DEF CON Contests & Events for 2014

[hackajar]

Official RFI for ALL DEF CON Contents and Events are forthcoming in the next 2 - 3 weeks. Anyone who wants to bring back an event or contest, and anyone interested in submitting a new contest or event idea will be REQUIRED to fill out forms!

To be clear: Even if you are a "staple" event and you choose not to fill out the forms, you will not be a part of DC 22! So keep a keen eye on these forums and your email boxes for updates as they occur!

The Contest & Events Team

[TheCotMan]

Re: DEF CON Contests & Events for 2014

(Sticky Set, as requested)

Official RFI for ALL DEF CON Contents and Events are forthcoming in the next 2 - 3 weeks. Anyone who wants to bring back an event or contest, and anyone interested in submitting a new contest or event idea will be REQUIRED to fill out forms!

To be clear: Even if you are a "staple" event and you choose not to fill out the forms, you will not be a part of DC 22! So keep a keen eye on these forums and your email boxes for updates as they occur!

The Contest & Events Team

Playing the role of the shill to help with getting information out to people...

Well, *my* contest has been around since DEF CON 0 (zero) , and I am sparkly short-bus-unicorn-dingle-berry special, do I have to fill out a form, too?

What about events like social gatherings or parties? Should they submit their info elsewhere? Consider QueerCon... the plans suggest an off-site party, which isn't a contest, but could be classified as an event. If a party, would it be something requiring communication with Great Scott! or would they also fill-out one of these forms or both?

What about events like "The DEF CON Shoot" or "Toxic BBQ" which have historically not needed any on-site resources. What would they lose if they didn't fill out the forms? Would they miss-out on being mentioned in the program and main website?

What is wrong with people showing up and being squatters, taking space where they can find it, and running a contest or event without permission? Could this cause problems with other contests that were promised and allocated resources? What else?

What kind of resources could we get access to by going through this online submission form like last year? Could we ask to get a location with AC power? Number of tables? Number of chairs? Mentioned in the program? What about network access?

What is this I hear about "Contest Badges" ? How many do I get to have?

Does running a contest make me a DEF CON goon?

Does running a contest ensure i will get all the [women||men||sheep]?

What if I have a contest that would run before DEF CON officially begins?

What if I need time to setup my table before DEF CON opens?

I think running a contest by myself would be awesome! (It is not.) How long will it take for the the stuff at my table to be stolen or trashed when I leave during normal hours to use a toilet or get food and have nobody to watch my stuff?

I missed the RFI deadline, how much will I have to bribe one of the Contest/Event goons in order to get the resources I want, and which goon should I bribe?

Who is this "Russ" guy we hear people that have been running contests for a long time talking about? Is he Pyr0's uncle or something?

When will I know if I am confirmed to run my contest or event?

I've heard that sometimes, rarely, an event will be set as approved, then this status will be revoked, as more information is required. Has any contest or event ever re-gained status as approved after losing it, but providing the extra information that was requested?

After we get the resources we need, and everything works-out, DEF CON level awesome, where do we send our thank yous?

Is there a Contests/Events FAQ for people new to this? Where is is?

What happens if I claim this ["TheCotMan"||Roamer||Noid||ASTCELL||$ANYONE_NOT_A_ GOON_IN_DEF_CON_CONTESTS_OR_EVENTS] person said I was approved to run a contest?

I hear about vendor tables, and contest tables. Am I allowed to sell stuff at my contest table?

My contest requires liberal use of [fire||fireworks||arc-welding||High Voltage spark-gaps of 2 meters or more||Radioactive Material||BIOWeapons||a jug of wine, duct tape, a garbage bag and two live sheep||.*], it will be approved, right?

Are there any problems with having naked/topless people on the contest floor? Men/Women wearing pasties?

Are you really as good as they say with Google Glas 3D Tetris using street sculptures in San Francisco? This one time, on the Internet, I saw this picture where you were winning.

Who is BATMAN?

[hackajar]

Re: DEF CON Contests & Events for 2014

See official responses Inline below:

Well, *my* contest has been around since DEF CON 0 (zero) , and I am sparkly short-bus-unicorn-dingle-berry special, do I have to fill out a form, too?

A: Yes, even if your contest is older than dirt, it does not exist unless a form is filled out

What about events like social gatherings or parties? Should they submit their info elsewhere? Consider QueerCon... the plans suggest an off-site party, which isn't a contest, but could be classified as an event. If a party, would it be something requiring communication with Great Scott! or would they also fill-out one of these forms or both?

A: Ask yourself this question, "Do I want to be listed in the official DEF CON material, featured in DEF CON sponsored tweets, be allocated resources from DEF CON (space, people, equipment)?" If you answered yes to ANY of these, you will need to fill out a form!

What about events like "The DEF CON Shoot" or "Toxic BBQ" which have historically not needed any on-site resources. What would they lose if they didn't fill out the forms? Would they miss-out on being mentioned in the program and main website?

A: See details mentioned above, if you want DEF CON marketing / acknowledgement of your event, fill out the form!

What is wrong with people showing up and being squatters, taking space where they can find it, and running a contest or event without permission? Could this cause problems with other contests that were promised and allocated resources? What else?

A: Short answer - Firecode, unions, etc. Long Answer - Anything onsite, you can assume someone is paying for. If something is happening onsite, DEF CON may need to pay extra for your shenanigans (Space rental, cleanup, fire code approval, fines, etc.)

What kind of resources could we get access to by going through this online submission form like last year? Could we ask to get a location with AC power? Number of tables? Number of chairs? Mentioned in the program? What about network access?

A: All of the above can be REQUESTED. There is no guarantee that you get everything you ask for! However, there is a 100% chance that your request will be properly reviewed if you ask up front and early!

What is this I hear about "Contest Badges" ? How many do I get to have?

A: During off hours the contest area is a "Secured Area". This badge is so you may get in early to prep your contest. You did not pass GO, you do not collect $200. It is for security purposes only
A: You get a bare min. of badges. We always ask for x and always get x/4 so there is a 100% chance that you ask for 4 and we give you 1. This does NOT mean ask for 16 and you get 4. We will give you a soft number of max approved, after your initial request, but that number is not hard coded.

Example of most likely situation: Our contest has 10 people, it take 4 to set up before con starts, we asked for 5 to have a backup in case someone gets sick/drunk/arrested/missing. Contest Goons find out on site they are short badges from requested, we were pre-approved for 5 but only got 3 as a result

Does running a contest make me a DEF CON goon?

A: No

Does running a contest ensure i will get all the [women||men||sheep]?

A: asked the people who hosted Leetest Link :)

What if I have a contest that would run before DEF CON officially begins?

A: This was common in the single digit DEF CON days, and is always possible. Scavenger Hunt used to have "Items to get before con" as part of their contest. DEF CON Shoot happens on Wed.
Best solution - Just pitch it here or fill out the form as best as possible!

What if I need time to setup my table before DEF CON opens?

There is a space in form for this request. See Also: Contest Badge

I think running a contest by myself would be awesome! (It is not.) How long will it take for the the stuff at my table to be stolen or trashed when I leave during normal hours to use a toilet or get food and have nobody to watch my stuff?

A: How much safety does a parking garage give you when you leave your car there? (NOTE: you actually PAY them for 0 insurance of your car)
But really, a single person contest will be hard to approve. If it does get the green light, we would pair you with a bigger contest (as in space paring) to help mitigate these issues. Still no guarantees on security from staff.

I missed the RFI deadline, how much will I have to bribe one of the Contest/Event goons in order to get the resources I want, and which goon should I bribe?

A: All RFI's submitted pass deadline will need executive approval. I.e. Chief of Staff and/or DT. We can assist, within reason, to get this in front of them, but cannot guarantee that just because they saw it, it will be approved. There is not any guarantee we can even get it in front of them, as they would be busy with preparing stuff that already got approved at that point.

Who is this "Russ" guy we hear people that have been running contests for a long time talking about? Is he Pyr0's uncle or something?

A: What is a Russ? Checked our Contest Goon lexicon and 0 result returned. You need to be aware of, at very least, these three names:
Pyr0 - Head Contest Goon
C0l3slaw - Sr. Contest Goon
Hackajar - Sr. Contest Goon

*For record Russ used to be Head Contest Goon from DC 6 - 16 IIRC


When will I know if I am confirmed to run my contest or event?

A: No later than end of April

I've heard that sometimes, rarely, an event will be set as approved, then this status will be revoked, as more information is required. Has any contest or event ever re-gained status as approved after losing it, but providing the extra information that was requested?

A: We will need full forms, with all details up front. It is possible that some Events & Contests simply cannot get these details. This will create a "case by case" condition, and will be handled as such. We cannot respond to more specific situations at this time.

After we get the resources we need, and everything works-out, DEF CON level awesome, where do we send our thank yous?

A: This is not for public "consumption" you will know where to send these thank yous if you made it that far ;)

Is there a Contests/Events FAQ for people new to this? Where is is?

A: Details coming soon. Also, this post appears to be turning into said document, no?! :D

What happens if I claim this ["TheCotMan"||Roamer||Noid||ASTCELL||$ANYONE_NO T_A_ GOON_IN_DEF_CON_CONTESTS_OR_EVENTS] person said I was approved to run a contest?

A: This is not warp tour, there is no "Kevin Says So" stage. If <insert sr. good> said so, they would have contacted the Contest Goons team. And after they contact us, we will read them the riot act for attempting to circumvent a very carefully planned submission process. And the contest will still probably not be approved.

I hear about vendor tables, and contest tables. Am I allowed to sell stuff at my contest table?

A: Vendor area is a very delicate balancing act. There is probably way more that goes into that, then managing contests. To allow sales in an area not setup for monetary transaction would be pretty foolish of us. Also, past situations does not dictate the future. Any security professional working for a reasonably sized company shoots down this argument twice a week.

My contest requires liberal use of [fire||fireworks||arc-welding||High Voltage spark-gaps of 2 meters or more||Radioactive Material||BIOWeapons||a jug of wine, duct tape, a garbage bag and two live sheep||.*], it will be approved, right?

A: You can ask, but don't be surprised if the answer is no. Further, we will try and be as pragmatic as possible, like any good security professional would. Example, "We need 3-Phase 240 power with a 60A Draw" response, "We can do that, but your contest will be placed in an area with very low traffic, as that is only spot for that kind of request"

Are there any problems with having naked/topless people on the contest floor? Men/Women wearing pasties?

A: We are still within the bounds of a Casino, even in the event center. Simply put, would you dare go directly onto the casino floor like that and there be no response from their security?

Are you really as good as they say with Google Glas 3D Tetris using street sculptures in San Francisco? This one time, on the Internet, I saw this picture where you were winning.

A: You are incorrect, I was losing - http://www.washingtonpost.com/busine...08b_story.html

Who is BATMAN?

A: Savant

[0x58]

Re: DEF CON Contests &amp; Events for 2014

People last year thought they were that sparkly unicorn too ... and they almost didn't get their contest or event approved. I remember sitting with Pyr0 in his office calling people yelling at them to get their shit submitted... this year I hope to not do that!

[Deviant Ollam]

Re: DEF CON Contests &amp; Events for 2014

looks good. please post the official form link as soon as it exists.

suggestion: if at all possible, can the Contest/Event Submission System work in such a way that once someone goes through the whole official proposal, this data gets saved (or at least some of it gets saved... most importantly the contest description and photos or logos) so that future years the organizers need only re-submit the key details and not the long blocks of text?

just to be clear, i don't support an auto-populating of all forms in future years. that leads to laziness and click-through. organizers are at their best when they are re-filling-out certain details each time (such as size, time of day, duration, etc) because those details are subject to change.

[hackajar]

Re: DEF CON Contests &amp; Events for 2014

suggestion: if at all possible, can the Contest/Event Submission System work in such a way that once someone goes through the whole official proposal, this data gets saved (or at least some of it gets saved... most importantly the contest description and photos or logos) so that future years the organizers need only re-submit the key details and not the long blocks of text?
.

Yes! The idea is that contests and events can re-up in future years. We started this process last year and, hopefully, will have it fully baked this year for next year!

[TheCotMan]

Re: DEF CON Contests &amp; Events for 2014

Thanks for all the answers!

I've heard that sometimes, rarely, an event will be set as approved, then this status will be revoked, as more information is required. Has any contest or event ever re-gained status as approved after losing it, but providing the extra information that was requested?

[B]A: We will need full forms, with all details up front. It is possible that some Events & Contests simply cannot get these details. This will create a "case by case" condition, and will be handled as such. We cannot respond to more specific situations at this time.

Sorry about being so vague with that one; I did not want to call out any names of any past events. The purpose of this was to have people understand that if the status of an event goes from "Approved" to "not approved" or "waiting for more information" it does not mean, the event will never, ever be approved. Your answer is spot-on with respect to how it is resolved... each is addressed in a case-by-case basis.
I was hoping to decrease risk of drama by letting organizers know that, historically, sometimes being moved from "approved" to "more info needed" is a result of misleading information in the form, contradictory information from different sources claiming to be involved with planning, or any number of other things, and once these are resolved, it is possible that an event can return to approved. (I know of 2 or 3 events where this happened, and at least 2 provided new information to satisfy planning, and were given the green-light again, even though it sometimes took a while.)

Summary of advice from my PoV as someone that is NOT a contest goon, but has observed the process:
Sometimes a change of status is what it claims to be, and more information is needed. There is no need for contest/event leaders/organizers to assume there is a conspiracy, or the change in status absolutely means their event is a no-go. No need to throw-down flags, "escalate this to DT", or take complaints to social media. Discuss the issue with the DEF CON contest goons first, and be patient, because that has resolved issues in the past, much more quickly than any other route or choice. Also? Don't burn bridges. :-)

More questions:

I've waited until [the last minute || too long] to fill out my form, and Contest Goons are not giving me any answers within minutes of being asked. Are they ignoring me? What is the deal? Are they too busy making plans for DEF CON, and organizing contest space, and drafting map proposals for the fire marshal and getting content for the program plus their normal work and family life outside of DEF CON to immediately pay attention to me?

What advantages exist in getting information about a contest/event to you early, instead of later?

Will there be any space [outside||near the pool] allocated for contests/events like they were at the Rio and Alexis Park?

How do we get our contest information into the information I've seen data-projected in the contest room about contests and events?

I want to run a contest, but have stuff I want to lock-up at night when we go home. Can I get my own room, and keyed access for just me and a second for my contest/event?

One year, I saw they padlocked a room with locks and chains to prevent people from entering. [Black and White Ball room several years ago.] Is this something we can do on our own if we get our own room?

We are running a contest/event that includes booze. Are there any special considerations for this? Is this handled in a case-by-case basis (the answer depends on what, where, how and why)? Is this something we should absolutely include in the form we fill out as something we want to do?

I'd like to run a [poker||blackjack||gambling*] event at DEF CON for [money|prizes] and a cash fee to enter. Can I bring in my own [dealers|employees|volunteers]? Are there are issues with this idea and the hotel/casino that I need to be made aware of? (This idea seems to come up every other year, with the same questions and answers asked, and the planning and work required seems to prevent people from making it happen.)

I'm a jerk-wad, and am going to fill out a request for an event, claiming to be one thing, but then totally go bus route twenty-stupid, max-jerk-wad-special, and cause problems. Can you kick me out at DEF CON, or deny my event even after I was approved using [fraudulent||misleading||inaccurate||omitting] critical information?

How do I get people interested in my contest/event? Will you promote my contest/event for me?

Hope this helps!

-Cot

[hackajar]

Re: DEF CON Contests &amp; Events for 2014

Again - Inline

I've waited until [the last minute || too long] to fill out my form, and Contest Goons are not giving me any answers within minutes of being asked. Are they ignoring me? What is the deal? Are they too busy making plans for DEF CON, and organizing contest space, and drafting map proposals for the fire marshal and getting content for the program plus their normal work and family life outside of DEF CON to immediately pay attention to me?
A: We have expanded the reach of who can respond and make some basic decisions. We hope that this will allow for faster turnaround and less bottlenecks. Remember, you now have three official Goons you can bug here and on twitter :D

What advantages exist in getting information about a contest/event to you early, instead of later?
A: Any details, especially for bigger events, can be baked in and issues resolved quicker. Translation: Your contest/event will probably look more like what you imaged than a contest/event that submits at last min.

Will there be any space [outside||near the pool] allocated for contests/events like they were at the Rio and Alexis Park?
A: Pool area may be requested, but in a very limited capacity. To use numbers, there is a 5% chance of request getting approved. This has more to do with hotel comfort than anything else. Also, that area is "public" during the day, so non-badged people will be in that area. Also, there are heat issues with outside contests/events during sunlight hours.

How do we get our contest information into the information I've seen data-projected in the contest room about contests and events?
A: So long as you filled out the form correctly, your information will be displayed everywhere we use (Monitors, projectors, Twitter, Tumblr, etc.). Also, "Live" data is 100% on you. If you did something cool during your contest and told no one, than it never really happened (see also: tree in the woods)

I want to run a contest, but have stuff I want to lock-up at night when we go home. Can I get my own room, and keyed access for just me and a second for my contest/event?
A: We have the contest "area" that is locked at night, with a full time security officer. We also have a private storage room for contest stuff that is SUPER sensitive. Only hotel and two DEF CON staffers have access to that at night.

NO DUMMIE! I meant I wanted a free hotel room!
A: Sorry, hotel rooms are not available for free to people who run contests.

One year, I saw they padlocked a room with locks and chains to prevent people from entering. [Black and White Ball room several years ago.] Is this something we can do on our own if we get our own room?
A: We will not be handing out custom secure area's just for individual contests or contests that have "caucused" to get a private secure room. Everyone will have an opportunity to store items in the community secured area, which will only have access from DEF CON and hotel staff (see above)

We are running a contest/event that includes booze. Are there any special considerations for this? Is this handled in a case-by-case basis (the answer depends on what, where, how and why)? Is this something we should absolutely include in the form we fill out as something we want to do?
A: You will need to contact us ASAP. There is enough red tape to out jog Forrest Gump in this space. Even before the official form drops, if you plan to have booze, ping us as soon as you read this!

I'd like to run a [poker||blackjack||gambling*] event at DEF CON for [money|prizes] and a cash fee to enter. Can I bring in my own [dealers|employees|volunteers]? Are there are issues with this idea and the hotel/casino that I need to be made aware of? (This idea seems to come up every other year, with the same questions and answers asked, and the planning and work required seems to prevent people from making it happen.)
A: No private gambling is permissible on the entire property (including hotel rooms). We do not govern what happens in hotel rooms, and we do not condone/support anything that happens there either. If you want to host a gambling based contest, we can request the hotel work with you to set this up.

Long Answer: World Poker Tour, WSOP and many other large events actually take place very frequently at Caesar Properties (they own rights to WSOP and it is hosted at Rio each year). Thus, the casino is "capable" of hosting a specialized gambling based event/contest. This does not mean that they will take any idea you submit. I can see something like "DEF CON Invitational Texas Hold'em" where you pair up with either established poker players, or eFamous hackers in some DEF CON only event in the casino. Just ask, and do it early!

I'm a jerk-wad, and am going to fill out a request for an event, claiming to be one thing, but then totally go bus route twenty-stupid, max-jerk-wad-special, and cause problems. Can you kick me out at DEF CON, or deny my event even after I was approved using [fraudulent||misleading||inaccurate||omitting] critical information?
A: This happens more often than you think. Last year, someone actually showed up 2 days late with a half baked contest, stood around for 3 hours, decided they were too cool for running a contest and literally walked out. All while leaving behind posters, items, instructions and rules for us to clean up. We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone. Like in the past, we try to deal with this as diplomatically as possible, but make no mistake, anything that can harm human life, damage property, subject DEF CON to fines, criminal law and litigation will be quashed up quick and in a hurry.

How do I get people interested in my contest/event? Will you promote my contest/event for me?
A: To be frank, if your contest is weak sauce, than we can't "make" people sign-up. However, we will not be a barrier to people not knowing about your contest. We will leverage: DEF CON Forums, Twitter, Blog Posts, RT/HT/MT, InfoBooth, Data inside program handed to every attendee, monitors in hallways, overhead speakers, mentions of event before talks in the tracks (on select basis, bug us to do this for you).

[hackajar]

Re: DEF CON Contests &amp; Events for 2014

RFI for all DEF CON Contests and Events to drop within next 72 hours. Standby!

Also - All official confirmations of Contests and Events will be finalized by May 30th and announced here.

[hackajar]

Re: DEF CON Contests &amp; Events for 2014

In case you missed it, we are now taking submission requests for DEF CON Events, Contests and Villages! If you have not already done so, please swing be http://defcne.net/ to get your submission in!

[eris]

Re: DEF CON Contests &amp; Events for 2014

In case you missed it, we are now taking submission requests for DEF CON Events, Contests and Villages! If you have not already done so, please swing be http://defcne.net/ to get your submission in!

Submitted, thank you.

[Deviant Ollam]

Re: DEF CON Contests &amp; Events for 2014

Lockpick Village, Black Bag contest, and DEFCON Shoot are all submitted. I hear that arose4beni submitted DEAF CON, as well.

I'm assuming roamer doesn't have to submit the Goon Band, unless we wanted a blurb on the site or in the program, right? since the only shows this year are likely to be the 303 party and maybe one other performance (heh, EFF Summit? wink wink, nudge nudge) I don't know if we are listed among the other artists at the B&W ball.

[hackajar]

Re: DEF CON Contests &amp; Events for 2014

I'm assuming roamer doesn't have to submit the Goon Band, unless we wanted a blurb on the site or in the program, right? since the only shows this year are likely to be the 303 party and maybe one other performance (heh, EFF Summit? wink wink, nudge nudge) I don't know if we are listed among the other artists at the B&W ball.

If you would like a "freestanding" event - a show dedicated just to the band - I would recommend someone, probably you since you already have so much in the system, submit it as an "Event". Anything under B&W, 303, theSummit would be handled internally by those events directly.

Personally, I would think a freestanding event would be awesome sauce!

[DarthPraetor]

Android Netrunner Tournament

I was thinking about submitting a request to host a tournament of Android Netrunner LCG. Would like to see if anyone would be interested in this before I proceed. For those who do no know it is a card game based on hacking. I have posted a couple of links, one is from the company who makes it and the other is a video tutorial of how to play. I am looking for enough interest to officially submit an event at DEFCON. I am also looking for one or two gamemasters who are skilled in the game to help with the tournament.

http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/ed...%20Card%20Game

http://youtu.be/VAslVfZ9p-Y

[hackajar]

Re: Android Netrunner Tournament

I was thinking about submitting a request to host a tournament of Android Netrunner LCG. Would like to see if anyone would be interested in this before I proceed. For those who do no know it is a card game based on hacking. I have posted a couple of links, one is from the company who makes it and the other is a video tutorial of how to play. I am looking for enough interest to officially submit an event at DEFCON. I am also looking for one or two gamemasters who are skilled in the game to help with the tournament.

DO IT!

more characters for filter here