FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

(FAQ)

 

(Don't delete this one, it's used to make all items closed)

When does the main conference start?

The conference will officially start at 8:30am on Friday, March 17, 2023 in the Aurora Ballroom. Doors open at 8:15am.

The conference will officially end at 2:00pm Saturday, March 18, after closing remarks and awards.

There are OPTIONAL pre-conference sessions that begin at 12:30pm on Thursday. There is an OPTIONAL post conference session from 2:30pm to 4:30pm on Saturday.

Is the conference only for women attendees?

The Women in Cybersecurity conference is a gender-inclusive, affirming, and 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.

What is the venue for the conference?

The WiCyS 2023 Annual Conference will be held on March 16-18, 2023 at the Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center located at

6700 North Gaylord Rockies Boulevard, Aurora, Colorado 80019

Phone: 720-452-6900

What are the COVID policies?

WiCyS will rely on an honor system where attendees will be expected to self-report and not attend the conference if they are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms. No proof of vaccination is required. Masks are optional.

When does workshop registration open?

Workshop registration will open on February 6 and close on March 10.

Please log into the registration portal and select the workshops you want to attend. Note that some Thursday and all Saturday workshops have limited capacity and only those registered will be guaranteed a seat in the workshop. All other sessions are open seating. You MUST arrive at limited capacity workshops 10 minutes before they start or else your seat will be given to a standby attendee.

NOTE: Adding a workshop to your personal agenda in the Whova App does NOT mean you are pre-registered.

Are there volunteer opportunities?

Volunteers were selected based on their scholarship application. We had a tremendous number of volunteer applications.  All 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.  

When are meals served and are they included with my conference registration?

Lunch will be served during the keynote on Friday, March 17 and Saturday, March 18. Dinner will also be served during the keynote on Friday, March 18. Breakfast will be available for scholarship recipients on Friday and Saturday morning.

PLEASE NOTE: Breakfast is not included with all full conference passes and Career Fair only passes don’t include meals.

You must be seated by the time listed. Once doors close, no one will be let in.

Breakfast

  • Friday, March 17: 7am – 8am
  • Saturday, March 18: 7am – 8am

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

Lunch

  • Friday, March 17: Noon – 12:30pm (must be seated by 12:10pm to eat)
  • Saturday, March 18: 12:45pm – 1:15pm (must be seated by 1:00pm to eat)

Dinner

  • Friday, March 17: 6pm – 6:30pm (must be seated by 6:10pm to eat)

What are the required arrival and departure times for scholarship recipients?

Students are expected to arrive by the end of day Thursday, March 16 and not depart the Denver Convention center until at least 2:30pm on Saturday, March 18. Flights should be booked for 4:30pm or later.

What is the scholarship roommate matching process?

The roommate selection process will begin January 15 and will be open through January 22. Expect to receive an email with specific instructions.

  • 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 starting February 12. Once the matching has been done there are no changes. The roommate list will be submitted to the hotel for reservation confirmations.

How do I contact my roommate?

Your roommate’s information will be visible in the conference registration portal. Once the mobile app is released on February 15 you will be able to reach out through the mobile app.

Is there luggage storage before hotel check-in starts on Thursday?

Yes,  there will be luggage storage before check-in starts at 4 pm Thursday, March 16. Attendees do not need to book their flights to arrive after check-in and miss pre-conference events. Attendees who arrive before the 4pm check-in time on Thursday 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.

What are the hotel check-in and check-out times?

Official check-in starts at 4pm on March 16.

Luggage can be left with the Hotel Bell Captain on Thursday.

Check-out time is 11am on March 18.

Luggage storage will be available on March 18 until 5pm.

What are the badge pickup hours?

Badge Pickup Hours
Thursday, March 16: 7am – 7 pm
Friday, March 17: 7am – 6 pm
Saturday, March 18: 7am – 9am
Students must check-in by 8:30am on Friday, March 17.

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

Do I need to bring a laptop?
  • 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
    There will be two charging stations available in the conference area. There are no public-use computers in the conference area. If you want to work on your resume while at the conference, you will need your laptop.

    When will my hotel confirmation number be visible in the registration portal?

    Hotel reservation numbers will be visible in your profile within the conference registration portal no later than March 1.

    What is the date my credit card will be charged for 1 night's lodging?

    Gaylord will charge all reservations on March 1 (allow 48 hours to process).

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

    Do scholarship and complimentary room attendees need to provide a credit card to the hotel in advance?

    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.

    Is the WiCyS room block at the Gaylord Rockies full?

    Yes, the WiCyS Room Block at the Gaylord Rockies is FULL and CLOSED.

    If you registered for the WiCyS conference (not the registration waitlist) and requested waitlist lodging, your lodging is being assigned. You will be notified soon.

    You can no longer make lodging changes in the registration portal. Email ALL changes to existing reservations and/or cancellations to Tia DeBord at [email protected] through March 10th.

    Any cancellations after March 10th may incur 1 night’s charge.

    If you are interested in lodging at The Gaylord Rockies, you must contact the hotel directly and the conference rate is not applicable. The room pricing is set by The Gaylord Rockies and WiCyS has no control over their pricing.

    Links to overflow lodging reservations will be provided by our registration team to confirmed attendees.

    Are there overflow hotel options?

    Links to overflow lodging reservations will be provided by our registration team to confirmed attendees.

    What is the last date that I can make changes to my lodging reservation via the registration platform (Swoogo)?

    You can no longer make lodging changes in the registration portal. Email ALL changes to existing reservations and/or cancellations to Tia DeBord at [email protected] through March 10th.

    Any cancellations after March 10th may incur 1 night’s charge.

    The hotel considers any name changes after February 13 to be cancellations/new reservations. Therefore, the new reservation will be based on hotel availability and the group rate is not guaranteed.

    Date changes are permitted, again, based on availability.

    How do I get to the Gaylord from the airport?

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

      • Option #1:

        • Ride share with others (total cost is $40 – $70) to Gaylord Rockies.

      • Option #2:

        • Take the RTD TRAIN to the 61st and PENA EXIT (cost about $10.50).

        • Please note: 61st and PENA exit is the first stop after departing the airport.

        • Once you depart the train, there will be a Gaylord shuttle that arrives about 10 and 40 minutes AFTER the hour to take you to the resort.

      • Option #3: Reserve a shuttle ticket. The shuttle will stop at Hyatt Place and the Gaylord from the airport. Shuttle tickets were available for purchase anytime before March 10 or until capacity was reached.
        • View shuttle times and purchase shuttle tickets by signing into the WiCyS 2023 conference portal and updating your registration.
        • To access the Conference Registration Portal, go to https://www.globauxsourceevents.com/wicys-denver2023/2543628?code=WICYS2023Denver
        • 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.

      Where do I go once I exit the plane?

      Once off the plane, follow signs to BAGGAGE CLAIM:

      • You will go down the escalator/elevator to get on the train to baggage claim.
      • Get off of the train at baggage claim.
      • Take the escalator/elevator up to the main level (this is your only option).
      •  There, you will see WiCyS volunteers with a WiCyS Sign to direct you to baggage claim and answer questions.
      • Once you have bags, proceed to the WEST END of the terminal.
      • Follow signs to RTD Train, Ride Share or Shuttle (WiCyS volunteers will be near to help).
      • If you have purchased a Shuttle Ticket, proceed to Door #506 and wait INSIDE. The Taxi/Shuttle company will provide you next steps. Be prepared to show your ID.

      How do I get to the Airport from the Gaylord?

      You will have THREE options for transportation to the airport.

      Option #1:

          • Ride share with others (total cost is $40-$70) to the airport.

        • Option #2:

          • Take a shuttle from the Gaylord to the Train Station. It runs on the half hour from the 61st and Pena station.
          • Take the train to the airport (cost about $10.50).

        • Option #3: Reserve a shuttle ticket. Shuttle tickets are available for purchase anytime before March 10 or until capacity is reached.
          • View shuttle times and purchase shuttle tickets by signing into the WiCyS 2023 conference portal and updating your registration.
          • To access the Conference Registration Portal, go to https://www.globauxsourceevents.com/wicys-denver2023/2543628?code=WICYS2023Denver
          • 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.

      How do I purchase shuttle tickets to and from the airport?

      A shuttle will be available for transportation from the airport (to Hyatt Place and Gaylord) on Thursday, March 16 and to the airport on Saturday, March 18. Shuttle tickets are $10 each way.

      View shuttle times and purchase shuttle tickets by signing into the WiCyS 2023 conference portal and updating your registration:

      Please note: Shuttle tickets are available for purchase anytime before March 10 or until capacity is reached. Shuttle tickets are non-refundable.

      Will there be conference transportation from the overflow hotel to The Gaylord?

      There is no scheduled conference transportation. Some of the hotels might offer complimentary shuttle service but you would need to check with the hotel.

      Who do attendees contact if they are in need of a Crisis Counselor?

      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/

      When is the last day to upload my resume in the conference registration portal?

      You must login to your conference registration account located in the WiCyS Registration Portal by the end of the day on February 28 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.globauxsourceevents.com/wicys-denver2023/2543628?code=WICYS2023Denver
      • 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.

      What time is the travel stipend check-in?

      Scholarship recipients who have been awarded travel must attend the Travel Stipend Verification event on Saturday, March 18 from 2pm – 2:30pm located in the Aurora Prefunction.

      Will there be a Capture the Flag (CTF) competition?

      Yes, the CTF will be hosted by National Cyber League (NCL). Registration for the CTF opens on Monday, February 6. Register here to participate: https://cyberskyline.com/events/wicys

      CTF mentoring will be available in the Spruce Foyer & Lobby/Spruce 2:

      • Thursday, March 16 from 12:30 – 7 pm
      • Friday, March 17 from 9:45 – 11:45 am, 1:55 – 5:30pm

      A CTF After Dark Party will be held in the Spruce Foyer & Lobby/Spruce 2 from 8:30pm – midnight on Friday, March 17.

      What time will the career village be open?

      Get prepped with resume reviews, mock-interviews, professional headshots, and more! Career Village will be located in Adams A.

      Thursday, March 16: 2 – 7pm
      Friday, March 17: 9:45 – 11:45am and 1:55 – 5:30pm

      When and how will we receive our headshots from the Career Village?

      Headshot proofs will be available March 24, 2023.
      Images from those photographed on March 16 will be viewable at https://markstevensphotography.shootproof.com/wicys_mar16
      Images from those photographed on March 17 will be viewable at https://markstevensphotography.shootproof.com/wicys_mar17
      Everyone photographed will get one free digital image by entering code FREE23 in their cart for the event.  Additional images and prints are available for an additional fee. Free images must be selected before November 15, 2023. Images will not be available after November 15, 2023.
      Anyone with questions is welcome to email the photographer directly at [email protected] after the event. 

      How do I sign up to be a career village volunteer?

      Give back at the Career Village! The WiCyS Career Village is a place for mock-interview guidance, resume reviews, and career help. This is a golden opportunity for women professionals to mentor aspiring females in their cybersecurity career journeys. The commitment to mentor is during the WiCyS 2023 conference only and does not extend past that.

      Volunteer registration opens on February 6 and will be sent via email to conference registrants.

      Is there a conference mobile app?

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

      When is the in-person Career Fair?

      The in-person Career Fair is Friday, March 17 from 9:45 – 11:45am and 1:55 – 5:30pm

      Will there be a designated prayer room?

      Yes, there will be a designated prayer room. The location will be provided as the conference nears.

      Will there be ASL Interpreters available?

      Yes, you must request during registration or update your registration to request before March 1, 2023. A team member will contact you to make arrangements for your assigned interpreter.

      What is the dress code?

      The dress code is business casual. Be presentable for interviews but stay comfortable enough for walking around and staying warm.

      Is there a swag exchange table?

      Yes! There are those that like alotta swag, and those that don’t. That’s why at WiCyS we have the swag exchange donation table. Nothing goes to waste. Add anything you don’t want to the designated table and give others the opportunity to snag some swag (hint: teachers, take back swag for your students)!

      Will there be a Gender Neutral bathroom?

      Yes, there will be a designated gender-neutral bathroom. The location will be provided as the conference nears.

      Will there be a designated area for nursing?

      Yes, there will be a designated nursing room. To maintain privacy, just ask the Volunteer Booth for the key to the room. The room location will be provided at that time.

      Will there be wheelchairs or scooters available at the Gaylord?

      No, the Gaylord will not have wheelchairs or scooters available. Attendees can rent a wheelchair or scooter from the below companies. They will deliver the rented items directly to the Gaylord.

      Aspen Medical
      303-455-4225

      Mobility 4 America
      303-394-9355

      Will meals be wheelchair and scooter accessible?

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

      How are dietary restrictions handled?

      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.

      Will conference registration information show up in the Your Membership member portal?

      Our conference registration system is through a 3rd party and is not linked to the Your Membership portal. Your conference registration information will not show up in your membership profile within the Your Membership system.

      Will WiCyS be providing childcare?

      WiCyS will not be providing childcare. See the resources below if childcare is needed.

      Front Range Early Learning Centerhttp://www.frontrangelearning.com/contact-us/

      • 10000 Chambers Rd., Commerce City, CO 80022: 15 minutes (8.3 mi)
      • 303.853.8500
      • No availability for infants/toddler, but possibly for older children
      • Weekly rates:
        • Preschool $273
        • Pre-K $261
        • School age -$243

      A Plus Learning Centers: https://www.apluslearningcenters.com/contact-us/

      • 15250 E 6th Ave. Aurora, CO 80011
      • 303.341.9067
      • $150 registration fee (waived – from Ms. Rohanna)
      • $300/week, $100/daily

      Sittercity: https://sittercity.com

      Care.com: https://care.com

      What is the Gaylord smoking policy?

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

      Are there any tips for the altitude change?

      Yes, while in Colorado you will be in a high alpine, dry climate. Get the most out of your visit with a few altitude change tips HERE.

      What is the difference between the Career Village and Career Village Talks?

      Career Village talks are scheduled 30-minute presentations on career topics. The Career Village offers resume review, mock interviews, career conversations and headshots on a come-and-go basis.