ISACA Cybersecurity Meetup (Surrey)
- Date
- 2026-01-17
- Location
- Surrey, BC, Canada
- Host
- ISACA Vancouver
About this event
Cybersecurity moves fast, but most of the real learning still happens in conversation: comparing notes, pressure-testing ideas, and hearing how other people are handling the same challenges you face. The ISACA Cybersecurity Meetup in Surrey is built for exactly that kind of practical exchange, bringing local professionals, learners, and security-minded technologists into the same room for an in-person afternoon of discussion and connection. About the Event This meetup is a community-focused gathering for people who care about cybersecurity, technology, and the real-world work of protecting systems, data, and organizations. Whether your role is deeply technical, governance-focused, or adjacent to security, the goal is simple: create a space where attendees can share perspective, learn from one another, and expand their network within the local cyber community. Because this is an in-person event in Surrey, Canada, the format is designed to encourage direct interaction. That means less passive scrolling, fewer disconnected online interactions, and more face-to-face conversations with people working through similar questions around risk, controls, operations, tools, careers, and industry direction. This is also a strong fit for anyone who values the ISACA-style blend of professional development and practical relevance. The event sits at the intersection of community meetup and professional exchange, making it useful whether you are looking to stay current, broaden your perspective, or simply meet others in the local ecosystem. What to Expect Expect an afternoon that feels approachable, focused, and useful. Rather than requiring a narrow specialization, the meetup creates room for broad cybersecurity conversation: current issues, career paths, operational challenges, security culture, governance concerns, and the evolving relationship between business needs and technical risk. A typical experience at a meetup like this often includes a mix of structured and informal moments, such as: Welcome and introductions to help attendees get oriented Community conversation around cybersecurity topics that matter now Peer networking with local professionals and practitioners Knowledge sharing across different experience levels and job functions Open discussion about trends, challenges, and opportunities in the field You should also expect the value of the event to come from the people in the room. That means the best way to attend is to come ready to talk, ask thoughtful questions, and share your own perspective. If you have been looking for a setting where cybersecurity conversations can be more candid, practical, and grounded in everyday work, this meetup is designed with that in mind. For newer attendees, the atmosphere of a local meetup can be especially helpful because it lowers the barrier to entry. You do not need to arrive with a polished elevator pitch or a highly specialized background to get something meaningful out of the afternoon. Curiosity, professionalism, and a willingness to engage are enough. Why Attend Cybersecurity can be isolating when most of your time is spent responding to tickets, managing controls, studying for certifications, or keeping up with a constant stream of industry news. A local meetup gives you the chance to step out of that cycle and reconnect with the broader professional community around you. Attending can help you: Build local connections with people in cybersecurity and adjacent tech roles Learn from practical discussion instead of only consuming content on your own Hear different viewpoints from professionals with varied backgrounds and responsibilities Stay engaged with the field through community-led conversation Create momentum for your career by meeting peers, mentors, or future collaborators There is also real value in showing up consistently to spaces like this. Relationships in security often start with one conversation, one shared challenge, or one useful introduction. If you are interested in growing your presence in the local cybersecurity community, meetups are one of the most direct and effective ways to do it. For experienced practitioners, this is a chance to contribute as much as you learn. Sharing lessons, discussing patterns you are seeing, or helping newer attendees navigate the field strengthens the community and makes the event more valuable for everyone there. Practical Details This event takes place in person in Surrey, Canada on Saturday, January 17 at 2:00 PM PST. The in-person format matters: it is meant to support conversation, networking, and a more natural exchange of ideas than you typically get in a virtual setting. Because this is a meetup environment, it is a good idea to arrive ready for both listening and discussion. You may want to think in advance about the topics you would like to explore, the questions you have about the field, or the kinds of people you hope to meet while you are there. A few simple ways to get the most out of the afternoon: Come on time so you can settle in and meet people early Introduce yourself to someone new rather than staying only with familiar faces Bring a few questions about cybersecurity work, trends, or career development Be ready to share your background, interests, or current focus areas If you are based in the Surrey area or anywhere nearby and want a stronger connection to the local cybersecurity scene, this meetup offers a clear, low-friction way to get involved. It is professional without being stiff, community-driven without being vague, and focused on the kind of conversations that are most useful when they happen in person.
Who should attend
If you want sharper cybersecurity conversations and stronger local connections, this meetup is likely a good fit. - You work in **cybersecurity, IT, risk, compliance, audit, governance, or tech**, and you want to connect with others who understand the practical realities of the field. - You are **early in your cybersecurity journey** and want a welcoming in-person setting where you can learn, ask questions, and meet people already working in the space. - You are an **experienced practitioner or manager** looking to exchange ideas, compare approaches, and stay connected to what others in the local community are seeing. - You are **career-focused** and want to expand your network in Surrey and the surrounding area through real conversations, not just online profiles. - You are interested in the **intersection of business, technology, and security** and want discussion that goes beyond headlines into real operational and professional challenges. - You value **community-driven events** where the people in the room shape the quality of the experience through participation, curiosity, and shared insight.