Why the RSAC is Like Going to the Mall

Didi and Lital discuss the latest setbacks for the Boston Celtics, including their record performances and disappointing losses. The conversation then pivots to an in-depth critique of the RSA Conference, a major event in the cybersecurity industry. They cover the event's evolution from an informative gathering for industry leaders to what they describe as a vendor-centric 'mall' focused more on sales than meaningful customer engagement. They question the value and ROI of participating in such conferences and suggest potential changes, including relocating the event to a more appealing city. Both hosts debate the current state of the event, its impact on the industry, and propose ideas to improve future conferences. The episode wraps up with reflections on connecting better with real customers and the actual decision-makers in cybersecurity.

 

Topics

00:26 Celtics' Disappointing Season

02:42 The RSA Conference Decline

05:22 Debating the Future of RSA Conference

06:47 The Evolution of Cybersecurity Conferences

20:00 Nostalgia and Nightlife

20:14 Petting Zoos and Support Animals

20:43 Mall Culture and Humor

22:59 Conference Experiences and Jet Lag

25:35 The Decline of RSA Conference

27:04 Vendor and VC Interactions

30:23 Marketing Strategies and ROI

35:46 Final Thoughts and Future Plans