Hi,
This was my first year attending and I had a few issues that might help you to improve things for your conference next year. While I enjoyed most of the conference the places things could improve are the following:
#1. Bandwidth
#2. Network login information was incorrect in some places, and instructions on how to get into the secure network were not clear. Verbal instructions were not correct.
#3. If you could integrate the side events from the seminars in a timeline that would help people figure out where they wanted to go the most.
#4. Evening events could have been better presented. I had no idea what they were ...some pictures may have helped?
#5. The goons stopped me from taking pictures and asked me to delete one that I took of the information desk because I didn't ask permission to take pictures! Say WHAT? I thought you wanted pics of Defcon to be posted? I don't think I will post the ones I took now.
#6. The price of food in RIO frosted my balls. I know I could leave or bring my own in, but with that many people I have to wonder if you could negotiate a better discount. Yes I seen the coupons. They could have been better.
#7. downloading of files and materials could have been made easier. I had troubles. Instructions weren't always clear.
The HAM guys were the stand outs for me. AWESOME guys! I appreciate all they did to bring license exams to the event. I wish they had a place set up with equipment and more seminars, live broadcasting from the event etc.
The bitching above was minor stuff and just suggestions on improvements for next year. I enjoyed the event and got a lot out of it and I thank you all for all you did to make it happen.
1) Frame your shots tight on your subject(s) who you have permission from.
2) Use a wall to backdrop your subject(s) and ensure no cross traffic is visible
3) These policies apply to humans as well as press.
On the food note: Bring your own (walmart is a cab ride away). There were fridges in the rooms. I found the food price to be OK (reg restaurant prices).
Oh...NEVER EVER CONNECT TO ANY NETWORK AT DEFCON AND THINK IT WAS SECURE.
If you connected to an AP and the WPA2-Enterprise (radius) creds you supplied did not work ... chances are it was not the legit AP and your creds just got harvested. Use the wired network instead...or better yet... don't connect to the internet at all. The only reason I bust out my top is to enjoy in all the network feckery... not to check my home email.
Hope to see you next year,
-blak