Coincidental timing….seeing a discussion on Twitter and forum here between a few people on why I don’t do presentations at large conferences.

Nice to know that people give me that cred worth discussing…thank you.

I read Joanna lay down some conditions a while back on where, what, and under certain rules/conditions she would present at. At the time, I thought, fair enough Jo, (particularly about your position on countries that had women at a lower level to men….cred to you!).

I’m now at the stage where previously I would have thought this position, (like some take), would be arrogant and a wank, (aside from the sexist thing that Jo stand’s for)……where I am now doing the same thing!

It has been enforced upon me! I don’t want to do them (these presentations) for various reasons! Read on…..

Background:

I don’t respond to CFPs. 2 reasons:

(1) The really good Infosec conferences worth attending (eg; Ruxcon, Kiwicon etc in my region), I am 15 years past being good enough. I’m not good enough. I’m a businessman now with some knowledge. (Dangerous and a pain to the team at Securus Global)

(2) The higher level events (sponsor driven)….I don’t like because they are vendor driven BS (eg; AusCERT)……BUT……..

Invite me, and if I think the event could be ok…(potentially and there are some people I think will get benefit from what I say)…..I may do it….particularly if it is a CEO, CFO, CIO event….not preaching to the converted!

So yes, last 3 events where I have been invited to present, (bypassing the “supposed” CFP stage with all expenses covered) this has been the case. I have been invited to present at what seems like “ok” events – events to target those (“some”) people where I may not be preaching to the “converted”.

Only after have I confirmed, have I been told, that I have been scheduled for the “Master Classes” (Special event status) (not the actual conference itself) where to hear me is upwards of $1500 for 3 hours! WTF?!

3 Problems I have with that:

(1) I don’t get paid for it! (aside from expenses and only if I ask for them)

(2) You can see U2 and AC/DC for 1/10 of the price

(3) This is s**t I do for free on request for any client at anytime!

So, here’s the drill from here on in (like Joanna did). If you want me to present at these things:

(1) If it’s a “Master Class” event, USD20K up front with business class air travel and 5 star accom. (You know 5 attendees will cover that)

(2) You actually tell the client it would be cheaper for you, (the client) to fly Draz out for the week and work with your company direct! (not that that will ever happen)

(3) If (1) or (2) doesn’t work for you, don’t call. Each time you waste my time, the price goes up!

Not being arrogant as I hope all who know me would acknowledge. Just sick of hearing the rip-off last minute and having to tell you conference money-makers that I am not interested. You know who you are and if you follow this site, you’ll know that I have never changed.

Others here will ride the circuit and you know who you are. Ride on dudes!