After spending more than a year cooped up at home, we figured you were all as eager as we are to jet off to any and all conferences the industry has to offer. We took the time, did the research, and compiled a list to guide you through the next year of security focused conferences to reinvigorate your networking skills and help things feel a bit more normal.
Austin Bitcoin Developers
Quick & Dirty Details:
What: Socratic Seminar #17
When: June 17, 2021
Where: Austin, Texas
Cost: FREE
Description: Join the Austin Bitcoin Developers for another group discussion on the technical developments in Bitcoin. Come for the titillating conversations on Bitcoin, stay for the BBQ meetup after. This is the hottest ticket in Texas — security and privacy are baked right into this community!
Why:
- SCV CEO Hank Thomas and Impervious CEO Chase Perkins will be in attendance. Don't forget to say hi!
Identiverse
Quick & Dirty Details:
When: June 21 - 23
Where: Denver, Colorado & Virtual
Cost: $129-$1695
Description: Head to Denver to discuss insights from the most pivotal year in identity. Identiverse unites identity professionals with a shared vision, from technologists and practitioners, to thought leaders and end users.
Why:
- Register with minimal risk! If something comes up, you can easily transfer your ticket to a colleague or roll over the balance to 2022's event
- Parties, hikes, concerts, Identiverse bootcamp, robot wars — there's no shortage of entertainment and networking opportunities
BSidesLV
Quick & Dirty Details:
When: July 31 - August 1, 2021
Where: Virtual
Cost: $250-$5000
Description: Each BSides is a community-driven framework for building events for and by information security community members. The goal is to expand the spectrum of conversation beyond the traditional confines of space and time. It creates opportunities for individuals to both present and participate in an intimate atmosphere that encourages collaboration. It is an intense event with discussions, demos, and interaction from participants. It is where conversations for the next-big-thing are happening.
Why:
- Details are still being fleshed out for this year's conference — stay tuned!
Black Hat
Quick & Dirty Details:
When: July 31 - August 5, 2021
Where: Las Vegas, NV & Virtual
Cost: $250 — $5000
Description: Black Hat is the most technical and relevant infosec event series in the world. With a focus on cutting edge research within infosec, Black Hat provides attendees with the opportunity to participate in numerous events including Briefings, Arsenal, Business Hall, as well as a myriad of networking opportunities. With a new hybrid event experience, there's no excuse not to attend.
Why:
- Different format, same opportunities for networking
- Exclusive trainings taught by experts around the world, providing firsthand technical skill building opportunities to offensive and defensive hackers of all levels
- Access to Briefings! All Briefings passes will include access to all recorded Briefings during the event, as well as for a full 30 days afterward
DEF CON
Quick & Dirty Details:
When: August 5 - 8, 2021
Where: Las Vegas, NV
Cost:$0-$300
Description: Does DEF CON need any introduction? Probably not, but if you consider yourself to be a cyber or hacking aficionado, then it is in your best interest to attend this three-day event. Heck, why not extend your Black Hat trip and take a full week to round out your knowledge by attending events on computer and hacking related subjects, as well as cybersecurity challenges and competitions.
Why:
- It's what you make of it — spend all your time on a computer, or settle in for speakers galore. If you want to stay up all night participating in contests, movie marathons, or music events, then that's your prerogative!
- Cyber-security challenges and competitions, including their flagship Capture the Flag game
- It's way more fun and more affordable than most conferences
FutureCon
Quick & Dirty Details:
When: June 30, 2021
Where: Virtual
Cost: $100
Description: The FutureCon events series offers high level cyber security training as well as opportunities to network and learn from cybersecurity professionals. Join FutureCon to learn how to build cyber resilient organizations from C-level executives CISOs.
Why:
- Earn up to 10 CPE credits
- Nish Majmudar is the keynote speaker — deputy CISO, Director of Information Security Engineering FEPOC CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
BlueTeam Con
Quick & Dirty Details:
When: August 28 - 29, 2021
Where: Chicago, IL
Cost: $60-$200
Description: There's no shortage of events for red team and offensive cyber, while those for blue team and defense are lacking. The goal of Blue Team Con is to focus almost exclusively on information sharing amongst defenders and protectors of organizations. SOC Analysts, CISOs, auditors, and compliance personnel, this event is for you!
Why:
- Sean Metcalf is the keynote speaker — CTO at Trimarc, Metcalf is one of about 100 people in the world who holds the Microsoft Certified Master Directory Services (MCM) Active Directory certification
- It's open to everyone! Anyone from students, to professionals, to executives, and sales personnel will be in attendance
Gartner Security & Risk Management Summit
Quick & Dirty Details:
When: September 20 - 22, 2021
Where: Orlando, FL
Cost: $3250 — $3825
Description: The Gartner Security & Risk Management Summit is one of the largest gatherings for security, risk management, and business continuity management leaders. Grab the latest insights on risk management, cybersecurity, cloud security, and more!
Why:
- Opportunities to maximize team learning. Group discounts are available when you register with your colleagues. Check out their team tips to make the most out of your time together
- Sessions for all roles in cyber, whether you're a CISO, security executive, risk management leader, security architect, or a data security manager, Gartner can help you tailor the event for exactly what you need
Billington Cybersecurity Summit
Quick & Dirty Details:
When: October 6 - 8, 2021
Where: Virtual, with possible in person option in Washington, DC
Cost: TBD
Description: The world's leading government summit on cybersecurity. Join for three days of high-level networking and knowledge sharing to advocate the cyber mission in the US government
Why:
- Details are still being fleshed out for this year's conference, but last year's sessions consisted of fireside chats with leaders at the DOD, senators, and more. Check out highlights here
InfoSec World 2021
Quick & Dirty Details:
When: October 25 - 27, 2021
Where: Lake Buena Vista, FL & Virtual
Cost: Starting at $1705
Description: The leading cybersecurity conference for security practitioners and executives, featuring expert insights, enlightening keynotes, and interactive breakout sessions that inform, engage, and connect the infosec community.
Why:
- Earn up to 45 CPE credits over the course of one week
- Participate in small group, dedicated summits and workshops, as well as the larger world class conference program led by the industry's leading experts
CES 2022
Quick & Dirty Details:
When: January 5 - 8, 2022
Where: Las Vegas, NV & Virtual
Cost: Starting at $1705
Description: CES is the most influential tech event in the world — the proving ground for breakthrough technologies and global innovators. This is where the world's biggest brands do business and meet new partners, and the sharpest innovators hit the stage. Owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), CES features every aspect of the tech sector.
Why:
- Hank Thomas serves on the conference advisory board and will once again be an active participant for his fourth consecutive year
- 1000+ companies have committed to showcasing their most innovative technologies
- 150+ sessions across multiple stages, with topics such as 5G, blockchain, machine learning, manufacturing, and more
Other events to keep an eye out for:
- Virtual Cybersecurity Summit: Government, Virtual: July 13-14, 2021
- SANS NOVA, Virtual: August 9-14, 2021
- Blue Team Summit & Training, Virtual: September 9-13, 2021
- SecureWorld Texas, Virtual, October 14, 2021
- BSidesDC, Virtual: October 15-17
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