The CFP will open on February 5 and close on April 2, so make sure to mark your calendars and submit your proposal(s) early.
As the first month of 2025 comes to a close, we hope this year has started off strong for everyone. Our team has already begun ramping up for our biggest event, Black Hat USA, which will take place August 2-7 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.
A key part of preparing for this event is selecting the content that will be presented onstage as part of our Briefings program. For those who may not know, we select presentations via our Call for Papers (CFP) process, and with the CFP for Black Hat USA 2025 officially opening on February 5, 2025, we wanted to share some helpful resources and information, along with some feedback and advice from our Black Hat USA Review Board and past Speakers.
While we expect to receive submissions from Speakers within the cybersecurity community who have previously spoken at Black Hat events, we would like to take a moment to encourage anyone even potentially considering submitting a proposal this year to take some time to review our posted submission requirements. If your research aligns with these requirements, we welcome you to submit your proposal. After all, the first step to potentially taking the Black Hat stage at this year's conference begins with your submission. Last year, over 80 new Speakers presented their Briefings for the first time during Black Hat USA 2024, and we would love to continue to welcome more new Speakers to the Black Hat stage. Plus, there is no cost to submit, and you never know where it may lead you.
Before we dive into more details, important dates to note for Black Hat USA 2025 can be found below:
*Terms & Dates are subject to change.
While this blog will include frequently asked questions and links to helpful resources, the highlights on all things Black Hat CFP can also be found HERE.
Image features Black Hat Speaker presenting during a Black Hat USA 2024 Briefings presentation.
What is the CFP?
The Black Hat CFP is the process for researchers from the cybersecurity community to submit their latest research for upcoming Black Hat events. Each Black Hat event also has its own CFP process where all submissions are individually reviewed by the Black Hat Review Board. Those that are selected are then presented as Briefings during the event.
Where can you find examples of a CFP that has been selected?
A few recent examples from Black Hat USA can be found HERE.
What does the Black Hat Review Board look for when reviewing a CFP submission?
The Black Hat Review Board reviews all submissions for their uniqueness, overall content expertise, and accuracy before any selections are made. The best submissions come with academic-grade papers, proof-of-concept code, and/or video demonstrations of the work done. Please note, Black Hat does not support pay-for-play Briefings. The Briefings are, and always have been, independently selected based on quality of content and area of expertise, rather than sponsorship.
Image features Black Hat Speaker presenting during a Black Hat USA 2024 Briefings presentation.
Where can you find additional resources to help craft your submission?
Additional resources directly from the Black Hat Review Board can be found below.
Image features Black Hat Speakers presenting during a Black Hat USA 2024 Briefings presentation.
What can you expect if your submission is accepted?
First things first, congratulations! Black Hat receives a considerable number of proposals each year, and being selected to present is an accomplishment worth celebrating. If your CFP is selected, Black Hat will provide a variety of resources you may utilize to help make your upcoming presentation the best it can be.
What Speaker benefits are available?
The most up-to-date list of Speaker benefits can be found HERE, but a quick overview includes student scholarship nominations, a complimentary Briefings pass (or passes, if/when applicable), and the opportunity to participate in our Speaker Coaching Program. One Speaker per session also receives an honorarium, travel reimbursement, and complimentary accommodations through our official housing partners. Additionally, Black Hat holds a Speaker Orientation prior to the event and a Speaker Welcome Reception at the event.
What is the Speaker Coaching Program?
Speakers selected to present during Black Hat Briefings are eligible to participate in the complimentary Speaker Coaching Program. Launched in 2019, this program offers coaching from past Black Hat Speakers, Review Board Members, and other renowned industry experts.
With a participation rate of over 40%, this program was designed to provide feedback and support for all aspects of presentation preparation, including rehearsal and delivery. The program is customizable to meet the Speaker's needs, no matter whether they are a first-time Speaker, or an experienced presenter looking to fine-tune their skills and ensure the content resonates with the Black Hat audience.
If you've never submitted your proposal to a Black Hat event and/or haven't yet participated in our Speaker Coaching Program and would like to know more, we've included some feedback below from recent Black Hat Speakers who participated in this program.
Jacob Larsen, Offensive Security Team Lead & Threat Researcher, shared:
"During the Speaker Coaching Program, my coach helped me with unearthing the story behind my research so it could be digested by the audience seamlessly, flowing from one topic to another without it feeling abrupt. I found this program helpful since it provided me with the opportunity to speak directly with someone who had previously presented at Black Hat, and their first-hand experience in how the conference is run helped make a positive difference in my presentation.
I appreciate the time the coaches invested in helping the presenters with the conference. I have never felt so respected and appreciated for the security research I have spent so much time on, and I will definitely be submitting to Black Hat again in the future."
Michael Bargury, Co-Founder and CTO, Zenity
"Having an expert work with you and get to know you and your work is incredible. I've been through the program twice, and each time my coaches helped me focus my message and challenged me to make the talk the best it can be. Speaking at Black Hat is an exciting opportunity, but it could also be a bit intimidating. The personal connection with my coaches helped ground me and build my confidence. I was ready, excited, and could spend the week enjoying the experience. The second time around, my coach pushed me to follow my gut and take chances, which really paid off as the talk was well-received."
The current list of Speaker Coaches can be found HERE.
Thoughts from the Black Hat Review Board and Past Speakers
While compiling these resources, we also asked the Review Board and past Speakers for any advice or feedback they'd be willing to share with anyone considering submitting to the CFP for Black Hat USA this year. Their commentary can be found below.
Sherri Davidoff, Black Hat USA Review Board Member
"As part of the Black Hat USA Review Board, I'm passionate about amplifying diverse voices in cybersecurity. We need the perspectives of women, minorities, LGBTQ+, and all underrepresented groups to tackle today's most pressing challenges. If you've ever considered sharing your expertise, now is the time. Your voice matters, and we want to hear it."
Jess Nall, Black Hat USA Speaker, Technology Executive Defense Practice, Baker McKenzie, LLP
"My experience as a Black Hat USA 2024 Briefings Speaker was truly transformative, and the Black Hat team provided exceptional support throughout the entire process. The team's dedication and commitment to Speaker success was evident at every step. Since delivering my Briefings presentation, I've expanded my professional network by hundreds of influential cybersecurity leaders–connections that continue to grow into meaningful professional relationships. Black Hat USA wasn't just a speaking opportunity; it was a career-defining experience that opened doors I never imagined possible."
If you have additional questions, who is the best contact?
Feel free to reach out to cfp@blackhat.com with any CFP questions.
If you'd like to read more about the Black Hat CFP, please feel free to check out one of our blogs from last summer, that covers Briefings and more of the CFP process and background, which can be found HERE. Please note, the dates in this blog apply to Black Hat USA 2024, and are not reflective of the dates for 2025.
Top Sponsors and Partners of Black Hat USA 2025 include: