Frequently asked questions

Security BSides is a framework for organizing community security conferences. It started in 2009 when speakers rejected from Black Hat held their own event, the "B side." Today there are 300+ BSides events worldwide, each run independently by local communities. Connected by shared values, not a corporate parent.

BSides Tampa is a 100% Krewe-organized cybersecurity conference run through the ISC2 Tampa Bay Chapter, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We started in 2013 and have grown into one of the top three BSides events in the world. 2,000+ participants, 50+ sessions across 7 tracks, 5 villages, and zero paid staff.

The conference is Saturday, May 16, 2026 at the USF Marshall Student Center, 4103 USF Cedar Circle, Tampa, Florida 33620. Training Day is Friday, May 15 (separate ticket required). Early registration and check-in are also available on Friday. Parking is included with your admission in designated spots on campus. Follow BSides Tampa signs and park only in marked areas, or you may get a ticket from USF Parking Services.

General admission tickets are on our ticketing platform. Student and military discounts are $30. Every participant gets access to all tracks, a BSides Tampa shirt, badge, lanyard, and happy hour with a drink ticket. We also give out complimentary and discounted admission on a case-by-case basis. Cost should never stop someone from participating.

Yes. Parking is included with your admission. Follow the BSides Tampa signs to the designated parking areas and park only in the marked spots. Parking outside designated areas may result in a ticket from USF Parking Services. A parking map will be released closer to the event. The venue is right off I-275 on the University of South Florida Tampa campus.

Yes. We have a group rate at the Home2 Suites by Hilton Tampa USF (11606 N McKinley Dr), less than a mile from the venue. The block covers May 14–17 and includes free breakfast, free WiFi, full kitchen suites, and an outdoor pool. Important note: hotel parking is NOT included in the group rate. The hotel charges a separate nightly fee for parking (sorry, we tried). Parking at the conference venue (USF) is included with your admission though! Book through our group link to get the BSides Tampa rate.

The Krewe are the people who make BSides Tampa happen, from registration to A/V to village operations. Krewe members get complimentary admission, exclusive swag, and the experience of helping run a 2,000-person security conference. Email volunteers@bsidestampa.net to get involved.

Yes. BSides Tampa has a zero-tolerance policy for harassment. All participants, speakers, sponsors, and Krewe members are expected to follow our code of conduct. We take this seriously.

Yes. Full-time students and military personnel (active duty, reserve, veterans, and military spouses) get in for $30. Valid ID required at check-in. We also work with individuals, groups, and classes on a case-by-case basis so no one misses out.

Villages are hands-on areas where you learn by doing. BSides Tampa 2026 has five: Malware Village, Social Engineering Village, IOT Village, Network Village, and Lockpick Village. All villages are included with your admission.

Capture the Flag (CTF) is a cybersecurity competition where participants solve security challenges across categories like web exploitation, reverse engineering, cryptography, and forensics. We try to make our CTF accessible to newcomers, but it gets competitive fast.

Yes! We'll have 2-3 food trucks on-site (still finalizing which ones, details will be shared closer to the event). Panera Bread inside the Marshall Student Center will also be open during the event.

We photograph and record video during the event, and we may use it in future promotions. If you don't want to be photographed, let a Krewe member know. Don't record other people's sessions without their permission.

Yes. The USF Marshall Student Center is ADA accessible with wheelchair-accessible entrances, elevators, and restrooms. If you have specific accessibility needs, contact us ahead of time and we'll make sure you're taken care of.

Your ticket confirmation and a laptop with charger if you plan to do CTF, training, or villages. Business cards are handy for meeting people. Leave the suits at home. BSides is casual.