If your career sits at the intersection of people and security, you've got to join us this August for Convene: Boston. 

Hosted by the National Cybersecurity Alliance on August 13-14, Convene brings together security awareness leaders, behavioral scientists, cybersecurity professionals, communicators, and culture builders for two days of practical learning, meaningful networking, and fresh ideas. This isn't a conference where you sit quietly in the back of the room and don't meet anyone. We named it Convene, for crying out loud! You'll exchange ideas, challenge assumptions, and leave with strategies you can put to work immediately. 

Need more reasons, or need to make a case to your boss? Look no further! 

And get your tickets here! 

1. Learn from experts who are redefining human risk 

Cybersecurity is constantly evolving, and so is the science behind human behavior. Convene features experts tackling everything from phishing and social engineering to behavioral science, insider threats, and security culture. Every session is designed to move beyond theory and provide practical ideas you can apply in your own organization. 

2. Hear groundbreaking research from leading academics 

Some of the brightest minds studying cybersecurity and human behavior will be sharing their latest research – check out the full agenda here! 

Dr. Lorrie Cranor, Director of Carnegie Mellon University's CyLab Security and Privacy Institute, will present new findings on why people fall for scams. Dr. Calvin Noble of the University of Maryland will examine how artificial intelligence is reshaping decision-making, education, and security. Meanwhile, Dr. Marc Dupuis of the University of Washington will present research that challenges attendees to rethink security culture by treating employees as allies rather than liabilities. 

If you enjoy learning where the industry is headed before everyone else does, these sessions alone are worth the trip. 

3. Join a community that understands your work 

Security awareness professionals often wear many hats. Sometimes you're a team of one. That's why one of Convene's greatest strengths is its community. You'll meet people facing the same challenges you are, securing organizations, influencing leadership, improving employee engagement, and helping people make better security decisions. Whether you're chatting between sessions, attending the networking happy hour, or exchanging ideas over coffee, you'll find people who speak your language. Some of the best ideas at Convene happen outside the presentation rooms! 

4. Don't just attend – share and brag! 

Convene isn't designed to be a passive experience. Throughout the conference, you'll have opportunities to ask questions, collaborate with peers, and crowdsource solutions to common challenges.  

One attendee favorite is Security Share + Brag. This session is built around a simple idea: the best insights at Convene don’t always come from the stage. We’ll give your table time to dig into one question together, surface what’s working in your programs, and share the strongest ideas with the full room. No slides, no formal presentations, but peer-to-peer exchange in the spirit of what Convene is all about. 

5. Leave inspired by our closing fireside chat on the future of your career 

This year's closing fireside chat, "Is Life Happening to You Or Are You Happening to Life?", features National Cybersecurity Alliance Executive Director Lisa Plaggemier in conversation with CybSafe Founder and CEO Oz Alashe. 

Together, they'll explore the concept of high agency, the mindset that enables leaders to challenge assumptions, influence organizations, and create meaningful change instead of waiting for permission. Whether you're trying to advance your career or transform your security program, this discussion promises to send you home thinking differently about your impact. 

6. Explore one of America's most historic cities 

There's never been a better time to visit Boston than 2026. As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, Boston is at the center of the story. From the Freedom Trail and Faneuil Hall to world-class museums, waterfront dining, and historic neighborhoods, the city offers plenty to explore before or after the conference. Why not pair two days of professional development with a visit to one of the country's most iconic destinations? Geek out on cyber and geek out on American Revolutionary history! 

7. Stay in the heart of the action at a great rate 

Convene: Boston takes place at the Sheraton Boston Hotel, putting attendees in the middle of one of the city's most vibrant neighborhoods. Even better, attendees can reserve rooms for $259 per night (plus taxes and fees) when booking by July 22. That's excellent value for Boston during one of its busiest travel seasons, making it easy to stay close to the conference, networking events, and everything the city has to offer. Secure your awesome hotel room here! 

8. Make the case to your boss: Return to work with ideas you can use immediately 

The best conferences don't just inspire, but they change how we work. Every session at Convene is designed with practical application in mind. You'll leave with new strategies for communicating risk, improving engagement, building stronger security cultures, and helping people make safer decisions. For more reasons to make a case to your boss, check out the Why You Should Attend section of the Convene page! 

You'll also return with something that's harder to measure but just as valuable: renewed energy. Spending two days with people who care about the human side of cybersecurity reminds you why this work matters and gives you fresh momentum to tackle your next challenge.  

Join us in Boston! 

Convene was built by and for the community of professionals working at the intersection of people and security. Whether you're a security awareness manager, cybersecurity leader, communicator, behavioral scientist or someone looking to take the next step in your career, you'll find practical insights, meaningful connections and a community that wants to see you succeed. If your boss needs some convincing, email them this article or the Why You Should Attend section of the Convene page!! 

Join us August 13-14 in Boston to connect, share, and Convene. We can't wait to see you there.