DUCKYCON
A boutique cybersecurity, hardware hacking & maker event aboard a private evening cruise on Pittsburgh's rivers. Floating hacker village. Custom badges. Lightning talks. CTF. Bourbon. Cigars.
HACK THE
BURGH
DuckyCon DC412 blends conference programming, social networking, live demonstrations, badge engineering, and experiential riverfront atmosphere into a uniquely Pittsburgh-centered event. High-energy. Collaborative. Technically interesting. Visually memorable.
All demonstrations are educational, responsible, and conducted within legal boundaries.
Custom electronic badges with LEDs, microcontrollers, IR comms, and hidden puzzles.
Three decks of talks, workshops, CTF challenges, and social networking on the water.
Closer to DEF CON culture than a hotel ballroom — collaborative, technical, memorable.
THE FLOATING
HACKER VILLAGE
THREE DECKS.
ONE NIGHT.
The Gateway Clipper's multi-deck layout creates natural movement and distinct zones for talks, hacking, and social networking — all while floating past Pittsburgh's iconic skyline.
Main Stage
- ›Lightning talks & mini technical presentations
- ›Presentation AV & projection screens
- ›Sponsor & demo booths
- ›CTF challenge stations
Hacker Village
- ›Food & networking tables
- ›Badge hacking stations
- ›Hands-on hardware workshops
- ›RF scavenger hunt base
Skyline Social
- ›Cigar lounge with Pittsburgh skyline views
- ›Bourbon tasting experience
- ›Executive & community networking
- ›Ambient music & social space
THE CENTERPIECE
BADGE
One of the centerpiece attractions of DuckyCon DC412 — custom electronic conference badges that serve as both a keepsake and an interactive hacking platform throughout the event.
All "boat hacking" content is strictly thematic and educational — never operational against real-world maritime systems. All demonstrations comply with applicable laws and ethical guidelines.
GATEWAY CLIPPER
FLEET
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
Early October 2025
6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Sponsor-supported
Mid-September through early October offers comfortable weather, reduced humidity, excellent skyline lighting, strong sunset timing, and the best networking atmosphere on the water.
SPONSOR THE
VOYAGE
DuckyCon DC412 offers a unique platform to reach cybersecurity professionals, hardware makers, researchers, and university engineering communities in the Pittsburgh region and beyond.
- ›Presenting sponsor — name in event title
- ›Full booth on lower deck main stage area
- ›Speaking slot (10 min lightning talk)
- ›Logo on all badges and printed materials
- ›10 complimentary tickets
- ›Social media feature campaign
- ›Prominent logo on all event materials
- ›Demo table on mid deck
- ›5 complimentary tickets
- ›Logo on event badge PCB
- ›Social media mentions
- ›Logo on event website and signage
- ›3 complimentary tickets
- ›Mention in opening remarks
- ›Social media shoutout
- ›Logo on event website
- ›2 complimentary tickets
- ›Community recognition
Sponsor slots available — contact us to secure your position
BOARD THE
VESSEL
Secure your spot on the most unique cybersecurity event in Pittsburgh. Limited capacity — the Gateway Clipper holds a finite number of hackers.
General admission — all three decks, lightning talks, CTF access
- All-deck access
- CTF participation
- Badge included
- Food & soft drinks
Full experience — includes bourbon tasting and cigar lounge access
- All Crew perks
- Bourbon tasting
- Cigar lounge access
- Priority boarding
- Exclusive Captain badge
VIP — includes all perks plus badge workshop and speaker meet & greet
- All Captain perks
- Badge workshop seat
- Speaker meet & greet
- DuckyCon swag bag
- Name on badge PCB