Welcome back to Protect It All, the podcast where host Aaron Crow goes beyond the basics of OT to explore the dynamic intersection of IT and OT cybersecurity. In this episode, Aaron takes us inside a hacker summer camp in Las Vegas - home to industry giants Black Hat and DEFCON, where tens of thousands of security professionals gather each year. 

Drawing from his years of experience attending these events, Aaron unpacks the good, the bad, and the ugly of the conference circuit: from the value of in-person networking and the buzz of vendor events, to the challenges of ROI, overwhelming hype, and the evolving role of sponsors.

Plus, he shares hard-won tips for making the most of Vegas - including how to find your tribe, engage meaningfully with vendors, and stay cool (literally and figuratively) amidst the chaos. 

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned attendee, this episode is packed with honest insights and actionable advice to help you navigate the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity conferences.

Key Moments: 

03:05 Networking’s Importance in Vegas

08:29 Evaluating Black Hat Conference ROI

12:17 "CISOs' Discreet Presence at Vendor Events"

13:22 Buzzword Overload at Conferences

18:40 Relationship-Driven Sales Strategy

21:02 Balancing Conference Costs and Value

25:44 "Prioritize Genuine Leads Only"

27:05 Enhancing Cybersecurity Events

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