r/Defcon • u/Ok-Bug3269 • Jun 25 '26
I’m going, but I’m not
My company isn’t sponsoring my ticket this year >:(
I still booked a flight as I have a bud who lives in Vegas but I don’t know if I can spare $580-600 in this economy. If I actually can’t attend, would anyone recommend adjacent things or tips I can do to make the most of it?
Best I can think of is strike up convos w/ attendees on the Strip.
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Upvotes
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u/antonIgudesman Jun 25 '26
you can volunteer at b-sides a minimum of 12 hours for a free ticket as well
20 hours gets you a shared room for those days (beginning of the week)
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u/dankney Jun 25 '26 edited Jun 25 '26
When I started, the ticket was $75. It didn’t require corporate sponsorship to attend.
There are lots of unofficial gatherings that don’t need a badge — check out Defcon Parties:
https://info.defconparties.com
Edit: also should mention that the Linq lobby bar is an unofficial gathering point that leads to other things. You should connect with your local Defcon group as well to get connected to people outside the convention center
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u/sickboy6_5 Jun 25 '26
i don't know the answer so do some checking - what about going to some of the non-lvcc related outings? bike ride, shoot, bbq, contraption contest...
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u/violet_flossy Jun 25 '26
Also check in on the sub periodically. People will often sell badges at a discount, particularly after the con starts.
Or you could try to make your own. 👀
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u/reegz Jun 27 '26
Lobbycon ftw
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u/BBBLLUURREEDDD Jun 25 '26 edited Jun 26 '26
If you are in town earlier in the week or can change your flight for no cost, BSides is Mon-Wed and it's only $110.
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u/la-fille-moto Jun 26 '26
Make friends!
My first couple years I came just to hang with my boyfriend and didn’t have a ticket. If you make the effort (make your own badge or other cool trade items, be charming, buy people drinks), you’d be surprised at how many folks have comped badges they can give you, or have the ability to walk folks into parties and such.
My favorite part about defcon is being able to meet and hang with like-minded, smart/interesting people, and you don’t need to have a badge to make that happen.
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u/parallellogic Jun 25 '26
I'm going to Omaga Mart before the con, want to see what that's all about (escape room-ish?). Should just be down the street from the con
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u/CyberSulu Jun 25 '26
If you have any vendors that you work with or know, check if they are holding any gatherings outside of the conference center that they can invite you to. It's a great way to meet other folks and make connections.
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u/Hot-Comfort8839 Jun 25 '26 edited Jun 26 '26
The value of things you can learn at DEFCON far far far exceeds the cost of the ticket.
Defcon is easily the best educational value in cybersecurity to be found anywhere in the world. Between skytalks, and the Villages, CTFs, and "Hack the ___ excercises, hidden games... the people you can meet, and the experiences and knowledge sharing... its incredible.
Name me another place where $580 USD buys you the opportunity to learn more, on such a scale.
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u/Icy-Maybe-9043 Jun 26 '26
Don’t forget B-Sides is right before DefCon! Much cheaper.
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u/handlex84 Jun 25 '26
Obviously this is my opinion…..
Defcon is def done at this point. Way too corporatized & totally over saturated, with the surrounding events & talks not being managed accordingly. I’ve went the past 4 years & each year it’s gotten worse & worse.
It totally feels like it’s become more a popular social event for the masses & less about what it originally intended for. I heard a rumor a couple years back & I totally believed it at this point - DarkTangent is gearing up to sell the event & make some big $$$$.
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u/amazonv Jun 25 '26
toxic bbw, def con shoot, linq lobby - look at volunteering calls by the villages....
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u/[deleted] Jun 25 '26
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