Name: Open Source CMS Solutions, Testing Essentials, and the Future of AI
Start: 2025-03-25T18:30:00-04:00
End: 2025-03-25T20:30:00-04:00
Location: Atlanta Tech Park

**Six Feet Under with Payload.js: Modernizing the Family Business with an Open-Source CMS**
**Speaker: Brandon Kearns**
In this talk, I'll share how I'm using Payload.js to power a complete funeral service business platform...for my Dad. Most content platforms force developers to compromise, but with Payload, yes, you get a CMS and because of its Next.js-native, API-first approach you also get a full application framework: a front end, a back end + a headless CMS in a single codebase. I'll show how Payload's block-based layout builder, specialized collections, and rich text editing can empower digital solutions for small businesses that may not have a developer on staff. In the demo, I will showcase creating custom memorial pages through the admin interface in order to show how easily non-technical staff can manage sophisticated website content without sacrificing developer control or user experience. Inherently, I've also gotten to learn what it's like to get to build something for my dad, so we can talk about that, as well - content is not the only thing that needs managing. Don't worry, we'll lead with levity to mitigate the gravity of the subject matter at hand.

**Understanding Automated Testing**
**Speaker: Nicole Gathany**
Unit, Integration, and End-to-End Testing Explained Through Pizza
Automated testing is essential for building reliable web applications, but understanding the different types—unit, integration, and end-to-end testing—can be challenging. In this talk, we'll break down these testing strategies using a simple (and delicious) analogy: pizza. Whether you're new to testing or looking to refine your approach, this session will help you build confidence in writing and implementing automated tests effectively.

**Fireside Chat: Charting the Future of AI: Next Steps for Tech and How Companies Can Leverage It Today**
**Speakers: Simone Cuomo & Rob Ocel**

**Fireside Chat #2: Engineering Leadership**
**Speakers: Erica Stanley & Beth Laing**

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beth laing

Erica Stanley

Angel Banks (she/her)

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Open Source CMS Solutions, Testing Essentials, and the Future of AI

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Atlanta Tech Park

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Open Source CMS Solutions, Testing Essentials, and the Future of AI

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