If you’re passionate about cybersecurity and looking for a way to get involved in the community, volunteering at BSides Joburg is an excellent opportunity. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a newcomer eager to learn, BSides Joburg offers a space for networking, knowledge-sharing, and hands-on experience. And the best part? Volunteers receive a free ticket to the event!
What is BSides Joburg?
BSides events are part of a global series of independent, community-driven cybersecurity conferences. These events create an inclusive environment where professionals, enthusiasts, and students can engage in deep technical discussions, share research, and expand their networks. Unlike larger corporate conferences, BSides maintains an intimate and collaborative atmosphere, making it an ideal platform for both learning and contributing.
BSides Joburg is the Johannesburg edition of this globally recognized initiative. It serves as a hub for cybersecurity practitioners in South Africa to come together, share insights, and strengthen the local security community. With hands-on workshops, talks from industry experts, and engaging challenges like Capture The Flag (CTF) competitions, BSides Joburg is an essential event for anyone interested in information security.
Why BSides Joburg Matters
Events like BSides provide a space where individuals can stay ahead of threats, discover new security techniques, and connect with like-minded professionals. They also offer a platform for emerging talent to showcase their skills and for experienced professionals to mentor the next generation of security experts.
BSides Joburg fosters an environment where individuals can freely share knowledge and ideas without the restrictions often found in commercial conferences. This openness is crucial in strengthening the cybersecurity industry and equipping attendees with the latest skills and information to protect organizations, governments, and individuals from cyber threats.
Why We Need Volunteers
Running a successful event like BSides Joburg requires a dedicated team of volunteers. Volunteers play a crucial role in ensuring that the event runs smoothly and that attendees, speakers, and sponsors have an excellent experience.
What Do Volunteers Do?
Volunteers at BSides Joburg take on various responsibilities, including:
- Bag Stuffing: Before the event, volunteers help prepare attendee bags, ensuring that everyone receives their swag efficiently.
- Running the CTF: The Capture The Flag competition is a highlight of BSides events. Volunteers assist in setting up, monitoring, and ensuring fair play in the competition.
- Registration and Check-in: Volunteers are responsible for welcoming attendees, checking them in, and ensuring a smooth registration process.
- Helping Sponsors Set Up Their Stands: Sponsors play a big role in making BSides Joburg happen. Volunteers assist in setting up booths and making sure sponsors have everything they need.
- Keeping Speakers on Time: Volunteers ensure that talks start and end on schedule, helping speakers stay within their allotted time and keeping the event running smoothly.
- Providing Assistance Where Needed: Whether it’s directing attendees, answering questions, or troubleshooting unexpected issues, volunteers are there to ensure the event is a success.
What You Get as a Volunteer
Aside from the experience and networking opportunities, BSides Joburg rewards volunteers with a free ticket to the event. This means you’ll have access to all the talks and activities while being a key part of making it all happen. You’ll also get to meet and interact with industry professionals, security researchers, and potential employers, making this an excellent career-building opportunity.
How to Sign Up
If you’re interested in volunteering at BSides Joburg, now is the time to get involved.
You can apply to be a volunteer here: https://forms.gle/AmGjcUzdKSjRg6k78
