Surviving a hackathon as a sponsor requires addressing both technical and human factors, focusing on keeping the team functional despite the challenges of limited sleep, excessive caffeine intake, and unfamiliar environments. Key strategies include carefully planning sleep schedules based on team members' natural body clocks and ensuring they have access to proper sleeping accommodations. Additionally, providing healthful snacks and encouraging volunteers to eat off-campus can help maintain energy levels, while setting clear, realistic goals and preparing scripts can mitigate awkwardness and enhance team performance. These steps can prevent the team from becoming overwhelmed and ensure a successful sponsorship experience, encouraging future participation.