CSIDES has unveiled its full agenda for its 2026 cybersecurity community event, with more than 25 industry speakers and a programme of talks, workshops and hands-on activities set to take over Weston-super-Mare’s Grand Pier.
Returning on 9th October following its inaugural event in 2025, CSIDES aims to make cybersecurity more accessible to the wider public while encouraging more people to consider careers in the industry.
Among those taking to the Main Stage will be threat intelligence manager and award-winning cyber expert Sophia McCall, who will open the event with a session on understanding and managing your personal attack surface.
Ant Davis, founder of Risky Creative and a popular cybersecurity content creator, will explore what security awareness professionals can learn from some of history’s most manipulative cult leaders. Matt Treadwell, also known as “The Cybrarian”, will meanwhile reimagine modern digital infrastructure as a Victorian information network.
The South West Regional Economic and Cyber Crime Unit (SWRECCU) will also join the line-up to discuss the latest online scams and digital trends targeting people in the region, alongside practical advice on how residents can protect themselves.
SWRECCU will additionally host a Cyber Escape Room designed for non-technical attendees, using gamification to make cybersecurity concepts more engaging and accessible.
Elsewhere, an ‘Ask Me Anything’ area will give members of the public the opportunity to put their cybersecurity questions directly to industry professionals.
A dedicated careers track will also feature speakers from across the sector discussing both traditional and unconventional routes into cybersecurity. The sessions will highlight opportunities beyond purely technical positions, demonstrating the range of roles available within the industry.
Several hands-on workshops are scheduled throughout the day. Punk Security will run an introduction to hacking session exploring common vulnerabilities that security testers can overlook, while Wayne May of Scam Survivors will take attendees behind the scenes of efforts to identify and fight online scams.
Lisa de-Laune will also deliver a workshop on building a strong cyber risk control environment.
Cybersecurity training company Immersive will bring a bespoke 90-minute crisis simulator to the Grand Pier, giving attendees an opportunity to experience what happens during a cyber incident.
Hazel McPherson, Co-Founder of CSIDES, said: “CSIDES exists to open up cyber security to everyone, not just those already in the room. Bringing it back to Weston-super-Mare is about giving people real, practical ways to stay safe online and showing that a career in cyber is possible, whatever your starting point.
“It’s inclusive, it’s hands-on, and it’s built with the community at its core.”
Jess Matthews, Co-Founder of CSIDES, added: “We are delighted to bring CSIDES back following the success of our inaugural event in October 2025. While a year has passed, our mission remains the same: to create an inclusive, accessible event for everyone who joins us on the Grand Pier in Weston-super-Mare.
“It’s the spirit of the community that makes it truly special, and we look forward to welcoming everyone for another inspiring day in this iconic seaside setting.”
The 2026 event is sponsored by Tines, 4FOX Security, Consultants Like Us, Punk Security, PPRO and IASME.
CSIDES will also support local charity Weston Hospicecare, with profits from merchandise sales, a raffle and a game of ‘guess the crab’s birthday’ going towards the hospice, which provides free care for people with life-limiting illnesses and their families across Somerset and North Somerset.
CSIDES 2026 takes place at The Grand Pier, Weston-super-Mare, on 9th October 2026. Tickets are on sale now.
