I thought HOPE was done a couple years ago?

I've been to both, and will probably go to both this year as well. HOPE is smaller in attendance, but feels more underground. DefCon has many more attendees and tracks, but feels more like a party.

It really depends on what you're trying to get out of the conference. Since HOPE is every other year, you might go to HOPE now, and DefCon next year just to experience both. If I could only go to one, it would probably be DefCon since it "feels" like you get more bang for your buck.

I like Defcon, myself, but can't compare the two, as I haven't been to HOPE.  Maybe I'll check out HOPE when opportunity permits, so that I can give 'experienced' advice on the subject, for next time.

I particularly like the atmosphere at Defcon.  While I'd definitely agree with the comment about it being / feeling more like a 'party atmosphere,' at least in my experiences, it seems like the more laid back the folks are, the better networking and discussions I get out of it all, in the end.  The sessions are always worthwhile, but the opportunity to chat it up with the other attendees is what I value the most, as I always end up getting more from those opportunities, than I do from sitting through talks.  I can't speak for how HOPE caters to that, since I haven't attended, but at least I can explain that as one of the areas I like about Defcon, versus some other events I've been to in the past.

If you do go to HOPE, please drop us some feedback, so I can think on it for next time.  Thanks.