Schedule

Come grab a drink and geek out with our sponsors, presenters, and attendees as we kick off Hackfort during Treefort 12!

Remember when President Obama gave Hackfort a shoutout? Dive into a decade of tech, creativity, and community at Hackfort. We're looking back at the big moments, cool projects, and the amazing people who've made Hackfort what it is today. Join us for a laid-back chat with some folks who've been there from the start and those who've joined along the way. It's a celebration of all the geeky fun we've had.

If you're new to game jams, they're a game making challenge where individuals and teams attempt to develop a whole, playable video game within a short time limit. We’ll be providing themes and a few other tools to assist your creative process during the jam.
This is a chill, unranked jam, but to make things a little more exciting, we've asked a few judges to review your submissions. Each judge can pick any amount of their favorite submissions to be immortalized online on SuperTry's jam page. We'll also be encouraging our judges to talk, spread the word, and champion their favorite games through whichever medium they most enjoy.
For more details, visit: https://itch.io/jam/supertry-hackfort

Immersive multimedia installation combining interactive video projection and improvised soundscapes, music, dance and play. The space is designed to be an interactive, multi-sensory exploration into how we use imaginative creative play to create reality.

This talk will delve into the unsettling realm of cybercriminals leveraging generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) to perpetrate phishing, imitation, and other criminal activities. With the rise of consumer facing GenAI technologies like ChatGPT and Google Bard criminals have found new and innovative ways to create convincing and deceptive content that targets unsuspecting individuals for fraud at scale. We’ll discuss how GenAI can and has been manipulated to craft sophisticated and personalized phishing emails, video, messages, and websites that imitate legitimate sources for fraud and deception. These fraudsters are able to create highly personalized and contextually relevant materials making it difficult to discern the scam from reality. By exploiting social engineering techniques, they capitalize on human psychology and emotions, increasing the likelihood of success and profit. Dive into the technical, legal, and operational challenges faced by both individuals and organizations in identifying these AI-generated fraudulent materials. Learn how and why traditional methods of detection often fall short due to the remarkable quality of the content produced by GenAI. Finally we’ll explore potential countermeasures, including advanced pattern recognition algorithms, increased user awareness, and the development of AI tools for validation.

Ed Vasko has spent over 30-years leading cybersecurity companies that provide critical services and platforms to clients around the world. Now, he is deeply involved in solving the national crisis of not having an effective supply of cybersecurity workers to meet our national needs. In this conversation, he shares the details and benefits of the Idaho Cyberdome - a program that rural K-12 districts are welcome to join to help monitor and secure their networks while enabling pathways for post-secondary learners throughout Idaho.

He will also provide perspectives on how this national cybersecurity crisis developed, and how educators, employers, and higher education can work together towards solving our needs regionally, and nationally. Come be a part of this conversation and join the discussion.

Several Synth Society members will perform live, hardware-based electronic music. There will be an opportunity for attendees to interact with some synthesizers, ask questions and learn about the basics of music synthesis!

AI's Artistic Alchemy: Crafting Images with Technology is an exhilarating exploration of AI-driven image and video generation. This presentation showcases the wildly creative, fascinating, and fun pieces of art and media that emerge from the fusion of technology and imagination.

Discover how AI algorithms transform pixels into extraordinary masterpieces, from surreal landscapes to abstract compositions. Witness mind-bending animations and surreal short films as AI crafts narratives that challenge conventional notions of creativity.

Join us to celebrate the surprises, unexpected beauty, and sheer fun that AI's artistic alchemy brings to the creative process. Whether you're an art enthusiast or tech lover, this presentation promises to inspire and entertain, showcasing the limitless possibilities of AI in the world of art and media. Don't miss this extraordinary journey where technology and art converge to create visual wonders!

A presentation on how SuperTry's various video game and tabletop projects got funded, developed, and released and how they almost didn't.

Gather round for some short-form, rapid-fire, low-budget, passionate presentations about topics these experts care about. Topics include:

Educate in 3D: A New Dimension of Learning -Julez Gonzalez (Merge Creative, LLC.)
Breaking the Ice: Networking Tips for Introverted Techies - Liz Taylor
From Crypto Wallet to Avatar: A Lightning Journey into the Metaverse -Raymond Kramer
Community Connections through Gaming - Julez Gonzalez (Merge Creative, LLC.)
Trends in Immersive Audio - David Reyes
And more?

Educate in 3D: A New Dimension of Learning - Julez Gonzalez (Merge Creative, LLC.)
Come see how open-source-accessible learning tools are changing the education landscape. Don't just follow along in person, join us here in a 3D environment: https://framevr.io/learning-center

From Crypto Wallet to Avatar: A Lightning Journey into the Metaverse - Raymond Kramer
This talk dives into the shift from Web 1.0 to the decentralized worlds of Web 3.0, highlighting the crucial role of crypto wallets in navigating virtual worlds like Decentraland and The Sandbox. Learn how NFTs and decentralization empower your digital identity and ownership across multiple avatars. Perfect for anyone curious about the future of digital interaction and the evolving landscape of the metaverse.

Community Connections through Gaming - Julez Gonzalez (Merge Creative, LLC.)
From Reddit to Roblox, and Discord to Fortnite, let's not forget about VRChat! All across the internet people are finding community. What are they up to?

Breaking the Ice: Networking Tips for Introverted Techies - Liz Taylor
Explore the unique challenges introverted tech professionals face when networking and provide practical tips to make the process more comfortable and enjoyable. From effective preparation techniques to mastering body language and conversation starters, we'll delve into strategies that empower introverts to navigate networking events with confidence. Discover how to leverage technology, overcome networking anxiety, and embrace opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Trends in Immersive Audio - David Reyes
Unlike traditional audio, which is typically delivered in a flat, two-dimensional format, spatial audio simulates the way sound behaves in the real world, providing a sense of direction, distance, and depth. Come hear and experience spatial audio.

Come code with us! If you are 3 to 93 we have an opportunity for you. Come experience an hour of code at the Idaho STEM Action Center booth and learn how to support Idaho students in the space of computer science.

Welcome Kidfort! Embark on a journey through the digital ages as we introduce your kids to the fascinating world of retro technology! From rotary phones to 8-track players, vintage computers and gadgets, this hands-on experience is designed to transport young minds to a time beyond their years. The tables will be full of technology that smartphones pretty much made obsolete!
This is a free all-ages experience. Treefort/Hackfort credentials are not required.

Visit Kevin Cole at the SuperTry table as he works on his game he is creating for the Hackfort Game Jam. Join in, ask questions, provide feedback, or ask for some tips and tricks for the game you're developing! Part workshop, part performance art. Come say hi.

https://itch.io/jam/supertry-hackfort

Join us for an engaging discussion on the transformative impact of Extended Reality (XR) and immersive technology in the field of education. As traditional classrooms evolve, XR technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR) are revolutionizing the way students learn and educators teach. Our panel of experts will explore the opportunities and challenges of integrating XR into the educational landscape, sharing insights, success stories, and future trends. Whether you're an educator, technologist, or simply curious about the future of education, this panel promises to be an enlightening journey into the immersive world of learning.

Join professionals from the Boise tech community for a round robin style networking event. We'll have ice breaker questions but we encourage you to bring your own. Meet with UX/UI designers, product managers, solution and software engineers and more. Who knows, you might meet your future mentor?

Join Kacey Wheeler, Founder of Encryptrix, for a lesson about the importance of safe passwords. This beginner-level workshop will teach you the tools that anyone can use to crack insecure passwords, while learning how to protect your passwords from being cracked.

Because of closed primaries in Idaho, the vast majority of Idahoans aren't being heard in our state's election system. Only six out of Idaho’s 70 state house districts (9%) are competitive in the general election. In 2022, that meant just 15% of eligible voters effectively elected the entire Idaho House of Representatives in party primaries. Most Idahoans - and Americans - agree that the system is broken. 
Join us for a panel discussion on one solution for political dysfunction and disenfranchisement: how opening Idaho primaries can make elections more representative and government more functional here in Idaho. We'll discuss the national movement in political innovation and how the opportunity to open primaries for all can include more voters across the political spectrum. This event will be moderated by Melissa Davlin

Join us for a panel discussion on how opening Idaho primaries will make elections more representative and government more functional here in Idaho. We'll discuss a national movement in political innovation and how the opportunity to open primaries for all can benefit voters across the political spectrum.

This panel discussion seeks to unravel the complex relationship between AI and human creativity. Is AI a collaborator, enhancing human creativity with new possibilities, or a competitor that threatens the traditional notion of art? We'll explore how AI challenges our concepts of authorship and creativity, and what it means for the future of artists and the art industry.

Come over to Boise State University - Esports Arena
All are welcome to attend. Live music, a prize for the winning player and open play on gaming computers.
301 S. Capital Drive (across the street from the Boise Centre and Trader Joe's)

This talk delves into the essentials of accessible communications, exploring its definition, significance, and business benefits. We'll discuss why prioritizing accessible communication is not only a smart business strategy but also a moral and sometimes legal obligation. The session will conclude with practical tips on how to implement accessible communication practices effectively and share resources to get started.

Fast track to the "For You Page", in this demo you will learn how to create interactive Tiktok Effect Filters! We'll explore AR techniques, best practices, and how to publish a live game. C'mon!

A prompt based workshop that harnesses the power of play to generate new ideas.
This workshop is designed for artists, game developers, designers, animators, writers, musicians – anyone who creates things – with the intention of letting go of perfectionism and leaning into collaboration, intuition, and the freedom to make a lot of bad art (and maybe something beautiful, too). The aim is to leave participants equipped with a new set of tools to overcome creative block and appreciate the capacities of their own mind. The medium of this workshop will be pen and paper, though no illustration experience is required.

Indie game developer Jed Steen, better known as "HakJak", shares the highs and lows of his career, and offers advice to others seeking success in the games industry.

Whether you're an aspiring game developer or a gaming enthusiast, this AMA is your ticket to unlock the secrets of the industry.

Immersive multimedia installation combining interactive video projection and improvised soundscapes, music, dance and play. The space is designed to be an interactive, multi-sensory exploration into how we use imaginative creative play to create reality.

Come code with us! If you are 3 to 93 we have an opportunity for you. Come experience an hour of code at the Idaho STEM Action Center booth and learn how to support Idaho students in the space of computer science.

This introductory workshop demonstrates the importance of making your websites navigable by keyboards. Learn hands-on methods to manually test and ensure your website is fully navigable via keyboard, enhancing usability for all users.

Join Casey Scalf of Sensebellum for part 1 of the 2 part series on how to design and create interactive LED wearables. Watch as Casey covers the process from conception to creation including the 3D modeling and software design process. Make sure to check out part 2 next door where you can go from design to reality with your very own interactive LED wearable!

Join Rich Stuppy and Brady Harrison for a fireside chat on Customer Success for Startups!

Rich and Brady will share their experience and expertise on creating a customer-focused culture in a startup. They'll discuss practical strategies for understanding and meeting customer needs effectively, and how this can be a game-changer for early-stage companies.

This panel is perfect for startup founders, customer success enthusiasts, or anyone interested in balancing customer satisfaction with business growth. Get ready for an engaging session filled with real-world insights, actionable advice, and a touch of industry wisdom. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your approach to customer success, this discussion is for you.

Gather round for some short-form, rapid-fire, low-budget, passionate presentations about topics these experts care about. Topics include:

Educate in 3D: A New Dimension of Learning -Julez Gonzalez (Merge Creative, LLC.)
Breaking the Ice: Networking Tips for Introverted Techies - Liz Taylor
From Crypto Wallet to Avatar: A Lightning Journey into the Metaverse -Raymond Kramer
Community Connections through Gaming - Julez Gonzalez (Merge Creative, LLC.)
Trends in Immersive Audio - David Reyes
And more?

Educate in 3D: A New Dimension of Learning - Julez Gonzalez (Merge Creative, LLC.)
Come see how open-source-accessible learning tools are changing the education landscape. Don't just follow along in person, join us here in a 3D environment: https://framevr.io/learning-center

From Crypto Wallet to Avatar: A Lightning Journey into the Metaverse - Raymond Kramer
This talk dives into the shift from Web 1.0 to the decentralized worlds of Web 3.0, highlighting the crucial role of crypto wallets in navigating virtual worlds like Decentraland and The Sandbox. Learn how NFTs and decentralization empower your digital identity and ownership across multiple avatars. Perfect for anyone curious about the future of digital interaction and the evolving landscape of the metaverse.

Community Connections through Gaming - Julez Gonzalez (Merge Creative, LLC.)
From Reddit to Roblox, and Discord to Fortnite, let's not forget about VRChat! All across the internet people are finding community. What are they up to?

Breaking the Ice: Networking Tips for Introverted Techies - Liz Taylor
Explore the unique challenges introverted tech professionals face when networking and provide practical tips to make the process more comfortable and enjoyable. From effective preparation techniques to mastering body language and conversation starters, we'll delve into strategies that empower introverts to navigate networking events with confidence. Discover how to leverage technology, overcome networking anxiety, and embrace opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Trends in Immersive Audio - David Reyes
Unlike traditional audio, which is typically delivered in a flat, two-dimensional format, spatial audio simulates the way sound behaves in the real world, providing a sense of direction, distance, and depth. Come hear and experience spatial audio.

Come code with us! If you are 3 to 93 we have an opportunity for you. Come experience an hour of code at the Idaho STEM Action Center booth and learn how to support Idaho students in the space of computer science.

Welcome Kidfort! Embark on a journey through the digital ages as we introduce your kids to the fascinating world of retro technology! From rotary phones to 8-track players, vintage computers and gadgets, this hands-on experience is designed to transport young minds to a time beyond their years. The tables will be full of technology that smartphones pretty much made obsolete!
This is a free all-ages experience. Treefort/Hackfort credentials are not required.

Join Casey Scalf of Sensebellum for part 2 of the 2 part series on how to design and create interactive LED wearables. Get hands on with your very own creation by combining programmable microcontrollers, LEDs, and batteries. Finish the piece by turning it into an earring, necklace, bracelet, or bike light with all the parts you need to shine on!

This is a limited capacity event (20). Priority access is given to Hackfort Badge-holders.

The AI industry has a security problem and it's not just jailbreaking ChatGPT. The tools that build and deploy these models have highly critical, practical vulnerabilities like remote code execution everywhere. We will share our research into uncovering these bugs in tools used by Fortune 500 companies around the world and demonstrate their exploitation using our open-source exploits.

Panelists will discuss the latest and emerging threats to our security & privacy from quantum computing, AI, and the digitization of our homes, transportation, power grid, communications, etc.

Explore Augmented Reality (AR) hands-on! Join us for a workshop where you'll learn to create immersive AR projects. Don't worry if you're new to AR – this session is beginner-friendly. Simply bring your laptop and be ready to delve into the fundamentals of turning your AR ideas into reality. Discover the exciting world of AR with us!

This presentation delves into the latest advancements in quantum technology. We'll explore the revolutionary impacts and emerging risks of this transformative field, highlighting its potential in various industries and discussing the critical ethical and security considerations. Join us for an insightful session on the future shaped by quantum innovations.

This interactive workshop mixes data, design thinking, and artificial intelligence (AI) in a hands-on problem-solving sprint. Learn how to use AI for good and design solutions for a more accessible, barrier-free community through scrappy and agile methods. Whether you code in your sleep or you’re just tech-curious, all are welcome.
Laptops are encouraged but not required.

The Hackfort Tech Challenge is a statewide competition offered in partnership by Boise State University’s Venture College, a program in the College of Innovation and Design, and Treefort Music Fest.

Offered as a part of Hackfort, the Hackfort Tech Challenge encourages innovation and celebrates all things tech.

Apply today to compete for cash prizes while solving real-world problems with technology to make an impact in your community.

The Hackfort Tech Challenge is open to university students across Idaho. You must have at least one registered Idaho university or college student on your team in order to compete.

Winners of the Spring 2024 Hackfort Tech Challenge will also receive a “Golden Ticket” to pitch in the Fall 2024 Boise Entrepreneur Week Pitch Competition.

Life size LEGO armor and other amazing creations on display. Come and talk to the builders!

A hands-on workshop to learn to create animations out of just about anything. In this workshop, we will return to the basics of frame by frame animation, and learn how to use mixed media supplies to create original textured loops.
We will learn how to sequence the frames to create digital stop motion animations, and discuss other applications of analog processes in digital work. The goal of this workshop is to leave participants with an understanding of the basics of how to create their own experimental animations, and an appreciation for returning to pen and paper in their work. This workshop is open to all skill levels, regardless of animation experience.
Notecards, glue, scissors, misc. collage supplies, pencils, pens, paint, and markers will be provided.

In this demonstration you will learn how open-source-accessible learning tools are changing the education landscape. From user experience design principles to task-driven curriculum design, learning by doing is at the heart of immersive education. Don't just follow along in person, join us here in a 3D environment: https://framevr.io/learning-center

Immersive multimedia installation combining interactive video projection and improvised soundscapes, music, dance and play. The space is designed to be an interactive, multi-sensory exploration into how we use imaginative creative play to create reality.

Come code with us! If you are 3 to 93 we have an opportunity for you. Come experience an hour of code at the Idaho STEM Action Center booth and learn how to support Idaho students in the space of computer science.

Learn about how Dan collaborates with local groups and organizations, how they leverage a state-of-the-art maker studio, and see some wild and innovative experiences that have come out of it. Learn how you can tap into the space and get your projects off the ground!

Generative AI is the invention that's launched a thousand scams and snake oil pitches. But for all the hype and anti-hype, it's also a scientific breakthrough that provides hints about the nature of intelligence. Unlike past advances, tools like ChatGPT and Midjourney are accessible to non-practitioners and created citizen scientists who found surprises both positive and negative in their investigations. And why not? We all know a thing or two about humans and human intelligence. AI researcher Josh Johnston will talk about the advancement that enabled Large Language Models, what it tells us about how our own brains work, and how non-technical people can explore formerly-complex techniques like few shot learning to explore the promise and limitations for themselves.

Gather round for some short-form, rapid-fire, low-budget, passionate presentations about topics these experts care about. Topics include:

Educate in 3D: A New Dimension of Learning -Julez Gonzalez (Merge Creative, LLC.)
Breaking the Ice: Networking Tips for Introverted Techies - Liz Taylor
From Crypto Wallet to Avatar: A Lightning Journey into the Metaverse -Raymond Kramer
Community Connections through Gaming - Julez Gonzalez (Merge Creative, LLC.)
Trends in Immersive Audio - David Reyes
And more?

Educate in 3D: A New Dimension of Learning - Julez Gonzalez (Merge Creative, LLC.)
Come see how open-source-accessible learning tools are changing the education landscape. Don't just follow along in person, join us here in a 3D environment: https://framevr.io/learning-center

From Crypto Wallet to Avatar: A Lightning Journey into the Metaverse - Raymond Kramer
This talk dives into the shift from Web 1.0 to the decentralized worlds of Web 3.0, highlighting the crucial role of crypto wallets in navigating virtual worlds like Decentraland and The Sandbox. Learn how NFTs and decentralization empower your digital identity and ownership across multiple avatars. Perfect for anyone curious about the future of digital interaction and the evolving landscape of the metaverse.

Community Connections through Gaming - Julez Gonzalez (Merge Creative, LLC.)
From Reddit to Roblox, and Discord to Fortnite, let's not forget about VRChat! All across the internet people are finding community. What are they up to?

Breaking the Ice: Networking Tips for Introverted Techies - Liz Taylor
Explore the unique challenges introverted tech professionals face when networking and provide practical tips to make the process more comfortable and enjoyable. From effective preparation techniques to mastering body language and conversation starters, we'll delve into strategies that empower introverts to navigate networking events with confidence. Discover how to leverage technology, overcome networking anxiety, and embrace opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Trends in Immersive Audio - David Reyes
Unlike traditional audio, which is typically delivered in a flat, two-dimensional format, spatial audio simulates the way sound behaves in the real world, providing a sense of direction, distance, and depth. Come hear and experience spatial audio.

Come code with us! If you are 3 to 93 we have an opportunity for you. Come experience an hour of code at the Idaho STEM Action Center booth and learn how to support Idaho students in the space of computer science.

Participants are provided an AI Hacking Lab Playbook which walks them through how to test an application to determine if it is susceptible to common LLM attacks or how an attacker would execute an adversarial attack against an AI model.

Welcome Kidfort! Embark on a journey through the digital ages as we introduce your kids to the fascinating world of retro technology! From rotary phones to 8-track players, vintage computers and gadgets, this hands-on experience is designed to transport young minds to a time beyond their years. The tables will be full of technology that smartphones pretty much made obsolete!
This is a free all-ages experience. Treefort/Hackfort credentials are not required.

Panelists will discuss the convergence of the latest emerging technologies and how they might shape the decades to come – quantum technology, AI / LLMs and Generative AI, blockchain, VR/XR and beyond.

Drum roll please...gather round to see some of the top games submitted and hear the results of the Hackfort Game Jam winner!

"Audience Capture" is the emergent and dangerous phenomena when audiences, metrics and algorithms dictate the behavior of creators. This doesn't just apply to established artists, but to anyone who lives online. You feel the pressure too? Creators were once in control, taking risks and moving culture. Today, an audience and algorithm determine how we show up. We must strike equilibrium again. In this creator therapy session, we’ll unpack the social science underpinning Audience Capture, its manifestation, and strategies to maintain our artistic integrity and more importantly, our sanity.

Returning for another year, this event brings together favorite pastimes of drinking mimosas, playing board games, and eating brunch foods. Bring your favorite board game or demo something new!