Margaritaville Las Vegas – Casual

Palms’ Fantasy Tower – Stylish Nightlife Attire (no hats, no tennis shoes, no baggy or torn jeans, no sandals for men.)

JET at The Mirage – Casual chic. No tank tops, athletic wear, track suits or shorts. Fashionable sneakers will be allowed. Dress code enforced.

PURE Nightclub (Caesars) – Casual Chic: Fashionable attire is required. No sports jerseys, tank tops on men, tennis shoes or athletic wear of any kind will be permitted. The dress code is at management’s discretion.

Shadow Bar (Caesars) - Casual

Casa Fuente (Caesars) - Casual

Rhumbar at the Mirage – Casual

Vanity Nightclub (Hard Rock) - No tennis shoes

Sushi Roh (Caesars) - Casual

V Bar (Venetian) - No bandannas, tennis shoes, ripped or baggy jeans, athletic attire. Guys avoid shorts, tank tops, sandals.

Hard Rock – very casual

For a list of when the parties are, in addition to who is holding them, check the following site: http://www.securityaegis.com/blackhat-and-defcon-parties/

Sometimes there are situations that completely throw you for a loop. You know you’ve prepared, triple-checked your facts, and practiced at great lengths, but you still have a sense of foreboding in the pit of your stomach. Unfortunately, for me, the aforementioned scenario is how I often feel post-talk (and exam). Some would say it’s a confidence issue, others might say that I’m simply stuck in my own head. It’s entirely possible that both are correct but perhaps it’s also my own little slice of the OCD pie? (note to self: bounce this self-flagellating diagnosis by Bill Brenner next time I talk with him). Regardless of the reasoning behind it, as it is my cross to bear, I am, however, able to identify the key indicators that a presentation was worthwhile.

1. The talk encourages audience members to ask questions
2. Someone talks, either via social media or in person by coming up and shaking my hand, about how great the talk was, how well I communicated my points, or how much they learned as a result of it
3. The talk becomes a catalyst for further discussion, either immediately after the session, follow-up calls/emails, or even face-to-face at another event months after the initial presentation.
4. I’m asked to do the talk again

Ultimately, if at least one person approaches me to tell me that they learned something or that it was a great presentation, I’ve accomplished what I set out to achieve. Not only does it make me feel like I’ve contributed to something bigger than myself (no fat jokes please), but it makes me feel like my preparation and time away from my family was worth it. Keep the speaking opportunities coming folks…I’ll figure out the secret sauce at some point