Are you interested in a different kind of security conference?
Then take a look at the Open Security Conference ( @OSCo). #osco25 takes place from October 2 to 5 in Rückersbach (Germany near Frankfurt) and registration is still open at https://opensecurityconference.org/.
(this is an English version of the original German thread https://infosec.exchange/@realn2s/114936419689473030)
Why?
The Open Security Conference aims to be diverse and inclusive. This also includes different levels of knowledge and experience.
It is therefore not only for security experts or for people who have (already) worked in the security sector for a long time,
but also for people who are interested in security or want to get into the field.
The #OpenSpace format not only enables expert presentations,
but also non-expert topics or questions as session topics. Sessions are not resticted to presentations, they can be interactive, collaborative, workshops or basically anything else.
Since topics do not have to be submitted months in advance,
but the agenda is created jointly by the participants, hot topics can also be covered.
The conference is non-commercial, i.e. the total costs are shared between the participants (including the organizers).
The costs include accommodation and meals in the conference hotel.
And yes, there are also sponsors who cover part of the costs.
But not everything is different.
There are great keynotes e.g. by @bkastl ("History repeating itself") and Mireia Cano ("Building an AppSec Program from Scratch").
#CyberSecurity #Security #InfoSec #AppSec #ProductSecurity #OTsecurity
Diversity, inclusion, equal opportunities and participation @ @OSCo
I would like to add something about diversity, inclusion, equal opportunities and participation:
It should be given, but unfortunately it is not.
These topics are very important to us. At the same time, we are not as advanced as we would like to be in some areas, or we have made decisions that "disadvantage" certain dimensions.
I hope to initiate a discussion so that we (as an organizational team) can broaden our perspectives,
learn and improve @OSCo
Hopefully this doesn't come across as a justification.
First to the "positive"
Diversity
Diversity encompasses individual, social and structural differences and similarities between people. I.e. for example
- Ethnic background
- gender
- sexual orientation
- age
- Physical and mental abilities
- health
- Religion and ideology
- social background
- level of knowledge
- marital status
Diversity is often lacking, especially in the information security sector. We are trying to change this with the osco.
What are we doing about it:
We have a CoC to generate a safe space
https://opensecurityconference.org/coc and commit to the #CoCPledge
We have a Health & Safety Policy following the #PHPledge
https://opensecurityconference.org/conference/health
We make sure that we have diverse keynote speakers.
Children and partners are welcome.
The #OpenSpace format enables contributions regardless of knowledge level. You don't have to be an expert to participate, you can collect or generate knowledge together, but you can also "simply" ask for help.
The location allows participants to take a break at any time, retreat to their rooms or go outside (weather permitting)
We do not make any profits from the conference, but the costs are shared equally among the participants. (More on this in the gaps). This includes the organizing team. Only keynote speakers are reimbursed.
It is important to us that sponsors share our values.
Gaps, potentials and trade-offs
An on-site conference disadvantages disabled people who cannot travel easily, people with health restrictions who cannot bear the risk of traveling or attending the event themselves. Even if we do not make a profit, the costs are prohibitive for financially disadvantaged people.
The Open Space format can be stressful for neurodivergent people.
Possible improvements
- offer the event (also) online
- gain more sponsorship (who wants to step in or help!!!)
- offer discounted tickets or "scholarships" (at the moment this is still failing because we don't have a "business structure")
Our venue is also not optimal in all respects.
- There are handicapped accessible rooms and the rooms we have booked can be reached at ground level. However, this does not apply to all rooms and paths, some of the steps are longer and have parts with paving stones or gravel.
We do not have a childcare program. This would certainly also be an opportunity for improvement to make it easier for parents or single parents to participate.
I'm sure I've forgotten a lot more