Here it comes – the sequel to 1994's Hackers On Planet Earth (HOPE) conference.... On August 8th through 10th, 1997, hackers, phreaks, and netizens of every sort will conglomerate at New York City's historic Puck Building for for a "Global Hacking Experience." It's Beyond HOPE!

Beyond HOPE is the sequel to 1994's Hackers On Planet Earth conference, a much heralded event in New York City that attracted around 1300 people. We expect even more people this time around and a lot more technical fun as things have advanced quite a bit in this brief time. Everyone is welcome to bring their own computer equipment so we can create one of the largest ethernets ever to be constructed at a hacker convention. People from all over the world will congregate to talk about new technologies, threats to privacy, and the latest hacker tricks. There will be all kinds of panels, lectures, and informal workshops, as well as demonstrations of some really amazing pieces of technology. And the diversity and around the clock atmosphere of New York City will surround the festivities.

There is so much to know about Beyond HOPE, we've assembled a list of frequently asked questions – a F.A.Q. This should answer most any question you have about the conference, and also serves as the Beyond HOPE press kit. The latest Beyond HOPE F.A.Q. is Version 8. If there are any glaring omissions in this document, send mail to the appropriate F.A.Q. maintainer. Emmanuel Goldstein <emmanuel@2600.com> is the general maintainer; Marko Bukvic <marko@2600.com> is the hope.net maintainer.

It all begins on August 8th...

The Puck Building is on the corner of Houston and Lafayette Streets. A floor plan is available. After setup (which you are welcome to attend) on August 8th, the main part of the conference begins at noon on Saturday (9 August), with registration starting at 10AM. However, you will also be able to register Friday evening beginning at 6PM, and help us set up the network for the weekend. There will be a special 2600 meeting beginning at 5PM on Friday at Citicorp Center, located at 53rd and Lexington. To get to the conference from the meeting, take the #6 train downtown to Bleecker Street. Follow the signs and portents.

For more information about travel to New York City this summer, and accomodation for yourself, friends, and colleagues, please visit the travel and hotels area. The Beyond HOPE Ride Board can help you arrange carpools to Beyond HOPE.

Panels, speakers, and more...

Panel subjects will include: cryptography, social engineering, 2600 Magazine, pirate radio, the media and hackers, and more! Go to the updated speakers area for more information.

A network for everyone...

Beyond HOPE will include a large in-house network, consisting of an unknown (read large) number of systems. Informal (local) system cracking, network experimentation, and high-bandwidth Internet access will serve up a good time for everyone. For more information, visit the network area.

Some parties to kick everything off...

NEW! In addition to the Garth Brooks concert, 2600 and the Beyond HOPE planners, along with notorious hacker/DJ Thee Joker, are throwing a FREE Grand Opening Party for attendees, at Coney Island High. NYEX/D8P/2600 are having the Beyond HOPE Rave at Octagon, with a special discount for Beyond HOPE attendees. Full information on these events is available.

A link to the Netherlands...

Beyond HOPE will feature a live link with the Hacking In Progress conference, occuring simultaneously in the Netherlands. Visit the HIP97 web site for more information. Here's how the Hacking In Progress people describe their hopes for the conference:

A campsite full of PCs, laptops, and Unix machines, all connected via an intertent Ethernet that is connected to the Internet. People from all over The Netherlands and other countries will come together to learn and discuss the benefits, as well as the risks of new technologies. They'll listen to lectures, join workshops, enjoy special presentations and, last but not least, party, all of this in a friendly open-air environment of a very wired campsite far away from the civilized world.

A visit to the past...

The famous hacker magazine, TAP, will be holding a reunion in New York City during Beyond HOPE. Beyond HOPE attendees who visit the reunion will have a special oportunity to better understand the roots of today's hacker world. More information on this event to come, but those wishing to attend a private gathering of TAP's old-timers should contact The Cheshire Catalyst <cheshire@2600.com>.

Bring home a piece of HOPE...

Just for fun, there will be lots of neat stuff to buy at Beyond HOPE. The brand new Beyond HOPE T-Shirt will be available, as well as all of the 2600 T-shirts, including a new design! There will be snacks, drinks (it is summertime), and more to keep everyone going through the weekend. For more information, see the merchandise and refreshments area.