Blog post generated by ChatGPT and reviewed and edited by me.
Cybersecurity conferences have become essential hubs for professionals looking to expand their knowledge, connect with industry leaders, and gain hands-on experience in emerging security trends. Among these, ShowMeCon stands out as a premier security event that blends corporate professionalism with hacker culture. Recently, on the Exploring Information Security podcast, I sat down with ShowMeCon founder Dave Chronister and organizer Brooke Deneen to discuss what makes this conference unique and what attendees can expect in 2025.
The Origin and Vision of ShowMeCon
ShowMeCon was founded with a clear mission: to provide high-quality security education in an engaging, community-driven environment. Unlike traditional conferences that often feel like corporate networking events, ShowMeCon fosters an atmosphere where security researchers, IT professionals, and ethical hackers can exchange knowledge in a collaborative setting.
During the podcast, Dave Chronister shared the story behind ShowMeCon’s inception, emphasizing the importance of bridging the gap between technical expertise and real-world security applications. By creating a space where attendees can both learn and engage with top security minds, the conference has grown into a must-attend event for security professionals.
What Sets ShowMeCon Apart?
One of the defining aspects of ShowMeCon is its ability to strike a balance between corporate and hacker culture. As Brooke Deneen explained, the conference offers a professional yet welcoming environment that caters to both seasoned professionals and newcomers to the field.
Key Features That Make ShowMeCon Unique:
Immersive Venue: Hosted at the Ameristar Casino in St. Louis, the setting provides a comfortable yet dynamic backdrop for networking and learning.
Engaging Speakers: The event prioritizes bringing in experts who are not only knowledgeable but also passionate and approachable.
Hands-On Learning: ShowMeCon features training sessions, Capture The Flag (CTF) competitions, and lockpicking villages, offering attendees the chance to apply their skills in real-world scenarios.
Expanding Reach: The ShowMeCon team is exploring ways to expand the conference to new cities like Nashville, ensuring more professionals have access to top-tier security education.
Highlights of ShowMeCon 2025
The upcoming 2025 edition of ShowMeCon is set to be bigger and better, with new elements designed to enhance the attendee experience. Some of the highlights include:
The Return of Pre-Conference Training: Attendees can participate in deep-dive workshops led by industry experts.
Exciting Themed Experiences: This year’s event will feature a Fallout-theme, adding a creative twist to the conference experience.
Stronger Community Building: Encouraging new speakers and first-time attendees to engage and contribute to the security conversation.
Why You Should Attend ShowMeCon
If you're looking for a conference that goes beyond lectures and sales pitches, ShowMeCon is for you. Whether you're an IT administrator, security analyst, penetration tester, or student, this event offers valuable insights and opportunities to:
✔️ Learn from industry experts in a practical and engaging environment.
✔️ Network with peers and leaders who share a passion for security.
✔️ Gain hands-on experience through CTFs, training sessions, and interactive villages.
✔️ Explore new security trends that will shape the industry in the coming years.
Final Thoughts
ShowMeCon continues to grow as a hub for cybersecurity professionals. With its community-driven approach, diverse speaker lineup, and immersive experiences, it’s clear why this event has become a staple in the cybersecurity world.
🚀 Want to attend? Visit showmecon.com to learn more and register for the 2025 event.
🎙️ Listen to the full conversation on the Exploring Information Security podcast and you may just hear the discount code to save $50 on tickets or training: Podcast Website
See you at ShowMeCon 2025! 🔐🔥