25 Years Strong: The Evolution of Information Security

The ISSA Middle Tennessee Chapter invites dynamic, knowledgeable, and passionate speakers to submit proposals for the 25th Anniversary of InfoSec Nashville, taking place at the Music City Center in downtown Nashville on September 17–18, 2026.

As we celebrate 25 years of advancing cybersecurity excellence, we are intentionally curating content that supports professionals across the entire Cyber Security Career Lifecycle®. We encourage session submissions that clearly align to one of the following career stages:

🔹 Cybersecurity Entry Level & Pre-Professional (0–4 Years Experience)

For individuals developing foundational knowledge and practical skills in cybersecurity.

We’re seeking sessions & workshops that:

• Reinforce core security principles and methodologies
• Provide hands-on learning or practical guidance
• Help early-career professionals navigate certifications and career pathways
• Bridge academic knowledge to real-world application

🔹 Cybersecurity Mid-Career (4–7 Years Experience)

Professionals who have mastered general security methodologies and are refining their specialization.

We’re seeking sessions & workshops that:

• Dive deeper into technical specialization
• Explore advanced tools, detection, and response strategies
• Share case studies and lessons learned
• Support transition into senior-level responsibilities

🔹 Cybersecurity Senior Level (7+ Years Experience)

Experienced practitioners with extensive expertise and strategic influence.

We’re seeking sessions & workshops that:

• Address enterprise architecture and governance
• Share complex incident response insights
• Explore emerging threats and advanced defense strategies
• Provide mentorship and professional development guidance

🔹 Cybersecurity Leader (12+ Years Experience)

Security executives and recognized leaders who integrate and direct security strategy across organizations.

We’re seeking sessions & workshops that:

• Focus on executive strategy, risk management, and board communication
• Address regulatory trends and business alignment
• Discuss security culture, talent development, and organizational maturity
• Offer forward-looking perspectives on the future of cybersecurity

Factors That Improve Your Chance of Selection

• Proposals are reviewed carefully, and the following factors will strengthen your submission:
• Submit your proposal online before the deadline. EARLY SUBMISSION IS ENCOURAGED.
• Present a unique angle on your topic of interest.
• Clearly define specific learning outcomes in your session description.
• Provide practical advice and actionable takeaways (case studies are highly encouraged).
• Address industry-specific challenges and real-world issues.
• Offer inclusive, diverse, and unique perspectives and experiences.

Please Note

If you select a Panel Discussion, you must include your co-speaker’s email address so they can submit their information for consideration.

ISSA Middle Tennessee Chapter does not cover travel or accommodation costs for speakers unless otherwise agreed upon in writing.

Join us in shaping a milestone event that honors the past, strengthens the present, and inspires the future of cybersecurity.

We look forward to your submission and to celebrating 25 years of InfoSec Nashville with you.

Speaker Code of Conduct

ISSA Middle Tennessee is a professional organization comprised of information security professionals and students. By submitting your abstract to speak at an ISSA Middle Tennessee event, you agree to conduct yourself in a professional, ethical, and lawful manner at all times.

This Code of Conduct is intended to ensure a respectful, inclusive, and professional environment for all members, guests, speakers, sponsors, and partners.

Professional Conduct Expectations

All speakers agree to the following:

Respect and Dignity

Treat all members, guests, and participants with respect and dignity. Harassment, discrimination, or abusive conduct of any kind will not be tolerated.

Professional and Ethical Behavior

Conduct all interactions in a professional and ethical manner so as not to offend, embarrass, or bring discredit upon yourself, your organization, ISSA Middle Tennessee, or the information security profession.

Appropriate Content

Refrain from using offensive, discriminatory, or inappropriate language, imagery, or materials in presentations, displays, marketing collateral, or conversations.

Compliance with Laws and Standards

Perform all professional activities in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards, and uphold the highest ethical principles.

Accuracy and Best Practices

Promote generally accepted, current information security best practices, frameworks, and standards, and avoid knowingly presenting misleading or false information.

Confidentiality

Maintain appropriate confidentiality of proprietary, confidential, or otherwise sensitive information encountered in the course of professional activities.

Integrity and Diligence

Discharge all professional responsibilities with honesty, integrity, and due care.

Conflicts of Interest

Refrain from activities that create an actual or perceived conflict of interest or that could damage the reputation of employers, the information security profession, ISSA, or the Association.

Professional Reputation

Do not intentionally injure, misrepresent, or impugn the professional reputation or practices of colleagues, clients, employers, or other industry participants.

Services and Products

Speakers are allowed to provide information about their services and products; however, please ensure the presentation is mainly focused on providing value around information security and compliance topics;

Reporting Concerns

If you have questions or concerns regarding the conduct of any ISSA member, guest, speaker, or sponsor, please contact an ISSA Middle Tennessee board member or email board@issamidtn.org. ISSA Middle Tennessee reserves the right to take appropriate action, including removal from an event, for violations of this Code of Conduct.