The first Virginia K12
Cybersecurity Conference.
Designed for Technology Directors, Superintendents, and Executive Teams Protecting Our Schools

REGISTRation closed

October 22, 2025
Charlottesville, VA
John Hammond

John Hammond

Featured Keynote

Enjoy a keynote by special guest John Hammond. John is a principal cybersecurity researcher, educator and content creator.

More About John
Chris Cruz

Chris Cruz

Session Leader

Chris is the Cyber Program Manager for the Virginia Fusion Center. He works to help Virginia agencies prepare for, and respond to, cyber incidents. He will lead the IRP/IDP Session.

More About Chris
Jason Blanchard

Jason Blanchard

Session Leader

Jason “Director of Excitement” Blanchard is the Content and Community Director at Black Hills Infosec and will be leading the VA Cybercon 2025 Tabletop exercise.

More About Jason
Chris Cope

Chris Cope

Presenter

Christopher J. Cope is a Field Supervisor with the FBI’s Richmond Division, where he leads the Cyber Squad.

More About Chris
John Collins

John Collins

Presenter

John Collins is the Director of Information Technology for Lynchburg City Schools. He has a CEH and a cybersecurity endorsement from Radford University. He is passionate about keeping Virginia students safe.

More About John
David Childress

David Childress

Presenter

David Childress is the Chief Information Officer for Louisa County Public Schools. As a Certified Ethical Hacker with an endorsement from Radford University, he brings over 20 years of cybersecurity knowledge and experience to protecting our students.

More About David
A full day of hands-on learning and plan development

Empower your superintendent with the knowledge they need to lead secure schools.

01

Technology Demo

Sometimes knowing about a threat isn’t enough. Sit back through part of the morning while we show some very real cybersecurity threats, including a phishing demo, led by some of our very own students!

02

Tabletop Exercise

Spend several hours working with other districts to learn how you might really respond to a cyber instance. This fun, amazing experience will leave you wanting more.

03

IRP / Hacking workshop

Spend the afternoon developing a guided Incident Response Plan, so that you’re better prepared for a real incident. Also take part in an exciting, hands-on cybersecurity workshop led by
Mr. Hammond.

Want to see the
full agenda?

View Agenda

Cybersecurity isn’t just IT’s job – it’s a team effort, starting with leadership.

Event Details

📍Holiday Inn Charlottesville University
1901 Emmet St N,
Charlottesville, VA 22901

📅Wed, October 22, 2025

REGISTraTION CLOSED

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this for?

This event is designed specifically for Virginia K-12 school district leadership who play key roles in cybersecurity response. We highly recommend Superintendents, IT Director/CIOs, and Systems Engineer/Administrators.

How much does it cost?

THIS EVENT IS FREE. A HUGE thanks for the generous donations made by our select sponsors who have helped make this event a reality.

What do I get?

In addition to a day of training, you’ll enjoy networking, a free shirt, lunch, and all the memories you can make. Additional door prizes and giveaways are also a part of the fun!

Why bring your Superintendent?

  • Cybersecurity is a leadership issue, not just a tech one
  • Policy, funding, and incident response decisions begin with executive understanding
  • Sessions tailored for superintendents and division leaders
  • Build alignment between IT and district leadership

Where should I stay?

The event is taking place at the Holiday Inn Charlottesville University. A small block of rooms has been reserved at a discounted rate. Mention VA Cybercon to receive the discount.

A focused event for Virginia K-12 Schools

“Great idea, hope this becomes a recurring event”

– Gregory Gillette,
IT Director, Rockingham County Public Schools

“K12 School districts really don’t have anything like this. It’s about time we had an event specifically for us, to provide real, practical assistance and teaching for our superintendents and tech directors.”

– John Collins,
IT Director, Lynchburg City Schools

Virginia Cybercon is more than a conference. it’s a collaborative effort to strengthen the cybersecurity posture of our schools. By bringing together technology leaders from across the Commonwealth, we’re equipping our districts with the knowledge, strategies, and partnerships needed to protect what matters most: our students.

– David Childress,
Chief Technology Officer, Louisa Public Schools

Unfortunately, Registration is closed. Thank you for your interest!

REGISTRATION CLOSED

Scroll to Top