DC31 - Badge sharing/transfer

[tghosth]

Hey folks,

I can't find this in any of the FAQs...

If I cannot make it to all of DEF CON, can I transfer my badge to someone else. E.g. I use it on Thursday and Friday and they use it on Saturday and Sunday? Any problems with that? I thought I read somewhere that since COVID badges weren't transferable because of some sort of wristband...?

[number6]

A badge is a token for entry, which works only for one person. There are several places around each DEF CON location where badges are checked.
If you have one badge, you are technically able to wear it to DEF CON, visit stuff, then return to your hotel room, and hand it to someone else, who can then visit things at DEF CON. DEF CON is very much against collecting information about attendees: we cannot give data to law enforcement if we do not have it.

As part of this, we do not have a licence system setup to tie a specific DEF CON 31 badge to a specific person by real name or handle/nickname.
A badge is a badge. If you are finished with it, you are able lend it or give it to someone else and the only people that would know would be you, the recipient and anyone you tell, or they tell.

I hope that helps.


Next, a side mention, for others discovering this thread, thinking it is about transferring a code:

As for transferring a badge "code" (token purchased online that can be exchanged in-person in Las Vegas during DEF CON 31) is difficult if you do not know the person, and they do not know you.

Consider case 1:
Consumer looks to buy a badge code/token someone else says they purchased online.
How can the consumer be sure the code is valid?
Even if valid, how can the consumer be sure the code has not been sold multiple times: the same code sold to several people. If that happens, only the first person to redeem the code gets a badge, and the rest of the people get scammed.

Consider case 2:
Seller wants to sell a badge to someone else that wants to buy it.
Unlike ebay or other similar sales, what insurance exists to ensure you are not scammed? Will you expect money first, before you send the badge? What system of money exchange will be used? Can it be reversed after you ship them the badge code?

Consider case 3:
(This is probably the safest of these 3 examples.)
Buyer and seller meet in-person at DEF CON 31 in Las Vegas. Person with more than one code redeems them all, and sells or trades a physical badge to you.
Obviously, there is still a risk of counterfeit, but you can see other badges, and test it out and compare to "real badges" which might help with validation.

Best case is re-selling to someone you know and trust, which also trusts you.

I do not know the refund window or policy for badges. Last year, there was a small fee before sometime in the middle of July, then a more expensive processing fee after middle of July. YOu could check that option by emailing shop@shop.defcon.org or shop@defcon.org : I do not see a policy published on https://shop.defcon.org/ right now for any kind of refund.


Good luck!

[tghosth]

A badge is a token for entry, which works only for one person. There are several places around each DEF CON location where badges are checked.
If you have one badge, you are technically able to wear it to DEF CON, visit stuff, then return to your hotel room, and hand it to someone else, who can then visit things at DEF CON. DEF CON is very much against collecting information about attendees: we cannot give data to law enforcement if we do not have it.

As part of this, we do not have a licence system setup to tie a specific DEF CON 31 badge to a specific person by real name or handle/nickname.
A badge is a badge. If you are finished with it, you are able lend it or give it to someone else and the only people that would know would be you, the recipient and anyone you tell, or they tell.

Thanks @number6

So if I understand your response correctly, the answer is that there is no problem transferring badges between people as long as only one of them is in the conference at any one time, correct?

Also, apologies as I am new here but when you say "we" are you officially representing DEF CON?

[number6]

Thanks @number6

So if I understand your response correctly, the answer is that there is no problem transferring badges between people as long as only one of them is in the conference at any one time, correct?

Also, apologies as I am new here but when you say "we" are you officially representing DEF CON?

I'm saying there is no way for goons at DEF CON 31 to detect when one person uses a badge, then leaves, and hands it to another person to use it.

I do help with servers at DEF CON, but I do not set policy for DEF CON.

I know of no policies that would indicate it is not allowed for one person to use a badge, then leave DEF CON and give their badge to someone else to attend DEF CON.

I know of people in the past that have done as you described: used a badge for one or two days then had to leave DEF CON, then gave their badge away; it has happened before.

Unlike events where someone buys a ticket for an assigned seat, the DEF CON badge is required for access to any part of DEF CON without assigned seats or assigned resources.

Each person takes responsibility for their badge. If a badge is lost or stolen, a new badge must be purchased if a person wants to gain access to DEF CON again. (That part is similar to a Drivers License: if your drivers license is lost or stolen, you still need to go get in line and pay for a new one, if you want a new one.) A redemption code only works once for the first redemption, and is useless after that.

[tghosth]

Great answer, thanks!