If you work in information security, or are a hacker of any sort and haven't heard of these events known as Security BSides you should definitely read this post. BSides are community driven events put on by members of the security community. These events usually consist of technical talks, CTF's, lock pick villages, demos, participant networking, and on occasion a zero-day might be dropped. Most of the events are either really cheap or free to attend! Generally, they are one or two day events. 

Two upcoming Security BSides events I will be attending are BSides Tampa, and BSides Orlando. Last year was BSides Orlando's inaugural event. You can read my full review from that event here. Last year was such a great event. This year I'm trying to help out with the event as much as I can. Here are some details of what will be going on at both events this year:

This will be a one day event. There will be two tracks of speakers with a broad range of topics(Bio-engineering to IPv6 Pwnage to Forensics to AK47's to WAF Pwnage to Phone Phreaking). There will be a third track including a CISSP class, SCCP class, and infosec careers. Their site says that the CTF will be a hybrid consisting of attack challenges where you need to break into systems and there will be some jeopardy style questions. My own CTF team Team Ragnarok will be participating in this CTF. BSides Tampa will be held at South University, 4401 N Himes Ave #175, Tampa, FL 33614.

BSides Orlando is a two day event. Opening up the schedule will be Kevin Johnson of Secure Ideas giving a keynote. Both days will have three tracks of speakers: Foundations - Covers a variety of topics with a focus on foundational skills for infosec professionals, Construction - All about making things and defending them, The Wrecking Ball - This track is all offense, all the time. If you have something you would like to speak about there is still time to submit a paper to the CFP. At the end of day one will be an after party with entertainment. Both days will have Miami PWN Machine's Kommand & Kontroll CTF as well as a lockpick village put on by Jacksonville Locksport. Also, the badges for this event are really amazing! Last year's badges were fully functional Arduino boards! BSides Orlando will be held at the Wyndham Orlando Resort, 8001 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819.

BSides Orlando is still looking for sponsors to put on this event. If you would be interested in supporting this community-driven event please consider taking a look at the sponsorship packet here: http://bsidesorlando.org/2014/contribute.