FAQ
New to DEF CON Groups? Start here.
What are DEF CON Groups?
Local community-run meetups that extend the DEF CON experience year-round.
Who can attend?
Anyone. You do not need to be a professional hacker or security expert. Curiosity is enough.
Do I have to be a hacker?
No. Many members work in security or tech, but plenty come from other backgrounds. The hacker mindset is about curiosity and problem solving.
What happens at a typical meeting?
Talks, workshops, challenge nights, social networking, project show-and-tell, or open discussion. It varies by group.
What if there is no group in my area?
Start one yourself, or look for nearby groups and virtual meetups. The Start a Group page walks you through the process.
Can there be multiple groups in one region?
The team reviews local service areas and overlap with existing groups. Explain the distinct community or geographic need in your application; a separate group is subject to review.
Still have questions?
Choose a topic on the contact page to prepare an email to the department.