Start Using MongoDB + Stepping Back Into .NET - 2 Talks

New venue! We are now going to be running the events at Haylofts, 5 St. Thomas Street, Newcastle, NE1 4LE moving forward.

We have a fairly relaxed agenda, but will follow:
5:30 - Doors Open
5:45 - Pizza arrival
6:00 - Introduction / Housekeeping
6:10 - Talks begin
8:00 - Closing

Speaker 1: Kevin Smith

Title: Let's start using MongoDB in our next .NET project!

Description:
I’ve been passionate about MongoDB since its very first release, and for good reason—it’s evolved into the most popular general-purpose document database, packed with powerful features. But why should you choose MongoDB over a traditional relational database, and how does it fit into a modern .NET application?

In this talk, we’ll explore MongoDB from the ground up, starting with the raw power of BSON, moving through the MongoDB .NET driver, and finally diving into the brand-new MongoDB EF Core provider—a game-changer for developers familiar with Entity Framework. Whether you’re a seasoned .NET developer or just curious about NoSQL, this session will give you practical insights and techniques to harness the full potential of MongoDB in your applications.

Join me to discover why MongoDB isn’t just an alternative to relational databases—it’s a paradigm shift for building scalable, high-performance .NET applications!

Speaker Bio:
Kevin Smith is an accomplished Principal Software Engineer and technology enthusiast with a strong background in a wide range of technologies. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP and MongoDB Champion for his expertise and contributions to the industry.

Beyond his work as a software engineer, Kevin is heavily involved in the technology community. He runs three community groups, including dotnet York and dotnetsheff in the North of England, as well as a virtual hackathon group called MiniHack. He is passionate about sharing his knowledge and expertise with others, regularly speaking at user groups and conferences and contributing to the open-source community.

Speaker 2: Mark Jose

Title: A JavaScript convert steps back into .NET and the world is good

Description:
Returning to dotNET after a decade in the world of JS

Over 15 years ago, I worked solely in the world of Microsoft Windows. I've now spent nearly a decade in the world of JavaScript and I'm about to explore what's changed.

Speaker Bio:
A hands-on, seasoned technology leader with over 25 years of engineering expertise, specialising in architecture and developing software across diverse sectors such as Investment Banking, Energy Trading, and Gaming. I have overseen the entire technical landscape of businesses, driving the engineering function, shaping the technical vision, and ensuring the successful delivery of cutting-edge solutions.