Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Hack the Coast.
Q:What is Hack the Coast?
Hack the Coast is the Gulf Coast's community-driven cybersecurity conference. It's a one-day event featuring breakout sessions, hands-on learning, and networking opportunities for students, practitioners, and community members. It's a production of IT Gulf Coast.
Q:Who should attend?
Anyone interested in cybersecurity — high school students, college students, early-career professionals, seasoned practitioners, educators, and community members. Whether you're just getting started or you've been in the field for years, there's something for you.
Q:Is it beginner-friendly?
Absolutely. We specifically seek out beginner-friendly and student-accessible content. You don't need to be an expert to attend — you just need to be curious.
Q:Are high school students welcome?
Yes. We actively encourage high school students to attend. Hack the Coast is designed to be an entry point for the next generation of cybersecurity professionals on the Gulf Coast.
Q:Is this part of IT Gulf Coast?
Yes. Hack the Coast is a production of IT Gulf Coast, which provides the organizational backbone, community relationships, and regional vision for the event.
Q:Is this the same as ITEN Wired?
No. Hack the Coast is a separate, complementary event. Think of it as a feeder and precursor to ITEN Wired — a regional, community-scale gathering that feeds into the broader ITEN Wired ecosystem. They work together, not against each other.
Q:Where is it located?
Hack the Coast takes place at Cowork Annex — 13 Palafox Place, Suite 200, Pensacola, FL 32502. Located in the heart of downtown Pensacola.
Q:When is the conference?
May 9, 2026. Doors open at 8:00 AM. The event runs through 4:00 PM.
Q:Will there be breakout sessions?
Yes. Breakout sessions are a core part of the Hack the Coast experience. You'll choose from multiple concurrent sessions covering topics like red team, blue team, cloud security, AI security, OSINT, career development, and more.
Q:Will there be a CTF?
Yes — Capture the Flag is one of our signature first-year events. The CTF runs all day alongside the main sessions, so you can jump in and out between talks. Challenges will span web exploitation, cryptography, OSINT, reverse engineering, and miscellaneous categories. Solo players and teams are both welcome.
Q:What is the OSINT Village?
The OSINT Village is a hands-on area where you can learn open source intelligence techniques and tools from experienced practitioners. Investigate real-world scenarios, discover hidden connections, and build your OSINT tradecraft. No experience required — it runs open all day.
Q:How do I apply to speak?
Visit our Call for Speakers page. We welcome proposals from industry practitioners, educators, students, and community builders. First-time speakers are encouraged.
Q:How do I become a sponsor?
Visit our Sponsors page or contact us directly. We welcome sponsors of all sizes — local businesses, educational institutions, and community organizations are ideal partners.
Q:What should I bring?
A laptop (especially for hands-on sessions), a charger, curiosity, and optionally business cards for networking. Lunch will be provided.
Q:How much does it cost?
In-person tickets are $55 — the same price for everyone, students included. That covers full conference access, all breakout sessions, CTF, OSINT Village, and lunch. Remote access is $45 and includes the keynote livestream and select breakout sessions. Want to help a student attend? You can sponsor a student ticket for $55 — we'll match it with a student from a Gulf Coast school or community program.
Q:What does the remote ticket include?
Remote attendees get a full livestream of the keynote and select breakout sessions streamed live from the main stage. You'll be able to participate in Q&A during those sessions. Remote does not include CTF, OSINT Village, or networking — those are in-person only.
Q:What is the refund policy?
Tickets are fully refundable up to 14 days before the event (April 25, 2026). After that, tickets are non-refundable but can be transferred to another attendee. Sponsor-a-student tickets are non-refundable once purchased. Email contact@itgulfcoast.org for any ticket questions.
Q:Do I need to bring a laptop?
A laptop is strongly recommended, especially if you plan to participate in the CTF, OSINT Village, or hands-on labs. Don't forget your charger.
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