AIGA San Diego is pleased to promote the following community event as we think it may be of interest to our members; this event is not hosted by AIGA.

San Diego Zoo Global is proud to be part of the fourth annual Zoohackathon. Similar to previous years, when we assembled a wonderful group of talented programmers, designers, and thinkers, we hope to mobilize San Diego’s creative technical community to directly address wildlife trafficking challenges again this year. Halting the illegal capture and transport of endangered species is crucial to our mission as a conservation organization dedicated to ending extinction.

The Future of Animals Depends on Us

Do you have programming or design skills? Would you like to make the world safer for endangered species, and win over $1000 value in local prizes and possible support from the US State Department to implement your idea? Join us for the fourth annual Zoohackathon— sponsored by the US State Department— to create solutions to international wildlife trafficking. You’ll form teams to address illegal animal capture and trade.

We’ll meet at the San Diego Zoo’s Institute for Conservation Research, a state-of-the-art research facility normally closed to the public.

Agenda

Friday, Nov 8  |  5 p.m. – 8 p.m. (optional overnight)

• Welcome reception
• Special animal presentation
• Problem statements shared
• Teams formed

Saturday, Nov 9  |  8 a.m. – late (optional overnight)

• All meals
• Full day working sessions
• Behind the scenes experience

Sunday, Nov 10  |  8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

• Breakfast
• Presentations to Judging Panel
• Announcement of San Diego Zoohackathon winner

For more details, you can download the full (draft) agenda here.

FAQs

What makes this event special?

• behind the scenes experiences
• win prizes (over $1000 in value)
• advance to international competition
• overnight camping optional / showers provided
• gain recognition and press for your contributions
• become part of the community of conservation-minded technologists
• exclusive access to Safari Park and Institute for Conservation Research
• winners may receive support from US State Department and others to pursue ideas
• ticket price includes all meals, snacks, and refreshments (dinner, breakfast, lunch, dinner, breakfast, lunch)

What if I don’t know how to program/code- can I still come?

Yes. Although we need coders to join, we also need designers and strategic thinkers.

Are there ID requirements or an age limit to enter the event?

Yes, you must be 16 or older to attend this event.

What are my transport/parking options getting to the event?

Free parking will be provided inside the Institute for Conservation Research parking lot. To access, provide your name at the gate near 15600 San Pasqual Valley Rd, Escondido, CA. Entry and exit are permitted between 4:30 p.m. and midnight on Friday, 7 a.m. and midnight on Saturday, and 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Sunday.

What can I bring to the event?

We encourage you to bring laptops, tablets, or other computation devices. All food and drink will be provided. You are also free to bring your own food. If you’d like to stay overnight at the Institute for Conservation Research, please bring tents, sleeping pads, sleeping bags, and/or blankets.

What is the deal with camping / overnight stays?

If you are considering sleeping at the event on Friday and/or Saturday nights, you can do so either by staying indoors (in a quiet corner) or in the courtyard (in a tent that you would need to bring). You would want to bring sleeping bags/blankets. The courtyard is a cement area (there is no camping on dirt/grass), so you would want to have a comfortable sleeping pad and a tent. If you decide to sleep indoors, you will probably also want a comfortable sleeping pad, because the floor has not-very-thick commercial carpet. In either case (if you’d like to sleep indoors or outside), you may want to bring an eye mask and earplugs to help get a good night’s sleep. The courtyard has mandatory security light on at all times. It’s not incredibly bright but could be annoying without an eye mask.

Is my registration/ticket transferrable?

Yes. If you register but can no longer attend, please contact the organizers at zoohackathon@techtoreconnect.org with the name of your replacement.

Where can I find more information about the international Zoohackathon community?

Please visit www.zoohackathon.com.

What are the overall rules and guidelines for the event?

The complete Rules and Guidelines for the event are available here.

How can I contact the organizer with my questions?

For any questions not answered here, please check the general zoohackathon.com FAQ. If you still have questions, please email zoohackathon@techtoreconnect.org.