Cyber security in Bologna: our interview with Mario Anglani, creator of HackInBo®

For 11 years HackInBo® has been the reference platform for the Italian cybersecurity community - it is the largest cyber security conference in Italy, designed for IT-managers, systems engineers and enthusiasts who want to expand their knowledge and meet national and international experts.

The event, with 23 editions under its belt so far, has always been held in Bologna twice a year, with a Spring Edition and a Winter Edition. The latest edition was held just over a month ago at the Zanhotel&Meeting Centergross: the Business Edition, aimed mainly at sponsors and companies, was held on June 7, while the Classic Edition, intended for individual professionals, took place on June 8.

The classic edition also featured the HackInBo® Forensic Games, that is a unique game where forensic science enthusiasts compete to solve a case study. During the game, teams must solve the enigma using computer forensic tools; they are then evaluated by forensic experts and the public, who declare the winning team. The event is officially supported by the Scientific Police and the Carabinieri Investigative Service (SIS).

We got to learn more about the event from Mario Anglani, creator and organizer of HackInBo®, who shared with us about the conference and his experience with organizing the event in Bologna.

• Right after the event, what was your immediate reaction?
  "Our post-event considerations were extremely positive. We were very pleased with the enthusiastic participation and engagement shown by the participants over the two-day event. Our expectations were exceeded in terms of turnout and quality of the interactions. The collaboration between cybersecurity professionals, participants and law enforcement created a dynamic and stimulating environment that contributed to the overall success of HackInBo®."
  
  
• Why is Bologna the host city for HackInBo®?
  "First of all - it has been my city for exactly 20 years, plus it is an important academic and technological center, with a strong presence of research institutes and universities. Moreover, its central geographic location facilitates the participation of experts and professionals from all over Italy and much of Europe. This context makes Bologna the ideal place to host an event of international significance such as HackInBo®."

• What is the most common feedback about the city from participants coming from out of town?
  "Participants who travel here out of town typically comment on their appreciation for the hospitality and especially the great food. Many participants praise the city's accessibility and quality of facilities, which makes the overall experience very positive."
  
  
• Did the venue and the complementary services live up to expectations?
  "Yes, the Zanhotel Meeting in Bentivoglio welcomed us for 3 editions in a row and fully met our expectations. The venue provided an ideal setting for holding the event activities. We are now focusing on the "new" location, which will be Grand Tour Italia, coming November."
  
  
• How was the city lacking in terms of making the event a success?
  "Although the event was a great success, we encountered some logistical challenges, such as coordinating transportation for participants from different regions to the location. However, these were minor difficulties and did not significantly affect the success of the event."
  
  
• Did you receive any kind of support from city institutions? What about from third parties?
  "We have patronage from the city and the region, but this needs to be complemented and supported by a social media campaign. In addition, we collaborated with several sponsors and partners who provided prizes and game materials, contributing significantly to the success of the event. The Forensic Police and the Carabinieri played a crucial role with their participation and expertise. in regards to the HackInBo® Forensic Games format."

• How would you describe your experience in Bologna all in all?
  "Our experience in Bologna was extremely positive. The city offered a perfect setting for the event, with an ideal combination of resources, infrastructure and hospitality. The fact that we have now reached 22 editions of the main event means that HackInBo® has become a landmark in the Italian cybersecurity scene."
  
  
• Any anticipation for the upcoming editions?
  "We are excited to announce that the next editions of HackInBo® will be held on November 15 and 16, 2024, at the Grand Tour Italia (formerly FICO) in Bologna. We will still offer three distinct events: the Business Edition, aimed at professionals and companies with its 6th edition; the Classic Edition, dedicated to IT security enthusiasts and professionals now in its 23rd edition; and, finally, the 4th edition of Forensic Games, a UNIQUE event in Italy. We are also working to introduce new interactive sessions, advanced workshops and collaborations with international experts to further enrich participants' experience."

Have you organized an event in Bologna? Send an email to socialconventionbureau@bolognawelcome.it and tell us.