WomenHack 2021: Virtual Excellence and Preparing for Hybrid Future

Mastering Virtual and Planning What’s Next

2021 was the year WomenHack refined virtual events into a mature, effective format while beginning to plan for the return of in-person gatherings. Companies like Tarides praised our virtual events as “both fun and efficient,” validating our pivot and demonstrating that meaningful connections can happen through screens.

Virtual Events Come of Age

Having launched virtual events in 2020 out of necessity, we spent 2021 perfecting the format. Key improvements included:

• Better technology: We invested in platforms optimized for our speed-interview format
• Smoother logistics: Refined processes reduced friction and technical issues
• Richer content: We added speaker sessions, panels, and networking components
• Broader reach: Global events connected candidates and companies across time zones

Company Perspectives

Tarides participated in a virtual WomenHack event and shared their experience. Sonja Heinze (Software Engineer) and Héloïse Lutton (Head of HR) attended, demonstrating commitment to having both technical and HR perspectives in recruiting.

Their assessment: “This ‘rapid interview’ is both fun and efficient for all involved, ensuring each company meets several talented candidates from diverse backgrounds.” The description as “fun” was particularly meaningful—maintaining energy and engagement in virtual settings is challenging, and achieving it validated our approach.

Adapting Across Industries

2021 saw increased participation from companies outside traditional tech. As digital transformation accelerated across industries, more organizations recognized the need for diverse technology talent:

• Financial services companies sought technologists to build digital banking platforms
• Healthcare organizations needed developers for telemedicine and health tech
• Retailers invested in e-commerce and digital customer experience
• Traditional manufacturers embraced IoT and industrial automation

This industry diversification expanded career options for WomenHack participants while broadening our employer base.

Community Growth

Our global community continued growing despite—or perhaps because of—continued pandemic conditions. Virtual accessibility opened WomenHack to people who might never have attended in-person events due to geographic, financial, or other barriers.

We observed strong engagement from international participants, including from regions where we hadn’t yet hosted in-person events. This virtual-first exposure created demand for future in-person events in new markets.

Planning the Hybrid Future

Throughout 2021, we planned for a hybrid future combining virtual and in-person events. Key principles emerged:

• Virtual events would continue, serving audiences who prefer or require remote participation
• In-person events would return with a focus on the irreplaceable value of face-to-face connection
• Some events might offer hybrid options, allowing both in-person and virtual participation
• Technology investments from virtual events would enhance in-person experiences

Looking to 2022

As 2021 closes, cautious optimism prevails. Vaccines offer hope for safer gatherings. Companies are eager to resume in-person recruiting. Our community is ready to reconnect face-to-face while appreciating the virtual options that expanded our reach.

Thank you for staying with us through another challenging year. The connections we’ve maintained and the new ones we’ve built position us for a strong 2022.