> 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/hackathon-timeline.md).

# Hackathon Timeline

### 4 to 9 Months Before

* ​[Finding the Date & Purpose​](/general-information/finding-the-date-and-purpose.md)
* [Building your Leadership Team](/general-information/build-your-leadership-team.md)
* [Locking Down a Venue ](/general-information/locking-down-a-venue.md)

### 4 months before

* ​[Setup a Placeholder Website](/general-information/hackathon-website/placeholder-website.md)​
* [​Understanding Sponsorship​](/general-information/getting-sponsorship/understanding-your-sponsors.md)
* [​Make your Hackathon Budget](/general-information/hackathon-budgeting.md)​
* [​Putting Together a Sponsorship Prospectus​](/general-information/getting-sponsorship/sponsorship-prospectus.md)
* [​Start Sponsor Outreach​](/general-information/getting-sponsorship/the-5-step-mlh-sponsorship-process.md)

### ​​[Apply to become an MLH Member Event!](https://mlh.io/event-membership)​

### 3 months before

* ​[Start your Hackathon Outreach](/general-information/marketing-your-event/promoting-your-event.md)
* ​[Make your main website live!​](/general-information/hackathon-website/main-website.md)
* ​[Collecting Registrations for the Hackathon​](/general-information/managing-registrations/registrations.md)
* ​[Start thinking about the experience of your hackathon​](/general-information/day-of-logistics-and-hacker-experience.md)
* ​[Start planning our your hackathon logistics​](/general-information/event-logistics.md)

### 2 months before

* [​Draft up your Judging Plans](/general-information/judging-and-submissions/judging-plan.md)​
* ​[Draft up your Mentorship Plans​](/general-information/mentorship.md)
* [​Start booking your judges​/mentors](/general-information/judging-and-submissions/judges-communication-and-recruiting.md)
* ​[Start working with your vendors​](/general-information/event-logistics/working-with-food-vendors.md)
* ​[Start Brainstorming Mini Event​](/general-information/day-of-logistics-and-hacker-experience/fun-mini-events.md)
* [​Plan Engaging Workshops](/general-information/day-of-logistics-and-hacker-experience/workshops.md)
* [Hackathon Software](/general-information/event-logistics/hackathon-communication-platform.md)

### 1 month before

* ​[Create a detailed Run of Show​](/general-information/hackathon-scheduling/detailed-run-of-show.md)
* ​Get the Final Headcount​
* ​[Finalize your Food Requirements ](/general-information/event-logistics/hosting-hackers-with-dietary-restrictions.md)
* ​[Organize Transportation ](/general-information/event-logistics/transportation-or-travel-plans.md)

### 1 week before

* ​[Sending Reminders to the Participants](/general-information/managing-registrations/sending-reminders.md)​
* [​Set up your Event​](/general-information/event-logistics/set-up-your-event.md)
* [​Prepare your Emergency Plan](/general-information/event-logistics/prepare-your-emergency-plan.md)
* ​[Do a schedule run-through with the team​](/general-information/hackathon-scheduling/run-through-with-the-team.md)
* ​[Judges & Mentor Followup​](/general-information/judging-and-submissions/judges-communication-and-recruiting.md)

### Game Day!

* ​[Check in Process​](/general-information/managing-registrations/check-in-process.md)
* ​[Distributing Meals](/general-information/event-logistics/distributing-meals.md)
* ​[Running Judging​](/general-information/judging-and-submissions.md)
* [​Doing Mentorship​](/general-information/mentorship.md)
* [​Running Workshops](/general-information/day-of-logistics-and-hacker-experience/workshops.md)​
* ​[Opening & Closing Ceremonies​](/general-information/day-of-logistics-and-hacker-experience/opening-ceremony.md)

### ​​[After the Event](/general-information/after-the-event.md)