You’ll find diverse after-party entertainment at Black Hat, from exclusive vendor-hosted events to competitive hacking challenges. Major technology companies like HackerOne, Palo Alto Networks, and Microsoft host themed parties from 7-10 p.m., while UpGuard and other sponsors offer networking happy hours. The conference’s location at Mandalay Bay puts you close to all social activities, with covered walkways connecting venue spaces. Discovering the full range of after-hours options will enhance your conference experience.
At a glance
- HackerOne hosts “Party in the Futureverse” offering futuristic entertainment experiences from 7-10 p.m. on August 6.
- Palo Alto Networks presents an AI-themed party blending prehistoric and artificial intelligence elements on August 7.
- Microsoft’s Security VIP Mixer provides exclusive networking opportunities with industry leaders in a sophisticated setting.
- Multiple vendor-sponsored happy hours and casual gatherings occur throughout the conference at various venue locations.
- Competitive social activities like Capture the Flag events combine technical challenges with networking entertainment opportunities.
About Black Hat Conference
When attending the Black Hat conference, understanding its origins and purpose can enhance your experience. Founded by Jeff Moss in 1997, Black Hat was created to bring hackers, security professionals, and corporations together to discuss cybersecurity issues.
Its objective is to provide a platform for these groups to share insights into the latest threats and solutions, helping the industry understand and counteract threats. As you participate, you’re part of a legacy that has substantially impacted the cybersecurity community by fostering dialogue and cooperation between once-adversarial parties. This exchange continues to shape the industry today.
Notably, Black Hat’s early conferences featured stellar lists of speakers, including Mudge, Bruce Schneier, Adam Shostack, and Dominique Brezinski.
Advanced cybersecurity threats now often leverage AI-driven automated attacks, making ongoing discussions at Black Hat crucial for staying updated on emerging trends and defensive strategies. Many presenters incorporate digital illusions to demonstrate complex security concepts in memorable ways.
Event Overview
You’re attending the Black Hat Conference at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, where over 22,750 unique attendees gathered in 2023, with a similar turnout expected for 2024.
If you’re one of them, you’re part of a diverse crowd from over 127 countries, representing various industries and company sizes. You’ll be joining professionals from government, IT, general business, and more, all with varying degrees of purchasing influence and IT budgets. The event features numerous educational opportunities, including 92 deeply technical hands-on Trainings that cater to all skill levels. After intensive sessions, attendees can unwind at unique event venues throughout the city. The conference spans six days, from August 3 to 8, 2024, with the main conference focusing on August 7 and 8 Main Conference Dates.
Attendee Profile
Black Hat’s diverse attendee base comprises over 22,000 cybersecurity professionals from 127 countries, with 64% directly involved in security product purchasing decisions. You’ll find yourself networking with high-level executives, security architects, and technical experts from government agencies, IT firms, and major corporations. Attendees are encouraged to speak from the heart when making connections at the conference, creating authentic professional relationships. The conference has grown significantly since its initial 1997 launch in Las Vegas, evolving into a global cybersecurity event.
The attendee breakdown includes:
- 60% from large enterprises with 1000+ employees
- 41% representing government sectors
- 36% managing budgets between $100,000 and $10 million
- 34% directly recommending purchase decisions
This mix of decision-makers, from CISOs to security analysts, represents organizations like Google, Adobe Systems, and Abbott Laboratories, creating unparalleled networking opportunities.
Location Details
After getting to know your fellow attendees, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the event’s central hub. The Black Hat Conference takes place at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, spanning multiple floors and expansive exhibition rooms.
The six-day event runs from August 3-8, 2024, with the main conference happening on August 7-8.
The Business Hall opens from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm on Wednesday and 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Thursday. For virtual attendees, sessions begin earlier at 8:30 am both days.
The Franklin Lounge at Delano Las Vegas serves as the venue for the exclusive UpGuard Networking event.
Accommodation Areas
The Mandalay Bay Convention Center offers three primary accommodation zones for Black Hat USA 2024 attendees, each providing distinct amenities and proximity benefits to the conference areas.
You’ll find luxury rooms at Mandalay Bay itself, offering immediate access to conference venues and after-party locations.
The mid-tier zone includes partner hotels connected via covered walkways, perfect for quick shifts between sessions.
Budget-conscious attendees can opt for nearby hotels with shuttle services to the convention center.
Through Convention Housing Partners, you’ll secure discounted rates at any of these locations, with flexible cancellation policies and dedicated booking support.
Event Types
At Black Hat’s after-parties, you’ll find a diverse mix of exhibition activities ranging from hands-on demonstrations to interactive tech displays. The networking functions combine professional development with entertainment, featuring executive meetups at premium venues like the Shark Reef Aquarium and Minus 5 Ice Bar.
Social events round out your experience with casual gatherings, themed parties, and competitive activities like capture the flag competitions, letting you connect with fellow security professionals in relaxed settings.
Exhibition Activities
Black Hat’s extensive exhibition activities span multiple venues and formats, giving attendees diverse opportunities to engage with cutting-edge security technologies. The exhibition hall operates from August 7-8, with both in-person and virtual hours to accommodate global participants.
Key exhibition features include:
- Live demonstrations at Arsenal sessions with hands-on product testing
- Interactive vendor booths featuring established cybersecurity leaders and emerging startups
- Tech briefings showcasing latest security innovations and tools
- Specialized vendor activities, including UpGuard’s demos at booth #2940 and Armis’ charity initiative at booth #1820
You’ll find the complete exhibitor list at BlackHat’s official website, ensuring you can plan your visit effectively.
Networking Functions
Diverse networking opportunities abound throughout Black Hat’s extensive schedule, ranging from casual happy hours to structured vendor meetups.
You’ll find parties hosted by various sponsors listed on the official website, including popular events like the UpGuard Exclusive Networking Event and Happy Hour. Want to connect with specific vendors? Schedule meetings in advance through booking links during Business Hall hours.
For competitive networking, join the Capture the Flag activities that combine skill-building with socializing.
After the main conference sessions, don’t miss the post-banquet events where you can engage with industry leaders in a more relaxed setting.
Social Events
The social calendar at this year’s conference features an impressive lineup of gatherings, from intimate VIP mixers to large-scale themed parties. You’ll find HackerOne’s “Party in the Futureverse” kicking off on August 6 from 7-10 p.m., followed by multiple events on August 7.
Don’t miss Palo Alto Networks’ “From Ice Age to AI Party” and Microsoft’s Security VIP Mixer, both running from 7-10 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. respectively. The Carahsoft Reception offers an early evening option from 4-6 p.m., while the Black Hat Booth Crawl provides a perfect opportunity to explore the Welcome Reception’s offerings.
Entertainment Solutions
You’re planning a Black Hat Conference after-party, and it’s time to think about entertainment solutions. Your choices will greatly impact the event’s success, so consider booth entertainment, evening events, and how to match entertainment to your audience’s expectations. Technology magicians and robot performers can create an engaging atmosphere that aligns perfectly with the tech-focused audience.
Booth Entertainment
Creating memorable booth entertainment at Black Hat Conference requires strategic planning and innovative solutions that align with the event’s cybersecurity focus. You’ll want to engage attendees with interactive experiences that showcase your brand while maintaining a professional atmosphere.
Set up dynamic LED displays with real-time cybersecurity demonstrations and interactive gaming elements
Install private meeting spaces with themed environments like vintage labs or tech-forward designs
Incorporate digital artists and LED performers for cutting-edge visual entertainment
Deploy interactive robots and digital experiences that highlight your technical expertise
Consider adding an espresso station and customized LED pin creation activities to encourage networking and meaningful conversations around your solutions.
Evening Events
Planning dynamic entertainment for Black Hat Conference after-parties demands a strategic mix of sophistication and cybersecurity-themed elements that resonate with the tech-savvy audience.
You’ll find diverse entertainment options across multiple venues, from DAYLIGHT Beach Club’s high-energy dance atmosphere to Skyfall Lounge’s elegant 64th-floor setting. The DAYLIGHT party features professional DJ performances and immersive light shows, while GuidePoint’s event offers sophisticated networking in an upscale environment.
At Franklin Lounge and other locations, you’ll experience curated entertainment that combines tech-forward elements with classic hospitality, including interactive digital displays and professional performers who understand the corporate cybersecurity culture.
Entertainment Matches
Building on the vibrant after-party scene, CEA offers tailored entertainment solutions that align perfectly with Black Hat’s cybersecurity focus and professional atmosphere. You’ll find tech-savvy performers like interactive robots and digital artists who can complement the conference’s innovative spirit.
Our LED performers and projection mapping capabilities enhance venues like Mandalay Bay’s exhibit spaces and Caesars Forum’s themed villages.
For networking events, we provide professional hosts and MCs who understand the cybersecurity industry. Whether you’re planning an ice bar experience at Minus 5 or a prohibition-themed gathering, our entertainment packages include full technical support and customized brand integration to elevate your after-party experience.
CEA’s After-Hours Show Options
The vibrant atmosphere of Black Hat USA 2024 extends beyond regular conference hours with CEA’s tailored entertainment solutions at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. While the Business Hall operates from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Wednesday and 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Thursday, you’ll find diverse after-hours options through CEA’s entertainment portfolio.
Although no official offsite events are listed, CEA can arrange custom entertainment packages at the Mandalay Bay or nearby venues. You can choose from an array of performances including musical acts, specialty shows, and interactive experiences that complement the conference’s professional atmosphere and networking opportunities. The company’s extensive experience includes providing Digital Illusionists for major corporate events across Portugal, USA, UK, and Ireland.
Final thoughts
You’ll find CEA’s after-party entertainment options perfectly aligned with Black Hat’s professional atmosphere while offering unique networking opportunities. Whether you’re catching an LED performance that mirrors your digital expertise or engaging with tech-themed mentalists, you’re guaranteed an experience that resonates with your cybersecurity background. Let CEA handle the technical details while you focus on building valuable connections in a sophisticated, secure environment.
Corporate Events Agency creates exceptional corporate experiences from our hubs in Las Vegas and London. As part of an integrated family of brands including Corporate Entertainment Agency and Corporate Speaker Agency, we deliver comprehensive event solutions that combine world-class entertainment, influential speakers, and cutting-edge production. Our proven track record with global leaders spans technology, finance, healthcare, and consumer sectors.