OK, so it’s day one. You’re in San Francisco attending RSA 2008 possibly for the first time. What do you need to do? Well, for starters you should take advantage of the first timers orientation. This might seem overly simplistic but, RSA 2008 is a big show. If you want to get you money’s worth this will help you map out a strategy for the show. If you’re attending on your company dime with little more interest than to replenish your t-shirt collection then click over to this link.
There are a lot of aspects to the show that you should be aware of. This first time attendee workshop helps. Hell, even if you have been before it’ll help to check it out. Beyond the back breaking vendor floor there are a LOT of seminars and presentations to take advantage of. One thing that I learned last year is how to keep a low profile. Myrcurial and I were there last year and I had the t-shirt and jeans look while Myrcurial was wearing a suit. The sales folks (albeit only doing their job) swarmed him while they didn’t give me a second look. I found this highly entertaining. Perception is 9/10ths of reality after all. But, I digress. The orientation takes place at Moscone center at 4:30 pm (PST). Be sure to ask the info desk or check your itinerary as my information might be stale.
Later on today do yourself a favour and take a fistful of business cards and march your ass over to the “Networking 101” session from 5:15 pm until 6 pm. This is a little how to session on meeting folks. Now, you might scoff at this idea but, think of 5 security folks you know. And then think how many of them are good at dealing with other humans.
I thought so.
There are others like you out there. For that matter this is a good chance to meet some new folks in your field.