Kawaiicon Installs Real-Time Air Quality Monitoring to Protect Attendees

New Zealand's Kawaiicon hacker conference, held at the Michael Fowler Centre, implemented a real-time, room-by-room carbon dioxide monitoring system to combat the spread of illness among attendees. The system, which was installed before the conference doors opened on November 6, allowed attendees to check a public online dashboard for clean air readings in various areas of the venue, including session rooms, kids areas, and the front desk. Event organizers installed DIY CO2 monitors throughout the venue to gather data on the air quality, which attendees could access before arriving at the conference. According to Jeff Moss, founder of the Defcon and Black Hat security conferences, the organizers' efforts are a testament to the innovative spirit of the hacking community. "What they did is fantastic," Moss said in an interview with WIRED. "CO2 is being used as an approximation for so many things, but there are no easy, inexpensive network monitoring solutions available. Kawaiicon building something to do this is the true spirit of hacking." The decision to implement the CO2 monitoring system was likely driven by the need to mitigate the spread of illness among attendees, a common issue at hacker conferences. Con crud, as it is colloquially known, is a term used to describe the mystery illnesses that often afflict attendees at such events. By providing real-time data on air quality, the organizers aimed to create a safer environment for attendees. The use of CO2 as a proxy for air quality is not without its limitations. Elevated levels of CO2 can lead to reduced cognitive function, headaches, and other health issues. However, the organizers' approach is a creative solution to a common problem, and it highlights the resourcefulness and ingenuity of the hacking community. The implementation of the CO2 monitoring system at Kawaiicon is a notable development in the world of hacker conferences. As the hacking community continues to evolve and adapt to new challenges, it will be interesting to see how other events respond to this innovative approach. For now, the organizers of Kawaiicon have set a new standard for conference safety and air quality monitoring, and their efforts are likely to be emulated by other events in the future.