Thinkers, tinkers, social-changers and entrepreneurs: These are the ingredients necessary to make successful Startup Weekend. On July 18th-20th Hacker Lab will host the area’s third Startup Weekend, connecting local designers, business developers and  technical experts who will work together to shape their ideas and compete for prizes. Winners have a chance to win legal advice for their startup, brand consultation or free coffee for those long days.

What is a Startup Weekend you ask?

Startup Weekends is a global organization of events that brings together leaders, mentors and entrepreneurs dedicated to educating individuals on the basics of creating a startup. Since the first event in 2007, there have been over 15,000 in 726 cities around the globe, including Sacramento.

“Startup Weekend is a fun and interactive event for aspiring entrepreneurs of all kinds” Gina Lujan, co-founder and director of Hacker Lab, “We are excited to host Startup Weekend this year.”

The event kicks off on July 18 at the Hacker Lab with dinner and keynote speaker, CEO and founder of Marrone Bio Innovations, Pam Marrone. Afterwards, participants will pitch their ideas and the crowd votes for their favorites. Teams are formed around the top ideas. Over the course of 54 hours, each team constructs a working business plan, marketing strategy and prototypes with the on site.

Teams will also receive help from mentors from around the Sacramento region. Design strategists will benefit from the guidance of Wallrich Creative Communications CEO Lila Walrich. Rich Foreman, co-founder and CEO of Sacramento-based app development firm Apptology and Sacramento Sustainability Forum 2.0 executive director Yeshua Adonai will also be on-hand for guidance, among other regional leaders.

“Knowing the right people can make ideas a reality,” says Aimee Darville, one of the this year’s organizers and winner of last year’s “Best Community Startup” award. “This is an opportunity to connect venture capitalist with the technical experts who can make ideas a reality.”

Each city is encouraged to create an atmosphere that reflects the community. For Sacramento, that means sticking to the “Farm to Fork” and sustainability mantras. Sponsors have been encouraged to stay away from plastic, and the food served will come from our local farmers markets.

Tickets are on sale now and if you’re a procrastinator don’t worry because tickets are also for sale at the door. Visit Sacramento’s Startup Weekend website for more information on the schedule, speakers and mentors.