Message from the Chair

FIRST 38th Annual Conference: YASC / Yet Another Successful Conference

The FIRST 38th Annual Conference reaffirmed its status as a flagship five-day event for the cybersecurity community, featuring up to 130 high-quality presentations.

Under the leadership of PC Chair Ms. Merike Kaeo, the FIRSTCON26 Program Committee delivered outstanding results, setting a high target for Mr. Martijn van der Heide, who will now chair the Program Committee to prepare for next year’s conference in Bangkok.

Trust is the fuel our members run on. We foster trust building among members through a variety of activities but our primary event is our annual conference. Over the week, networking breaks were particularly lively, with elevated sound levels reflecting the intensity of peer exchanges. This served as a clear sign of the event's collaborative spirit.

Let's carry this momentum forward. Share what you've learned, apply it in your work, and stay connected. The conversations must not end here. Our community is stronger thanks to you.

Whenever you attend a conference, be prepared to provide feedback to your colleagues and manager. Remember, this person may be the one to approve your next request to attend another community event. If I were to ask you, "How was Denver?" how would you respond? Always have three key takeaways ready that would be of interest to them. What matters is not what you say, but the message that will be remembered.

Board elections were held, and we are delighted to welcome two new members: Ms. Mona Elisabeth Østvang, who is rejoining the Board, and Mr. Logan Wilkins, already recognized for his significant contributions to our Working Groups.

As I embark on my second and final term as Chair, I am committed to accelerating our initiatives and providing comprehensive support to all Board members in their activities. My primary objective is to ensure that the next Chair inherits an organization that is even stronger and better prepared for the future.

Between now and the 2027 annual conference in Bangkok, FIRST will organize nearly 25 events.

Farewell, Denver, looking forward to #FIRSTCON27 Bangkok!

Published on FIRST POST: Apr-Jun 2026