There are OPTIONAL pre-conference activites that begin at 10:00am ET on Wednesday, March 11.

The Opening Keynote, which is the official start of the conference, begins at 9:15am ET on Thursday, March 12 in the Potomac Ballroom. Doors open at 9:00am ET.

The conference will officially end at 2:00pm ET Friday, March 13.

There are OPTIONAL post-conference activities and session from 2:15pm – 4:15pm ET on Friday, March 13.

Pre-conference and post-conference sessions are included with your registration.

Scholarship recipients must arrive and pick up their badge by 9:00am ET Thursday, March 12th. Scholarship recipients are required to attend the entire conference. They are not required to attend the optional pre and post conference activities.

The Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS) conference is a 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.

Badge Pickup Hours
Wednesday, March 11: 8:00am – 8:00pm ET
Thursday, March 12: 7:30am – 7:00pm ET
Friday, March 13: 7:30am – 9:30am ET

Students must check-in by 9:00am ET on Thursday, March 12.

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

Yes, the Whova mobile app will launch on February 23. 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.

Yes, non student attendess can 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 non student professionals to mentor aspiring attendees in their cybersecurity career journeys. The commitment to mentor is during the WiCyS 2026 conference only and does not extend past that.

Career Growth Hub Volunteer registration will be sent via email to conference registrants.

NOTE: Scholarhip volunteers were selected based on their scholarship application. All scholarship volunteer offers have been made. 

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/

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 February 2 at 5pm CT). 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 February 2 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.

Yes, please watch our WiCyS 2025 First Timer’s Panel HERE for tips on attending the conference.

Also, attend the “First Timers Guide: Navigating Your First WiCyS Conference” on March 11 from 12:o0 pm – 1:o0 pm ET in National Harbor 2-3.

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

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

For urgent matters or non-medical/safety emergencies during the conference please call or text: 615-486-2088

No, all conference programming is included at no extra cost for full conference pass holders.

• 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.

The WiCyS 2026 In-Person Conference will take place from March 11-13, 2026, at the Gaylord National Harbor Resort and Convention Center in the Washington, DC area.

Venue Address
Gaylord National Harbor Resort & Convention Center
201 Waterfront St, Oxon Hill, MD 20745

Venue Phone Number
301-965-4000

Yes, there will be limited luggage storage before check-in starts at 4:00pm ET. Attendees do not need to book their flights to arrive after check-in and miss pre-conference events. Attendees who arrive before the 4:00pm CT check-in time 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.

The hotels may charge reservations for 1 night’s lodging after February 17.

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

Any cancellations after March 6th may incur 1 night’s nonrefundable charge so be sure and make any changes or cancellations before March 6.

Hotel reservation numbers will be visible in your profile within the conference registration system on March 3.

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 incidentals. The hotel will put a hold on your credit/debit card for incidentals. This amount is $100 per day. The hold will be released (if not used) after you check out. This may take 4-5 days.

The conference hotels are cashless. The Gaylord has several machines on property to convert USD into cards.

The last date to make changes to an existing lodging reservation through the registration system is February 13 at 5:00pm CT. After February 13, email ALL changes to existing reservations and/or cancellations to Times 10 Housing at [email protected] until March 2 at 5:00pm CT. After March 2, you will have to contact the hotel directly.

Any cancellations after March 6 may incur 1 night’s charge.

Date changes are permitted based on availability.

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

Parking

On-Site Parking
Hourly: $22.00
Daily: $46.00

Valet
Daily: $70.00

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

Yes, there will be a designated nursing room. To maintain privacy, just ask the Volunteer Booth for the key to the room.

Yes, there will be a designated reflection/quiet room located in National Harbor 1.

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

Scholarship recipients are expected to arrive by the end of day Wednesday, March 11 and not depart the Gaylord until at least 2:30pm ET on Friday, March 13. Flights on Friday should be booked for 4:30pm ET or later.

Scholarship recipients who have been awarded a travel stipened must attend the Travel Stipend Verification event on Friday, March 13 from 2:00pm- 2:30pm ET located in the Potomac Foyer. ID will be required.

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

The roommate selection process will take place January 12 through January 19. No additional roomate requests can be accepted after January 19.

• 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 on February 27. Once the matching has been done there are no changes. The roommate list will be submitted to the hotel for reservation confirmations.

Your roommate’s information will be visible in the conference registration portal on February 27. The mobile app will be released on February 23, allowing you to connect through the app.

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 incidentals. The hotel will put a hold on your credit/debit card for incidentals. This amount is $100 per day. The hold will be released (if not used) after you check out. This may take 4-5 days.

Reagan National Airport (DCA) is 15 minutes away from the Gaylord National Harbor Resort & Convention Center. Rideshare apps typically cost between $45 – $60.

Baltimore/Washington International Airport Airport (BWI) is 45 minutes away from the Gaylord National Harbor Resort & Convention Center. Rideshare apps typically cost between $80 – $95.

Dulles International Airport (IAD) is 45 minutes away from the Gaylord National Harbor Resort & Convention Center. Rideshare apps typically cost between $85 – $100.

There will be no WiCyS provided airport shuttles to or from the conference hotel.

Reagan National Airport (DCA) is 15 minutes away from the Gaylord National Harbor Resort & Convention Center. Rideshare apps typically cost between $45 – $60.

Baltimore/Washington International Airport Airport (BWI) is 45 minutes away from the Gaylord National Harbor Resort & Convention Center. Rideshare apps typically cost between $80 – $95.

Dulles International Airport (IAD) is 45 minutes away from the Gaylord National Harbor Resort & Convention Center. Rideshare apps typically cost between $85 – $100.

There will be no WiCyS provided airport shuttles to or from the conference hotel.

To view the conference agenda visit here: https://www.wicys.org/events/2026-agenda/

The full agenda will be posted as the conference nears.

There is no workshop signup. Each workshop will accommodate the number of attendees based on available seating.  Seats will be filled based on arrival to the room. Attendees will not be able to save seats for other attendees.

• To participate in the CTF, you will need your laptop.
• Workshops will 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

No, all conference programming is included at no extra cost for full conference pass holders.

Yes, the Socials are open to all conference attendees! It’s a great opportunity to connect with fellow WiCyS attendees while engaging in fun activities.

WiCyS and Gaylord National will accommodate ADA requirements.

Breakfast for Scholarship Recipients

Breakfast is ONLY included for scholarship recipients.

• Thursday, March 12: 8:15am – 9am ET
• Friday, March 13: 8:15am – 9am ET

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

Lunch

• Thursday, March 12: 12:30pm – 1pm ET (must be seated by 12:40pm to eat)
• Friday, March 13: 12:30pm – 1pm ET (must be seated by 12:40pm to eat)

Dinner

• Thursday, March 12: 6:30pm – 7:15pm ET (must be seated by 6:45pm to eat)

View the conference meal chart HERE.

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. Dietary restrictions must be specified in the registration system by February 23.

The in-person Career Fair is:

Thursday, March 12: 10:15am – 12:30pm, 2:15pm – 6:15pm ET
Friday, March 13: 10:15am – 12:30pm ET

You must login to your conference registration account located in the WiCyS registration system by the end of the day on February 25 if you want to upload or update your resume. We will be providing the resume database to conference sponsors.

• To access the registration system, go to https://www.eventstimes10as.com/WiCyS2026/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.

Yes, the CTF will be hosted by the National Cyber League (NCL). The competition will start on March 11 at 12:00 pm ET and end on March 12 at 10:00 pm ET.

All conference registrants (students and non-students) are invited to compete March 11 & 12 in a virtual capture the flag competition, taking on realistic, industry skill-based challenges, designed to test and build hands-on cybersecurity skills. Prizes will be awarded to top players. Students and non-students are welcome to participate. OnSite CTF coaching will be available where participants can get help with challenges and meet other CTF players as well as the National Cyber League (NCL) team. To wrap up the event, there will also be a CTF After Dark Party: plenty of swag, snacks and fun shenanigans for all participants. Winners will be announced during the Awards presentation on March 13.

Registration
Pre-conference registration opens on February 23
Onsite Registration opens March 11 at 12:00 pm ET
Onsite Registration closes March 12 at 5:00 pm ET

Wednesday, March 11 Coaching Hours
12:00pm – 6:15 pm ET

Thursday, March 12 Morning Coaching Hours
10:15am – 12:30 pm ET
2:15pm – 6:15 pm ET
8:45pm – 10:00 pm ET

Thursday, March 12 After Dark Party
Wrap up the challenge with food, music and fun and socialize with NCL staff and other competitors!
8:45pm – 10:00 pm ET

LOCATION: National Harbor 10-11

Registration for the CTF will open February 23. All WiCyS conference attendees will recieve an email with registration details.

Yes, the CTF platform will be closed during keynotes.

CTF Closed Times

Thursday, March 12
12:30 pm ET – 2:15 pm ET
6:15 pm ET – 8:45 pm ET

LOCATION: National Harbor 10-11

Wednesday, March 11 Coaching Hours
12:00pm – 6:15 pm ET

Thursday, March 12 Morning Coaching Hours
10:15am – 12:30 pm ET
2:15pm – 6:15 pm ET
8:45pm – 10:00 pm ET

LOCATION: National Harbor 10-11

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 February 23.

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.

Get prepped with resume reviews, mock-interviews, professional headshots, and more! The Career Growth Hub will be located in National Harbor 6-8.

Wednesday, March 11: 12:00pm – 6:30pm ET
Thursday, March 12: 10:15am – 12:30pm, 2:15pm – 6:15pm ET
Friday, March 13: 10:15am – 12:30pm ET

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 non student professionals to mentor aspiring attendees in their cybersecurity career journeys. The commitment to mentor is during the WiCyS 2026 conference only and does not extend past that.

Volunteer registration will be sent via email to conference registrants.

No, signups will take place onsite. There are no signups prior to the conference.

ICScape – Terminal Velocity

A routine anomaly has escalated into a full-scale emergency, threatening the nation’s

transportation infrastructure. An unknown adversary has breached transportation networks and is positioned to manipulate operational data and override safety systems, accelerating toward a catastrophic outcome. At the center of the attack is a suspicious device embedded within the environment—designed to trigger a cascading failure if left active. If the attack reaches terminal velocity, the consequences will be irreversible.

CISA has enlisted your team to respond. As cybersecurity and infrastructure specialists, you must investigate compromised operational environments, analyze network activity, and restore critical operations. Each clue uncovered and every puzzle solved brings you closer to unlocking and deactivating the device before time runs out.

CISA and Idaho National Laboratory invite you to take part in this immersive experience. Terminal Velocity combines traditional escape room puzzles with hands-on cybersecurity and industrial control system challenges drawn from the transportation sector. Participants will engage with puzzles involving Wi-Fi analysis, network scanning, cyber-attack identification, and control systems. With a balance of technical and non-technical puzzles, the room offers engaging challenges for participants of all skill levels. Work as a team, think like an attacker—and a defender—and see if you can stop the adversary before it’s too late.

———

ICScape – NETWORK DISCOVERY

The space station Asteroid Covenant has sent out a distress signal stating they have experienced a loss of its critical life support control systems. The life support systems (i.e., oxygen and HVAC systems) have failed and there is only 60 minutes of air remaining before the demise of the crew.

CISA and Idaho National Laboratory invite you to be a part of the adventure. This escape room contains a series of traditional escape room puzzles mixed with cybersecurity elements that utilize passive and active network discovery tools and techniques. Can you find your way onto the systems and figure out how to restore the life support systems before time runs out?

Visit the conference agenda HERE for full details and escape room days/times.