Cybersecurity Events Have a Problem

Are cybersecurity events still giving people a reason to turn up, or have too many become expensive sales floors with the same conversations on repeat?Welcome to Razorwire, the podcast where we share our take on the world of cybersecurity with direct, practical advice for professionals and business owners alike. I'm Jim and in this episode I'm joined by James Bore, Chartered Security Professional, Gary Hibberd, co-founder of Consultants Like Us and Lisa Ventura, founder of the AI and Cybersecurity Association and Unity Group Solutions.Cybersecurity events have changed. What were once places to discover new technology, catch up with people across the industry and exchange ideas have become a packed calendar of conferences, roundtables, dinners and vendor events competing for people's time. With InfoSec Europe introducing a £50 ticket charge, it raises a bigger question about whether the traditional conference model is still delivering enough value.We look at why experienced security professionals are increasingly choosing community and fringe events, why the same conference conversations keep coming back and what actually makes an event worth attending. From vendor pitches and expensive exhibition stands to better speakers, smaller audiences and conversations in the pub next door, we discuss where cybersecurity events have gone wrong and what could make them useful again.Three key talking points:When a conference stops being worth itA ticket might be free or cost £50, but the bigger investment is your time. We look at why established cybersecurity events are struggling to give experienced professionals a compelling reason to walk through the doors.Why smaller events feel differentCommunity and fringe events come up repeatedly throughout the conversation. Discover why smaller audiences, more focused subjects and speakers who genuinely know their field can create something the biggest conferences struggle to replicate.People don't go to events to be sold toExpensive stands and polished sales pitches do not necessarily build relationships. We discuss why attendees increasingly value access to practitioners, useful conversations and genuine connections over another lap of an exhibition hall.If you're choosing which cybersecurity events deserve a place in your calendar, or organising one and wondering what will actually make people turn up, this conversation is for you.On why smaller events work:" You actually make it small and targeted and tailored. And that's how you engage."James BoreListen to this episode on your favourite podcasting platform: https://razorwire.captivate.fm/listenIn this episode, we covered the following topics:How Cybersecurity Events Have ChangedExplore how major industry events have moved from places to discover technology and meet the community towards a much more commercial model.Is InfoSec Europe Still Worth Attending?A new £50 ticket charge sparks a wider discussion about what attendees actually get from one of cybersecurity's biggest events.The Rise of Community EventsDiscover why BSides and other smaller events are becoming the preferred choice for security professionals looking for different conversations and ideas.Too Many Cybersecurity EventsThe calendar is packed with conferences, dinners and roundtables. We discuss why more choice is making people increasingly selective about where they spend their time.Escaping the Vendor PitchLearn why exhibition floors dominated by sales conversations can struggle to engage the CISOs and security professionals vendors most want to meet.Why Relationships MatterPeople still buy from people. We explore why informal conversations and genuine relationships can offer more value than another product demonstration.What Makes a Good Conference SpeakerInteresting events need people with something meaningful to contribute. Find out why practitioners, specialists and different perspectives matter.Having a Reason to AttendGoing to an event simply because it is there is not enough. We discuss why attendees need a clear idea of what they want from their day.Can Big Conferences Be Fixed?Bigger does not necessarily mean better. Explore whether smaller, targeted events built around particular audiences could offer a better model for cybersecurity.Resources Mentioned James Bore on LinkedInInfosecurity Europe Black Hat Security BSides Hack Glasgow SteelCon The Real Cyber Awards and Conference Connect with your host James ReesHello, I am James Rees, the host of the Razorwire podcast. This podcast brings you insights from leading cyber security professionals who dedicate their careers to making a hacker’s life that much more difficult.Our guests bring you experience and expertise from a range of disciplines and from different career stages. We give you various viewpoints for improving your cyber security – from seasoned professionals with years of experience, triumphs and lessons learned under their belt, to those in relatively early stages of their careers offering fresh eyes and new insights.With new episodes every other Wednesday, Razorwire is a podcast for cyber security enthusiasts and professionals providing insights, news and fresh ideas on protecting your organisation from hackers.For more information about us or if you have any questions you would like us to discuss email [email protected] you need consultation, visit www.razorthorn.com, We give our clients a personalised, integrated approach to information security, driven by our belief in quality and discretion.LinkedIn: Razorthorn SecurityYouTube: Razorthorn SecurityTikTok: Razorwire PodcastInstagram: Razorwire PodcastTwitter: @RazorThornLTDWebsite: www.razorthorn.comAll rights reserved. © Razorthorn Security LTD 2025