Why tech needs diversity

Description:
How do perceptions and stereotypes affect those in software? I used to believe that code had no gender or race. That "good code" was good code and talented developers would always succeed in the meritocracy of the tech industry. This talk tells the true story of how repeated experiences of sexual discrimination and harassment led me to hack my appearance by shaving my head to change the way I was perceived as a programmer. I will also share the lessons I have learned from my work as an advocate for racial and gender equity in tech and how you can apply them within your organizations.

Description:
It is a truth, universally acknowledged, that diverse teams produce better outcomes. But how do we make a diverse team inclusive? How do we make space for differences in thinking, and understanding on our teams. Through personal stories of an adult life in technology, queer theory, and practical examples that cost nothing to implement (they don’t even need policies!) this talk shows how you can make space in your team for difference. Simple things can make space so your teams are inclusive for all sorts of Diversity

Description:
It is no secret that the tech industry is suffering a diversity crisis. Despite initiatives to diversify, technology is still perceived as a predominantly white, male, middle-class industry. But this wasn't always the case - in 1943, computing was dominated by women. What happened? Join Antonia Forster, XR Technical Specialist, for a data-driven exploration of the gender gap:- how it affects your bottom line, how AI and machine-learning can reinforce bias, and the powerful evidence-based strategies you can implement to "close the gap".

Description:
The last year brings into sharp focus and long perspective what it means to be a woman in technology. From creating games for one's own demographic to campaigning for diversity to sitting in regretful silence, it’s been a period of intense reflection, not just for women but for all of us in tech, regardless of our gender. What have we learned and where did we learn it from? In this actually quite positive and funny talk, Brenda Romero resists a “lean in” and instead stands fast to talk about what it means to be a girl, woman and mother in games.