i-UG i-Power Conference 2026

For this session, attendees will need to bring a laptop that they can install software onto.  You will also need to create and IBM account to allow for software download

In the morning: IBM Bob
Hands-on workshops demonstrating some of the capabilities of our AI powered Software Development assistant. General examples of using IBM Bob throughout the Software Development Lifecycle. Guided examples using a mix of RPG code and development styles. A chance to experiment further with the tools (and potentially their own code if available).

In the afternoon:  watsonx Orchestrate
Hands-on workshop covering the IBM Agentic AI platform developing tools that can interact with other systems.Utilising existing AI Agents as part of a business workflow.Generating new Agents and Tools to perform a specific task that is unique to a business.[For this session, attendees will need to bring a laptop that can connect to IBM SaaS offerings]

Bring it all together:
Using Bob to create AgentsCombine learnings from the previous two sessions and use IBM Bob to develop new AI Agents.Use the appropriate Modes within Bob to generate an Agent based on natural language prompts.

In this session Steve will investigate the state of the art in both AI-driven application documentation and understanding, as well as AI-driven code modernisation. He will help the audience understand how to get started and dispel many of the common myths around GenAI and explain why a more sophisticated Agentic AI approach is necessary.

Topics covered will include a review of previous generations of code modernization & transformation tools, the challenges of gen AI for code modernisation, gen AI vs. agentic AI and a demonstration of the next generation of agentic-AI code transformation using X-Modernise AI from Fresche Solutions,

This presentation explores the accelerating impact of generative AI on data centres and the profound implications for energy consumption, infrastructure design, sustainability, and policy. As Gen AI drives unprecedented growth in compute density, power demand, and cooling requirements, data centres are becoming increasingly constrained by grid capacity, environmental limits, and public scrutiny. The session examines the full AI lifecycle—model training, tuning, and inference—and how each stage reshapes power, cooling, networking, and physical design assumptions within modern facilities.
Drawing on global industry data and real-world examples, the presentation highlights the widening gap between traditional enterprise workloads and AI-driven infrastructure, including the shift toward hyperscale facilities, ultra-high-density cabinets, and non-air-based cooling technologies. It challenges conventional efficiency metrics and net-zero claims, arguing that offsets and accounting mechanisms cannot keep pace with absolute growth in energy demand.
Using a political, economic, social, and technological (PEST) lens, the talk considers regulatory pressure, public perception, skills shortages, and the societal consequences of AI-driven automation. It evaluates future options for powering data centres—ranging from grid expansion and renewables to nuclear and on-site generation—and discusses the growing importance of heat reuse and energy system integration.
The presentation concludes by positioning generative AI as both a disruptive force and a catalyst for innovation in data centre design, operations, and workforce development, emphasising the need for more transparent measurement, integrated planning, and long-term thinking across IT, facilities, industry, and government.

Technical expertise alone is not enough to deliver successful outcomes. Misunderstood requirements, unspoken assumptions, and stakeholders not effectively engaged, can lead to scope creep, misaligned expectations, and delivery challenges.  Clear, concise, and purposeful communication with stakeholders is frequently the factor that determines whether a project succeeds or falls short. This talk explores how technical professionals can treat stakeholder communication as a core skill. We’ll cover practical techniques to improve clarity, uncover hidden assumptions, and maintain momentum. Helping you cut through noise, align priorities, and ensure that conversations lead to meaningful progress rather than delay. Less theory, more practical techniques you can use immediately.