Attendee Comms

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 FIRSTCON26 delegates to ensure you don't miss out!

June 12, 2026

FIRSTCON26 rides into town this Sunday, and this is our final attendee roundup before the conference. Think of this as your final checklist before you roll into Denver.

Registration is open every day. Use the digital kiosks to look up your name and print your badge or have your registration QR code ready to help speed up the line (shared in a separate email).

Now saddle up, let’s start the countdown...

  1. Download the app, partner! It’s your trusty guide for conference, with the agenda, maps, attendee messaging, surveys, and more. Search “FIRST.org” in the app store and look for the green icon with the FIRST logo.
  2. Mosey over Sunday. The week kicks off with training and social time. Training sessions are for registered attendees only, but the Newbie Session at 17:30 and the Welcome Reception, sponsored by Cisco, at 18:00, are open to all. If this is your first FIRST conference, the Newbie Session is the perfect place to get your bearings, meet friendly folks, and get a preview of the week ahead. The Welcome Reception is where everyone can have their first square dance, reconnect over food and drinks, and wrangle those iconic badge ribbons!
  3. Jerseys, swag, and Western flair. FIRST conferences are casual, and with this year’s World Cup, we’d love to see your jerseys and team spirit in the mix. You can pick up your swag bag and two conference shirts at registration. We’re also tipping our hats to the Western theme this year if you haven’t caught on with the funny word use.... So, feel free to break out the plaid, jeans, hats, and boots, but leave the spurs at home. And be sure to bring layers, it may be hot outside, but indoors can be chilly.
  4. Practice your yeehaw. We mean it. Give it a whirl now, then bring your best one to Denver. The Wednesday night social at 19:00 is always a rootin’-tootin’ highlight, and this year it’s cowboy themed. We’ll have props available, but if you’ve got extra Western wear of your own, we encourage you to bring it along, partner.
  5. Don’t let the Monday Sponsor Showcase gallop past you. Join us Monday, June 15 at 17:30 for the Adobe sponsored social event. It’s a great chance to meet the sponsors who help make conference possible, swing by their booths, collect swag, and make new connections. There’s also a sponsor networking game with prizes, and your raffle card will be tucked right inside your badge at registration.
  6. Fill out your surveys, buckaroo! Use the event app to share feedback with speakers and organizers. Your feedback will help us make the next round even better. As a little reward, complete 10 surveys and you’ll earn a special edition conference swag at the registration desk.
  7. Bring a water bottle. Hydration matters, especially at Denver’s high altitude. Whether you’re in session rooms all day or wandering around the nearby trails, keep a water bottle close at hand. Refill stations will be available throughout the venue, so embrace the “Leave No Trace” Denver way.
  8. Be good to each other. Stay home if you’re sick, be thoughtful, and above all stay curious and courteous. Review the FIRST Code of Conduct and remember: we’re all living for the FIRST time: https://www.first.org/about/policies/code-of-conduct
  9. Have a grand old time. Meet new people, learn a lot, and let’s enjoy every minute of the week together.
  10. Did you download the app? Great, now come have fun.

If questions come up, give the Events Team a holler at events@first.org.

See you soon, and YEEHAW!

June 10, 2026

The wagons are rolling, and #FIRSTCON26 is just about ready to ride into Denver, Colorado! Before you lace up your boots, your trail guides are here reaching out once again with more tips for the journey.

We’ve been sending aplenty your way, general reminders, all the know-how on the mobile app (SEE BELOW), savvy tips for planning your trail, a few blink-and-you-miss-‘em opportunities, and details on social shindigs. Don’t get left in the dust, saddle up and get yourself up to speed: https://www.first.org/conference/2026/attendee-comms

Attendee Comms #2

  • Mobile App Details
  • Sunday Happenings
  • Travel Tips
  • CTF Details
  • Sponsor Shoutout

Your Digital Trail Companion: The Conference App
Think of this as your personal trail map, compass, and town crier all in one.

Inside the app you can:

  • Browse the full agenda and plan your sessions
  • View venue maps so you don’t end up on a scenic tour of the wrong hallway
  • Message fellow attendees and make new connections
  • Get real-time updates and announcements faster than a tumbleweed in a tailwind
  • Fill out the speaker surveys – submit 10 to win a prize!

Pro tips:

  • Turn on notifications so you don’t miss anything important
  • Upload a profile photo (helps people recognize you outside the saloon)
  • Update your attendee visibility settings in the directory

How to get it:

  1. Head to the iOS or Android store and search for “FIRST ORG Events” and look for the green FIRST icon. If you’ve been to a past FIRST event, you probably already have the app.
  2. Open the app and hit Login. If you have used the app before, use your existing login. If you do not remember your login, or if it’s your first time accessing the app, click “Request a Password” and check your inbox for an email from. Look for an email from donotreply@certaintouchpoint.com with a link to setup. *Your email is the email you used when you registered for the conference.
  3. Once you’re in, select “FIRSTCON26” and start exploring.

Sunday Funday: The First Campfire
Every good expedition starts with a proper gathering. Registration opens Sunday (early for training folks, 07:00-09:00, and midday for everyone else at 13:00). If this is your FIRST rodeo, head to the Newbie Reception! It’s your friendly “welcome to the frontier” moment, where you’ll meet fellow newcomers and get your bearings, 17:30-18:00 in Plaza ABC. Then mosey on over to the Welcome Reception, 18:00-20:00, where we officially kick off the week with refreshments, conversation, and a whole lot of community spirit.

There’s also a Sponsor Showcase Reception Monday evening, 17:30-19:30, and the beloved Wednesday Night Social 19:00-22:00… yes, that cowboy theme night you’ve heard whispers about.

So be sure to pack your curiosity, conversation starters, and maybe some leather boots!

Trail Tips & Common Sense (Still Important Out Here)
We may not be in the wilderness, but shared spaces still require shared respect. If you’re feeling under the weather, take care of yourself and rest when needed. Masks are always welcome if that’s your comfort level — we’re here for collaboration, not spreading germs across the prairie! Kindness travels well in Denver (and everywhere else).

Before you head out:

  • Pack a reusable water bottle, layers, and sunscreen!
  • All sessions, meetings, and happenings take place onsite at the conference venue.
  • There are no printed agendas; the app is your lifeline.
  • Registration runs daily with kiosks for easy check-in and badge printing (you’ll also receive a QR code before arrival to speed things up at the gate).

Denver is easy to navigate, but a little prep goes a long way.

  • Check whether you need to recheck luggage on connections.
  • Make sure travel documents are in order for entry into the U.S.
  • The train from the airport to downtown is cheap, easy, and efficient. The rail line is located just outside the airport, and tickets can be purchased at track kiosks. There’s a free bus that runs all day long up and down 16th street, with a stop conveniently located right outside the conference hotel (16th and Court Place)! So be sure to get out there and explore Denver, by horse, wagon, or public transit.

Capture the Flag: The Frontier Challenge
The hybrid CTF runs Monday through Thursday; it’s open to both remote and onsite participants as long as teams have at least one person onsite in Denver. Registration will open Sunday, June 14 and accessible through the conference app. So, sharpen your skills and come ready to ride! This is where the real legends (and a few sleepless nights) are made. More details on the challenge can be found here: https://www.first.org/conference/2026/ctf

A Standing Ovation for Our Sponsors
Be sure to check out the exhibit hall Monday-Thursday and meet some of our awesome sponsors who will be sharing tools, research, ideas, and swag. Participate in the Passport of Prizes for a chance to win some special raffle items (you must submit a completed raffle card and attend the Friday closing remarks for a chance to win – more information to be shared onsite).

We can’t giddy up without a big thank you to the organizations making FIRSTCON26 possible, after all, their support brings this whole frontier town together:

  • Gold Sponsors: Dream and VMRay
  • Silver Sponsors: Group-IB and Tidal Cyber
  • Bronze Sponsors: Apura, Censys, CommandZero, CTM360, Daylight, Modat, NRD Cyber Security, Spamhaus & abuse.ch, TeamT5, and Volexity
  • Capture the Flag Sponsors: CERT.br, ZeroFox, and prize contributor: Hack Defender
  • Social Sponsors: Adobe and Cisco
  • Exhibitors: Analyst1, Arcanna, Bureau Veritas Cybersecurity, Flare, Nord Security, SOCRadar, Spacewalk, and Stairwell
  • Capture the Flag Sponsors: cert.br and ZeroFox
  • Champions and Supporting Sponsors: Hitachi, CIRCL, and Adobe

That’s all for this trail briefing. We’ll see you soon in Denver, where the mountains are high, the ideas are higher, and the Wednesday night cowboy energy is downright legendary.

May 19, 2026

Let’s get down to it – Attendee Comms #1 – May 19, 2026:

  • Last Call for Hotel Room Block
  • Last Call for Birds of a Feather (BoFs)
  • Call to Action – Panelists Needed
  • Annual Football Match – World Cup Edition
  • Wednesday Social Event
  • Tips for the Trail

Last Call for Hotel Room Block
Haven’t hitched your wagon in Denver yet? There’s still time to lock in the special FIRSTCON26 conference rate at the venue hotel, the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel. The rooming block deadline has been extended through May 22, so catch those discounted rates before they ride off into the sunset. Book before it’s too late at: https://www.first.org/conference/2026/venue

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 29. Don’t wait, submit now at: https://www.first.org/conference/2026/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 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.

Call to Action – Co-Panelists Needed, Respond by Tuesday, May 26
Are you an incident response leader with experience in a low-income or fragile country? In Denver, the World Bank is organizing a session on "Tips and Tricks to Run a CSIRT in Low-income and Fragile Contexts" and would be delighted to have you as one of our panelists. It will be a great opportunity to share practical lessons learned about how to do more with less, do's and don'ts, and present a success story based on your personal and national achievements. For more information, please contact Ghislain de Salins, gdesalins@worldbank.org by Tuesday, May 26.

Annual Football Match – World Cup Edition (Monday, June 15)
With the world coming together for football this summer, the FIRST community is keeping the tradition alive in Denver with another friendly match. Michael Mortensen, our longtime MVP of Fun, has once again organized this beloved unofficial FIRST event. The game brings attendees together for a little friendly competition, camaraderie, and kicks. Hosted by Nucleus Security, the football match is welcome to all skill levels! Players and cheerleaders alike need to register for the event at: https://nucleussec.com/unofficial-first-football-event-2026/ space is limited. The match is a great opportunity to play and network with your peers, don’t listen to any Americans chanting “It’s Called Soccer!” 😉

Wednesday Social...Have You Picked up on the Theme?
The Wednesday night social event will take place Wednesday, June 17, 19:00-22:00. Party admission is included with every registration type – no additional purchase is necessary unless you would like to bring a guest who is not registered for the conference. Every year we try to creatively incorporate the host nation into the party, so we’re leaning into the Wild West for Denver! Everyone is encouraged to pack a little cowboy flair for the Wednesday night social – hats, boots, denim, and western style are welcome on the dance floor (with a few costume materials provided!) We dare you to go “Full-Yeehaw" even if it is your first rodeo!

Tips for the Trail

  • Denver’s mountain air and sunny skies make for a picturesque conference backdrop, so don’t let the Mile High City catch you off guard, stay energized with these tips for the trail:

  • Don’t Skip the Sunscreen! Colorado is one of the sunniest states in the US, and the rays are strong, especially at the higher elevation. Even on cooler days, sunscreen goes a long way.

  • Frequent the Watering Hole. The altitude and dry climate can sneak up on your fast. Bring a reusable water bottle to keep you galloping throughout the day.

  • Pace Yourself partner! At 5,280 feet above sea level, you may notice the elevation during your first day or two. Remember to pace yourself and don’t be surprised if you feel winded a little faster than usual.

  • Layer Up, Cowboy. Denver weather can change quickly, from warm afternoons to cool evenings, so we recommend layers for maximum comfort. Don’t forget there’s a theme party Wednesday, so bring your plaid, denim, and paisley!

  • Embrace the “Leave no Trace” Philosophy: Whether you hit the city streets or hiking path, let’s keep the trails and conference rooms clean and sustainable for everyone.

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!