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Sponsorship Opportunities for the 2025 Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS) Conference

The Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS) organization is gearing up for its 2025 conference, inviting corporations and organizations to participate as sponsors. Scheduled from April 2-5 in Dallas, Texas, with an additional virtual component on April 9-10, this event serves as a significant platform for fostering the growth of women in the cybersecurity field.

As the cybersecurity landscape evolves, it becomes increasingly clear that there is a critical shortage of professionals equipped to tackle the rising tide of cyber threats. WiCyS is dedicated to addressing this issue head-on, and this conference is a key initiative towards building a more skilled workforce.

The Urgency of Cybersecurity Workforce Development

Currently, the cybersecurity sector faces a staggering talent gap, with hundreds of thousands of positions remaining unfilled across the United States. This personnel shortage not only threatens the integrity of businesses but also raises national security concerns and heightens the risks associated with data breaches. According to projections, cybercrime costs are anticipated to reach a staggering $10.5 trillion annually by the year 2025. Demonstrating the gravity of this situation, IBM's Cost of a Data Breach Report 2023 estimates the average cost of a data breach at around $4.88 million per occurrence.

Compounding the problem, women constitute only a modest 20-24% of the global cybersecurity workforce, making it even more difficult to overcome the skills shortage in this domain. WiCyS is at the forefront of the movement to cultivate the next generation of cyber professionals by creating accessible opportunities tailored to meet workforce demands.

The Value of Sponsoring WiCyS 2025

Business leaders often wonder why they should invest in WiCyS. The answer lies in the dual advantage the organization offers. First, WiCyS presents unparalleled access to a diverse talent pipeline, unmatched by any other cybersecurity event. Secondly, attendees benefit from a balanced blend of technical and strategic insights crucial for their professional development.

Alexandra Z Landegger, Global Head of Cyber Strategy and Transformation at RTX, affirms this commitment: “The magic of WiCyS is twofold: access to an incredible talent pipeline and intentional content that genuinely supports our members' growth journeys.”

Why Become a Sponsor?

Sponsoring WiCyS provides an array of distinct advantages for organizations:
1. Address Workforce Needs: Engage with a rich mix of cybersecurity professionals, students, and industry leaders eager to fill vacancies in the sector.
2. Support Workforce Development: Mentor future cyber experts while creating real career pathways through meaningful opportunities.
3. Achieve Talent Acquisition Goals: Gain exclusive access to the WiCyS career fair and targeted networking opportunities designed to connect with skilled prospects.

Sponsorship Levels and Benefits

Sponsorship packages range from Premium to Silver, each offering unique benefits. These include career fair booths, access to a resume database of attendees, speaking opportunities at various sessions, and prominent branding visibility. There are also specialized sponsorships available, which cover items like mobile app logos, coffee cup branding, and support for the Career Growth Hub.

Notably, sponsors also have the chance to fund scholarships and travel stipends, enabling aspiring cybersecurity professionals to overcome obstacles and access educational resources.

Lynn Dohm, Executive Director of WiCyS, emphasizes the importance of building a competent workforce for future challenges: “WiCyS is leading efforts to ensure there is a steady flow of skilled professionals ready to take on tomorrow’s cybersecurity challenges.”

Forecasts suggest that over 2,400 participants will gather for the 2025 conference, solidifying WiCyS's role as a central player in addressing the cybersecurity workforce crisis. Just last year, more than 1,000 scholarships were awarded to budding professionals, equipping them with vital skills and fostering industry connections.

Get Involved

With sponsorship opportunities being limited and in high demand, organizations are encouraged to act promptly to secure their involvement in this illustrious event.

For more information on sponsorship opportunities and to join this vital initiative, please visit the official WiCyS sponsorship page.

About Women in CyberSecurity

Founded by Dr. Ambareen Siraj through a National Science Foundation grant to Tennessee Tech University in 2013, Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS) is committed to recruiting, retaining, and advancing women in the cybersecurity field. The organization offers a plethora of resources, training, and community-building events. Some of its strategic partners include industry giants like Microsoft, Google, and Ford Motor Company, underlining its influential position in the cybersecurity landscape.