Attendee Communications

Overview

For those of you who are new to FIRST events, FIRST sends periodic communications that specifically relate to the event you are registered for. Information will include general reminders, mobile app information (when applicable), tips/suggestions for planning your trip, limited time opportunities, event-related social activities, and messaging from key sponsors and supporters.

Below is a record of messages that have already been sent to FIRSTCON25 delegates to ensure you don't miss out!

June 19, 2025

Hi FIRSTies,

FIRSTCON25 kicks off this Sunday and here we are at our last Attendee Comm email! Consider this your final checklist to conference.

Registration is available each day of the conference, digital kiosks will be available for you to look up your name and print your badge, registration QR codes will be shared in a separate email to be shared shortly from the Events Office that will help expediate the queue.

Now, let’s countdown together...

10. Bring a Water Bottle!

There will be water fill-up stations all around the venue, but a limited supply of paper cups... so keep it green and stay hydrated by bringing your own bottle.

9. Purchase a Transit Pass!

Even our locals have commented on this incredible deal, take advantage of a discounted rate and explore the city while saving money (up to 80%) on your trips to and from the airport, and all around Copenhagen. Purchase your pass at: https://prd1travelpassmvc.azurewebsites.net/Home/Information?eventid=53d27447-abec-4662-b466-4f7334f800df

8. Download the Conference Mobile app!

It’s your go-to place for the program agenda, speaker information, access to your fellow attendees, floor maps, surveys, and more. The app is available in both the iOS and Android stores, under “FIRST ORG Events.” More detailed instructions can be found in the last attendee comm.

7. Get Social!

FIRST is all about community, so network, attend the socials (Sunday Welcome Reception, Monday Sponsor Showcase, and the Wednesday Social Event), bring your business cards, and capture memories (which you can share in the app!)

6. Check the Weather!

Bring layers, dress appropriately, and wear a smile. There is no formal dress code for the event; casual is just fine.

5. Come Prepared!

A print-friendly agenda is available on the conference website; print agendas will not be provided, so if you want one, print it at home. The most up-to-date agenda will be available in the mobile app. https://www.first.org/conference/2025/program

4. Talk to Our Sponsors!

Our sponsors and exhibitors make the conference possible. Be sure to visit them at their booths and share your thanks. Our new FIRST CORE track will run on Tuesday, June 24, and will include a workshop from FIRST CORE Founding Supporter, Fortinet. A full FIRSTCON25 sponsor list is available at: https://www.first.org/conference/2025/sponsorship-team

3. Fill out the Conference Surveys!

Conference and speaker surveys are available within the conference mobile app. Your feedback is invaluable; it helps us plan better events and encourages and compliments our speakers.

2. Respect Each Other!

Stay home if you’re sick, be thoughtful, and stay courteous. Observe the FIRST Code of Conduct: https://www.first.org/about/policies/code-of-conduct and keep in mind, we’re all living for the first time.

1. HAVE FUN!

If you have any questions, reach out to the Events Team via events@first.org.

See you soon!

June 12, 2025

Hi FIRSTies,

FIRSTCON25 is almost here, so we’re hitting your inbox with another long Attendee Comm! Time to lock in and learn; important conference information is shared below. Have you been ignoring our messages? Time to catch up at: https://www.first.org/conference/2025/attendee-comms

Past messages include general reminders, mobile app information (SEE BELOW), tips/suggestions for planning your trip, limited time opportunities, event-related social activities, and messaging from key sponsors and supporters.

Now let’s get down to business!

  • Conference App – What is it, how to get it
  • Relay Rooms and YouTube
  • Sunday Funday
  • Common Sense and Courtesy
  • Final FAQs

Conference App:

“There’s an App for that!” Want to stay in the know, find your next session, message fellow attendees, and navigate the venue with ease - all in one place? Download the FIRST Conference App! Whether you're making new connections or just trying to remember where your next session is, this app is your trusty sidekick.

With the app, you can:

  • Browse the Full Agenda
  • View Floor Maps and Exhibitor Listings
  • Chat with Fellow Attendees
  • Submit Speaker Surveys
  • Receive Real-Time Updates and Announcements

Access on Desktop:
Prefer a bigger screen? No problem! Bookmark this link and follow the login steps below: https://firstevents.certaintouchpoint.com/apps/2843

Access on Mobile or Tablet:

  1. Head to the iOS or Android store and search for “FIRST ORG Events” a. Look for the green FIRST icon! b. Already been to a FIRST event? You may already have it. c. iOS: Download here d. Android: Download here
  2. Open the app and hit Login a. FIRST members: Use your SSO login (or don’t) b. Not a member? No worries! Click Request a Password and check your inbox for an email from donotreply@certaintouchpoint.com with a link to set it.
  3. Once you’re in, select “FIRSTCON25” and start exploring.

Pro Tips:

  • The attendee directory contains those that agreed to opt-in during the online registration process. You can change this setting by tapping the user icon, hit “Edit,” and update your visibility and profile info.
  • Upload a photo if you're feeling fancy!
  • Enable notifications so you don’t miss a thing.
  • Peek at the “Useful Travel Info” button. Your go-to guide for navigating Copenhagen like a pro (or at least not getting lost on the way to the venue).
  • Share your best conference moments — snaps, selfies, swag — if it made you smile, show it off and encourage community comradery!

Relay Rooms and Post-Con YouTube Recordings:

Need to juggle work while keeping an eye on the action? Relay Rooms are for you! These informal spaces stream live video and audio from the main session rooms, so you can stay plugged into the conference and hit your Todo list, without distracting others. They're ideal if you need to catch up on emails, take a breather from the crowd, or just prefer a more laid-back setting to absorb the content. Multitask in peace: laptop open, brain engaged. Your Relay Room guide can be found in, you guessed it, the conference mobile app!

Virtual attendance is not being offered this year but never fear, TLP:CLEAR sessions will be recorded and posted to our YouTube channel about a month after conference. Whether you missed a talk or want to relive your favorites, they’ll be up for consumption before you know it. Be sure to subscribe to the channel to stay in the loop and catch up on content from other FIRST events you may have missed: https://www.youtube.com/@FIRSTdotorg

Sunday Funday:

The 37th Annual FIRST Conference officially kicks off on Sunday Funday, June 22, 2025. If you’re signed up for Trainings or the Hackathon, get ready for a day full of learning, hands-on challenges, and brain-tingling puzzles. For everyone else, don’t worry, we’ve saved some fun for you, too...

  • Registration check-in opens bright and early at 07:00 for Training participants and will be open to everyone else starting at 12:00.
  • New to FIRST? Don’t miss the Newbie Reception from 17:30–18:00 in Hall A1. It’s like a mini orientation-meets-mixer, where first-time attendees can get the lay of the land, meet some friendly faces, and learn what makes this community tick. (Pro tip: it’s the people.)
  • Following the Newbie Party, it’s time to officially kick things off with our Welcome Reception, hosted by our amazing friends at Adobe! Join us from 18:00–20:00 on the 1st floor balcony for drinks, snacks, great conversation, and celebration. It’s your chance to reconnect with old friends, meet new ones, and toast to the start of a stellar week. We hope to see you there!

Common Sense and Courtesy:

We may not be in a pandemic anymore, but colds, flu, and COVID haven’t retired. Let’s help keep our conference a healthy and happy place for everyone! If you’re feeling under the weather, please rest up and remember TLP:CLEAR content will be recorded for later viewing. Handwashing is still in style (and always will be), and if you’d feel more comfortable masking — or see others who are — let’s all remember that kindness and respect never go out of fashion. We're here to learn, connect, and support each other. Sniffle-free whenever possible!

Final FAQs

We’re just about ready to kick off the 37th Annual FIRST Conference and we’re thrilled to host you in Copenhagen! Before you zip up your suitcase, here are a few final things to know:

  • Bring a Water Bottle! Fill-up tanks will be available throughout the venue, help us in cutting down on paper cups.
  • All Programming Takes Place at the Bella Center Copenhagen. Sessions and meetings will be held onsite on the Ground floor and Floor 1 (Entrance 4). Whether you prefer elevators, escalators, or stairs, there’s a route for you. Need a hand finding your next session? Maps are posted around the venue and available in the conference app with helpful room markers.
  • No Printed Agendas — Embrace that App Life! We're going green (and saving you from paper cuts)! No printed programs will be available onsite, so please print one at home if you would like a hard copy. There will be a print-friendly version of the agenda on the program webpage sometime next week. Please check the program page as you prepare for your trip: https://www.first.org/conference/2025/program
  • Registration Procedure. Reg opens Sunday, June 22 and will be available each day of the conference. The Events Team will be in the lobby of the Bella Center; you won’t miss us! Check in at the self-service kiosks and print out your badge. For daily reg hours, check the program link above. We’ll be emailing everyone a check-in QR code next week. You will also be able to check-in by searching your email and last name.
  • Network Like a Pro. We’ve got some great events lined up to help you meet new faces and connect:
    • Newbie Reception + Welcome Reception – Sunday, June 22
    • Sponsor Showcase Reception – Monday, June 23
    • Conference Social Event – Wednesday, June 24 (our favorite!)
  • 2025 Capture the Flag Challenge. Our hybrid CTF runs Monday–Thursday (June 23–27) in Central European Summer Time (UTC +2). Remote and on-site participation are both welcome, but your team must include at least one person in Copenhagen. CTF registration opens Sunday, June 22, and everything you need (including the code!) is in the app. Let the games begin!
  • Visit the Exhibitor Hall. Stop by to meet our incredible sponsors — and say tak! for making this event possible, check out their collateral, grab some swag, and maybe make a new connection or two. Some sponsors will be participating in the annual FIRST Passport of Prizes raffle, so remember to ask them to stamp your raffle card (to be supplied to you at registration).
  • International Travel Tips. Flying from abroad? If you’ve got a connecting flight into Denmark, don’t forget to check whether you’ll need to recheck your luggage. Also, make sure you follow Danish entry procedures and have your travel documents ready. Copenhagen Airport is super-efficient, but it never hurts to be prepared.
  • Public Transit Deal. FIRST attendees may access a special offer through Metroselskabet for a discounted travel pass for use during the week (Friday, June 20th through Sunday, June 29th). This offer grants Copenhagen’s official Travel Passes at a discounted rate, saving you up to 80% on public transportation. The pass allows you to conveniently and comfortably explore Copenhagen while reducing your environmental impact.

Finally: A Standing Ovation for Our Conference Sponsors!

That’s right, get out of your desk chair and clap along to this email. We truly can’t say this enough: FIRSTCON25 wouldn’t be possible without our phenomenal sponsors. So, here’s a big, bold THANK YOU for the organizations helping bring the magic to Copenhagen:

  • Local Host: The Centre for Cyber Security (CFCS)
  • Platinum: Amazon
  • Gold: VMRay
  • Silver: Intigriti and Stairwell
  • Bronze: Apura, Censys, CTM360, Group-IB, LimaCharlie, mnemonic, NRD Cyber Security, OTRS, Siemens, Silent Push, SOCRadar, and TeamT5.
  • Sponsor Showcase: Cisco
  • Welcome Reception: Adobe
  • Exhibitors: Arctic Security, Bitdefender, CVE Program, EclecticIQ, Flare, JoeSecurity, KnowBe4, SentinelOne, Silobreaker, Tines, and Tracebit
  • Challenge Coin: Hitachi
  • Lanyard: CIRCL
  • Champions: DomainTools and Vulners

That’s all folks. We’ll be seeing you very soon. If you have any questions about your participation or want more details on the week’s events, don’t hesitate to reach out.

May 22, 2025

Greetings FIRSTies!

It’s the FIRST Events Team again, hitting your inbox with more conference content. We are officially ONE MONTH out from #FIRSTCON25! Check out the reminders and opportunities shared below. Did you miss our first message? Never fear, a log of all comms can be found here: https://www.first.org/conference/2025/attendee-comms.

Information will include general reminders, mobile app information (when applicable), tips/suggestions for planning your trip, limited time opportunities, event-related social activities, and messaging from key sponsors and supporters.

Tune in Copenhagen crew, it’s time for Attendee Comms #2:

  • Copenhagen City Travel Pass
  • 2025 Hackathon Registration - Still Available
  • What’s Happening Sunday, June 22?
  • Plan Ahead

Copenhagen City Travel Pass

We hope you will make the most of your time during conference week, and that includes exploring our beautiful host city! FIRST is excited to share a special offer through Metroselskabet to access a discounted travel pass for use during the week (Friday, June 20th through Sunday, June 29th). This offer grants Copenhagen’s official Travel Passes at a discounted rate, saving you up to 80% on public transportation. The pass allows you to conveniently and comfortably explore Copenhagen while reducing your environmental impact.

You can purchase your pass at: https://prd1travelpassmvc.azurewebsites.net/Home/Information?eventid=53d27447-abec-4662-b466-4f7334f800df

Some more information and guidelines:

  • The Travel Pass includes transportation to and from Copenhagen Airport, so we recommend you purchase before your travel!
  • The pass offers unlimited travel in the Capital Region by metro, train, bus, and harbour buses, including to and from the airport for only 36 DKK (5 EUR) per day (saving 80%).
  • The Travel Pass can be printed in advance or simply shown digitally on your smartphone (the ticket can be downloaded directly from the confirmation page after purchase).
  • The Travel Pass requires no activation or validation and is ready for use on buses, trains, and metros from the time of validity.
  • You can choose whether you want to buy a Travel Pass for the whole conference week or a shorter number of days. If you wish to buy a Travel Pass for days that are not in extension of each other, the purchases must be made individually.
  • Travel Pass covers all zones in Copenhagen and the surrounding area (zones 1-99). You will find a zone map in the purchase flow.

Remember: Some companies have strict email filters that may block important communications regarding your Travel Pass purchase. To ensure you receive all updates, we recommend using your private e-mail address instead of your work e-mail. This will help avoid any delays caused by spam filters.

Should you not receive your Travel Pass ticket by e-mail, please speak to DOT customer service on telephone number +45 7015 7000 - when greeted press 2. Opening hours are between Monday-Sunday 7:00-20:00 (Central European Time).

2025 Hackathon - Registration Still Available!

Are you passionate about tackling complex programming puzzles in cybersecurity? Whether your interests lie in information sharing, threat intelligence, system forensics, data mining, or defense strategies, the FIRSTCON25 Hackathon is your arena! Join us onsite in Copenhagen on Sunday, June 22, from 09:00–17:00 local time, for a full-day challenge designed to sharpen your skills and spark innovation. This hackathon aims to improve open-source security projects, boost tool interoperability, and inspire cutting-edge solutions. Ready to dive in? Registration is free but required — sign up now for the Hackathon at FIRSTCON 2025!

Register at: https://pretix.eu/circl/hackathonfirst25/

What’s Happening Sunday, June 22?

  • The 2025 Hackathon
  • Sunday Training
  • The FIRST Newbie Session
  • Sunday Welcome Reception

Sunday is the first day of conference week! In addition to being the day of the Hackathon (See above), it’s also Training Day. Sunday training is a limited opportunity for interested conference delegates and locals who may or may not be planning to attend the full event. Separate registration is required. Training registration includes welcome coffee, two coffee breaks during the day, a buffet lunch, and applicable training materials. To view the training fees, agenda, and access the registration form, visit: https://www.first.org/conference/2025/training/program

What is the Newbie reception? Think of it like our orientation for newcomers. It’s a time to meet and greet fellow attendees, learn more about the conference and its goals, and get a preview of what to expect for the next 5 days! We encourage all first-time FIRSTies to attend.

The Sunday Welcome Recpetion, hosted by our incredible supporter, Adobe, will be held onsite from 18:00-20:00 and is available to all registered attendees. It is a time to connect with old friends, to make new ones, and to prepare for a great week together. Come celebrate with the community and grab a drink and some bites with us on Sunday evening!

Thank You Sponsors!

We want to share a shoutout to our sponsors. The support we receive every year is overwhelming. We are grateful to our sponsors and hope you all choose to spend some time with them during the conference week. Please be sure to review the Exhibitor Listing on our Sponsorship Team page at: https://www.first.org/conference/2025/sponsorship-team

That’s all for this newsletter!

More information will be shared soon, including information on accessing the Conference mobile app, your all-in-one reference for the week, which will include a navigable program agenda, messaging features, and more! Information on how to access the conference app is forthcoming.

May 1, 2025

Greetings FIRSTies!

Who’s counting down to conference? WE ARE! It’s May, and that means it's almost June! We will be sharing some helpful reminders and important information periodically before FIRSTCON25 to help you prepare to make the most out of your week with us in Copenhagen. If you ever miss an email, never fear, a log of all comms can be found here: https://www.first.org/conference/2025/attendee-comms.

Information will include general reminders, mobile app information (when applicable), tips/suggestions for planning your trip, limited time opportunities, event-related social activities, and messaging from key sponsors and supporters.

Let’s get down to it – Attendee Comms #1 – May 1, 2025:

  • Last Call for Birds of a Feather (BoFs)
  • Annual Football Match
  • Call for Session Chairs
  • The 2025 Hackathon
  • Eco-conscious Conference Reminders

Last Call for BoFs

Calling all Birds! Did you miss your chance to submit your session? Good news, we have extended the Birds of a Feather submission period to May 8, 2025. Don’t wait, submit now at: https://www.first.org/conference/2025/bof-submission

Birds of a Feather ("BoF") talks and activities are informal meetings that take place during the annual conference and are based on the interest of attending participants. Both FIRST members and non-members alike are welcome to submit.

BoFs are scheduled throughout the conference week at the discretion of FIRST organizers. BoF topics must be submitted for review and approval using the submission form.

Annual Football Match

Michael Mortensen, our MVP of Fun, has once again organized the unofficial FIRST conference football match, a tradition that brings our community together for the love of sport and comradery. Hosted by Nucleus Security, the football match is welcome to all skill levels, players and cheerleaders alike need to register for the event at: 2025 FIRST Conference Nucleus Football Event space is limited. Whether this is your first FIRST or your tenth, the match is a great opportunity to play and network with your peers.

Call for Session Chairs

Would you like to volunteer your time at the conference? Become a session chair, where you will volunteer your time to help us manage and moderate sessions throughout the week. If this captivates your interest, please fill out the survey below:

Once we have gathered all survey responses, we will reach out with a draft assignment schedule. Please keep an eye on your inbox for further updates in the coming weeks. All session chair communications will be labeled with the subject line: “FIRSTCON25 - Session Chair”.

The 2025 Hackathon

Interested in complex programming challenges within key cybersecurity areas, such as information sharing, threat intelligence, network and system forensics, data mining, network and computer exploitation, and defense techniques? Then the Hackathon is for you! Join us for the FIRSTCON25 Hackathon challenge taking place onsite in Copenhagen on Sunday, June 22 from 09:00-17:00 local time. The hackathon’s objectives include improving existing open-source security projects, enhancing interoperability and integration between different security tools, and driving the creation of innovative new solutions. Registration is required, submit your free participation at: Hackathon at FIRSTCON 2025

*This is a standalone activity unrelated to the annual CTF.

Eco-conscious Conference Reminders

We are very excited to host our 37th annual conference in the beautiful, green, city of Copenhagen, Denmark this June. Denmark is a leader in sustainability and FIRST is taking steps to meet their eco efforts. This includes a few measures that affect the expected attendee experience, so listen up:

  1. Bring a water bottle to the conference! This will help reduce plastic waste. There will be lots of water fill up stations around the conference venue ready for your bottle, so be sure to bring one.

  2. There won’t be any red meat on the menu, but don’t have a cow! There will be white meat protein options every day as well as delicious vegetarian forward offerings to choose from.

  3. The Bella Center, our conference venue, is conveniently located near one of Copenhagen’s many S-train “Lokaltog” Metra stops – the Bella Center station. FIRST is delighted to offer conference attendees discounted Metra passes through Metroselskabet for use during the conference week (Friday, June 20th through Sunday, June 29th). A link to discounted passes will be available this month and will be shared in one of our upcoming attendee comms. Both Copenhagen airports are reachable by Metra, so consider taking public transportation upon departure and arrival.

That’s all for now, don’t hesitate to reach out to the events team if you have questions about your participation. We can’t wait to host you this June!