2025 BSides Vancouver Island Conference Opening Remarks with Ryan Smith

Welcome and Community Support

• 🤝 The conference acknowledges being gathered on the traditional and unceded territories of the Coalish peoples, including the Kowats, Esquyimalt, Songhes, Malahhat, and Wasanic nations.
• ✊ The organizers express solidarity with BC government workers affected by the ongoing BCGU strike.
• 🙏 Special thanks are extended to WebSack, the local title sponsor, for their long-standing support in building the Vancouver Island community.

The Unique Value of BSides

• 💡 BSides Vancouver Island emphasizes community-driven events over large, flashy industry stages, fostering open and honest knowledge sharing.
• 💬 The most important lessons often come from hallway conversations and informal interactions, not just main stage talks.
• 🚀 The event is unique in its focus on showcasing local talent and providing opportunities for new speakers, from high school students to 30-year industry veterans.

Fostering Career Growth and Impact

• 🌱 The conference aims to build and create opportunities for everyone, regardless of their experience level in the security industry.
• 🎯 The work done by attendees has a massive impact, contributing to the protection of the province, nation, and globe.
• 📈 An example highlights how a BSides ticket launched a student's career into a senior analyst role, demonstrating the tangible benefits of community engagement.

Engaging and Connecting

• 🧠 Attendees are encouraged to learn something new by stepping into talks that challenge them and explore unfamiliar topics.
• 🤝 It's crucial to connect with new people and build relationships, as these connections can lead to significant community and career development.
• 🗣️ Participants should share their insights, questions, and stories, as they never know who they might inspire or help.

Collective Effort and Future Growth

• 👏 The event's success relies heavily on the passion and energy of volunteers, the organizing committee, speakers, and sponsors.
• ✅ The conference is experiencing significant growth, with 2025 being its biggest event yet, surpassing previous attendance numbers.
• 🛡️ Together, the community is not just learning but actively building a stronger ecosystem that grows, supports, and protects.