Q: When and where does this conference occur?
A: At the Hotel Pennsylvania in New York City, July 13-15 2011. Explore www.hopenumbernine.net for more information, and to register.
Q: Is it necessary to buy a ticket in advance?
A: It is not necessary, but it's a good idea since it's always cheaper and usually much quicker than waiting to pay at the door. We have a huge space but if we ever managed to totally fill it, those with advance tickets would have priority as with any event.
Q: My editor is sending me to cover HOPE Number Nine. How do I get press credentials?
A: Send your name, e-mail address, affiliation, and a contact phone number to press@2600.Com - You will be contacted by our press person. You MUST pre-register for press credentials, and they are NOT guaranteed. If you're not on the Press List at the door, you must purchase a conference registration like anyone else.
Q: Is it safe to buy a ticket online? Won't you do evil things with my personal information and stuff?
A: The 2600 online store, hosted by Yahoo, is at least as safe as any other online vendor. We've been operating the store since 1999 and have kept customer data secure throughout that period. We also have one of the highest ratings on the Yahoo store. Contrary to the myths perpetuated by the mass media, hackers are the ones who know about the security flaws and will take steps to protect customers.
Q: What is a hacker?
A: A hacker is someone who is curious and creative, and seeks to understand how things work, especially complicated systems. Many hackers use technology to perform their investigations, and enjoy sharing information about their findings with other people. Often, hackers are willing to exceed boundaries of expected behaviors, to better understand systems they are interested in.
Q: So, are you saying this conference will be full of criminals and other miscreants?
A: No, the conference will be full of creative and caring people, sharing what they know. You are encouraged to attend, and to contribute your energies and ideas to help make it even better.
Q: Will there be people at the conference who can teach me to hack?
A: Yes! Or, more accurately, they will help teach you to think with a hacker mindset. The conference will be a supportive learning environment where you can get hands-on experience with different hardware and software tools and their associated skill sets. There will be keynotes, tutorials, competitions, and hands-on classes. You, too, can help to teach! Bring your own experiments and experiences, and consider providing your own knowledge to participants in discussions, tutorials, and other sessions.