FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

(FAQ)

 

GENERAL IN-PERSON CONFERENCE INFORMATION

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Is the conference only for women attendees?

The Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS) 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.

When does the main conference start?

The conference will officially start at 8:30am on Friday, April 12 in Delta A. Doors open at 8:15am.

The conference will officially end at 2:00pm Saturday, April 13, after closing remarks and awards.

There are OPTIONAL pre-conference sessions that begin at 12:30pm on Thursday, April 11. There are OPTIONAL post conference sessions from 2:30pm – 4:30pm on Saturday, April 13.

What are the badge pickup hours?

Badge Pickup Hours
Thursday, April 11: 7:00am – 7:00pm
Friday, April 12: 7:00am – 6:00pm
Saturday, April 13: 7:00am – 9:00am

Students must check-in by 8:30am on Friday, April 12.

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

Is there a conference mobile app?

Yes, the Whova mobile app will be ready April 1. An email will be sent to all conference attendees with access instructions.

When using the mobile app you must use the email that is associated with your conference registration.

Are there volunteer opportunities?

Yes, you can give back at the Career Growth Hub (formerly known as Career Village)! The WiCyS Career Growth Hub is a place for mock-interview guidance, resume reviews, and career help. This is a golden opportunity for professionals to mentor aspiring attendees in their cybersecurity career journeys. The commitment to mentor is during the WiCyS 2024 conference only and does not extend past that.

Career Growth Hub Volunteer registration opens on March 1 and will be sent via email to conference registrants.

NOTE: Scholarhip volunteers were selected based on their scholarship application. We had a tremendous number of scholarship volunteer applications. All scholarship 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.  

What are the COVID and health policies?

If you’re unwell or have tested positive for COVID-19, flu, or any contagious virus, please remain at home or in your hotel room. No proof of COVID vaccination is required. Masks are optional.

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/

Will there be ASL Interpreters available?

Requests for interpreters can be indicated during conference registration. If you have already registered, you can update your registration to request an interpreter (must be done by March 1). To request an interpreter, make a notation under special accommodations within the registration portal.   Shared ASL interpreters will be provided for speaking sessions (keynote, presentations, panels, Birds of a Feather, workshops). You will need to inform us in advance which sessions you intend to attend so we can ensure that session has a shared interpreter. A conference staff member will reach out to you after March 1 to gather information on your selected sessions.

Sessions will use auto-generated closed captioning (CC). Please note that auto-generated CC is not always 100% accurate.

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 or participate in the CTF while at the conference, you will need your laptop.
NOTE: The conference APP will be available April 1. All registrants will receive an email with access instructions.

What is the dress code?

The dress code is business casual. We suggest comforatble shoes as the Gaylord Opryland is expansive. Meeting rooms can be quite cool at times. A light sweater or jacket is recommended for your comfort.

Who do I email for conference questions?

For conference questions please reach out to [email protected].

Are there any tips for first time attendees?

Yes, please watch our WiCyS 2023 First Timer’s Panel HERE for tips on attending the conference:

HOTEL & VENUE INFORMATION

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What is the venue for the conference?

The WiCyS 2024 Annual Conference will be held April 11-13, 2024 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, Tennessee.

Address: 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214

Phone: (615) 889-1000

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

Official check-in starts at 4:00 pm on Thursday, April 11.

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

Check-out time is 11:00 am on Saturday, April 13.

Luggage storage will be available on Saturday, April 13 until 5pm in Delta C in the Gaylord Opryland.

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, April 11. 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.

Will my credit card be charged for 1 night's lodging?

The hotels may charge reservations after March 19.

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

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 on March 25.

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. However, you will need to provide a credit card at checkin for incindentals. The hotel will put a hold on your credit/debit card for incidentals. This amount is $75 per day.

Opryland is a cashless hotel. If you only have cash they have a machine that will take your cash and create a debit card.

Is the WiCyS room block at the Gaylord full?

All hotel lodging at this time is waitlist only. Please make sure the dates you provided during conference regisgtration are accurate. Hotel assignments are based on arrival and departure dates along with hotel availability. You will be notified when you have been assigned a hotel.

Is there a discount code for the Gaylord hotel reservations?

Booking at the conference rate is ONLY possible during conference registration. There is no code to book directly with the Gaylord.

What is the last date that I can make changes to my lodging reservation?

The last date to make changes to an existing lodging reservation is April 5 at 5:00 pm CT. Email ALL changes to existing reservations and/or cancellations to Tia DeBord at [email protected] through April 5 at 5:00 pm CT. After April 5 you will have to contact the hotel directly.

Any cancellations after April 5 may incur 1 night’s charge.

Date changes are permitted based on availability.

Will there be an option to rent a scooter or wheelchair?

Yes, the Gaylord Opryland is very expansize. One of the services offered at the Gaylord Opryland is scooter & wheelchair rental. If you have limited mobility, you may consider renting a scooter or wheelchair to help you move around more comfortably and efficiently throughout the hotel. You can contact Bradley Health Service directly at 615-383-9516 or click the link below for pricing and to make a reservation. Bradley Health Services is located at the Gaylord Opryland in the Cascades lobby.

Bradley Rentals at Gaylord Opryland Resort Bradley Health Services Nashville, TN (615) 383-9516

Will there be a Gender Neutral bathroom?

Yes, there will be designated gender-neutral bathrooms. The locations 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 nursing room will be in Canal Speaker Room A. This room is located above the Delta Ballroom on the Delta Mezzanine floor.

Will there be a designated reflection room?

Yes, there will be a designated reflection room located in the Canal Speaker Room B. This room is located above the Delta Ballroom on the Delta Mezzanine floor.

What is the Gaylord smoking policy?

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

SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION

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

Scholarship recipients are expected to arrive by the end of day Thursday, April 11 and not depart the Gaylord Opryland Convention center until at least 2:30pm on Saturday, April 13. Flights on Saturday should be booked for 4:30pm or later.

What time is the travel stipend check-in?

Scholarship recipients who have been awarded travel must attend the Travel Stipend Verification event on Saturday, April 13 from 2:00pm – 2:30pm located in the Delta BCD Lobby.

Who should attend the travel stipend check-in?

Only those that have been notified they are receiving a travel stiepend should attend. There are NO travel stipends awarded onsite at the conference. ID willl be required.

What is the scholarship roommate matching process?

The roommate selection process was January 29 through February 5. No additional roomate requests can be accepted.

  • 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 by February 19. 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 April 1. Once the mobile app is released on February 15 you will be able to reach out through the mobile app.

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. However, you will need to provide a credit card at checkin for incindentals. The hotel will put a hold on your credit/debit card for incidentals. This amount is $75 per day.

Opryland is a cashless hotel. If you only have cash they have a machine that will take your cash and create a debit card.

TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION

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How do I get to the Gaylord from the airport?

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

  • Option #1:
    • Ride share with others will cost between $30 and $50
    • Taxi ride will cost between $25 and $35
  • Option #2: Reserve a shuttle ticket. The shuttle will stop at the Gaylord Opryland Cascade lobby from the airport. When you arrive at the airport, the transportation company will have a list of who purchased tickets and you will provide your name and ID. 
    • Shuttle tickets are available for purchase anytime before April 4 or until capacity is reached.
      • View shuttle times and purchase shuttle tickets by signing into the WiCyS 2024 conference portal and updating your registration.
      • To access the Conference Registration Portal, go to https://www.globauxsourceevents.com/WICYS2024/sign-in
      • 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 Ground Transportation:

    • Exit the Main Terminal on Level 1 and turn right.
    • Follow the sidewalk and pedestrian canopy to Terminal Garage 2. Overhead signs will direct you.
    • The Ground Transportation Center is on Level 1.

    How do I get to the Airport from the Gaylord?

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

    • Option #1:
      • Ride share with others will cost between $30 and $50
      • Taxi ride will cost between $25 and $35
    • Option #2: Reserve a shuttle ticket. The shuttle will stop at the Gaylord Opryland Cascade lobby from the airport
      • Shuttle tickets are available for purchase anytime before April 4 or until capacity is reached.
        • View shuttle times and purchase shuttle tickets by signing into the WiCyS 2024 conference portal and updating your registration.
        • To access the Conference Registration Portal, go to https://www.globauxsourceevents.com/WICYS2024/sign-in
        • 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 on Thursday, April 11 and to the airport on Saturday, April 13. Shuttle tickets are $10 each way. When you arrive at the ariprot, the transportation company will have a list of who purchased tickets and you will provide your name and ID. 

    • Shuttle tickets are available for purchase anytime before April 4 or until capacity is reached.
      • View shuttle times and purchase shuttle tickets by signing into the WiCyS 2024 conference portal and updating your registration.
      • To access the Conference Registration Portal, go to https://www.globauxsourceevents.com/WICYS2024/sign-in
      • 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.

    Please note: Shuttle tickets are available for purchase until EOD on April 4 or until capacity is reached. Shuttle tickets are non-refundable.

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

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

    Conference Agenga and Workshop Registration

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    Where can I view the conference agenda?

    To view the conference agenda visit here: https://www.wicys.org/events/2024-conference-agenda/

    When does workshop registration open?

    Workshop registration will open on February 26 and close on March 25.

    When registration opens on February 26 you will 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.

    • To access the WiCyS Registration Portal and register for workshops, go to https://www.globauxsourceevents.com/WICYS2024/sign-in
    • Click the “ALREADY REGISTERED?” button and enter your credentials.
    • On the next screen click the green “CONTINUE” button. You do not need to re-enter your promo code.
    • Workshop signups end on March 26.

    NOTE: Adding a workshop to your personal agenda in the Whova App does NOT mean you are pre-registered. If your desired workshop is at capacity you will have the option to standby at the conference should there be available space.

    How do I know if 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 or participate in the CTF while at the conference, you will need your laptop.
    NOTE: The conference APP will be available April 1. All registrants will receive an email with access instructions.

    MEAL INFORMATION

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    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.

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

    Lunch will be served during the keynote on Friday, April 12 and Saturday, April 13. Dinner will also be served during the keynote on Friday, April 12. Breakfast will be available for scholarship recipients on Friday and Saturday morning.

    Breakfast

    • Friday, April 12: 7am – 8am
    • Saturday, April 13: 7am – 8am

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

    Lunch

    • Friday, April 12: Noon – 12:30pm (must be seated by 12:10pm to eat)
    • Saturday, April 13: 12:45pm – 1:15pm (must be seated by 1:00pm to eat)

    Dinner

    • Friday, April 12: 6pm – 6:30pm (must be seated by 6:10pm to eat)

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

    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.

    Career Growth Hub (formerly known as Career Village) Information

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    What time will the Career Growth Hub (formerly known as Career Village) be open?

    Get prepped with resume reviews, mock-interviews, professional headshots, and more! The Career Growth Hub will be located in Canal D/E.

    Thursday, April 11: 11:00am – 2:00pm (headshots only)
    Thursday, April 11: 2:00pm – 6:00pm (headshots, resume review, mock interviews & career conversations)
    Friday, April 12: 9:45am – 11:45am and 1:55pm – 5:30pm (headshots, resume review, mock interviews & career conversations)

    How do I sign up to be a Career Growth Hub (formerly known as Career Village) volunteer?

    Give back at the Career Growth Hub! The WiCyS Career Growth Hub is a place for mock-interview guidance, resume reviews, and career help. This is a golden opportunity for professionals to mentor aspiring attendees in their cybersecurity career journeys. The commitment to mentor is during the WiCyS 2024 conference only and does not extend past that.

    Volunteer registration opens on March 1 and will be sent via email to conference registrants.

    When will we receive our headshots from the Career Growth Hub (formerly known as Career Village)?

    Headshot proofs will be available April 22, 2024.

    Images from those photographed on April 11 will be viewable at https://tondamckayphotography.zenfolio.com/thursday_headshots

    Images from those photographed on April 12 will be viewable at https://tondamckayphotography.zenfolio.com/friday_headshots

    The password for galleries will be: SecurityWomen

    Everyone photographed will get one free digital image by entering code Onedigital24 in their cart for the event. Additional images and prints will be available for an additional fee. Free images must be selected after April 22, 2024. Images will not be available after November 15, 2024.

    Anyone with questions is welcome to email the photographer directly at [email protected] AFTER the event. There will be a sign with a QR code to take you to the website at the headshot booth.

    Capture the Flag (CTF)

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    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, March 25: https://cyberskyline.com/events/wicys

    Conference attendees will receive an email with additional registration details.

    CTF mentoring will be available in the Delta A Lobby:

    • Thursday, April 11 from 12:30pm – 7:00pm
    • Friday, April 12 from 9:45am – 11:45am, 1:55pm – 5:30pm

    A CTF After Dark Party will be held in the Delta A Lobby from 8:30pm – midnight on Friday, April 12.

    Who can compete in the NCL @ WiCyS Capture the Flag (CTF)?

    Anyone can participate! The NCL is an inclusive CTF environment where all levels, novice to advanced, can sign up and be part of the fun event. Once registered, participants will have access to the NCL exclusive tutorial site called the Gymnasium that is part of the virtual dashboard where competitors will answer their challenge questions. The gym offers real time, self paced support in addition to the onsite, in-person CTF coaches that will be ready to help anyone that needs assistance.

    There will be two leaderboards: students and industry professionals which will allow an even playing environment for both types of conference attendees.

    All WiCyS conference registrants are welcome to register and try the NCL @ WiCyS CTF experience. You never know what you’ll learn and it’s an awesome opportunity to meet others at the conference.

    Registration opens March 25: https://cyberskyline.com/events/wicys

    Do I compete on my own or as a team?

    Those taking part in the CTF event will be participating individually and will show up on the respective leaderboard (student or industry professional) individually. However, we encourage collaboration and participants working together to help each other through challenges.

    Career Fair Information

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    When is the in-person Career Fair?

    The in-person Career Fair is Friday, April 12 from 9:45am – 11:45am and 1:55pm – 5:30pm

    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 April 1 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/WICYS2024/sign-in
    • 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.