Parties FAQ

So you want to throw a party at the DEF CON 21 Pub crawl do you? Well, we want you to!



Here is a list of frequently asked questions, we will add to this list as things come up.



A: DEF CON won't be providing any funding for these parties, since we will be providing the party rooms and the shared bars. As for sponsors: yes, with exceptions. It can't be called the "Intel party" but it could be "The super samurai party -(sponsored by Intel)" If a party wants to go after sponsorship please realize that parties will not be 'official' DEF CON parties, and your sponsor can't use the DEF CON logo. If you/they want to use the DEF CON Logo on anything at all (To giveaway, advertise, or for sale) you need to have pre-approval, we have requirements you need to meet. Email us at parties@defcon.org if that applies to you.A: Each party room will have a door to the main hallway that is for access and egress. Consider having something/someone at the door to your party to encourage party goers into your space. Each party will be issued a maximum occupancy number and it varies between rooms, you'll have to keep your eye on how crowded it's getting. Please do not exceed your occupancy number as it could interfere with your party remaining open.Each room can be set up in several ways. Large round tables with chairs; small round high (standing) cocktail type tables; a mix of these two; Or if you have items such as bean bags that you can provide, store, and move with your team, that will be fine. Please note you are not allowed to move the couches and chairs that we have in the DEF CON area nor can you bring furniture from your hotel sleeping rooms (at the Rio or elsewhere) Everything that you bring in for your party must be removed at the end. Remember LNT (Leave No Trace).If you want a dance floor you will want to apply early and include this on your application. There are a limited number of dance floors at Rio so consider this a first come first serve item. If you are bringing decorations to your party be prepared and bring any labels or packaging that indicates it is flame retardant. You may be asked to show such information. So when shopping, just pay attention and get things that will be acceptable in case you are asked.A: No, they can have no music at all if they want. Music is not a requirement, it could be a quiet zen party. Parties are encouraged to bring music to fit their theme. You will need to provide all the equipment to make your music audible. But please remember you have party neighbors so be aware of sound levels.A: If you want to offer your party guests something besides the beer that they can purchase at the Pub Bars, Then you will need to sign a contract. You will need to provide Rio with a credit card that they can run your deposit on. The deposit is based on what you are expecting to serve and the costs of bartenders and a possible cashier. This plan must be on your application, and all contracts with the Rio must be completed by July 1, 2013.A: If you want to provide some type of food during your party you will need to sign a contract and provide Rio with a credit card that they can run your deposit on. The deposit is based on what you are expecting to serve. This plan must be on your application and all contracts with the Rio must be completed by July 1, 2013. You can't just call delivery for Pizza or Thai food and bring it to the party without serious repercussions, the hotel is unwavering on their outside food and drink policy. (You can ask charel@defcon.org for help if you are in need of Pizza or Thai)A: You will have no more than 2 hours to set your party up and 1 hour to take it all down. Once you have received your parties acceptance you will be given the starting time. Room numbers will be assigned by July 1, 2013.A: After the Talks end, we'd need time to pull the rooms together into the pub crawl configuration. After we get our work out of the way ( pulling air walls, setting up chairs) , you'll have an hour perhaps two to set up your decor. We figure you might want to plan to have possession of your room around 8 or 9 pm. (TBA)Parties do have to end with enough time for Rio to return this crazy party central Pub crawl back into a nice clean speaking tracks for the next day. Closing time is going to be between 3 and 4 AM. Again, final time will be announced on July 1.A: It is our approach that all parties are open to all DEF CON attendees so no DEF CON badge means no entrance, but it also means no cost or fee to enter at the door. And no private invite only parties. If you want to do a party of that nature that is fine and we will have you reach out to Charel (charel@defcon.org) to get you set up.A: If you want to do a party of that nature, that is fine and we will have you reach out to Charel (charel@defcon.org) to get you set up.