Kawaiicon Innovates with CO2 Monitoring to Combat 'Con Crud'

Hacker conferences, much like conventions in other industries, are often riddled with cases of attendees falling ill shortly after the event. To address this common issue, known as 'con crud,' Kawaiicon in New Zealand has quietly implemented an innovative approach by launching a real-time carbon dioxide monitoring system.

Prior to the conference opening on November 6 at the Michael Fowler Centre, organizers set up DIY CO₂ monitors throughout the venue. This proactive installation allowed attendees to access a public online dashboard, checking air quality readings in various areas such as session rooms, children's sections, and reception areas even before arriving on site. 'It’s ALMOST like we are all nerds in a risk-based industry,' the organizers humorously remarked on the convention’s website.

This forward-thinking initiative caught the attention of Jeff Moss, the founder of Defcon and Black Hat security conferences, who praised Kawaiicon's efforts. 'What they did is fantastic,' Moss told 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.'