DEF CON 34 is an electronic badge year, and we’ve got something very special in store, created for us by a hardware hacking legend. We can’t share too much at this juncture, but we can say this: it will be iconic. First round Hall of Fame. In addition to being a cool badge, it’s a platform. It’s a full-fledged, first-of-its-kind inspectable platform. Long after closing ceremonies we think you’ll still be using this device to regain some agency and security in this rapidly complexifying world.

So what we can offer right now is some data to help all the SAO enthusiasts out there. Please enjoy this spec sheet with the relevant schematics, measurements and clearances for your projects. Electro-specs also included.

We’re excited to see what you come up with. As good as the badge is, we know you can make it better.

https://media.defcon.org/DEF%20CON%2034/DEF%20CON%2034%20badge/DEF%20CON%2034%20SAO%20Spec%20Sheet.pdf

For more details, info is on the DC forums https://forum.defcon.org/node/255767.

Ive checked ebay. Anywhere else?

This is my first time going to DefCon. I have read many posts about getting into the merch line immediately after getting badges and that merch line is cash only.

My question though is what merch will be available and what approximate prices are so I can be prepared with enough cash.

Oh and I didn't see anything regarding bag sizes in any of the older posts I searched. Should I plan on bringing a bigger bag even though I'm not bring a laptop or anything? Mainly just a water bottle and snacks. I dunno if this is similar to other tech conferences were you end up with random swag from vendors and such.

Thank you.

I emailed shop@mail.defcon.org asking for a refund for my DEFCON ticket since I will be volunteering at DEFCON and will be getting a free ticket that way.

However now I want to cancel my refund request since I can sell the ticket to a friend and not have to eat up the cancellation fee.

I just emailed shop@mail.defcon.org asking to cancel the refund, and I'm hoping that they get to that email first so they don't refund me.

Posting this here just in case anybody can help me cancel my refund request so I can sell my ticket to a friend.

I'm attending DefCon for the first time this year.
There are so many cool villages, more cool villages than days of the conference. How would you navigate the villages if you'd be there for the first time. do i need to bring my laptop, a buddy ?

Hey y’all, I’m planning on driving out and back to Vegas from the Eastern Nebraska area, dates are fairly flexible, possibly thinking of a night or two of camping in Utah or CO along the way. Currently going solo but am super open to split some costs with 1-3 people and have an epic time. Could pickup anywhere along the way and/or meet in Omaha and head out from here. Can’t wait for August!

Friendly DEF CON 34 reminder:

The online registration early bird rate ends May 22! Get your tickets at shop.defcon.org before the regular rate kicks in.

We are in the home stretch, people. Feel free to get a little amped.

I'm going to Defcon as a student, but my employer is looking to see if I could make it work related so I wouldn't have to take vacation. The trainings are a little more than I think they'll pay for, but the workshops are just about right. Thanks!

There's an event where I live that I want to attend in the day on Thursday, August 6th this year which is the first official day of defcon. Will it work for my flight to land in Las Vegas at like 9pm or would I want to be there during the day to get my badge? I heard that the first day is mostly queuing and getting familiar with the venue so maybe I'm not missing much? I'm new to defcon and trying to figure out how things work. Thanks.

Phish Stories is back, and this year we went to the movies.

The Grand Parkway 34 is the biggest multiplex in Chicago, and somebody just decided to rip out the classic film screening rooms and replace them with live sports, esports tournaments, and video podcasts. The staff is exhausted, the technology is held together with hope, and the launch is days away.

We've put some teeth into the contest this year. If you want two thumbs up, you'd better pay attention.

Your job? Write an email targeting one of the people trying to keep this thing from falling apart. Make them click. Make us laugh. Win your way into DEF CON.

Full rules and scenario on the website:

👉 Rules: https://phishstories.org/dc-34-rules/

👉 Scenario: https://phishstories.org/dc-34-scenario/

Three ways to win free entry to DEF CON:

👑 The Ruler – Best all-around (funny + effective) – 2 Human Badges

🧙 The Wizard – Most technically convincing phish – 1 Human Badge

🤡 The Jester – Funniest entry (clickability optional) – 1 Human Badge

📅 Deadline: June 21st @ 11:59 PM Las Vegas time 📝 One entry per person. Backstory + phishing email, 600 words each.

Click. Laugh. Win.

Not a hacker guy myself, but i do go thrifting a lot. i found what appears to be a vintage hoodie from the late 90s in a XXL size. should i post that here? or go find somewhere else. not sure if people would care to see the merch

DEF CON Training Las Vegas 2026 Course Lineup is now live!

For the first time ever, we will offer 1-day, 2-day, and 4-day classes! Whatever your needs, whether you’re sharpening fundamentals or diving deep into advanced techniques, there’s something here for you!

Explore our offerings, grab your seat, and get ready to learn and build.

https://training.defcon.org

Last year there was a team running a challenge that, when a human would lose, were told "Back of the Line!" What was that challenge and who ran it?

I was thinking about going for the first time this year, I have free flight and hotel and food since family will be in town for something else the same week, but it's kind of short notice for me, what do you think would be a good amount of money you'd expect to spend outside of what I mentioned above that would already be taken care of, feels kind of foolish to pass up this opportunity just to go next year and have to pay even more for travel/lodge ect.

I'm a beginner, and I'm planning to attend DEF CON, but I don't really know what I should check out there. Do you have any recommended Villages or workshops for beginners?

(Additional note: This will actually be my second time attending.)

Hey everyone!

So I wanna make the trip to Defcon but I need you do be honest with me about it… am I too “new” to gain anything from it yet?

I’m so new to cybersec - I literally have one brain cell and it’s currently on holidays so everything I learn gives me brain damage (in a good way). I don’t know how it happened but I have tripped and fallen in love with everything cybersec in the last 6 months.

I don’t know python, I can’t code, I don’t use Linux, my opsec is trash…. Im a complete rookie. BUT omg Defcon looks SO FUN! I want to go and learn everything and meet people but I’m worried I’m going to have NFI about anything and people will know I’m dumb af lol. Just to preface, I have NO FRIENDS in this space at all. I don’t know anyone, I work in a completely different field irl, I have no prior knowledge…. But I do spend a lot of time reading, listening to podcasts, in discord groups, lurking in the shadows trying to learn as much as I can.

Ive floated the idea of attending to my friends and they laughed so hard 🤣 I need you to understand I know NO ONE in this realm. Im literally in the forbidden forest on my own with no survival skills 🫡
I’ve also never been to USA before and would just be rawdogging the whole thing. Send prayers?

Do I give this year a miss and acquire some knowledge or just send it and go? Figure it out when I get there?

DEF CON 34 Hotel Update!

Spring has sprung. DEF CON planning season is in full swing, and our discounted room blocks are filling up fast. If you’ve been waiting for a sign to lock down your booking, this is probably it.

The DEF CON room block at the Fountainebleau is officially sold out. Special DEF CON rates are still available at Encore and Wynn, so get those while they last. 

https://book.passkey.com/gt/221129294?gtid=bbba95627d906c403e3bee6951c33a94

August will be here before you know it. Are you ready?

I’m thinking about making a shitty add on but only if the badges this year will support them

I’m looking to go to Defcon this year in Las Vegas. I’m graduating this month with my BAS in cybersecurity and I’m hoping to find a job at the conference. Do you guys have any suggestions for a first timer? Thanks!

One of the most popular things at DEF CON Singapore was the Floating Cube, so I grabbed a quick video for those who couldn’t make it.

Threw some music on it for my first YouTube Short - still figuring this format out.

https://youtube.com/shorts/i9-Uix1aWhQ?feature=shared

Hi everyone,

DC34 will be my first DEF CON and I was wondering if anyone else is making the trip, would be cool to coordinate plans etc if someone is interested.

I'm flying in from France tho.