Experienced speakers – We need you!
We are looking for speaker mentors to support our brand-new speakers who have requested one.
Our CFP is still open for another week, so feel free to submit a talk, but if you are also keen to mentor the next generation of speakers, drop us a message at bsidesleeds23@gmail.com
Since day one, BSides Leeds has been about more than just the usual cyber conference crowd. We’ve always wanted it to be a space for people who might not normally attend, whether that’s because of cost, confidence, or just feeling like these events aren’t “for them”.
We’ve spoken before about things like speaker diversity, our code of conduct, social interaction indicators, and having quiet and prayer rooms. But something we’ve quietly done from the start is set aside free, discounted, and reserved tickets for groups that are under-represented in cyber and the wider hacker community.
We usually reach out to groups we already know, but we know there are plenty we don’t. If that’s you, please drop us a message. We’d love to chat about how we can support you and make the event more accessible.
The same goes for speaking. If you, or people in your community, have thought about giving a talk but feel a bit unsure about putting yourselves forward, we’ve got you. We offer mentoring for first-time speakers, and with our growing network, we may even be able to pair you with someone who really gets your background or perspective.
We’re always trying to make each year better than the last. If you’ve got feedback, especially from the perspective of an under-represented group, we’re all ears.
We’re looking for talks that explore the strategy, competition and the mindset behind Cyber Security – From Offensive Tradecraft and Defensive Resilience to Adversarial Thinking, Risk, and real-world lessons learned.
If your talk fits the theme, fantastic! If it doesn’t, we still want to hear from you anyway! If you want to inspire the community, teach new skills, or share your insight, submit your talks at http://bsidesleeds.com/cfp .
CFP Deadline: 31/03/2026
We’ve hinted at it. We’ve teased it. Now it’s official.
The BSides Leeds 2026 theme is Game On.
Before anyone jumps to conclusions, no, we’re not turning into a gaming convention, and we’ll still be full to the brim with the best of our community delivering the top quality cyber and hacking talks and villages you come to expect.
“Game On” isn’t about just video games. It’s about play, competition, strategy, challenge, participation. It’s gamification and game theory. It’s quiz shows and board games. It’s CTFs, scavenger hunts, and yes, maybe even tiddlywinks. It’s deliberately broad, because the hacker mindset has always thrived on games.
The spark came at Las Vegas airport after Def Con. A few of us were talking about how much we’d enjoyed newer panel and quiz formats like “Feet Feud” and “Um, ACKtually,” hosted by Tib3rius. They didn’t just sit alongside the legendary Hacker Jeopardy that Lintile ran for years, they felt like a passing of the torch. A new generation embracing the late-night, audience-participation chaos that makes hacker conferences special.
That conversation led to a simple question: we’d had Lintile run Hacker Blockbusters at BSides Leeds back in 2018, so why not lean into that energy again, now with Tib3rius?
Very quickly, we found ourselves designing game shows with unrepeatable titles and questionable health-and-safety implications (“what do you mean we can’t give hackers darts?”). Meanwhile, the younger members of the team looked increasingly concerned at references to Patrick Moore, Samantha Janus, Wayne’s World, and Jim Bowen.
Then we got back to the UK and reviewed feedback from last year.
Within the first few comments:
The message was clear. Hackers love games, however you define them.
Competition. Collaboration. Curiosity. Creativity. That’s what makes this community tick.
So in 2026, we’re leaning into it.
Game On!
Updates to our website are now automatically posted to our discord at https://discord.gg/x2XtUuH76j , so discord users need never miss an update again!
Introducing our 2026 Game Master: Tib3rius !
The secret is out! As we gear up for BSides Leeds 2026, we’re excited to announce that Tib3rius will be joining us this year as our Game Master.
Tib3rius is a renowned security educator and content creator who has helped thousands of hackers level up their skills. You might recognise him from his weekly hacking streams on Twitch or his deep-dive tutorials on YouTube.
He’s also responsible for several of the DefCon Gameshows including Feet Feud.
He’ll be overseeing the competitive spirit of this year’s event, bringing his unique blend of expertise and ensuring the games remain fair (just don’t count his fingers).
We have a brand new sponsor – Welcome onboard to Torq for BSides Leeds!
Torq is your security product’s favourite security product. Torq Hyperautomation unifies and automates the entire security infrastructure to deliver unparalleled protection and productivity.
Make sure to come and talk to them at BSides Leeds
Watch this space for call for papers and ticket drops!
We have another returning sponsor for BSides Leeds – Once again we have the University of Leeds as a sponsor, supporting the local BSides, whilst celebrating the people, the research and life at Leeds
Go and check them out, and show them some love at the conference!
We are thrilled to announce that Sainsbury’s are a returning sponsor for BSides Leeds
Sainsbury’s are a great community supporter, from food banks to free school meals to cyber community. Go and check them out and show them some love at BSides…
Watch this space for our call for papers and ticket drops soon!
The date for your diaries is Sat 13th June 2026!
We looks forward to welcoming you all back to Leeds again, for what we’re hoping to make our Best BSides Leeds Ever !
