CONFidence: the cybersecurity conference that became a legend
From a local initiative to one of Europe’s most respected cybersecurity events, CONFidence has spent the last 20 years shaping the future of IT security. What began as a bold experiment in community-driven knowledge sharing has grown into an international conference, renowned for its technical depth, vibrant atmosphere, and commitment to hacker culture. The PROIDEA team has been integral to the conference since its early years, establishing CONFidence as the company’s signature event.
Origins: A vision becomes reality
Founded in 2005 in Kraków, CONFidence answered the need for a forum where hackers, researchers, and IT practitioners could come together to learn, share, and push boundaries. With its focus on practical content, open discussion, and a community-first mindset, the event quickly earned respect across the Polish infosec scene.
Growth and evolution
Over the years, CONFidence evolved from a modest event into a multi-track, two-day conference, featuring:
- World-class keynote speakers from the global cybersecurity community
- Hands-on technical workshops and live demonstrations
- The now-iconic Capture The Flag (CTF) competition
- Interactive challenges like Treasure Hunt and hardware hacking zones
- A relaxed, community-driven atmosphere fostering open discussion
By 2010, CONFidence had already become a fixture in the Polish cybersecurity calendar. It continued to grow, with Prague hosting a special edition in 2015 and London in 2018, which drew 200 attendees and marked the conference’s first step into the UK.
Adapting in times of change
In 2020, in response to the global pandemic, CONFidence demonstrated its adaptability by hosting its first fully virtual edition. Despite the challenges, the organizers preserved the community spirit of the event, ensuring continuity and accessibility for a global audience.
Then, in 2022, the conference triumphantly returned to in-person format at the Polish Aviation Museum in Kraków, drawing 1200 participants. The unique setting reinforced CONFidence’s love for original venues and memorable experiences. That year also marked the beginning of a new chapter, as CONFidence prepared for even larger-scale events.
2023: A year of transformation. The conference moved to EXPO Kraków, offering more space and more opportunities. With 1600 attendees, it broke all previous records, confirming its place as Poland’s largest cybersecurity event.
2024: CONFidence surpassed itself again, attracting over 1700 participants and proving that its appeal continues to grow with each edition.
2025: A historic year. CONFidence celebrates its 20th anniversary and hosts the 25th edition of the conference. It’s a moment not only to celebrate the past but to look boldly toward the future of cybersecurity in Europe and beyond.
What makes CONFidence so special?
At its core, CONFidence is more than just a professional gathering – it’s a celebration of cybersecurity culture, with a formula that continues to attract thousands year after year:
- Three content-rich tracks, with talks and workshops from world-class speakers
- The latest trends in offensive and defensive security, privacy, AI security, and cyber policy
- The Flag Hunt, live hacking challenges, and practical workshops
- Strong community, with involvement from top global infosec organizations
- Technology partners, interactive stands, and career-building opportunities
- An atmosphere that’s as much about good food, cold beer, and open conversation as it is about cutting-edge tech
The result is a holistic experience that blends serious security content with informal, community-focused interaction.
CONFidence has always been a conference that has also stood out due to its location and
extraordinary vibe. Starting at AGH University and Cracow University of Technology, through unique spaces like Manggha Museum, Kino Kijów, and Municipal Waterworks, the historic walls of the brutalist FORUM Hotel right next to the Vistula River, and the iconic Polish Aviation Museum… This was quite a journey through the city’s history, too, ending at the EXPO Kraków thanks to the huge growth of the CONFidence community.
The legacy and the future
From a modest gathering of enthusiasts to a historic event with thousands of participants, CONFidence has shaped not only careers but also the cybersecurity landscape of the region. It remains one of the few places where the hacker spirit thrives, technical excellence is celebrated, and community is everything.
If you’re looking for knowledge, connection, and inspiration – whether you’re a professional, a student, a hacker, an academic, or a CEO – CONFidence is the place to be.
Learn more and join the next edition!
Will you be part of the next chapter in the CONFidence story?
