How To Do RSAC Like the Pros: The Ultimate Conference Survival Guide

Whether you’re a cybersecurity newbie or an industry veteran, the annual RSA Conference in San Francisco is a whirlwind experience. Keynotes, panels, meet & greets, executive dinners — it can leave even the most organized professionals feeling overwhelmed.  

I’ve been to RSA more times than I care to count. (Let’s just say it’s more than 20.) Today, I wanted to share my best advice — distilled from years of attending conference sessions and seeing the bold claims from hundreds of “leaders in blahblahblah…” — to help you make the most of the cybersecurity industry’s defining event. 

Dress code: comfort first, style second

Let’s talk wardrobe. You’ll be logging serious mileage at the Moscone Center, one of the largest convention centers on the West Coast. Nothing will kill your productivity faster than aching feet and back, so comfortable shoes are essential for survival. 

Beyond footwear, you’ll want to make sure your clothing choices reflect your agenda. If you’re an executive, blazers for those high-level meetings. If not, more casual attire will be your best bet; just make sure it’s versatile enough to fit the wide range of conference activities. 

For first timers, an additional note on climate: San Francisco may be in California, but it’s not all palm trees and sunglasses. The city’s famous fog and waterfront breezes can cause major temperature swings from morning to evening. Layers are your friend: toss a sweater or hoodie in your bag to handle both the chilly evenings and the conference center A/C. 

A streetcar named… planning ahead

Make sure you’ve got your daily commute and your transit options planned in advance. Rideshare services get absolutely slammed during peak conference hours, so build in buffer time or consider alternate transportation. Self-driving cars, anyone? 

If you need local info while you’re at the conference, the San Francisco Visitor Information Center at the Moscone Center is a great resource located at 749 Howard St. 

Set your schedule, but embrace the chaos

Once you register, your inbox will start filling with event invitations. My advice? Register for everything. Yes, everything. Some events fill up faster than you’d believe, and you’ll want to have flexibility.   

As you make connections and run into old friends, your plans are guaranteed to change. It might sound counterintuitive, but being pre-registered makes it possible to have a more spontaneous conference experience. 

Also, don’t forget to block out time to explore the exhibition floor — it’s worth it. Make sure to stop by our joint booth with Coalfire at #5268 at the North Expo in the Moscone Center, where we’ll be demonstrating how we’re revolutionizing the code to cloud journey and accelerating FedRAMP certification together. 

Just avoid the rookie mistake of picking events so far apart that you’re sprinting to catch them. Be realistic about travel times and your energy levels. 

What’s what at the conference

RSA essentially consists of two main components, with a bonus third element: 

Keynotes, Talks, and Panels: These sessions feature global practitioners sharing insights on the latest cybersecurity trends and challenges. Beyond the knowledge, these talks and panels offer golden opportunities to connect with brilliant minds. Some of my most valuable professional relationships have started in post-session conversations. 

Exhibition Floor: Imagine a cybersecurity marketplace roughly the size of a small country and you’ll begin to have a sense of how big the show floor is. Even if you’re not in buying mode, take some time to wander and absorb the sheer scale and innovation happening in our industry. It’s a powerful reminder of how diverse and dynamic the cybersecurity sector has become. 

Offsite Bonus: Many vendors set up shop in nearby hotels and restaurants, and if you want to have private, impactful dialogue, I highly recommend the “kill a bunch of birds with one stone” approach. Set up some “speed dating” meetings at these offsite venues with the vendors, partners, and/or customers you want to meet with. 

Making connections

Networking is one of the ways RSA truly shines. This is your chance to reconnect with colleagues, forge new relationships, and meet industry pioneers who’ve shaped cybersecurity for decades. 

Don’t forget that the networking isn’t confined to the Moscone Center. In past years, popular gathering spots have included the W Hotel, St. Regis Hotel, Marriott Marquis, Four Seasons, the Palace, and the Intercontinental. Really, almost any venue within a half-mile radius of Moscone can be counted on as an impromptu networking hub. 

The best approach? Be genuinely curious and open. If someone looks interesting, just introduce yourself. Yes, everyone’s busy, but making connections is why we’re all here. As you continue meeting people, you’ll naturally find yourself welcomed into groups that move together from event to event: conference networking at its finest. 

Embrace the overwhelm

With over 40,000 attendees, countless speaking sessions, and enough swag to fill an extra suitcase, feeling overwhelmed is inevitable. Accept that you can’t do it all, and don’t let logistical hiccups derail your experience. 

Most importantly, take care of yourself. The long days and nights combined with the information overload can take a physical toll. Stay hydrated (seriously, drink more water than you think you need), take breaks when necessary, and remember that RSA is a marathon, not a sprint. 

For information on accessibility, translation services, meal options for special dietary requirements, and more, check out the RSA Conference FAQ.  

Final thoughts

With thoughtful planning and an open mind, RSAC can be a career-defining experience. Whether you’re attending for knowledge, connections, or both, remember that you get out of it what you put in. 

We’d love to connect with you at the conference! We’ll be showcasing our award-winning Continuous Controls Monitoring platform alongside our strategic partner Coalfire at Moscone #5268. As part of Microsoft’s selective Startup Program, we’ll also be featured at the Microsoft Security Hub at the Palace Hotel and their expo booth #5744. 

Want to book a meeting with us? Looking for free access to the expo hall or $150 off the full conference pass? Find everything you need on our dedicated RSA Conference page.  

We hope to see you in San Francisco!