Do we still need developers?
- Date
- 2025-12-07
- Location
- Classroom, London, England, United Kingdom
- Host
- Newspeak House
About this event
Software is changing fast, and the role of the developer is being questioned more openly than ever. As AI tools get better, no-code platforms spread, and product teams rethink how things get built, the real question is no longer just whether developers are needed, but what kind of developers will matter next. This event is a chance to have that conversation in person, with people who care about technology, craft, and where the industry is heading. If you have strong opinions, honest uncertainty, or a sense that the ground is shifting under your feet, this is the right room to be in. About the Event Do we still need developers? is an in-person community event in London built around a big, timely question. It sits at the intersection of tech, developer culture, and community conversation, making space for a discussion that is both practical and forward-looking. Rather than treating the topic like clickbait, this event creates room for nuance. The point is not to declare the profession dead or defend the status quo. It is to explore what is actually changing in software work, what remains deeply human, and how developers can respond with clarity instead of panic. Expect a format that supports discussion, perspective-sharing, and connection. The setting makes it well suited to people who want more than hot takes: people who want to listen, challenge assumptions, and leave with sharper thinking. Because this is a community-oriented gathering, the event is also about the people in the room. The value comes not only from the topic itself, but from hearing how others are interpreting the same industry shifts from different roles, backgrounds, and levels of experience. What to Expect You can expect a focused conversation around the future of development work and the forces reshaping it. Topics likely to come up include AI-assisted coding, automation, changing team structures, product velocity, developer identity, and the skills that continue to matter even as tools evolve. The event may be especially useful if you are tired of simplistic narratives like “AI will replace everyone” or “nothing will change.” A stronger discussion looks at what work is being accelerated, what work is being abstracted away, and what work still depends on judgment, collaboration, and technical depth. On the day, expect a mix of elements such as: A central discussion theme anchored on whether developers are still essential and how that role is evolving Shared perspectives from people working close to technology, product, and community Open conversation where different viewpoints can be tested, refined, and challenged respectfully Networking time before or after the main discussion so you can continue the conversation one-to-one This is the kind of event where the best moments often come from the room itself. A sharp question, an honest disagreement, or a practical example from someone else’s work can reframe how you think about your own place in the industry. Why Attend If you work in tech, this question affects you whether or not your title includes “developer.” The tools people use, the expectations teams set, and the way products get built all shape hiring, collaboration, and career direction. Taking time to think about that deliberately is useful. You should attend if you want to replace vague anxiety with better questions. Instead of debating abstractions online, you will be able to engage with real people and hear how they are adapting, what they are skeptical of, and where they still see durable value in developer work. You may leave with: A clearer view of how the developer role is changing Better language for discussing AI, automation, and software craft without exaggeration Fresh perspective from peers across tech and community spaces New connections with people thinking seriously about the future of building software More confidence in how to position your own skills, interests, or next steps Even if you do not arrive with a fixed opinion, that is a strength here. The event is designed for thoughtful participation, not certainty. Curiosity, honesty, and a willingness to engage are more valuable than having a polished answer. Practical Details The event takes place in person at Classroom in London, United Kingdom. Being in a physical room matters for a topic like this: conversation tends to be more grounded, more candid, and easier to continue naturally with the people around you. It begins on Sunday, December 7 at 4:30 PM GMT. That timing makes it a strong late-afternoon gathering: enough structure for a serious discussion, with space for informal conversation around it. A few helpful things to keep in mind: This is an in-person event, so plan your travel to Classroom in advance Arrive on time if you want to settle in and catch the full conversation from the start Come ready to participate, whether that means asking questions, sharing examples, or simply listening closely Bring your perspective, especially if you are navigating changes in engineering, product, tooling, or career direction If this topic has been on your mind, this is a good place to think it through with others. You do not need a perfect stance. You just need an interest in where technology is going and a willingness to explore what that means for the people who build it.
Who should attend
If this question has been sitting in the back of your mind, you will likely feel at home here. - You are a **developer, engineer, or technical builder** trying to make sense of how AI, automation, and new tooling are changing your day-to-day work - You work in **product, design, founder, or technical leadership roles** and want a more grounded view of how software teams may evolve - You are **early in your career or exploring a move into tech** and want a realistic conversation about what skills will matter in the next few years - You enjoy **thoughtful tech discussions** and would rather examine a difficult question seriously than rely on hype or defensiveness - You value **community and in-person conversation**, and you want to meet others in London who are thinking carefully about the future of development - You do not need to have a strong conclusion already; this is for you if you are **curious, questioning, and ready to engage** with different perspectives If you want sharper thinking, honest discussion, and useful connections around one of the biggest questions in tech right now, this event is for you.