FAQ
About OFFZONE
What is OFFZONE?
OFFZONE is an international conference on practical cybersecurity. It brings together security specialists, developers, engineers, researchers, lecturers, and students from Russia and abroad.
Participants share their knowledge and experience: they deliver presentations and attend workshops. The conference focuses only on technical content dedicated to cybersecurity trends.
There are also loads of fun activities to clear your head and relax. You can even get a tattoo if you decide to capture the event in eternity
Where and when will OFFZONE 2023 take place?
We'll be happy to see you on August 25–26 at the GOELRO venue: 40 Bolshaya Pochtovaya St., Bld. 7, Moscow, Russia
Who would be interested in the conference?
OFFZONE is primarily designed for techies who want to level up their knowledge, exchange experiences, and talk to legendary experts in an informal setting.
The conference will also be of interest to companies looking for ways to staff up their teams with top talent, organize marketing activities, or present cybersecurity solutions
I'm a minor but would love to come to OFFZONE. May I?
Unfortunately, no. You’re very welcome to attend, discuss cybersec and play some beer pong once you reach legal adulthood
What was OFFZONE like last year?
In 2022, more than 2,000 people attended the event. There were lots of technical content: 68 speakers covered a great deal of topics, from the evolution of cybersecurity to the threats hidden in USB cables.
In parallel to the educational program, there was a competition going on in the CTFZone, as well as a bunch of activities from partners.
There were sections dedicated to the security of software (AppSec.Zone), hardware (DC&HW.Zone), and financial systems (Finance.Zone). You could solder an add-on for your badge at the Craft.Zone and get a free tattoo at—you guessed it—the Tattoo.Zone. And, of course, no event would be complete without tequila and hookah.
See previous OFFZONE events in our archive
When will the OFFZONE 2023 agenda become available?
It will go live in early August. Follow us on Twitter for updates
I’m coming from another country/town. Where can I stay?
You can stay in one of our partner hotels at a discounted rate. Just make sure to include the OFFZONE promo code in your reservation email.
- 18 minutes’ walk and 6 minutes’ drive from the venue
- 20% off on reservations from August 23 through August 26
- 27 minutes’ walk and 8 minutes’ drive from the venue
- 10% off on reservations from August 22 through August 27
If you come earlier or stay longer, the extra days will be charged at regular rates.
For more details, see Accommodation
Become a partner
How to become a partner?
Contact us at info@offzone.moscow. We'll be happy to answer your questions and discuss your ideas. For more information on partnership and collaboration options, see Become a partner
Can a partner rep speak at OFFZONE?
Sure. They will need to submit an application to speak at CFP, AppSec.Zone, or CTF.Zone
Become a speaker
How to become a speaker?
Select where you want to speak at, read the terms, and submit your paper. We’re accepting applications for:
- Main session, CFP is open through July 17
- AppSec.Zone, CFP is open through July 17
- CTF.Zone, CFP is open through June 25
Please be aware that partner company reps are not automatically entitled to speaking slots
What do I need to know before applying to speak at OFFZONE?
There are some basic requirements:
- You can present in English or Russian. Your slides, however, must be in English
- Vendor or product ads in any form are not allowed
- You should submit your application personally, not through your company’s PR, marketing or any other department
To increase your chances of being picked, attach any relevant materials (demos, white papers, PoCs) that you think will help the CFP committee make a well-informed decision.
If your pitch gets approved, you will be notified accordingly by email. After that, you will have 24 hours to confirm your participation. No worries, we’ll try to get in touch with you even if we don’t hear from you within the specified timeframe. Nevertheless, try not to procrastinate, so we don’t have to give your slot to somebody else.
The application deadline depends on the track you pick. For details, see Call for papers, AppSec.Zone and CTF.Zone
Will the speakers get any freebies?
Yes, they certainly will, depending on the format of their engagement: talk (45 min) or short talk (15 min).
The talk package includes:
- Free OFFZONE ticket per speaker
- Invitation to the Speaker party
- Branded OFFZONE swag
- 2 free tickets for friends or colleagues
For speakers residing outside of Russia, if necessary:
- Roundtrip flight tickets
- Hotel accommodation
If the talk requires multiple speakers, flight and accommodation costs shall be covered for 2 persons only
The short talk package includes:
- Free OFFZONE ticket for the speaker
- Invitation to the Speaker party
- Branded OFFZONE swag
- 1 free ticket for a friend or colleague
Please note that AppSec.Zone and CTF.Zone presenters cover their own travel and accommodation costs.
CTF.Zone speakers are entitled to all the perks from the short talk package regardless of how long their presentation is
Buy tickets
How do I buy a ticket?
If you reside outside Russia, send us an email to info@offzone.moscow.
In your message, please specify:
- your name and surname
- company or college/university
- city
- phone
- type of ticket
If you are a student, please attach a scan or a photo of your valid student ID
What is the Speaker party ticket option?
It enables you to attend the after-party for the speakers. This is where you can network in a very informal setting with seasoned hackers: ask questions, share experiences, and just have a good time. Drinks, hookahs, and beer pong are on the house
I’ve got a tattoo with the OFFZONE logo. How can I get my free ticket?
Send a photo of your tattoo to info@offzone.moscow to book a free ticket
Have you got a student discount?
Yes. If you have a valid student ID, you can buy a ticket for ₽5,000.
Sales are limited to one ticket per student ID
May I attend the Speaker party as a student?
Yes, but to do that you need to purchase a full-price ticket. You also must be of legal age. No exceptions
How to buy a ticket through an organization?
To book a ticket, contact us at info@offzone.moscow.
In your message, please specify:
- your name and surname
- company
- city
- phone
- type of ticket
Can I cancel my participation and get a refund?
Yes, but the cutoff date is August 17.
If you decide to cancel your participation, contact us at info@offzone.moscow
Other activities
Why participate in activities?
First of all, it’s your chance to earn offcoins, which can be swapped for merch. Also, it’s an opportunity to try something new and have fun
What activities are available now?
Contest for the best tattoo design
Create a tattoo sketch in the spirit of OFFZONE and submit it until June 25! Make sure to use the conference name and imagery, such as CUB_3 and others.
Together with the tattoo artists, we will choose three winners and add their sketches to the Tattoo.Zone album. The results will be announced on July 7. All participants will receive offcoins and the winners will get an OFFZONE ticket discount and priority tattoo service.
For details, see Tattoo.Zone
Add-on contest
Create your own add-on design. If your design wins, we’ll gladly produce it for you.
Here are the steps:
- Read the requirements
- Think of an idea
- Lay out your PCB
- Prepare a Gerber file
- Send us your Gerber file at info@offzone.moscow with a brief description. The deadline is June 26
The winners will be announced on July 1 in our Twitter.
Learn more about the contest and find out how to design an add-on here
Well, you know the drill