Preparing for WiCyS: What I’m Doing to Make the Most of the Conference

In just a few days, I’ll be attending my very first WiCyS (Women in Cybersecurity) conference, and I have a mix of excitement, nervousness, and a mild wardrobe crisis. (Seriously, what do people wear to these things? Business casual? Full hacker hoodie mode? Please send help.)

Jokes aside, this is a huge milestone for me. Investing in myself and my future by attending WiCyS feels like a game-changer, and I want to make sure I get the most out of this experience. So, I’m sharing my prep process—both for myself and for anyone else who might be heading to their first cybersecurity conference!

Step 1: Setting My Goals for WiCyS

Since this is my first WiCyS conference, I know I need to go in with a plan. I don’t just want to wander from session to session feeling overwhelmed—I want to be intentional. Here’s what I’m focusing on:

✅ Learning from industry experts – There are so many incredible talks and workshops, and I want to soak up as much knowledge as possible, especially on topics like OSINT, incident response, and career transitions into cybersecurity.

✅ Networking without awkwardness – I won’t lie—even though I have a background in theatre, I’m an introvert in big crowds. But I also know that WiCyS is one of the best places to connect with mentors, recruiters, and other women in cyber who have been where I am. So, I’m pushing myself to step out of my comfort zone and start real conversations.

✅ Exploring career opportunities – I’m still on my cybersecurity journey, but I know that WiCyS is a great place to meet recruiters and hiring managers from companies actively looking for talent. I want to get a feel for what roles might be a good fit for me and make some valuable connections.

✅ Having fun and enjoying the experience – This is a celebration of how far I’ve come! I want to take it all in, be present, and remember that investing in myself was absolutely worth it.

Step 2: Planning My Conference Schedule

The WiCyS agenda is stacked, and I already know I can’t attend everything. (Whyyyyy are so many cool sessions at the same time?!?) So, I’m strategically picking sessions based on:
📌 Topics that align with my cybersecurity interests (OSINT, threat intelligence, SOC roles, etc.)
📌 Workshops that offer hands-on learning (because I learn best by doing!)
📌 Panels featuring women who inspire me (representation matters, and I want to hear their stories)

I’m also leaving space for networking, breaks, and exploring—because burnout is real, and I don’t want to be running from session to session without actually absorbing anything.

Step 3: Packing My Conference Essentials

Okay, real talk: I have no idea what to wear. I’ve read everything from “business casual” to “cyber hoodie chic” to “whatever makes you feel confident.” So my current plan is to pack a mix of professional and comfortable outfits and hope for the best. 😅

Beyond clothes, here’s what’s going in my WiCyS survival kit:

🎟 Conference badge & schedule (because I will get lost at least once)
📱 Portable charger (WiCyS is a marathon, not a sprint)
💻 Notebook (for taking notes and pretending to be ultra-organized)
💼 Resumes & business cards (just in case I meet the perfect connection)
🥤 Water bottle & snacks (because conference food lines are long)

If you’re a WiCyS veteran, tell me: What’s your go-to conference outfit?!

Step 4: Networking Without the Awkwardness

Networking at big events can be intimidating, but I’m reminding myself that WiCyS is built to be supportive and welcoming. My plan:

Join conversations naturally. Instead of forcing awkward introductions, I’ll look for ways to engage in discussions happening around me.
Use LinkedIn and Whova ahead of time. I’ve been connecting with other attendees on Whova so we can meet up in person! I’m already excited to meet up with other LGBTQIA+ folks for dinner =)
Have a simple introduction ready. Something like:

“Hey, I’m Liz! This is my first WiCyS conference, and I’m currently transitioning into cybersecurity from education. I’m especially interested in OSINT and incident response—how about you?”

And try not to just word-vomit about astrology or how I’m growing tomatoes in my garden. (And yes, I’m fully prepared to practice this in the mirror before I go.)

But let’s be real: I’m gonna just have to lean into my awkwardness. Maybe it’s endearing?

Step 5: Making the Most of WiCyS After It’s Over

A big mistake people make after conferences? Not following up. And I know I will have trouble with this one. So I’m setting aside time after WiCyS to:

✔ Connect on LinkedIn with people I meet
✔ Send thank-you messages to speakers or recruiters I talk to
✔ Review my notes & set action steps (because knowledge without action is just trivia)

I want to make sure this conference keeps benefiting me long after it ends.

Final Thoughts: Why Investing in Myself Was Worth It

As I pack my bags (and stress over my outfits), I’m feeling really grateful that I took this step for myself. Investing in my career, my growth, and my future isn’t always easy (or cheap)—but I know it’s worth it. I am worth it.

If you’re going to WiCyS too, let’s connect! Drop a comment or message me—I’d love to meet fellow first-timers and share this experience. See you in Dallas! 🚀