DEFCON 34 is only a few weeks away!
Will be held Aug. 6-9, 2026 at LVCC West Hall (Las Vegas Convention Center, West Hall).
Historically, when DEFCON changes location, attendance continues to get fairly large.
As people get more comfortable with where the venue is located, hotel locations, etc., attendance at DEFCON grows:
DEFCON 27 2019: Approx. 30,000 attendees
DEFCON 28 2020: Virtual due to Covid concerns, switched to "Safe Mode". No in person attendance.
DEFCON 29 2021: estimated 6,500 to 13,000 1st year after Covid (hovering between (1/4) to (1/2) of normal.) (Paris & Ballys hotels)
DEFCON 30 2022: estimated at 27,000 (Caesars's Forum, Flamingo, Harrah's and Linq)
DEFCON 31 2023: Roughly 24,000 attendees
DEFCON 32 2024: right around 27,000 (first year at LVCC West Hall)
DEFCON 33 2025: between 26,000 to 30,000 attendees
This year at DEFCON 34, it is expected to be as much as last year or more. New Villages, talks, events and a great time is expected.
As in the last few years, I will be there offering challenges during Line Con, Hall Con and other areas. If you see me, stop me and ask for a challenge. If you get the challenge right, you will win a prize.
Also, find me to be challenged for the CyberFreek DC 34 Black Badge. The challenge consist of 25 questions and are allowed to get 5 questions wrong or 15 questions and get 5 wrong as well. The size of the badge is based upon the number you choose!
This year's CyberFreek Black Badge is a device that IS needed during DEFCON. It's a device that helps one gain inspiration in many forms. Trust me, you want one of these!
Looking forward to seeing you at DC34 in August !
Cheers!
CyberFreek
Addendum:
Please be aware that hotels in Las Vegas are aware that large groups of Hackers will be attending DEFCON. This means that they "may" of may not hand you a notice that they retain the right to do periodic room checks. This means that they are looking for devices left out doing recon of any type. IF they find these items in your rooms, you may be arrested, have your reservations cancelled, devices confiscated or anything else that they believe will help protect their properties.
Don't be dumb and leave your devices out to be discovered by Hotel Security and/or staff. Especially, do NOT show off or leave out any Flipper Zeros as that they are hypersensitive to what these devices can do in the wrong hands. I always lock up anything I bring with me no matter what it may be. Put it back into your suitcases, knapsack or duffle bag!
This is also true for any BADGE you Buy at DEFCON, including the DC Badge! While you need the badge to be worn during DEFCON and to attend, many people put these back in their room to hang out in Las Vegas. DO NOT leave these out in your room!
Remember, the Hotel Security employs people specifically trained to look for anything electronic, on OR off ! Don't ruin your trip with the Hotel Staff calling you out for what they think is a hacking device. The chance to explain or demonstrate that it's not what they think gets really small because of their hypersensitivity towards Hackers.
I heard that one person was arrested for leaving a Raspberry Pico Pi out on a table that was not connected nor turned on! Be smart, store away your electronics before you leave the room !