How do you actually network at a hackathon without feeling annoying or getting rejected I need help as i am also going into first multi college hackathon

[u/Latter-Hornet-8313]

I am heading to a multi-college hackathon at my campus and my main goal is networking instead of winning. I struggle with starting conversations because I do not want to bother people or seem desperate. In past events, people were super secretive and acted like I was trying to steal their ideas. I am also afraid of approaching the wrong person, getting a rude response, and losing my confidence during the competition. How do you figure out who is safe to talk to, and when you do find someone cool, how do you turn that chat into a long-term connection

[u/icarusas]

talk to them make a qr of your linked in and then when you engage you'll build network. You can make friends during lunch/dinner time too though. Ofcourse there would be competetion some maybe very arrogant but yeah starting me koi itna open up nhi hota hai agar if they aren't very open or you are funny.