BSides Edmonton May Newsletter
Soumya Thota
We are excited to see you at BSides Edmonton 2026
Date: Thursday, September 24 - Friday, September 25, 2026
Location: NAIT Productivity and Innovation Centre
Day 1 Keynote
We are thrilled to announce the Keynote for Thursday, 24 Sep 2026
Rachel Hayward
Executive Director of CyberAlberta Cybersecurity Division, Ministry of Technology and Innovation
Rachel is a recognized leader in privacy and information security, well-known on the Alberta speaking circuit. She is a passionate advocate for women in IT, fostering relationships and uniting diverse perspectives to achieve common goals. Rachel brings extensive experience and deep expertise in Cybersecurity and Privacy to the CyberAlberta team.
Her recent roles include serving on NAIT’s Cybersecurity Program Advisory Committee, also lecturing at NAIT, and acting as a privacy and technology law expert for private industry. Rachel has also served for over 12 years with the Alberta Privacy Commissioner’s Office, more than six of which as their Director of Compliance and Special Investigations.
We can’t wait for her to kick off our 9th annual BSides Edmonton event.
Call for Speakers
Are you interested in being a speaker at our event? The Call for Speakers (also called Call for Presentations) is open, and closes THIS MONTH on May 31. Submit your idea here: https://sessionize.com/bsides-edmonton-2026
Event Tickets
BSides Edmonton 2026
Date: Thursday, September 24 - Friday, September 25, 2026
Location: NAIT Productivity and Innovation Centre
We are excited to bring you multiple speaker tracks, a Capture the Flag competition, workshops, and more.
Our event tickets are for sale, and we expect to sell out again.
Purchase yours here:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/bsides-edmonton-2026-tickets-1744410451619?aff=newsletter
There are a limited number of student tickets available.
While you are purchasing your ticket, consider signing up for the Operation Defend the North workshop. Read more about it here: https://www.bsidesedmonton.org/2026-event/odtn
siberX is bringing two high-intensity experiences to BSides Edmonton on September 23rd and 24th.
Operation: Defend the North (ODTN) is a live cyber incident where the situation evolves in real time, and your decisions shape the outcome. Incomplete information. Conflicting signals. No clear answers. You either know what to do...or you learn the hard way.
Cybersecurity Escape Room: High-pressure, hands-on cyber challenges built to test how you think. Find the gap, make the call, and get out before time runs out.
This isn’t passive learning.
This is how you react when things go wrong.
Step in. Solve it. Or watch it unfold.
BSides Calgary
25-26 May 2026
https://www.bsidescalgary.org/
If you’re looking for another great way to connect with the local cybersecurity community this month, be sure to check out BSides Calgary, a volunteer-driven information security conference packed with technical talks, hands-on learning, and opportunities to meet industry peers. Keep an eye out for a member of BSides Edmonton at the event, because anyone who finds them can score an exclusive sticker!
Call for Sponsors
Our Platinum tier is already fully booked. If your company wants to be part of this year’s community-driven security event, now’s the time to lock in a Gold sponsorship.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdIu3wQ5wngyLbLDU3DXqZP2j1XLWYGRQTgIMe74Onfi7Mkqg/viewform
siberXcon
We’re pleased to partner with SiberX for SiberXcon, a premier three-day cybersecurity conference that brings together multiple flagship events under one unified experience. Designed for security leaders, practitioners, and innovators, siberXcon delivers executive-level insights, cutting-edge discussions, and high-impact networking opportunities across the cybersecurity ecosystem.
Upcoming events include:
AiSecCon on May 25, focused on securing AI and emerging technologies
Canadian Women in Cybersecurity on May 26, advancing inclusion and leadership in cyber
Now // AI Summit on May 27, exploring the future of AI innovation
To take advantage of the 30% partner discount, use the promo code when registering: SIBERXBSIDCF30
Learn more and register at siberx.org
We also have one free ticket to Canadian Women in Cybersecurity on May 26 - travel and lodging are NOT included.
DevIT Jobs
DevITJobs is the first job board built with Software Engineers in mind. The main goal of the company is to bring more transparency, openness and diversity to the IT market.
DevITJobs is not only for Developers but for everyone working in the IT industry: Engineers, SAP and System Admins, Product Managers, QAs and UX/UI Designers!
Thank you to our sponsors
Donations
We also accept donations: https://www.bsidesedmonton.org/donation
See you in September,
BSides Edmonton Information Security Foundation
https://www.bsidesedmonton.org/
If you were forwarded this, please join our mailing list:
https://groups.google.com/a/bsidesedmonton.org/g/announcements/about