Jeanne Schabath-Lewis
Michigan Office of Defense & Aerospace Innovation
Cybersecurity Awareness Month Event
Hackoween 2026
Hackoween is an immersive cybersecurity awareness training event, and one you won't forget.
STACK Cybersecurity technicians work with three ethical hackers to demonstrate live cyberattacks and how they're stopped. An undercover agent from Michigan Cyber Command shows the room what's really happening on the Dark Web. Hear directly from the Michigan Office of Defense & Aerospace Innovation about what's next for the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program and what it means for military suppliers. Enjoy an open bar with signature cocktails, wine, and beer, a strolling dinner catered by Rocky's of Northville, a DJ, giveaways, a best costume contest, and networking with fellow executives.
Hackoween falls during Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the nationwide October campaign led by the National Cybersecurity Alliance and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). STACK Cybersecurity is a long-standing Cybersecurity Awareness Month Champion with the National Cybersecurity Alliance, and built this event to make that education stick, pairing real threat demonstrations with a night people want to attend.
"This is the most fun you can have at a Cybersecurity Awareness Month event."
Tracey Birkenhauer, Chief Impact Officer, STACK CybersecurityNo costume on hand? Stop by the costume corner, stocked with costumes, wigs, masks, and other adornments.
Topic Tables open early and run most of the evening this year, giving attendees time for free, one-on-one consultations on CMMC and compliance, AI, cybersecurity, and cyber liability insurance. Stop by any table, no appointment needed.
Highlights From Hackoween 2025
Last year's event drew a full house. Here's a look back.
Hackoween 2026 combines high-value networking, executive discussion, and Halloween fun.
Connect with business leaders, IT professionals, dignitaries, media professionals, and compliance experts while learning strategies to stay secure.
Hackoween Topic Tables
Topic Tables open at 5 p.m. and run through 8:30 p.m., giving attendees time throughout the evening for personalized consultations on the questions and issues affecting their businesses.
CMMC and Compliance
Staffed by the Schoolcraft College APEX Accelerator and Chris Johnson. Ask about CMMC requirements and compliance obligations for defense contractors.
Artificial Intelligence
Staffed by Ben Jones of Acium and STACK Cybersecurity. See a live look at STACK's new Managed AI service.
Microsoft
Staffed by Microsoft. Get a free consultation on Copilot and other tools, plus optional follow-up training at your office.
Cybersecurity
Staffed by STACK Cybersecurity. Discuss your security posture or recent risk assessment results.
Cyber Insurance
Staffed by Lakeside Insurance and Matt Lee of Pax8. Review your policy's exclusions and sublimits before renewal.
Want a guaranteed time slot?
Topic Tables are open to walk-ins all evening, but you can request a specific time with a specialist in advance. Note your preferred table and time when you register, or email info@stackcyber.com, and STACK will confirm a slot before the event.
Silent Auction for HAVEN
Hackoween's silent auction raises money for HAVEN of Oakland County, a Pontiac-based nonprofit that provides shelter, counseling, advocacy, and forensic services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Expected items include Detroit Lions memorabilia, a Detroit Tigers jersey signed by Hall of Famer Al Kaline, and a Jack Daniel's bottle signed by the members of Three Doors Down, though specific items are subject to change. Bidding is open from 5 to 8:45 p.m., with winners announced during closing remarks.
Dark Web With Michigan Cyber Command
An undercover agent from Michigan Cyber Command spends every working day monitoring the Dark Web. At Hackoween, the agent walks the room through what that job looks like, tracking stolen data listings, watching criminal forums, and spotting the early signs of a breach before it surfaces publicly.
Panelists
Rob Moore
STACK Cybersecurity
Microsoft
Speaker to be announced
Undercover Dark Web Expert
Michigan Cyber Command
Live Hack Team
Three ethical hackers run this year's live hacking demonstrations, showing attendees how a real attack unfolds and where the defenses hold or fail.
Chris Johnson
Global Technology Industry Assn.
Matt Lee
Pax8
Ben Jones
Acium
Agenda Snapshot
5 p.m.
Registration, Open Bar, DJ, Strolling Dinner, and Networking
5 to 8:30 p.m.
Topic Tables Open: CMMC and Compliance, AI, Cybersecurity, and Cyber Insurance
Walk-ins welcome all evening. Pre-registered attendees will have a reserved time with their chosen specialist.
5 to 8:45 p.m.
Silent Auction Bidding Open, Benefiting HAVEN
Bid on Detroit Lions memorabilia, an Al Kaline signed jersey, and more. Proceeds support HAVEN of Oakland County.
5:30 p.m.
STACK Cybersecurity, Sponsor, and Dignitary Introductions
6 p.m.
Cybersecurity Panel With Q&A
7 p.m.
Dark Web With Michigan Cyber Command
An undercover agent explains what it's like to monitor the Dark Web full time, then shows the room what's really out there.
7:45 p.m.
Live Hacks With Chris Johnson, Matt Lee, and Ben Jones
8:55 p.m.
Closing and Silent Auction Winners Announced
Who's Joining Us
Hackoween draws executives and specialists from across Southeast Michigan. Confirmed guests include:
Martha Ptashnik
Livonia City Council; Chair, Math Department, Churchill High School
Jake Charen
Cyber Insurance Specialist, Lakeside Insurance
Jann Deane
Senior Procurement Counselor, Schoolcraft College APEX Accelerator
Shawntee Passmore
Reporter, WDIV-Channel 4 Detroit
John Anthony
Host, "Black and Right," 92.7 FM The Answer
Companies represented this year include:
- Formel D USA
- Heritage Vision Plans
- Team Rehab
- Long-Term Care Billing Specialists
- Coding Compliance Solutions
- Contract Professionals, Inc.
- Daniel Investment Group
- Lakeside Insurance
- L.A. Insurance
- Cyturity
- IT Solutions
- Schoolcraft College
- Michigan Manufacturers Assn.
- Acium
- Pax8
- Salem Media Group
- GTIA
- Michigan Cyber Command
- Proven Physical Therapy
- 92.7 Detroit's Answer
- Sterling Construction
- It's Your Heating & Cooling Guy
- VIP Rideway Limo
- Garwood, Buda & Knight
- HAVEN
- Ingram Micro
- Copilot
- Livonia Public Schools
Partners
Hackoween 2026 is made possible with support from the following sponsors.
Thank You to Our Giveaway Sponsors
ThreatLocker, the Global Technology Industry Association (GTIA), and Rewst are providing giveaway items for attendees. Acium is also giving away a Flipper Zero, a compact multi-tool used for security research and testing. Thank you for helping make Hackoween 2026 memorable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should attend Hackoween?
Business owners, executives, dignitaries, and decision-makers.
What's the format of the evening?
A multi-format event combining live hacks, a cybersecurity panel, Topic Tables, a DJ, and executive networking.
What's the cost of tickets?
Hackoween is a free event.
Are costumes required?
No, costumes are encouraged but not required. A costume corner on-site offers costumes, wigs, masks, and other adornments for anyone who arrives without one. STACK Cybersecurity awards a prize for the best costume.
Can I reserve a time at a Topic Table?
Yes. Topic Tables are open to walk-ins throughout the evening, but you can request a specific time with a specialist in advance by noting your preference when you register or by emailing info@stackcyber.com.
What does the silent auction support?
Proceeds from the silent auction benefit HAVEN of Oakland County, a Pontiac-based nonprofit that provides shelter, counseling, advocacy, and forensic services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Bidding is open from 5 to 8:45 p.m., and winners are announced during closing remarks.
Why is Hackoween free?
Hackoween is free to attend thanks to support from our sponsors. As a long-standing Cybersecurity Awareness Month Champion with the National Cybersecurity Alliance, STACK Cybersecurity wants as many business leaders as possible to walk away with practical cybersecurity knowledge, no cost involved.
Will I be photographed or recorded at Hackoween?
Yes. STACK Cybersecurity photographs and records the event for coverage and marketing, and registering for Hackoween means agreeing to appear in that coverage. The one exception is the Michigan Cyber Command undercover agent, whose face is blurred or obscured in all photos and video.
Who do I contact for press or general inquiries?
Email info@stackcyber.com for press credentials, interview requests, or any other questions about Hackoween.
Can I see what the venue looks like beforehand?
Yes. STACK Cybersecurity's About page includes a full video tour of the Livonia office where Hackoween takes place.
Event Production Team
Hackoween 2026 is being filmed and produced by the following partners.
Video and Photography
Two Penny Productions is filming the full event, along with guest testimonials and additional footage for STACK's marketing use.
Visit Two Penny ProductionsDJ and Live Production
Rock Out Entertainment is providing DJ services and live event production for the evening.
Visit Rock Out EntertainmentBalloon Decor
Festive Flamingo is building a massive Dark Web-themed balloon spider along with additional balloon decor throughout the venue.
Visit Festive Flamingo