What is an Allow List and how to use it for your hackathon?

What is the Allow List?

The "Allow List" feature provides a mechanism to create an exclusive entry barrier for a hackathon based on the participant's email addresses. When activated, this feature restricts participation to only those individuals whose email addresses are included in the "allow list".

This ensures that only the pre-selected or pre-approved 'builders' can engage in the hackathon. It's a feature particularly valuable for in-person hackathons, ensuring only those invited can join and contribute, thereby maintaining the integrity and exclusivity of the event.

Note: The Allow List feature is available on the Diamond Hackathon plan. 

How to activate the Allow List feature?

To use the "Allow List" feature,  first access the hackathon dashboard and navigate to the "Allow List" section under "Manager Hackathon" tab and toggle ON "Allow-list enabled". To whitelist emails, select "Add" and  input the email addresses of those participants permitted to join the hackathon. Once completed, press the "Allow-list emails" button to confirm these addresses.

By activating this, you'll ensure that only your pre-approved buidlers can participate in the hackathon.

What's next?

1. After populating the list of emails in the Allow-List tab, you'll notice an "Awaiting check-in" status. For in-person hackathons where attendance is required, you can proceed to individually "Check in" each whitelisted participant to confirm their presence at the event. Simply click on "Check in". The status will transition to "Checked in", granting participants the green light to start creating their projects.

2. New participants that apply to join the hackathon will be listed under the Allow-List with an "Awaiting Approval" status. You can go ahead "Approve" or "Reject" these applications. To approve click on the "Approve" button as seen below. To "Reject" or "Delete" select the three dots on the side of the screen.