TSC attends Cyber Security Connect 2019 in Monaco

In only two years, Cyber Security Connect UK has become the event to attend for CISOs serious about increasing their information security success.

In November, SASIG Events once again partnered with DG Consultants to stage Cyber Security Connect UK 2019 in Monaco. The event built on the success of 2018 by moving to the principality’s impressive Grimaldi Forum. Some 300 delegates and 33 partners attended.

As an exhibiting partner, success for The Security Company (TSC) will be measured ultimately in the value of business that results from two days and evenings on La Côte d'Azur.

This value depends on two interdependent key components – delegate engagement and delegate experience. So, what was our assessment of the event as a partner?

Delegate experience

A top-quality experience drives high delegate engagement. Many delegates from 2018 returned and ‘first-timers’ gushed with positive comments.

Moving to the Grimaldi Forum firmly elevated the delegate experience. With more space for the partner forum, a plush auditorium and spacious workshop rooms, everyone remarked that this year was a significant step up.

Another major contribution to delegate experience is the ‘Does it do what it says on the tin?’ test. In this case, the tin read ‘Come to Monaco for:

• A wide selection of high-level content – keynote plenaries, expert discussions and partner workshops

• Networking – get to know CISOs and leading providers from the cybersecurity industry

• One-to-one meetings – opportunities to create special relationships with the IT security solutions and service providers that you want to meet’

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Once again, Cyber Security Connect UK delivered. The rich content included an opening keynote speech from Dominic Fortescue, the UK Government’s Chief Security Officer, an extraordinarily comprehensive range of workshops, and the closing plenary from John Lenkart, ex-FBI Section Chief.

And when it came to networking, the tin did not disappoint either. There were plenty of opportunities for informal discussions, including the welcome cocktail evening held in Monaco’s famous Le Marché de La Condamine and dinner in the regal surroundings of the splendid Hôtel de Paris on the final evening.

To see people easily mix and make new friends was to watch the very essence of Cyber Security Connect UK brought to life.

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The one-to-one meetings rounded off the delegate experience to perfection. Partners conducted these meetings with a totally relaxed and no pressure approach. This allowed delegates to open up and get the best understanding, advice and, above all, value from every partner contact.

Delegate engagement

From our perspective as a partner, TSC was in a good position to gauge the level of delegate engagement. Hosting one of the workshops, TSC’s Managing Director Zoe Edmeades delivered Why a tick in the box doesn’t mitigate risk — how DO you effect behavioural change? to more than 40 delegates, roughly 15% of all attendees. The murmurs of agreement and the appreciative comments throughout suggested good engagement which was reflected throughout the other workshops.

On the meetings side, TSC held more than 20 meetings with high level and influential CISOs who are normally near impossible to access.

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Other partners reported a similar experience. Some delegates even remarked there wasn’t enough time to do all they wanted, undoubtedly a sure sign of engagement – what we term ‘a problem of success’ – and something that will be addressed next year.

Overall impression

Cyber Security Connect UK made a significant evolution from its successful inaugural edition. Delegates and partners alike noticed and appreciated the new and modified elements. And, in our experience of hundreds of such events, Cyber Security Connect UK definitely has a certain je ne sais quoi.

This is the result of the rarely found combination of an energetic ‘buzz’ and positivity displayed by delegates and partners alike.

In short, Cyber Security Connect UK is a truly unique occasion that should not be missed by any self-respecting CISO.

Cyber Security Connect UK 2020 will take place in Monaco from Tuesday 10 to Thursday 12 November. If you would like to participate as a partner, please contact Victoria D'Anello at victoria.danello@comexposium.com,
+33 6 98 60 95 29.