So, DEFCON (http://defcon.org/). It is really hard to explain what DEFCON actually /is/ if you don't already know. Try to find someone who has been and ask them to describe it. This is last year's schedule of talks (https://www.defcon.org/html/defcon-19/dc-19-schedule.html). Click on one to get the abstract for the talk (they usually don't have very obvious titles).
The con...
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So, DEFCON (http://defcon.org/). It is really hard to explain what DEFCON actually /is/ if you don't already know. Try to find someone who has been and ask them to describe it. This is last year's schedule of talks (https://www.defcon.org/html/defcon-19/dc-19-schedule.html). Click on one to get the abstract for the talk (they usually don't have very obvious titles).
The con basically runs Fri->Sun. What has worked best for me is going via redeye Thurs night, and leaving Sun afternoon. Some people drive, but I have not. Though from SLO, it isnt toooo far.
Last year, the conference was ~$120 cash at the door. Rooms seem to be $104 for one night, and $118 for the other 2.
Splitting rooms does wonders to drive down cost. I think I may just get a room for 3 nights and start looking for air fair, and then work on finding people to split the room, in order to guarantee that I can actually get the DEFCON rate.