$ Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about DEF CON Groups, answered.

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?⌄

Yes. Large metro areas can have more than one group, sometimes with different focuses.

Still have questions?

Use the contact page and pick the template that fits your question best.