BSides Bloomington is seeking talks that explore how we reclaim control in an increasingly mediated, monetized, and automated digital world. This year’s theme, Insert Coin to Opt Out, focuses on autonomy, transparency, and building systems that empower users instead of exploiting them.

We’re looking for presentations that help our community understand the risks of default technology choices — and more importantly, how to change them. This can include deep technical research, practical guidance, strategic perspectives, or real-world case studies.

Our audience includes security professionals, hackers, students, developers, IT practitioners, privacy advocates, and curious newcomers. Talks should be accessible to a broad technical audience, but we welcome both beginner-friendly content and highly technical deep dives. Strong submissions clearly communicate who the talk is for and what attendees will learn.

Topics we’re interested in include (but are not limited to):

Opting Out & Reclaiming Control • Self-hosting and alternative infrastructure • Escaping platform lock-in and walled gardens • Decentralized identity and trust models • Open-source replacements for commercial ecosystems • Privacy-first architectures and design

AI, Automation, and Algorithmic Control • Security implications of AI everywhere • Defensive uses of AI for individuals and small teams • Risks of automated decision systems • Data poisoning, prompt injection, and model abuse • Strategies for limiting unwanted AI interaction

Privacy, Surveillance, and Data Ownership • Tracking ecosystems and how to defeat them • Data minimization strategies • Threat modeling for individuals and communities • Mobile privacy and device hardening • Network-level privacy protections

Offensive & Defensive Security • Vulnerability research and exploitation • Blue team detection and response • Red team tradecraft • Hardware and firmware security • Supply chain attacks and defenses

Human-Centered Security • Usable security and privacy • Security as empowerment, not restriction • Social engineering and manipulation resistance • Security for non-traditional users • Building inclusive security communities

Practical & Hands-On • Live demos and tooling walkthroughs • “How I opted out” case studies • Building privacy-respecting home labs • Open-source security tooling • Breaking proprietary ecosystems

What makes a strong submission

We especially value: • Practical takeaways attendees can apply immediately • Original research or novel perspectives • Real-world experiences (successes or failures) • Live demonstrations or technical walkthroughs • Clear audience targeting (beginner, intermediate, advanced) • Talks that challenge assumptions about modern technology

Formats we welcome • 45-minute talks • Panels • Workshops (hands-on or guided) • Villages / interactive spaces (if applicable)

Whether you’re presenting deep technical research, showing how to escape a closed ecosystem, or sharing lessons learned while building something privacy-first, we want to hear from you.

Insert coin. Take control. Opt out.

CODE OF CONDUCT

We have NO tolerance for physical/verbal/sexual harassment of any human!

Our Code of Conduct is “Be Excellent to Each Other”, AKA the “Golden Rule”. Failing that, it is “Do not be a jerk *, or we will kick you out!”.

Asking questions of a speaker during their talk to get clarity or debate a point is not being a jerk…heckling or haranguing the speaker is. If you are not sure – ask – or err on the side of basic decency and common courtesy. If what you are doing would not be acceptable to have been done to you, your best friend, your worst enemy, sister, niece, daughter, brother, nephew, son, mother, father, or any other human being…don’t do it. Also, do not let another person treat anyone else that way – whether you know them or not. If someone asks you to stop...then stop.

If you are having an issue with a BSides participant of any badge type, find a member of our Security Operations Team in the red BSides t-shirts (or any staff member with a grey badge). They will call our Safety & Medical Response Team (S.M.R.T.), who will assist you in determining the next steps for you to feel safe and heard.

* Staff reserves the right to determine what constitutes “Being a jerk”.

Additional Information

To help us review submissions effectively, please include the following in your proposal:

Audience Level

Who is this talk for?

• Beginner
• Intermediate
• Advanced
• Mixed audience

Session Format

Let us know your preferred format:

• 45-minute talk
• Workshop (hands-on)
• Panel
• Village / interactive idea

Technical Requirements

Please list anything you need:

• Internet access (note: may be limited)
• Live demo requirements
• Audio needs
• Special hardware
• Table space (for workshops)

Prior Presentations

Has this talk been presented before? If so, where?

We welcome both new and previously delivered content, but preference may be given to original material.

Demo Disclosure

Will your talk include:

•  • Live demos
•  • Offensive techniques
•  • Exploitation activity
•  • Potentially disruptive content

(This helps us plan rooms and avoid conflicts.)

What Attendees Will Learn

Please provide 2–4 bullet points describing concrete takeaways.

 Speaker Experience (Optional)

First-time speakers are encouraged. If you’re new, feel free to tell us — we’re happy to support you.

Co-Speakers

If applicable, list co-speakers and roles.

Other Notes

Conference Format

BSides Bloomington 2026 is an in-person only event. We do not support remote presentations or remote attendance. All selected speakers must be able to present onsite at the Bloomington Convention Center on October 2–3.

Speaker Compensation

BSides Bloomington is a community-run event. In keeping with the global BSides tradition, we do not provide speaker compensation, honorariums, or travel reimbursement. Speakers will receive conference admission and our appreciation for contributing to the community.

First-Time Speakers Encouraged

BSides events are built to support emerging voices. We strongly encourage first-time speakers to submit. If you have an idea, research, experience, or perspective you want to share, this is a welcoming venue to develop your talk and engage with the community.

What We Value

•  Original content and authentic perspectives
•  Community-building and knowledge sharing
•  Practical takeaways for attendees
•  Technical depth or thoughtful exploration
•  Talks that align with the year’s theme: autonomy, control, and opting out

Submission Tips

•  Clearly define your audience (beginner, intermediate, advanced)
•  Tell us what attendees will learn
•  Include enough detail to evaluate your talk
•  Avoid marketing or product pitches
•  Preference is given to original material not widely presented elsewhere

Questions?

If you have questions about submissions, formats, or topic fit, please contact the CFP team or reach out through the conference website/social channels.

We’re excited to hear your ideas — insert coin, take control, and opt out.