You've decided to attend a hacker con - congratulations! Whether you're a 1337 master hacker, 10X engineer, or curious about the culture after watching the DEF CON documentary or HACKERS, stepping up to your first event can be both thrilling and daunting. This guide aims to help you navigate losing your hacker con virginity with grace and confidence. What Is a Hacker Con? Hacker conferences/conventions, known as hacker cons, are events where cybersecurity professionals, enthusiasts, and hobbyists gather to exchange knowledge, explore the latest exploits and developments, and network with like-minded individuals. Famous examples include DEF CON , Black Hat , BSides , GrrCON , CactusCon , SAINTCON , CypherCon , etc. Before the Con: Preparation 1. Choose the Right Event Not all cons are created equally! Some cater to niche interests, offering in-depth sessions on topics like reverse engineering, blue/red/purple teams, and artificial intelligence, while others have a b