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Some topics are new, rapidly evolving, and exploring them doesn't fit neatly into traditional conference structures. They can benefit instead from unconferences—participant-driven events emphasizing emerging conversations and collective exploration, rather than predefined, organizer-driven agendas.
So, Web Directions will host a new ad hoc series of these unconference-style gatherings, centered on intriguing and emerging topics. Each event aims to facilitate meaningful conversations, foster idea sharing, and connect passionate individuals eager to explore and contribute to these dynamic areas.
Number one:
AI and Software engineering
Deakin Downtown
Melbourne Docklands
April 15th 2pm–5pm
free, RSVPs required
Our first unconference focuses on an important but under considered question: what is software engineering in an age of Large Language Models (LLMs)?
At a time where there is a lot of hype around AI and LLMs, and recently 'vibe coding', we are less concerned with tips and tricks, clever prompts, and with hand-wavey considerations about how "AI will change everything". Instead, we want to gather experienced software engineers, and engineering leadership, as well as researchers working in this and related fields to explore the question in practical ways.
Our 2025 Events
Here's what we're bringing you in person (and streaming) in 2025. With more online at Conffab.
RSVP
Attending our unconferences is free, but to help us with logistics, please RSVP.
To RSVP, just let us know your name and email address and keep an eye in your inbox for details about the event.
Join the Linkedin Group
We recently started a linkedin group to connect folks interested in this topic and help keep up with what's happening in this area.
Our venue
The AI and Software Engineering unconference will take place at Deakin Downtown in Docklands, thanks to the generous support of Deakin University's Applied Artificial Intelligence Institute.
Getting there:
There are numerous public transport options, and parking available close by.
Partners
Our first unconference, AI and Software engineering, in generously hosted by Deakin University's Applied Artificial Intelligence Institute.
John Allsopp
John Allsopp has been working on the Web for nearly 30 years. He's been responsible for innovative developer tools such as Style Master and X-Ray, and his ideas formed the foundation for Typekit, now Adobe Fonts, and the entire concept of Responsive Web Design. He's spoken at numerous conferences around the World and delivered dozens of workshops in that time as well.
His writing includes several books, including Developing With Web Standards and countless articles and tutorials in print and online publications.
His "A Dao of Web Design" published in 2000 is cited by Ethan Marcotte as a key influence in the development of Responsive Web Design, who's acclaimed article in 2010 begins by quoting John in detail, and by Jeremy Keith as "a manifesto for anyone working on the Web".
John brings his deep knowledge of and passion for the web and all things digital to every aspect of Web Directions.
About Us
Co-founded and now run by John Allsopp, Web Directions has for nearly 2 decades years brought together leading developers, engineers, visual, IxD, UX and product designers, Art and Creative Directors, product managers indeed everyone involved in producing web and digital products to learn from one another, and the World's leading experts across this vast field.
We spend our lives thinking about what comes next, keeping up with trends in technology, practices and processes, and filtering the hype, to make sure you don't miss trends that matter, and don't waste time on hype that doesn't.
We promise attending one of our events will leave you significantly better versed in the challenges you face day to day, and in solutions for addressing them.
Code of Conduct
For over a decade, we've worked hard to create inclusive, fun, inspring and safe events for the Web Industry.
As part of our commitment to these values, we've adopted a code of conduct for all involved: ourselves, our speakers, our partners and our audience.
If you have any concern or feedback, please don't hesitate to contact us.