Once again one of the most famous conventions dealing with hacking and security is being held in that paradise of the desert known as Las Vegas, Nevada. This year we plan to visit Defcon to take in the presentations, carouse the vendor booths, possibly participate in some hacker jeopardy or maybe some Capture The Flag. It is doubtful we will have a booth for selling t-shirts and other items due to our funding being tied up with HFXcon and other projects. We may end up bringing some shirts and mugs to donate as prizes for contests won during the convention so be on the lookout. Aside from the convention functions, this year will probably turn out to be the highest concentration of HFX staff an affiliates in one place since our founding year. Feel free to look us up and pay us a visit if you like.

If you are interested in attending the convention yourself, we have listed below some information that may prove to be useful to you.

This year the convention will span from July 28th through July 30th. The entry fee is $50 which is the same as last year. If you are skeptical about paying it because you are worried it may not be worth that much, take our word for it, it definitely is. The convention will be held at the same location as last year which is the Alexis Park Hotel across the street from the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Rooms range in price from roughly $65 all the way up to around $200 per night depending on the size you choose. You can get yourself a two bed suite for about $85 which you can fit 4 people in comfortably. Information on the hotel is below.

Alexis Park Hotel - http://www.alexispark.com/

375 E Harmon Ave. - Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
Phone (702) 796-3300
FAX (702) 796-0766

Hints and tips if this is your first visit to Defcon:

• You may want to take notes at some point during the convention, bring yourself a small notebook. Don't be ashamed as many people often do.

• If you want to get images of all the events, bring along a small video, digital or handheld camera. If you do however, be courteous and try not to photograph anyone who doesn't want their image on film. Based on past experiences, we noticed many people don't react well when they get their face caught on film without permission.

• Bring loads of cash. There are always many vendors that turn up at Defcon. You want to be sure you have plenty of cash to buy what you want because they don't take checks or credit cards. Also, as well as it being a $50 entry fee, the food isn't free either so if you plan to eat bring enough along.

• Go to an ATM before you go to the convention hall. Yes there is an ATM in the lobby of the hotel, but chances are it will be broken after the first few hours.

• Get there about a half a day ahead of time. Try to make it there the Thursday afternoon before the conventions opening day. There is always a huge crowd at the check-in counter the night before so give yourself some time allotted for checking in.

• If you have a laptop computer at your disposal, take it with you. Even if you don't participate in the Capture the Flag event you can still browse the net while not listening to speakers.

• Bring a bathing suit. There are 3 large swimming pools and 3 hot tubs available for use in the courtyard. You don't necessarily need to be a guest of the hotel to use them either. If you are worried someone might make fun of you because you don't have the sexiest body in the world, don't. It isn't worth missing out on the fun of talking about computer related subject matter while sitting in a relaxing hot tub.

• Don't take incriminating evidence with you. Fed's hang out at these conventions. Tons at Defcon alone, so why would you want to bring along any information that may prove you fractured a law or two. It isn't a wise idea even if you think you can use it to prove to everyone you're "l33t". Nobody cares if you password fished an AOL account or re-arranged a website in honor of your ex-girlfriend. The only thing that will impress people is intelligent conversation.

• Be sociable. This is a place to have enjoy yourself, learn new things and make some friends as well. If you confine yourself to your hotel room when you aren't listening to any of the speakers you won't get to know anyone.

• Have Fun! This is probably the most important advice we can give. What use is there in learning new things if you cant have fun in the process.