PCB Art • Minibadges • SAINTCON/DEFCON

Custom PCB art that people hunt for.

I’m David Bowman — PCB artist and technology educator. I design minibadges and small-run PCB art for conferences like SAINTCON & DEFCON, plus speaking & training that makes technology accessible.

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What are minibadges?

Minibadges are collectible, interactive gadgets (often about 1" square) that connect to conference badges like SAINTCON & DEFCON. They’re built from printed circuit boards, can light up with LEDs, and are hot items among attendees.

Highly customizable and collectible
Great for branding and giveaways
Connectable to conference badges

SAINTCON/DEFCON-ready

Layouts tailored to badge ecosystems and power constraints,

Why they work

The industry has known for decades that the way we do trade shows is ineffective. Customers know it. Selling companies know it. Yet we continue doing it anyway. A custom PCB Art piece changes that dynamic.

Success at trade shows is typically measured by the number of “leads” or brief interactions with potential clients. In practice, this drives customer acquisition costs into the thousands of dollars per converted customer. Most efforts focus on interrupting foot traffic long enough to force a conversation.

With unique, collectible PCB art, that model is reversed. Collectors actively seek you out to obtain the minibadge. In fact, Firebolt Services often recommends using minibadges with no booth at all.

A custom PCB art piece is not disposable swag — it’s a collectible piece of art. Because it isn’t “ready to go,” the recipient typically spends five or more minutes assembling it. That time creates extended, focused exposure to your brand.

After the event, the PCB Art is added to ongoing annual displays, giving your brand consistent, long-term visibility well beyond the conference itself.

Reverse the funnel

Instead of chasing foot traffic, collectors seek you out — flipping the traditional trade show engagement model.

Earn attention

Five or more minutes of hands-on assembly creates focused, intentional brand exposure that traditional swag can’t match.

Extend impact

Custom PCB Art live on in collections and displays, providing long-term exposure long after the event ends.

PCB color options

Color options are limited, so we choose the best mask color for the design.

Green
Black
Red
Blue
White
Yellow
Purple

Full-color silkscreen (premium)

Supports gradients and multi-tone artwork for showcase runs.

References

About David Bowman

David Bowman is the founder of Firebolt Services — a technology professor, hardware designer, and statewide K-12 technology professional in Utah (9 years).

He also teaches as an adjunct technology instructor and is passionate about making technology accessible and understandable.

Speaking & training

Engaging, practical sessions tailored to your audience.

Designed for

Conferences • Classrooms • Community groups • Teams

Topics

Digital literacy • Practical security • AI basics • Creative tech • Hardware art

Format

Keynotes • Workshops • Panels • Hands-on trainings

Public Official Technology Review

Guidance for elected officials, boards, and public servants navigating the risks of modern technology use.

Mixing personal and work technology can create serious legal and ethical pitfalls. I provide practical guidance on:

  • Separating personal and official technology use
  • Data handling and retention practices
  • Public records and transparency compliance
  • Risk reduction for inadvertent disclosure

Community-focused service

This service is free for qualifying public officials within my region. My goal is to help public servants avoid preventable technology mistakes before they become legal or reputational issues.

Use the inquiry form below and select Public Official Technology Review.

Contact

Use the form below to reach me.