The Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS) conference is a welcoming educational opportunity open to all who wish to participate. WiCyS does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, religious creed, physical disability, mental disability, socioeconomic background, age, size, shape, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

There are OPTIONAL pre-conference sessions that begin at 12:30pm CT on Wednesday, April 2.

The Opening Keynote, which is the official start of the conference, begins at 8:30am CT on Thursday, April 3 in the Texas Ballroom. Doors open at 8:15am CT.

The conference will officially end at 12:00pm CT Saturday, April 5.

There are OPTIONAL post-conference sessions from 1:30pm – 3:30pm CT on Saturday, April 5.

Pre-conference and post-conference sessions are included with your registration.

Scholarship recipients must arrive and pick up their badge by 8:30am CT Thursday, April 3rd.  Scholarship recipients are required to attend the entire conference.  They can attend the optional pre and post conference sessions but are not required to attend those sessions.

Badge Pickup Hours
Wednesday, April 2: 7:00am – 7:00pm CT
Thursday, April 3: 7:00am – 6:00pm CT
Friday, April 4: 7:00am – 6:00pm CT
Saturday, April 5: 8:00am – 9:00am CT

Students must check-in by 8:30am CT on Thursday, April 3.

All attendees will be required to show ID during badge pickup.

Yes, the Whova mobile app will be ready on March 17. An email will be sent to all conference attendees with access instructions.

When using the mobile app you must use the email that is associated with your conference registration.

Yes, you can give back at the Career Growth Hub (formerly known as Career Village)! The WiCyS Career Growth Hub is a place for mock-interview guidance, resume reviews, and career help. This is a golden opportunity for professionals to mentor aspiring attendees in their cybersecurity career journeys. The commitment to mentor is during the WiCyS 2025 conference only and does not extend past that.

Career Growth Hub Volunteer registration opens in February and will be sent via email to conference registrants.

NOTE: Scholarhip volunteers were selected based on their scholarship application. We had a tremendous number of scholarship volunteer applications. All scholarship volunteer offers have been made. If you were not notified, you are on the waitlist for a volunteer position. Should attendees offered a volunteer position decline registration, we will review scholarship awardees that have registered without a volunteer position and upgrade them to a volunteer position.  

Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the United States, anytime. Crisis Text Line is here for any crisis (24/7). A live, trained Crisis Counselor receives the text and responds, all from our secure online platform. The volunteer Crisis Counselor will help you move from a hot moment to a cool moment.

Additional information can be found here: https://www.crisistextline.org/

Requests for interpreters can be indicated during conference registration. If you have already registered, you can update your registration to request an interpreter (must be done by March 3 at 5pm CT). To request an interpreter, make a notation under special accommodations within the registration portal. Shared ASL interpreters will be provided for speaking sessions (keynote, presentations, panels, Birds of a Feather, workshops). You will need to inform us in advance which sessions you intend to attend so we can ensure that session has a shared interpreter. A conference staff member will reach out to you after March 3 to gather information on your selected sessions.

Sessions will use auto-generated closed captioning (CC). Please note that auto-generated CC is not always 100% accurate.

Yes, please watch our WiCyS 2023 First Timer’s Panel HERE for tips on attending the conference.

Also, attend the “First Timers Guide: Navigating Your First WiCyS Conference” on April 2 from 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm CT in Grapevine C.

The dress code is business casual. We suggest comfortable shoes as the Gaylord Texan is expansive. Meeting rooms can be quite cool at times. A light sweater or jacket is recommended for your comfort.

For conference questions please reach out to [email protected].

No, all conference programming is included at no extra cost for full conference pass holders.

• To participate in the CTF, you will need your laptop.
• Certain workshops require laptops. Check the Whova app or the website agenda for the “Laptop Required” track. These sessions will have power strips available.
• Some workshops encourage the use of laptops but they are not required. Check the Whova app or the website agenda for the “Laptop Encouraged” track. There is no guarantee that there will be power strips available in these sessions.
• All other sessions and activities do not require a laptop

The measles outbreak in Texas is in the Western part of the state. There have been no reported cases in the DFW area or surrounding cities. You are welcome to wear a mask.

The WiCyS 2025 Annual Conference will be held April 2-5, 2025 at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center.

Address: 1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine, TX 76051

Phone: 888-240-9999

There are multiple conference hotels available for lodging.

Yes, there are currently four conference hotels including the Gaylord. If necessary, additional conference hotels will be listed soon.

Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center
1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine, TX, 76051
Rate: $259

Courtyard Dallas DFW Airport North/Grapevine
2200 Bass Pro Ct, Grapevine, TX, 76051
Rate: $209

Hilton Garden Inn Grapevine at Silverlake Crossings
2240 Bass Pro Ct., Grapevine TX, 76051
Rate: $209

Hilton DFW Lakes
1800 Highway 26E, Grapevine, TX, 76051
Rate: $219

Shuttle transportation will be available to and from the Gaylord Convention Center and the conference hotels.

Yes, there will be luggage storage before check-in starts at 4:00pm CT on Wednesday, April 2. Attendees do not need to book their flights to arrive after check-in and miss pre-conference events. Attendees who arrive before the 4:00pm CT check-in time on Wednesday will have the option to leave their luggage with the hotel bag check so they can proceed to the conference area and attend conference events. Attendees should not bring their luggage to the conference area.

The hotels may charge reservations for 1 night’s lodging after March 11.

This does not apply to scholarship and complimentary room reservations unless you have extended your reservation.

Any cancellations after March 26 may incur 1 night’s non refundable charge so be sure and make any changes or cancellations before March 26

Hotel reservation numbers will be visible in your profile within the conference registration portal on March 21.

No, scholarship and complimentary room reservations do not need to provide a credit card in advance to the hotel unless you have extended your reservation. However, you will need to provide a credit card at checkin for incindentals. The hotel will put a hold on your credit/debit card for incidentals. This amount is $50 per day. The hold will be released (if not used) after you check out. This may take 4-5 days.

The conference hotels are cashless. The Gaylord has several machines on property to convert USD into cards.

The last date to make changes to an existing lodging reservation through the registration portal is March 9 at 5:00pm CT. After March 10, email ALL changes to existing reservations and/or cancellations to Times 10 Housing at [email protected] until March 30 at 5:00pm CT. After March 3o, you will have to contact the hotel directly.

Any cancellations after March 26 may incur 1 night’s charge.

Date changes are permitted based on availability.

Booking at the conference rate is ONLY possible during conference registration. There is no code to book directly with the Gaylord.

Parking
On-Site Parking
Hourly: $17.00
Daily: $25.00

Valet
Daily: $45.00

Additional Parking Information
Overnight parking fees include in/out privileges. Valet is available daily.

Yes, there will be designated gender-neutral bathrooms. The locations will be provided as the conference nears.

Yes, there will be a designated nursing room. To maintain privacy, just ask the Volunteer Booth for the key to the room.

The nursing room will be in Del Rio 1. The room is located in the Lone Star Tower on the lobby/level 1, close to Lone Star Elevator B.

Yes, there will be a designated reflection room located in Del Rio 2. The room is located in the Lone Star Tower on the lobby/level 1, close to Lone Star Elevator B.

The Gaylord is smoke-free and smoking is only allowed outdoors.

The hotel offers knee scooters, wheelchairs, and e-scooters. Guests are encouraged to call the hotel at 817-778-1000 in advance to request these items, ensuring availability upon arrival. If requested on-site, it may take up to one day to receive the item.

Scholarship recipients are expected to arrive by the end of day Wednesday, April 2 and not depart the Gaylord Texan until at least 12:30pm CT on Saturday, April 2. Flights on Saturday should be booked for 2:30pm CT or later.

Scholarship recipients who have been awarded travel must attend the Travel Stipend Verification event on Saturday, April 5 from 12:30pm- 1:00pm CT located in the Texas Prefunction.

Only those that have been notified they are receiving a travel stiepend should attend. There are NO travel stipends awarded onsite at the conference. ID will be required.

The roommate selection process will take place January 20 through January 27. No additional roomate requests can be accepted after January 27.

• If you accepted complimentary shared lodging, you will have the opportunity to request a roommate or have one assigned.
• If requesting a roommate, each person MUST request the other person in order for matching to be confirmed.
• If you are not matched or do not select a roommate during this time, a roommate will be assigned to you – no exceptions.
• If you no longer want shared lodging, you will have the opportunity to turn down the offer but will be required to book your own room.

If you accepted complimentary shared lodging your roommate assignments will be visible in your registration account on March 3. Once the matching has been done there are no changes. The roommate list will be submitted to the hotel for reservation confirmations.

Your roommate’s information will be visible in the conference registration portal March 3. Once the mobile app is released on March 17 you will be able to reach out through the mobile app.

No, scholarship and complimentary room reservations do not need to provide a credit card in advance to the hotel unless you have extended your reservation. However, you will need to provide a credit card at checkin for incindentals. The hotel will put a hold on your credit/debit card for incidentals. This amount is $50 per day. The hold will be released (if not used) after you check out. This may take 4-5 days.

Gaylord Texan is a cashless hotel. They have several machines on property to convert USD into cards.

You will have TWO options for transportation to and from the conference hotels:

• Option #1:
  • Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is 6-8 miles from the conference hotels, with most major airlines operating there, except for Southwest Airlines. Rideshare apps typically cost between $30 and $40, while a taxi will range from $25 to $30.
  • Dallas Love Field (DAL) is about 21-23 miles away from the conference hotels, serving Southwest Airlines, Delta, and Alaska. Rideshare fares are usually between $45 and $55, while taxis range from $50 to $60.
• Option #2: Reserve a shuttle ticket. The shuttle will stop at the conference hotels from the airport. When you arrive at the airport, the transportation company will have a list of who purchased tickets and you will provide your name and ID. 
  • Shuttle tickets are available for purchase until EOD March 10 or until capacity is reached.
    • View shuttle times and purchase shuttle tickets by signing into the WiCyS 2025 conference portal and updating your registration.
    • To access the Conference Registration Portal, go to https://www.eventstimes10as.com/WiCyS25-Dallas
    • Click the “ALREADY REGISTERED” button and enter your credentials.
    • Click on “Personal Information” page.
    • Update your registration to include the shuttle times you would like.
    • Scroll/Continue through your registration until you reach the confirmation page.

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) Airport

Exit the secured area of the airport, claim your luggage (if you have checked bags – the monitors in the airport will display the baggage claim area assigned to your flight) – then walk to the following baggage claims to check in with your greeter:

Terminal A – Baggage Claim A15

Terminal B – Baggage Claim B-5

Terminal C – Baggage Claim C-15

Terminal D – Baggage Claim D-29 (lower level of the terminal)

Terminal E – Baggage Claim E- 5 (for Air Canada, jetBlue or United) or Baggage Claim E-14 (for all other Terminal E arrivals)

NOTE: IN TERMINALS A, B, C AND E – DO NOT FOLLOW THE SIGNS SAYING “GROUND TRANSPORTATION” TO THE LOWER LEVEL. YOUR GREETERS ARE ON THE UPPER LEVEL. GREETERS ARE ON THE LOWER LEVEL ONLY IN TERMINAL D. All greeters are inside the terminals and are not located on the curbs.

It is very important to go to your flight’s assigned reception spot. The greeters will be waiting only at one of the above locations and will not appear in individual flight baggage claims.

Look for a sign with the WiCyS logo and identify yourself to the greeter. Once you have been checked off the arrival manifest, the greeter will advise you when the next bus will depart for the hotel. If you cannot locate the greeter, please call 817-308-6798, ask for the dispatcher for WiCyS group and they will assist you in locating the greeter in your terminal.

Dallas Love Field Airport

Exit the secured area of the airport and go down the escalator to the lower level. You will see a greeter at the bottom of the escalator with the WiCyS sign. Please identify yourself to the greeter before going to your assigned baggage claim. Recover your bag(s) and a greeter will escort you to your waiting vehicle. If you cannot locate a greeter, please call 817-308-6798, ask for the dispatcher for WiCyS group and they will assist you in locating the greeter for Love Field.

You will have TWO options for transportation to and from the Gaylord Texan:

• Option #1:
  • Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is 6 miles from the Gaylord Texan, with most major airlines operating there, except for Southwest Airlines. Rideshare apps typically cost between $30 and $40, while a taxi will range from $25 to $30.
  • Dallas Love Field (DAL) is about 21 miles away from the Garylord Texan, serving Southwest Airlines, Delta, and Alaska. Rideshare fares are usually between $45 and $55, while taxis range from $50 to $60.
• Option #2: Reserve a shuttle ticket. The shuttle will stop at the Gaylord Texan lobby from the airport. When you arrive at the airport, the transportation company will have a list of who purchased tickets and you will provide your name and ID. 
  • Shuttle tickets are available for purchase until EOD March 3 or until capacity is reached.
    • View shuttle times and purchase shuttle tickets by signing into the WiCyS 2025 conference portal and updating your registration.
    • To access the Conference Registration Portal, go to https://www.eventstimes10as.com/WiCyS25-Dallas
    • Click the “ALREADY REGISTERED” button and enter your credentials.
    • Click on “Personal Information” page.
    • Update your registration to include the shuttle times you would like.
    • Scroll/Continue through your registration until you reach the confirmation page.

A shuttle will be available for transportation from the airport on Wednesday, April 2 and to the airport on Saturday, April 5. Shuttle tickets are $10 each way. When you arrive at the airport, the transportation company will have a list of who purchased tickets and you will provide your name and ID.

• Shuttle tickets are available for purchase until EOD March 3 or until capacity is reached.
  • View shuttle times and purchase shuttle tickets by signing into the WiCyS 2025 conference portal and updating your registration.
  • To access the Conference Registration Portal, go to https://www.eventstimes10as.com/WiCyS25-Dallas
  • Click the “ALREADY REGISTERED” button and enter your credentials.
  • Click on “Personal Information” page.
  • Update your registration to include the shuttle times you would like.
  • Scroll/Continue through your registration until you reach the confirmation page.

Please note: Shuttle tickets are available for purchase until EOD March 3 or until capacity is reached. Shuttle tickets are non-refundable.

Yes, there be shuttle transportation to and from the Gaylord Convention Center and the conference hotels.

Hotel Shuttle Hours
Wednesday: 11:30am – 9:30pm
Thursday: 6:45am – 10:30pm
Friday: 6:45am – 8:30pm
Saturday: 7:45am – noon
Saturday: return shuttle 12:30 – 4:00pm (Marriott Courtyard Only)

To view the conference agenda visit here: https://www.wicys.org/events/2025-conference-agenda/

The full agenda will be posted in the coming weeks.

There is no workshop signup this year. Each workshop will accommodate the number of attendees based on available seating.  Seats will be filled based on arrival to the room. Attendees will not be able to save seats for other attendees.

• To participate in the CTF, you will need your laptop.
• Workshops will require laptops. Check the Whova app or the website agenda for the “Laptop Required” track. These sessions will have power strips available.
• Some workshops encourage the use of laptops but they are not required. Check the Whova app or the website agenda for the “Laptop Encouraged” track. There is no guarantee that there will be power strips available in these sessions.
• All other sessions and activities do not require a laptop

No, all conference programming is included at no extra cost for full conference pass holders.

Yes, the Socials are open to all conference attendees! It’s a great opportunity to connect with fellow WiCyS attendees while enjoying light food and engaging in fun activities.

Yes, the culinary team will ensure the aisles are wide enough for wheelchair and scooter access or have servers dedicated to assisting.

Breakfast

Breakfast is ONLY included for scholarship recipients. There are also some INVITE-ONLY breakfast events for non-scholarship attendees. Invites will be sent directly to those invited to attend.

• Thursday, April 3: 7am – 8am CT
• Friday, April 4: 7am – 8am CT
• Saturday, April 5: 7am – 8am CT

Lunch

• Thursday, April 3: Noon – 12:30pm CT (must be seated by 12:10pm to eat)
• Friday, April 4: Noon – 12:30pm CT (must be seated by 12:10pm to eat)

Dinner

• Thursday, April 3: 6pm – 7pm CT (this dinner is ONLY for STUDENTS)
• Friday, April 4: 6pm – 6:30pm CT (must be seated by 6:10pm to eat)

During conference registration, attendees will have the option to specify their dietary restrictions. Attendees who specified this during registration will have special meal tickets attached to their conference badge that they will present to the servers during meals.

Get prepped with resume reviews, mock-interviews, professional headshots, and more! The Career Growth Hub will be located in Austin 4-6.

Wednesday, April 2: 2:00pm – 7:00pm CT
Thursday, April 3: 9:45am – 11:45am CT and 1:55pm – 5:30pm CT

Give back at the Career Growth Hub! The WiCyS Career Growth Hub is a place for mock-interview guidance, resume reviews, and career help. This is a golden opportunity for professionals to mentor aspiring attendees in their cybersecurity career journeys. The commitment to mentor is during the WiCyS 2025 conference only and does not extend past that.

Volunteer registration is open from February 10 – March 10 and will be sent via email to conference registrants.

Headshot proofs will be available April 22, 2024.

Images from those photographed on April 11 will be viewable at https://tondamckayphotography.zenfolio.com/thursday_headshots

Images from those photographed on April 12 will be viewable at https://tondamckayphotography.zenfolio.com/friday_headshots

The password for galleries will be: SecurityWomen

Everyone photographed will get one free digital image by entering code Onedigital24 in their cart for the event. Additional images and prints will be available for an additional fee. Free images must be selected after April 22, 2024. Images will not be available after November 15, 2024.

Anyone with questions is welcome to email the photographer directly at [email protected] AFTER the event. There will be a sign with a QR code to take you to the website at the headshot booth.

Yes, the CTF will be hosted by National Cyber League (NCL). The competition will start on April 2 at 12:30 pm CT and end on April 3 at 10:00 pm CT.

All conference registrants (students and non-students) are invited to compete April 2 & 3 in a virtual capture the flag competition, taking on realistic, industry skill-based challenges, designed to test and build hands-on cybersecurity skills. Prizes will be awarded to top players. Students and non-students are welcome to participate. OnSite CTF coaching will be available where participants can get help with challenges and meet other CTF players as well as the National Cyber League (NCL) team. To wrap up the event, there will also be a CTF After Dark Party: plenty of swag, snacks and fun shenanigans for all participants. Winners will be announced during the Awards presentation on April 4.

Registration
Pre-conference registration opens on March 11: https://cyberskyline.com/events/wicys
Pre-conference Registration closes March 26 at 11:59 pm CT.
Onsite Registration opens April 2 at 12:30 pm CT.
Onsite Registration closes April 3 at 9:00 pm CT.

Wednesday Coaching Hours
Start Time: April 2, 12:30 pm CT
End Time: April 2, 7:00 pm CT

Thursday Morning Coaching Hours
Start Time: April 3, 9:45 am CT
End Time: April 3, 11:45 am CT

Thursday Afternoon Coaching Hours
Start Time: April 3, 1:55 pm CT
End Time: April 3, 5:30 pm CT

After Dark Party
Wrap up the challenge with food, music and fun and socialize with NCL staff and other competitors!
Start Time: April 3, 8:00 pm CT
End Time: April 3, 10:00 pm CT

LOCATION: Grapevine Pre-Function

Anyone can participate! The NCL is an inclusive CTF environment where all levels, novice to advanced, can sign up and be part of the fun event. Once registered, participants will have access to the NCL exclusive tutorial site called the Gymnasium that is part of the virtual dashboard where competitors will answer their challenge questions. The gym offers real time, self paced support in addition to the onsite, in-person CTF coaches that will be ready to help anyone that needs assistance.

There will be two leaderboards: students and industry professionals which will allow an even playing environment for both types of conference attendees.

All WiCyS conference registrants are welcome to register and try the NCL @ WiCyS CTF experience. You never know what you’ll learn and it’s an awesome opportunity to meet others at the conference.

Register here: https://cyberskyline.com/events/wicys

Those taking part in the CTF event will be participating individually and will show up on the respective leaderboard (student or industry professional) individually. However, we encourage collaboration and participants working together to help each other through challenges.

No, signups will take place onsite. There are no signups prior to the conference.

Idaho National Laboratory invites you to be a part of the “ICScape – Solar, Wind, & Fire” escape room adventure. This escape room contains a series of traditional escape room puzzles mixed with cybersecurity elements. Participant’s skills will be challenged with cybersecurity puzzles involving wireless technologies, RFID, network discovery, industrial control systems (ICS), Arduino backed puzzles, mixed reality puzzles, and more. With a mix of traditional escape room puzzles there is enough for everyone to do, regardless of the level of their cyber skills. Come have fun while learning more about ICS cybersecurity with CISA and Idaho National Laboratory.

Acme Energy Corporation is currently a victim of a cyber-attack. Their attackers have shut down Acme’s industrial control systems leaving their facilities inoperable. Acme’s assets include ONG / LNG, and renewables such as solar and wind farms that work alongside their more traditional components of power generation. Acme’s power grid, ONG and LNG services are all offline, crippling the region without these critical services. Thousands of people are without power and heat. We are determining attribution, but in the meantime, Acme has asked for your help. Will you be able to identify and contain cyber threats while restoring functionality to Acme’s industrial operations?

Visit the conference agenda HERE for full details and escape room days/times.

The in-person Career Fair is:

Thursday, April 3: 9:45am – 11:45am CT and 1:55pm – 5:30pm CT
Friday, April 4: 9:45am – 11:45am CT

You must login to your conference registration account located in the WiCyS Registration Portal by the end of the day on March 21 if you want to upload or update your resume. We will be providing the resume database to conference sponsors.

• To access the Conference Registration Portal, go to https://www.eventstimes10as.com/WiCyS25-Dallas
• Click the “ALREADY REGISTERED” button and enter your credentials.
• Click on the “Resume” page.
• Once you are logged in you can update/upload your resume in the “profile” section.
• Scroll/Continue through your registration until you reach the confirmation page.