How a Hacker Conference Used CO2 Monitors to Fight Sick Days
1.5KHacker events are known for long hours, crowded rooms, and unfortunately, sometimes spreading illnesses. To help reduce the risk of “con crud,” the organizers of New Zealand’s Kawaiicon took a different approach. They set up real-time carbon dioxide (CO2) monitoring in the venue to keep an eye on air quality during the event.
Before the conference even started, the team installed DIY CO2 sensors throughout the Michael Fowler Centre. Attendees could check a public online dashboard to see current CO2 levels in different areas like session rooms, kids’ zones, and the registration area. The goal was to give everyone an idea of how well-ventilated each space was before they arrived or moved around.
Why CO2 Monitoring Matters for Indoor Events
High levels of CO2 in a room can make it harder to think clearly and may help airborne viruses spread more easily. When people breathe in poorly ventilated spaces, the CO2 they exhale can linger in the air for hours. This makes CO2 a useful indicator of how risky the air quality might be, especially during outbreaks of illnesses like COVID-19, measles, or the flu.
The Australian Academy of Science has even called indoor air pollution “someone else’s breath backwash.” So, monitoring CO2 isn’t just about comfort—it’s about health. For Kawaiicon, which was happening during a measles outbreak and ongoing COVID-19 waves, it was a smart way to manage safety.
Building the Monitoring System
The organizers started their project about a month before the event. They used 13 DIY CO2 monitors based on a project from Adafruit Industries, a popular electronics company. These monitors connected to a dashboard that displayed live readings, daily highs, lows, and data trends for each room. They worked with researchers from the University of Otago to make sure the system was accurate.
Adafruit’s founder, Limor “Ladyada” Fried, applauded the effort. She said it’s great to see hackers and makers creating their own tools to improve public health. The monitors weren’t just for show—they helped the team decide where to place them for the best coverage. Because the venue was older and had a simple HVAC system with basic filters, the monitors provided vital insights into how well the air was circulating.
The venue’s HVAC used MERV-8 filters, which are common and inexpensive but not the most advanced. The team faced limitations because the building’s technical infrastructure was not designed for high-tech air management. Still, they made the most of what they had by placing monitors at strategic spots, including the main auditorium, kids’ areas, quiet rooms, and registration desks.
Making Air Quality Visible and Actionable
During the conference, attendees could see CO2 levels on their phones and watch a large dashboard at the registration area. Small wall-mounted monitors in each session room displayed stoplight colors: green for safe, orange for moderate, and red indicating high CO2 levels. This quick visual cue helped everyone decide whether to stay put or move to a fresher space.
The organizers emphasized that everyone’s risk tolerance is different. They wanted attendees to have all the information needed to make personal decisions about attending sessions or taking breaks. To make things easier, posters with QR codes were posted throughout the venue, linking to the live dashboard. This meant anyone could check air quality instantly, no matter where they were.
The event also encouraged safety measures like masking, though masks were not mandatory. Free masks were available, and attendees were encouraged to test themselves before arriving. The organizers even offered a virtual stream for those who preferred to participate remotely. Their goal was to make gathering safer without forcing anyone’s hand or creating unnecessary fear.
This approach to monitoring and transparency could be a game-changer for future conferences. It shows that small, DIY solutions can help keep large groups safer during ongoing health crises. Plus, it demonstrates that hackers and event organizers can find practical ways to improve indoor air quality—an often overlooked but crucial aspect of public health.
While the setup wasn’t perfect, it’s a step forward. Attendees left knowing more about their environment and how to protect themselves. The organizers made it clear: everyone should have the freedom to judge their own risk and make informed choices. That’s a meaningful change from the usual guesswork around indoor air safety at large gatherings.
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