In a recent episode of Rapid7’s podcast, Security Nation, we talked with Nick Percoco, the creator of Chicago-based security conference THOTCON and CSO of Kraken Digital Asset Exchange. Here’s what Nick had to say about how THOTCON came to be, how it has matured over time, and what attendees can expect today.
The origins of THOTCON
Nick first had the idea for THOTCON in 2009 while on a plane back from DEF CON in Las Vegas. It occurred to him that although he had spoken at conferences around the world, he hadn’t yet spoken at one in Chicago, his hometown. Though he originally intended to call the conference 3-1-2 Con, after the oldest Chicago area code, the idea evolved into THOTCON by substituting TH for three, O for one, and T for two.
The first THOTCON was held at a bar, had around 120 attendees, and had to clear out quickly to make way for a cage-fighting match scheduled to occur after the conference ended.
The evolution of THOTCON
When asked how THOTCON achieved its current culture and voice, Nick explained that in the early days of THOTCON when it was still being held at bars, it could sometimes get a little crazy. There were good things: It was noncommercial, off the record, and people could say whatever they wanted onstage. But the bar atmosphere also lent itself to some disruptive situations. Nick explained that changing the venue led to a safer and more friendly culture.
It wasn’t always smooth sailing. Nick talked about how difficult it can be to find reliable volunteer help, since everyone has day jobs and families. He learned that there were some things he just had to t ..
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