The 10 Best IT and Cybersecurity Events and Trade Shows in the USA in 2027

At a glance

Pick by what you want

The ranking

1

RSAC

Photo: RSA Conference / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Answrs VerdictThe one security show where nearly every vendor you might buy from has a booth. Go when you need to compare products in days, not months. Skip it if your budget is tight and the Basic Expo pass price is still unannounced.

When: April 5-8, 2027Where: Moscone Center, San Francisco, CaliforniaAttendance and exhibitors: 43,000 attendees, 500 sessions and 600 exhibitors listed on the 2027 pageStarting price: Core Pass $1,695 early bird through December 18, 2026, then $2,495; Basic Expo pass price coming soonTop pass: Premium Pass $2,595 early bird, then $3,395Who attends: 49% directors, VPs, senior and C-level executives; 25% authorize purchasing decisionsFormat: Keynotes, track sessions, expo, Innovation Sandbox, Launch Pad, Partner Seminars and Cyber Fraud DayCPE credits: Core Pass includes an attendance report for CE creditsGovernment rate: Not published on the organizer’s site

RSAC returns to the Moscone Center in San Francisco April 5-8, 2027. Its 2027 page lists 43,000 attendees and 600 exhibitors, and says 25% of attendees authorize purchasing decisions. A Core Pass is $1,695 if you register by December 18, 2026.

Go ifBuyers who want the biggest security expo floor in the country

Skip ifYou want a small, technical crowd or a general IT show

Why #1 over #2: Its 600 exhibitors and security focus suit buyers better than Gartner’s executive-only format.

2

Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo

Answrs VerdictThis is the IT leader’s show: analysts, peers and a vendor floor in one place. It also carries the highest published price on this list. Go if you set the technology budget; skip it if you configure the gear.

When: October 18-21, 2027Where: Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resorts, Orlando, FloridaAttendance and exhibitors: 7,500+ CIOs and IT executives, 140+ Gartner analysts and 180+ solution providersStarting price: Public-sector price $6,125; standard price $8,525Group rate: One complimentary registration for every 4 paid, up to 4 for 16 paidWho it is for: CIOs and senior IT executivesFormat: Analyst sessions, roundtables, one-on-ones, exhibit showcase receptions and the Gartner Conference Navigator appSpecial programs: CIO Circle (application required), Women in Technology and Midsize EnterpriseCPE credits: Not published on the organizer’s site

Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo runs October 18-21, 2027, at the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resorts in Orlando. It lists 7,500+ CIOs and IT executives, 140+ analysts and 180+ solution providers. The standard price is $8,525; public-sector buyers pay $6,125.

Go ifCIOs and IT directors planning strategy and vendor shortlists

Skip ifYou want hands-on labs or hacker culture

Why #2 over #3: Its CIO audience makes it the better IT-buyer show of the two.

3

Black Hat USA

Answrs VerdictThe research and training heavyweight, with a six-day program and a Business Hall for vendors. The Business Pass is the cheaper door in if you only need the floor. Remember that 2027 prices are not out yet.

When: July 31-August 5, 2027Where: Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas, NevadaStarting price: 2027 prices not published; 2026 onsite Business Pass was $1,3992026 onsite passes: Summit $2,499, Briefings $3,399, Briefings + Summit bundle $4,499; Training prices vary by courseAttendance: Not published on the organizer’s siteFormat: Trainings, Briefings, Arsenal tool demos, Summits (including CISO Summit and The AI Summit), keynotes and a Business HallCPE credits: CPE credit eligibility listed on the 2026 Briefings, Training and Summit passesNext door: DEF CON 35 follows, August 5-8, 2027Government rate: Not published on the organizer’s site

Black Hat USA runs July 31-August 5, 2027, at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, with DEF CON 35 starting August 5. The 2027 prices are not out; in 2026 the Business Pass, which covers the Business Hall, was $1,399 and the Briefings Pass was $3,399.

Go ifPractitioners and buyers who want deep technical talks plus a Business Hall

Skip ifYou only need an expo pass on a tight budget

Why #3 over #4: Its technical briefings and trainings go deeper than Cisco Live’s vendor-specific program.

4

Cisco Live

Answrs VerdictThe best-priced way into a real expo floor on this list, thanks to the $895 Explorer pass. Full Conference adds technical breakouts and a certification exam. Registration is open to attendees 21 and older.

When: June 6-10, 2027Where: Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas, NevadaStarting price: Explorer (expo-only) pass $895 or 12 Cisco Learning CreditsFull Conference: $2,795 or 32 CLCs; launch sale $2,595 until 10/31 with code CL27SAVE600IT Leadership pass: $3,195 or 36 CLCs, with an IT Leadership programOne-day pass: Wednesday Explorer pass for June 9, $500 or 7 CLCsGovernment rate: Government and education professionals save $200 on Full Conference and IT LeadershipFormat: Keynotes, technical breakouts, World of Solutions, instructor-led labs (subject to availability), celebrationCertification: Certification exam included with Full Conference and IT Leadership packagesAttendance: Not published on the organizer’s site

Cisco Live is June 6-10, 2027, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. An Explorer pass is $895, Full Conference is $2,795, and IT Leadership is $3,195. A launch sale lowers Full Conference to $2,595 until 10/31.

Go ifNetwork, security and infrastructure engineers who run Cisco gear

Skip ifYou do not use Cisco and want vendor-neutral content

Why #4 over #5: Its $895 expo-only pass makes it a cheaper way in than the Gartner security summit.

5

Gartner Security & Risk Management Summit

Answrs VerdictThe cheapest Gartner ticket on this list and the one built around the CISO’s job. It has a government program and CPE credits for ISACA holders. Its early-bird deadline is not published on the page, so ask Gartner.

When: June 14-16, 2027Where: Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, National Harbor, MarylandAttendance and exhibitors: 4,500+ CISOs and cybersecurity leaders, 60+ Gartner analysts and 250+ solution providersStarting price: Public-sector price $4,175; early-bird $4,475; standard $4,925Who it is for: CISOs, cybersecurity leaders and Gartner analysts, plus solution providersSpecial programs: CISO Circle (application required) and a Government ProgramCPE credits: CPE credits toward ISACA and other providers for select sessions2027 name: Gartner Cybersecurity & Risk Management Summit

The Gartner summit runs June 14-16, 2027, at the Gaylord National in National Harbor, Maryland, and its 2027 page calls it the Gartner Cybersecurity & Risk Management Summit. It lists 4,500+ CISOs and cybersecurity leaders and 250+ solution providers. Early-bird is $4,475.

Go ifCISOs and security directors who want analyst guidance and peer meetings

Skip ifYou want hands-on hacking or a huge expo

Why #5 over #6: Its CISO focus and published CPE credits edge AWS re:Invent for security leaders.

6

AWS re:Invent

Photo: Lydia Pintscher & Philippe Saadé / CC0 via Wikimedia Commons

Answrs VerdictThe largest cloud show listed here, with the most sessions. There is no cheap expo-only door, so the full pass is your only way in. Wait for AWS to announce 2027 before booking anything.

When: 2027 date not announced yet; the 2026 edition is November 30-December 4, 2026Where: Las Vegas, across Caesars Forum, Caesars Palace, Encore, MGM Grand, The Venetian and Wynn (2026)Attendance: 60,000+ attendees and 2,200+ sessions listed for 2026Starting price: 2026 full conference pass $2,499; no day or expo-only passGroup rate: 10% off when buying 10 or more passes in one transaction (2026)Who it is for: Technical practitioners, security professionals and business decision-makersFormat: Keynotes, breakouts, workshops, hands-on labs, chalk talks, expo and AWS Partner meetings; 70% of sessions interactiveCertification: No exams on site; in-person registrants get a 50% discount voucher for an AWS exam (2026)

AWS re:Invent has not announced 2027. The 2026 edition runs November 30-December 4, 2026, across six Las Vegas venues, with 60,000+ attendees listed and a $2,499 full pass. There is no day or expo-only pass.

Go ifCloud and infrastructure teams moving workloads to AWS

Skip ifYou need a published 2027 date to plan around

Why #6 over #7: Its size and 2,200+ sessions edge Microsoft Ignite, though both lack 2027 dates.

7

Microsoft Ignite

Answrs VerdictThe right show if Microsoft runs your identity, endpoint and cloud. The Hub pass is a cheaper way to see vendors, and certification testing is free on site. Do not book until Microsoft announces 2027.

When: 2027 date not announced yet; the 2026 edition is November 17-20, 2026Where: San Francisco: keynote at Chase Center, sessions at Moscone Center (2026)Starting price: 2026 Hub Conference pass $1,625 (November 17-19)Full pass: 2026 Full Conference pass $2,325, with an optional pre-day on November 16Who it is for: Business leaders, security leaders, IT pros, developers and partnersFormat: Keynote, breakouts, labs (RSVP required), theater sessions, the Hub with booths and partner meetingsCertification: Free onsite certification testing, reservation required (2026)Attendance: Not published on the organizer’s site

Microsoft Ignite has not announced 2027 either. The 2026 edition is November 17-20, 2026, in San Francisco, with a $2,325 Full Conference pass and a $1,625 Hub pass. Free onsite certification testing is offered in 2026.

Go ifMicrosoft 365, Azure and Windows shops with security staff

Skip ifYour stack is mostly non-Microsoft

Why #7 over #8: Its Hub pass and free exams edge ISC2 for Microsoft shops.

8

ISC2 Security Congress

Answrs VerdictThe best-value pick for practitioners who hold ISC2 certifications, with member, government and student rates. It is a community event, not a buyers’ show. Sign up for the interest list to get the 2027 discount code.

When: October 9-13, 2027Where: 2027 venue not announced yet; the 2026 edition is at Gaylord Rockies, with a virtual optionStarting price: 2027 prices not published; 2026 member in-person main conference from $1,1952026 non-member: In-person main conference $1,595 super early bird, $1,695 early bird, $1,895 regularGovernment and student: 2026 government in-person from $1,065 (member) or $1,335 (non-member); students $4252026 extras: Single-day pass from $755 for members; guest pass $275CPE credits: Up to 60 CPE credits through January 31, 2027 for the 2026 virtual passInterest list: Registering interest now earns a 2027 pass discount code

ISC2 Security Congress is set for October 9-13, 2027; the venue is not announced. Its 2026 member in-person price started at $1,195, and the 2026 virtual pass offered up to 60 CPE credits.

Go ifCertified security professionals who need CPE credits and a lower price

Skip ifYou are mainly shopping at a big vendor floor

Why #8 over #9: Its set 2027 dates and published rates edge InfoSec World’s unpublished pricing.

9

InfoSec World

Answrs VerdictA practitioner-led show with the biggest published CPE count on this list, up to about 36 on the All Access Pass. The 2027 move to a new Colorado venue is the news. Prices were not public when we checked.

When: September 20-22, 2027Where: Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center, Denver, ColoradoStarting price: Not published on the 2027 site yet; the pricing page lists packages onlyExhibitors: 450+ companies listed on the siteMain conference pass: Breakfast and lunch, two evening receptions, expo access and up to 16 CPEsAll Access Pass: Up to approximately 36 CPEs, VIP check-in and reception, workshops and summitsFormat: In-person only; keynotes, breakout sessions, workshops and summitsGroup rate: Team discounts for 3 or more attendees from one organization (2026 FAQ)

InfoSec World runs September 20-22, 2027, at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center in Denver. Its All Access Pass lists up to approximately 36 CPEs, and its site lists 450+ companies.

Go ifSecurity teams who want practitioner-led sessions and the most CPE credits

Skip ifYou need public prices before you decide

Why #9 over #10: Its general security scope suits most readers better than Identiverse’s identity focus.

10

Identiverse

Answrs VerdictThe specialist for identity, where buyers can meet identity vendors in one hall. Group codes make teams cheaper. There were no day passes in 2026, so plan for the full event.

When: June 28-July 1, 2027Where: Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, NevadaStarting price: Not publishedProgram size: 250+ speakers, 100+ topics and 700+ organizations in the site’s 2026 recapCPE credits: Earn up to 20 CPEsGroup rate: 10% off for 3-4 attendees, 15% for 5-9, 20% for 10 or more (2026 codes)Format: In-person only; multi-track sessions, workshops, an expo and one-on-one matchmakingWho it is for: Compliance, engineering, strategy, executive, directors and privacy roles in identity

Identiverse runs June 28-July 1, 2027, at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. Its site lists up to 20 CPEs and describes 250+ speakers and 700+ organizations in its 2026 program. Prices are not published.

Go ifIAM, identity and zero-trust teams, including non-human and AI agent identity

Skip ifYou want a broad IT or general security show

Comparison table: dates, city, starting price and attendance

Starting price is the lowest published price we found. Rows marked 2026 use last year’s published prices because 2027 prices are not out.

2027 calendar: month by month

As far as the organizers have announced, none of the ten starts in January, February, March, May or December 2027.

How to pick: buyer, practitioner or leader

If you buy, go where the vendors are. RSAC lists 600 exhibitors and says 25% of attendees authorize purchasing decisions. Gartner lists 180+ solution providers at the IT show and 250+ at the security summit. For a cheap look at an expo floor, Cisco Live’s Explorer pass is $895 and Black Hat’s 2026 Business Pass was $1,399.

If you do the work, pick the technical shows. Black Hat has Trainings and Briefings, Cisco Live has technical breakouts plus an included certification exam, AWS re:Invent says 70% of its sessions are interactive, and Microsoft Ignite offers labs and free onsite certification testing in 2026.

If you lead, pick the peer shows. Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo has a CIO Circle program for CIOs and the Gartner security summit has a CISO Circle, both by application. Cisco Live sells an IT Leadership pass at $3,195, and Gartner’s security summit has a Government Program for public-sector leaders.

Budget tips: early-bird deadlines, expo-only passes and free options

• Register before the deadline · RSAC’s Early Bird price ends December 18, 2026 at 11:59 PM PT, and prices rise December 19. Cisco Live’s launch price of $2,595 runs until 10/31 with code CL27SAVE600. Gartner lists an early-bird price for its security summit but does not publish a deadline.
• Use an expo-only or hub pass · Cisco Live Explorer is $895; RSAC has a Basic Expo & Innovation Focus pass with its price still to come; Microsoft Ignite’s 2026 Hub pass was $1,625; Black Hat’s 2026 Business Pass was $1,399.
• Ask for a public-sector or group rate · Gartner lists public-sector prices and gives one free registration for every 4 paid. Cisco Live takes $200 off for government and education. AWS re:Invent takes 10% off for 10 or more passes.
• Watch for free content · Cisco Live says its on-demand library of past sessions is free and plans a free global broadcast for remote attendees in 2027. Black Hat’s Briefings Pass includes on-demand recordings. We found no organizer-published list of free vendor-hosted side events, so ask your vendors for invitations.
• Book only dated events · AWS re:Invent and Microsoft Ignite have not announced 2027, and ISC2 has not named its 2027 venue. Hold your travel budget until the organizers post details.

How we ranked these

Questions people ask

Month each 2027 event starts (1 = January) at a glance

Official sites

• RSAC · rsaconference.com
• Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo · gartner.com
• Black Hat USA · blackhat.com
• Cisco Live · ciscolive.com
• Gartner Security & Risk Management Summit · gartner.com
• AWS re:Invent · reinvent.awsevents.com
• Microsoft Ignite · ignite.microsoft.com
• ISC2 Security Congress · congress.isc2.org
• InfoSec World · infosecworldusa.com
• Identiverse · identiverse.com

Sources

• rsaconference.com
• gartner.com
• gartner.com
• blackhat.com
• blackhat.com
• blackhat.com
• defcon.org
• ciscolive.com
• ciscolive.com
• ciscolive.com
• aws.amazon.com
• register.ignite.microsoft.com
• web.cvent.com
• infosecworldusa.com
• identiverse.com

Prices, specs and availability change; confirm on the official site before you buy.