About
BSidesPGH is a volunteer-run information security conference held in Pittsburgh. Security BSides is a global series of community-driven conferences presenting a wide range of information security topics.
Black & Gold Badge
DEF CON has the Black Badge for the world's elite hackers. We're Pittsburgh. We're black and gold! The BSides Pittsburgh Black & Gold Badge is awarded to Pittsburgh people that we feel have gone above and beyond for the local security community.
2022: Our Black & Gold Badge recipient for 2022 is Justin Forbes. Justin started the virtual infosec meetup during the pandemic called BarSides to bring our community together on a regular basis. This later turned into a monthly in-person event with weekly activities and Discord community.
We did not offer a Black & Gold Badge during our 2021 event. Our 2020 event was canceled due to CoVid.
2019: Our Black & Gold Badge recipient for 2019 is John Franolich. John has been active in InfraGard, the SANS Pittsburgh community, and the ISC2 Pittsburgh Chapter. He’s additionally taught courses at the University of Pittsburgh, helping to found the Pitt Cybersecurity Club, and at Slippery Rock University.
2018: Our Black & Gold Badge recipient for 2018 is Kevin Cody /@KevCody. Kevin has been a repeat BSidesPGH speaker and most recently revived the OWASP Pittsburgh chapter.
2017: Our Black & Gold Badge recipient for 2017 is Kevin Gennuso / @KevvyG. Kevin has been a long time Pittsburgh evangelist, contributing/speaking at dozens of events over the years.
2016: Our inaugural Black & Gold Badge recipient is Dan Klinedinst / @DKlinedinst for his instrumental work founding and developing the BSides Pittsburgh conference.
2023 was on July 21st at the Rivers Casino.
2022 was on July 8th at the Rivers Casino.
2021 was on October 21st at Rivers Casino.
2020 was postponed due to the COVID-19 crisis.
2019 was on June 28th at Rivers Casino and June 27th at CoLab18.
2018 was on June 22nd at Rivers Casino and June 21st at Left Field Meeting Space.
2017 was on June 9th at Spirit and June 8th at the Hyatt North Shore.
2016 was on June 10th at Spirit.
2015 was on June 19th at Left Field Meeting Space.
2014 was on June 6th at Point Park University.
2013 was on June 14th at Left Field Meeting Space and June 15th at The TechShop.
2012 was on June 1st at Left Field Meeting Space.
2011 was on June 10th at Left Field Meeting Space.