Venue Preparation

Essential preparation steps to ensure your event runs smoothly

Good news! You don't need to be a cybersecurity expert to host KC7 events. But a little preparation goes a long way toward creating an amazing experience for your participants.

🎮 Play the Game Yourself

The #1 preparation tip: 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

How to Play

1. Go to the practice module: 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

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

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

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

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👥 Prepare Your Team

For Solo Hosts (Small Events)

• Complete the module yourself

• Review participant requirements

• Prepare opening remarks using our host scripts

• Have Discord/support contacts ready

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

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🎯 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)

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

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

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⚡ Quick Prep 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

Day Before Event

• Review your notes from playing

• Prepare opening remarks

• Test tech setup at venue

• Have support contacts ready

Day Of Event

• Arrive early and stay calm

• Welcome participants warmly

• Be encouraging, not evaluative

• Celebrate everyone's effort!

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💡 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

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🆘 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

Want to dive deeper?

• Explore additional modules after your first event

• Consider educator training programs

• Join the KC7 host community

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🔗 Next Steps

Once you've completed your preparation:

• Review: Event Layout & Flow

• Check: Technical requirements one more time

• Practice: Your opening remarks

• Relax: You're ready for a successful event!

Remember: Your enthusiasm matters more than expertise. Participants will feed off your energy and excitement about cybersecurity!