How we built it
We built EventRank Voice as a web-based prototype using Python and Flask for the backend, along with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for the user interface. We created sample event data and developed a ranking system that considers preferences such as budget, skill level, and event format. The application also provides explanations for its recommendations, helping students understand why an event may be suitable for them. We designed the experience around conversational, Alexa+-inspired event discovery.
Challenges we ran into
As a beginner developer working independently, one of our biggest challenges was turning an idea into a working prototype with limited time and experience. We had to understand how the frontend and backend communicate, organize event data, and develop a ranking system that produces useful recommendations. We also had to keep the project simple enough to build while focusing on the core problem of helping students find relevant events.
Accomplishments that we're proud of
We're proud to have turned our idea into a working prototype that demonstrates a more personalized approach to discovering hackathons and technology events. Instead of simply displaying a list of events, EventRank Voice considers user preferences and explains its recommendations. We're also proud of building the project using accessible web technologies and creating a foundation that can be expanded with more advanced AI capabilities.
What we learned
Through this project, we learned how to connect a Python backend with a web interface, structure sample data, implement preference-based ranking, and communicate the reasoning behind recommendations. We also learned the importance of keeping an MVP focused, testing the main user journey, and building something practical before adding more complex features.
What's next for EventRank Voice
Our next steps are to integrate real-time event data, improve recommendation quality, and add more conversational capabilities. We want to explore integrating an actual AI model and, where supported, Alexa+ capabilities to make event discovery feel more natural. We also plan to add user profiles, saved events, registration deadline reminders, and feedback-based personalization so students can find opportunities that better match their goals.
Log in or sign up for Devpost to join the conversation.