Using AI for Coding

Tech professionals and entrepreneurs share their real life stories, experience and insights about using AI for coding professionally and experimentally.

The session also provides warnings about the use of these technologies, possible workarounds and creates a space for discussion about using AI for coding, for programmers and non-programmers.

Dynamic: The session alternates between content delivery and discussion.

Level: All levels welcome - no technical background required.

Who is this session for? programmers, entrepreneurs (technical and non-tech) and anyone curious about coding using AI

Speakers:
Tom Quirk: Tom is the Head of Engineering at Tax Nuggets, where he leads product and engineering for an online learning platform built for Aussie accountants. He has spent more than a decade building software at startups and scaleups, including GitLab, with a focus on fast iteration and “boring solutions”: practical, reliable ways to ship, learn, and improve. Since diving deep into AI in mid-2025, Tom has been chasing practical agentic engineering workflows that actually work for him and his team

Valentina Urrutia Guada: Valentina is a scientist and technology trainer with over ten years’ experience designing and delivering practical learning. She is the founder of Skill Up and Shine, where she focuses on helping people build confidence with digital tools and emerging technologies through hands‑on, practical training. She has helped thousands of people learn about science and technology, including supporting more than 850 people to learn how to use AI tools, with an emphasis on real‑world applications that support everyday professional work. The average feedback for her sessions is 4.6/5.0

Peter Cole: Pete is a Consultant and Delivery Manager at Everest Engineering, where he helps software teams deliver real value for their clients. He has over 30 years experience in the tech industry in both tech and non-tech roles. His expertise lies in breaking down problems and aligning diverse teams, both technical and non-technical, to deliver shared value. The emergence of AI coding and agents is adding a new dimension to the mix.

Agenda:
10:00- Welcome & Introductions
10:30 am - Reflecting on my AI Adoption Timeline - Tom
11:00 am - Rookie non-tech founder tale - Valentina
11:30 am - Watchouts & workarounds - Pete