Another year another Infosec EU. So, how did it go down?
I must admit, I grumble whenever I have to attend an event at the soulless warehouse that is ExCel, located in what can only be described as the appendix of London.
However, it is a nice ride on the motorbike to get there, and parking is free (for motorbikes, not cars, but other bikers don’t like it if you park too close). The weather held out and I enjoyed my commute, so that added a positive spin on it.
One of the first things I noticed was how all the booths seemed bigger and brighter this year. No, this didn’t feel like a Souk from Marrakesh, this was a white-glove affair. Nice carpet laid out everywhere, large booths, and plenty of space. There was even a central “highway” of sorts which gave a huge walking space and so you were never bumping into anyone… at least not intentionally.
With the space, the higher booths, and the carpets, it was actually possible to have really good conversations with people, without leaning in and yelling into each others ears like a bunch of 20 somethings on their first holiday to Ibiza when they’re in the middle of a club and down to their last fiver.
I got to meet some of the usual suspects like Graham Cluley, Thom Langford, Brian Honan, Jake Moore. Meeting Host Unknown’s biggest fan (probably) Martin Hepworth. Also, I got to meet some old friends and colleagues I hadn’t seen for absolute years. Max Bemrose, Mark Segelov, Krishan Tank, Shan Lee, William Lau and several others.
According to the ‘save the cat’ playbook, this is the point at which I say, “but” and start listing the not so good parts of infosec.
To be honest, there’s not much bad I can say. So let’s call this some “feedback” which I hope will be received in the spirit that it is intended.
It was quiet – a bit too quiet. There seemed to be far less vendors and less attendees. Or maybe they were all spaced out. It just didn’t feel like it was such a big deal as it once used to be.
The speaking sessions acoustics are still sub-standard. They have the headphones for attendee’s, but that also places a limit on the number of attendees in any room, and gives it a silent disco vibe.
Which brings me onto the overall content part. I get it, Infosec has always been a trade show and the talks have always felt like a side attraction. I think if the organisers put some thought into how to revamp that portion, so people could attend a couple of tracks in decent rooms with good audio to inform and educate, it could make a big difference in not only the type of attendee’s it attracts, but also the quality of interactions people have.
Finally, one person came up to me and asked if the State Sponsored Podcast is dead… and I think I’ll just have to page Scott Terban on that one because it was probably the single most nicest and inspiring feedback I got. Thank you, even though I forgot your name.
Javvad Malik 