Having recently relocated to Orlando, BSides Orlando was my first real engagement with the local information security community beyond my day-to-day work. I was pleasantly surprised by an outstanding, well-organized, volunteer-driven event. Here are my insights after attending the 2025 edition.

Relocating to Orlando, Florida, at the start of 2025 marked a fresh chapter in my professional life and community involvement. This weekend, that chapter came alive at BSides Orlando 2025, my first public cybersecurity event in my new hometown and a standout entry point into Central Florida’s infosec community.

What BSides Is and Why It Matters

BSides events are grassroots, community-driven cybersecurity conferences designed to expand access to knowledge, presentation slots, and professional networking. The movement began in Las Vegas in parallel with Black Hat and DEF CON, offering a “B-side” for voices and topics that might not make it onto the main stage at larger conferences. Over time, BSides has evolved into a global network of local gatherings that prioritize inclusivity, affordability, and community building across many countries, including Brazil, where I’m from.

The Orlando Bsides

Before attending, I spoke with Brazilian and American colleagues who hinted that Orlando might not be as strong as Tampa’s BSides, which has a stellar reputation and sits just a short drive away on Florida’s Gulf Coast. I wasn’t aware of Tampa’s status until after I had missed its May 2025 edition, a fact I’ll correct next year by putting BSides Tampa 2026 squarely on my calendar. Hearing this comparison lowered my expectations for Orlando and, as it turned out, set the stage for a pleasant surprise.

After two decades in cybersecurity, I am deeply committed to strengthening the talent pipeline and ensuring events remain accessible. That’s why I chose the “Order of the Golden Grin” ticket tier for BSides Orlando. The higher-tier purchase helps subsidize student and enthusiast tickets, making it easier for emerging professionals to attend, learn, and network. If you have the means, opting for a sponsor-level or higher-tier ticket is one of the simplest ways to support the next generation of security practitioners.

The event took place at Full Sail University, an expansive campus with strong infrastructure, clear signage, convenient food options, and nearby public transportation. Details like these matter because democratized access starts with logistics. From my check-in experience to the flow of people through the venue, operations were reliable and efficient.

I arrived early and encountered no lines or delays at registration. The organizing team set up multiple service points and kept wayfinding intuitive, which makes a real difference when you’re moving among tracks throughout the day.

Punctuality and Organization

The opening session began promptly at 09:00, and the event largely maintained that discipline across the day. As is common at volunteer-run conferences, a few talks ran long and others ended early, leaving a welcome window for audience questions and hallway discussions. Pacing matters in multi-track events, and BSides Orlando maintained a mostly tight time management.

Only Track 1 required walking outside the main building. Because the weather cooperated, the quick trip between buildings was easy. Some elements, such as the electronics-focused soldering village, were set up outdoors, which likely enhanced safety and ventilation for both equipment and participants. The only notable challenge was the occasional lack of transition time between sessions. In at least one instance, the short turnover meant I entered late and missed the beginning of a talk. Slightly longer buffers would improve the experience in future editions.

The expo space was well-organized and easy to navigate, with sponsors and community groups, such as DC407 and the Central Florida Chapter of ISC2, engaging attendees in meaningful conversations. The environment fostered genuine professional networking rather than transactional badge scanning, and I appreciated the opportunity to engage with local leaders and practitioners.

I even joined the ISC2 Central Florida Chapter on the spot. The membership form was straightforward, the process was efficient, and the chapter’s onboarding felt organized and mature. As a former president of the ISC2 São Paulo Chapter, I was impressed, and I’d recommend this kind of streamlined approach to other chapters aiming to grow and retain active members.

Although I couldn’t attend the post-event gathering at the nearby hotel due to personal reasons, I want to emphasize the value of these informal meetups. After-hours socializing often leads to the most memorable and valuable professional connections. If you’re attending BSides or any community conference, plan your day to leave room for the after-event networking. It’s where collaboration seeds are planted.

A Simple Verdict: A Well-Run, High-Value Community Conference

The talk selection aligned well with the community’s interests and current threats, covering practical techniques, emerging risks, and hands-on learning. The event struck a healthy balance between technical depth and accessibility. Whether you were a student trying to break into security or a seasoned practitioner looking to update your playbook, there was something substantive to take home.

BSides Orlando 2025 operated at an impressive scale, with approximately 1,200 registrations and around 820 in-person attendees. Many others chose to participate remotely via YouTube and Discord streams. Running an event of this size demands extensive planning, rapid coordination, and committed volunteers before, during, and after the weekend. It’s worth stating clearly: none of this works without people who donate their time and energy to keep the community strong.

I left BSides Orlando 2025 impressed. The logistics were solid, the venue was effective, the sessions delivered value, and the community energy was palpable at every table and track. The occasional timing crunch between rooms was the only meaningful friction point I experienced. Overall, this was an excellent edition, more than worthy of your time if you live in Central Florida or can easily travel here.

Looking Ahead to BSides Tampa 2026

Tampa’s BSides has a deserved reputation for excellence, and I plan to attend in May 2026. I’m looking forward to comparing the strengths of both events and continuing to integrate with the broader Florida infosec community. If you’re in the region, consider attending both. The contrast can be enlightening, the networks complementary, and the learning cumulative.

Thank you to the BSides Orlando organizers, speakers, sponsors, and volunteers for delivering a smooth, inclusive, and professionally valuable event. Your work compounds over time, and the community benefits from it throughout the year.

If you plan to attend BSides Orlando in the future, allow extra time between talks when switching tracks, especially if a room is located outside the main building. Arrive early for check-in to avoid lines, bring a plan for lunch to maximize networking, and consider reserving your evening for the after-party. A little preparation turns a good conference into a great one.