Black Hat USA 2026 — Complete Attendee Guide
Black Hat USA is the world's leading information security event, kicking off Hacker Summer Camp alongside DEF CON and BSides Las Vegas. Whether you are attending the intensive multi-day trainings or the two-day briefings, Mandalay Bay becomes the center of the cybersecurity universe for a week. Here is your logistics guide.
Quick Info
In This Guide
Registration
Black Hat USA Badge Pickup — Location & Hours
Badge pickup is in the Mandalay Bay Convention Center registration area. Training attendees can pick up badges starting Saturday before the trainings begin. Briefings badges are available starting Wednesday morning. Lines are manageable if you arrive early. Have your registration confirmation ready on your phone.
Schedule
Black Hat USA Show Floor Hours
Trainings run Saturday through Tuesday. Briefings are Wednesday and Thursday. The Business Hall (exhibit floor) is open Wednesday and Thursday. Arsenal tool demos run alongside the briefings.
Transportation
How to Get to Black Hat USA
Parking
Use the Mandalay Bay parking garage. Self-parking is available on a first-come basis. During major shows, arrive early as the garage fills by mid-morning.
Public Transit / Monorail
A free tram connects Mandalay Bay to Luxor and Excalibur. From Excalibur you can walk to the MGM Grand monorail station for service up the Strip. The tram runs every 3–7 minutes.
Rideshare (Uber / Lyft)
Uber and Lyft have a designated area at the Mandalay Bay main entrance on Las Vegas Blvd.
Walking from the Strip
Mandalay Bay sits at the south end of the Strip. It is a 20–25 minute walk to central Strip hotels. The free tram to Luxor and Excalibur helps, and from there you can connect to the monorail.
Food & Drink
Where to Eat During Black Hat USA
- Mandalay Bay restaurants — Aureole, Border Grill, Rivea, Citizens Kitchen
- Delano Las Vegas — connected to Mandalay Bay with Della's Kitchen and Skyfall Lounge
- Luxor restaurants — 5-minute walk via the free tram
- Excalibur food court — budget-friendly, accessible via free tram
Insider Tips
Black Hat USA Tips for First-Timers
- Black Hat Trainings and Briefings are separate registrations. Trainings are multi-day hands-on courses; briefings are the main conference talks.
- The Business Hall has a lot of vendor booths and free swag. Budget time to walk through it at least once.
- August in Vegas is HOT — 100°F+ outside. Mandalay Bay is air-conditioned but the walk from parking or rideshare can be brutal. Stay hydrated.
- If you are also attending DEF CON (which starts right after Black Hat), book your hotel for the full week. DEF CON 2026 is at the LVCC.
- Security researchers take network security seriously at Black Hat. Use a VPN on your devices and be cautious about connecting to conference Wi-Fi.
- The parties during Hacker Summer Camp are legendary. Check Twitter/X and the unofficial Hacker Summer Camp guides for the latest party list.
After the Show
Black Hat USA After Dark — Nightlife & After Parties
Hacker Summer Camp nightlife is its own culture. Vendor parties, CTF competitions, and hacker meetups run well into the night. But Vegas has a lot more to offer beyond the infosec scene. Mandalay Bay is at the south end of the Strip, so plan your nightlife accordingly.
Hakkasan
Nightclub
At MGM Grand, one free tram stop from Mandalay Bay. The massive multi-level club is perfect for a crew that wants a proper Vegas nightclub experience.
XS Nightclub
Nightclub
At Wynn Las Vegas. The outdoor pool area in August is incredible — swimming and dancing under the stars.
Drai's Nightclub
Nightclub / Rooftop
The rooftop setting is perfect for August nights. Live hip hop performances every weekend.
Sapphire Las Vegas
Gentlemen's Club
Free limo from your hotel and no cover. A popular post-party destination during Hacker Summer Camp.
Black Hat USA — FAQ
Where is Black Hat USA 2026?
Black Hat USA 2026 is at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, 3950 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89119.
What are the Black Hat USA 2026 dates?
Trainings run Saturday, August 1 through Tuesday, August 4. Briefings and the Business Hall are Wednesday, August 5 and Thursday, August 6.
What is Hacker Summer Camp?
Hacker Summer Camp is the informal name for the week when Black Hat USA, DEF CON, and BSides Las Vegas all happen in Las Vegas. It is the largest gathering of cybersecurity professionals in the world.
How hot is Las Vegas in August?
Expect temperatures of 100–110°F (38–43°C). Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and spend most of your time in air-conditioned venues. The heat is intense.
Should I use conference Wi-Fi at Black Hat?
Use caution. While Black Hat provides monitored networks, many security professionals prefer to use their own mobile hotspot or VPN. This is a conference full of hackers.
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Free nightclub entry + complimentary limo from your hotel during Black Hat USA