Google Security
Escal8
Brand Experience, B2B, B2C, Event, Broadcast
Ten years of Escal8
Challenge
Escal8 is one of the most popular hackathons in the tech diary. After many years of collaborating with Google to produce this event, we were asked to deliver the much-anticipated tenth anniversary event in Tokyo. It was the first time Escal8 had been held in Japan. It was on a much larger scale than in previous years, as Escal8 has become more than just a hackathon.
We flew eight teams of finalists to compete in Hackceler8 - a capture the flag-style (CTF) challenge broadcast to thousands; we managed a BugSWAT that revealed coding issues; and invited students to seminars over five days. Throughout the event, we co-ordinated a jam-packed schedule of activities so our guests could experience the magic of Japan. Yet, the excitement of Escal8 lies not only in the hosting city, but in the prestige of winning Hackceler8 and thousands of dollars in the prize fund.
Solution
Staging an event in a city with 13 million residents poses its own challenges. Having a good understanding of the local nuances and etiquette is imperative when working in this amazing city. Supported by Fuellers fluent in Japanese, we were able to manage all attendees' visas, source local staff (a feat in itself), and utilise their knowledge to give our guests a one-of-a-kind experience - from dinner at the Kill Bill restaurant, to drinking saké with a Namahage demon, to staying in Shibuya's latest hotel.
Nearly 3,000 bug-hunters watched the live CTF final on YouTube and we’re busy planning Escal8 2024 - watch this space!
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