Extended Workshop Overview

In 2026 we’ll host three (3) all-day AI-focused workshops. Each will take place from 9:00 am to 4:45 pm on Monday, October 19.

The goal is to provide attendees a hands-on learning experience at an affordable cost.

*Note, there is a separate registration for each workshop. Each registration includes Tuesday registration as well. So, you can attend both conference days with this option.

See a breakdown of each workshop below, and register now if interested!

Workshop Details

AI Agents & Model Context Protocol (MCP)

Led by Don Shin

Model Context Protocol is quietly becoming the connective tissue of the agentic web — and most enterprise teams are just now waking up to it. In this hands-on workshop, Don Shin goes deep on MCP: what it is, why it matters, and how to use it to build AI agents that can reliably connect to the tools, data, and systems your organization already runs on. You’ll leave with a working understanding of MCP architecture, practical implementation patterns, and a clear picture of how to move from prototype to production without the integration chaos.

Instructor

Don Shin

Don Shin is Founder and CEO of CrossComm, an award-winning development studio with over 25 years of experience deploying emerging technologies to solve complex business challenges. A Duke University computer science graduate, Don has built his career at the intersection of strategy and execution—leading teams through successive technology waves from mobile and AR/VR to AI.

A leading voice in the AI community, Don brings deep subject matter expertise in building real-world integrations using agents. His recent technical deep-dive on Model Context Protocol (MCP)—widely regarded as one of the most comprehensive available—reflects the hands-on knowledge he brings to the workshop. Don combines the builder’s perspective of someone actively deploying agent systems with the strategic lens required to guide leaders through high-stakes decisions.

AI Agents & Vibe Coding

Led by Mark Hinkle

The gap between having an idea and shipping working code just collapsed. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll explore how AI-assisted development — natural language prompting, agent-driven code generation, and autonomous debugging — is fundamentally changing what it means to build software. This isn’t about replacing developers; it’s about what becomes possible when the friction nearly disappears. Bring your laptop, a problem you’ve been meaning to solve, and leave having built something real.

Instructor

Mark Hinkle

Mark Hinkle has over 30 years of experience in technology, open source, and enterprise software. He served in executive roles at Citrix and The Linux Foundation, spearheading innovative programs in cloud computing, DevOps, and early internet usage. Over the past two years, he has trained thousands of professionals on how to use AI for real-world impact—ranging from beginners to C-suite executives.

Mark publishes TheAIE.net, a newsletter network with more than 250,000 subscribers dedicated to working smarter with AI. He also founded and organizes the RDU AI Group, which has grown to more than 4,000 members. Alongside his training for billion-dollar enterprises seeking to adopt AI strategies, Mark is frequently engaged by corporations looking to upskill their workforce, leveraging his deep expertise in early technology adoption to deliver actionable results.

AI for DevSecOps

Led by John Willis

AI is reshaping every phase of the software delivery pipeline — and security can no longer be bolted on at the end. In this workshop, DevOps legend John Willis brings his practitioner lens to the intersection of AI, automation, and security. You’ll work through how AI is transforming threat detection, vulnerability management, compliance automation, and incident response — and how to build pipelines where security is continuous, not ceremonial. Essential for engineers and ops teams who need to keep AI-powered systems running safely at scale.

Instructor

John Willis

John M. Willis is a pioneering voice in DevOps, co-author of “The DevOps Handbook,” and a recognized expert in IT management and automation. With decades of experience spanning systems management, cloud computing, and organizational transformation, John brings unique insights into how AI is reshaping modern software delivery and operations.