Cyber Camp 2024 Playbook

It’s that time of year again when the cyber community experiences one of its biggest weeks. Three major conferences take place consecutively in Las Vegas, Nevada: BSides Las Vegas, Black Hat, and the most popular, DEF CON.

These conferences often sell out quickly due to their influence, content, and educational value. They are renowned for featuring well-educated and passionate speakers who discuss and workshop a diverse range of topics.

While attending these events is impressive, what you bring back to your team and local community can significantly enhance their knowledge and inspire them. Here are three steps to maximize your experience and apply the insights you gain to your day-to-day role:

1. Take Detailed Notes: Not all speaking events will be available outside the conference due to NDAs, copyright, or other legal constraints. These conferences can be long and exhausting, similar to attending a 12-hour workshop or college class with only a lunch break. It’s like drinking from a firehose with some of the talks. When taking notes, record the speaker, the presentation title, and any insights that make you think, "Wow" or "How neat." These moments often point to processes or procedures you might want to improve in your role. Additionally, noting the speaker and presentation title will help you find the speaker on social media or locate other publicly released talks they have conducted for further reference.

2. Prepare for Networking: Bring business cards or ensure you have a QR code ready on your phone for people to scan and connect with you on social media. The cyber community is very open and collaborative. Connecting with someone could lead to future collaborations or provide insight into their work in the community. Don’t hesitate to speak with presenters after their sessions. It’s always a compliment to express your appreciation for their presentation. Most speakers are eager to hear feedback, especially positive comments.

3. Explore Unfamiliar Topics: Attend at least 1-3 sessions on topics outside your usual area of expertise. These conferences are valuable educational resources that allow you to explore different areas through the passions of others. Even if you’re not an expert in a particular field, you might find takeaways that could be applied to your current role.

As always, Cyber Camp features a fantastic lineup. Don’t forget to visit the vendor tables, build connections, and collect enough swag for yourself and your colleagues! Happy learning, everyone!

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