April 17, 2026
Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, California
Construction Management Department
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What is a Hackathon?
Hackathons bring the person who uses the product into the design process – having them provide solutions so it better meets their needs. By bringing in the wearer, we develop solutions to improve solutions for the individual – not just the majority.
What is the VEST Hackathon?
The Verifying Everyone’s Safety Together (VEST) Hackathon aims to reduce gender-based hazards with personal protective equipment by developing safety gear that acknowledges, is designed for, and provides safety for diverse body types and identities. Since men are the majority in the construction industry, safety equipment has been designed to fit their typical body type. But workers don’t all come in one size.
Why safety gloves?
Men and women have different hand sizes, with women’s fingers being longer and palms smaller. Gloves help protect us – from burns, cuts, electrocution – but if they don’t fit well, we lose dexterity, get frustrated, and may remove them. Poorly fitting gloves create additional gender-based hazards in an already dangerous industry.
Who should attend?
We welcome anyone who wants to participate, share their experiences, and develop solutions. More perspectives create a better product, meaning increased safety for all workers.
You should join us if you:
- Work in the industry
- Manage your company’s safety program
- Develop safety solutions for distribution
- Are dedicated to equitable safety
Event Details
Agenda
9:00 – 9:30 AM | Sign-In
9:30 – 10:00 AM | Teaming, problem discussion, and dexterity challenges
10:00 – 10:30 AM |Initial Ideas
10:30 – 11:00 AM | Share Out
11:00 – 12:00 PM | Lunch
12:00 – 2:00 PM | Hacking
2:00 – 2:30 PM | Share Out
2:30 – 3:00 PM | Closing
Location
Building and Room
Hosted by Cal Poly’s Construction Management, the event will be located at Cal Poly’s campus.
Parking
All parking on campus is by permit. Once registered, you will receive additional information about arriving and parking on campus.