Attending RSAC 2025? Here's Everything You Need to Know

The RSAC 2025 Conference is just around the corner, set to take place April 28 - May 1, 2025, at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. As one of the cybersecurity industry's most anticipated annual gatherings, RSAC 2025 promises cutting-edge insights, valuable networking opportunities, and discussions on the latest trends and challenges in information security.

We’ve outlined everything you need to know to get the most out of RSAC. From what presentations are must-sees, to networking events, to practical logistics, we have you covered.

Sessions you can't miss

With hundreds of sessions spread across dozens of tracks, it's impossible to attend everything at RSAC 2025. Below are a few sessions we're excited about.

Keynote presentations

Of course, the keynote presentations are must-see sessions guaranteed to share valuable insights and predictions.

• "Cybersecurity Together:" The traditional opening keynote will set the tone for the conference, featuring perspectives from RSA's leadership on the evolving cybersecurity landscape and how we are can accomplish so much more when we work together.
• "RSAC Innovation Sandbox:" Interact first-hand with cybersecurity’s most innovative startups as they share game-changing ideas and compete to win the title “Most Innovative Startup.”
• "AI Safety: Where do we go from here?:"Hear from leaders at Google, Microsoft, NVIDIA, and UK AI Safety Institute about how AI intersects with existing security initiatives and how to bring AI safety to life.

Hands-on technical sessions

Beyond these headline events, several technical deep-dives stand out as particularly valuable for practitioners looking to stay ahead and get hands-on experience.

• "Offensive AI: Penetration testing with Python and Artificial Intelligence": Join BlackGirlsHack for a hands-on learning session. Attendees will collaborate to build AI-driven tools and automate tasks within the MITRE ATT&CK framework. It's recommended attendees have a basic understanding of penetration testing concepts and the MITRE ATT&CK framework. 
• "Ghost in the Machine: Deepfake Creation and Countermeasures:" leaders from OnDefend and Pluralsight share how easy it is to make a deepfake by having attendees create their own during this lab. Attendees will leave this session feeling both deeply unsettled and confident that they can spot a deepfake in the wild.  
• "Protecting the Bot: An AI Security Challenge:" What does it take for a chatbot to reveal its secrets? In this session led by Google, attendees will break out into teams and discover just that, employing offensive techniques to bypass defenses.

Practical logistics to navigate the event

Even the most seasoned conference attendees can find the scale of RSA overwhelming. Here's how to efficiently manage the physical aspects of attending this massive event without wasting precious time or energy.

Venue navigation

The Moscone Center complex can be overwhelming for first-time attendees. The conference spans four main buildings. 

• Moscone North & South: Main conference sessions, keynotes, and primary expo floors
• Moscone West: Additional sessions, workshops, and satellite events
• YBCA: Additional sessions, the Sandbox competition, and special activities

You can check out the campus map here.

Registration tips

Getting your credentials and managing the registration process smoothly will set the tone for your entire RSA experience.

• Pre-register for labs and workshops: These fill up quickly, so secure your spot as soon as registration opens.
• Badge pickup: Arrive early on Monday to avoid long lines. Express registration kiosks will be available for those who have completed online registration.
• Bring comfortable shoes: You'll be walking a lot between sessions, and nothing is worse than wrapping up day one with blisters. 

Transportation and accommodations

San Francisco offers numerous transportation options, but planning ahead is essential during this high-demand conference week.

• Public transport: BART and Muni provide convenient access to Moscone Center from throughout the Bay Area. There are also options on the Caltrain and AC Transit
• Ride-sharing zones: Designated pickup and drop-off areas will be established for Uber and Lyft
• Hotel shuttles: Complimentary shuttles will run between partner hotels and the venue
• Parking: It's recommended to book parking through SpotHero. Attendees can book parking spots in advance through this link to get a discount.

How to plan well

RSA offers thousands of potential experiences from sessions to vendor meetings to networking opportunities. Strategic planning is the difference between a productive conference and a chaotic one.

Before the conference

• Set clear objectives: Define what you want to achieve at RSA, whether it's learning about specific technologies, meeting vendors, or networking with peers
• Research speakers and vendors: Review the agenda and exhibitor list to prioritize your time
• Build a personalized schedule: Use a scheduling tool to create your daily agenda, with backup sessions in case your first choice is full
• Connect proactively: Reach out to speakers, vendors, and peers you want to meet before the conference begins

Daily Planning

Once on-site, daily planning becomes crucial to maximize learning while maintaining your energy throughout the week.

• Prioritize morning sessions: Attendance tends to be higher and attendees more engaged early in the day
• Schedule expo floor time: Allocate specific blocks for the expo hall to avoid getting overwhelmed
• Balance your schedule: Include technical sessions, strategic discussions, and networking events each day
• Plan for breaks: Allow time between sessions to process information, check messages, and avoid burnout

Content Strategy

Information overload is a common challenge at RSAC. Implement these strategies to ensure you capture and retain the most valuable insights:

• Divide and conquer: If attending with colleagues, coordinate to cover different tracks and share insights
• Take strategic notes: Focus on actionable takeaways rather than trying to document everything
• Schedule daily debriefs: Set aside time each evening to review what you've learned and adjust the next day's plans

Fun networking events and after-hour parties

While the educational content at RSAC is invaluable, some of the most productive interactions happen after hours. The conference is famous for its vibrant social scene, offering countless opportunities to build relationships in more relaxed settings.

Official RSAC events

• Welcome Reception (Monday evening): The official kickoff networking event in the Expo Hall. There will be drinks, hors d'oeuvres, and 600+ solutions from security organizations.
• CyBEER Ops Networking Reception (Tuesday evening): The annual craft beer event takes place at the Early Stage Expo. Come mingle with future leaders of the cybersecurity industry.
• Expo Pub Crawl (Wednesday evening): Sip on wine, beer, or a non-alcoholic beverage and visit sponsors' booths to learn about their latest products and offerings. Takes place in the Moscone North and South Expos.

Industry-sponsored events

Beyond the official conference functions, many of the industry's leading companies host their own exclusive gatherings.

• Cyber Skate Jam! (Tuesday evening): Rubrik is hosting an event at SPIN, where attendees can enjoy arcade games, skate vibes, food, and drinks.
• Rooftop BSidesSF Afterparty (Sunday evening): Hang out with other cybersecurity professionals on the rooftop of the #211 building. Hosted by c/side, incident.io, and Socket.
• WiCyS @ RSAC Meetup: Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) is hosting a networking event at District San Francisco with delicious food and drink.

Tips for networking success

To make the most of these networking opportunities, keep these professional tips in mind.

• Register early: Many off-site events require pre-registration and fill up quickly
• Dress appropriately: Business casual is standard for most events, though some evening functions may be more formal
• Manage your energy: Be selective about after-hours events to maintain stamina throughout the week
• Follow up promptly: Connect on LinkedIn with new contacts within 24 hours while the connection is fresh

RSAC 2025 Conference represents a valuable opportunity to strengthen your cybersecurity knowledge, connect with industry leaders, and discover emerging solutions. With thoughtful planning and these insider tips, you'll be well-positioned to get the most value out of your conference experience.

Safe travels to San Francisco, and we hope this guide helps you navigate cybersecurity's biggest event of the year!

Curious what role AI will play in the future of cybersecurity? Check out this article on "AI vs AI: Is this Cybersecurity's Moment of Reckoning?".