Black Hat is committed to positively impacting the cybersecurity community and the planet. Below are key sessions, features, partnerships, and resources that highlight Black Hat’s efforts to deliver a responsible and inclusive event.
Inspiring Sustainable Development
To inspire sustainable development in the cybersecurity community, Black Hat features Briefings, Community Sessions, Meet-Ups, and Networking Events that connect to our values of sustainability, diversity, and inclusivity:
We host an annual Student Scholarship, as well as partner with organizations to increase accessibility to our event in the form of scholarships. Returning to Black Hat Europe this year is the IN Security Scholarship. In partnership with KnewStart, this scholarship stems from the desire to provide access to women in cybersecurity. As a result, 30 applicants have been awarded to receive Briefings passes to Black Hat Europe 2023.
Skills Short, Threats Deep...How to Foster and Retain a Security Team Amongst a Significant Workforce Gap Community Session: Join Jon France of ISC2 to learn more about ways in which to bridge the cybersecurity workforce gap, solutions, and resources.
Hacking Cyber Policy to Save the World! Meet-Up: Meet local policymakers to learn about the current policy landscape within the UK and join a Q&A to provide feedback on current security challenges you think the government should focus on.
My Invisible Adversary: Burnout Briefing: Attend this Briefing to learn more about how to actively recognize, monitor, and reduce burnout across your team.
Burnout and Neurodiversity in the Workplace: How to Have an Open Conversation with Management Meet-up: This meet-up discusses burnout and neurodiversity within with workplace, and how employees can best have a conversation about their struggles and essential needs without being misunderstood or judged by their organization.
Minimizing Environmental Impact
Black Hat Europe 2023 is powered by 100% renewable electricity
Our venue, the ExCeL London, focuses on various sustainability initiatives, including extensive food waste management, replacing light fittings with LED lighting, and is certified as carbon neutral.
Black Hat strives to educate & encourage Sponsors, along with their appointed contractors, to move away from disposable, single-use stands at events, in favor of reusable structures. Nearly all Sponsors for this event use shell scheme structures for stand builds. This means the structure, including walls, platform/raised flooring, furniture, equipment and lighting are all reused post-event.
All vegetable waste onsite is recycled via ExCeL London's wormery, generating fertilizer for its green spaces.
Black Hat Europe will continue to no longer incorporate aisle floor carpet within the design of the Business Hall, in order to help minimize the environmental impact often associated with short-term usage of carpet. In 2023, this change is estimated to divert approximately 2800 m2 of carpet from the landfill.
We preference digital signage and encourage exhibitors and sponsors to think about sustainability in their procurement choices.
Water refill stations are available throughout the convention center.
Designing Socially Responsible Events
Black Hat has developed a Code of Conduct and Sustainability Pledge to hold itself, our attendees, vendors, and contractors accountable to deliver the best event experience possible
Black Hat Europe is intentionally located in greater London to encourage commuting. The venue is easily accessible via public transportation on the Elizabeth Line and DLR (Docklands Light Railway).
A prayer room and family room are located within the ExCeL London.
ExCeL London is accessible to those who require additional services, such as mobility and support, and recognizes The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme, supporting venue visitors who are living with non-visible disabilities and choose to wear the Sunflower.
Pronoun ribbons will be available at Registration to use in conjunction with conference badges. Additionally, there is an option in which pronouns can be displayed on profiles on our mobile app.
Accessible seating will be available in each of the Keynote and Briefing rooms and is reserved with signage.
Open captioning will be available for all recorded content as part of the Black Hat On-Demand experience.
We work with temporary associates who dedicate their time to help ensure attendees have an excellent event experience.
ExCeL London, works with various organizations within the London Borough of Newham to give back to the local community. Efforts include regular donations of surplus food, clothing, and other items to those in need and hosting events for the organizations and community.
