Conference Description
Key Takeaways
- Philadelphia-based cybersecurity and hacker conference covering ethical hacking, AI governance, threat intelligence, and hardware security
- Designed for security professionals, penetration testers, students, researchers, and tech enthusiasts
- Features talks, workshops, hands-on activities including lockpicking and HAM radio license exams, plus capture the flag competitions
- Addresses practical skills development, responsible disclosure practices, and career entry into cybersecurity
About JawnCon
JawnCon is a community-driven cybersecurity conference rooted in Philadelphia’s hacker culture. Held at Arcadia University, the event combines technical education with hands-on learning experiences. The conference brings together security practitioners, researchers, students, and technology enthusiasts to explore both the technical and cultural dimensions of information security.
The format includes presentations, workshops, capture the flag competitions, and interactive activities such as lockpicking and HAM radio license examinations. A vendor area provides opportunities for attendees to engage with sponsors and exhibitors.
Technical Focus Areas
JawnCon covers a broad range of security topics with an emphasis on practical application. Core subject areas include ethical hacking, threat intelligence, encryption, and operational security. The conference also addresses emerging intersections between security and other technology domains, particularly AI governance and its implications for security operations.
Hardware hacking and digital privacy form significant parts of the program, alongside identity management and responsible disclosure practices. Sessions on retro technology and HAM radio reflect the conference’s interest in foundational technologies and their ongoing relevance to security practitioners.
Who Should Attend
The conference serves security engineers, penetration testers, CISOs, IT managers, and developers working in technical security roles. Students exploring cybersecurity careers will find sessions addressing career development and skills acquisition. Researchers and academics engaged in security topics are also part of the target audience.
Attendees typically come from technology companies, financial institutions, and academic organizations. The event is structured to accommodate varying experience levels, from those entering the field to established practitioners seeking to stay current with evolving threats and techniques.
Sponsors
JawnCon is supported by sponsors including Unix Surplus, South Philly CISOs, JP Morgan Chase, and Value Chain Risk.