Several members of the Assure Technical team recently had the privilege of attending BSides Bristol 2024. The event has become a cornerstone for professionals in the Information and Cyber Security industry. Over two action-packed days, they immersed themselves in a vibrant community of like-minded individuals, gaining valuable insights and forging new connections.
What is BSides Bristol?
BSides Bristol is a community-driven, not-for-profit event that caters to anyone with an interest in Information and Cyber Security. Originating in Las Vegas in 2009, the BSides movement has grown into a global phenomenon, with events hosted worldwide. The first Bristol event took place in 2019, and after a brief hiatus due to the pandemic, it successfully relaunched in 2023. The 2024 edition, spanning two days, offered even more opportunities for learning, collaboration, and networking.
Our Experience at BSides Bristol 2024
Attending BSides Bristol aligns perfectly with our mission to be the most trusted cybersecurity provider in the UK. The event’s inclusive and community-focused atmosphere provided the ideal environment for our team to engage with a diverse group of professionals. These ranged from industry veterans to career changers. We participated in hands-on workshops, listened to thought-provoking talks, and engaged in meaningful conversations with peers.
The event was brimming with a variety of technical talks. Our Technical Director, Pete Lannon said:
“The B-Sides Bristol talks covered a wide range of topics – from maritime and aviation systems to the art of lockpicking! There were also discussions on hiring for neurodiversity and fostering inclusivity within the industry. It was great to see experienced mentors guiding first-time speakers as they were given the opportunity to present their ideas, adding an extra layer of support and encouragement. Additionally, the workshop sessions tailored to various skill sets allowed attendees to sharpen their expertise in a collaborative setting.”
“All in all, it was a great event and I would wholeheartedly recommend anybody with a general interest in cyber security to get themselves along to one of the future B-Sides events. They offer an authentic, grassroots forum enabling an enriching experience and genuine interactions that make them stand out from typical industry conferences.”
Key Takeaways
Our time at BSides Bristol was not just about attending an event—it was about deepening our connection with the cybersecurity community. We left the event with fresh insights and new ideas. Additionally, we strengthened relationships that will help us continue delivering world-class services to our clients. We are already putting the conversations we had and the knowledge we gained to good use in our ongoing projects.
Conclusion
As we reflect on our experience at BSides Bristol 2024, we are reminded of the importance of community and collaboration in the ever-evolving field of cybersecurity. We’re grateful for the opportunity to have been part of such a dynamic event. We look forward to applying the lessons learned to better serve our clients and partners.
We’d love to hear from you! If you also attended BSides Bristol 2024, share your thoughts and experiences with us on LinkedIn / Twitter. Let’s continue the conversation!
