I participated in AngelHack 2012, placing in the top two in my city, and competing in SF. Although it wasn't terrible, and I did have a lot of fun (turns out I love SF!), I found the competition to be disorganized and it left a bad taste in my mouth. I won't be competing again. A few things that stick out:
* Inconsistent WiFi for duration of competition (in our home city)
* Aggressive event staff (also in our home city)
* No write-ups about our team, or mention of us anywhere at all, even though we were finalists -- remember that this competition is for us too guys! We wanted some recognition.
* Slowness in getting paid back for plane tickets (required reminders)
* A "mentor" who forgot about meetings (completely stood us up), and was difficult to set up meetings with in the first place
* The overall feeling that we were being taken advantage of...just a feeling mind you, but if I felt this way in a contest, I wouldn't be surprised to feel that way if I took their money
Take it with a grain of salt. One man's experience. They could be great for all I know.
* Inconsistent WiFi for duration of competition (in our home city)
* Aggressive event staff (also in our home city)
* No write-ups about our team, or mention of us anywhere at all, even though we were finalists -- remember that this competition is for us too guys! We wanted some recognition.
* Slowness in getting paid back for plane tickets (required reminders)
* A "mentor" who forgot about meetings (completely stood us up), and was difficult to set up meetings with in the first place
* The overall feeling that we were being taken advantage of...just a feeling mind you, but if I felt this way in a contest, I wouldn't be surprised to feel that way if I took their money
Take it with a grain of salt. One man's experience. They could be great for all I know.