# Pre-Event Setup

*←* [*Back to Running Your Event*](https://docs.kc7cyber.com/hosting-an-event/running) *|* [*Getting Started*](https://docs.kc7cyber.com/hosting-an-event/getting-started) *|* [*Home*](https://docs.kc7cyber.com/readme)

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## Pre-Event Setup & Preparation

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**Congratulations!** Your event has been approved. Now it's time to set up your game and prepare to host an amazing cybersecurity learning experience.
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### 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.

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### Understanding Your Approval Email

After submitting your request at [kc7cyber.com/gameon](https://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

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**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.
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#### 🔗 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](https://docs.kc7cyber.com/using-the-tenant-system/overview).

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### 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

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**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.
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#### How to Play

1. **Go to the practice module:** [kc7cyber.com/go/VALDY](https://kc7cyber.com/go/VALDY)
2. **Create a KC7 account** if you don't have one
3. **Complete the full scenario** (takes about 90 minutes)
4. **Take notes** as you play - especially on difficult parts

#### What to Note While Playing

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Technical Challenges" %}
**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
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Learning Moments" %}
**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
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Flow & Pacing" %}
**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
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

***

### Prepare Your Team

#### For Solo Hosts (Small Events)

* [ ] **Complete the module yourself**
* [ ] **Review participant requirements** (see [Technical Requirements](https://docs.kc7cyber.com/hosting-an-event/planning/technical-requirements))
* [ ] **Prepare opening remarks** using our [host scripts](https://docs.kc7cyber.com/resources/templates#host-scripts)
* [ ] **Have Discord/support contacts ready**
* [ ] **Test your Go Link** to ensure it works properly

#### For Team Hosts (Larger Events)

* [ ] **All volunteers complete the module**
* [ ] **Assign roles** (registration, tech support, roaming help)
* [ ] **Practice coordinated support** - don't all help the same person
* [ ] **Brief team on common issues** and solutions
* [ ] **Establish communication method** between team members during event

***

### Content Preparation

#### Opening Remarks Prep

Using our [host scripts](https://docs.kc7cyber.com/resources/templates#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

* [ ] Complete "A Scandal in Valdoria" yourself
* [ ] Take detailed notes on challenging parts
* [ ] Brief your volunteers (if any)
* [ ] Test your Go Link works properly
* [ ] Send participant invitations with Go Link
* [ ] Review [technical requirements](https://docs.kc7cyber.com/hosting-an-event/planning/technical-requirements)

#### 2-3 Days Before Event

* [ ] Review your notes from playing
* [ ] Prepare opening remarks
* [ ] Test tech setup at venue (for in-person events)
* [ ] Send reminder to participants
* [ ] Have support contacts ready (Discord, email)

#### Day Before Event

* [ ] Do a final tech check
* [ ] Review host dashboard features
* [ ] Prepare any printed materials
* [ ] Confirm volunteer availability
* [ ] Get a good night's sleep!

#### Day Of Event

* [ ] Arrive early (15-30 minutes)
* [ ] Test internet connection and projection
* [ ] Have host dashboard and Go Link ready
* [ ] Stay calm and welcoming
* [ ] Remember: You've got this!

***

### Pro Tips from Experienced Hosts

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**"I tell participants upfront that getting stuck is part of learning. I got stuck too when I played!"** - High School Teacher
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**"I walk around during the event and ask 'What are you discovering?' instead of 'Do you need help?' It's more engaging."** - Corporate Trainer
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**"I play through the module the week before each event, even though I've hosted many times. It keeps me fresh."** - Community Organizer
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**"I keep the KC7 troubleshooting guide open on my laptop during events. It's saved me several times!"** - University TA
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***

### Technical Setup Verification

Before your event, verify:

#### For In-Person Events

* [ ] **WiFi capacity** - Can handle all participants simultaneously
* [ ] **Power outlets** - Enough for participant laptops
* [ ] **Projection** - Display Go Link and scoreboard clearly
* [ ] **Room setup** - Comfortable seating with desk/table space
* [ ] **Backup plan** - Mobile hotspot if WiFi fails

#### For Virtual Events

* [ ] **Video platform** - Zoom, Teams, or similar tested and ready
* [ ] **Screen sharing** - Ability to show your screen when needed
* [ ] **Chat functionality** - For sharing Go Link and support
* [ ] **Breakout rooms** - Optional, for team activities
* [ ] **Recording** - Decide if you'll record and inform participants

For complete technical requirements, see our [Technical Requirements Guide](https://docs.kc7cyber.com/hosting-an-event/planning/technical-requirements).

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### Need Help Preparing?

**Can't complete the module?**

* Join our [Discord community](https://docs.kc7cyber.com/community/discord) for real-time support
* Email <code class="expression">space.vars.support\_email</code> 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](https://docs.kc7cyber.com/hosting-an-event/resources/troubleshooting)
* Connect with other hosts in Discord
* Remember: Your enthusiasm matters more than expertise

**Want to dive deeper?**

* Review the [FAQ](https://docs.kc7cyber.com/hosting-an-event/resources/faq) for common questions
* Explore the [Event Formats guide](https://docs.kc7cyber.com/hosting-an-event/planning/event-formats)
* Check out [Templates & Materials](https://docs.kc7cyber.com/hosting-an-event/resources/templates) for helpful resources

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### Next Steps

Once you've completed your preparation:

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Event Day Guide</strong></td><td><a href="event-day">Running your event →</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Event Formats</strong></td><td><a href="../planning/event-formats">Choose your format →</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Templates</strong></td><td><a href="../resources/templates">Host scripts &#x26; materials →</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Troubleshooting</strong></td><td><a href="../resources/troubleshooting">Common issues &#x26; solutions →</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

***

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**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!
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