As summer winds down and we shift back into high gear, I wanted to take a few moments to share where things stand with S4x26. This isn’t just another conference update—it’s a snapshot of where we are, what we’re building, and why this year is especially significant.
The Final Chapter in South Beach
S4x26 will be our last year in Miami South Beach. We’ve outgrown the space. The venue has capped our growth, and while it’s been an incredible run, it’s time to plan for something bigger in the years ahead.
That means this year is a chance to do it right one last time in South Beach. The welcome party won’t be at the Botanical Garden this year (long story, involving contracts that apparently don’t mean much in Miami). Instead, we’re going back to our roots at the Fillmore/Jackie Gleason Theater. It’s fitting. That’s where we kicked off our South Beach run years ago, and it’s where we’ll close the chapter.
We’re planning something special for that party—including a cigar lounge for those who want one last puff of nostalgia.
CFP: It’s Not Too Late, But It’s Almost
The Call for Presentations closes August 31. We’ve accepted about 50% of our sessions so far. That’s lower than usual because we’re being more selective this year. If it’s not a “slam dunk,” it goes in the maybe pile.
Yes, we respond fast (usually within 1–2 days). But more importantly, we give feedback. Even if the answer is no, we tell you why—and that gives you time to revise and resubmit. Many speakers go through 3, 4, or 5 iterations before getting the green light.
If you’ve got a strong offensive security talk, a truly novel approach, or research that pushes the conversation forward, now’s the time to send it in.
We want new names, new ideas, and presentations that challenge assumptions. That’s the DNA of S4.
Tickets: Mark Your Calendar for Sept 15
S4x26 tickets go on sale September 15. Here’s how it works:
- Tickets 1–100 are $1,695 + tax
- That block usually sells out in hours
- To make it fair globally, we’re holding that price for the first 36 hours
Last year, over 500 tickets were sold in that window. If you miss it, the next tier jumps $500. And with venue capacity capped, we’re expecting to sell out long before the event.
Pro tip: You can’t reserve a hotel room in the conference block until you have a ticket. If you want to stay at Loews (best hotel on South Beach, hands down) or Surfcomber (where the cabana sessions and scholarship recipients stay), buy your ticket early.
Hotels: Why Early Matters
We’ve got 394 rooms at Loews and 60 at Surfcomber.
- Price: $349/night + tax (no resort fee)
- That’s way lower than market rate (Loews goes for $800/night online)
Once rooms are gone, they’re gone. Don’t wait.
Proof of Concept Pavilion: One Spot Left
The POC Pavilion is almost full. This isn’t a booth. This is real gear, a functioning OT system, and vendors installing their solutions live.
We’ve turned away some great vendors simply because their tech couldn’t function in a realistic demo. No canned attacks. No faked data. If your solution needs simulated chaos to look good, it won’t work here.
But if you can show your tech working in the real world, there’s one spot left.
Women in ICS Security: Scholarships + Support
We’re bringing back our Women in ICS Security scholarship program:
- 10 packages: Free ticket + 4 nights at Surfcomber
- Applications open October 1
This year we’re handling hotels directly instead of offering stipends. It simplifies logistics and makes sure winners actually get a place to stay.
We’ll also be supporting the Women in ICS Dinner on Wednesday night. This started organically with Maggie Morganti and Emma Stewart, and it’s grown so much that we’re stepping in to help with logistics and funding.
We’re reallocating the $20–25K we typically spend on a Monday reception to help make this event shine. And yes, they’ll be seeking additional sponsors. If you want to support meaningful representation in OT security, this is a great place to start.
A Reminder of Who S4 Is For
If your first reaction to a bold idea is, “That won’t work in OT,” you may not like S4.
This is not a fundamentals conference. There are no 101 or even 201 tracks. S4 is built for advanced professionals who want to push the field forward. You’ll hear things that make you uncomfortable. That’s by design.
You’ll also be surrounded by people who lead the industry—folks who present at other events, shape major product roadmaps, and challenge norms. Our job is to create an environment where those collisions and breakthroughs happen.
Final Thoughts
If you want to:
- Speak to 1,000+ of the best minds in OT
- Be part of the last S4 in Miami
- Support women in ICS security
- Demo your solution on a live OT system
- Lock in your hotel and save hundreds
Then:
- Submit your proposal by August 31
- Buy your ticket on September 15
- Apply for scholarships starting October 1
We’re deep into planning, and there’s a lot more to come. But for now, the takeaway is simple:
If you’re ready to create the future of OT and ICS security—S4x26 is where it happens.
See you in Miami South Beach (one last time).