Cybersecurity Awareness Month & Privacy Matters @ UBC Symposium 2025
Each October, people around the world take part in Cybersecurity Awareness Month—a global campaign to promote online safety, educate individuals and organizations, and empower everyone to protect their digital lives. At UBC, this campaign comes to life through a series of informative online events, practical resources, and one highly anticipated in-person gathering: the Privacy Matters @ UBC Symposium.
On Wednesday, October 29, 2025, this in-person event brings together the UBC community to explore critical issues in privacy and information security through information sessions, workshops, panels, and networking.
We're now seeking presentation proposals from individuals across the UBC community and beyond!
What We’re Looking For
We're seeking a wide range of presenters and presentation formats. You might be surprised—you don’t need to be a cybersecurity pro to have something valuable to share.
Cybersecurity and Privacy Experts
Do you have experience in data privacy, cybersecurity, compliance, or digital risk—especially within the higher education, public sector, or research ecosystems in British Columbia or Canada?
We're looking for:
- Experts who can share trends, case studies, or technical best practices.
- Presenters who can demystify policies or tools used at UBC or in academia.
- Professionals with insights into how institutions like UBC can protect sensitive data in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
UBC Leadership Advocating for Compliance
Are you an Admin Head of Unit, or senior leader who has worked closely with the PrISM team to bring your unit into alignment with UBC's information security standards?
We’d love for you to:
- Share your journey toward compliance.
- Talk about challenges you overcame and the impact on your team.
- Encourage peer leadership by showcasing success stories.
UBC Staff or Faculty Sharing Personal Experiences
Have you:
- Helped respond to a cybersecurity incident?
- Been involved in a data privacy project?
- Had a “lightbulb moment” about why privacy and security matter?
We’re looking for personal stories, big or small. You could present solo, participate in a panel discussion, or be interviewed as part of a Q&A session.
Privacy Matters Champions
Are you a member of the Privacy Matters Champions Network? Tell us about your experience!
We’re looking for:
- Testimonials about how you've used Champions Network materials to support your colleagues.
- Creative ways you've encouraged privacy conversations in your team.
- Reflections on how the network helped you grow your awareness.
Presentation Formats and Expectations
Let’s make this fun and informative! We welcome creative, interactive, and engaging formats. Presentations should be 30 to 45 minutes, including time for Q&A.
Some format ideas include:
- Workshop with hands-on activities
- Panel discussion
- Tabletop exercise or incident simulation
- Hypothetical scenario analysis
- Re-enactment of a real-world data breach or response
- Lightning talks (3 short presentations in a session)
- Fireside chat
- Live demonstrations
Our goal is to foster learning and dialogue in a collaborative, supportive environment.
Important Info
Proposal Deadline: Friday, July 25, 2025
We invite you to be part of this important conversation. Whether you're a seasoned speaker or new to presenting, this is your chance to contribute to UBC’s evolving privacy and information security culture.
Submit Your Presentation Proposal Here