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Old ��ֱ���� University students will have the chance to flex their creativity, digital skills, and business savvy during the inaugural Strome College of Business Social Media Hackathon on Oct. 17-18 and win $5,000 in cash prizes. The 24-hour event, open to all ODU students, regardless of major or experience, is designed to provide real-world learning opportunities in digital marketing and content creation. by October 3 for free food vouchers and free ODU swag!

A hackathon is a high-energy event where participants collaborate to develop innovative solutions to a specific challenge. In this case, participants will brainstorm, design, and create original social media content or social campaigns that can be used on the Strome College of Business’s official channels, including Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.  

The goal is to combine strategy, storytelling, and technical skills to build engaging, student-generated posts that resonate with social media audiences.

“Social media is one of the most powerful tools for communication in today’s world,” said Jay O’Toole, Ph.D., an associate professor of Management at the Strome College of Business and leader of the hackathon’s planning team. “Whether you’re studying engineering, art, communications, or anything in between, this hackathon is a great opportunity to collaborate, learn new skills, and make your mark.”

The Social Media Hackathon was funded in 2024 through the annual Strome College of Business Problem Solving Challenge, where faculty teams identify problems and opportunities within the college, then pitch ideas to make a difference. Dr. O’Toole worked together with Strome College of Business Marketing and Communications Director Jordan-Ashley Walker and Marketing Ph.D. student Abdolali "Ali" Mortazavi.  

Throughout the event, students will delve into the fast-paced world of digital media while developing skills highly valued by employers. Participants can work individually or in teams, gaining hands-on experience in areas like content creation and digital communication.  

Winning teams will be awarded cash prizes and may have their content featured on Strome’s social media channels.  

The hackathon also provides a networking opportunity, as participants will connect with peers who share an interest in creativity and innovation, as well as professionals with expertise in social media strategy.

The Social Media Hackathon reflects ODU’s commitment to experiential learning, bridging classroom knowledge with real-world application. By the end of the weekend, students will not only have sharpened their creative and technical skills but will also gain a deeper understanding of how social media plays a crucial role in business success.

The Social Media Hackathon is free, and you can sign up using form.