I”ve been thinking of the best location to host a Security BSides event in Canada and, after speaking with Justin Foster, I think I’ve decided on Ottawa.

I guess what I need to know is:
a) Who would be interested in attending such an event?
b) Who would be interested in presenting at such an event?
c) Who would be willing to attend/present in November (thinking Friday, November 12th and Saturday, November 13th)?

Please take the following survey to help me measure the level of interest in this event.

Here are some fun facts about Ottawa:
Ottawa is Canada’s capital and the country’s fourth largest city with a population of approximately 900,000 people living within the city limits.

Ottawa is located in the Ottawa Valley in eastern Ontario. It lies on the banks of the Ottawa River, which divides the provinces of Ontario and Quebec in the area. The mouths of the Rideau River and the Rideau Canal are both located here and have played a major part in the history of Ottawa.

Diversity characterises so much of Ottawa. While English and French are the predominate languages, you will hear many others spoken on the streets. About 25 percent of the city’s residents are born in other countries, and more than 20 percent of residents are visible minorities. You can enjoy this multicultural diversity in the shops, restaurants and neighbourhoods through out the city.

Ottawa’s natural environment is a very large part of its identity. The Rideau Canal is the world’s largest skating rink and is used by Ottawa residents and visitors alike. The city has 850 parks that contribute to Ottawa’s green character.

Ottawa honours a long tradition of Canadian culture and history in the many world-class institutions in the city: the National Arts Centre, the Canadian Museum of Civilization, and the National Gallery of Canada, to name just a few. Ottawa is well known as a festival city, boasting over 45 major festivals taking place each year.

From its beginnings as a lumber town, it had a rough and boisterous reputation to becoming Canada’s Capital in 1857; from its fascinating and secret Cold War history to its modern multiculturalism, Ottawa has a fascinating and unexpected story.

Well the cat is finally out of the bag. As announced yesterday at SOURCE Boston I will be joining The 451 Group as the Senior Analyst primarily responsible for the SIEM, Log Management, GRC, Forensics, Vulnerability Analysis, and Penetration Testing portfolios…and I couldn’t be more excited!!!

To answer the usual questions:

1. No, I’m not moving (at least not in the next 6 to 12 months). My new job affords me the ability to work remotely
2. Yes, you’ll still see me at conferences. In fact, you might see me at more conferences 😉
3. Yes, I’ll keep blogging…well as (in)frequent as ever I suppose
4. Yes, my wife is thrilled…and I’m sure the dogs will be too since I’ll be home 99% of the time

The 451 Group is an independent technology-industry analyst company focused on the business of enterprise IT innovation. The company’s analysts provide critical and timely insight into the market and competitive dynamics of innovation in emerging technology segments. Clients of the company—at vendor, investor, service-provider and end-user organizations—rely on The 451 Group’s insight to support both strategic and tactical decision-making for competitive advantage.

What does this mean exactly? Well it means that we help people make better, and more informed, decisions about their purchases and investments. You’ll be hearing more from me over the coming weeks but I’m so excited about this opportunity right now that I’m having a very difficult time articulating it.

Stay tuned!

If anyone has been on the fence about attending SOURCE Boston 2010 on April 21st to 23rd I have one discount coupon for 50% off. To win this wonderful prize, simply post a comment on this post explaining why you should get the coupon code.

Also, as a reminder, I will be presenting my Failagain’s Island – The Perils of Banking in an Island Nation talk on Wednesday, April 21st at 2pm EST. I hope to see you there!