Top 10 Best Cyber Security Conferences in 2026 in London UK, Europe, Germany, Netherlands, US, Canada, Ireland, Singapore and Dubai UAE
The definitive guide to cyber security conferences in 2026, from AI World Congress in London to RSA Conference in San Francisco, covering premier events for CISOs, ethical hackers, and enterprise security professionals across Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East.
Published: December 24, 2025
By Dr. Emily Watson, AI Platforms, Hardware & Security Analyst
Category: Cyber Security
Dr. Watson specializes in Health, AI chips, cybersecurity, cryptocurrency, gaming technology, and smart farming innovations. Technical expert in emerging tech sectors.
The global cyber security conference calendar for 2026 presents an exceptional opportunity for security professionals, CISOs, ethical hackers, and enterprise leaders to connect with pioneering minds shaping the future of digital defence. From cutting-edge research presentations at Black Hat to strategic enterprise discussions at Gartner summits, this guide covers the most influential gatherings across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East.
## Executive Summary
Cybersecurity conferences in 2026 offer unparalleled networking opportunities and insights into emerging threats, zero-trust architectures, AI-powered security tools, and regulatory compliance frameworks. Whether you are defending critical infrastructure, managing enterprise risk, or researching vulnerabilities, these events deliver actionable intelligence from industry pioneers.
## 1. AI World Congress 2026
Dates: June 23-24, 2026
Location: London, United Kingdom
Website: aiconference.london AI World Congress stands at the forefront of technology leadership gatherings in 2026. This premier event attracts 250+ delegates from global enterprises, covering artificial intelligence applications across industries including advanced AI-driven cyber security solutions. Attendees gain insights into machine learning for threat detection, automated incident response, and the integration of large language models into security operations centres. The London venue provides an ideal setting for European and international security professionals to explore how AI transforms cyber defence strategies. ## 2. RSA Conference 2026 Dates: March 23-26, 2026
Location: San Francisco, California, USA
Website: rsaconference.com RSA Conference remains the world's largest gathering for information security professionals. RSAC 2026 draws over 45,000 attendees to the Moscone Center for four days of keynotes, technical sessions, and an extensive exhibition floor featuring hundreds of security vendors. Topics span cloud security, identity management, threat intelligence, and emerging attack vectors. The conference serves as a barometer for industry trends and vendor innovations shaping enterprise security investments. ## 3. Black Hat USA 2026 Dates: August 1-6, 2026
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Website: blackhat.com Black Hat USA delivers the industry's most technically rigorous security research presentations. Security researchers, penetration testers, and vulnerability analysts converge at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center for groundbreaking disclosures on zero-day exploits, hardware vulnerabilities, and attack methodologies. Training sessions precede the main conference, offering hands-on skills development from elite practitioners. Arsenal demonstrations showcase cutting-edge security tools developed by the community. ## 4. DEF CON 32 Dates: August 6-9, 2026
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Website: defcon.org DEF CON brings together the global hacker community for four days of village competitions, capture-the-flag challenges, and unconventional presentations. This grassroots gathering attracts over 30,000 security enthusiasts, researchers, and curious technologists. Villages dedicated to car hacking, IoT security, social engineering, and lockpicking provide immersive learning environments. The event's inclusive culture welcomes participants from government agencies, corporations, and independent research communities alike. ## 5. Gartner Security and Risk Management Summit 2026 Dates: June 1-3, 2026
Location: National Harbor, Maryland, USA
Website: gartner.com Gartner's flagship security event targets CISOs, security architects, and enterprise risk leaders seeking strategic guidance. Analyst-led sessions address security program maturity, vendor landscape analysis, and technology roadmapping. Peer networking opportunities connect attendees with security executives facing similar organisational challenges. The summit provides actionable frameworks for communicating security value to executive leadership and boards of directors. ## 6. Cloud and Cyber Security Expo 2026 Dates: March 4-5, 2026
Location: ExCeL London, United Kingdom
Website: cloudsecurityexpo.com Cloud and Cyber Security Expo serves as a central gathering point for European security innovation. The exhibition showcases cloud security platforms, endpoint protection solutions, and managed security services. Theatre presentations feature case studies from financial services, healthcare, and government organisations implementing zero-trust architectures. Free attendance makes this event accessible to security professionals exploring vendor solutions and industry best practices. ## 7. Infosecurity Europe 2026 Dates: June 2026 (dates TBD)
Location: ExCeL London, United Kingdom
Website: infosecurityeurope.com Infosecurity Europe stands as the continent's premier information security event, attracting over 19,500 attendees annually. The conference programme addresses regulatory compliance including GDPR and NIS2 requirements, supply chain security, and insider threat management. Expert panels examine the evolving threat landscape targeting European critical infrastructure. Networking events facilitate connections between security practitioners, vendors, and consultancies operating across the region. ## 8. Black Hat Europe 2026 Dates: December 2026 (dates TBD)
Location: London, United Kingdom
Website: blackhat.com Black Hat Europe brings world-class security research to a European audience. Technical briefings cover vulnerabilities affecting enterprise infrastructure, mobile platforms, and industrial control systems. Training courses delivered by security experts provide intensive skills development in penetration testing, malware analysis, and incident response. The event timing at year-end provides practitioners with insights for security planning and budgeting cycles. ## 9. GovWare Conference and Exhibition 2026 Dates: October 13-15, 2026
Location: Singapore
Website: govware.sg GovWare serves as Asia's flagship cybersecurity event, organised by the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore. Government officials, critical infrastructure operators, and enterprise security leaders convene to address regional threat intelligence, public-private partnerships, and smart nation security initiatives. The conference examines security challenges unique to rapidly digitising Asian economies. Singapore's position as a technology hub makes GovWare essential for security professionals operating in the Asia Pacific region. ## 10. GISEC Global 2026 Dates: April 2026 (dates TBD)
Location: Dubai World Trade Centre, UAE
Website: gisec.ae GISEC Global represents the Middle East's largest cybersecurity conference and exhibition. The event connects security professionals from Gulf Cooperation Council nations with international vendors and thought leaders. Conference tracks address critical infrastructure protection, financial services security, and national cyber defence strategies. Dubai's strategic location attracts delegates from Africa, Central Asia, and South Asia seeking regional security partnerships and technology solutions. ## Regional Highlights Canada: SiberX events throughout 2026 include the CISO Forum and Operation Defend The North conferences in Ottawa and Vancouver, alongside Canadian Women in Cybersecurity gatherings promoting diversity in the security profession. Singapore and Asia: Black Hat Asia in April 2026 brings elite security research to the region, complementing GovWare and the IndoSec Summit in Indonesia scheduled for September 15-16, 2026. Ireland: Dublin continues hosting academic and specialised security conferences throughout the year, serving as a European hub for technology companies and security research. ## Selecting the Right Conference Security professionals should align conference attendance with career development objectives and organisational security priorities. Technical practitioners benefit from research-focused events like Black Hat and DEF CON, while security executives gain strategic value from Gartner and RSA Conference executive tracks. Regional events provide networking opportunities with local peers and vendors addressing market-specific compliance requirements. Budget considerations favour free-to-attend exhibitions like Cloud and Cyber Security Expo for vendor discovery, while premium conferences justify investment through exclusive content and executive networking access. Combining events scheduled in the same location, such as Black Hat USA and DEF CON in Las Vegas, maximises travel efficiency and learning opportunities.
Location: London, United Kingdom
Website: aiconference.london AI World Congress stands at the forefront of technology leadership gatherings in 2026. This premier event attracts 250+ delegates from global enterprises, covering artificial intelligence applications across industries including advanced AI-driven cyber security solutions. Attendees gain insights into machine learning for threat detection, automated incident response, and the integration of large language models into security operations centres. The London venue provides an ideal setting for European and international security professionals to explore how AI transforms cyber defence strategies. ## 2. RSA Conference 2026 Dates: March 23-26, 2026
Location: San Francisco, California, USA
Website: rsaconference.com RSA Conference remains the world's largest gathering for information security professionals. RSAC 2026 draws over 45,000 attendees to the Moscone Center for four days of keynotes, technical sessions, and an extensive exhibition floor featuring hundreds of security vendors. Topics span cloud security, identity management, threat intelligence, and emerging attack vectors. The conference serves as a barometer for industry trends and vendor innovations shaping enterprise security investments. ## 3. Black Hat USA 2026 Dates: August 1-6, 2026
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Website: blackhat.com Black Hat USA delivers the industry's most technically rigorous security research presentations. Security researchers, penetration testers, and vulnerability analysts converge at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center for groundbreaking disclosures on zero-day exploits, hardware vulnerabilities, and attack methodologies. Training sessions precede the main conference, offering hands-on skills development from elite practitioners. Arsenal demonstrations showcase cutting-edge security tools developed by the community. ## 4. DEF CON 32 Dates: August 6-9, 2026
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Website: defcon.org DEF CON brings together the global hacker community for four days of village competitions, capture-the-flag challenges, and unconventional presentations. This grassroots gathering attracts over 30,000 security enthusiasts, researchers, and curious technologists. Villages dedicated to car hacking, IoT security, social engineering, and lockpicking provide immersive learning environments. The event's inclusive culture welcomes participants from government agencies, corporations, and independent research communities alike. ## 5. Gartner Security and Risk Management Summit 2026 Dates: June 1-3, 2026
Location: National Harbor, Maryland, USA
Website: gartner.com Gartner's flagship security event targets CISOs, security architects, and enterprise risk leaders seeking strategic guidance. Analyst-led sessions address security program maturity, vendor landscape analysis, and technology roadmapping. Peer networking opportunities connect attendees with security executives facing similar organisational challenges. The summit provides actionable frameworks for communicating security value to executive leadership and boards of directors. ## 6. Cloud and Cyber Security Expo 2026 Dates: March 4-5, 2026
Location: ExCeL London, United Kingdom
Website: cloudsecurityexpo.com Cloud and Cyber Security Expo serves as a central gathering point for European security innovation. The exhibition showcases cloud security platforms, endpoint protection solutions, and managed security services. Theatre presentations feature case studies from financial services, healthcare, and government organisations implementing zero-trust architectures. Free attendance makes this event accessible to security professionals exploring vendor solutions and industry best practices. ## 7. Infosecurity Europe 2026 Dates: June 2026 (dates TBD)
Location: ExCeL London, United Kingdom
Website: infosecurityeurope.com Infosecurity Europe stands as the continent's premier information security event, attracting over 19,500 attendees annually. The conference programme addresses regulatory compliance including GDPR and NIS2 requirements, supply chain security, and insider threat management. Expert panels examine the evolving threat landscape targeting European critical infrastructure. Networking events facilitate connections between security practitioners, vendors, and consultancies operating across the region. ## 8. Black Hat Europe 2026 Dates: December 2026 (dates TBD)
Location: London, United Kingdom
Website: blackhat.com Black Hat Europe brings world-class security research to a European audience. Technical briefings cover vulnerabilities affecting enterprise infrastructure, mobile platforms, and industrial control systems. Training courses delivered by security experts provide intensive skills development in penetration testing, malware analysis, and incident response. The event timing at year-end provides practitioners with insights for security planning and budgeting cycles. ## 9. GovWare Conference and Exhibition 2026 Dates: October 13-15, 2026
Location: Singapore
Website: govware.sg GovWare serves as Asia's flagship cybersecurity event, organised by the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore. Government officials, critical infrastructure operators, and enterprise security leaders convene to address regional threat intelligence, public-private partnerships, and smart nation security initiatives. The conference examines security challenges unique to rapidly digitising Asian economies. Singapore's position as a technology hub makes GovWare essential for security professionals operating in the Asia Pacific region. ## 10. GISEC Global 2026 Dates: April 2026 (dates TBD)
Location: Dubai World Trade Centre, UAE
Website: gisec.ae GISEC Global represents the Middle East's largest cybersecurity conference and exhibition. The event connects security professionals from Gulf Cooperation Council nations with international vendors and thought leaders. Conference tracks address critical infrastructure protection, financial services security, and national cyber defence strategies. Dubai's strategic location attracts delegates from Africa, Central Asia, and South Asia seeking regional security partnerships and technology solutions. ## Regional Highlights Canada: SiberX events throughout 2026 include the CISO Forum and Operation Defend The North conferences in Ottawa and Vancouver, alongside Canadian Women in Cybersecurity gatherings promoting diversity in the security profession. Singapore and Asia: Black Hat Asia in April 2026 brings elite security research to the region, complementing GovWare and the IndoSec Summit in Indonesia scheduled for September 15-16, 2026. Ireland: Dublin continues hosting academic and specialised security conferences throughout the year, serving as a European hub for technology companies and security research. ## Selecting the Right Conference Security professionals should align conference attendance with career development objectives and organisational security priorities. Technical practitioners benefit from research-focused events like Black Hat and DEF CON, while security executives gain strategic value from Gartner and RSA Conference executive tracks. Regional events provide networking opportunities with local peers and vendors addressing market-specific compliance requirements. Budget considerations favour free-to-attend exhibitions like Cloud and Cyber Security Expo for vendor discovery, while premium conferences justify investment through exclusive content and executive networking access. Combining events scheduled in the same location, such as Black Hat USA and DEF CON in Las Vegas, maximises travel efficiency and learning opportunities.
About the Author
DE
Dr. Emily Watson
AI Platforms, Hardware & Security Analyst
Dr. Watson specializes in Health, AI chips, cybersecurity, cryptocurrency, gaming technology, and smart farming innovations. Technical expert in emerging tech sectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest cyber security conference in 2026?
RSA Conference 2026 in San Francisco is the largest information security gathering, attracting over 45,000 attendees. For European professionals, Infosecurity Europe in London draws 19,500+ attendees annually.
Which cyber security conferences are best for technical security researchers?
Black Hat USA (August 1-6, Las Vegas) and DEF CON 32 (August 6-9, Las Vegas) offer the most technically rigorous content, including zero-day research disclosures, vulnerability demonstrations, and hands-on hacking villages.
Are there free cyber security conferences in 2026?
Yes, Cloud and Cyber Security Expo (March 4-5, London) offers free attendance with vendor exhibitions and theatre presentations. Many regional events also provide free tracks alongside premium content.
What is the best cyber security conference in the Middle East?
GISEC Global in Dubai (April 2026) is the Middle East largest cybersecurity conference, connecting security professionals from GCC nations with international vendors and thought leaders.
Which conferences are best for CISOs and security executives?
Gartner Security and Risk Management Summit (June 1-3, National Harbor MD) and RSA Conference executive tracks provide strategic guidance, vendor analysis, and peer networking specifically designed for security leadership.
