See below for more information on specific categories:

  • Birds of a Feather (BoaF) are informal discussion sessions engaging the audience and moderated by the facilitator(s) on just about any topic related to cybersecurity and/or privacy. The facilitator leads the discussion with primary participation from the audience. These sessions can be a great way to share ideas and be introduced to current issues or trends in this area. BoaF sessions are 45 minutes long with a maximum of two listed facilitators.
    • First listed facilitator receives complimentary registration and does not receive Gaylord National Harbor Credit.
    • Second listed presenter does not receive complimentary registration or Gaylord National Harbor Credit; they receive early registration.
  • Lightning talks highlight fresh ideas, unique perspectives, valuable experiences and emerging trends in cybersecurity and/or privacy. Lightning Talks are five-minute talks (with or without formal presentations) with a maximum of one listed presenter.
    • Listed presenter receives complimentary registration and does not receive Gaylord National Harbor Credit.
  • Panels provide opportunities to spotlight discussion on a current, relevant topic in cybersecurity and/or privacy. Panel submitters are responsible for selecting appropriate panelists to participate. In addition to the moderator, there can be two or three panelists and each panel is 45 minutes long with a minimum of two and a maximum of three panelists and one moderator listed. Submit all confirmed names and their affiliation info along with the abstract. 
    • Moderator receives complimentary registration and does not receive Gaylord National Harbor Credit.
    • Up to three panelists receive reduced rate conference registration ($300) and do not receive Gaylord National Harbor Credit.
  • Technical presentations highlight innovations, research & development projects, technical skills development, internships/co-ops experiences, service-learning and outreach projects, or other interesting experiences related to cybersecurity and/or privacy. Technical presentations are 45 minutes long, including time for Q&A, with a maximum of two listed presenters.
    • If accepted for In-person Conference:
      • First listed presenter receives complimentary registration and Gaylord National Harbor Credit.
      • Second listed presenter receives complimentary registration and does not receive Gaylord National Harbor Credit.
    • If accepted for Virtual Conference:
      • First and second listed presenters receive complimentary virtual conference registration.
  • Workshops are hands-on sessions (technical/professional development) on any topic related to cybersecurity and/or privacy. The audience should be engaged and participate in activities throughout the session. Workshops are 1 hour and 45 minutes in length with a maximum of four listed presenters. Workshops should be suitable for a large audience (>150 attendees)
    • First listed presenter receives complimentary registration and Gaylord National Harbor Credit.
    • Second listed presenter receives complimentary registration and does not receive Gaylord National Harbor Credit.
    • Other listed presenters do not receive complimentary registration or Gaylord National Harbor Credit; they receive early registration.
  • Posters provide opportunities for students to present their work to the audience at WiCyS in poster format. The Poster judging process will select winners in both the undergraduate and graduate categories. The Winners of the poster competition in both undergraduate and graduate categories receive travel support for future security conference(s) of their choice. Runners-up receive prizes as well. 
    • Submissions must be presented in person and the first listed presenter must be the lead presenter. Maximum of 4 presenters.
    • The first listed student of accepted posters will receive an automatic scholarship to register and attend WiCyS 2026 which includes conference registration, conference meals and 2 nights shared lodging. There is a $50 registration processing fee. They also receive a $500 travel stipend.
    • Additional students listed on a poster must apply for a scholarship to attend and there is no automatic scholarship.
    • Presenting a poster at the conference is a student member benefit. Accepted poster presenters must become a student member if they are not already a student member.

The Gaylord National Harbor Credit can be applied toward your lodging and/or hospitality expenses (such as dining or other amenities) at the venue during the WiCyS 2026 conference.

Clearly convey the session topic. Please do not include author names or author company names in the title.
(250 words or less. Provide a clear overview of session content and outcomes. Please do not include author names or author company names in this abstract. Abstract will be published.)
Creating a password lets you log back in to modify your registration, and speeds up your next registration.