide.mlh.com/general-information/hackathon-scheduling/mlh-tips-and-templates.md)
- [Mentorship](https://guide.mlh.com/general-information/mentorship.md)
- [Day of Logistics and Hacker Experience](https://guide.mlh.com/general-information/day-of-logistics-and-hacker-experience.md): It’s easy for hackers to get distracted and disengaged from the event. Creating periodic activities for hackers to engage with during your event is essential.
- [Help Desk Recommendations](https://guide.mlh.com/general-information/day-of-logistics-and-hacker-experience/help-desk-recommendations.md)
- [Fun Mini Events](https://guide.mlh.com/general-information/day-of-logistics-and-hacker-experience/fun-mini-events.md): Time to start planning how you’re going to make your event fun for hackers. We’ve brainstormed some fun activities you can do.
- [Workshops](https://guide.mlh.com/general-information/day-of-logistics-and-hacker-experience/workshops.md)
- [Opening Ceremony](https://guide.mlh.com/general-information/day-of-logistics-and-hacker-experience/opening-ceremony.md)
- [Closing Ceremony](https://guide.mlh.com/general-information/day-of-logistics-and-hacker-experience/closing-ceremony.md)
- [After the Event](https://guide.mlh.com/general-information/after-the-event.md)