Black Hat USA 2026
The premier information security conference and training event, bringing together elite security researchers, industry leaders, and government agencies for cutting-edge briefings, hands-on training, and industry networking.
Instructor: Black Hat Team
Term: Summer
Location: Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada
Time: Saturday, August 1 – Thursday, August 6, 2026
Event Overview
Black Hat USA 2026 continues the tradition of the world’s most technical and relevant information security event, established in 1997. This six-day event provides:
- Technical Briefings: Peer-reviewed presentations from leading security researchers on zero-day vulnerabilities, exploit techniques, and defensive strategies
- Hands-On Training: In-depth courses taught by industry experts on offensive security, forensics, reverse engineering, and emerging threats
- Black Hat Arsenal: Live demonstrations of open-source security tools by their creators
- Business Hall: Exhibition featuring security vendors, startups, and recruitment opportunities
- Networking: Exclusive events connecting researchers, practitioners, and industry leaders
Event Structure
Training (August 2-3)
- Two-day immersive courses (separate registration and fee)
- Topics include: Advanced Penetration Testing, Cloud Security, Threat Hunting, Reverse Engineering, Incident Response
- Limited seating; early registration recommended
Main Conference (August 4-6)
- Technical Briefings: Multiple tracks running simultaneously
- Business Hall: Vendor exhibitions and product demonstrations
- Arsenal: Open-source tool showcases throughout the conference
- Special Events: Evening receptions, community meetups, and awards
Registration Tiers
- Training + Briefings Pass: Full access to all training and conference content
- Briefings Only Pass: Access to main conference days (Aug 4-6)
- Business Hall Pass: Limited access to exhibition floor (free registration)
- Media/Analyst Pass: Available for qualified press and industry analysts
Note: Training sessions require separate registration and typically sell out months in advance.
Important Information
- Official Dates: August 1-6, 2026 (based on Black Hat’s historical scheduling; subject to official confirmation)
- Venue: Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada
- Registration: Opens in Spring 2026; early bird pricing available
- Call for Papers: Typically opens October 2025, deadline January 2026
- Professional Event: Business casual attire; no offensive imagery on badges/clothing
Preparation Resources
- Review Black Hat Archives for past briefings and whitepapers
- Monitor Black Hat Blog for announcements and updates
- Follow @BlackHatEvents on Twitter for real-time information
- Study the Code of Conduct before attending
Official Channels
- Website: https://www.blackhat.com
- Registration: https://www.blackhat.com
- Twitter: @BlackHatEvents
- LinkedIn: Black Hat
- Email: info@blackhat.com
Accommodations
- Official Hotels: Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, Delano Las Vegas, Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas
- Booking: Room blocks typically open with registration; book early as hotels sell out
- Transportation: Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS) is 1.5 miles from venue
- Shuttle Service: Complimentary shuttles between official hotels and convention center
Note: Black Hat USA 2026 details are based on historical patterns and will be updated as official information is released by Black Hat. Always verify dates, schedules, and registration details through official channels before making travel arrangements.
Black Hat is a professional security conference focused on technical content and industry networking. Content may include discussions of vulnerabilities, exploits, and offensive techniques for defensive purposes.
Schedule
| Week | Date | Topic | Materials |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aug 1-2 | Arsenal & Business Hall Setup Black Hat Arsenal tool demonstrations begin. Business Hall exhibitor setup and early access for attendees with appropriate passes. | |
| 2 | Aug 2-3 | Training Sessions Two-day hands-on technical training courses covering advanced topics in penetration testing, incident response, cloud security, and offensive research. Separate registration required. | |
| 3 | Aug 4 | Main Conference Day 1 Opening keynote, first day of technical briefings across multiple tracks, full Business Hall access, and evening networking events. | |
| 4 | Aug 5 | Main Conference Day 2 Second day of technical briefings, specialized tracks (Cloud, IoT, Automotive, AI/ML Security), and afternoon workshops. | |
| 5 | Aug 6 | Main Conference Day 3 & Closing Final briefings, closing keynote, awards ceremony, and final Business Hall hours. Community networking events conclude the conference. |