RebelCon 2024 brought the Cork tech community back together for another standout year of learning, sharing, and connection. With a strong focus on sustainable software development, practical AI applications, and real-world engineering challenges, the conference continued its tradition of delivering high-value content for developers and tech leaders alike.
Throughout the day, attendees heard from a range of expert speakers, engaged in thoughtful discussions, and explored new ways to build resilient, impactful software systems.
Here are just a few highlights from RebelCon 2024:
🚀 Keynotes and Talks that Hit Home
We kicked off the day with a keynote from Dr. Tara Shine, CEO at ChangeByDegrees, who spoke about the growing importance of BCorp organisations and the wider role of tech in building sustainable futures.
The morning sessions continued with Rob Meaney (ABC Glofox) reflecting on 20 years of learning through growth, and Divya Bansal (Workhuman) addressing one of the most pressing challenges in AI — managing and mitigating bias in our models.
We also heard from Rick Roche (Investec) on paving a path toward sustainable software development, and explored practical frameworks for maximising ROI in the cloud through cost optimisation strategies.
⚡ Lightning Talks: Fast Insights, Big Ideas
Our Lightning Talks format delivered a series of rapid-fire, high-impact sessions covering:
- Career sustainability and work-life balance with Michelle McDaid
- Returning to hands-on development with Peter Brownlow
- Maximising ROI in the Cloud: A Framework for Sustainable Cost Optimisation with Fernando Munoz
- Eco-innovation at scale with Deepak Kumar Jain
- Data-driven team revitalisation with Timmy Fisher
Each session brought fresh, actionable ideas to the audience in a short, engaging format.
🤖 AI in Practice: Real-World Applications
The role of AI in modern software was a key thread throughout RebelCon 2024. We wrapped up the day with a panel discussion on Day-to-Day AI, featuring senior tech leaders from Fexco, Netgear, and Getvisibility.
The panel explored how AI is changing engineering practices today — moving beyond theory into the realities of implementation, automation, and team enablement.
🍻 Networking and Closing the Day
As always, RebelCon wasn’t just about the talks — it was about the connections. The day wrapped up with drinks, informal networking, and conversations that will fuel new collaborations and ideas long after the conference ended.
Looking Ahead to RebelCon 2025
We’re already deep into planning for RebelCon 2025, happening on October 16th, 2025, right here in Cork. Next year’s event will build on everything that makes RebelCon special: technical depth, honest conversations, and a community committed to pushing software development forward. Stay tuned for more updates — and we hope to see you in 2025!
