Empowering Developers: A Memorable Experience Speaking at iOSDevUK 2023
Developer events play a crucial role in bringing together brilliant minds, encouraging innovation, and creating a sense of community among professionals in the field. Recently, I had the privilege of attending (and speaking) alongside my colleague Kenn Akomea at iOSDevUK 2023, a prestigious developer conference that left a lasting mark on my professional journey as an accessible iOS developer at The Digital Accessibility Centre (DAC).
iOSDevUK 2023 was a three-day extravaganza held at Aberystwyth University in Wales, attracting developers, engineers, and tech enthusiasts from around the UK. The event's agenda was packed with enlightening sessions, hands-on workshops, and networking opportunities that promised to push the boundaries of what's possible in the tech world.
One of the highlights of my experience was the opportunity to speak at iOSDevUK 2023. I was invited to share insights on "Depression and software development”. Speaking in front of hundreds of like-minded professionals eager to learn and engage in meaningful discussions was an incredible privilege. During my session, I delved into the transformative impact of accessibility on the software development landscape. I discussed the latest trends, tools, and best practices, showcasing how Accessibility can enhance user experiences, and drive innovation. The engagement from the audience was more than what I expected to be honest, with questions and discussions continuing after the session had concluded.
The event provided ample opportunities for networking and forging new connections. From informal chats during coffee breaks to more structured meet-and-greet sessions, I had the chance to interact with fellow speakers, attendees, and industry leaders. These interactions not only expanded my professional network but also opened doors to potential collaborations and partnerships.
One of the most valuable aspects of attending a developer event like IOSDevUK is the opportunity to learn from experts in the field. I attended several sessions by other speakers, each providing unique perspectives on emerging technologies, best practices, and real-world case studies. It was refreshing to see the passion and expertise that each speaker brought to the table, leaving me with a wealth of knowledge to apply to my own work.
The conference was an experience that left me inspired, informed, and eager to see what is possible in the world of software development. Speaking at the event was a personal milestone, and the knowledge gathered at the event will no doubt benefit The Digital Accessibility Centre’s products that both Kenn and I (amongst other developers at DAC develop), including the latest ARK toolkit, which is a knowledgebase of accessibility best practise articles and an eLearning platform. We will be bringing this knowledge to build the toolkit in an iOS and Android app in the very near future.
As a developer, attending and speaking at such events is not just about gaining insights and networking; it's about being part of a larger movement shaping the future of technology. An accessible one at that!
Article by Roger Parker
Software Developer at the DAC.
