July 3, 2024 at 02:49PM
Jennifer VanAntwerp founded Sober in Cyber in 2023 to provide a sober environment for professionals in the cybersecurity industry. Her initiative aims to offer alcohol-free options at industry events, addressing the challenges faced by those who choose not to drink. This effort aligns with the growing “sober curious” movement and seeks to redefine the professional networking landscape.
Key Takeaways from the Meeting Notes:
1. Jennifer VanAntwerp, a marketing professional, founded “Sober in Cyber” in 2023 to provide a sober environment for professional networking, aiming to address the prominence of alcohol at industry events and conferences.
2. The “sober curious” movement is gaining traction, with data indicating an increasing interest in non-alcoholic beverage options and mindful drinking practices.
3. Concerns about excessive drinking in the cybersecurity industry have been raised, with observations about high alcohol consumption among professionals, leading to the need for alcohol-free networking options.
4. Testimonials from individuals like Tom Eston and Jennifer Leggio illustrate the challenges of abstaining from alcohol at industry events, emphasizing the need for more inclusive and non-alcohol-centric networking opportunities.
5. Sober in Cyber is expanding its reach beyond industry conferences, with initiatives including a Discord community, virtual meetups, collaborative events, and a podcast featuring sober individuals in the cybersecurity community.
6. While there is initial support for Sober in Cyber, there remains a need to continue advocating for alternative, alcohol-free networking options within the cybersecurity industry.
Overall, the meeting notes highlight the growing demand for sober networking alternatives within the cybersecurity industry, driven by the efforts of Sober in Cyber to provide inclusive and enjoyable professional networking experiences for all individuals, regardless of their alcohol preferences.