meetup · Monthly · format varies
Leeds AI Mini Unconference
Open discussion on AI's real impact on software development
When
Wednesday 8 July
Time
17:00
Venue
Platform
City Centre
Price
Free
Software Crafters Leeds is running a mini unconference on Wednesday 8 July 2026, 6–8pm, at Platform on New Station Street. The theme is AI and its effect on the software industry: what's changed, what's at stake, and how developers are actually adapting.
The format is deliberately open. The evening starts with a short introduction, then attendees write topics on post-its and vote on what to discuss. Groups then split off to dig into those topics. A few seed ideas are already on the table: adapting to AI tools in day-to-day work, what happens to code quality and job satisfaction when AI is doing more of the writing, what has visibly shifted in the past twelve months, and cautionary tales from the field. None of those are fixed — the room decides.
This is a one-off departure from the group's usual Coding Dojo format. Codurance, which recently opened a Leeds office, is supporting the event and has helped the group get established in the city. Drinks and pizza are provided, with vegetarian and vegan options. The event is free to attend.
Software Crafters Leeds has been running regular sessions for the Leeds development community for some time, typically centred on hands-on practice rather than passive listening. The unconference format suits a topic like AI, where opinions are strong and experience varies widely across the room. If you want to propose a short 10–15 minute talk for a future meetup, the organisers are actively looking for speakers — mention it on the night or contact them through Meetup.
Why attend
The unconference format means the agenda is set by whoever turns up, so the conversation reflects what people in the room are actually dealing with — not a pre-packaged vendor narrative. You'll hear from working developers in Leeds about what AI tooling looks like in practice, where it's helping and where it's causing problems.
It's a small, structured-but-informal evening with pizza and drinks included. Platform is a five-minute walk from Leeds station. If you've been meaning to find a regular technical community in Leeds, this is a low-pressure way to meet the Software Crafters crowd.
Agenda
- 6:00 PM — Doors open, drinks and pizza
- 6:15 PM — Short introduction from the host
- 6:25 PM — Topic selection via post-it notes
- 6:35 PM — Small group discussions on chosen topics
- 7:45 PM — Wrap-up and close
- 8:00 PM — End
Organiser
Software Crafters Leeds
Software Crafters Leeds runs regular sessions for the Leeds development community, usually in a Coding Dojo format focused on hands-on practice. The group meets at Platform in the city centre and is hosted by Stephen. Codurance, which recently expanded to Leeds, supports the group.
Venue
Platform, City Centre
Platform sits on New Station Street, directly above Leeds railway station. The 1st Floor Meeting Room is a well-used spot for Leeds tech meetups, accessible and central.
FAQs
- Is the event free?
- Yes, attendance is free. Drinks and pizza (including vegetarian and vegan options) are provided on the night.
- Where exactly is the venue?
- 1st Floor Meeting Room, Platform, New Station Street, Leeds LS1 4JB. What3Words: fortunate.brings.lasts. It's directly above Leeds railway station.
- Do I need to register?
- Yes — RSVP via the Software Crafters Leeds Meetup page to secure your place.
- What is an unconference?
- Attendees propose and vote on discussion topics at the start of the evening using post-it notes, then split into small groups. There are no pre-set talks; the agenda is built on the night.
- Is this the usual Software Crafters Leeds format?
- No — the group normally runs a Coding Dojo. This July session is a one-off mini unconference format built around open discussion on AI.