Bob Martin gives a talk about clean architecture, discussing how frameworks like Rails (and by extension Laravel) should not dominate application design. He emphasizes that web frameworks are just I/O devices and should be treated as plugins to the core business logic. He discusses the importance of proper architecture that allows deferring major decisions, separates business logic from delivery mechanisms, and enables easy testing. He also touches on the growing responsibility of software developers in society and the need for self-regulation through practices like TDD.

Jack McDade shares insights on how developers can improve their design skills through a three-phase process: gathering inspiration, experimenting with copy work, and unleashing creativity. He emphasizes that good design guides users willingly toward mutual goals, and developers can learn design by collecting inspiration, practicing through experiments, and combining elements to create original work. The talk draws parallels between this creative process and Willy Wonka's approach to innovation.

Matt Stauffer gives an in-depth talk about the importance of empathy in software development and how it can make you a better developer, colleague, and person. He explains that empathy is not just an innate trait but a skill that can be learned and developed, discussing how it impacts everything from code quality to team dynamics to open source contributions. The talk emphasizes practical ways to develop empathy and how it leads to better understanding of users, clients, and fellow developers.

Jessica Rose gives an engaging talk about imposter syndrome, particularly in the tech industry. She explores how it affects different groups, discusses cognitive biases including the Dunning-Kruger effect, and provides practical strategies for dealing with imposter syndrome both personally and when supporting others. The talk emphasizes that feeling like an impostor can actually be a sign that you're skilled enough to recognize the complexity of your field.

The talk discusses the often challenging relationship between developers and managers in software development, focusing on how to improve this dynamic through better communication, mutual understanding, and shared goals. The speaker shares personal experiences and provides guidance on how developers can become more empowered, collaborate effectively, and deliver value while maintaining professional growth.

The talk focuses on building and managing effective development teams, particularly in the context of scaling from scratch. The speaker shares their experience of building multiple development teams for a major European airport, discussing the importance of culture, values, trust, and continuous learning. They emphasize the value of self-organizing teams, proper tooling, and creating an environment where developers can thrive while maintaining accountability.

Dave Hicking discusses how developers can move beyond being just 'order takers' to become effective problem solvers by fostering psychological safety, encouraging curiosity, and building a collaborative culture. He emphasizes the importance of asking questions, challenging assumptions respectfully, and taking ownership of work while maintaining a shared understanding of goals. The talk explores how both individuals and organizations can create an environment where creative problem-solving thrives.