Kawaiicon Launches Innovative CO2 Monitoring System for Safety

New Zealand’s leading hacker conference, Kawaiicon, implemented a groundbreaking real-time carbon dioxide (CO2) monitoring system during its event on November 6, 2023. This initiative aims to address health concerns linked to crowded gatherings, particularly amid ongoing outbreaks of viruses such as COVID-19 and measles.

The organizers installed a series of DIY CO2 monitors throughout the Michael Fowler Centre, allowing attendees to access air quality data directly from a public online dashboard. This dashboard provided real-time CO2 readings for various locations within the venue, including session rooms and children’s areas, before participants even arrived. The conference’s website humorously noted, “It’s ALMOST like we are all nerds in a risk-based industry.”

Jeff Moss, founder of the renowned Defcon and Black Hat security conferences, praised the initiative, stating, “What they did is fantastic. CO2 is being used as an approximation for so many things, but there are no easy, inexpensive network monitoring solutions available. Kawaiicon building something to do this is the true spirit of hacking.” Elevated CO2 levels can impair cognitive function and facilitate the transmission of airborne viruses, making the monitoring of CO2 a practical approach to maintaining public health.

Addressing Health Risks at Kawaiicon

Kawaiicon organizers faced the challenge of hosting a major information security event during a measles outbreak, alongside persistent waves of COVID-19, influenza, and RSV. This situation highlighted the difficulties many conference organizers encounter regarding public health standards and air quality control within venues. The Michael Fowler Centre operates on a single HVAC system that uses Farr 30/30 filters rated at MERV-8, a standard commonly found in residential settings.

The organizers explained, “The hardest part of the whole process is being limited by what the venue offers. The venue is older, which means less tech to control airflow, and an older HVAC system.”

To tackle these challenges, Kawaiicon’s team began preparations one month prior to the event. They deployed 13 RGB Matrix Portal Room CO2 monitors, a DIY project sourced from Adafruit Industries, and connected them to an internet-accessible dashboard that displayed live readings, daily highs and lows, and historical data on CO2 trends.

Collaboration with researchers from the University of Otago further validated the effectiveness of the monitoring system. Limor “Ladyada” Fried, founder of Adafruit, commented, “The best part is seeing folks pick up new skills and really understand how we measure and monitor air quality in the real world.”

Empowering Attendees with Information

Kawaiicon attendees benefitted from the ability to check CO2 levels before and during the event, allowing them to make informed decisions about their health and safety. Observations from the conference revealed participants actively monitoring CO2 levels on their devices, adjusting their masks according to the readings, and consulting a dashboard at the registration desk that displayed real-time conditions.

In session rooms, small wall-mounted monitors indicated air quality using a color-coded system: green signified safe levels, orange indicated caution, and red warned of high CO2 levels. The organizers emphasized their commitment to accommodating diverse risk assessments, stating, “Everyone who occupies the con space we operate has a different risk and threat model, and we want everyone to feel they can experience the con in a way that fits their model.”

Innovative posters created by New Zealand artist Pepper Raccoon featured a QR code linking to the CO2 dashboard, ensuring attendees had easy access to air quality information throughout the venue.

Kawaiicon’s organizers were transparent about the risks associated with gathering during ongoing health crises. Their Health and Safety page encouraged attendees to wear masks and offered free masks on-site. They also provided a virtual streaming option for those unable to attend in person, reinforcing their commitment to accessibility for all participants.

In a community often grappling with public health issues at major events, Kawaiicon’s proactive approach offers a model for future conferences. The organizers acknowledged the importance of individual risk tolerance, urging attendees to respect each other’s health choices and avoid negative commentary. As they stated, “Just leave others to make the call that is best for them. No one needs your snarky commentary.”

Kawaiicon’s innovative implementation of a CO2 monitoring system not only enhances the safety of its attendees but also serves as a testament to the adaptability and resourcefulness of the hacker community in navigating public health challenges.