Conference Description
Key Takeaways
- BSides Cheltenham 2026 is the South West UK’s largest community cyber security conference, taking place on October 3rd, 2026 at Cheltenham Town Hall.
- The event covers cyber security, incident response, defensive security, and quantum science and technology.
- Activities include talks, Capture The Flag competitions, fireside chats, and networking opportunities.
- Designed for security professionals, analysts, engineers, incident responders, students, and enthusiasts at all career levels.
- The 2026 edition celebrates the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology.
About the Event
BSides Cheltenham 2026 brings together the cyber security community for a day of education, collaboration, and hands-on technical engagement. As a community-driven conference, it provides a platform for security practitioners and newcomers alike to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and build professional connections. The event supports St Mark’s Hospital through its charitable component and offers free ticket releases to maintain accessibility.
Key Topics
The conference programme addresses core cyber security disciplines including incident response and defensive security. The 2026 edition places particular emphasis on quantum science and technology, reflecting the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. This combination of established security practices and emerging technologies provides attendees with both practical knowledge and forward-looking perspectives on the threat landscape.
Format and Activities
The in-person event features a mix of technical and strategic content delivered through talks and fireside chats. Capture The Flag competitions offer hands-on challenges for participants to test their skills. Networking sessions and an afterparty provide opportunities for professional relationship building. The format balances structured presentations with interactive elements suited to both technical practitioners and those newer to the field.
Who Should Attend
BSides Cheltenham welcomes cyber security professionals, analysts, engineers, and incident responders from organisations including technology companies, consultancies, government agencies, academia, and start-ups. Students and enthusiasts exploring the field will find the event accessible, while experienced practitioners can engage with peers on current security challenges. Those with an interest in quantum technologies and their security implications will find relevant content in the 2026 programme.
Sponsors and Community Partners
The conference is supported by sponsors including Foundry Zero, CoreTech Security, Have I Been Squatted, Hack The Box, Stripe OLT, Infrawatch, Hex-Rays, Ossprey, HexioSec, VulnCheck, CY2, NSIST, and Argo DevOps. Community partners include CyberSecGames, UK Cyber Team, Ladies Hacking Society, and PWN Legal.