The One! DEF CON 34

DEF CON 34 Info

Intro to DEF CON

Intro to DEF CON

Built for DEF CON 34, revision 202607301.

Dates and Times

Badge pickup begins on August 6, 2026, and content begins on August 7, 2026 at 10:00. Content ends on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at around 16:00-ish. All times here are Pacific (US/Los_Angeles, which is the timezone that Las Vegas is in). Check Hacker Tracker or info.defcon.org a day or two before badge pickup, to see what time badge pickup will begin on August 6, 2026.

The operating hours for most creators (villages, communities, contests) are: Friday and Saturday, 10:00-18:00; Sunday 10:00-14:00.

The operating hours for all activities are: Friday 10:00 – Saturday 01:00; Saturday 10:00 – Sunday 01:00; Sunday 10:00 – 16:00-ish (entry closes at 15:50).

Venue

DEF CON 34 will be held in Las Vegas, NV, at the Las Vegas Convention Center’s (LVCC) West Hall. View on Google Maps. All DEF CON 34 content will be housed at the West Hall; some parties may be elsewhere.

A coat and bag check are available, for a fee, at the FedEx Office inside the West Hall (near the food court).

While there are ATMs located in the West Hall, they are expected to quickly and repeatedly be taken out-of-service due to being fully depleted of cash. We strongly recommend that if you intend to use cash at DEF CON, that you bring cash with you before you arrive at the West Hall. ATMs that are located inside casinos are generally more trustworthy (due to tighter security/monitoring) than ATMs located in public. ATMs at the airport generally charge higher fees than ATMs in casinos.

Food

The LVCC West Hall has a food court that will be open for DEF CON attendees. Note that the food court **does not accept cash** — they are card-only.

The LVCC has a policy prohibiting bringing off-site food into the facility. This means you cannot bring pizza, burgers, etc., in from outside for a gathering with friends. However, the LVCC generally does not enforce this for individuals bringing food only for themselves to eat. The following is a direct quote from the Food & Beverage Senior Catering Sales Manager with Sodexo Live!:

“Although we are the exclusive food and beverage provider here at the LVCC, we understand that some guests may be sensitive to certain foods or have mild to severe food allergies. In this case, we do allow the guest to provide their own personal meals daily while attending or working events here at the LVCC.”

Hotels

DEF CON negotiates room block pricing with a number of hotels in the vicinity. Please check the DEF CON 34 website for discount/block code links. Please be aware of your hotel’s policies before booking: hotels have different pricing structures, resort fees, and Wi-Fi device limits.

Travel and Transportation

DEF CON does not offer any transportation service to human attendees. If you are contacted by someone who claims to have a “DEF CON Special Rate” or claims to be offering a service for DEF CON, be suspicious. If contact was made via some electronic means: they didn’t get your contact information from us – we never share or sell contact information.

Air

Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) is the closest airport to our location. There are various options for transportation to and from Harry Reid International Airport including taxis, limos, ride share and shuttle services.

Rideshare

Taxis, Uber, and Lyft are all available and generally work well, but expect surge pricing during peak arrival and departure windows.

Parking

The LVCC operates the “West Hall Diamond Lot” nearest to the entrance of the West Hall. This is surface-level parking. Parking is not free, and is not validated – be aware of fees before you park. You may be asked to show your DEF CON badge in order to park. Regardless of when you park, parking is not permitted overnight. Pay close attention to posted parking signs. Wherever you choose to park, DEF CON is not responsible if you are towed.

Accessible Parking

Bring along your hometown dashboard parking permit from your personal vehicle if you plan to rent a vehicle in Las Vegas. Out-of-state permits are recognized. Temporary disabled parking permits are available through the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles. Contact them in advance for an application at DMV Special Plates, 775-684-4750, in Carson City, or visit https://dmv.nv.gov/. A physician’s statement will be required. Alternatively, valet parking is available at most hotels. Please also read the above “Parking” section.

Monorail

The Las Vegas Monorail runs along The Strip, with two stops that are vaguely-convenient for LVCC West Hall access. It’s an acceptable option if you’re staying at a strip-adjacent property and want to avoid traffic or rideshare surge pricing. There is a walk (of perhaps 10 minutes on average) from Boingo Station to the West Hall’s main (southern) entrance. If you choose to use Westgate station, there is a similar length walk to the West Hall’s north entrance. You can find pricing, hours of operation, and more information on their website.

The Vegas Loop

This is The Boring Company’s underground Tesla tunnel system — not an actual hyperloop. It currently connects LVCC to Westgate, Encore, Resorts World, and Fontainebleau; rides within the LVCC campus are free for convention attendees. Airport service has started but is surface transport and is very limited; we recommend not planning your airport travel around this service. Find more information on their website.

Within the LVCC campus, the system consists of two one-way, .8-mile-long tunnels built to accommodate all-electric Tesla vehicles driving at speeds of up to 35 mph. The LVCC Loop reduces a 25-minute walk to a less than two-minute ride.

Attendees can access the LVCC Loop via three stations:

  • West Station – Adjacent to West Hall, this station is located aboveground
  • Central Station – Near the Central Hall Main Entrance, this station is located below ground and is accessible via escalator or elevator
  • South Station – Adjacent to South Hall, this station is located above ground.

Please note the loop is *not* very friendly for those using most accessibility/mobility aides; there is very little room to store a wheelchair. We have no control over this.

The loop’s extended running times, if offered, will be posted at the doors to the LVCC.

Visas and Letters of Invitation

If you need a letter of invitation for your visa application: in most cases, DEF CON can send a signed letter of invitation — usually within a few short business days — once we have all the info. If you also require verification of housing, we can put you in touch with someone to help you get your hotel stay organized; let us know if you need that.

To request an invitation letter, fill out this form. Once approved, your invitation letter will be emailed to you.

Ticketing and Badges

At DEF CON, a badge (of the appropriate type) serves as your ticket to enter the convention space.

Classifications of Badges

There are a number of classifications of badges; their design and color theme varies by year. General admission/attendees need a “Human” badge. Others include Speaker, Press, Goon, Artist, CFP Review Board Member, Contest, Village, Community, Exhibitor, Vendor, and CTF Player (for those who pre-qualified to play the official DEF CON CTF of the year).

Types of Badges (Digital vs Analog; Preferred vs Paper)

You may have heard that DEF CON’s badges are electronic PCBs, capable of doing things or playing games – this is sometimes correct. DEF CON generally alternates annually (every other year) between having an electronic (or “Digital”) badge and having a non-electronic (or “Analog”) badge. There is always some designed art or functionality to a badge, regardless of if it is digital or analog. There are often challenges built into badges, particularly electronic ones, and those challenges often reward you for interacting with other badges or classifications of badges. DEF CON 34 is a “Digital” badge year.

While DEF CON strives to have enough badges of each classification on-hand before on-site registration opens, situations have arisen in the past such that there were not. In those cases, DEF CON provides a “paper” badge (not strictly paper; generally some kind of laminate) to individuals who register after the preferred supplies are exhausted. If the supply exhaustion problem is resolved during the convention, it is plausible that DEF CON may offer 1:1 exchanges, such that those issued a “paper” badge could surrender that in favor of receiving a “preferred” badge.

Human Badges

A human badge is your ticket to nearly all DEF CON content – exceptions are made clear on the schedule (for example, Workshops need an additional free preregistration, and Training is a separately paid enrollment). Your badge entitles you to admission to all talks (main stages and creator stages), creator content (contests, villages, communities), chillout spaces, and authorized parties – all of these subject to venue capacity and other logistical restrictions. Practically speaking, only the very-popular events will fill up fast; not everyone who wants to attend those events will be able to.

DEF CON does not verify, validate, or otherwise prove attendance at any event. Our perspective is that if you are in possession of a valid badge, then you were in attendance or could have been in attendance.

There are two ways to purchase a human badge: online preorder, or cash at the door.

Online Preordering

Online preordering has become a popular option in recent years. If you preorder, there is a higher probability that you will get the “preferred” badge rather than a “paper” badge. Online pricing increases over time, so the earlier you buy, the better. If you buy online, a receipt will be emailed to you shortly after you check-out.

If you preorder but later need a refund because you are unable to attend, please email orderfulfillment@defcon.org and you will be refunded in accordance with the cancelation policy made available when you completed the purchase.

It is also possible for you to resell the ticket, if you find a buyer willing to buy from you. **The person who first presents the QR code to human registration is the person who will be issued the badge**, so there is risk in purchasing a resold QR code.

If your preorder was placed by someone at your company, not in your name, that’s not a problem – badges are not customized by attendee, and DEF CON doesn’t care what the name on the order is. You just have to present the QR code (and should know the name and email on the order, just in case).

Cash

Some humans prefer to buy their badge with cash. This was the only means of buying a human badge until DEF CON 29, and is still popular. While DEF CON does try to have an ample supply of “preferred” human badges on-hand for cash sales, online preorders are prioritized over cash sales when supplies become limited. If you buy in cash and need a receipt: no receipts are issued on-site, but a receipt template PDF is made available online, shortly after human registration opens. You’re welcome to create your own receipt. (For those wondering, this is generally required by employers who reimburse their staff for attending DEF CON.)

Admission of Children and Age Restrictions

Those *under the age of 9* – that is, age 8 and younger – are granted free admission, and must be accompanied by an adult parent or guardian that has their own badge. Please note that while DEF CON is largely a family-friendly convention (refer to the DEF CON Code of Conduct), elements of an “adult atmosphere” (alcohol and profanity) are present and common, so it is the sole responsibility of the parent or guardian to use their own discretion when deciding what their children should attend.

DEF CON will cooperate with parents, police, and private investigators related to children who have “run away from home to attend DEF CON”.

You must be at least 21 years of age in order to reserve a room at most hotels in and around Las Vegas.

Press Badges

Are you a member of the press, or otherwise believe that you would be better suited to have a press badge rather than human badge? Please contact press@defcon.org and apply for a press badge before the con. You don’t want to get caught recording on-site or breaking press rules.

DEF CON is a hacker convention, not a professional infosec conference — not everyone wants their identity or attendance known, and we expect you to respect their privacy. Please obtain explicit consent when conducting interviews or taking photos.

Video production camera crews are *not permitted*, but you may take video with your smartphone or small camera so long as you have consent of every individual in your footage. This means wide angle shots of individuals walking through the hallways are off limits, unless you get everyone’s consent. You may not record video of talks or trainings.

All media/press inquiries should be directed to the DEF CON Press Department (email press@defcon.org or visit the on-site press office).

Black Badges (aka Uber Badges)

A Black Badge is one of the highest honors that DEF CON can bestow on a person or team in recognition of their overall elite skills or outstanding contribution to the security community.

A Black Badge is given by DEF CON to an individual in certain circumstances, and it entitles that individual, on presenting his or her badge, to free admission to the DEF CON convention. In order to protect individuals who hold a Black Badge, the privileges associated with a Black Badge are non-transferrable.

Gold Badges

The coveted Gold Badge is the ultimate recognition of dedication and community commitment within DEF CON. It is an incredibly prestigious award bestowed upon volunteers who have given ten or more years of service as a goon – most notably provided upon their “retirement” from active involvement in the con’s operations. This badge celebrates a monumental life-long contribution to the culture, granting its recipients lifetime entry and solidifying their status as integral pillars of the DEF CON community.

Goon (Red) Badges

Goon (red) badges are worn by individuals who are working for DEF CON in some capacity. You can learn more about Goons in the section “About DEF CON -> Goons”, later in this document.

Badgelife

“Badgelife” is not a badge, and does not necessarily refer to DEF CON badges; it’s the hobby of collecting badges. (Please note that buying badges other than a DEF CON Human badge does not grant you any additional admission/entitlement with regard to DEF CON activities.) There are a lot of independent badges out there. Some might exist solely for their design/art or functionality; others may convey some other benefit (like admission to a private party, or contribution to a non-profit, etc). DEF CON does not recommend or encourage any specific badge purchases other than our own Human badge (required for admission).

Badgelife Village now exists to further explore this space.

Content, Schedule, Activities

Hacker Tracker and info.defcon.org

DEF CON produces a comprehensive con schedule, including content produced not only by DEF CON, but also each of the creators that have space inside DEF CON.

Hacker Tracker is the official content and schedule app of DEF CON. The apps and infrastructure are independently maintained by a group of DEF CON goons, and the apps are also used by many other conventions, including many BSides conferences.

Hacker Tracker also powers the comprehensive content and schedule *website* of DEF CON – info.defcon.org. The most important features are available on the website, but some features – like making a wish list of merch you want to buy – are available only in the smartphone apps.

You can visit the website or download the apps by going to info.defcon.org/apps.

Tags and Types of Content

In Hacker Tracker or on info.defcon.org, you’re able to filter by one (or potentially more) tags. The type of content you’re looking for will probably be the first tag you filter for. The following information about Organizations/Groups and DEF CON Departments will be useful knowledge for you when deciding how you want to filter your schedule view.

Organizations/Groups at DEF CON (Creators and more)

Creators

DEF CON operates rather differently from most conventions, in that floor space is given to third-party creators for free, so that creators can conduct their own activities for DEF CON attendees to experience. There are three main types of creators: Contest, Village, and Community. You can find more information about each of the approved creators for DEF CON 34 by going to info.defcon.org.

Contest

Contest creators provide hands-on, community-run challenges where attendees test their skills, creativity, and hacker spirit in a fun, competitive environment. Most contests are open for participation to any DEF CON attendee, though some (including the DEF CON CTF) require prequalification before the con.

Village

Villages are mini-conferences in and of themselves, focused on a single topical area. Each runs its own hands-on activities, workshops, talks, or other activities. Most villages are third-party organizations, but some are operated by DEF CON directly.

Community

Communities are organizations that either don’t quite fit into “Contest” or “Village”, or are new to DEF CON. We want to help them define the best way to showcase what they came to share without a prior template limiting their options. These often include social groups from the larger hacking community, and non-profit organizations that exist for the benefit of the community or the technology we use. We also make space for new groups, events, and activities to give them the freedom to test out new concepts without taking on too much, so that they can grow and scale organically. It’s possible for a community to be reclassified as a village for a subsequent DEF CON convention, though we expect that most communities will remain that way indefinitely.

Exhibitors and Vendors

Vendors are the companies that come to DEF CON to sell goods. Here you can buy non-DEF CON badges, tools, swag, and hardware.

Exhibitors are professional organizations looking to connect to the unique DEF CON audience; the hacker, the researcher, and the student. Exhibitors were considered vendors until DC31. The difference is largely that you walk out of Vendors carrying physical merchandise, but you walk out of Exhibitors with a dream.

(Select) DEF CON Departments

We don’t consider these creators, and they’re operated by DEF CON.

Talks

Official DEF CON Talks are those presentations that are given on the “main stages”. Individuals wishing to present a talk at DEF CON file a response to the Call for Papers earlier in the year. The DEF CON CFP Review Board reviews all submissions, and determines which of the talks will make it on stage. It is not unheard-of for audience seating to reach capacity; it’s not guaranteed that everyone who wants to attend a talk will be able to. These talks are also streamed in real-time via DCTV on Twitch.

New for DEF CON 34: Silent Disco headsets. We heard you; audio crossover between audiences in the LVCC exhibition halls was a problem. This year we’re solving that problem by removing speakers and adding headsets. Headsets will be provided so that every attendee with a seat will have a headset to wear. Additional information about how this process will work will be released closer to the con.

DEF CON refers to a stage as a track. For example “Track 1” could be considered the same thing as “Main Stage 1”.

CTF

One contest, the “DEF CON CTF”, is the highest-profile contest. It requires prequalification, so unless you’re on a prequalified team, you’re just spectating. The DEF CON 34 CTF is conducted by the Benevolent Bureau of Birds. You can learn more here.

Workshop

Workshops are (generally) 4-hour, small, hands-on classes. Pre-registration is required. If you want to get a seat, follow DEF CON on social media for announcements on when the pre-reg will open. Tickets sell-out very fast – usually within a few minutes of becoming available. You’re competing with thousands of other excited hackers here, and space is limited! Find out when registration opens, know what workshop you want, and lock it in.

Avoid registering for just ‘any’ workshop. It’s a 4-hour commitment, so plan accordingly. Every year a few folks show up seemingly confused at what they registered for, leave early, and a seat is wasted.

Training

Intensive, two-day and four-day courses of study with world-class instructors aimed at building specific skills. Smaller class sizes allow for a hands-on experience. DEF CON Training is for anyone who wants to hone their skills in a challenging and fast-paced environment.

Trainings are separately paid, and generally happen after the main con ends. You can learn more about training opportunities at training.defcon.org.

Merch

DEF CON’s Merch department, formerly known as Swag, and sometimes called Smerch, is where you can go to buy DEF CON branded apparel and wares.

Merch sales are **CASH ONLY**. We do not accept cards of any kind. We recommend that you bring cash with you when you come to the LVCC West Hall, as the ATMs at the West Hall are usually empty.

While we usually can’t predict which items they will be, there are always a few items that sell-out faster than the others. The earlier you get in line, the better your chances will be that you will be able to buy that year’s popular item. If you aren’t concerned about buying whichever items are that year’s most popular, then there’s no need to prioritize standing in line for merch.

Merch generally opens to attendees for sales at around the same time human registration opens, and is sometimes referred to as “Linecon Part 2”. The line to buy merch on the first day is almost always longer than the line to buy or pick-up a human badge. The line for merch on the second and third days is usually fairly short and fast, though the most popular items will probably have sold-out.

Our goal is to publish the list of items to be sold, along with an image for each item, and have it available in Hacker Tracker no later than 03:00 on the first day of sales (so, a few hours before human registration opens).

How to make things faster and easier

We recommend that attendees browse available merch in Hacker Tracker. If we sell-out of an item or item size, that will soon be indicated in the app. The apps allow you to build a “wish list” of items that you want to buy. Doing so makes the ordering process much easier for both you and us.

The process goes something like this (subject to change on-site, if needed):

You browse merch in Hacker Tracker, and add it to your list. Hacker Tracker provides a QR code representing your list. You stand in line, and once you reach the front of the line, you show your QR code to the order taker, or scan the QR code at an express order station. You will be handed two pieces of [receipt] paper: one for you to keep, with your order number on it, and one for you to give to the order fulfillment staff. You will be directed to walk to the order fulfillment staff, give them the appropriate piece of paper, and then you will stand in the holding area while they go pick your merchandise from the warehouse. A cashier will call your order number; your order number will also be indicated on overhead TVs. Proceed to that cashier’s station. You will verify that the merch you requested is all present, and you pay the cashier (cash only) for your merch.

That might read as though it’s complicated, but going through the motions, it’s really not. Just stand in line and it will all make sense. There are staff to direct you at every step of the way. Once you’ve scanned your QR code at the front of the line, it usually only takes a few minutes to get your merch, pay, and leave.

Hotline

Safety is important to us at DEF CON. If you’re struggling, scared, or just need someone to voice a concern to, DEF CON Hotline is here to support you. Help is available to all, especially if talking to conference staff in person isn’t within your level of comfort. Hotline is here to listen. We accept calls, text (SMS) messages, and Signal messages, all to the same telephone number: +1 (725) 222-0934 (tel:+17252220934)

You can reach DEF CON staff during normal hours to anonymously report any behavior violating our code of conduct or to find an empathic ear by calling. Hotline is confidential and available while any official conference activities are active.

Specially trained Goons are standing by to listen and, if needed, connect you to appropriate support services. These services may be other Goons or external services we partner with such as Kick at Darkness, The Rape Crisis Center Las Vegas, and the Nevada Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence.

The Hotline team is diverse and undergoes extensive training including dedicated support for LGBTQ+.

  • Mental Health Crisis: If you or someone you are with is experiencing a mental health crisis, please do not wait. Immediate, free help is available 24/7 by calling or texting the following national resources:
  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988. Available 24/7 in the US and Canada. This connects you with trained crisis counselors who can provide support and local resources.
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741. Available 24/7 via text message for private, confidential support from a trained volunteer counselor.

NOC (Wi-Fi)

DEF CON strives to provide Wi-Fi access to everyone during DEF CON. We operate multiple Wi-Fi networks: one “secure”, and one “open”.

In order to use the secure network, you will need to register an account here, and configure your devices appropriately, following the instructions provided by that system. This Wi-Fi network has client isolation enabled, meaning that you will be unable to communicate with other wireless clients. Note that the provided link will not be functional until the Wi-Fi network is operational at the LVCC; don’t expect it to work until Wednesday, August 5th, 2026, at the earliest.

If you are feeling brave and want to use the “open” network, there is no configuration required beyond simply joining that Wi-Fi network. Nearly everyone recommends against using this network; you should most definitely not do anything important or requiring privacy while connected to this network.

Please refrain from broadcasting your own hotspot. This uses the same frequencies that everyone else is using for Wi-Fi, potentially slowing things for everyone else. It is acceptable to briefly use your hotspot in order to go through the above Wi-Fi registration process and download the required certificate.

DCTV

DCTV is the department that consumes camera feeds from the Main Stages (“Tracks”) and broadcasts them to Twitch.

In the past, DCTV also streamed over our contracted hotel blocks’ coaxial plant, so that attendees could tune in from their hotel room. Unfortunately, that is no longer possible from the LVCC.

You can learn more about DCTV here.

Parties, Meetups, and Events (PME)

There are *many* parties, meetups, and events that happen at DEF CON, nearly all of which are conducted by people or groups who responded to our Call for Parties, earlier this year.

Parties that are listed on info.defcon.org and in Hacker Tracker (after selecting the DEF CON 34 conference) are “Official Parties”, which means they applied and were approved. Regardless of whether these are held at the LVCC West Hall or elsewhere, the DEF CON Code of Conduct applies.

There are many, many parties conducted by companies, organizations, and private individuals, in the Las Vegas area at around the time DEF CON is happening. DEF CON cannot recommend, nor enforce the Code of Conduct, unless they are listed as an Official Party.

Health & Hygiene

The LVCC West Hall is a *large* space, and you will likely do much more walking than you anticipate. Most veterans know to buy new shoes (and potentially compression socks) several weeks before DEF CON, so that they have time to “break them in” before the con begins. If you have not purchased new shoes and DEF CON is going to begin within a few days, be careful: your new shoes that are not broken-in yet may hurt more than the ones you replaced.

“The 3-2-1 Rule” is a concept that originated as widely-shared lore for surviving a high-intensity environment like Las Vegas in August: it suggests aiming for 3 hours of sleep, 2 meals, and 1 shower per day, minimum. While this is shared with a humorous tone, the underlying message remains genuinely good advice – people can easily run themselves into the ground without monitoring basic needs. Many folks are now of the opinion that “6-3-1” is now more appropriate: 6 hours of sleep, 3 meals, and 1 shower. As these guidelines evolve based on community consensus or health recommendations, please remember that current best practices should always supersede historical ‘lore.’ The information provided here is for general self-care awareness only, based on historical community advice. It is not medical or professional guidance. All attendees are responsible for monitoring their own health and safety throughout the event.

Hydration

DEF CON is held in Las Vegas, Nevada, in August. The heat and intensity of the environment can make dehydration extremely dangerous – it’s a constant safety concern. Proper hydration is critical for your health and the ability to enjoy the event.

  • Don’t wait until you are thirsty! Thirst is one of the first signs that you are already starting to become dehydrated.
  • Water, Water, Every Hour: Drink water consistently throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
  • Electrolytes Matter: Consider bringing electrolyte packets (like sports drink mixes or oral rehydration salts). Sweating out salt and minerals is just as dangerous as losing water.
  • Monitor Your Body: Pay close attention to signs of heat exhaustion, such as nausea, dizziness, headaches, or muscle cramps. If you feel any of these, immediately find a cool spot and rest.
  • Urine Clarity Check: As a simple indicator: your urine should be pale yellow. Passing urine (and therefore flushing out toxins) is essential. It is highly recommended that you make an effort to visit the restroom at least every two hours.

Accessibility

All persons with disabilities regardless of the severity, visibility, permanence or any other factor of their disability are to be treated with dignity and respect as per the DEF CON Code of Conduct. Under no circumstances will harassment be tolerated. Please report any instances of harassment, abuse or other out of line behavior to the DEF CON NFO Node, any DEF CON Goon, or the DEF CON Hotline (+1 (725) 222-0934).

During the convention there will be lines for registration, badges, and other events. Any attendee with accessibility needs may proceed to the front of any line and ask a goon for assistance. It is asked and expected of all goons and attendees to be respectful of this.

If an attendee requires a personal aide to assist them while at DEF CON, please speak to a DEF CON Human Registration goon for assistance with badge registration. Your personal aide will be issued a “paper” human badge free-of-charge.

The LVCVA website provides info on accommodations designed for all Las Vegas travelers. Each hotel and venue will have their own policies concerning service animals or the provision and use of assistive equipment such as mobility scooters, wheelchairs and other devices. Please check with a representative of the location where you are visiting.

The Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) offers comprehensive ADA-compliant accessibility, featuring wheelchair-accessible entrances, parking, and restrooms. The facility includes elevators, ramps, and connects to the wheelchair-accessible Las Vegas Monorail.

Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority 702-892-0711 Nevada Relay Service Voice: 1-800-326-6888 or Dial 711 TTY/ASCII/HCO: 1-800-326-6868 or Dial 711

Permit Parking

Please see Transportation -> Parking, above in this document.

Wheelchair and Scooter Rentals

Despite LVCC’s prohibition on mobility devices, the LVCC does permit use of mobility devices only when they are medically necessary. Your device may be owned (such as if you own your own wheelchair) or rented (for a fee) only from their preferred vendor, Scootaround. You may call Scootaround for more information, at +1 (888) 441-7575; their website also permits online bookings. It is possible to pick up your rented Scootaround scooter from the FedEx Office inside the LVCC West Hall. FedEx Office only handles the logistics; they are not involved in the booking process. You can reach FedEx Office by calling +1 (702) 733-2898, option 8.

Service Animals

Service animals are permitted throughout the venue. However, this does not include emotional support animals, therapy animals, or companion animals. Any animal whose task is to provide protection, emotional support, well-being, comfort, or companionship is not considered a service animal and will not be allowed into the venue. Only service animals that have been individually trained and are under the proper care of their owners will be allowed within the premises. The following guidelines must be followed:

  • All service animals must remain by the handler’s side at all times and must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered. If these devices interfere with the service animal’s work, or if the handler’s disability prevents the use of these devices, the handler must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal, or other effective controls.
  • Service animals must be housebroken. The only relief area accessible from the LVCC West hall is a gravel area in the vicinity of the Diamond Parking Lot.
  • Anyone bringing an animal will be responsible for and liable for any damage or injury caused by the animal.
  • All service animals should have legally required vaccinations. LVCC’s staff may require verification, at their discretion.

We ask that you do not leave your animal in your car while you’re inside the event, as vehicles without air conditioning on may become too hot and unsafe for any animal.

Hackers With Disabilities (HDA)

HDA is a place for people with disabilities to hear talks aimed at hacking disabilities / gear / specific topics on security and safety. To have a place to recharge assistance devices, get assistance with disability issues, to have a safe space to retreat should things get to be too much, to form community bonds with other hackers with disabilities and to be an educational outreach and support system showing that just because you have a disability you can still be a hacker and part of the community.

HDA is an official DEF CON Community space. Please see the venue map for the location, as it may move rooms from year to year.

DEF CON Policies

There are numerous policies that govern activities happening at DEF CON. Please familiarize yourself with each of them, as they all apply.

LVCC Policies

The following policies were copied from the LVCC Facility Guide, as it appeared on 2026-07-11.

LVCC Code of Conduct

  1. SAFETY FIRST – Follow all safety guidelines and instructions. Report any hazards or unsafe behaviors to LVCC staff immediately.

  2. RESPECT AND COURTESY – Treat all building occupants with respect, regardless of their role, background or beliefs. Avoid language that is offensive, discriminatory or harmful.

  3. ZERO-TOLERANCE POLICY – Any form of discrimination, harassment or bullying, whether based on race, gender, age, disability, national origin, religion or sexual orientation, will result in immediate removal.

  4. REPORTING CONCERNS – Visitors should report any issues or concerns to convention center staff. If you see something that violates this code, report it to LVCVA Security personnel at 702-892-7400.

  5. PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIOR – All people, whether LVCC employees, visitors or non-LVCC workers, are expected to always conduct themselves professionally and respectfully. Please refrain from casual or inappropriate conversations and behavior.

  6. APPROPRIATE ATTIRE – Wear appropriate attire while on LVCVA property. This includes, but is not limited to pants/shorts, shoes and shirts, and must always be worn.

  7. ALCOHOL AND DRUGS – The consumption of alcohol is permitted only in designated areas. The use or possession of illegal drugs is strictly prohibited.

  8. CLEANLINESS – Keep the venue clean. Use the provided trash receptacles and recycling bins. Workers should ensure that their respective areas are clean and organized.

  9. PRIVACY AND PHOTOGRAPHY – Ask for permission before taking photographs or videos of individuals or property. Respect privacy requests as well as event rules/regulations. Workers should not share confidential information or images without permission.

  10. COMPLIANCE WITH LAW – All building patrons, regardless of purpose on LVCVA property, must adhere to local, state and federal laws while at the convention center.

  11. PROHIBITED ITEMS – The possession of unauthorized items, including, but not limited to, weapons, drugs and property, is strictly forbidden and will result in immediate removal from the LVCC.

  12. NO UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS – Entry into restricted areas without proper clearance will result in immediate removal and potential legal action.

  13. MANDATORY IDENTIFICATION – Event badges or proper company/union identification must be visibly displayed while on LVCC property. Failure to present IDs when asked will result in removal from the premises.

  14. RESPECT FOR PROPERTY – Any form of vandalism, theft or misuse of property will result in immediate removal and potential legal action.

  15. PROPERTY REMOVAL – No individual is allowed to remove any property, materials, equipment or items belonging to the convention center or any events occurring on LVCC premises without show management approval. Violators will be trespassed and could face potential legal action.

  16. SMOKING – Smoking indoors is prohibited. Smoking outdoors, including vaping, is not allowed on LVCC property except in designated smoking areas.

  17. CONSEQUENCES FOR VIOLATIONS – Violations of the code may result in warnings, temporary bans or permanent removal from the LVCC campus at the discretion of the LVCVA management.

  18. AMENDMENTS – This Code of Conduct is not intended to be all inclusive, and may be updated as needed to address new challenges and to ensure the well-being of the facility and its occupants.

LVCC Prohibition on (Recreational) Personal Mobility Devices

Notice: Personal Mobility Devices Not Allowed on Property

Please be advised that only ADA-approved personal mobile devices are permitted on the premises. This policy is in place to ensure the safety and accessibility of all individuals within our facility. We kindly ask attendees to refrain from bringing any non-ADA personal mobility devices onto the property. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:

  • Segways
  • Manual Scooters
  • Electric Scooters
  • Skateboards
  • Other Personal Mobility Devices

The speed limit for approved ADA personal mobility devices on the Las Vegas Convention Center property is always 5 miles per hour (mph) and electrical charging of any kind for personal mobility devices is not permitted indoors at any time. Charging is only permitted outside in designated areas. Violation of this policy could result in being removed and trespassed from the Las Vegas Convention Center property. We recognize the importance of providing an inclusive environment for all guests and contractors. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding in upholding this policy.

Violation of this policy will include the following punitive actions:

  • 1st Violation: Verbal warning
  • 2nd Violation: Required to depart LVCC property for that day
  • 3rd Violation: Trespass indefinitely

NOTE: There are no storage spaces available for ADA required personal mobility devices on the Las Vegas Convention Center property.

LVCC Nonsmoking Policy

There is no smoking within the building or within 25 feet of any entrance, and there will be signage outside of every entrance with the no-smoking policy. **Electronic cigarettes, electronic vaping devices, personal vaporizers, etc., are not permitted within the facility.**

Commentary

This means that all forms of smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited; the LVCC uses police and K9 units for enforcement. There is no smoking on the outdoor terraces. Smoking is *only* permitted in designated outdoor smoking areas.

About DEF CON

DEF CON is the world’s most influential hacker conference. Held every year since 1993 in Las Vegas, Nevada, DEF CON is the hub of a global community of hackers, security geeks and curious technophiles.

There is a documentary about DEF CON that you may be interested in watching.

The Beginning

The following was written by The Dark Tangent:

Here’s how DEF CON started: Originally started in 1993, it was a meant to be a party for member of “Platinum Net”, a Fido protocol based hacking network out of Canada. As the main U.S. hub I was helping the Platinum Net organizer (I forget his name) plan a closing party for all the member BBS systems and their users. He was going to shut down the network when his dad took a new job and had to move away. We talking about where we might hold it, when all of a sudden he left early and disappeared. I was just planning a party for a network that was shut down, except for my U.S. nodes. I decided what the hell, I’ll invite the members of all the other networks my BBS (A Dark Tangent System) system was a part of including Cyber Crime International (CCI), Hit Net, Tired of Protection (ToP), and like 8 others I can’t remember. Why not invite everyone on #hack? Good idea!

Where did the name come from? The short answer is a combination of places. There as a SummerCon in the summer, a HoHoCon in the winter, a PumpCon during Halloween, etc. I didn’t want any association with a time of year. If you are a Phreak, or just use your phone a lot you’ll notes “DEF” is #3 on the phone. If you are into military lingo DEF CON is short for “Defense Condition.” Now being a fan of the movie War Games I took note that the main character, David Lightman, lived in Seattle, as I do, and chose to nuke Las Vegas with W.O.P.R. when given the chance. Well I knew I was doing a con in Vegas, so it all just sort of worked out.

Historical Attendance

Recent DEF CON events have had roughly 25-28k individuals. DEF CON 27 had a record showing, with approximately 30,000.

Links and Social Media

If you post on social media about DEF CON, please tag us at @defcon, or use the hashtag #DEFCON,#DEFCON\, #DCVegas, #DC\. Tagging us on social media can increase the chances we will see it, and give your post a better chance of us sharing it. Attendees also follow the #DEFCON and DC yearly tags. Browse around for the most active ones. It is sometimes helpful to include art, a photo, or website link.

Getting in Touch

If you have a question that isn’t answered in this guide or on the DEF CON Forum, email your question to info@defcon.org. You can also try emailing DT, but because he receives an unmanageable volume of mail, it’s relatively unlikely you’ll receive a response.

DEF CON Groups

Local DEF CON Groups (DCGs) run year-round in cities worldwide. Check to see if there’s one near you, for a way to get into (or stay involved in) the community outside of the con itself.

Goons

Goons are DEF CON’s posse! Goons provide a wide range of tasks at DEF CON, like: Setting up the internet, helping de-escalate issues, enforce the code of conduct, keeping lines in order, selling merch and badges. Goons are also providing logistical support all over the con for all the various content creators, in villages, contests, parties, events, and communities. It takes many people to pull off DEF CON, some dedicating months of work before the con, and all working long days at the con. We cannot do this without them!

DEF CON 34 Goons should all have visible patches with their nickname on them, plainly visible from the front, so it is easier to remember who you talk to about what.

Goons are in one of two states, either ON duty or OFF duty.

If they are ON DUTY, they will be wearing a current-year red DEF CON 34 Goon shirt, a current year Goon badge, and a name patch.

If Goons are OFF DUTY, they will not be wearing the current-year red DEF CON 34 Goon shirt, but may still have a Goon badge on, so they can access the venue.

Goons ON DUTY are not supposed to drink alcohol.

Goons OFF DUTY have been known to drink alcohol.

PAST Goons may be seen wearing previous red shirts or badges, as they helped run a past DEF CON, but that DOES NOT make them a current DEF CON 34 Goon.

Please leave feedback regarding Goons, good or bad, and refer to the name on their name patch. Feedback can be sent to feedback@defcon.org. If your feedback is urgent or serious, please immediately let us know. We recommend that you call the DEF CON Hotline, but you may also stop at an NFO Node and ask for help if you aren’t comfortable making that call yourself.

Sometimes Goons must move FAST, so if they can’t stop and talk, it’s generally for a good reason; they’re not trying to be rude or dismissive. If this happens to you, you can always go to an NFO Node for assistance.

Goons Goon for many reasons, but the pay isn’t one of them. They put in long hours and many weeks or months of planning and take time off work to make the con happen for everyone.

Becoming a Goon

We don’t have an official GOON application form (yet); our departments are currently fully staffed. That said, we still welcome our community at large to help identify and recommend trusted members of the community interested in contributing to the con experience in one form or another. Help could be by way of spending time inside an accepted community or village for a day, or supporting a contest or event. Maybe, if their special talents align with our needs, they’ll become an official Goon.

If you are a Creator and need more people to help in your space, please let us know. Regardless of whether you’re a content creator or a goon, there is an opportunity for individuals to earn a badge in exchange for a commitment to scheduled shifts during the event. These roles will help facilitate conference logistics, support shared environments, and assist with coordination tasks that keep the event running smoothly. The goal is to create a structured way for experienced community members to contribute while still having time to participate in DEF CON.

Subjective and/or Controversial Advice

For things that don’t fit elsewhere.

Handles / Nicknames

Your handle is your (mostly) unique name within the hacker community that allows you to be quickly and easily identified. There may be hundreds, or even thousands of “Mikes” at DEF CON, but not nearly as many Wiseacres or Anchs.

Many people at DEF CON choose to use a handle instead of their real name to identify themselves. Be nice, and respect someone’s choices no matter what they choose to call themselves. All kinds come to DEF CON, so to allow yourself to be easily identified, and to protect your own identity, you may also choose to use a handle, whether it’s one you already have or a new one that you create. Remember, respect other’s choices and everyone will have a good time.

DEF CON is not, was not, and will not be, canceled.

OK, well, it was once, but then we un-canceled it.

Nobody seems to agree exactly when or where it started, but “DEF CON is Canceled” is an inside joke that is many, many years old. Please stop using it. Newcomers to DEF CON simply don’t “get it”.

LineCon / Lines / Queueing

In the Oregon Trail days, DEF CON’s Human Registration department was not as efficient as they are now. The line (or queue) to register was an epic length, and some people decided to get in line the night before registration opened, and that became “LineCon”. We still try to accommodate LineCon whenever possible; attendees will be able to start lining up for human registration on Wednesday night (because human registration will open on Thursday morning). Bring a portable charger, snacks (for yourself and maybe a friend, not for 500 people), and patience. Talking to the person next to you in line is a legitimate and encouraged way to network. Expect beach balls from above, keep them in the air.

What to bring

  • A government ID. If you want to buy alcohol or any other restricted material, it’s entirely possible you’ll be carded, even if you look as old as we feel.
  • A smartphone. Most of our attendees use Hacker Tracker to build their schedule of activities, and see what’s going on at any given time and place. Exploring DEF CON is *much* easier if you do the same.
  • A laptop. Maybe. This is one of those slightly-controversial opinions.
    • If you are planning to get hands-on in a workshop, village, community, etc., and definitely if you are planning to participate in most contests, you’ll need a laptop.
    • Other people say that DEF CON is best experienced without a laptop; leave it at home or in the hotel room, and just do things that don’t require a laptop to participate. (You can stay busy this way too, particularly with talks and demos.)
    • Crucially: make sure that you are familiar with the operating system on the laptop you bring. That is to say, don’t bring a laptop running Linux if you aren’t already familiar with Linux. Same with Mac and Windows. We have a lot of wonderful creator staff, but they can’t be basic tech support.
  • Cash. Many things at DEF CON accept only cash (many badges, DEF CON merch, food trucks (if any), perhaps some vendors).
  • Credit Card(s). The LVCC’s food court is entirely cashless, so if you want to buy any food or beverage while you’re here, you’ll need a credit card. (Debit cards work too, but are riskier.)
  • Stickers. Bring stickers to share and trade; it’s a whole subculture. But don’t stick them to a wall, window, or anything else at the LVCC, or you will be trespassed from the property and potentially charged. The LVCC is government property.
  • Bag. Most people seem to buy merch or otherwise pick up stickers/trinkets/etc while they’re at DEF CON. Bring an extra bag. That said: DEF CON is not like a stereotypical IT conference, where vendors are casually handing out swag to anyone who stops by their booth. It’s possible that some group might give you something, but very broadly speaking, the things that might take up space are most likely things you would buy from merch.
  • Water Bottle. Did you read the section on hydration? It’s critical. Bring a refillable water bottle that you have labeled or otherwise made identifiable to you. There are water bottle filling stations throughout the LVCC.
  • Electrolyte packets. If you do get dehydrated, chugging water isn’t the best solution. Many people swear by electrolyte packets to stay hydrated (e.g. LiquidIV, Pedialite, etc).
  • Mesh Device. Quite a few people use Meshtastic or Meshcore to communicate at DEF CON. If you’re into this, it could be handy. Other people say that the spectrum is catastrophically busy so there’s no point. If you do bring a Meshtastic device, please ensure that you are operating using this year’s DC34-specific firmware (or at least configuration).
  • Data Duplication. If you would like to get a duplicate of all the data that the Data Duplication Village has, you will need to bring five (5) SATA3-7200 RPM 8 TB drives. A list of the content of each of the drives will be made available in Hacker Tracker shortly before the con starts. It is permissible to bring fewer drives, if you only want fewer drives duplicated. You cannot, however, pick and choose material between drives, as this is done via whole-disk copying. You can provide a larger drive, but it will only wind up with 8TB on it. (It’s not possible to put 2 drives on a single 16TB drive, for example.)
  • Consider dressing in layers. Be prepared for extreme temperature swings throughout the day – from the August Vegas heat outside to blast-cold A/C inside the venues. Always bring layers, like a light hoodie or light jacket, so you can stay comfortable no matter where you find yourself exploring the con.
  • Some of the most veteran of DEF CONners know to bring (white) diaper cream with zinc in it. Research into this is an exercise for the reader.

OpSec

  • Every device you bring should have all of the latest manufacturer and operating system patches installed. Do not consider this optional or a nice-to-have, consider it mandatory. Verify this 1 week before you travel to DEF CON (because then you have time to resolve problems), and again 2 days before you travel to DEF CON.
  • Please consider not bringing your main work laptop, if at all possible. DEF CON can be considered a high-risk environment, and your company’s infosec department would probably appreciate your laptop not coming anywhere near DEF CON. That said, risk is… not nearly as high as it once was.
  • You almost certainly don’t need to bring any burner devices. (A burner is a device that you buy specifically to attend the con, and then dispose of it after the con.) If you are the 1 person who does need to, you already know this.
  • It’s recommended that you bring dedicated/clean devices when you attend conferences, rather than a daily-driver. This is just good practice when potentially encountering hostile networks, and is not limited to DEF CON.
  • Practically speaking, most people will just bring their everyday smartphone and laptop, so you’re certainly not going to stand out if you do the same.
  • Except when you are actively using them, shut off any device radios (like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi). This reduces your attack surface; if the radio is turned off, attackers can’t exploit any potential vulnerabilities.
  • If your devices normally run local services that are not strictly necessary (like a local database engine or webserver or game server), disable them while you’re at con.
  • VPNs are not required, but are a reasonable extra-layer of security. This is especially true on non-DEF CON networks, such as hotels, casinos, restaurants, etc. Many veterans trust those public networks *far* less than DEF CON’s networks.

Outside Parties

Parties that are not approved by DEF CON, and not subject to the Code of Conduct, but which may be open or of interest, may be found at defconparties.com. Do note that this website has no affiliation or association with DEF CON. Many of these parties will require a badge, RSVP, or invitation to enter. Do not assume that you’ll be allowed in just because you’re a DEF CON (or Black Hat) attendee.

Everything Else

  • Check Hacker Tracker or info.defcon.org *regularly* for updates before and throughout DEF CON. Schedule changes, room adjustments, and announcements are all made available there.
  • Watch the DEF CON Documentary if you haven’t already. Do this *before* you travel to Vegas.
  • Going solo? Totally normal, tons of people do it. Villages and the line (for anything) itself are the easiest places to strike up conversation. Nobody’s going to think it’s weird.
  • Networking in a Sea of Social Engineers: The best part of DEF CON is connecting with brilliant minds! Dive into the talks, strike up conversations, and build connections – that’s what we do best. However, remember that “social engineering” isn’t just something out of a movie; it’s when someone attempts to manipulate people rather than systems. While every conversation can lead to an amazing connection, also treat your networking time with caution. Be vigilant for anyone who seems overly persistent, asks too many deep questions quickly, or tries to extract sensitive information (passwords, specific work details, private keys). Your mantra should be: Share only what you are 100% comfortable sharing. Keep the conversation flowing and fun, but always prioritize your personal security and discretion above all else.
  • Find your Hacker Community: DEF CON is an immensely diverse community that welcomes people from every walk of life, gathering us together purely based on shared interests and passions for technology and knowledge. Whether you’re fascinated by low-level hardware in the Hardware Hacking Village, captivated by network forensics at the Packet Hacking Village, or pursuing any other technical passion, this is where you will find your community. Connecting with others who share your deep expertise and unique experiences doesn’t just make the event better – it significantly enhances the entire con experience, making it exponentially more rewarding for everyone involved.
  • Networking Tip: Approaching the Legends – Encountering famous “OG” hackers can feel intimidating, but don’t be afraid to approach them! The key is respect and awareness. Treat every person, whether they are a legendary figure or just starting their journey, with courtesy; never interrupt someone who is deep in conversation. Remember that building genuinely great connections comes from treating everyone as a peer first. Approach with genuine curiosity, listen more than you speak, and the amazing opportunities will find you!
  • Several years ago, Lonely Hackers Club created a “DEF CON Guide” that you may be interested in reading. It covers some of the same topics as this guide, but is more casual and opinionated. You can find the guide here.

Credits

Some portions of this document – mostly, but not limited to portions of the “Subjective/Controversial Advice” section – were written by community members.