Ken Sipe

Operationalizing AI: From Prototype to Production

Building an AI model is the easy part—making it work reliably in production is where the real engineering begins. In this fast-paced, experience-driven session, Ken explores the architecture, patterns, and practices behind operationalizing AI at scale. Drawing from real-world lessons and enterprise implementations, Ken will demystify the complex intersection of machine learning, DevOps, and data engineering, showing how modern organizations bring AI from the lab into mission-critical systems.

Attendees will learn how to:

Design production-ready AI pipelines that are testable, observable, and maintainable

Integrate model deployment, monitoring, and feedback loops using MLOps best practices

Avoid common pitfalls in scaling, governance, and model drift management

Leverage automation to reduce friction between data science and engineering teams

Whether you’re a software architect, developer, or engineering leader, this session will give you a clear roadmap for turning AI innovation into operational excellence—with the same pragmatic, architecture-first perspective that Ken is known for.

Solution Architecture Kata

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Mastering Solutions: Unraveling the Role of Solution Architects

In the ever-changing landscape of technology, Solution Architects stand as the linchpin between complex business challenges and innovative technological solutions. This presentation dives deep into the world of Solution Architects, exploring their pivotal role in crafting tailored, efficient, and scalable solutions. From deciphering intricate business requirements to orchestrating seamless integrations, Solution Architects navigate a maze of technologies to deliver outcomes that align perfectly with organizational goals. Join us as we unravel the key responsibilities, skills, and methodologies that empower Solution Architects to transform abstract ideas into tangible, impactful solutions, shaping the future of businesses in a digital age.

In this session we will walk thru the following:

• Understanding the role of the Solution Architect (SA)
• Key Responsibilities
• Skills and Competencies of an SA
• Common and Future Innovations to consider

Whether you are an existing Solution Architect looking to hone or validate your skills or you are looking to get into the role of Solution Architect, this session is for you!

Architectural Principles: Building the Foundations of Design Excellence

In the realm of architecture, principles form the bedrock upon which innovative and enduring designs are crafted. This presentation delves into the core architectural principles that guide the creation of structures both functional and aesthetic. Exploring concepts such as balance, proportion, harmony, and sustainability, attendees will gain profound insights into the art and science of architectural design. Through real-world examples and practical applications, this session illuminates the transformative power of adhering to these principles, shaping not only buildings but entire environments. Join us as we unravel the secrets behind architectural mastery and the principles that define architectural brilliance.

Good architectural principles are fundamental guidelines or rules that inform the design and development of software systems, ensuring they are scalable, maintainable, and adaptable. Here are some key architectural principles that are generally considered valuable in software development:

• Modularity
• Simplicity
• Scalability
• Flexibility
• Reusability
• Maintainability
• Performance
• Security
• Testability
• Consistency
• Interoperability
• Evolutionary Design

Adhering to these architectural principles can lead to the development of robust, maintainable, and adaptable software systems that meet the needs of users and stakeholders effectively.

Becoming an Architect: Nurturing Essential Skills for Success

Embarking on the journey to become an architect requires more than technical expertise; it demands a diverse skill set that combines creativity, leadership, communication, and adaptability. You may be awesome as a developer or engineer, but the skills needed to be an architect are often different and require more than technical awareness to succeed.

This presentation delves into the crucial skills aspiring architects need to cultivate. From mastering design principles and embracing cutting-edge technologies to honing collaboration and project management abilities, attendees will gain valuable insights into the multifaceted world of architectural skills. Join us as we explore practical strategies, real-world examples, and actionable tips that pave the way for aspiring architects to thrive in a dynamic and competitive industry.

Architectural Awareness: Engineering Super-skill

Awareness is the knowledge or perception of a situation or fact, which based on myriad of factors is an elusive attribute. Likely the most significant unasked for skill… perhaps because it's challenging to “measure” or verify. It is challenging to be aware of aware, or is evidence of it's adherence. This session will cover different levels of architectural awareness. How to surface awareness and how you might respond to different technical situations once you are aware.

Within this session we look holistically an engineering, architecture and the software development process. Discussing:

* Awareness of when process needs to change (original purpose of Agile)
* Awareness of architectural complexity
* Awareness of a shift in architectural needs 
* Awareness of application portfolio and application categorization 
* Awareness of metrics surfacing system challenges
* Awareness of system scale (and what scale means for your application)
* Awareness when architectural rules are changing
* Awareness of motivation for feature requests
* Awareness of solving the right problem

The focus of the session will be mindful (defined as focusing on one's awareness), commentating in sharing strategies for heightening awareness as an architect and engineer.