Tuesday, May 03, 2022

Conference Review S4x22 #infosec #cybersecurity

Over the past 5 years I have been to quite a few conferences and S4 has been in my top 3 since I first attended at S4x20 (for the record the other two are the April 2018 mini-conference put on by Scoop News Group and Layer One).  This year was no exception.

S4 has a few things going for it that separate it from a lot of other conferences that I have been to:

1.  The venue - Usually S4 is held at the Filmore Theatre in Miami Beach (next year it will still be in Miami Beach but a different location due to remodeling).  The Filmore is pretty accessible, comfortable to spend time in, and large enough to handle the number of attendees, with some overflow across the street.  It's close to the beach, the conference hotels and various restaurants and other nightlife.  So all in all a plus

In addition the are some associated events at the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens and a Welcome aboard party that add to the attractiveness of the location.

2.  Conference Size - this year it was about 800 people.  Large enough for variety but no so large you get lost in the pack. This also means if you want to see a talk you can get in to see the talk.

3.  Very Focused - this conference is focused on ICS cyber security so everything revolves around that. So unlike larger more general conferences you aren't constantly pouring over talk schedules trying to figure out what really applies to you.

4.  Format - there is a very good balance of technical / non-technical talks and activities.  This relates back to number 3.

5.  The People - usually at a conference there is at least one jerk trying to make people miserable.  I haven't seen that at either of my two outings to S4.  All the people I ran into - if not friendly at least weren't unfriendly.  Makes everything much more relaxing.

The only slight downsides are:

1.  Travel - It's a pain to get to Miami Beach from Portland at a reasonable price.

2.  The Cabana Sessions - Just my opinion but way to crowded for that pool space.  

3.  Swag - This is my fault entirely, but I always end up with too much of it and hauling it home is a pain.  :-).  Bring an extra bag because you'll definitely be able to fill it. (In case it isn't clear I am not really complaining about too much free stuff)

Anyway if you work in industrial cybersecurity or an adjacent field I highly recommend this conference.



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