BSides Exeter 2026: More Than Just Technology

24th–25th April 2026

SGE enjoyed an incredibly successful and rewarding weekend at BSides Exeter 2026, where we were proud to contribute to both the Next Gen programme and the main conference.

Inspiring the Next Generation

On Friday evening, SGE helped organise and deliver the Next Gen sessions, welcoming more than 70 young people from schools and colleges across the South West who share an interest in cybersecurity and technology careers.

Alongside a panel of highly experienced cybersecurity professionals, we delivered talks and discussions designed to give aspiring cybersecurity professionals a realistic and inspiring insight into the industry. Students had the opportunity to hear directly from people working at the cutting edge of cybersecurity, ask questions, and learn about the many different routes available into the sector.

For our own students following the cyber pathway, the evening was particularly valuable. They left with a clearer understanding of the opportunities available to them and, perhaps more importantly, a renewed sense that a future in technology is something genuinely within their reach.

The atmosphere throughout the evening was one of enthusiasm, curiosity and possibility. Seeing so many young people engaged and excited about learning was a powerful reminder of why events like BSides matter.

The Retro Village

Before the crowds

On Saturday, SGE hosted the Retro Village at the main conference. We transformed a large classroom into a living museum of computing history, filled with vintage computers and games consoles from across several decades. Visitors were able to get hands-on with classic machines, including Commodore 64s, Amigas, BBC Micros, ZX Spectrums and Acorn computers. Alongside these sat a collection of vintage gaming consoles, including the original PlayStation, Sega Mega Drive, Nintendo 64 and Nintendo Wii.

...After

Not everything survived the journey. A pair of Atari STs decided to stage a last-minute rebellion just 24 hours before the conference began, while the Atari 2600 also chose that moment to retire from active service. Such is the reality of preserving technology that is often older than most of the people using it.

Fortunately, enough of the collection remained operational to create a fantastic experience for visitors. Throughout the day, the room was packed with conference attendees reliving memories of their youth, sharing stories of their first computers and introducing younger visitors to the machines that helped shape the digital world we live in today.

The Real Success Story

While the technology attracted attention, the weekend's greatest success was not in the Retro Village itself.

Many of our students travelled independently to Exeter to join us at the conference, meeting us at The Forum and taking part in the event alongside staff, volunteers and industry professionals.

For some, this was the first time they had travelled such a distance alone using public transport.

This may sound like a small achievement to many people, but for the young people we support, it represented something far bigger. Many have faced significant challenges with confidence, anxiety and social situations. Tasks that others might consider routine, such as catching a train, navigating a busy city or attending a large public event, can feel overwhelming.

Yet they did it.

They stepped outside their comfort zones. They faced uncertainty and anxiety. They challenged themselves and succeeded.

As educators and mentors, we could not have been prouder.

BSides Exeter was undoubtedly a success for SGE as an organisation. We strengthened relationships within the cybersecurity community, inspired future technologists and shared our passion for computing history with hundreds of visitors.

But for our students, the weekend represented something even more important.

It was a first step into independence.

A first step into professional networking.

A first step into adulthood.

And perhaps most importantly, a first step towards recognising that many of the barriers they once believed were permanent can, with courage and support, be overcome.

For us, that is what success looks like. It reflects SGE’s ethos:

Technology is the vehicle, but personal growth is the destination.