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 format swaps the usual coding dojo for structured open discussion, with the theme being AI and its effect on the software industry — what's changed, what's at risk, and how developers are actually adapting.
The evening starts with a short introduction, then attendees write topics on post-it notes and vote on what to discuss. Groups then split off to dig into whichever threads get picked. The organisers have seeded a few starting points: adapting to AI tooling, what happens to code quality and job satisfaction when AI is doing more of the work, what has genuinely shifted in the past twelve months, and cautionary tales from the field. The agenda is deliberately loose — the point is the conversation, not a polished presentation.
This is a free event. Pizza and drinks are provided, with vegetarian and vegan options. No talk to sit through, no slides to half-watch. Just a room of Leeds developers working through the same questions most of them are already arguing about in Slack.
Codurance, the software craftsmanship consultancy, has recently opened a Leeds office and is supporting the event. Software Crafters Leeds has been running regular sessions for the Leeds development community for several years, mixing dojos, talks and social evenings. Platform, the venue, is a short walk from Leeds station and a regular home for Leeds tech meetups.
If you want to give a short 10–15 minute talk at a future meetup, the organisers are actively looking for speakers — contact them through the Meetup page.
Why attend
The unconference format means the conversation goes where the room wants it to go. If you have a strong opinion about AI pair programming, code review, or what junior developers are supposed to learn now, this is a better use of an evening than watching someone else's slides.
You'll be in a room with Leeds-based developers who are dealing with the same pressures. Codurance is involved, so there's likely to be a mix of consultancy and product-side engineers. Free pizza, free drinks, done by 8pm.
Agenda
- 18:00 Doors open
- 18:00–18:15 Short introduction from the host
- 18:15–18:30 Topic selection via post-it notes
- 18:30–19:45 Small group discussions on chosen topics
- 19:45–20:00 Wrap-up and close
Organiser
Software Crafters Leeds
Software Crafters Leeds is a meetup group for the Leeds development community, focused on craft, practice and peer learning. They run regular sessions including coding dojos, talks and social evenings. The group is hosted by Stephen and meets at venues around Leeds city centre.
Venue
Platform, City Centre
Platform is on New Station Street, directly adjacent to Leeds train station. It's a co-working and events space that hosts a number of Leeds tech meetups; the 1st floor meeting room is a standard setup for groups of this size.
FAQs
- Is this event free to attend?
- Yes, the event is free. Pizza and drinks, 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 next to Leeds train station.
- Do I need to register in advance?
- Yes, register via the Meetup.com page for Software Crafters Leeds to secure your place.
- Is this in person or online?
- In person only at Platform, Leeds. No hybrid or remote option is mentioned.
- What is an unconference format?
- 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-planned talks or fixed agenda beyond the opening introduction.