Widely considered one of the top cybersecurity-oriented events of the year, RSA Conference 2020 will be held at Moscone Center in San Francisco, CA from Feb. 24-28. Industry professionals and companies gather to share best practices, lessons learned and pinpoint trends through various experiences such as presentations, exhibitions, competitions and breakout sessions. Not only does RSA Conference offer excellent learning opportunities, but also marketing and public relations visibility for emerging tech and cybersecurity companies looking to showcase their brand and grow their market recognition.
Here at LaunchTech, we are RSA Conference veterans. While it is a thrilling and valuable event, it can also be overwhelming to newcomers. For this reason, we have compiled a list of tips and things to know before you go:
Start setting up meetings at least two months in advance:
Whether you are connecting with old friends or reaching out to prospects, make arrangements well in advance of the actual conference week. Because this is a huge industry event, schedules fill up ahead of time.
Book your flights and rooms now (if you haven’t already):
There is nothing worse than the feeling of investing significant budget into the conference itself and then having to dish out more money for last-minute travel accommodations’ price inflation. RSA Conference 2020 official hotels are one option, or you can look into getting an Airbnb.
Actively engage on Twitter:
You will undoubtedly miss out on some things due to your schedule. That’s when Twitter comes in handy! Follow @RSAConference for live updates and information on sessions you aren’t able to attend. Tweet about your experience and be sure to use the official hashtag #RSAC. Additionally, engaging with fellow attendees on Twitter is a great way to fully immerse yourself in the experience and possibly form new connections.
Add specific presentations you want to attend to your calendar:
Avoid accidentally missing a presentation you were excited for by going through the RSA Conference 2020 Agenda now and adding those sessions to your online calendar. Set a reminder for 30 minutes prior to the start.
Schedule time to travel between meetings:
While we are on the topic of calendars, schedule in time to walk or commute to meetings. The Moscone Center footprint has expanded exponentially and you’re bound to run into people you know as you walk from place to place.
Getting to RSA:
If you are local or decided to rent a car, reserving a parking spot in the Moscone Center Parking Garage using SpotHero is the best bet for reasonable pricing. For first time SpotHero users, you can use code RSACONF2020 for 10% off your first reservation. You can find other transportation recommendations here.
Comfortable shoes are a must:
This might go without saying, but you will be on your feet quite a bit. This is especially true if you plan on maximizing your time and stacking your schedule full of meetings, interviews, and networking. With so much to do, you don’t want to deal with a blister (or several).
Snacks can be a life-saver:
Food options on-site at the expo center and presentation halls will be limited. Do yourself a favor and pack a few non-perishable snacks to get you through the day. You never know when something will come up that cuts into your planned lunch break!
Give and take business cards:
Another seemingly straightforward tip, but often an exchange that is forgotten in the haste of the day, is to exchange business cards with new contacts. One of the most beneficial aspects of attending RSA Conference is networking.
Get your fill at our team’s favorite food spots:
Over the years, the LaunchTech team has narrowed down our top three favorite food spots for a good meal after a long day on our feet at RSA Conference – Zero Zero, BOTA and Fang.
Our team will be on the ground at RSA to support our clients as they brief analysts and take interviews with press. If you are interested in learning more about our cybersecurity public relations services, connect!