RSA Conference 2024: Tips, Tricks, and Must-See Sessions

RSA Conference 2024 is just a week away, and it's time to finalize your game plan! Whether you're a seasoned attendee or a first-timer, this guide will help you make the most of your experience and navigate the conference like a pro.

First, let's talk about some interesting sessions:

2024 Edition: Cybersecurity Standards Scorecard 
Expo badge accessible!
Date: Thursday, May 9, 2024
Time: 9:40 AM - 10:30 AM PT
Location: Moscone West - 3001

Explore the state of cybersecurity standards using a scorecard based on rigorous research and learn about the "Cyber Rosetta Stone" that deciphers and compares each standard.

The Always-On Purple Team: An Automated CI/CD for Detection Engineering
Full badge required
Date: Monday, May 6, 2024
Time: 10:50 AM - 11:40 AM PT
Location: Moscone West - 3004

This session delves into automated detection engineering, providing insights on how to maintain robust defenses using continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) practices.

Cybereason: How Can You Transform Your SOC with AI?
Expo badge accessible!
Date: Tuesday, May 7, 2024
Time: 11:40 AM - 12:00 PM PT
Location: Moscone South - Expo - Briefing Center

Explore the fascinating intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and security operations. Learn how AI can transform your Security Operations Center (SOC) and enhance threat detection and response.

Security Operations Center Sponsored by Cisco and NetWitness 
Expo badge accessible!
Date: Monday, May 6, 2024
Time: 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM PT
Location: Moscone South - Expo - Security Operations Center

Take a tour of a working SOC! Head to the Moscone South Lower Level to see what's really taking place on the Moscone Wireless Network in real time. Open during Expo hours.

Now, let's dive into some tips and tricks for navigating the conference:

Plan ahead: With so many sessions, keynotes, and networking events, it's essential to prioritize your must-sees. Take a look at the agenda and mark your calendar with the sessions that align with your interests and goals.

Explore the Expo: The Expo floor is where you'll find the latest and greatest in cybersecurity products and solutions. Make sure to carve out some time to wander the booths and chat with vendors. Don't forget to stop by Blumira's booth at S-3120!

Vitamin D: Find a spot to relax outdoors at Yerba Buena Gardens!

Network, even if it's not your forte: Let's be real, cybersecurity isn't known for being the most extroverted industry. But you and about 40,000 other people are in the same neighborhood at once for this conference. Here are some tips to make networking a little easier:

• Strike up conversations in line for coffee or while waiting for a session to start. It might be a little cliche to ask, "What brings you to RSA?" but you could ask about the sessions they have found interesting, ask if they have seen any cool new tech or even creative booths, or how they are enjoying the week.
• Attend the networking events, but give yourself permission to take breaks when you need them.
• Connect with speakers and vendors on social media before the conference. This can make it easier to approach them in person.
• Set a goal for yourself, like making three new connections each day.

Take advantage of opportunities to relax and network outside the conference: RSA Conference isn't just about the sessions and expo floor. There are also plenty of chances to unwind and connect with fellow attendees in a more casual (and sometimes more colorful) setting. For an unofficial list of activities, take a look here.

Take care of yourself: With so much to see and do, it's easy to get overwhelmed. Make sure to schedule some downtime to recharge and reflect on what you've learned. Don't forget to stay hydrated, eat well, and get enough sleep. The conference can be exhausting, so prioritize your well-being to make the most of your experience.

Follow up after the conference: The connections you make can be valuable long after the event ends. Make sure to follow up with the people you met, whether it's through email, LinkedIn, Mastodon, etc. Share your key takeaways, discuss potential collaborations, or simply express your appreciation for the insightful conversations you had.

Where to Find Blumira

Of course, we'd be remiss if we didn't promote our own booth! Come visit Blumira at booth S-3120, where our team of experts, including Lead Incident Detection Engineer Amanda Berlin and Principal Product Manager Brett Bzdafka, will be on hand to answer your questions, give demos of the Blumira SIEM + XDR platform and our newest features like Blumira Investigate, and chat about all things security. We'll have some exciting giveaways, too, so make sure to stop by.

RSA Conference is what you make of it. With a little planning and a lot of curiosity, you'll come away with new insights, new connections, and a renewed sense of purpose in your security journey. Embrace the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to the cybersecurity community. We can't wait to see you there!

For other interesting places to check out in the area, like venues of importance, nearby restaurants, and potential meeting places, take a look at this Google map.