Organizers of the InCyber Forum, Europe’s largest annual cybersecurity conference, have postponed their highly anticipated U.S. debut in San Antonio, originally scheduled for June 17–18. Citing a “challenging and unpredictable” policy and economic climate in the United States, a spokesperson for the forum announced the decision via email. The cancellation reflects a broader trend of event disruptions across the country due to shifting geopolitical and policy landscapes.
The San Antonio edition was expected to draw 5,000 attendees from around the globe, showcasing the city as a key hub for cybersecurity innovation. According to Visit San Antonio, which spearheaded efforts to bring the event to the city, the conference would have significantly boosted the city’s profile as a top-tier meeting destination. The event was also anticipated to strengthen its position as a national leader in cybersecurity research and innovation.
Vincent Riou, manager of InCyber Forum Americas, noted that San Antonio had been intentionally selected for its central, non-coastal location and its strategic ties to Latin America. “The InCyber Forum San Antonio was set to bring together some of the best minds to address pressing cybersecurity challenges in both North America and globally,” he said. While the event is now postponed indefinitely, InCyber Forum is proceeding with planned conferences in Montreal in October and Tokyo in December.
Economic and Policy Shifts Impact Event Industry
The decision to delay the InCyber Forum in San Antonio comes as several other U.S.-based academic, scientific, and industry events have also been postponed, canceled, or relocated. Organizers have pointed to a host of issues affecting international participation, including tightened immigration policies, increased visa scrutiny, and changes in federal grant funding.
Mario Bass, interim CEO of Visit San Antonio, acknowledged the uncertainty facing the events sector. “We understand the decision and are working closely with affected groups to explore how we can support their needs,” he stated. Bass added that potential funding reductions have raised concerns among meeting planners and that Visit SA is actively engaging with organizations to minimize disruptions.
A report from Atlas Travel, a global travel services provider, highlights several pressures affecting the meetings and conventions landscape. These include growing resistance to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, hesitancy from international stakeholders to engage with the U.S. economy, and widespread concerns about tariffs and border control policies.
Local Disappointment and Future Possibilities
The local San Antonio community, particularly those in the hospitality sector, expressed disappointment at the postponement. Chef Damien Watel of Bistr09, originally from Lille, France, where InCyber Forum was first launched, said he had looked forward to welcoming the global cybersecurity community to his adopted city. “I was proud to see this event come from my hometown to it . It’s a lost opportunity for cultural exchange and economic gain,” he noted.
Despite the setback, InCyber Forum organizers emphasized that San remains a potential host city in the future. “The San edition is still on the table,” the spokesperson said, leaving open the possibility of a rescheduled event once the policy and economic environment stabilizes.
