A Note from the Summercon Team

We’re glad you’re here.

Summercon exists to bring people together—researchers, engineers, hackers, policymakers, and yes, members of the press—to have the kinds of conversations that move the state of the art forward. That includes members of government and law enforcement who come not just to observe, but to engage.

We believe that the world is better when the people who shape it understand each other. The more clearly we can communicate what’s possible—offensively and defensively—the more honest our conversations become. And make no mistake: what you’ll hear at Summercon doesn’t always fit into neat, public-relations-approved soundbites. Some talks may be provocative. Some demos may raise eyebrows. That’s by design. To defend well, we have to understand how attacks really work.

If you’re a member of the media, you’re not just a recorder—you’re a bridge. And sometimes, to cross that bridge, you may need to drink a beer or three with a table full of hackers. That’s part of how trust forms here.

We ask that you respect the space and the people in it. These guidelines are meant to help.

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📛 Press Credentials

• To request press credentials, email [email protected] with your name, media affiliation, and any relevant contact details or special requests. We’ll do our best to accommodate, but it’s a busy conference—thanks in advance for your patience if we can’t.
• Credentialed press will receive a clearly marked badge, along with a lanyard and/or high-visibility PRESS vest. Please wear it visibly at all times so attendees can easily identify you.
• Your press status may also be noted in briefings or internal communications to help others understand who’s in the room.

📷 Photography & Video

• Attendees who do not wish to be photographed will wear a “NO PHOTOS” lanyard or badge. Please respect this choice.
• Do not photograph or film people without their knowledge and consent—even in group or candid shots.
• Recording is prohibited in designated areas, including:
  • Speaker Green Room
  • CTF Spaces
  • Private or Staff-Only Zones

🗣️ Interview Ground Rules

Before you quote anyone, clarify with the person you wish to quote these terms:

• On the record: Quote and attribute by name.
• On background: Quote, but do not attribute by name or affiliation.
• Off the record: Not for use or publication.

Consent must be explicit, not assumed—especially in a community where many work under pseudonyms or handle sensitive material.

🙈 Respect for Anonymity

• Many attendees value discretion. Never publish names, photos, or affiliations without permission.
• Avoid identifying details that could inadvertently “out” someone’s professional role or involvement.

🎥 Commercial Media Equipment & Video Village

• Use of large gear (tripods, boom mics, lights, etc.) must be approved in advance.
• We operate a Video Village to help capture and process talks with speaker permission. If you’re hoping to obtain official footage for publication or broadcast, we may be able to help—provided the speaker(s) consent to release.

Contact us before or during the event and we’ll do our best to coordinate access.

✍️ Content & Context

• We encourage thoughtful, informed reporting. The talks here can be deeply technical, sometimes splashy, occasionally chaotic—but always rooted in real research.
• Summercon isn’t a press release—it’s a dialogue. Coverage that captures the complexity and nuance of the material will always land better than clickbait.

📞 Questions?

If something isn’t clear, ask us directly. Staff in red shirts can help, or reach out anytime:
📧 [email protected]
📱 720-586-HACK