RSA Conference is more than just another cybersecurity event. It’s four packed days of ideas, innovation, and people, all happening at once.
 This guide is here to help you navigate RSA 2026 smartly, without burning out by Day 2.

 

Where to Start: Registration & Arrival

Registration for RSA 2026 opens before the main conference and remains available throughout the week, with varying hours each day.

🗓️ What the agenda shows:

  • Saturday & Sunday: Early registration opens at both Moscone South and Hilton Union Square
  • Monday–Wednesday: Registration remains open daily, starting early each morning
  • Thursday: Registration is available until early afternoon

💡 Survival tip:
 While you can register on any conference day, Sunday arrival offers the calmest check-in and includes the RSAC LoyaltyPlus & First-Timer Reception.
 Bring a valid photo ID and your RSA confirmation email (QR code). Badge pickup procedures are managed onsite and may vary. Follow posted signage and staff instructions at registration.

 

How RSA 2026 Is Structured

RSA is not a single-track conference. At almost every hour, multiple things happen in parallel.

RSA 2026 revolves around three continuous experiences:

  • Learning – Track sessions, keynotes, labs, seminars
  • Discovery – Expo, Early Stage innovation, startups, demos
  • Connection – Networking receptions, Birds of a Feather, Villages

Trying to do all three at once is where most first-timers struggle.

💡 Survival tip:
 Pick one primary focus per day. Let the rest be a bonus.

👉 See the “Agenda at a Glance” page for exact daily flow.

 

Must-Do Programs at RSA 2026

RSA offers a wide range of programs. Not all are meant for everyone. Prioritize based on what you want from the week.

 Innovation & What’s Next

  • Innovation Sandbox – Ten cybersecurity startups, selected from hundreds of submissions, deliver three-minute pitches to industry judges.
  • Launch Pad – Three very early-stage teams pitch bold cybersecurity ideas in a Shark Tank®-style session for expert feedback.
  • Early Stage Expo – A mini-expo with nearly 80 emerging cybersecurity startups, including the Innovation Sandbox winner.

 Hands-On Learning

  • Learning Labs – Hands-on workshops with simulations and Capture-the-Flag exercises
  • Villages – Interactive spaces with demos, research talks, and hands-on activities

 Community & Conversation

  • Birds of a Feather – Small, topic-focused discussions
  • Connection Hub – Dedicated networking space
  • Receptions & Community Events – Informal networking events held throughout the conference

👉 Full program and networking details are available on the RSAC website.

 

Keynotes at RSA 2026

RSA 2026 keynotes run in two distinct formats:

 Main Stage Keynotes

Focused on big-picture themes shaping cybersecurity today:

  • AI-driven offense and defense
  • Autonomous and agentic security
  • Identity, infrastructure, and accountability
  • Leadership responsibility in an AI-driven world

 YBCA Theater Keynotes

More technical and reflective sessions covering:

  • Cryptography and future research
  • Real-world cybercrime investigations
  • Threat landscape reviews
  • Candid leadership discussions

💡 Survival tip:
 Attend at least one keynote early in the week to absorb the themes. Use later keynote blocks strategically if your schedule feels overloaded.

👉 See the full keynote schedule for both the Main Stage and 

 YBCA Theater on the RSAC website.

 

Understanding the Layout

RSA 2026 takes place across the Moscone Center campus, with different experiences spread across nearby venues.

In general, here’s how it’s structured:

  • Moscone West – Registration, Main Stage keynotes, and select sessions
  • Moscone North & South – Expo halls and exhibitor areas

 

  • YBCA Theater – Select keynote sessions
  • Villages & Learning Labs – Located across the Moscone campus (check the agenda for exact rooms)
  • Early Stage Expo – A dedicated startup-focused exhibit area within the Expo footprint

💡 Survival tip:
 Plan your day by area, not just by session. Moving between buildings takes more time and energy than it looks on the schedule.

👉 Expo hours and floor maps are available on the RSAC website.

 

Networking at RSA: What Actually Works

RSA networking doesn’t just happen at booths.

Some of the best conversations happen:

  • During Birds of a Feather
  • Inside Villages
  • At receptions like the Welcome Reception or CyBEER Ops

A simple opener like:

“What brought you to RSA this year?”
 often works better than any pitch.

👉 Official networking events are listed on the RSAC website.

 

Getting There & Getting Around

 Venue: Moscone Center, San Francisco (SoMa)
  Airports: SFO and OAK
  Best option: BART into downtown

Once you’re downtown:

  • Moscone is walkable from many hotels
  • Public transit and walking are often faster than driving

👉 Full travel and transit details are available on the RSAC website.

 

Hotels & Shuttles

  • RSAC partners with onPeak, the only official hotel provider
  • Book early for better locations
  • Be cautious of third-party hotel solicitations

 Shuttles

  • Run frequently
  • Drop at Moscone South
  • Useful if your hotel isn’t walkable

👉 Official hotel and shuttle details are available on the RSAC website.

 

Accessibility & Attendee Support

RSA 2026 offers:

  • ADA-compliant venues
  • Accessible seating
  • Closed captions
  • ASL interpreters (on request)
  • Quiet rooms and nursing rooms
  • Gender-inclusive restrooms

If you need accommodations, indicate them during registration.

👉 See the Accessibility & ADA page for full details.

 

Final Survival Checklist

Before you go:

  • 👟 Wear comfy shoes. You’ll be walking a lot.
  • 🔌 Carry a power bank. Wi-Fi is strong, battery life is weak.
  • 🎯 Set 3 daily goals. E.g. visit 5 booths, attend 1 session, meet 2 new people.
  • 🤝 Don’t be shy. People are friendly and curious, just like you.
  • 🧘 Take breaks. Rooftop lounges and cafes nearby are great to decompress.

RSA isn’t about doing everything.
 It’s about doing the right things on purpose.

See you on the floor!