DEF CON 33
Ham Radio Village @ DEF CON 33
Call for Papers / Speakers
Our call for papers is open at https://cfp.hamvillage.org.
Event Info
Ham Radio Village looks forward to seeing everyone at the Las Vegas Convention Center!
"Ham in a Day" Class
Interested in earning your ham license but don't know where to start? The HRV is offering a full-day class covering the entry-level (Technician) license on Thursday, taught by Dan KB6NU. Advance registration is recommended as this class usually fills to capacity.
Ham Radio Exams
Take your ham radio license exams for FREE at DEF CON! We will be offering exams throughout the weekend. Online registration is required anytime before taking the exam.
Contests
Fox Hunt Contest
Rebooted this year — enjoy a traditional fox hunt tracking down hidden transmitters. Up for more of a challenge? Solve the hidden puzzle within the fox hunt to win the ultimate prize!
View full contest details and rules
Can It Ham Contest
Design and build a functioning amateur radio antenna using non-traditional or improvised materials (e.g. tin cans, coat hangers, umbrellas, plumbing pipe). If it looks absurd and still gets on the air, you're doing it right. HRV will have connectors, soldering stations, and some raw materials available.
View full contest details and rules
Coordinate your radio frequency
Have the frequency your group is using added to our master list, or have us check if someone is already planning to use that space — online at ConHam or via email.
Call for Staff / VEs
Our Call for Staff (Village, Content & VE) has closed. If you're interested in helping next year, check back in April 2026.
Sponsors
Thank you to our generous sponsors!
We extend our deepest gratitude to the incredible sponsors who generously supported the village and our contests at DEF CON 33:
Open Positions
Village Staff
Village staff handle running the village itself as well as the fox hunt contest table. Duties vary and include providing demos, talking with and answering questions from attendees, and running the fox hunt contest. During your shifts you may be using your own gear, village-owned gear, or gear from another volunteer (with their permission). This is a great chance to showcase what YOU love about ham radio as ambassadors of the hobby!
Volunteer Examiner
Volunteer Examiners help run the ham radio license exams. To be a VE, you must hold a General or Amateur Extra class license in the US.
Contest Staff
Contest staff handle running the ham radio contests at events, including the Fox Hunt and "Can it ham?" contests.