Name: From COBOL to Co-Pilot: 70 Years of “Soon We Won’t Need Programmers Anymore”
Start: 2025-07-30T18:00:00-03:00
End: 2025-07-30T20:00:00-03:00
Location: VOLTA

July 2025
Featured July 15 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am ADT

Streamlining Automation and Coding with AI

Discover how to effectively integrate AI-driven automation and coding tasks into optimized workflows and enhance daily productivity. This practical webinar guides SMEs through the transition from basic AI understanding to actionable, everyday applications, equipping them with strategies to streamline operations and overcome common hurdles with integration. Key Takeaways Learn practical approaches to automating research, coding, and routine tasks using AI. Challenge prompt engineering and project management techniques to create effective, reliable automation. Gain actionable strategies for optimizing daily workflows and enhancing productivity through AI integration. Meet your Presenter - Manny Roy Manny is an experienced automation developer and SEO specialist with MacMillan Search, skilled in leveraging AI to streamline workflows. They have facilitated practical AI training sessions and developed custom automation tools, helping SMEs integrate AI effectively into their daily operations for enhanced productivity.

Free – $15
Featured July 15 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm ADT

Summer Networking Mixer

Island Folk Cider House 52 Nepean St, Sydney, NS, Canada

Cape Breton, we're heading your way for a summer networking mixer with our friends, IGNITE Atlantic. Join us at Island Folk Cider House for an evening of connection for tech professionals. Chat, mingle, and maybe meet your next client or collaborator! Open to all so tell your friends, but sign up quickly as space is limited. This is a 19+ event.

Free
July 16 @ 2:30 pm - 5:30 pm ADT

Trash to Tech!

The Goldberg Computer Science Building Room 134 6050 University Ave, Halifax, NS

ShiftKey and IEEE Canadian Atlantic are pleased to present Trash to Tech with Dr. Christine Farion!! Join us! No experience necessary – this is a fun event for all ages This event isn’t just about creativity—it’s about rethinking waste and pushing the boundaries of technology. Bubble wrap is often discarded after a single use, but we’re transforming it into functional fabric with electronics and conductive materials to create interactive designs. It’s an opportunity to learn, experiment, and make sustainability fun while exploring the intersection of fashion, tech, and environmental responsibility. Participating in this event means championing innovation while tackling real-world problems like waste management and sustainable materials. Whether you’re into electronics, DIY projects, fashion, or eco-conscious design, this is your chance to be part of a movement that proves recycling can be creative, stylish, and cutting-edge. Let’s electrify sustainability together! Please bring your own bubble wrap too (if you have it)!

Free
July 16 @ 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm ADT Recurring

Third Wednesday

Atlantica Hotel Halifax 1980 Robie St, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Join us at Third Wednesday! Pop by and chat with Halifax's tech/media/marketing community at the Atlantica Hotel. Introduce yourself during the 30-second intro/opportunity spots, and meet a great group of interesting people to chat with. All welcome, no need to register!
July 22 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm ADT

Vibe Coding Meetup

VOLTA 1800 Argyle Street #Unit 801, Halifax, NS, Canada

When: Tuesday, July 22, 2025 from 6:00pm - 8:00pm Where: Volta, 1800 Argyle St., Unit 801, Halifax, NS, B3J 3N8 Description: Get ready to roll up your sleeves and code. In this third edition of the Vibe Coding Meetup, we’re shifting into hands-on mode with a guided session led by Sam Silver. Whether you’re just getting started or actively building, this is your space to connect, learn, and create. He'll walk through: Basic prompting techniques Simple project setup Turning an idea into a working prototype Efficient iteration with AI What to Bring: Your laptop A mindset ready to build and iterate NOTE: If you are unable to attend any of our events please take a minute and cancel your ticket. This allows our team to better prepare for every event. By attending this event, you agree to be photographed and/or filmed and give permission to Volta to use your image in promotional and/or marketing materials.
July 23 @ 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm ADT

SNMA Summer School: Your Content’s Off… Here’s Why (And How to Fix It)

As marketers, we're sometimes responsible for content across multiple brands, and the pressure to be efficient, consistent, and AI-savvy has never been higher. But in the drive to produce more, faster, many of us are noticing a cost: content that feels polished but interchangeable. A little too templated. A little less… real. This 30-minute session, led by Shannon Emmerson, founder/CEO of B Corp content agency Forge & Spark, offers a strategic reset. With the help of a mini 'authenticity audit,' you’ll identify where your brand’s voice may have lost its edge—and what you can do to bring it back. Designed for marketers who care about integrity as much as impact, this session will help you realign your content with the values, voice, and audience that matter most. About Shannon Emmerson: AUTHOR | CONTENT STRATEGIST | FOUNDER & CEO, FORGE & SPARK MEDIA Shannon Emmerson is a content strategist, agency founder, and author of Content With Purpose: Authentic Messaging and Marketing to Grow Your Business. As CEO of Forge & Spark Media—a certified B Corp content marketing agency based in Vancouver, B.C., Canada—she helps purpose-driven organizations and leaders tell authentic stories, build trust, and grow with integrity. With over 25 years in publishing, communications, and […]

Free
July 23 @ 4:30 pm - 7:00 pm ADT

QueerTech Connect Q2 Meetup Halifax

Refresh Café 15 Western Parkway, Bedford, Nova Scotia, Canada

✨Explore the Future, Together Step into the world of exponential technologies—where AI, quantum computing, blockchain, and AR are transforming how we live, work, and connect. This quarter, we’re exploring how these innovations are reshaping industries and what they mean for the queer community. Join us at the QT Connect Meetup in Halifax, hosted by RBC. It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals, share experiences, and build meaningful relationships in a welcoming, inclusive space where tech and community come together. Date: July 23, 2025 Time: 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM Location: 15 Western Pkwy, Bedford, NS B4B 0V1, Canada (ample free parking on-site). Whether you're an industry veteran or just starting out, this meetup offers a welcoming space for everyone. Enjoy engaging discussions, networking opportunities, and a chance to unwind with fellow professionals. We don't want ticket costs to be a barrier to joining us in this discussion. We have scholarship and volunteer tickets available. To sign up for a scholarship ticket or to volunteer, fill out this form. Event Schedule & Agenda 4:30 pm Registration & Networking 5:00 pm Welcome and Announcements 5:15 pm Fireside Chat 6:00 pm Ask & Offer 6:15 pm Open Networking 7:00 pm Event Closes Community Asks & Offers […]

$10 – $30
Featured July 24 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm ADT

Choosing the Right Methodology

This is a practical webinar designed to equip you with essential project management skills tailored for the tech industry. Learn key concepts, tools, and best practices to plan, execute, and lead successful projects. Whether you're new to project management or looking to strengthen your skills, this session offers valuable insights to help you deliver results with confidence. 3 Key takeaways What is the project management and various methodologies Key fundamentals and concepts of each framework Why are companies choose certain methodologies Meet your Facilitator - Kumaran Nagasu Senior Project Manager and Agile Coach Dynamic, enthusiastic, and results-oriented Operations and Senior Agile Project Manager with about 2 decades of experience successfully delivering multiple large projects & initiatives, within scope, costs and schedule. Adept at coaching agile methodologies and implementing change in operations management through training management & teams, delivering impactful performance and results. Note: This event is free to DNS Members

Free – $15
July 24 @ 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm ADT

ISANS Immigrant Women Entrepreneurship Network Summer Market 2025

Halifax Brewery Market 312-1496, Lower Water St, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

The Immigrant Women Entrepreneurship Network (IWEN) presents the ISANS Summer Market happening at the Brewery Market on Wednesday, July 24, from 4 PM to 8 PM! Come celebrate the creativity, culture, and entrepreneurial spirit of immigrant women entrepreneurs in Halifax. From handcrafted art and jewellery to unique gifts and delicious treats, every vendor brings their story and talent to the table. Why you should come: Shop one-of-a-kind, handmade products Support women-owned businesses from immigrant backgrounds Celebrate community, culture, and entrepreneurship Enjoy summer vibes in a lively, welcoming space Come for the shopping. Stay for the stories. Save the date and bring your friends and family; the more, the merrier!

Free
Featured July 29 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am ADT

Driving AI Accountability Through Robust Data Governance

This session explores how to embed data governance into the AI lifecycle—from sourcing and quality to bias mitigation and explainability. We will learn how to align governance with innovation, reduce risk, and build systems that are transparent, ethical, and scalable. 3 Key Takeaways What Accountable AI Really Means Governance in the AI Lifecycle Actionable Governance Strategies Meet your presenter... Aadi Machandi has 16+ years in Data & AI, I help organizations unlock the value of data—driving decisions, building trust in AI, and embedding intelligence into the business. As a CDO and ex-Microsoft architect, I focus on turning data into a strategic asset for growth, innovation, and resilience.

Free
July 30 @ 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm ADT

SNMA Summer School: Igniting Marketing Magic: How Micro-Internships Power Innovation and Results

Join Sarah Blackmore, VP of Operations at Riipen, as she explores how micro-internships are helping marketing teams bring in fresh talent and new ideas. She’ll share examples of how these short-term, funded student projects contribute meaningful support and help drive innovation while giving emerging professionals valuable experience. About your host: Sarah Blackmore is a seasoned executive with over 20 years of experience in HR, operations, strategy, and leadership, specializing in scaling technology startups and fostering high-performing, human-centric cultures. As the VP of Operations and Head of People & Culture at Riipen, Sarah drives operational excellence and organizational growth while ensuring an inclusive, people-focused environment. Passionate about team development and delivering exceptional service, Sarah leads Riipen's Operations division, which encompasses Marketing, Strategic Project Delivery, Employer Success, Data & Compliance, and People & Culture. Her leadership has been instrumental in delivering outstanding experiences for Riipen’s partners, transforming how organizations engage with talent and create lasting impact. Let's level up your marketing with fresh perspectives! See you there!

Free
July 30 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm ADT

From COBOL to Co-Pilot: 70 Years of “Soon We Won’t Need Programmers Anymore”

VOLTA 1800 Argyle Street #Unit 801, Halifax, NS, Canada

Speaker: Andrew Burke (Co-Founder, Developer at BeanCounter Technologies) Join us for a captivating journey through seven decades of tech predictions, hype cycles, and the enduring spirit of developers. From the early promises of COBOL automating business logic to the current buzz around AI tools like GitHub Copilot, this TechTalk Atlantic event explores a recurring theme in tech: "We won’t need programmers anymore"—and why that never quite comes true. We'll dig into the historical moments when new technologies promised to replace coders, examine why those predictions fell short, and discuss what today's AI moment means for the future of software development. Whether you’re a seasoned engineer, an emerging dev, or just tech-curious, this talk offers a mix of history, insight, and a healthy dose of humor. Expect real talk, bold questions, and a forward-looking conversation on what it means to be a programmer in an age of rapid automation. Spoiler: programmers aren’t going anywhere—but their tools (and titles) are evolving fast. 🧠 Insights from the past. 💡 Lessons for the future. CODE OF CONDUCT Agenda: 6:00PM – 6:15PM: Welcome & Registration 6:15PM – 6:20PM: Sponsor Speech 6:20PM – 7:00PM: Speaker Presentation 7:00PM – 7:45PM: Networking 7:45PM – 8:00PM: Program End

Free

Events

July 2025