As we continue building momentum toward DEF CON 34, this month’s update focuses on strengthening the department structure serving you and the communities you lead. Over the past year many organizers have shared thoughtful feedback about communication, consistency, and visibility within the program. These updates are part of our ongoing effort to keep things transparent and aligned with the needs of the global DCG network.

DEPARTMENT UPDATE — DCG LEADERSHIP & GOON TEAM

The DEF CON Groups Department continues to evolve to better serve organizers worldwide. Below is the current DCG Department structure moving forward into DEF CON 34.

Department Lead
Alethe Denis — DEF CON Groups Global Lead (4 Years DCG Goon Service)
Responsible for global program direction, groups coordination, policy alignment, and collaboration across DEF CON departments, DEF CON and regional DEF CON events.

Global Ambassador
Jayson E Street — DEF CON Groups Global Ambassador (11 Years DCG Goon Service)
DCG’s most tenured leader and long-time steward of the program. Jayson serves in an ambassadorial role, traveling to DEF CON Groups around the world, mentoring organizers, helping launch new groups, amplifying existing communities, and strengthening connections across the global DCG network.

Technology Goon
polomaster — DCG Technology Goon & Eastern Region Goon (4 Years DCG Goon Service)

Operations Goon
Magen — DCG Operations Goon (12 Years of DEF CON Goon Service; 2 Years DCG Service)
International Groups Backup

Department Goons

Nitetrain — DCG Goon, West Region (1 Years of DEF CON Goon Service; 2 Years DCG Service)
New to the DCG Goon role with prior contributions to the DEF CON Groups community as a DCGCC.

sm0hk — DCG Goon, Central / Mountain Region (2 Years of DEF CON Goon Service; 1 Years DCG Service)
New to the DCG Goon role with prior contributions to the DEF CON Groups community as a Communities Dept. Goon.

International groups are coordinated by Alethe, with Magen and Jayson providing advisory continuity as needed. Regional goons help maintain connections with groups in their respective areas, escalating to Alethe as needed.

This structure reflects a balance of continuity, institutional knowledge, and new energy as we continue building a sustainable support model for DEF CON Groups globally. As the goons in our department find what area of DCG excites them most, their roles may evolve over time. Each of them will be present in the DCG Community at DEF CON 34 and available throughout con to meet with POCs and the broader DEF CON community.

Please continue to reach out to the shared DCG mailbox [email protected] for assistance so requests can be distributed and handled as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Regarding verification of DEF CON Groups, identity verification or government issued ID review is not required for DEF CON Groups or DCG POC verification. Groups are recognized based on demonstrated community activity and organizer participation rather than formal identity checks.

DCG COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS — CALL CLOSES 03/20/2026

There are a few days remaining to submit a workshop for the DCG Community space at DEF CON 34.

These will be short 20-minute practical workshops led by DCG POCs focused on helping other organizers learn how to run successful groups. The goal is simple: share the techniques that help groups thrive so more communities can “DCG good.”

Examples of topics organizers might consider presenting include:

• Running consistent DCG meetings that people actually attend

• Recruiting and mentoring new organizers

• Managing venues, sponsorships, and logistics

• Building collaboration between nearby groups

• Organizing meetups, workshops, or talks for your local group

If you have something that has worked well for your group, this is a chance to share it with the wider community.

Submit your workshop proposal here:
https://forms.office.com/r/2MnaHRg4L9

Note: Open to current DCG POCs only.

DCG STICKER CONTEST — CALL FOR ENTRIES OPENING SOON

DEF CON was founded by hackers, artists, and creative misfits. Stickers have always been part of that culture - our currency - and this year the DCG Community will celebrate that tradition with the first DCG Sticker Contest.

The call for sticker entries will open soon.

Sticker submissions must be human-created artwork. AI-generated artwork will not be eligible for voting or prizes. This contest is intended to celebrate the creativity of the DEF CON community and the artists who help shape its culture.

Entries will be accepted prior to DEF CON and displayed in the DCG Community space during the conference.

Voting will take place during DEF CON from Thursday (shortly after Linecon) through Saturday of con.

Both in-person attendees and the broader community will be able to participate in voting. DCG Goons will collect votes throughout the weekend and tally the results.

Winners will be announced on Sunday before the close of DEF CON.

Additional details, including submission guidelines and opportunities to contribute prizes or swag, will be included in the April issue of Hello Friend. (this newsletter).

DEF CON GROUPS TOWN HALL

The next DEF CON Groups Town Hall will take place on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 3:00 PM PDT, 5:00 PM CDT, or 6:00 PM EDT.

This meeting is an opportunity for POCs and organizers to ask questions, share updates, and hear about upcoming plans for the DCG program and the DCG Community at DEF CON 34.

Where: Zoom Meeting (limited participants, must register) and simultaneously shared to the DCG Discord channel #dcg-stage-public (limited to 1000 participants)

Register in advance for this Zoom meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/rmyBMPaDR5O7YPstTM36iQ

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Alternatively, you can passively view the Zoom meeting steamed to discord in real-time without registering.

To convert 3:00 PM PDT to your local time zone:
https://www.worldtimebuddy.com/

A summary will be provided following the event. Town halls will be held quarterly going forward.

LOOKING AHEAD

The goal is simple: clearer communication, stronger support structures, and continued investment in the humans who make DEF CON Groups thrive.

Every DCG and DCG POC contributes to the culture and continuity of our DCG community, and the department exists to help facilitate that work.

Thank you for everything you do for your local communities and for the broader DEF CON ecosystem.

V/r,

alethe, on behalf of

The DEF CON Groups Department

—

DEF CON 34 DCG Community Calls

Call for DCG Community Coordinators (In-person Only)
https://forms.office.com/r/uGvfpKZwja