THG regularly covers LAN Parties, during which gamers drink, socialize and, of course, play games. However, hackers and other technology professionals have also been doing this for several years at conventions such as Defcon, Toorcon and more recently at (LayerOne ) the first annual LayerOne conference June 12-13 at the Westin Hotel near the Los Angeles International Airport.

The main attraction of these hacker conventions is the informative talks given by technology experts. They range from legal advice to technical wizardry. Social events such as free alcohol and evening parties also help bring security professionals, law enforcement and hackers together for fun and mayhem.

Are these conventions for you? How does the LayerOne conference compare with the massive Defcon Hacker convention in Las Vegas? Read on and find out.

Who Goes To These Conventions? The Crowd.

The primary purpose of "hacker" conventions is to learn. Informative and sometimes downright scary talks are given on the latest computer vulnerabilities, legal situations and hacker lifestyles. The quality of the talks attracts full-time computer security professionals, law enforcement agents and the traditional hacker. Although the mix sounds like a recipe for disaster, everyone seems to get along well.

While it is hard to state the percentages of hardcore hackers to computer professionals, LayerOne seemed to attract a more sedate and higher-end crowd. Defcon, which attracts about 6,000 people each summer, seems to attract an even mix of young hackers to computer pros.