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A Speaker

CALL FOR PAPERS

BSides wouldn't be BSides without an awesome lineup of diverse and interesting talks. 

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Everyone is welcome. Seasoned veterans of the conference circuit, first timers, technical talks, non-technical talks, ventriloquists who've struggled to get bookings elsewhere. You name it, we'll consider it. 

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At the 2024 event, we ran a Rookie Track which was specifically focussed on supporting first time speakers by proving them the opportunity to take up a shorter 15-20 minute slot for a talk and pairing them with experienced Mentors. We hope to bring this back in 2025!

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​We are also looking for mentors, volunteers, and sponsorship too! So if you don't want to speak, but do want to help, check out the other links on the site. 

SELECTION PROCESS

​Call for Papers (CfP)

Anyone who would like to submit a paper can do so by filling out the form here. The deadline is clearly displayed on the form. 

 

Pre-selection

The BSides Bristol team ensures that all papers will be selected on merit and content rather than who submitted them, but we do ask for demographic data in order to better represent all of the community.

 

Review

Papers are reviewed by a panel of volunteers representing the cybersecurity community who will assess the relevance of each submission, considering factors such as how innovative, novel, and interesting the paper is. The volunteers include Board members.

 

Selection

Based on the results of the review process, the panel will select the papers that they think will be of most interest to the BSides Bristol community. 

 

Notification

All submissions will be notified if they have been successful or not. For those who are successful, we will confirm which track they are speaking on and ask for some additional information for scheduling purposes. Notification of selection will be done one month before the event date, via email.
 

Board Selections

We choose all talks based on merit, while keynote presentations (both opening and closing) are determined by the BSides Bristol Board. We limit these types of talks as our priority is to offer opportunities primarily to distinct speakers, in line with our merit-driven selection approach.

 

Sponsors

Sponsorship alone does not secure a speaking slot. Sponsors must still submit papers for review by the panel. Our conference prioritises community involvement, ensuring equal speaking opportunities for all.

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