HOBOCON
> ./conference --mode=train
A hacker conference that moves
Board a train with hackers, makers, and security researchers. Share knowledge while covering ground. Real talks, real demos, real community. No badges required. No bullshit.
<WTF_IS_THIS>
HOBOCON: A tech conference that happens on a moving train.
We're done with hotel ballrooms and convention center carpet. Hobocon is a rolling hacker space—board a train with other curious technologists, ride together for a weekend, share knowledge, build things, break things, and actually talk to each other.
Think lightning talks while watching the landscape scroll by. Impromptu hardware hacking sessions. Late-night security discussions in the observation car. The kind of conversations that happen when you can't just ghost to your hotel room.
This isn't a marketing stunt. Part 1 already happened. Part 2 is in the works. Real conference, real train, run by SecKC—a legit nonprofit with actual insurance and everything.
TECHNICAL_CONTENT
Lightning talks, demos, and deep dives. Security, hardware, infra, whatever you're working on. No vendor pitches.
ACTUAL_HUMANS
Meet people who build and break things. No LinkedIn small talk. Real conversations with real practitioners.
ON_THE_RAILS
Conference venue that covers 500+ miles. Captive audience. Can't get distracted—you're literally on a train.
"Learn. Share. Move forward—literally."
<HOW_IT_WORKS>
Board the Train
Meet at the station. Check in. Find your seat. Meet fellow hackers. Departure countdown begins.
Talks & Hacking
Lightning talks, demos, and workshops as we roll. Hallway track is literally the hallway. Build, break, learn.
Destination Overnight
Arrive at destination city. Hotel stay. Explore, grab food, or keep hacking with the crew.
Journey Back
Board again for the return trip. More talks, more time to collaborate, wrap up projects.
[!] Route, timing, and schedule depend on Amtrak availability. We're working with them to lock it down.
<WHO_SHOULD_COME>
Security Researchers
Pentesters, red teamers, bug hunters, security engineers. Anyone making systems harder to break.
Engineers & Builders
Software devs, SREs, platform engineers. People who write code that ships and systems that stay up.
Hackers & Makers
Hardware hackers, reverse engineers, RF nerds, badge builders. People who take things apart.
Infrastructure Folks
Sysadmins, network engineers, cloud architects. The people keeping the internet running.
if (you.love(technology) && you.value(community)) {
return "You'll fit right in";
}
We don't care about job titles or credentials. If you're curious, build things, or want to learn—you're welcome here.
<CONDUCT_&_SAFETY>
[RULE_01] DON'T_BE_A_JERK
This is a hacker con with a social vibe, not a free-for-all. Treat people with respect. Harassment, discrimination, or being an asshole will get you kicked off—literally, at the next station.
Translation: We're here to learn and have a good time. Don't ruin it for everyone else.
[RULE_02] SOCIAL_!=_CHAOS
Yeah, there will be drinks. Yeah, it's a party vibe. But you're on a working passenger train with regular travelers. Keep it together. Be loud in the right places, quiet in others.
We want Amtrak to let us do this again. Help us not get banned.
[RULE_03] LISTEN_TO_STAFF
When Amtrak staff or Hobocon organizers give instructions, follow them. No debates, no "well actually." Safety rules and capacity limits are non-negotiable.
This is a train, not your homelab. Physics and regulations apply.
[RULE_04] CODE_OF_CONDUCT
We're writing a full Code of Conduct that will be published before tickets go on sale. It will cover expected behavior, reporting procedures, and consequences.
> contact_about_conduct_policy()[TLDR] Be cool. Listen to staff. Don't be the reason we can't do this again.
<PLANNING_PART_2>
Building the next iteration
→ Negotiating with Amtrak for rail logistics
→ Confirming route, capacity, and operational requirements
// This is the blocking dependency
→ Targeting summer 2026 (June/July)
→ Exact dates TBD based on operator availability
// No promises until contracts are signed
→ Announce dates, route, and ticket pricing
→ Open CFP (call for presentations)
→ Launch registration (interest list gets first dibs)
> join_interest_list()
Get notified when we finalize dates and open registration. No spam, just updates.
<FAQ>
100% real. Hobocon Part 1 already happened. Part 2 is in active planning. This is a legit conference run by SecKC, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We have insurance, contracts with Amtrak, and everything. Not a prank.
<SPONSORS>
Coming Soon
We're finalizing sponsorship tiers and partnership opportunities for Hobocon Part 2. Packages will include branding, speaking slots, and access to a highly technical audience who actually care about your products.
Interested in supporting a legit hacker conference that's not just another vendor expo?
[RAIL_OPS] Working with Amtrak to finalize logistics and operational details for Part 2.
<ABOUT_SECKC>
Hobocon is organized by SecKC (Security Meetup of Kansas City).
SecKC is a Kansas City-based technology and information security community. We're a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit—which means we're legit, have actual insurance, and file taxes like responsible adults.
We run regular meetups, workshops, and events focused on infosec, software development, and whatever tech topics people want to learn about. Hobocon is our most ambitious project: a conference that literally moves.
We're hackers building community. No corporate overlords, no VC funding, just technologists who want to make cool shit happen.
<JOIN_THE_LIST>
Get updates on dates, tickets, and planning progress
We'll notify you when registration opens and logistics are locked.
Questions? Hit us up:
>hobocon@seckc.org