DEF CON 32 Was Canceled. We Un-Canceled it.

[Dark Tangent]

DEF CON was canceled. We un-canceled it.

After a great 25 year relationship Caesars abruptly terminated their contract with DEF CON, leaving us with no venue for DC 32, and just about seven months to Con!

We don’t know why Caesars canceled us, they won’t say beyond it being a strategy change and it is not related to anything that DEF CON or our community has done. This kind of no-notice cancellation of a contract is unheard of in the conference business. The parting is confusing, but amicable.

So now we have a challenge. Without a venue, will we be able to UN-Cancel DEF CON 32 before time runs out?

Hackers are flexible. We find solutions. We need a space that can handle an event our size, and configurable enough to accommodate our content. We need a location close to our announced dates, and with super short notice... No small feat.

We immediately scrambled a venue strike team to Las Vegas. Floors were walked. Meetings were held. Hands were shook and options weighed. When the smoke cleared, the field narrowed to one obvious choice and we began forging the requisite agreements.

W00T! DEF CON Is UN-CANCELED!

DEF CON 32 will still be August 8-11 2024, but now held at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) with workshops and training at the Sahara.

DEF CON 32 will be an adventure where we can try things not possible in our old Casino Hotel spaces. What specifically you ask? Well we are still learning all the specifics but we will have more space, a proper food court, and the largest indoor venue LCD wall in the country.
There are still many questions to be answered, and we have started a live FAQ section on the Forums for DEF CON 32 where we will be updating questions and answers. The initial FAQ is located here: https://forum.defcon.org/node/248358

I look forward to seeing everyone this summer, the start of a new DEF CON era!

The Dark Tangent

P.S. We made shirts and stickers:
https://shop.defcon.org/products/def...d-mens-t-shirt
https://shop.defcon.org/products/def...ed-sticker-set

[SaitoH]

Thank you very much for the transparency!

[badkobold]

Caesars has been a bad-faith partner for years.

Holy shit! Everything (almost) under one roof?! Fuck yes! Long over-due.

Which property is DC using to book all the rooms? We want to be near the action-- and not have to worry about being in the wrong hotel property.

[number6]

Some of the questions about hotels are answered in https://forum.defcon.org/node/248358 and it is possible DEF CON Hotel Registration Links may become available in the future.
It is likely the FAQ will be altered as new questions are asked and answers are provided.

[badkobold]

Appreciate it. I missed it in DT 's post.

Clearly I suck at reading. Lol!

[tank88]

The area for talks will need noise cancelation to make this work. It will be tricky with false walls.

[altarr]

Caesars has been a bad-faith partner for years.

Holy shit! Everything (almost) under one roof?! Fuck yes! Long over-due.

Which property is DC using to book all the rooms? We want to be near the action-- and not have to worry about being in the wrong hotel property.

anything on the monorail will be your best bet

[drinkwater]

Appreciate the transparency, still super excited for DEF CON 32!!!

[dmr]

I've attended (and helped produce) many things at LVCC. They have a LOT of space. Particularly with the new West Halls.

I'll most likely stay at the Sahara, which is actually very nice and laid-back. Less crowded and zooey than the CET tract on the Strip, and much better beverage prices in the casino.

LOL, just remember to give enough space for Hacker Jeopardy! :)

[Deviant Ollam]

Whoa, look at this... yer boi is comin' out of forum retirement to post in this thread, heh.

Thank you so much to DT, Nikita, and literally everyone on the team who cleared this unfortunate hurdle. I made this week's video about the news story and -- more importantly -- a lot of on-the-ground knowledge concerning places that people might want to get their rooms this summer, etc. Enjoy! 👍😁👍

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NdCt0DmDFk

[Michels]

We are really fortunate to have high quality Defcon staff and the venue strike team as DT called it. Good job everyone and thank you.