20 Can’t Miss Cybersecurity Events for 2020
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a hot topic, and has been for some time. One of the larger sectors of AI is cybersecurity. Discover some of the top can’t miss events in 2020 for AI and cybersecurity.
Many believe Alan Turing started the conversation on artificial intelligence. However, due to technological and financial limitations, Turing was relegated to merely discussing the topic. But words became actions a few years later when The Logic Theorist became the first program to replicate human problem-solving in 1956.
Today, AI has a place in nearly every profession. From the Pentagon to the board room to marketing events, AI is found in just about every modern work setting. Event software relies on AI just as the defense sector does. An event app may use AI to analyze guests’ social media profiles for tailored recommendations or oversee event security. Meanwhile, the government may use it for aiding people in combat.
Another area that uses AI is cybersecurity. With such diverse needs in AI and cybersecurity, many can’t-miss technology events have been founded to educate attendees on this growing field. We’ve compiled a list of the 20 can’t miss events you should consider in 2020.
20 Can’t-Miss Cybersecurity Events for 2020
1. The RSA Conference
Source: RSA
Start Date: February 24, 2020
Location: San Francisco, California
Description: Stand up to the cyber threats that attempt to steal your business’s valuable information.
Why You Should Attend: Previous RSA events have discussed hot-button issues like ditching the firewall and the need for returning to security basics. The 2020 event should feature similarly important topics with scores of tutorials, training, and learning labs, in addition to keynote speakers from leaders at Microsoft, Cisco, and IBM. Can’t make the American stop of the conference? RSA will also host additional events in Asia and Australia in 2020.
2. Cyber Risk Forum
Source: Cyber Risk Forum
Start Date: February 24, 2020
Location: San Francisco, California
Description: Learn and implement the smartest, savviest strategies in the field of cybersecurity.
Why You Should Attend: Partnering with the RSA Conference, the Cyber Risk Forum will prepare guests for the profound and complex intersection of business and tech. This includes discussions on next-generation cyber threats, the ever-changing regulatory landscape, and how to confidently assess risk. When you aren’t learning at Cyber Risk Forum, plan to network. Attendees include many CEOs and company board members for you to meet and converse with, (hopefully) moving your career forward in the process.
3. Chicago Cybersecurity Conference
Source: Cybersecurity Event Series USA
Start Date: March 11, 2020
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Description: A two-day affair dedicated to providing the latest in tech and knowledge in cybersecurity.
Why You Should Attend: Hosted by FutureCon Events, the Chicago Cybersecurity Conference will feature high-level cybersecurity training that will teach attendees new approaches to cybersecurity and how to mitigate risk in an ever-changing cyber landscape. Beyond the first-rate education offered, attendees will also have the chance to demo the newest technology and network with the world’s top cybersecurity leaders.
4. Women in Cybersecurity Conference
Source: Women in Cybersecurity
Start Date: March 12, 2020
Location: Aurora, Colorado
Description: A signature event for recruiting, retaining, and advancing women in the field of cybersecurity.
Why You Should Attend: WiCyS is a non-profit organization that hosts the annual Women in Cybersecurity Conference. Its aim is to educate and empower women in the field of cybersecurity in a fun and supportive atmosphere. The 2020 gathering will feature keynote speeches, workshops, mentoring socials, networking sessions, and more. If you’re a woman and work in cybersecurity — or think you might want to work in cybersecurity — we definitely recommend attending this event.
5. TROOPERS20
Source: Pentesting ICS
Start Date: March 16, 2020
Location: Heidelberg, Germany
Description: A conference that aims to make the world a safer place.
Why You Should Attend: TROOPERS20 features an entire week of valuable content on cybersecurity topics. Plan to spend the first two days gaining priceless hands-on experience, days three and four participating in the three-track conference, and the final day attending roundtable discussions. It’s an incredibly fun conference that shouldn’t be missed in 2020!
6. CanSecWest Vancouver
Source: AllStream
Start Date: March 18, 2020
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Description: Attend thought-provoking presentations in a relaxed environment.
Why You Should Attend: For 20 years, CanSecWest has been a source of valuable information regarding the continuing evolution of cybersecurity. The event is single-track and features numerous keynote addresses, catered meals, and vendor displays. If you want to boost your knowledge on the latest cybersecurity threats while also “taking a load off” and enjoying your time away from the office, CanSecWest is a good option.
7. InfoSec World Conference & Expo
Source: InfoSec World
Start Date: March 30, 2020
Location: Lake Buena Vista, Florida
Description: Learn about the latest cybersecurity threats and how to combat them.
Why You Should Attend: Emerging technologies are constantly challenging what it means to be secure, making the jobs of everyday cybersecurity professionals difficult at best. InfoSec World 2020 aims to educate attendees on the latest in cybersecurity threats and how to build effective teams to combat them in 2020 and beyond. Speakers at this years conference will feature leaders from Equifax, Netflix, and more. While attendees will largely be focused on the event’s content, it should be noted that all InfoSec World 2020 attendees also have access to discounted Disney World Tickets. Score!
8. Hack in the Box Security Conference
Source: Hack in the Box
Start Date: April 20, 2020
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Description: Discover the top strategies in the quickly progressing world of cybersecurity.
Why You Should Attend: HITB is an annual event held in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The 2020 gathering will feature all new 4-day training courses, multiple keynote speeches, a capture the flag hacking contest, and can’t miss expo. Learn about the newest developments in cybersecurity in one of Europe’s most beautiful cities.
9. International Cryptographic Module Conference
Source: ICMC
Start Date: April 28, 2020
Location: Bethesda, Maryland
Description: Learn from and connect with leading cryptographers.
Why You Should Attend: ICMC bills itself as the leading forum for the global commercial cryptography community. With its eighth event scheduled to happen this spring, ICMC aims to take a close look at new certification standards and the effect they have, as well as teach on topics like cryptographic implementation. Over 400 industry leaders from 27 different countries will attend the 2020 event and listen to keynotes from leaders at Apple, Oracle, Cisco, and other top companies.
10. Security & Counter Terror Expo
Source: SCTX
Start Date: May 19, 2020
Location: London, England
Description: The UK’s most comprehensive national security event and showcase.
Why You Should Attend: SCTX focuses on protecting nations using cybersecurity and other methods. The expo brings together professionals from governments, national operators, and local authorities to discuss the latest products, technologies, and strategies at the UK’s most comprehensive security event. Last year’s gathering brought together more than 10,000 attendees from 71 nations to learn from 304 exhibiting companies about cyber and other modern threats. The 2020 event is sure to feature a comparable crowd and similarly valuable content.
11. Gartner Security & Risk Management Summit 2020
Source: Alpha Gamma
Start Date: June 1, 2020
Location: National Harbor, Maryland
Description: Discover the latest in regards to new threats and emerging technologies including AI, machine learning, analysis, and blockchain.
Why You Should Attend: Gartner’s events are some of the most talked about events each year. At the Security & Risk Management Summit, attendees are given the latest news on the rapidly evolving landscape of cybersecurity, as well as other popular IT trends including the Internet of Things (IoT) and AI. This year’s summit expects to bring in over 3,500 attendees and 200 exhibitors. Guests can also interact with more than 60 Gartner analysts, while learning from the 120+ research-driven sessions during the event. Not ready to visit the event registration website? Start with Gartner’s ‘Why Attend?‘ page learn how to convince your boss to let you attend.
12. Big Data Toronto
Source: 2 Exhibitions
Start Date: June 3, 2020
Location: Toronto, Canada
Description: Discover how to future-proof your business strategies, while developing an unbeatable competitive advantage.
Why You Should Attend: This two-day conference and expo features insights regarding the strategic and technical aspects of big data and AI. Just some of the topics you can expect to learn about include data visualization, the convergence of AI and IoT, and cybersecurity and privacy regulations. The event expects to see 5,000 attendees at this year’s series, which will feature four conference tracks and 150 speakers on three different expo stages.
13. AI & Big Data Expo Europe
Source: Brave New Coin
Start Date: July 1, 2020
Location: RAI, Netherlands
Description: Four co-located events showcasing the latest in technology and strategy.
Why You Should Attend: The AI & Big Data Conference is a must-attend for those seeking the latest in data analytics for AI, IoT, big data business solutions, and much more. The 2020 event is slated to host 300 diverse speakers, including Data Scientists, Chief Analytics Officers (CAO) and Principle Product Managers. Across the four events, 10,000 people are expected to take in the 21 different conference tracks and 350 exhibitors. Don’t worry if you can’t make the Netherlands gathering, as AI & Big Data’s event brand can also be attended in Santa Clara and London in 2020.
14. Black Hat USA
Source: Black Hat Events
Start Date: August 1, 2020
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Description: Four days of technical training followed by two days of main room conferences focused on information security.
Why You Should Attend: Black Hat USA has been one of the most insightful events for over two decades. Now in its 23rd year, the Las Vegas conference will provide training on topics like app security, crypto, and risk — just to name a few. The final two days of the series delve into the cutting-edge research and information regarding security risks and trends. In addition to a U.S. installment, Black Hat events will also be held in Europe and Asia.
15. DEF CON Hacking Conference
Source: DEF CON Hacking Conference
Start Date: August 6, 2020
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Description: This is the conference for all things hacking.
Why You Should Attend: DEF CON 28 should continue to live up to its storied legacy in 2020. The four-day conference brings professionals and enthusiasts together to discuss a myriad of topics that apply to the industry. In addition to talks, DEF CON includes ample time for networking during challenges and presentations, or during the numerous parties and concerts that are always scheduled. For hackers, it doesn’t get any better than DEF CON.
16. Intelligent Systems Conference (IntelliSys)
Source: Science and Information Conference
Start Date: September 3, 2020
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Description: A conference focused on how intelligent systems and AI apply to the real world.
Why You Should Attend: IntelliSys aims to provide guests with a unique forum that brings together a variety of researchers and practitioners to investigate how AI interacts with our world. The conference offers four tracks to explore the topic: AI, machine vision, robotics, and ambient intelligence. From keynote speeches to networking sessions, IntelliSys has everything you could ever want on a cybersecurity conference.
17. Strata Data and AI Conference
Source: O’Reilly Conferences
Start Date: September 14, 2020
Location: New York City, New York
Description: Learn how data and AI work together to propel businesses forward.
Why You Should Attend: For the first time ever, O’Reilly’s popular Strata Data and AI conferences come together for one incredibly insightful event. They say that data feeds AI, and AI makes sense of data. Attend this event and learn how to use these principles to propel your business forward in many areas, including cybersecurity. From detailed training courses and technical sessions to an abundance of networking events, the Strata Data and AI Conference has a lot to offer attendees in 2020.
18. Global Security Exchange (GSX)
Source: GSX
Start Date: September 21, 2020
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Description: An event that brings cybersecurity professionals together to network, learn, and re-invest in the industry.
Why You Should Attend: GSX is the world’s “largest association for security management professionals” and aims to provide quality education to all attendees, as well as plenty of networking opportunities. To help spur on discussions and ideas, GSX will host more than 300 security courses on a range of different topics. These courses will be led by ASIS International, InfraGard, CSS, and ISSA subject matter experts. Previous year’s sessions included talks on leveraging cyber programs, balancing public access, and more.
19. The AI Summit Silicon Valley
Source: AI Business
Start Date: September 30, 2020
Location: Santa Clara, California
Description: Learn about the solutions that propel modern business productivity.
Why You Should Attend: The AI Summit Silicon Valley bills itself as the world’s first and largest conference and expo geared toward the practical implications of AI for enterprise ventures. Now in its fifth year, the program aims to provide wisdom from C-suite level leaders, including those from IBM, NASA, and Facebook. Join more than 6,000 attendees and 250 speakers, and attend plenty of networking meetings at the 2020 event.
20. Dreamforce
Source: Salesforce
Start Date: November 9, 2020
Location: San Francisco, California
Description: One of the world’s largest tech conference, aimed at driving impact for organizations.
Why You Should Attend: Presented by Salesforce, Dreamforce brings together 170,000 people for more than 2,700 sessions to discuss best practices in a range of different industries and company departments. The four-day event always focuses on incredible, career-shaping content, networking, and giving back. These outcomes are achieved through keynotes, expert panels, case studies, and charitable initiatives.
Which Cybersecurity Events Will You Attend in 2020?
2020 is shaping up to be another great year for AI and cybersecurity. As AI continues to evolve in its effort to thwart cyber attacks, the events dedicated to the subject will continue to expand and enhance as well. Now you just have to decide which events you’ll be attending!
Each of the cyber security conferences above will definitely provide you with valuable insights and the ability to further your career or business. Have you been to any of these events before? We’d love to hear about your experiences!
Looking for more tech conferences? Check out:
- 2020 Tech Conferences: The #1 Tech Events Guide
- 2020 Marketing Conferences: The #1 Marketing Events Guide
- 28 Can’t-Miss VR and AR Events in 2020
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on February 16, 2019 and has since been updated.
