CypherCon 9: "Remember when the internet was fun? I do."
Apply here to speak at CypherCon, April 1-2, 2026 and join "InfoSec Spring Break" in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with training March 30-31, CypherCon April 1-2, and BSidesMKE April 3, 2026!
Step back into an era when the internet was a playground of creativity, curiosity, and community. A time when everyone and everything had vulnerabilities, before data silos, algorithmic data harvesting, and corporate dominance took hold. CypherCon 9 celebrates the joy and innovation of the early web security through hands-on sessions and candid discussions with technologists, original and new hackers, indie developers, and privacy champions. Remember the days from DIY beige metal servers setups and decentralized dialup communities to retro-inspired cosplay, it's a nostalgic journey forward inviting you to reclaim the internet as a vibrant space for genuine hobbyists, connections, and playful experimentation.
All you need to bring is your laptop, you plug in (usually hdmi, but we have adapters) - We'll do the rest!
By speaking, you get free entry into the full CypherCon event, plus other benefits to be announced at a future date.
CypherCon 2026 seeks engaging presenters on innovative talks and/or hands-on demos that explore the cutting edge of cybersecurity, technology culture, privacy, hacking, and digital creativity. We're especially interested in presentations that inspire novel ideas, curiosity, spark community dialogue, and offer actionable knowledge or fresh perspectives. Ideal submissions should be clear, compelling, and relevant, combining technical depth with accessible storytelling. Whether you're sharing groundbreaking research, practical hacking techniques, interactive workshops, or thoughtful commentary on tech culture, we welcome diverse voices who enrich and expand our vibrant community.
Bonus points that align perfectly with CypherCon's vibe include:
Locals or Midwestern - It is a Wisconsin Hacker Conference
Hobbyists, Humor, and Authenticity: Clever wit, genuine personality, and relatable delivery that reflect the playful, inventive spirit of the hacker and tech communities.
Interactive Elements: Live demos, audience participation, or DIY projects that attendees can actively engage with.
Nostalgic Themes: Throwbacks or references to early internet culture, hacker folklore, BBS-era aesthetics, or retro computing. It is our year nine theme :)
Practical Takeaways: Clear, actionable advice, scripts, toolkits, or how-to guides attendees can immediately apply.
Creative Storytelling: Engaging narratives, personal anecdotes, or clever analogies that bring your message to life.
Hands-On Hardware: Demonstrations or experiments with vintage tech, custom-built hardware, badges, or unconventional gadgets.
Community Building: Projects or discussions that foster genuine community collaboration and meaningful human connections.
Privacy & Freedom: Strong emphasis on digital rights, decentralization, open-source ethos, or DIY/self-hosted solutions.
Visual Appeal: Dynamic, visually appealing presentations with quirky animations, original art, unique slide designs, or engaging multimedia content.
Submissions that embrace these elements resonate deeply with CypherCon's culture and are highly valued.
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