When you imagine a typical work conference, a four-walled room with tables and screens comes to mind. There may be a table for drinks and food and some presentations throughout the day. Now imagine a work conference, but instead of business casual clothing, you’re wearing skis and you’re on a ski hill.
Ski and Snowboard Cyber Security Conference (SSCC), which took place March 2 at the Heights Ski & Country Club in Barrie, ON, offered networking opportunities and conversations with cybersecurity professionals.
Yevgeny Khram got the idea, A cyber security professional and consultant, a snowboard instructor after posting a LinkedIn post about the experience networking with others during the course. Kharam asked why conventions aren’t offered in more creative ways—like on the slopes
,When we started it, our goal was to bring a unique event to our area, to create a space where people can network in a different way. With what we have gone through in the last few years, we believe that people are hungry for in-person interactions,” said Kharam.
With the help of Tony Abi-Joude, an account executive at Uptycs and independent cyber security consultant, both were able to get in touch with the ski club that Abi-Joudeh was a part of. Fast forward eight months, after securing a position at the club, the SSCC was finally in its planning stages.
Kharam and Abi-Joudeh were able to rent out the entire ski club and hill for the conference. He arranged tickets and started promoting the event. All proceeds from the event went to local charities. redwood parkA charity that builds affordable housing for communities.
The actual day was very successful, says Kharam.
While attendees weren’t hitting the slopes, the conference offered an executive panel fireside Chat discussing the cyber security challenges facing the industry.
The panel included Ryan Haley-Ogde, Chief Communications cyber security global allianceVivek Khindia, CISO at Loblaw Companies LimitedSandy Jones, Head of Corporate Technology Interacand Richard Stayn, Principal Research Analyst IT-Harvest Was also on the panel.
“It exceeded our expectations. With a unique program that focused more on presentations versus networking, we provided an environment that was both fun and informative,” said Kharam.
He added that it was a comfortable and calm feel to the conference, which made it even more rewarding.
Conference attendees echoed similar sentiments.
Sandy Jones, head of corporate technology and enterprise asset management at Interac, said the light schedule made connecting and networking more “real.”
“The relaxed atmosphere, fresh off the hill folks come in, and the less structured setup inside made it easy for me to connect and have real conversations about technology, securing talent, bridging the gap between business and security, and Made a lot easier. ,
To Darren Fox, Regional Sales Director Vulcan CyberThe event made it much easier for him to connect with vendors for work – something that had proved difficult due to missed messages and unreliable communication services.
“With the advent of auto dialers and automated email campaigns, salespeople have forced our prospects to use only their cell phones. There is no single number that works, and direct incoming emails are ignored. or goes to spam. If a rep changes vendors, their outreach is not happening. During the incident, I had an executive contact I’ve known for years but was not getting my messages. He Told me they struggle with something we addressed and asked me to meet their team. After the incident, I’m already in contact with the team lead. The incident has paid for itself, Fox said.
After positive feedback. Kharam is looking forward to hosting more events such as the Ski and Snowboard Conference.
“With the feedback we have received, we have decided to go ahead with SSCC 2024. We are currently working on a unique date for the convention, and await confirmation from The Heights Ski & Country Club before making an official announcement.” And, while we are planning another winter schedule, we are looking at options for other seasons, including summer.”
