Bside Seattle Update - July 2020

Hello All,

Oh my what a year we’ve had! I joked earlier that after having to enact BCDR plans for Seattle Snowmageddon 2019, that this year will be a breeze. I accept responsibility for my part in inviting trouble. That said, our community is strong, supportive and ready for all challenges. 

Big Announcement
I’m sure it will come as little surprise, Bsides Seattle 2020 will be held virtually this year. Ensuring the health and safety of our community attending Bsides Seattle is one of my core priorities. Bringing thousands of people to an enclosed space is not a risk we are going to take. While I am disappointed that we won’t be able to enjoy our usual in person learnings, revelry, and hackery discoveries… I am excited about the changes going virtual allows us this year. Below are a few of the big ones.


Change 1:
We are moving the conference to Saturday, October 17th, 2020. This is good, as the prior date overlapped with our fellow Bsides Portland conference (due to space availability).

Change 2: 
With the removal of space limitations, we will be running an additional CFP, opening it up to speakers world wide. By the power of the internets, bringing global content to the community. The round 2 CFP will open in the next 2 weeks (no later than August 1)

Change 3:
Recorded sessions!  That’s right, if the speaker allows it, sessions will be recorded for future review. We will be broadcasting sessions in webinar style.

Change 4:
A Bsides Seattle Discord server will provide social and connection time. 

Thank you all for your support, engagement and flexibility as we evolve with the times. More information to come as we finalize plans. 

I hope you are all as well as possible, taking breaks when needed, and ready for a great 2020 Bsides Conference.

Happy Hackery,
Josh Michaels
Bsides Seattle Founder



FAQ: Are tickets still available?
A: Yes, you can still register for the conference and for the workshops. If you sign up for a workshop, the conference admission is included!
Q: How will I log in to the workshops and conference?
A: People who registered for workshops and/or the conference will be sent connection information to the email address used on registration. 
Q: I really enjoy the social aspect of conferences. How will you recreate that?
A: This is a huge focus for us. We have spoken with other conference organizers about how they did this, and by adding a Discord server for attendees, the interactions are often even more social!
Q: Will you have a Capture the Flag contest?
A: Currently still YES!
Q: What about next year?
A: We plan to be back to having an in-person conference in 2021.
Q: I can’t make it and need a refund. How do I get one?
A: Just go back to our Eventbrite site and request one. We’ll miss you and hopefully you’ll join us again next year.


 (Thank you Layer 8 for your FAQ framework)