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  • Dark Tangent
    The Dark Tangent
    • Sep 2001
    • 2732

    #1

    DEF CON 32 FAQ -

    DEF CON 32 FAQ
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    This guide will be updated as we learn answers to our questions. If you don’t see an answer to your question please ask and we will do our best to answer.

    THE BASICS
    When is DEF CON 32?
    August 8-11th, 2024

    How much will DEF CON 32 badges cost when purchased with cash in-person?
    We are still learning about the new venue and hope to announce the price in the coming weeks.

    I need to buy a badge online so work will reimburse it.
    When badge sales begin they will be available at https://shop.defcon.org/

    I need a receipt for the badge, I'm buying with cash.
    You will be able to find a DIY receipt on the website, and the media server under DEF CON 32, on August 8th, 2024.

    Where is DEF CON 32?
    Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) West Hall with workshops and training at the Sahara Hotel.
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Las_Ve...vention_Center
    https://www.vegasmeansbusiness.com/meeting-facilities/

    LVCC West Hall
    3150 Paradise Road
    Las Vegas, Nevada 89109

    Sahara Hotel
    https://www.saharalasvegas.com/
    2535 Las Vegas Blvd. South
    Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
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    How much space will we have?
    A lot. We will have all villages, contests, talks and events under one roof. To give you an idea the LVCC space will be about 800k square feet, and the old Caesars Convention Center was about 550k. Unfortunately a direct sqft comparison is not really the best way to measure space in a convention our size, especially given how complex and unique we are, but you will notice the positive difference.

    How will the conference be laid out?
    We will know more on floor-plan after we hold a couple on-site planning meetings in February and March. We will update our public maps on the venue page in the coming months, after coordinating with our content creators.

    I run a contest / event / village, what does this mean for me?
    We have started a separate FAQ for the DEF CON Creators in their planning space.

    What are the hours of DEF CON?
    Doors open each morning at 08:00 and we go to 02:30 in the morning. On Sunday we shut down after the Closing Ceremonies, around 18:00 (Pacific Time Zone)

    DEF CON cash registration and official Merch store will open by 08:00 Thursday the 8th.

    What hotels should we stay in?
    We have a web page with the hotels we currently have a room block with, and we are working to add more hotels in the coming weeks. Please help us by booking at one of these hotels.
    https://defcon.org/html/defcon-32/dc-32-venue.html

    What happens if I made a reservation in the Caesars block?
    Nothing, you are free to keep it, but you may have further to travel to get to the LVCC.

    What is the last day we can cancel our reservations with Caesars Entertainment hotels without an extra fee/fine?
    To avoid forfeiture of deposit, please ensure all changes and cancellations are made at least 72 hours prior to scheduled arrival date.

    Will new hotels charge a "resort fee" on top of quoted price and taxes? What is being offered to people that sign up under the new DEF CON block at the now hotels?
    Each hotel will have separate pricing structures, resort fees, and wifi device limits. As we learn details of our room blocks we will post on the Hotels Page.
    https://defcon.org/html/defcon-32/dc-32-venue.html

    What about DCTV?
    We are currently working the hotel venues to see what is possible, as each hotel has different infrastructure and we are just learning how to work with them. Once we know we will announce and update the hotels page.

    Where can I find a map that shows how we can enter and exit the Las Vegas Convention Center during DEF CON?
    We are working to add several maps & directions to the DEF CON website under our Hotel & Venue page.
    https://defcon.org/html/defcon-32/dc-32-venue.html

    How do I get to the LVCC?
    If you are taking a Taxi go to the West Convention Center entrance: 3150 Paradise Road, Las Vegas, Nevada
    You can find the current taxi fair at: https://www.lasvegashowto.com/taxi-fare
    Currently the taxi cost from the airport to LVCC is speculated at $29.

    If you are walking to the LVCC you will enter via the West Convention Center entrance. You can enter by the north lobby or the main atrium entry doors.

    Are there any pedestrian bridges over streets to get to the convention center? Where?
    Yes, and No. There is a sky bridge crossing paradise road from the north hall to the west hall, but it is really only useful to walk from one end of the LVCC to another.

    Las Vegas Convention Center Loop.
    The Las Vegas Convention Center Loop is an underground transportation system designed to quickly transport passengers throughout the 200-acre Las Vegas Convention Center campus. The system consists of two one-way, .8-mile-long tunnels built to accommodate all-electric Tesla vehicles driving at speeds of up to 35 mph. The LVCC Loop reduces a 25-minute walk to a less than two-minute ride.
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    Attendees can access the LVCC Loop via three stations:
    • West Station – Adjacent to West Hall, this station is located above ground
    • Central Station – Near the Central Hall Main Entrance, this station is located below ground and is accessible via escalator or elevator
    • South Station – Adjacent to South Hall, this station is located above ground

    Las Vegas Monorail
    Hours of operation are Mondays, 7 a.m. to midnight; Tuesday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 2 a.m.; Friday through Sunday, 7 a.m. to 3 a.m.
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    The Las Vegas Monorail provides a quick and convenient connection along the Las Vegas Strip, linking riders to world-class restaurants, shows, shops, day/nightclubs, spas, hotels and casinos. Directly connected to the Las Vegas Convention Center as well as several resort hotels, the Monorail Is the most convenient way to get around the Strip in Just minutes - without the hassles of traffic or wasted time.

    Trains arrive every 4-8 minutes at each of the seven stations: MGM Grand, Bally’s/Paris Las Vegas, Flamingo/Caesars Palace, Harrah’s, The LINQ, Las Vegas Convention Center, Westgate Resort & Casino, SAHARA Las Vegas.

    I'm staying far away. What's the parking situation?
    There is parking available, the closest are the diamond and silver lots. When we learn more about our contracted parking arrangement we will publish it on the hotel & venue page.
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    Will there be any kind of shuttle service from the LVCC to strip hotels?
    No

    What is the smoking policy at the LVCC?
    Smoking is not allowed on the LVCC property, the existing outdoor terraces, or any balconies. Marijuana & tobacco vaping is 100% prohibited, there are uniformed officers with K9 on site trained to smell vaping.

    You will have to go outside completely to smoke. Smoking is allowed in the parking lots and sidewalks.

    What are the LVCC rules regarding contests/parties/shenanigans?
    There will definitely be differences and we expect things to be better for us. We are learning what fees will be to serve alcohol and food.
    If you are looking to throw an event, please fill out the call for parties form.
    https://defcon.org/html/defcon-32/dc-32-cfopp.html

    Can we give away or sell drinks/food/candy at DEF CON?
    Please see above. We don’t know all the rules yet.

    Will DEF CON provide water stations again?
    There are water fountains and modern bottle filling stations throughout all 3 floors of the con space. We will include bottle stations on our floor plan map. Remember to bring your bottles!

    Since we're going to be in one big non-casino space all day, will there still be Chill-out areas with areas to relax and refuel?
    We will have several chill-outs for attendees to sit, rest, hack and or socialize.
    The LVCC West Hall has an exclusive food court for our use during the con.
    The food hall includes options from: Dunkin' Express, Metro Pizza, Brand Burgers & Fries, Fancy Wok Asian Kitchen, Go Natural, The Roost Farm Fresh Chicken.

    Will there be a pool party?
    We are securing a pool. If you are interested in throwing a party or a private pool event please contact exhibitors@defcon.org

    Will the "Secure DEF CON Wifi Network" work the same way?
    The DEF CON NOC will be on the job, and providing secure Wifi.

    To learn more about the NOC please visit: https://noc.defcon.org/

    HEALTH & PANDEMIC QUESTIONS
    What health measures/protocols is DEF CON taking to ensure a safe environment on-site?

    DEF CON is working closely with the venue to provide a safe and healthy experience for all. We will comply with whatever safety measures are required of us.

    How's the air turnover in the LVCC?
    From the LVCC: “The LVCC air filters have a quality rating of MERV 13 and they've increased replacement rate of air filters. The LVCC is also among the first convention centers in the nation to pursue the prestigious GBAC Star Accreditation Program, an accreditation that establishes gold standard cleaning, disinfection and infectious disease prevention protocols that meet or exceed the industry’s highest standards of cleanliness for pathogens like the novel coronavirus.”

    What is your mask policy?
    We will have masks on hand for anyone who needs them as well as a finite number of test kits onsite as well. There will be lists of resources for testing and treatment available in the program and at the Info Booth.Wearing a mask remains the safest option, but with these changes our policy is masks strongly recommended.

    What will room capacity be?
    Room capacity is always set to be capped at fire code standard capacity. In case of changing health and safety recommendations, limits will be reviewed and revised at the direction of Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD).


    What's the Lost and Found policy at DEF CON?
    If someone comes looking for a lost item, dispatch is radio’d to inquire if it’s been reported found. If you can’t find an NFO booth, they are marked on the maps in the printed program, website, and the DEF CON Hacker Tracker App. You can call DEF CON ’s lost and found at 1-725-377-5045.

    LVCC Lost and Found: Central Lobby and West Lobby Security Office. Phone: 702-943-3532 Dispatch closes at the start of DEF CON Closing Ceremonies on Sunday August 11th and all lost items that have not been collected are turned over to the LVCC.

    Will you have working elevators and escalators this time?
    Yes, the LVCC has several banks of elevators and escalators. The Sahara has replaced all of it's elevators as well, everything is shiny and new.

    Do you have ADA or HDA Information?
    The DEF CON 32 HDA Guide will be published at the link below when the team receives new information. https://defcon.org/html/links/dc-hda.html

    All hotels are ADA accessible and have staff available to assist attendees before and during the convention. Registered service animals are welcomed by all hotels, and relief areas are provided. These areas are marked on the HDA maps. If you require assistance with hotel issues you may contact any DEF CON Goon, the DEF CON information desk, or the appropriate point of contact for the hotel.

    Where can I find general ADA assistance for the Las Vegas Convention Center?
    Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority
    ADA Coordinator
    702-892-0711
    Nevada Relay Service
    Voice: 1-800-326-6888 or Dial 711
    TTY/ASCII/HCO: 1-800-326-6868 or Dial 711

    Follow the link for the LVCC Guide for visitors with special needs.
    https://www.vegasmeansbusiness.com/p...eeds-visitors/

    Where can I find interpretation services?
    Should you require audio, video or personal interpretation services please contact American Language at 1-800-951-5020

    Do you have a plan in case of evacuation?
    Customer safety staff at the LVCC is trained to handle emergency situations, they are operational 24 hours a day and become the communications center and command post in the event of an emergency. DEF CON will be working closely with the LVCC customer safety staff for to strategize an emergency action plan. We will update the venue page with emergency exit information as it becomes available.

    Will any of the "Call For Everything" deadlines be changes as a result of the new venue?
    Calls for Papers, Workshops, Demo Labs, and Policy talks were postponed and expected to launch February 15 2024.
    https://defcon.org/html/defcon-32/dc-32-cfi.html

    Will any deadlines change for content creators?
    No deadlines are set to change.

    What's the theme for DEF CON 32?
    Our official theme is here: https://defcon.org/html/defcon-32/dc-32-theme.html​​
    Last edited by Dark Tangent; February 4, 2024, 20:48.
    PGP Key: https://defcon.org/html/links/dtangent.html
  • Cyph3r
    Pro Time Traveller
    • Sep 2013
    • 40

    #2
    Excellent write up! Do you have a timeframe for when room blocks may be available? Weeks? Couple of months? Hell, we could rent an RV and party in the parking lot National Lampoons style.

    Comment


    • number6
      number6 commented
      Editing a comment
      As a guess, maybe there is a 40% chance of new hotel room blocks for new rates in at least 1 other hotel could start appearing by the end of next week, but I would *expect* the primary focus is on the new venue and details to make that work. Then, each following week, the chances for at least one hotel room blocks would increase, and...

      Any unexpected issues with venue work could postpone work on new hotel room blocks and then getting links/information available to attendees.

      As for the parking lot, and parking an RV there... I do not have details on if the parking lot will have "open" and "closed" times to be a match or off-set to any "open" and "closed" times of the LVCC (Las Vegas Convention Center) or parts of the LVCC.

      Details about being able to use the LVCC parking lot for social events might have contractual issue.

      Questions about using the parking lot for social events, tailgate parties, etc. are good for the FAQ: I do not think this question has come up yet with the LVCC parking lot, so congrats on "first!" :-)

      Also, questions about when the parking will be open/closed to be able to park, or drive cars out of the parking lots are also good questions for the FAQ... that was an issue a long time ago at one of the parking lots associated with a hotel we used, but not other parking lots with the same hotel.
      Last edited by number6; February 7, 2024, 22:02.
  • d0gt3n
    Member
    • Mar 2020
    • 1

    #3
    Can we reasonably assume Sahara will have DCTV channels?

    Comment

    • Delchi
      DEF CON HDA Coordinator
      • Aug 2006
      • 159

      #4
      HDA HEADS UP : The Loop provides transportation using Tesla Sedans. If you have ADA needs the Loop may NOT be able to accommodate you .

      The basic rule is , if you can get in and out of a taxi and/or your assistive devices can fit in a taxi you will be OK. As of now there are no transportation options for power wheelchairs or scooters. They have looked into it, but have nothing in place as of right now.

      Comment

      • Mosse
        Member
        • Jan 2024
        • 1

        #5
        I need a visa invitation letter and a name of a contact person and the address. How can I ask for it?

        Comment


        • number6
          number6 commented
          Editing a comment
          " I need a visa invitation letter and a name of a contact person and the address. How can I ask for it? "
          This is covered in the FAQ:
          https://defcon.org/html/links/dc-faq/dc-faq.html

          Choose "find on page" and search for " I need a letter of invite for my visa application, how do I get that?"

          That should provide you with the necessary information required to include in an email message to request VISA-related invite letter, and which email address to send it.

          Lately, some of the same people that work on those letters are buy with extra work caused by the last-minute change in venue for DEF CON 32. Usual historic wait was about 1 week. Now it could be more than 3 weeks before you get a reply.

          Good luck!
          Last edited by number6; February 12, 2024, 11:12.
      • Foust
        Member
        • Jul 2022
        • 5

        #6
        Is there a mother's room in the west hall and if so, how do I get a key to access it? Is there a sink in the room or a bathroom adjacent?

        Comment

        • guelo
          Cybersecurity student
          • Apr 2024
          • 2

          #7
          Are there any discounts for students? If not, please consider discounts for students in the future. Thank you!

          Comment


          • number6
            number6 commented
            Editing a comment
            I do not know of any options for reduced rates for students or journalists, or vendors, or teachers, or bulk purchase, or government employees, or any other group or selection.

            The only option I know about which has *historically* existed is that ever since online purchase was possible, the in-person cash price was slightly cheaper than online purchase of a code that is redeemed in-person only for a badge. (There was something similar to this around DEF CON 5 and earlier at a reduced price, before online sales was a thing, but that was abandoned due to problems.)

            There have been options for people to receive a "free" badge as a form of compensation for various activities...

            Historically, people that are selected to present talks in the main speaker tracks have received an option to claim a "free" Human badge in addition to a "Speaker" badge. Some speakers sell their Human badge or give it away. (This has primarily, historically been for main speaker track talks, NOT talks in villages, or other space)

            People who have earned a "Black Badge" or an "Uber Badge" from previous DEF CON have also been able to use that badge to claim a
            Human badge each year, but this badge feature is not transferable. Almost all Black Badges have been earned through winning 1st place in selected contests. The advantage of free entry associated with a Black Badge / Uber Badge appears to NOT be transferable, so buying an Uber Badge from someone else probably won't help you towards your goal.

            People that run official Villages, and maybe some official contests might also get a small number of Village or Human badges for the people that run these, but they probably recruit more people than they have badges, so just because a village or other official content providing group selects you as a volunteer does not mean they will get you a "free" badge, and they will almost certainly expect you to work their content.

            There are occasionally pre-DEF-CON contests which include prizes for "free" entry for one or more winners. One example has been the DEF CON
            Creative Writing Contest. It might return for DEF CON 32. It might not return. It may not have badge prizes, or it might. There may be other pre DEF CON contests with prizes of badges for this coming DEF CON. Again, I am only commenting on the past, not the future.

            Then the last group are the "Goons" (official DEF CON volunteers) to get free entry to DEF CON for the volunteer work they do at DEF CON. People that look to become Goons require a need for their service and a spot for them to take, and almost all goons start as "New Goons" that pay to attend as Humans, and shadow one or more Goons to see if they really want to do it, see what would be required, and get a chance to become a full goon the following year. Almost all people that become Goons have been to multiple DEF CON, and know other goons well enough to be vouched-for by them.

            If a department has no need for any new goons, then that is a non-starter for that department. Most departments recruit from people they know and have had experience with, or from people vouched for by those that are already goons. Each Goon department has their own process for recruitment.

            Outside of DEF CON are sometimes options for subsidized entry to DEF CON.

            One example has been from WISP. Here is there announcement from last year:
            https://twitter.com/wisporg/status/1636079099923013633
            And more from last year:
            https://www.wisporg.com/blog-posts/2...f-con-scholars
            https://vn.linkedin.com/posts/davide...913653249-NSCj

            The ADA Initiative might have also had a similar option for people that met their criteria. They seem to have an option to donate towards scholarships, but I don't see details. Maybe you will have more luck.

            Even further back in time, you have a claim of corporate sponsorship of a scholarship to a university for students to attend DEF CON: (10
            years ago, 2014)
            https://www.starkstate.edu/public/sy...cholarship.pdf

            Use your favorite search engine to search for "DEF CON scholarship" or "DEF CON subsidies" or "DEF CON incentives" to see if you can find entities offering subsidies for people that meet their preferred criteria as non-DEF-CON organizations.

            You could also try to seek out local businesses in your area to sponsor people at your school to attend DEF CON, and then maybe help yourself and others out with sponsorship to visit and participate in DEF CON.

            Again, I wrote the above about the past, which is no guarantee for future plans at DEF CON this year.

            Good luck!
            Last edited by number6; April 16, 2024, 10:44.
        • nocturnal
          Member
          • May 2024
          • 2

          #8
          Are we likely to see another Sahara block open?

          Comment

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