Imagine a world where hacker conferences, known for their unique challenges, found an innovative solution to a common problem: the infamous "con crud" - a mysterious illness that often follows attendees home. Enter Kawaiicon, a hacker conference in New Zealand, with a bold move to combat this issue. They installed a real-time, room-by-room carbon dioxide monitoring system, a literal anti-virus measure!
But here's where it gets controversial... CO2 levels aren't just about comfort; they impact cognitive ability and can facilitate the spread of airborne viruses. Kawaiicon organizers faced a triple threat: measles, Covid-19, and influenza, and they weren't going to let poor ventilation be an issue.
The Michael Fowler Centre, with its unique blend of Scandinavian brutalism and interior woodwork, posed a challenge. But Kawaiicon's air-hacking crew rose to the occasion, placing RGB monitors strategically to provide real-time data.
"It's like we're all nerds in a risk-based industry," the organizers wrote, highlighting the importance of this DIY project. And this is the part most people miss: CO2 data is a powerful tool for tracing pathogens.
Kawaiicon's attendees had access to a public dashboard, showing clean air readings for various areas. They could check conditions before arriving and decide on their risk management strategies. Small wall-mounted monitors in each session room provided an immediate visual: green for safe, orange for risky, and red for high CO2 levels.
"We want everyone to feel they can experience the con in a way that fits their risk model," the organizers stated. And they delivered on that promise with their threat model, ensuring all attendees had the information they needed.
The solution is simple yet effective, and the resources to replicate it are available. Kawaiicon's organizers encourage others to take control of their air quality, especially in these uncertain times.
So, is this an overreaction or a necessary step for public health? Should all conferences adopt such measures? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
