Build With AI: Intro to AI Agents | Google Developer Groups

Join The Big Tech Debate #5 in Manchester for a live, slide-free showdown on whether AI in software testing speeds delivery at the expense of quality. This in-person event at Cubo, Spinningfields, brings together two senior QA leaders to debate the motion: “The Use of AI in Software Testing Prioritises Speed Over Thoroughness, Harming Software Quality.” Expect sharp points, deep experience, and a human-centered discussion on what AI actually adds (or subtracts) to software quality. What to expect - Two tech leaders on stage, no slides, no sales pitches, just rigorous argument and real-world experience. - Aimed at engineers, QA professionals, and product teams curious about how AI changes testing, reliability, and delivery timelines. - Audience participation: after the initial debate, there will be a Q&A and an opportunity for attendees to weigh in with questions and perspectives. - Limited spaces guarantee a more intimate, engaging debate where your voice can be heard. The motion details - The debate centers on whether AI in testing speeds things up at the cost of thoroughness and overall software quality. - FOR the motion: Sam White, Senior QA at CAVU - AGAINST the motion: Neil McLaughlin, Principal QA at Autotrader - The format: two sides present, followed by audience voting and discussion. No pre-recorded content, no sales pitches, just ideas and experience in play. Logistics - When: Thu, Mar 5, 2026, 5:30 PM local time - Where: Cubo, NO. 1, Spinningfields, Manchester M3 3EB - Organizer: The Big Tech Debate - Type: Meetup, in-person - Ticketing: Limited spaces – grab a ticket to ensure your seat Who should attend - QA engineers, software developers, engineering managers, and startup founders exploring how AI intersects with testing. - Anyone curious about balancing speed and quality in an AI-enabled development workflow. - Tech enthusiasts who enjoy constructive, data-informed debate about real-world software challenges. Why this stands out - A practical, no-nonsense format that prioritizes dialogue over presentation, mirroring real-world decision-making in engineering teams. - Clear, battle-tested perspectives from practitioners who shape QA strategy in large and growing tech orgs. - Networking and community-building in Manchester’s tech scene, with an emphasis on actionable insights you can apply post-event. Find more AI and automation events in [Manchester](https://www.createwith.com/cities/manchester) or explore other [automation events](/dire

Why attend: this Manchester AI User Group meetup invites you to explore how AI is reshaping careers across tech and beyond, with practical insights you can apply immediately. If you’re a developer, consultant, team leader, or knowledge worker curious about how AI can unlock new opportunities in your role, this in-person session offers clarity, inspiration, and concrete next steps in an accessible community setting. What to expect: an evening focused on career impact, skills evolution, and real-world AI application. The session will unpack the emerging AI-enabled work landscape, discuss upskilling paths, and provide actionable guidance for navigating an AI-powered future. Attendees will gain perspectives on how AI can augment existing workflows, whether you’re looking to level up in your current role, pivot to new duties, or simply understand what AI means for your career trajectory. Format and agenda: a relaxed in-person event hosted by Manchester AI User Group with a mix of short talks and interactive discussion. The agenda includes a Welcome/One Minute Wonder, Speaker One, Pizza, Speaker Two, Speaker Three, Closing, and Pub networking. Please note photographs will be taken during the event. Venue and hosts: ANS Office, Birley Fields, 1 Archway, Hulme, Manchester M15 5QJ. Hosted by the Manchester AI User Group and sponsored by ANS Group, Mazik Global, Illuminate AI, MS Talent & Columbus. The evening is designed to be welcoming for people at all levels of experience with AI, from curious beginners to seasoned practitioners. Audience and tone: a community-focused evening suitable for developers, consultants, leaders, and knowledge workers who want pragmatic guidance on how to leverage AI in their careers. The event emphasizes inclusivity and learning in a social setting with food and drinks. Allergen and accessibility notes: please inform organizers of any dietary requirements when you sign in. Allergens cannot be guaranteed-free due to external catering, but every effort will be made to accommodate dietary needs. Photography will occur during the event. Why this stands out: this isn’t just a talk; it’s a chance to connect with peers who are actively exploring AI’s impact on careers, share experiences, and build practical plans for skill development and career progression in an AI-enhanced world. You’ll leave with ideas, contacts, and a clearer sense of the steps you can take next. Registration and location: date is March 10, 2026, at 6:00 PM local

Build With AI: Intro to AI Agents is a practical, hands-on workshop designed to demystify agent-based AI and show you how to start building intelligent agents today. Hosted by GDG Manchester-NH in partnership with Southern New Hampshire University, this session dives into agentic AI concepts and how to orchestrate multiple agents to tackle real tasks. Attendees will explore cutting-edge tools such as Google’s Agent Development Kit (ADK), Gemini models, and various multi-agent frameworks. The event is targeted at developers of all levels who want to move beyond theory and start deploying agent-driven solutions. What you’ll learn and do: - Foundational AI Agents: understand what an AI agent is, what it can do, and how to design simple agents that perform concrete tasks. - Advanced Multi-Agent Systems: learn strategies for coordinating specialized agents to work together efficiently on complex problems. - Google Cloud Integration: see how agent-based solutions can be deployed and scaled in a cloud environment. - Community & Collaboration: connect with fellow developers, share approaches, and get hands-on help from organizers. Agenda and logistics: - Date and time: Tue, Mar 10, 2026 at 6:00 PM local time (Manchester, NH) - Hosted by: John Hornijas (GDG Organizer), Sarfraz Ahmad (GDG Organizer), Linda Forlizzi (GDG Organizer) - Partner: Southern New Hampshire University - Prerequisites: please bring a laptop and charger; a basic familiarity with AI concepts is helpful but not required - RSVP and more details: Complete your event RSVP at https://gdg.community.dev/events/details/google-gdg-manchester-nh-presents-build-with-ai-intro-to-ai-agents/ What this means for you: - If you’re a developer curious about practical AI agent development, this session offers a clear path from fundamentals to multi-agent orchestration. - You’ll gain exposure to Gemini models and agent-style tooling, with examples showing how agents can cooperate to accomplish tasks more efficiently than a single agent alone. For quick reference within the toolset, you can explore Gemini at [Gemini](/tools/gemini-). - The workshop format emphasizes hands-on exploration, so bring your laptop and be ready to experiment with small, guided projects. Why attend: - Learn actionable techniques for building AI agents that can be deployed in real-world scenarios - See how agent frameworks can scale with cloud integration and collaboration across a team - Network with other developers and GDG organizers

AI Data Hive Manchester #3 invites data professionals, AI enthusiasts, and practitioners in Manchester to come together and share what’s actually working in AI and data right now. This meetup is designed as a practical, discussion-driven evening where you’ll hear real-world experiences, challenges, and successes from local peers, with plenty of time for Q&A and networking. What to expect: - Fresh perspectives from industry voices and hands-on experts - Open conversations about AI applications, data pipelines, analytics, and practical workflows - Ideas to spark your next project, product, or experiment - Pizza, drinks, and a welcoming, collaborative vibe Format: - Short talks or lightning demos (subject to lineup) - Ample time for informal chats and knowledge exchange - Community-driven, inclusive environment to connect with Manchester’s AI & Data community Who should attend: - Data scientists, AI engineers, researchers - Data analysts, product managers, startup founders - Students and hobbyists curious about AI and data Why attend: - Learn what actually works in AI in practice, not just theory - Build your network with local peers and potential collaborators - Get inspiration for your next data project or career move Speakers: - The lineup is being finalised; expect a mix of practitioners from local companies and academia, with official announcements coming soon. Logistics: - Date: Thu, Mar 26, 2026 - Time: 5:00 PM local time - Location: Manchester (venue to be announced) Join the Hive and be part of Manchester’s growing AI and Data community. The Hive is growing — come and be part of the journey!