At SOS, we’re looking to identify practitioners from diverse yet complementary backgrounds to discuss state-sponsored and/or supported operations or the functions, structures, doctrine, campaigns, and capabilities which comprise the actors that conduct them.

Researchers are also invited to submit talks which enlighten our collective understanding into events, incidents, actors, or methods nation-states have used to inhibit, destabilize, or subvert civil society, critical sectors and other institutions - in wartime or peacetime settings.

Our core aim is to use this information as the primary vehicle to educate practitioners and demonstrate “the art of the possible” in modern covert statecraft. We also aspire to showcase the potential of novel and underrepresented disciplines to further investigative outcomes.

We prefer to receive (and will prioritize) talks from subject matter experts directly engaged in the research and revelation of novel subjects to benefit the community in attendance.

Relevant topics include:

• Espionage

• Sabotage

• OSINT to explore pursuits of covert statecraft or attribute operations, units

• Exposé of intelligence or effects-oriented units, their force structures, and/or order of battles (ORBAT)

• Doctrine

• Private sector facilitators/enablers

• Recruitment networks,pipelines

• …and more!

We welcome talks spanning a wide spectrum from cyber, physical, and the electronic spectrums. Not sure if your awesome work fits? Ask us via our contact us page!

TL;DR

• Passionate & like-minded community.

• Unique location.

• A format that empowers you as a speaker

• Free hotel stay for full-length talks

• Legit croissants, decent baguettes.

Found a flaw in conventional intelligence wisdom? SOS is an opportunity to educate & empower others on a topic that you’re passionate about or are certain will orient the community in the right direction.

SOS is intentionally designed as an international bridge to represent multiple geographies in order to appreciate the reach and nuance of modern covert operations. Our audience is diverse, our content is relevant, the conversations are different.

As a speaker, you get:

• Free ticket to the SOS event

• Swag

• Free hotel stay (full-length talks only)

Our venue also affords you multiple amenities including:

• Rehearsal space (must reserve a time slot)

• A private barista & cold bubbly drinks

We also aspire to be a safe space for all. SOS also operates under the rules of 924 Gilman Street.

• NO RACISM

• NO SEXISM

• NO HOMOPHOBIA

• NO TRANSPHOBIA

• NO DRUGS

• NO FIGHTING

• NO STAGEDIVING

One of the few conferences valuing security, we support multiple talk types including:

• Public (no-sensitivities)

• Off-The-Record (Chatham House)

• Non-Disclosure Agreement (Chatham House++)

We understand that communicating good research requires some assurances. For sensitive talks requiring extra guarantees, please reach out and we will work to accommodate as best we can or help shape your content.

We will not take or publish your photograph. We will not record your talks. We give you full control to dictate how the audience uses your content.

Provide as much information as possible to demonstrate that your talk and content is unique, provides actionable value, and will resonate with a tactical or forensic community.

While there is a time and place to be vague, please be as clear and direct as possible as to what you intend to present and what the takeaways are. If we feel that your proposal is too vague, we will reach out for more information.

Of course, we know content changes - don’t worry, feel free to send us any follow ups in an e-mail. If something is unclear, we will reach out and work with you to shape your content.

SOS is a research conference organized, developed, and executed by researchers. Unique (sometimes fresh) content with mic-drop moments is an absolute “DO.”

DO NOT:

• Rehash a blog - this is a forum for new discussions. If something is already public, we expect your discussion to touch on unreleased details or unique perspectives not already captured.

• If you’re representing a corporation, don’t talk about how awesome your product is and/or use SOS as a product pitch. We want raw findings.

• Use SOS as a forum to disrespect the work of others - the security and intelligence community is full of drama. Leave that at home.

• Have an overly vague CFP - we’re fairly acquainted with many topics, but not everything. Be as descriptive as you can. If not, reach out via our Signal or Keybase.

Yes and no. We would like to advertise versions of the agenda to inform prospective and confirmed attendees of what content they can expect to hear.

We understand that some talks are sensitive and not all traditional details can be published. We will always defer to you.

• Our CFP form allows you to select what information you would like to be published on the agenda.

• If your talk is accepted, we will reach out to you prior to making the agenda public to determine what information is appropriate to include on the website.

• A complete agenda will be provided to registered attendees.

See our About page.