SDSUG: Who We Are, What We Do, and How to Get Involved
The Sonoran Desert Security User Group (SDSUG) is a vendor neutral, platform agnostic professional community for people working in security, technology, governance, and risk. The group provides a predictable, respectful environment for learning, discussion, and connection across industries and experience levels.
This page offers an overview of who we are, what we do, and how to participate.
Who We Are
SDSUG is an independent, community‑driven organization focused on strengthening the regional and national security ecosystem. The group operates with a clear governance structure, a professional code of conduct, and a commitment to neutrality and accessibility.
SDSUG serves:
- Security and technology professionals
- Governance, risk, and compliance practitioners
- Leaders, managers, and decision‑makers
- Students and early‑career professionals
- Community members working in adjacent fields
What We Do
SDSUG provides a stable, low‑noise environment for:
- Quarterly meetings and presentations
- Professional development and knowledge sharing
- Cross‑industry collaboration
- Community Impact initiatives
- Curated resources and training opportunities
- Regional and national event awareness
All programming is educational and vendor‑neutral.
How We Meet
SDSUG typically meets once per quarterly, with occasional special sessions or partner events. Meetings are structured, predictable, and designed to support open discussion in a professional environment.
Meetings are:
- Free to attend
- Open to the community
- Substance‑free
- Non‑promotional
- Respectful and psychologically safe
How to Join
Membership is open to anyone in the security, technology, or governance ecosystem. Joining is free and provides:
- Event updates
- Priority seating for limited‑capacity sessions
- Access to member‑only resources
- Opportunities to volunteer or contribute
Use the Join SDSUG form to become a member.
Our Principles
SDSUG operates with a clear set of values:
- Neutrality and independence
- Professionalism and respect
- Accessibility and inclusion
- Community stewardship
- High‑trust, low‑noise communication
- Commitment to learning and improvement
These principles guide every meeting, initiative, and partnership.
Where We Operate
SDSUG is based in Phoenix, Arizona and serves a broad regional and global audience. Participants join from across industries, sectors, and geographic areas.
Next Steps
Explore the pages below to learn more:
- About SDSUG – Identity, mission, governance
- Membership – How to join and what to expect
- Events – Meetings, conferences, and community events
- Resources – Training, peer groups, and reference materials
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Sonoran Desert Security Users Group (SDSUG) At a Glance
SDSUG is a neutral, vendor‑free professional community for people working in security, technology, governance, and risk. It provides a structured, respectful environment for learning and connection.
To provide a neutral, high‑trust environment for security and technology professionals to learn, collaborate, and strengthen the regional and national ecosystem.
Anyone in or adjacent to the security and technology ecosystem is welcome, including students, early‑career professionals, and experienced leaders.
SDSUG typically meets quarterly, with occasional special sessions or partner events. Check the Events page for additional information.
You can attend meetings, become a member of SDSUG, volunteer, or participate in community initiatives. Membership is free and open to the public.
Yes. SDSUG provides curated resources, presentations, and community knowledge through its website and events.
The Events page includes SDSUG’s own meetings as well as curated security, technology, governance, and risk‑related conferences, summits, and community events across the region and beyond.
Events are usually held quarterly, with additional sessions scheduled as needed.
Events are held in the Greater Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan area, with exact locations listed on each event page.
RSVP is recommended for planning purposes, but many events allow walk‑ins.
No. SDSUG hosts its own meetings, but many events listed on this page are external conferences or partner events. Each listing clearly indicates whether SDSUG is the organizer.
SDSUG typically meets quarterly. Special sessions or partner events may be added throughout the year.
Each event listing includes a label or description indicating the organizer. SDSUG‑hosted meetings are clearly marked.
Most conferences are open to the public, but registration requirements vary by organizer. Each listing includes a link to the official event site for details.
SDSUG does not formally endorse external events. Listings are provided as a community resource for professionals seeking relevant educational and networking opportunities.
You can submit an event through the Contact page. Events must be relevant to security, technology, governance, or risk and must align with SDSUG’s neutral, professional standards.
Yes. Both in‑person and virtual events may be listed when they provide value to the security and technology community.
Explore SDSUG
About SDSUG
Our history, mission, values, and organizational leadership.
Speak at SDSUG
Guidelines and proposal instructions for practitioner‑level presentations.
Membership
Join the SDSUG community for trusted peer collaboration and networking.
SDSUG at a Glance
Overview of our history, mission, community, and events FAQ.
Volunteer at SDSUG
Roles that support SDSUG’s events, operations, and community environment.
Safety & Incident Response
Standards, protocols, and trained officers who ensure a safe, respectful, and professionally governed environment at SDSUG events.
Leadership
Meet the professionals guiding SDSUG’s direction and growth.
Events & Meetings
Upcoming events, discussions, meetings, topics, speakers, and partner conferences.
Sponsors
Organizations that support SDSUG’s mission and practitioner community.
Last updated: February 2026