💾 TCP Bytes #3: 7 Tips for Getting the Most out of Hacker Summer Camp.. or Any Conference Really
💾 TCP Bytes #3: 7 Tips for Getting the Most out of Hacker Summer Camp.. or Any Conference Really
Introduction
It's August 1st and for many of us in the security community, that means it's time for our annual trek to Las Vegas for "Hacker Summer Camp". A jam-packed week of four major cybersecurity conferences: The Diana Initiative, DEF CON, BSides LV, and BlackHat. If you’d like to learn how it all got started and what’s at the core of Hacker Summer Camp, check out this DEF CON documentary!
While each conference offers its own unique perspective and value, it's crucial to approach the week with intention. Whether you’re a founder looking to source leads and get product feedback, or you’re a student excited to learn about the latest security research, the key to maximizing your experience is having a solid game plan.
With this being my 5th time attending Hacker Summer Camp and having attended around 50 conferences in total, I believe I've gathered some insights that could help anyone—from a first-timer to a seasoned attendee—make the most of their conference experience. So without further ado, let's dive in!
Tip #1: Plan Ahead
While BSides, the Diana Initiative, and BlackHat are held in a single venue, DEF CON is not. It’s spread across three venues with over 30K attendees in the sweltering summer Las Vegas heat. For each of these conferences, there are numerous talks, workshops, villages, parties, and other activities happening simultaneously. It’s easy to get FOMO, it’s easy to become socially drained, and it’s easy to feel lost and confused. All of this can be mitigated with a plan.
Review the schedule ahead of time and prioritize the sessions you want to attend. People are releasing cutting-edge research, tools and sharing confidential hacker stories. If you’re like me, there are some talks that you just can’t miss! Planning helps ensure that you don’t. Lastly, realize that you won’t be able to do it all and leave space for impromptu meetups, networking, and rest.
Tip #2: Carry Essential Gear
What to carry on your person varies on who you are and what you're keen on doing at the conference. I always make sure to carry a backpack with a few essentials including my laptop, a notebook, pens, light snacks, a battery pack, and device chargers. I also make sure to wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Most importantly, I always keep a refillable water bottle. Staying hydrated is key, especially in the dry Las Vegas desert.
Tip #3: Network
In today’s remote-first work environment, we very sparingly get the opportunity to connect with like-minded people in person so don't be shy about introducing yourself to others. Exchange ideas, discuss the latest trends in cybersecurity, ask the presenter questions, go out for dinner with a group, go to networking events, etc. You never know, you might meet your business partner, future employer, or mentor at DEF CON. If you’re an introvert, check out this post for more tips.
Tip #4: Buddy Up
Hacker Summer Camp can be a whirlwind, especially for newcomers. Having a buddy along for the ride – someone to grab a meal with, check out talks, or explore events – can really elevate the whole experience. It's about enjoying good company, feeling safe in the Las Vegas madness, and sharing those memorable 'aha!' moments. On the flip side, if you see someone roaming alone that looks lost, don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation and ask if they need any help. Again, summer camp can get overwhelming and if you can help others out, please do. This is the core of the buddy system for me.
Tip #5: Explore Vendor Areas
Take time to visit the vendor areas. I know that it can be super salesy with people jumping at you from seemingly every booth to scan your badge but It's a great opportunity to learn about innovative cybersecurity products and tools. You can guarantee yourself that you’ll meet great people, pick up some nice swag, and my favorite of all, score some discounts on NoStarchPress books @ DEF CON :)
Tip #6: Explore Beyond the Conferences
If you have the time, check out what Las Vegas has to offer. My personal favorites are visiting Omega Mart in Area 15 and fitting in a trip to the spa for some decompression. This year, I’m really looking forward to seeing The Sphere light up at night.
Tip #7: Follow the Code of Conduct
While yes, there’s a lot of fun to be had at Hacker Summer Camp, people should always follow the code of conduct for each conference. DEF CON, for example, has a strong community ethos and a code of conduct that attendees are expected to follow. They have goons who enforce these policies with a stiff hand. At the core of their code of conduct is respect for others' privacy and a commitment to creating a harassment-free environment. Simply put, don’t be an asshole.
Bonus: Arsenal and DEF CON Villages
BlackHat Arsenal is where researchers and the open-source community release and showcase their latest open-source tools and products in an interactive way. This is a great opportunity to learn about new tools, meet the creators, and see the tools in action. Learn more about BlackHat Arsenal here.
While the DEF CON main tracks have amazing talks that often make the news headlines, I think the magic really happens in the villages. There are 20+ villages that span a variety of industries and technologies, you can find the full list here.
This year I’m really looking forward to the AI hacking event at the AI Village. Anthropic, Google, HuggingFace, Meta, NVIDIA, OpenAI, and Stability, have all provided models for some of the world’s top red teamers and pen testers to attack and find vulnerabilities. This will be the largest AI red team effort ever and there will be observers from the White House, NIST, NSF, and the EU. I’m really looking forward to this one.
Conclusion
Prepping for Hacker Summer Camp can be exhilarating and overwhelming at the same time. There’s so much to learn, do, see, and experience and if you go in without a plan, you may not get the most out of the experience. That said, do your research, pack well, and get out of your comfort zone! I’ll be in town just for DEF CON this year so if you see me, come say hello!