At Kalles Group, we created Smart Cookies for one reason: To give security and technology professionals a space for honest, grounded conversations where tools, trends, and frameworks meet real-world experience.
Smart Cookies are in-person events held quarterly in the Seattle area. Focused around topics in the spheres of security and technology, they bring a blend of insights straight from local leaders and time to discuss and network in a room of like-minded professionals. To top it off, there’s always a selection of gourmet cookies to enjoy.
As you see an invitation to join the next Smart Cookies conversation, you might be asking: Is this worth my time?
We think so. But don’t just take our word for it, here’s what our past attendees had to say:
1. The Networking Is Real and Local
“At every event, I get a chance to share what I know, learn something new and network with local peers.”
– Jared Pfost, Information Security Leader
Smart Cookies draws senior practitioners, CISOs, and enterprise security leaders from Seattle and beyond. The conversations are informal, energizing, and intentional. It’s not just about what happens in the room but the momentum you take with you afterward.
2. The Atmosphere Is Relaxed but Rich in Value
“The atmosphere is welcoming. Conversations start easily and stick.”
– Security Team Lead, Fortune 500 Company
We keep it small, local, and thoughtfully curated. You’re not just attending, your part of the conversation. It’s the kind of space where experts share candid insights, peers exchange real-world lessons, and some of the most valuable takeaways happen between panel discussions.
3. You’ll Hear What Actually Works
“The topic was fascinating. Speakers were engaging, funny, and practical.”
– Product Manager, Tech Startup
We feature leaders doing the work – not just talking about it. Whether it’s building secure AI, navigating privacy regulations, or leading high-performing teams, our panelists speak from lived experience.
This quarter, we’ll be exploring Leading With AI: How Smart Leaders Are Turning Tools Into Teammates. Our panel features:
- Zach Koch – Founder, Fixie.ai
- Eli Coon – Product Lead, Microsoft Copilot Studio
- Mike Anderson – Co-founder, Think Agents / AiLayer
- Diego Tamburini – Director, Engineering Agility at Microsoft
They’ll unpack what it takes to embed AI into teams – and what happens when strategy meets execution.
4. You Leave with Ideas You Can Use Tomorrow
“I’ve walked away with new contacts and fresh ideas.”
– Cybersecurity Specialist, Financial Services
Smart Cookies is about practical insight, not theory. You’ll leave with frameworks, questions, and connections you can immediately bring back to your team – whether you’re shaping culture, implementing policy, or rolling out new tools.
5. Leaders Come Back Because It’s That Good
Smart Cookie has earned a 9/10 average recommendation score, and most attendees return. Why? Because it’s more than an event – it’s a growing community of forward-thinking security and technology leaders committed to evolving how we work. We also believe each event is an opportunity to gather feedback and ideas on future topic straight from the audience!
In Conclusion: What Makes Smart Cookies Stand Out?
According to past attendees: it’s the intimate setting, practical conversations, engaging panelists, and the kind of local networking that actually leads somewhere. Oh, and yes, the cookies are excellent too. We hope to see you at a future event. RSVP to the next one here.