FAQ
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Frequently Asked Questions
Here's a handful of questions that we've been asked in the past few months. If you have any questions that this doesn't answer, please email me at h1kari@toorcon.org. We have also created a Google Group for discussing planning, general questions about the camp, and announcements.
Where?
Will the conference be happening inside the Missile Silo???
We aren't fully sure yet how much of the missile silo we can use for the actual conference. We are trying to have at least some of the talks, workshops, and possibly a music performance inside parts of the missile silo (because of the really neet acoustics!). At the very least we will offer full-facility group tours of the missile silo, which may be at an extra cost because extra security will be required for liability reasons. Unfortunately because many areas of the Silo are very rough, we 'will not be providing full unescorted access to the facility.
Can we camp inside the Missile Silo?
See previous Q&A. Unfortunately, we are required to close access to the Silo after dark which rules out the possibility of camping inside. We will, however, have tons of camping space above ground and many nighttime festivities going on, including a music stage setup on top of one of the silo hatch doors!
Where exactly is the Missile Silo?
We can't provide the exact location of the Silo yet, but it is located in Batum, WA, within 40 min of Moses Lake, WA, 30 min of Odessa, WA, and 90 min from Spokane, WA (closest major city) which all have restaurants, hotels, grocery stores, etc.
What airport should I fly into?
The closest major airports are Seattle/Tacoma International Airport (SEA) (~3 hours away), Spokane International Airport (GEG) (~90 min away), and Grant County International Airport (MWH) (~40 min away). We suggest looking into flying into either of them. Usually SeaTac has cheaper flights and rental cars, but Spokane is definitely closer. United Express will begin commercial air service 2x daily into Moses Lake, WA (MWH) (~40 minutes away) on June 4th, 2009, and tickets are available for purchase now. Chartered and private flights can also make use of the MWH facility. We're currently looking into providing shuttle service from MWH to ToorCamp during the move-in and move-out days. Please post your flight info to the Rideshare forums if you're flying into MWH so we can arrange the proper shuttle and pick-up times.
That's far from the airport I'm flying into, how am I supposed to get there??
We've setup a rideshare forum on the ToorCamp website. You should have access to it once you've registered. If for some reason you can't get to it here please email h1kari@toorcon.org. We're suggesting for people to rent large vehicles and carpool out. If anyone wants to rent a larger vehicle and provide transportation for people coming out, please let us know and we'll advertise it on the website.
What?
What is the area like out there?
Central Washington is mostly desert-like farmland. The terrain is mostly fields and small shrubs. We've heard that the weather will be in the 90's during the day in July and the Silo stays a constant ground temperature (~50 degrees Fahrenheit). We recommend people bring sunscreen and shade structures to stay out of the sun. Also, this area of Washington is known for dust devils (actually quite cute!) and fairly high wind at times so make sure your structures and tents are well secured to the ground.
How?
What should we bring?
You should bring everything that you would normally bring when you go camping out in the desert. Here's an example checklist:
| - Water |
| - Food |
| - Tent |
| - Sleeping Bag |
| - Camping Mattress |
| - Lantern (preferably non-burning) |
| - Flashlights (headlights are best) |
| - Sunscreen |
| - Bugspray |
| - Warm clothing (it'll get down to 50 degrees inside the silo and outdoors at night) |
| - Cash (food and supplies will be available on-site and will be cash-only) |
What if I want to rent a large tent for my campsite?
We're working with a local tent rental company and we can add you onto our order. If you are interested in getting a large tent, please email me at h1kari@toorcon.org so we can include you on our order. It'll save a lot of money to only have to do one delivery instead of multiple deliveries and pick-ups and we will just pass on our cost to you.
What if I want to bring out an RV?
We'll have a specific area of the camp that's designated for RV's but we cannot provide RV hookups. There is an RV park around 30 minutes away in Odessa, WA if you need to go out and refill water and dump septic. If you are bringing an RV, please email us and let us know if you're part of a specific campsite so we can make sure we situate you far enough away from the tents (because of generator exhaust and noise) and so you have easy access to the road in case you need to leave to hookup in Odessa.
I started a campsite and want my 10%! How do I get it?
We will give you your 10% (either to the campsite organizer or to all of the campers) after you get 10 people to sign up for your campsite. Make sure that all of your campers are listed on your campsite wiki page and then email h1kari and let him know that you've reached 10 people. We will then issue either a 10% refund to each person that's signed up for the campsite or paypal 10% of the total admission of your campsite to the campsite organizer.
Are camps/people expected to pack out their own trash, or will there be dumpsters with scheduled pickup provided where trash can be dumped?
?
Who?
I'm press and I'd like to cover the event, do you offer any press passes?
Please email h1kari@toorcon.org for press registration information.
I'm giving a talk, does this mean I get in for free??
Because of the costs of running the conference we aren't providing free admission to people who speak unless they are traveling overseas or are students. We are trying to help some people running workshops, however, since they require a major time investment with prep, setup, equipment, and running them over the weekend so we are providing free admission to people who run workshops. Either way, if you are speaking, doing a workshop, or organizing any other sort of event and need financial help, we are more than happy to work with you. Please email h1kari@toorcon.org to discuss how we can help.
I'm under 18, am I allowed to come?
We don't have a problem with minors coming to the camp. The only issue is that we are requiring everyone to sign a liability waiver and so minors must be escorted by their parent/guardian who can sign for them.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are allowed but must remain leashed at all times except for in designated "leash free" zones. Dogs will not be allowed inside the missile silo, so you will need to have a dog sitter while you are down there. Also, it's expected that owners pick up after their pets and keep an eye on them at all times. You are responsible for any damage your pet causes.
Why?
Why is ToorCamp so expensive?!
It actually isn't. Most security conferences cost much more, especially for a 4 day conference, and most people also end up paying for expensive hotels while staying at conferences which ends up usually costing much more than the conference admission and/or flight. We are cheaper than most of the other camping events out there let-alone 4 day computer security conferences.
What is included in the ticket cost?
The ticket gets you:
| - Camping space |
| - Utilities (Power, Internet, Toilets, Water refill, etc) |
| - Access to all Talks & Workshops |
| - Access to special performances & nighttime events |
Note that it does not include any travel, food, beverage, lodging, equipment, etc.
Is there going to be just a weekend ticket?
We will be offering a "Hacker Faire" ticket for the weekend (from Saturday morning to Monday morning). This will give you access to any nighttime events and workshops during the day and will be less than the $150 original pre-registration price.
Sponsors
We want to give you a bunch of money to have our name on stuff..
Perfect, we don't mind taking your money. Please email geo@toorcon.org to discuss our different sponsorship options.
Liability
What if I get injured at the camp?
We will be providing on-site EMT staff as well as Fire Marshals and will have proper evacuation plans in place. One of our terms with the owner of the site is that we're required to have everyone that comes sign a Liability Waiver and agree to our event rules. If you come to the camp, we will do all we can do to make sure you have the safest 4th of July possible, but please don't come after us if something happens to you. We would like to continue throwing these events in the future so please take responsibility for your own actions while at ToorCamp.
