From Prompts to MCP – Aligning Work Tasks with Smarter AI Tools

Inspired by Julia McCoy's recent video "ChatGPT’s App Store: The End of Apps As We Know Them" (watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cot4n13YOIk), this Meetup explores how developers can apply its key insights to everyday work—without diving into building ChatGPT apps. The video highlights OpenAI's pivot to the Model Context Protocol (MCP), an open standard for secure, code-based AI integrations that outshines fragile prompt-based agents (like the failed 2023 GPT Store).
We'll focus on aligning your development tasks at work with MCP and existing tools: Think integrating APIs, databases, and services (e.g., Azure, .NET Semantic Kernel, or ChurnZero) into conversational workflows. No more prompt engineering guesswork—build reliable agents that handle real actions like querying data, automating reports, or embedding UIs, all while reducing app-switching friction for 800M+ ChatGPT users.
Why Attend?

• Learn how MCP (JSON-RPC for AI) enables "do anything" interfaces, as predicted to dominate by 2029.
• Discuss practical alignment: How to retrofit MCP into your stack (e.g., .NET minimal APIs for private servers, OAuth for security) without disrupting current projects.
• Avoid common pitfalls: Centralization risks, privacy concerns, and why MCP beats prompts for enterprise-scale reliability.

Who Should Come?

• Developers (esp. .NET, Azure, Blazor pros) in Houston tech hubs.
• Managers/entrepreneurs balancing AI hype with productive workflows.
• Anyone tired of app silos and ready for conversational dev paradigms.

Agenda (6-8 PM CST):

• 6:00 PM: Networking & intros (share your pain points with prompt-based tools).
• 6:15 PM: Quick video recap + MCP overview (why it's the "USB-C for AI" – secure, platform-agnostic, works with OpenAI/Anthropic/etc.).
• 6:45 PM: Hands-on discussion: Aligning tasks – e.g., using MCP for DB queries in work agents, integrating existing APIs (demos via code snippets).
• 7:15 PM: Group breakout: Brainstorm integrations for your tools + Q&A on risks (privacy, competition from Google/Meta).
• 7:45 PM: Wrap-up & next steps (resources: OpenAI SDK, MCP docs).