DEF CON 34 runs August 6 to 9 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. It is the world’s largest hacker conference.
The 2026 edition carries the theme “Agency.” It brings together villages, contests, workshops, and the community’s premier Capture The Flag.
Cybersecurity / Hacking / Villages / Community | Thu, Aug 6 – Sun, Aug 9, 2026 | In-person, Las Vegas, USA | Upcoming event | Hosted by DEF CON Communications
About The Event
DEF CON is the world’s largest and best-known hacker convention. It is hosted by DEF CON Communications and was founded in June 1993. Jeff Moss, known as The Dark Tangent, created the event.
The conference has run annually in Las Vegas for over three decades. It brings together security researchers, hackers, journalists, lawyers, and government employees.
Attendees share one interest: anything that can be hacked. The conference covers software, hardware, conference badges, and much more.
DEF CON runs alongside Black Hat USA each August. Together they form what the community calls Hacker Summer Camp. DEF CON 34 follows directly after Black Hat USA 2026.
What Usually Happens At DEF CON?
DEF CON is organized around Villages, Contests, Workshops, and Demo Labs. Villages focus on specific topics like AI, IoT, and privacy. Content comes through an open call for papers, not a marketed keynote roster.
The event is famous for its hands-on, community-driven culture. Live hacking contests and the flagship Capture The Flag run throughout. Talks, workshops, parties, and music round out the experience.
When Is DEF CON 34 Taking Place?
DEF CON 34 runs Thursday, August 6 to Sunday, August 9, 2026. The venue is the Las Vegas Convention Center West Hall. Tickets are available at the official DEF CON shop.
DEF CON 34 Latest Updates
The theme, badge, workshops, and lodging are confirmed. Details below come directly from the official DEF CON channels.
Theme Confirmed As Agency
DEF CON 34’s theme is Agency. The theme frames the 2026 edition’s programming and creative direction. It continues DEF CON’s tradition of annual themes.
Hardware Badge Confirmed
DEF CON 34 features an electronic badge. A hardware hacking legend designed it. Organizers describe it as a full inspectable platform, not just a badge.
Workshop Registration Opened July 14
Workshop registration went live at noon PDT on July 14, 2026. Spots were first come, first served. The full course lineup is on the DEF CON 34 workshops page.
Hotel Room Blocks Filling Fast
Room blocks at Fontainebleau, Sahara, and Wynn and Encore are sold out. Discounted blocks remain at Circus Circus, Embassy Suites, and others. Full lodging details are on the DEF CON 34 venue page.
Main Areas At DEF CON 34
DEF CON 34 is organized around community-run areas rather than a keynote track. Villages, contests, and workshops anchor the program.
Villages
Villages are focused, topic-specific spaces. They include the AI Village, IoT Village, and Crypto Privacy Village. Each runs its own talks and hands-on activities.
Contests And CTF
Contests are central to DEF CON culture. The flagship Capture The Flag is the premier hacking competition. A CTF qualifier round preceded the main event.
Workshops
Workshops offer hands-on skill-building. Registration opened in July on a first come, first served basis. Courses cover a range of security topics.
Demo Labs And Talks
Demo Labs showcase community tools and projects. Talks come through an open call for papers. This keeps content driven by the community itself.
Event Experiences
DEF CON 34 is an immersive, community-driven hacker gathering. It combines technical depth with a distinct culture and social scene.
Villages And Hands-On Hacking
Villages give attendees hands-on hacking experiences. Each focuses on a specific domain like AI or hardware. They are the heart of the DEF CON experience.
Contests And Competitions
Live contests run across the weekend. The Capture The Flag draws elite teams. Many smaller contests welcome all skill levels.
The DEF CON Badge
The electronic badge is a DEF CON tradition. The 2026 badge is a full inspectable hardware platform. Badge hacking is a beloved part of the culture.
Music And Parties
DEF CON has a strong social and music scene. DEF CON Music announced its confirmed artist lineup. Parties and gatherings run throughout the nights.
Why DEF CON 34 Matters
DEF CON is the world’s largest and most influential hacker conference. It is the community counterpart to Black Hat’s professional program. Together they anchor Hacker Summer Camp each year.
The event concentrates independent researchers and villages in one week. Its open, hands-on culture shapes the security community.
For Security Researchers
DEF CON offers a stage for independent research. The open call for papers welcomes community voices. Researchers connect with peers across every domain.
For Hackers And Hardware Enthusiasts
Villages and badge hacking serve hardware enthusiasts. Hands-on areas reward curiosity and experimentation. It is a home for the broader hacker community.
For CTF And Contest Players
DEF CON hosts the community’s premier CTF. Contests span every skill level. It is a proving ground for competitive hackers.
For Students And Newcomers
DEF CON welcomes students and first-timers. Villages and workshops offer approachable entry points. The community culture supports learning.
Venue
Las Vegas Convention Center West Hall, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
The Las Vegas Convention Center is a major venue in Las Vegas. DEF CON 34 is held in its West Hall.
The venue offers the scale for DEF CON’s villages, contests, and 30,000-plus attendees. It sits centrally in Las Vegas, near many conference hotels.
Registration And Access
DEF CON keeps registration simple and famously cash-friendly at the door. Pre-registration runs through late July on the official shop, and cash LineCon remains available on site. Tickets and details are at the official DEF CON site.
| Access Type | Details | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| General Admission | Full access to villages, contests, talks | $520 USD cash at the door |
| Pre-Registration | Advance ticket via official shop | Through late July |
| Workshops | Separate first come, first served registration | Opened July 14 |
DEF CON is famously cash-friendly at the door; confirm current details on the official DEF CON site.
FAQs About DEF CON 34
The answers below come from the official DEF CON channels.
What Is DEF CON And Who Is It For?
DEF CON is the world’s largest hacker conference. It is for security researchers, hackers, students, journalists, and more. Attendees share an interest in anything that can be hacked.
When And Where Does DEF CON 34 Take Place?
It runs August 6 to 9, 2026, at the Las Vegas Convention Center West Hall. It follows directly after Black Hat USA 2026.
What Is The DEF CON 34 Theme?
The 2026 theme is “Agency.” It frames the edition’s programming and creative direction. Themes are a DEF CON tradition.
How Much Is A Ticket?
General admission is $520 USD, cash at the door. Pre-registration runs through late July on the official shop. Cash LineCon remains available on site.
What Are Villages And Contests?
Villages are focused, topic-specific spaces like the AI and IoT Villages. Contests include the flagship Capture The Flag. Both are central to the DEF CON experience.
How Does DEF CON Relate To Black Hat?
DEF CON runs right after Black Hat USA each August. Together they form Hacker Summer Camp. DEF CON is the community counterpart to Black Hat’s professional event.
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