Kate Shapiro, SVP Operations, LaunchTech Communications
Approx. Read Time: 2 mins 45 secs
Crowds of nearly 19,000 information security professionals are expected to attend Black Hat USA on August 3-8 at the Mandalay Bay hotel in Las Vegas, NV¹. The LaunchTech team is in full swing securing interviews, podcasts, and analyst briefings on behalf of nearly a dozen clients. Our extensive industry relationships and past event attendance have taught us more than a thing or two about how to prepare to make the most of industry events of this magnitude.
For those who will be attending Black Hat USA 2019, here are some professional and personal tips:
Book at the Mandalay Bay or Delano:
It might be tempting to reduce expenses by staying at a nearby hotel, but after a long day of being on your feet, simply hopping on an elevator to head up to your room and freshen up for the night’s activities will be immensely relieving. No additional time in the Nevada heat or waiting for shuttles! Be sure to check out Black Hat’s website for potential booking discounts.
Make an Agenda in Advance:
There is nothing more disappointing than feeling like you didn’t capitalize on opportunities at the end of the week. The first four days of Black Hat USA will be dedicated to technical training, followed by two days of main conference happenings. Have a timeline plan for each day that includes your meetings, session attendance, and social events to maximize your time.
Dress Comfortably:
Roaming the halls of Mandalay Bay or the show floor is decidedly not the time to break in new shoes or wear your nicest, yet restrictive, shirt. If you’re attending Black Hat USA to make the most of networking, training, media/analyst briefings, customer meetings, and demonstrations, you’ll be on the move frequently and want to be totally comfortable in whatever you’re wearing.
Pack Like You Won’t Get a Break:
Pack a backpack or bag with easy, on-the-go snacks to hold you over when meetings run late and you can’t make time for a sitdown meal. Lines for lunch are often extremely long, but conference organizers do mercifully roll tables of small desserts and caffeinated beverages into the session hallways around the 2:00 pm. A refillable water bottle will help keep you hydrated in the warm, crowded Business Hall.
Leverage Social Media:
Show your social media audience that you and your team are at the conference. Attending esteemed-industry events demonstrates proactive professional development and is a great way to show your audience you are always learning the latest information. Don’t forget to tag @BlackHatEvents and use #BHSUSA!
Bonus Tip:
Don’t let your hard work at the event go to waste once you return home. Reach out to those you interacted with within a week to thank them for their time and arrange a follow-up call or meeting.
“Black Hat USA is a great opportunity to brief industry analysts and press about your company, product development, and share thought leadership,” adds Wayne Schepens, Managing Director of LaunchTech Communications. However, media outreach and scheduling is a time-consuming process that most teams don’t have time, or insight, to handle. The LaunchTech team is poised to take that weight off your shoulders. Our public relations professionals are exceptionally skilled at nurturing industry contacts to provide our clients with high-value media opportunities. If you’re interested in learning more, get in touch!