In 2019, a group of security professionals in Germany noticed that emerging security talent has no platform to meet and crate their network, and that newcomers to the industry - often transitioning from military, intelligence, or nonprofit backgrounds - lacked a dedicated space to share practical insights and build supportive networks. 

We began hosting small, informal meetups (#secwave) where senior leaders and junior practitioners could discuss the unspoken challenges of entering the corporate security field. When in-person gatherings became impossible during the pandemic, this initiative was restructured under the name YSPA, initially driven through OSAC Germany country chapter, entirely by volunteers who wanted to recreate the mentorship and camaraderie they had once sought.

The first official YSPA  took place in 2022, organized with the help of a well-established consultancy familiar with professional development. Subsequent editions in 2023 and 2024 were similarly hosted by large German organizations known for fostering internal learning programs. Each year, the events remained deliberately limited in size, inviting participants through personal outreach to ensure deep, meaningful conversations rather than formal presentations. Feedback confirmed that this intimate setting was crucial for newcomers to ask questions, find mentors, and form lasting connections.

By 2025, demand had grown beyond national borders: the first international gathering in Copenhagen was sold out within two days. 

Today, YSPA continues as a volunteer collective focused on peer-to-peer support, welcoming anyone - regardless of age or prior experience - who is starting or shifting into a corporate security role. 

Its founding principle remains simple: pairing practical guidance with genuine community to help professionals navigate the tactical and cultural aspects of the field.