About BSides Burlington
Community-driven cybersecurity, on the Burlington waterfront.
BSides Burlington is a community-run information security conference for Burlington, Ontario and the surrounding region. We bring together security professionals, researchers, students, hobbyists, and the simply curious for a day of talks, hands-on workshops, a Capture the Flag, and the kind of hallway conversations that turn into lasting connections.
We are part of Security BSides — a global, grassroots movement of independently organised security events. To understand what we are about, it helps to know where BSides came from.
The story of BSides
In 2009, the organisers of a major industry security conference received far more talk submissions than they could ever fit on the schedule. Many strong, interesting talks were turned away — not because they were poor, but simply because there was no room.
Rather than let those ideas go unheard, a group of security professionals decided to throw open a second door. They organised an alternative, community-run event held alongside the big conference, where the rejected talks — and anyone else with something to say — could find an audience. The first event was held in Las Vegas in the summer of 2009.
The name says it all. On a vinyl record, the “A-side” held the hit single — but the B-side was where artists experimented and took risks. BSides is the flip side of the security world: the other conversations, the new voices, the ideas worth a chance.
The idea caught on fast. What began as a single overflow event grew into a worldwide movement. Today there are hundreds of BSides events every year, on nearly every continent — each one organised independently by local volunteers, kept free or affordable, and run for the benefit of its own community. There is no head office and no franchise fee; what every BSides shares is a set of values, not a rulebook.
What makes a BSides different
Community first
Every BSides is organised by volunteers from its local security community, for that community. We answer to attendees, not shareholders.
Open and affordable
Tickets are kept low — often free — so cost is never the reason someone misses out. Sponsors help us keep the doors open to everyone.
New voices welcome
First-time speakers, students, and career-changers are not just allowed — they are the point. Some of the best talks come from people sharing for the first time.
Participate, not spectate
BSides is hands-on and informal: workshops, a CTF, open discussions, and the conversations that spill into the hallways. You get out what you put in.
BSides comes to Burlington
Burlington sits on the shore of Lake Ontario, between Toronto and Hamilton, with a security community as vibrant as its waterfront. BSides Burlington exists to give that community a home of its own — a friendly, local, once-a-year gathering to learn, share, and connect, with the Brant Street Pier as our backdrop.
We are organised entirely by volunteers and powered by sponsors who believe in grassroots security education. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or just getting curious about the field, you belong here.
What we value
- Inclusivity — a welcoming, harassment-free event for everyone, backed by our Code of Conduct.
- Curiosity — we celebrate learning out loud, asking questions, and trying things.
- Generosity — knowledge shared freely, mentoring offered gladly, and a hand up for newcomers.
- Independence — community-run, vendor-neutral, and proudly not-for-profit.
Be part of it
Speak, sponsor, volunteer, or simply come along. BSides Burlington is built by people like you.