Sean Sparkman
Team Lead and Senior Developer
Dallas, Texas, United States
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I have been a software developer for more than 20 years, gaining experience across diverse industries, from advertising to voice recognition. I thrive on troubleshooting and solving complex problems. Currently, as a Solution Architect at Zeal IT Consultants, I believe in designing scalable, efficient, and future-proof solutions that drive business success. My passion for software development inspired me to establish the DFW Mobile .NET User Group and the Dev Fest Weekend conference, as well as earn prestigious accolades such as the Xamarin MVP and Microsoft MVP awards.
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Building Scalable and Reliable Messaging Solutions
Effective communication between application components is crucial in cloud computing, and Azure Service Bus plays a key role in enabling reliable messaging. This talk introduces Azure Service Bus, Microsoft's enterprise-grade message broker, and explores its importance in distributed cloud architectures. We will cover the core concepts, including queues, topics, and subscriptions, and demonstrate how they support decoupled and resilient communication patterns. Attendees will also learn about essential features like message routing, filtering, and sequencing to design scalable and efficient messaging systems.
The session will feature practical demonstrations on implementing Azure Service Bus in real-world scenarios. This includes setting up namespaces, configuring queues and topics, and writing code to send and receive messages. Advanced topics such as handling peak loads, ensuring message durability, and applying security best practices will also be discussed. Additionally, we will examine how Azure Service Bus can be leveraged to integrate legacy systems with modern applications and support scalable microservices architectures.
Beyond implementation, the talk will highlight the strategic advantages of Azure Service Bus for enterprise environments. We will explore monitoring and management tools like Azure Monitor to optimize performance and reliability. By the end of the session, attendees will have a solid understanding of how to design and deploy secure, scalable, and efficient messaging solutions using Azure Service Bus, making it an essential learning opportunity for developers, cloud architects, and IT professionals.
Beyond Code: Essential Consulting Skills for Developers
Being a great developer is about more than just writing efficient and elegant code—it’s about understanding business needs, communicating effectively, and delivering real value to clients. This talk explores the essential consulting skills that developers need to transition from simply coding to becoming trusted advisors. We will discuss how to shift your mindset from executing tasks to solving problems, helping clients achieve their goals while making informed technical decisions.
Attendees will learn key consulting skills, including how to gather and clarify requirements, communicate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders, and manage client expectations. We will explore strategies for handling difficult conversations, balancing trade-offs between business and technical constraints, and ensuring that projects stay aligned with client objectives. Additionally, we’ll cover the importance of documentation, time management, and the ability to provide actionable recommendations rather than just technical solutions.
By the end of the session, developers will gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to succeed as a consultant, whether working as a freelancer or within an organization. They will leave with practical tips on how to build trust with clients, navigate complex business challenges, and enhance their value beyond just coding. Whether you're new to consulting or looking to refine your skills, this talk will provide insights to help you grow into a more effective and influential developer-consultant.
From Developer to Trusted Advisor
Successful consulting isn’t just about delivering great code—it’s about building lasting relationships that position you as a trusted advisor rather than just another developer-for-hire. This talk explores how developers can transition from simply executing tasks to becoming strategic partners who clients turn to for long-term guidance. We’ll discuss the key mindset shifts needed to move beyond project-based work and establish credibility, trust, and influence with clients.
Attendees will learn practical strategies for maintaining strong client relationships, including effective communication, setting clear expectations, and delivering ongoing value beyond the initial engagement. We’ll cover techniques for identifying new opportunities within existing client accounts, offering proactive solutions, and demonstrating thought leadership. Additionally, we’ll explore how to navigate challenges such as shifting project scopes, budget constraints, and difficult client interactions while maintaining a positive and professional relationship.
By the end of this session, developers will have a roadmap for evolving from a technical service provider to a long-term partner who clients rely on for strategic decision-making. Whether you're a freelancer looking to build recurring business or a developer within a consulting firm aiming to deepen client engagement, this talk will equip you with actionable insights to foster trust, retain clients, and create sustainable, long-term success.
Coding with AI: My Journey from Assistant to Accelerator
Artificial Intelligence has rapidly transformed the way developers write and interact with code. In this talk, I will share my personal journey of integrating AI-powered tools into my development workflow—how they started as simple assistants and eventually became accelerators for productivity. From generating boilerplate code to debugging complex logic, AI has been a game-changer in many aspects of coding. However, like any tool, it comes with its own set of challenges, including dependency concerns, accuracy limitations, and the risk of stifling creativity.
Throughout the session, I will break down the pros and cons of using AI in software development. On the positive side, AI can significantly reduce development time, provide instant access to knowledge, and automate repetitive tasks, allowing developers to focus on higher-level problem-solving. On the flip side, relying too much on AI can lead to shallow understanding, introduce subtle errors, and sometimes produce code that doesn’t align with best practices. By sharing real-world examples, I will highlight both the strengths and the pitfalls of AI-assisted coding.
To help developers make the most of AI, I will also provide practical tips on how to use these tools effectively without becoming overly reliant on them. This includes strategies such as treating AI-generated code as a draft rather than a final solution, using AI to enhance problem-solving skills rather than replace them, and continuously improving one’s coding fundamentals to complement AI assistance. Whether you’re a beginner looking to get started with AI tools or an experienced developer seeking to optimize your workflow, this talk will provide valuable insights into leveraging AI to become a better, more efficient programmer.
Unifying Mobile Development
Developers have long faced the challenge of building mobile applications that run seamlessly across multiple platforms without duplicating effort. This talk explores how .NET Multi-platform App UI (MAUI) addresses this challenge by providing a unified framework for developing apps that work on Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows from a single codebase. We will begin by examining the architecture and features of .NET MAUI, highlighting how it improves upon its predecessor, Xamarin.Forms, and simplifies cross-platform development.
Attendees will gain practical insights into building cross-platform mobile applications, including designing adaptable user interfaces and sharing business logic efficiently. The session will delve into key design patterns, such as MVVM, which help maintain clean, scalable code. Additionally, we will explore the integration of essential services like cloud connectivity, data storage, and machine learning, demonstrating how developers can enhance their .NET MAUI applications to meet modern business needs.
Beyond development, the talk will cover best practices for debugging, testing, and optimizing application performance. We will also discuss the future of .NET MAUI, upcoming features, and how developers can contribute to its growth. Whether you are an experienced developer or just getting started, this session will equip you with the tools and knowledge needed to build high-quality cross-platform mobile applications efficiently.
Sean Sparkman
Team Lead and Senior Developer
Dallas, Texas, United States
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