Spec driven AI development - A Real World Perspective
AI demos are easy. Production systems are not.
In this session, we move beyond hype and explore what it actually takes to deliver AI systems that work in the real world. Not experiments. Not playgrounds. Proper, spec-driven, commercially accountable systems.
You will see how clear specifications, structured prompts, testing frameworks and disciplined engineering turn AI from a novelty into a reliable asset. We will cover what goes wrong when you skip the spec, how to avoid costly rework, and how to design AI systems that survive compliance, security reviews and real users.
If you are building AI for clients, boards or production environments, this session will challenge your assumptions and give you a practical blueprint.
Nick Beaugeard
Nick Beaugeard is a software architect, entrepreneur and AI strategist based in Sydney. He is the founder of Released and a driving force behind next-generation automation platforms that combine structured engineering with practical AI deployment.
Nick works at the intersection of technology and governance, helping organisations move beyond AI experimentation into commercially viable, production-ready systems. His approach is grounded in disciplined architecture, clear specifications and measurable outcomes rather than hype.
In addition to leading complex software and AI initiatives across healthcare, professional services and enterprise environments, Nick serves as a Councillor on the Northern Beaches Council. He brings a pragmatic, outcomes-focused mindset to both business and public service, with a strong emphasis on accountability, digital transformation and real-world impact.
Nick is a regular conference speaker, known for translating emerging AI capabilities into practical strategies leaders can actually implement.