Conference Description
Key Takeaways
- Two-day conference addressing proactive cyber defense across IT and OT environments in industrial and critical infrastructure sectors.
- Covers compliance requirements under NIS2, the AI Act, and Digital Omnibus regulations.
- Explores secure AI integration, AI-driven threat intelligence, and autonomous AI agents in enterprise settings.
- Designed for CISOs, security officers, IT/OT professionals, executives, and students entering the cybersecurity field.
- Supported by partners including ABB, Fortinet, TÜV Süd, TeleTrusT, Universität Mannheim, and DFKI.
About the Event
The 11th Cybersecurity Conference in Mannheim is a non-profit event organized by SAMA PARTNERS, a consultancy specializing in information security, AI, and compliance. Held at the historic Barockschloss Mannheim, the conference brings together experts, decision-makers, and emerging talent from the Rhein-Neckar metropolitan region and beyond. The program includes expert presentations, panel discussions, sector-specific case studies, and an academic award ceremony recognizing contributions to cybersecurity research.
IT and OT Security Convergence
A central theme of the conference is the convergence of IT and operational technology security. Sessions address current cyber threat landscapes affecting both domains, best practices for OT security in industrial environments, and strategies for building cyber resilience across interconnected systems. The program examines challenges specific to data centers, intelligent threat detection methods, and the security implications of robotics and AI interfaces in production environments.
AI Security and Enterprise Integration
The conference dedicates significant attention to the secure deployment of artificial intelligence in enterprise settings. Topics include AI-driven threat intelligence, responsible AI use, and the emerging challenges posed by autonomous AI agents. These discussions address both the defensive applications of AI in cybersecurity and the risks organizations face when integrating AI systems into their operations.
Regulatory Compliance: NIS2, AI Act, and Digital Omnibus
With new European regulations reshaping cybersecurity obligations, the conference provides guidance on compliance with NIS2, the AI Act, and Digital Omnibus requirements. These sessions are particularly relevant for organizations operating critical infrastructure or deploying AI systems that fall under new regulatory frameworks.
Who Should Attend
The conference serves executives and decision-makers in mid-sized companies, CISOs, information security officers, data protection officers, and IT specialists working in cybersecurity. It also welcomes students and individuals entering the security profession. Attendees typically represent manufacturing, critical infrastructure, public administration, academia, and technology providers. The event balances technical depth with executive-level strategic discussions, offering both hands-on learning and networking opportunities with regional and national partners from politics, industry, academia, and cybersecurity associations.