Record-Breaking Attendance and Global Voices Define WOW 2026 CyberCup Conference
South Florida’s cybersecurity community gathered in record numbers this year for the 19th annual WOW CyberCup Conference, hosted by the ISACA South Florida. The event marked a milestone year for the long-standing conference, bringing together cybersecurity, risk, governance, and audit professionals from across the United States and beyond for a full day of insight, collaboration, and innovation.
Held for the first time at the Don Taft University Center at Nova Southeastern University, WOW 2026 welcomed record-breaking attendance with over 500 people and featured an expanded program designed to address some of the most pressing issues facing the global cybersecurity landscape.
“This year’s WOW conference truly reflected the momentum we’re seeing across the cybersecurity community,” said Ryan Barras, President of ISACA South Florida. “Our local chapter’s ultimate goal is to help elevate the community by giving back through service, mentorship, education and opportunities to network and connect.”
A Global Perspective on Quantum & Cybersecurity
WOW 2026 featured an impressive roster of national and international speakers representing major enterprises, government agencies, and global technology organizations. Throughout the day, sessions explored topics including emerging cyber threats, governance and compliance strategies, AI-driven security risks, and the evolving landscape of digital trust.
In a new collaboration this year, ISACA South Florida partnered with IMPACTIFI, a South Florida consulting firm focused on helping businesses scale through national and international expansion, access to capital, and technology-focused workforce training.
Through its partnership with IMPACTIFI, ISACA South Florida’s WOW conference featured a panel of international quantum computing experts who traveled from Germany, Switzerland, and Chile.
The session was moderated by John Riley, Co-Founder and Chief of Emerging Technology at IMPACTIFI, who guided a dynamic discussion on the evolving role of quantum technology, its implications for cybersecurity, and how global conversations around quantum innovation are shaping the future of digital security. The panel also highlighted how early awareness and education around quantum advancements can positively impact South Florida’s growing technology ecosystem and strengthen the broader U.S. market.
“Technology doesn’t move by borders anymore. Quantum, AI and blockchain are being shaped by countries , researchers and innovators all over the world. Cybersecurity in these areas is advancing and if we want South Florida to stay competitive, we need to think globally and learn from what others are doing,” shared Riley.
He continued, “A warrior studies the whole battlefield, not just the ground beneath his feet. The more international insight we bring into our ecosystem, the stronger and more prepared we become. Preparation comes from awareness, collaboration, and understanding the global landscape.”
As advancements in quantum technologies continue to accelerate, panelists examined the potential implications for encryption, critical infrastructure, and national security. The discussion underscored the importance of preparing organizations for a future in which quantum computing could dramatically alter the cybersecurity landscape.
The conference continues to serve as a platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration among professionals across industries, while also highlighting South Florida’s growing role as a hub for cybersecurity leadership.
Introducing the First-Ever CISO Breakfast
One of the most notable additions to this year’s conference was the inaugural CISO Breakfast, an executive leadership forum designed specifically for chief information security officers and senior cybersecurity leaders.
Held in partnership with CISO ExecNet and our highlight sponsor Torq, the session created a trusted space for CISOs to engage in candid discussions about strategic priorities, emerging threats, and leadership challenges facing security teams today.
“Cybersecurity is ultimately a team sport, and bringing senior leaders together for meaningful conversation is critical,” Andy Land, General Manager of CISO ExecNet said. “The CISO Breakfast gave executives an opportunity to step away from the day-to-day and focus on the strategic challenges shaping the future of the industry.”
Cybersecurity executives from companies such as Carnival, Mount Sinai Medical, Newsmax, Goodwill, Delta, Amazon, Verizon, Microsoft, Crown Castle, Halcyon, KPMG, and many more who attended and shared their struggles and strategies during the discussion.
Award-Winning Cyber Leaders Headline WOW 2026
This year’s conference also featured an exceptional lineup of award-winning and highly sought-after CISOs and executive leaders from across the cybersecurity and technology landscape. Sponsored by Myna Partners, Cayosoft, and Crown Castle, the speaker program included keynote remarks from Tim Brown of SolarWinds, along with thought-provoking insights from Nicole Darden Ford of Microsoft and Sevgi Koklu of IBM, and renowned cybersecurity experts Ira Winkler, among many others.
Sessions explored a wide range of timely topics, including cyber resilience and enterprise risk management, AI-driven threat detection, and the evolving challenges organizations face in securing complex digital ecosystems.
Speakers also examined the emerging impact of quantum computing on cybersecurity and what organizations must do today to prepare for a post-quantum future, reinforcing the conference’s focus on forward-looking innovation and global cyber readiness.
Many of the speakers were specifically flown in for the conference through the event’s exclusive airline partnership with Delta Air Lines, underscoring the national reach and growing reputation of the WOW conference as a destination for leading cybersecurity voices.
Networking, Community, and Celebration
Following a full day of sessions and discussions, attendees gathered for an elevated after-party sponsored by Adaptive, offering an opportunity to connect with peers and celebrate the success of the event.
The evening reflected the spirit of the “CyberCup” theme, bringing together professionals who share a commitment to strengthening cybersecurity across industries and borders.
“WOW has always been about building community,” shared Glen Wells, Chair of the WOW event committee. “We’re proud to see this conference continue to grow and to play a role in bringing together the professionals who are helping protect organizations and critical infrastructure every day.”
As the conference approaches its 20th anniversary, WOW continues to grow as one of South Florida’s most influential gatherings for cybersecurity, governance, and risk professionals, demonstrating the strength and collaboration that define the region’s technology ecosystem.
Spotlighting South Florida on the Global Cybersecurity Stage
Beyond the record-breaking attendance and expanded programming, WOW 2026 also reinforced the growing importance of South Florida as a center for technology, cybersecurity, and innovation. As industries across the state continue to digitize and rely on complex digital infrastructure, convening experts from around the world to share knowledge and best practices has become increasingly valuable for the region.
By welcoming national and international speakers and attendees, the conference helped reaffirm South Florida firmly on the global cybersecurity map. The exchange of ideas, emerging technologies, and strategic insights not only benefits local professionals but also strengthens Florida’s broader reputation as a destination for technology leadership and innovation.
Events like WOW serve as a catalyst for the regional ecosystem. They help attract new talent, support workforce development, and create opportunities for collaboration between industry, academia, and government. They also provide a platform for organizations in the region to showcase their expertise and leadership in cybersecurity, governance, and risk management.
For many attendees, the conference also highlighted the unique role South Florida plays as a gateway between the United States, Latin America, and international markets, making the region an important hub for conversations around global cyber resilience and digital trust.
“With our annual ISACA conference, we seek to “WOW” our audience and frankly this year the speakers, sponsors and community enthusiasm “WOW-ed” us,” Barras proudly shared.
As Florida continues to expand its technology footprint, gatherings like the WOW CyberCup Conference demonstrate the power of community-driven events to elevate the region’s profile, foster innovation, and strengthen the networks that support a thriving and secure digital economy.
📸 Check out the official event photo album here.
