Why We Run Tech Talks

DEVER Talk takes its name from DEVER and Tech Talk. We asked the person who introduced the format here why they did it.

A tech talk is a session where employees choose a subject, present the technical detail, and discuss it together. It is a place to exchange expertise across development, design, and data, and collaboration and problem-solving improve along the way.

The reason for starting was the imbalance of knowledge between teams. If a technique known only to one group were shared with the rest, the whole organisation would get better at solving problems. It was also a way to give each person a chance to show what they know and grow from it.

The hardest part was choosing subjects. Finding something that would interest everyone and actually help took time. A survey beforehand showed where the interest was, and to ease the load on speakers we wrote a preparation guide and added small rehearsal sessions.

Four things make a tech talk work: setting a goal, meaning defining the message the audience should leave with; keeping slides and visuals concise; rehearsing with colleagues beforehand; and building in time for questions during or after.

Before the talks, communication between teams was limited and little knowledge moved between them. Afterwards, people talked and collaborated more, picking up new technology took less time, and both the speed and the efficiency of problem-solving improved noticeably.

A tech talk is more than passing on information. It strengthens expertise, builds teamwork, and surfaces new ideas. A culture where the individual and the organisation grow together is why we keep running them.