Conclusion

As the convention wore on, I could tell that it was taking a toll on attendees. The lobby of the Alexis Park looked like a graveyard of dead hackers, as many were passed out from the talks, drinking and general lack of sleep.

For only $80 USD, the Defcon convention is a great event to attend, if you are willing to accept a few problems. First, you may not get into the talk you want because seating is limited. Long lines make attendees wait 30 minutes or more for some of the more popular talks. In many cases, you are waiting in the 100+ degree heat of Las Vegas.

Meeting people and making friends is the great thing about Defcon. I was able to meet like-minded and not so like-minded people. Every night there were dozens of parties happening in separate areas of the Alexis Park. Beer and hard liquor flowed freely.

If you can accept a few problems and want to learn computer security, meet hackers and federal agents, and party till the early morning... Defcon is for you.