This page collects the questions the UtahSAINT committee gets asked over and over, about the conference itself, registration, and sponsorship. If what you’re looking for isn’t here, jump into Discord and ask.
General
What is SAINTCON?
SAINTCON is the annual cyber-security conference presented by the Utah Security Advisory and Incident Network Team (UtahSAINT). It emphasizes IT and cyber-security topics. The conference began in 2001 and was originally called the UtahSAINT Conference before being renamed SAINTCON in 2013.
What happens at SAINTCON?
A mix of presentations, trainings, games, and contests. The Hackers Challenge (our long-running capture-the-flag-style game) started as filler during slower sessions and has grown into a serious, skill-driven competition that draws people back every year.
How much does it cost to attend?
Typically between $250 and $350. We adjust annually based on projected expenses. SAINTCON is a cost-recovery conference; pricing aims to stay minimal while covering what it takes to run the event.
Where is SAINTCON held?
Utah Valley Convention Center 220 W Center St, Suite 200 Provo, UT 84601
Are there age restrictions?
No age limit. All attendees younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult. We encourage family-friendly participation.
Will I be hacked if I bring my laptop?
Probably not. This is a security conference, though, and some attendees will test new skills against networked peers. Use a VPN, keep your software patched, and treat the venue Wi-Fi like any untrusted network.
Is SAINTCON a for-profit event?
No. SAINTCON is run by UtahSAINT, a 501(c)(6) non-profit. There are no paid staff. The organization retains roughly $15 to $20k annually to cover operational and startup expenses for the following year; everything else is reinvested in the conference.
What are MiniBadges?
Small electronic circuit boards (about 1” square) that plug into your conference badge. Originally designed by zZq, there are now more than 17,000 minibadges in circulation each year. Designs range from a single LED to fully functional small computers. Roughly 8 to 10% of attendees bring minibadges to trade. Most are handmade or produced in small runs; trading happens throughout the venue all week.
Do I have to be a security professional to attend?
Maybe. The conference is aimed at IT and security professionals, but it’s genuinely open to anyone interested in cyber-security, hacking, or security research. If that describes you, you’ll fit in.
Is SAINTCON limited to government and education attendees?
No. Private corporations and individuals from all sectors are welcome. The conference has an education focus, but it isn’t restricted.
How do I get involved?
Getting involved generally happens organically. Come to the conference, meet people, show up on Discord year-round. The formal path is the Call for Volunteers, which opens May 15, 2026 via the Call for Volunteers page.
How do I speak at SAINTCON?
Submit a response to the Call for Papers (CFP), which is evaluated by the conference committee. The 2026 Call for Papers is open now; selections happen on a rolling basis. The CFP runs in two phases each year:
- Open submissions. Anyone can submit.
- Targeted recruitment. The committee reaches out to fill content gaps.
Registration
When does registration open?
Registration for SAINTCON typically opens in mid-July.
Why do tickets sell out so fast?
Demand. SAINTCON’s reputation plus a hard 2,000-attendee cap means the ticket window is short and competitive.
What happens if tickets sell out before I can get one?
You can join the standby list. Standby tickets become available in two ways:
- Unused reservations from staff, speakers, and volunteers get released back to the pool.
- Refunds from people who cancel.
When a standby slot opens, we reach out in list order.
Can I transfer my ticket to someone else?
Yes. See Registration Transfer for the self-service process.
Can I scalp my ticket?
No. Tickets are registered to specific individuals and require photo ID at check-in.
Are there discount tickets?
No. As of 2022, standard discounts are no longer offered. Two programs address financial need instead:
- Scholarship Program
- Student Group Program
Can I add a training class after I register?
Yes, as long as seats are still available. Log into your account on the registration site with your email and password.
I didn’t get my receipt. Can I get another?
Check your spam folder first; receipts sometimes land there. If it’s not there, the registration site has a resend option.
Can you ship my badge / swag if I can’t make it?
No. We’re not able to ship materials to attendees who don’t make it to the conference.
Sponsorship
When does the Call for Sponsors open?
Sponsor Registration for SAINTCON 26 opens May 19, 2026 via the Sponsorship page.
How many sponsorship slots are there?
Roughly 20 total, subject to change year to year:
- 2 Event Partners
- 15 Gold Sponsors
- 3 Community Sponsors
How fast do sponsorships sell out?
Very fast. Most slots are claimed within 24 hours of the Call for Sponsors opening.
How are sponsors selected?
First come, first served. Returning sponsors who know the process tend to have an edge simply because they’re ready to move when it opens.
What’s included in a sponsorship?
Details live in the sponsorship prospectus, published on the Sponsorship page each year alongside the Call for Sponsors.
Still have questions?
Drop into Discord. Year-round, that’s where the committee and community hang out.
