Kawaiicon Installs Real-Time CO2 Monitoring System to Protect Attendees

New Zealand's Kawaiicon, a premier hacker conference, implemented a real-time, room-by-room carbon dioxide monitoring system to combat the spread of illness among attendees. The system, which was installed throughout the Michael Fowler Centre venue before the conference doors opened on November 6, allowed attendees to check a public online dashboard for clean air readings in various areas, including session rooms, kids areas, and the front desk. Event organizers installed DIY CO2 monitors throughout the venue to get the system up and running. The initiative was met with praise from industry experts, with Jeff Moss, founder of the Defcon and Black Hat security conferences, stating, "What they did is fantastic. 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 use of CO2 monitoring as a proxy for air quality is not new, but it has gained attention in recent years due to its potential applications in various industries, including healthcare and education. Elevated levels of CO2 can lead to reduced cognitive function, headaches, and other health issues, making it essential to maintain good air quality, especially in crowded spaces like conference venues. Kawaiicon's decision to implement the CO2 monitoring system was likely driven by the need to mitigate the spread of illness among attendees, known as "con crud." This phenomenon is common at large gatherings, including conferences and festivals, where attendees are often exposed to a variety of germs and viruses. Industry experts have long recognized the importance of air quality in maintaining the health and productivity of individuals, particularly in high-stress environments like hacker conferences. The use of CO2 monitoring as a proxy for air quality is a creative solution to this problem, and Kawaiicon's implementation of the system is a testament to the innovative spirit of the hacker community. As the use of CO2 monitoring continues to gain traction in various industries, it will be interesting to see how this technology evolves and is applied in the future. For now, Kawaiicon's initiative serves as a model for other events and organizations looking to prioritize the health and well-being of their attendees.