GDG Hobart: Build with AI and Level Up Your Web Skills
A GDG Hobart session at UTAS where 35+ attendees took a deep dive into Progressive Web Apps and the shift from desktop software to the web, followed by Q&A.
About this event
GDG Hobart hosted Build with AI and Level Up Your Web Skills on Thursday 21 May 2026, from 5:15 PM to 6:00 PM, in Room 134 of the Centenary Building at the University of Tasmania's Sandy Bay Campus. The free meetup welcomed developers, ICT students, beginners, and technology enthusiasts interested in modern web development and emerging software technologies.
The event attracted more than 35 attendees from different technical and educational backgrounds. Although the original program changed shortly before the event, the evening focused on a presentation by Lake Hopkins, a Web Developer at the UTAS School of Pharmacy, titled PWA: Is Software Dead?
The presentation explored the growing shift from traditional desktop software towards web-based applications and examined the capabilities and limitations of Progressive Web Apps (PWAs). PWAs combine web technologies with features commonly associated with installed applications, offering developers alternative approaches to delivering software across different devices and platforms.
Lake Hopkins also delivered an interactive demonstration involving instant printing, providing attendees with a practical example of how web technologies can interact with real-world functionality. The presentation was followed by an interactive question-and-answer session, allowing participants to discuss technical concepts, ask questions, and share their perspectives on the future of web development.
Beyond the technical presentation, the meetup provided opportunities for networking and community engagement. According to event organiser Yu Wang, many attendees remained after the session to continue discussing technology, exchanging experiences, and building connections with other members of Hobart's developer community.
For UTAS ICT students, the event offered an opportunity to learn about current web development approaches, explore the practical applications of PWAs, and develop a broader understanding of software development trends. It also demonstrated the value of participating in local technology communities, where students can connect with experienced developers, exchange ideas, and build professional relationships that may support their future careers in ICT.
References
- GDG Hobart – Event Recap (LinkedIn) www.linkedin.com
- GDG Hobart – Official Event Update (LinkedIn) www.linkedin.com
- Yu Wang – Event Organisation and Reflections (LinkedIn) www.linkedin.com
What students said on LinkedIn
Student reflections and posts from the event.
GDG Hobart's wrap-up of Build with AI and Level Up Your Web Skills, attended by more than 35 developers, students and tech enthusiasts at the UTAS Centenary Building despite a last-minute schedule change. UTAS web developer Lake Hopkins asked whether software is dead and explored the strengths and limits of Progressive Web Apps, followed by a lively Q&A.
Yu Wang reflects on organising the web skills night, from planning and promotional design to hosting on the day. Lake Hopkins spoke on PWAs and the future of web technology with an interactive instant-printing demo, and many attendees stayed afterwards to keep talking.
Photo Booth
"Every event becomes a space where people from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences can connect, share ideas, and learn from each other."
— Yu Wang · UTAS alumna, GDG Hobart organiser