Def Con is the largest underground hacking conference that takes place annually in Las Vegas, Nevada. In order to stay true to hacker style, this conference takes an innovative, experimental approach and reflects on the ambiguity surrounding this subculture. Def Con targets predominantly males, aged 20–45, attracting hackers, corporate IT professionals, and government agencies who all come to explore the latest in hacker discoveries.
The conference theme was inspired by the hacker term, crypto or encryption. The use of patterns and layered design elements evoke a hidden, disguised feeling, as some hackers prefer to keep their identity anonymous throughout the conference. The logo was created out of a triangular pattern, which gives the conference a rigid, masculine feel. The typeface, Audimat, was used to communicate the tech personality of the event. The grid and type components combine to give the conference a bold, austere appearance, while the red and blue color palette bring a spark to the otherwise simple, monochromatic brand.
The triangular layered graphic elements and color provide a new look for Def Con 26. The website is pleasantly simple and the photography treatment unifies the color palettes. The brand voice is bold and strong, a statement for this subculture that typically flies under the radar.