MEMORANDUM
TO: Padgett-Beale CISO FROM: [Your Name], [Your Title] DATE: May 13, 2025 SUBJECT: Travel Request: Attendance at Black Hat USA 2025 Cybersecurity Conference
This memorandum requests approval for travel to attend the Black Hat USA 2025 cybersecurity conference, scheduled to take place at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, from August 2nd to August 7th, 2025. Black Hat is one of the most highly regarded and influential cybersecurity conferences globally, attracting leading security researchers, practitioners, and vendors. The conference offers a comprehensive program encompassing briefings on cutting-edge research, hands-on workshops, and opportunities for invaluable networking with peers and industry experts.
The agenda for Black Hat USA 2025 includes briefings across a wide spectrum of critical cybersecurity domains. These sessions delve into the latest vulnerabilities, attack vectors, defense strategies, and emerging technologies. Topics of particular interest, based on our current organizational priorities and the evolving threat landscape, include sessions on cloud security advancements, the increasing sophistication of ransomware tactics, the security implications of artificial intelligence and machine learning, and advancements in threat intelligence and incident response methodologies. Furthermore, the conference offers specialized workshops providing in-depth, practical training on specific security tools and techniques that could directly benefit our team’s capabilities.
Attendance at Black Hat USA 2025 offers significant benefits to our CISO organization. The briefings will provide critical insights into emerging threats and innovative defense strategies, enabling us to proactively adapt our security posture and make informed decisions regarding technology adoption. The workshops offer a unique opportunity for professional development, allowing me to gain practical skills and knowledge that can be directly applied to enhancing our security program. Moreover, the extensive networking opportunities will facilitate the development of valuable relationships with industry peers, allowing for the exchange of best practices and insights into effective security program management. This knowledge and these connections are crucial for staying ahead of the rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape and ensuring the continued security of Padgett-Beale’s assets.
The estimated costs associated with attending Black Hat USA 2025 are as follows: the Main Conference Pass (August 6-7) is priced at $2,795 if registered by July 26th, 2025 (URL: [Insert Black Hat USA Registration URL when available]). Pre-training sessions (August 2-5) are available at an additional cost, and while beneficial, this request focuses on the core conference. Lodging will be at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, the conference venue, for ease of access and networking opportunities. Based on current rates, an estimated cost of $250 per night for four nights (August 5th check-in, August 9th check-out) totals $1,000 (URL: [Insert Mandalay Bay Hotel URL]).
Meals are not included in the conference registration fee. Utilizing the GSA per diem rate for Las Vegas, Nevada, which is currently $79 per day (URL: https://www.gsa.gov/travel/plan-book/per-diem-rates), and accounting for five days (including travel days), the estimated cost for meals is $395. Round-trip airfare from our location to Las Vegas is estimated at $600, based on current average fares. Therefore, the total estimated cost for attending Black Hat USA 2025 is $4,790 ($2,795 conference fee + $1,000 lodging + $395 meals + $600 travel).
In conclusion, attendance at Black Hat USA 2025 represents a valuable investment in staying current with the latest cybersecurity trends, enhancing our team’s capabilities, and fostering crucial industry connections. I am confident that the knowledge and insights gained from this conference will significantly contribute to the effectiveness and maturity of Padgett-Beale’s IT security program. I respectfully request your approval for this travel.
