Beyond the lanyard and booth swag lies the real RSAC experience—where the latest emerging tech collides with the innovative culture and vibe that only San Francisco can offer. After a decade in the security space, I still get that little rush when RSAC season rolls around. This year's theme, "Many Voices. One Community," perfectly captures what makes both this industry and San Francisco extraordinary—a place where unexpected intersections create the real breakthroughs.
The Real AI Security Conversation
Let's cut through the noise around AI security. I was grabbing coffee at Shack15 with another GTM leader in cybersecurity last week who put it perfectly: "Last year, AI security was bullet point #8 in my board deck. This year, it's the only slide they care about."
That's the real story of RSAC 2025. It's not that AI is new to security—we've been talking about it for years. What's changed is the urgency. The pace. The stakes.
After watching countless security startups slap "AI-powered" on their pitch decks without substance, we're finally seeing tools that deliver genuine protection. I've been particularly impressed with how companies like Prime Security and Operant AI are applying AI throughout different stages of the SDLC and other often disconnected R&D areas.
Keep an eye out for five categories that are actually moving the needle:
Identity protection that goes beyond basic MFA
AI governance platforms (every CISO's current obsession)
LLM protection frameworks that don't require a PhD to implement
Security operations tools that reduce actual risk, not just create more alerts
And saving the best for last - a vulnerability management revolution with automated vulnerability remediation (check out root.io for more)
Navigating Like a Local
The Moscone area scores an incredible 98/100 on walkability. Beyond the stunning views and convenient layout, you'll find authentic spots where security pros, startup founders, and locals mingle—creating those serendipitous collisions where ideas transform.
Pro tip: Ditch the uncomfortable shoes regardless of what your marketing team wants you to wear in photos. Nothing kills your networking vibe faster than limping between venues.
Get Around Like You Belong Here
Two transportation options worth your attention:
Bay Wheels are my go-to for navigating conference week traffic. SF has invested heavily in protected bike lanes, making it surprisingly easy and safe. There's nothing like zipping past gridlocked rideshares with a smug grin on your face.
Waymo's autonomous vehicles have expanded to Market Street since last RSAC. I've been a regular rider since their closed beta, and they're genuinely practical during conference surge pricing. Download the Waymo One app before arriving, and book early—wait times get long during peak conference hours. (Use my referral code: HERT2252)
Food Worth Finding
Morning Fuel
STEPs Coffee at SF MOMA - Perfect art break with quality caffeine
Equator Coffee (woman and queer owned) at the LinkedIn building on 2nd
Sana'a Cafe - Hidden gem tucked between Moscone and the rest of downtown
Quick Bites When You're Between Sessions
La Fromagerie (147 4th St) - Excellent sandwiches, salads, and cheese plates
The Bird (115 New Montgomery St) - Famous for their crispy chicken sandwiches
Saluhall (Midmarket)- Nordic-inspired food hall with something for everyone (and drinks, too!)
Last Minute Team Dinners You Should Book Now
Yokai (545 Folsom St) - Modern Japanese dining with great ambiance
Epic Steak (369 The Embarcadero) - Upscale steakhouse with waterfront location
Bistro Boudin (160 Jefferson St) - San Francisco sourdough tradition with Bay views, great for those staying near Fisherman's wharf
Worth The Small-ish Trek
North Beach: Portofino (POC & Woman owned), Golden Boy Pizza, Il Cilentano
Tenderloin: Hai Ky Mi Gia, Saigon Sandwich (both POC & Woman owned)
Mission: El Techo (great rooftop), Prebechu, Standard Deviant brewery
Breathing Room: Where to Process Information Overload
By day two of RSAC, you'll crave somewhere to decompress. My favorite spots:
Yerba Buena Gardens (opposite Moscone North) - Peaceful urban oasis with benches and water features
Salesforce Park (425 Mission St) - Elevated 5.4-acre park with gardens and quiet seating areas
I've had more productive impromptu meetings on the garden benches at Salesforce Park than in most conference rooms.
The Reality Check: Safety in SF
I know the headlines aren't always great about my hometown. Yes, like any major city, we have our challenges, but it's nowhere near the dystopian wasteland some out-of-state news would have you believe.
The Moscone area has significantly improved its security presence for 2025. That being said, basic street smarts go a long way:
Keep valuables secure (your conference swag bag is not a secure bag)
Remove your conference badge when leaving the venue (might as well wear a sign that says "I have expensive tech in my backpack")
Most importantly, don't let sensationalized headlines rob you of experiencing one of the most beautiful and dynamic cities in the world. The San Francisco you'll actually experience is far more welcoming than the one you might have read about.
Hope to Catch You!
I'd love to continue this conversation during the conference. Get in touch if you want to meet up at the Insight Partners meeting space at 111 Minna with the Root team. If you're around longer, I'd love to catch up at one of my favorite coworking spaces.
Those serendipitous collisions—whether in conference sessions about cutting-edge security or over coffee in one of SF's hidden gems—are what make RSAC truly special. It's where the formal agenda meets the unexpected, creating those moments where innovation actually happens.
Thanks for reading!
