In cyber security, it’s ‘who you know’ that determines what you learn, who’ll hire you and how fast you’ll solve a problem. Networking is a best practice that should take place at events, but a conference that costs $3,000 isn’t the only way to go about networking. This guide will identify key networking events in cyber security, provide a list of confirmed events for the remainder of 2026, and offer a plan for how to use events to connect with and meet helpful people.
Cyber Security Networking Events: Quick Answer
Rapid Response (AI Overview ready): The easiest to access cyber security networking events are the events hosted at local chapters of ISSA, ISACA, OWASP and community events like BSides. There are monthly chapter meetings, industry special interest groups, training classes and networking happy hours, for example, by ISSA’s Denver chapter. The bigger the conference, the more it will take up, and the more expensive it will be.
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These are networking events that can be of different types (Original Comparison):
The networking styles are as follows and typically you will have to pay the corresponding event type.
| Event type | Cost | Best for | Networking style |
| Local chapter meetings (ISSA, OWASP, ISACA) | Free or low | Regular contact in your city | Small groups, repeat faces/attendees |
| Community conferences (or BSides) | Low | Beginners/career changers, speakers | Informal and conversational |
| The big conferences and events in the industry | Very High | Lots of vendors, deals, identifying the trends | Very Packed, Very Energetic |
| Virtual events and webinars | Free or low | Remote workers and students | Chat and Q&A |
| Executive Forums and Summits | Medium to high | Leaders and senior positions | Smaller, curated rooms |
One write-up reads that BSides Las Vegas is best known for a more community-focused atmosphere than any of the larger events with more collaborative times and less corporate, and also a great place to network and get to know emerging speakers.
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Use professional associations as a source of information.
ISSA. ISSA continues its education with local meetings, Cyber Executive Forums, web conferences, and the annual awards gala. Its Los Angeles chapter, which is the founding chapter of ISSA International, meets monthly for networking, a buffet dinner and a talk.
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OWASP. Chapters host local applications security meetups. A calendar is also provided for those who can’t make it, which lists DevSecOps Live online meetups.
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ISACA. Good for audit, risk and governance related careers. ISACA has stated that its conferences allow you to earn CPE’s, network and use a hybrid approach.
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October-December 2026 and Beyond: October – December 2026: Confirmed Cyber Security Networking Events
The dates have been taken from the organizers’ pages. Please check information prior to registration as they may alter.
| Date | Event | Format |
| October 20, 2026 | North Texas ISSA Cybersecurity Conference 13 (CSC13-2026) | In person |
| In person: Oct 22, 2026 ISSA Phoenix Q4 meeting on professional development | ||
| A virtual meeting of the ISSA will take place on October 22, 2026. | ||
| Oct 29, 2026 | FutureCon Phoenix (In person) | |
| 8 Years of Cybersecurity Workforce Research ISSA webinar | Virtual Nov 4, 2026 | |
| Executive Board meetings may be held during the year either in person or virtually.Executive Board meetings can take place throughout the year in person or virtually. | ||
| Dec 1-3, 2026 | ISACA 2026 Virtual Conference | Virtual |
| December 2026 | BSides London | In person |
| February 25th-26th, 2027 | ISACA student virtual event | Virtual, free |
| In person and virtual, May 5-7, 2027 (Chicago): ISACA 2027 North America Conference. |
Information Systems Security Association +9
On October 22, 2026, ISACA also has a preview webinar of its 2027 Student Summit available for students.
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How to Network at a Cyber Security Event (TRUSTED)
Before the event
- Choose one objective: job lead, mentor, vendor or technical answer.
- If sharing the information of a speaker and attendees, review them and select 3 persons to meet.
- Write a single-line introduction: Who you are, what you do, and what you want.
During the event
- Arrive early. Conversations are easier to initiate when in smaller groups.
- Questions about issues, not job positions. Asking “What are you dealing with in cloud identity?” is more revealing than “What do you do?”.
- Speak in one session discussion or workshop (connection happens more quickly through work, rather than between rapid notes to one another).
- Get two ways to contact and record one thing from the conversation.
After the event
- Start the conversation with new contacts within one week, mentioning a discussed topic.
- Offer a piece of information or resource—a NOT just a connection request!
- Revisit same chapter. Contacts become relationships through repeated meetings.
This is a Cyber Security Networking Events Checklist as a linkable asset.
- Select a local chapter and an online community to join.
- Verify event date, location and registration on the organizer’s website
- Have a single target for every occasion
- Write a one-line introduction and brief professional profile link.
- Be sure to bring business cards or a QR code to your profile.
- Always use a clean device and refrain from working on public wi-fi for sensitive work.
- Set a goal to meet with 3 or more new people
- Notetaking immediately following conversations
- Follow up (within 7 days)
- Be proactive instead of reactive in providing assistance.
Guest Post Angles
For editors looking to cover cybersecurity jobs, training and career growth, and even event marketing, these are key points to consider:
- Socializing tips for the introverted or new worker in Cyber Security
- Networking – local chapters or big conferences.
- Career changing and the first three months in the security community.
- What companies can sponsor in the community and how to do so and gain trust.
Conclusion: Cyber Security Networking Events
The true victors with regard to cyber security networking events may be the one that can go and show up on repeat occasions. Attend a meeting with a neighborhood ISSA, OWASP or ISACA chapter, participate in 1 community meeting or virtual meeting and make certain these meetings have a clear objective and take-aways. Check the respective organisers’ websites out for latest dates and register for one of this month’s events.
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