Pre-Event Setup
Essential setup and preparation steps after your event is approved
Congratulations! Your event has been approved. Now it's time to set up your game and prepare to host an amazing cybersecurity learning experience.
Overview
After your event is approved, you'll need to understand your approval email (with your host dashboard, participant link, and tenant), complete the game yourself, and prepare your team and venue. This page guides you through the essential preparation steps to ensure a successful event day. Most hosts complete this preparation in 2-3 hours over the week before their event.
Understanding Your Approval Email
After submitting your request at kc7cyber.com/gameon, you'll receive an approval email within 1-2 days (often faster - check your email!). This email contains everything you need to run your event successfully.
Your approval email includes three key components:
🧭 Your KC7 Intro Page (Host Dashboard)
This is your private host dashboard for the event.
Example:
https://kc7cyber.com/intro/ABC123
On this page, you'll find:
A video walkthrough explaining how KC7 works
Step-by-step instructions on how to run the game
Tips for managing virtual or in-person events
A link to the participant version of the game
Live scoreboard and analytics during your event
Keep this link private. This page is meant just for you and any co-hosts - don't share it with participants. It's your behind-the-scenes guide to hosting a smooth event.
🔗 Your Participant Game Link (Go Link)
Example:
https://kc7cyber.com/go/ABC123
This is the link you share with your participants. When players visit this link, they'll:
Join your unique game session
See the event-specific scoreboard
Be able to start investigating the game scenario right away
Earn digital badges when they complete the module
You can email this link, post it in a class group, embed it in a presentation—whatever works best for your audience.
🏢 Your KC7 Tenant Dashboard
This is your permanent organizational account that was automatically created with your first event. It includes:
Pre-created Classroom - Already set up with your event name
Your First Game - "A Scandal in Valdoria" ready to run
Full Management Access - Add more games, create classrooms, track progress
Future Expansion - Run unlimited additional events
This tenant is yours to keep and grow! After your first event, you can continue using it to run more games, build programs, and track long-term progress.
For more details about the tenant system, see our Tenant Guide.
The #1 Preparation Step: Play the Game Yourself
The most important thing you can do: Complete "A Scandal in Valdoria" before your event.
Why This Matters
Understand the participant experience - Know where people might get stuck
Identify challenging questions - Be ready to provide hints
Experience "a-ha" moments - Share these insights during your event
Build confidence - Feel comfortable guiding participants
You don't need expertise - Just familiarity with the journey
Good news! You don't need to be a cybersecurity expert to host KC7 events. But playing through the scenario once gives you the context to create an amazing experience for your participants.
How to Play
Go to the practice module: kc7cyber.com/go/VALDY
Create a KC7 account if you don't have one
Complete the full scenario (takes about 90 minutes)
Take notes as you play - especially on difficult parts
What to Note While Playing
Watch for:
Confusing interface elements
Complex queries that need explanation
Areas where participants might need help
Common error messages
Action: Prepare simple explanations for these concepts
Look for:
"A-ha" moments when concepts click
Real-world connections to cybersecurity
Interesting findings in the data
Story revelations that excite you
Action: Plan to highlight these during your event
Consider:
How long each section takes you
Natural break points
Questions that build on each other
When you felt most/least engaged
Action: Plan your event timing and energy management
Prepare Your Team
For Solo Hosts (Small Events)
For Team Hosts (Larger Events)
Content Preparation
Opening Remarks Prep
Using our host scripts, prepare to:
Welcome participants and set expectations
Explain the scenario without spoiling discoveries
Cover basic navigation of the KC7 interface
Establish communication (how to ask for help)
Set the tone - encouraging, not evaluative
During-Event Support
Prepare simple explanations for:
"What is KQL?" - The query language used in the game
"How do I read these logs?" - Basic log analysis concepts
"I'm stuck on Question X" - Gentle hints without giving answers
"This is confusing" - Encouragement and guidance
"Am I doing this right?" - Validation and reassurance
Closing Remarks
Plan to:
Celebrate all participants (not just winners)
Highlight key learning moments from your preparation
Connect to real-world cybersecurity
Share next steps for continued learning
Provide feedback opportunities
Pre-Event Checklist
1 Week Before Event
2-3 Days Before Event
Day Before Event
Day Of Event
Pro Tips from Experienced Hosts
"I tell participants upfront that getting stuck is part of learning. I got stuck too when I played!" - High School Teacher
"I walk around during the event and ask 'What are you discovering?' instead of 'Do you need help?' It's more engaging." - Corporate Trainer
"I play through the module the week before each event, even though I've hosted many times. It keeps me fresh." - Community Organizer
"I keep the KC7 troubleshooting guide open on my laptop during events. It's saved me several times!" - University TA
Technical Setup Verification
Before your event, verify:
For In-Person Events
For Virtual Events
For complete technical requirements, see our Technical Requirements Guide.
Need Help Preparing?
Can't complete the module?
Join our Discord community for real-time support
Email [email protected] with specific questions
Remember: Participants will have the same challenges!
Feeling nervous about hosting?
Start with a small group for your first event
Review our troubleshooting guide
Connect with other hosts in Discord
Remember: Your enthusiasm matters more than expertise
Want to dive deeper?
Review the FAQ for common questions
Explore the Event Formats guide
Check out Templates & Materials for helpful resources
Next Steps
Once you've completed your preparation:
Event Day Guide
Event Formats
Templates
Troubleshooting
Remember: Your enthusiasm and preparation matter more than expertise. Participants will feed off your energy and excitement about cybersecurity. You're ready for a successful event!
Last updated