BSides

BSides, short for Security B-Sides, is a decentralized network of information security conferences organized by volunteers in local communities. The first event, BSides Las Vegas, was launched in 2009 as a community-driven alternative to the larger security conferences then centered in Las Vegas during the Black Hat/DEF CON week. The model quickly spread to other cities, giving rise to a global series of BSides events.

Governance and organization vary by event. Each BSides is independently planned and executed by local volunteers, with a focus on affordability, accessibility, and opportunities for new speakers. Most events publish their own call for papers and set their own schedules, sometimes with a cap on attendance and limited sponsorship that is primarily to cover basic costs.

Typical BSides programs feature technical talks on topics such as vulnerability research, cloud security, incident response, digital forensics, and secure coding, along with workshops, hands-on labs, and community-led activities such as security villages or Capture The Flag events. A hallmark is the emphasis on beginners and early-career researchers, offering a welcoming venue for first-time speakers.

Impact and reception: BSides is widely regarded as a grassroots complement to major conferences, helping to diversify speaker pools and knowledge sharing. The network's growth has led to hundreds of events across many countries, reinforcing a culture of collaboration and community involvement within the information security field.