Welcome to our events page!
While you can find additional details on this page, we have a very active meetup group we highly recommend you check out and join.
Beyond the Chatbot: AI agents, practical workflows, and zero hype
Most people have tried ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini — asking questions, drafting emails, summarizing documents. But AI is moving beyond simple chat. In this beginner-friendly, action-oriented workshop, SOFTEC board member Albert Qian will guide you through what AI agents actually are, how they work, and how to put them to use in real business, nonprofit, and professional workflows. No coding required — just a laptop and a willingness to try something new.
The cornerstone of our time together will be a dedicated hands-on hour where every attendee sets up their first working agent — guided, supported, and paced for beginners. Because a YouTube video can explain agents but it can’t set one up with you. You’ll apply what you learn to real scenarios — competitive research, grant prospecting, content scripting, market intelligence — and leave with something that can handle tasks currently eating hours of your week. With seats limited to 10, you’ll get the kind of individual attention a larger event simply can’t offer.
You’ll walk away with:
- A mental model that sticks — a clear, jargon-free understanding of what AI agents are and how they differ from the chatbot tools you already use.
- A working agent you built yourself — not a template someone handed you, but something you set up, tested, and can adapt starting this week.
- Realistic expectations — an honest picture of what these tools cost, where they shine, and where human judgment still matters most.
Grab your spot for only $149, with a portion of proceeds supporting SOFTEC, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to growing the regional technology community.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, August 1, 2026 (9am – Noon)
Venue: StoryLabs Atascadero (8965 El Camino Real, Atascadero)
Summit By The Sea
Join us for the Central Coast’s premier gathering of technology and business leaders at the stunning Ventana Grill on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. Register Here.
Summit by the Sea brings together the region’s most influential decision-makers, innovators, and entrepreneurs for connection, recognition, and opportunity. This annual event celebrates the leaders who drive our local economy forward while creating meaningful opportunities to engage with the community that shapes our region’s future.
You’ll connect with CEOs from regional roundtables, members of Softec’s Entrepreneur & Technologist Community, and our valued sponsors who make this event possible. Whether you’re looking to forge new partnerships, celebrate collective achievements, or simply be part of the conversation shaping the Central Coast’s business landscape, this is where you need to be.
Event Details:
Date: Wednesday, February 25, 2026 (8:30am – 10:30am)
Venue: Ventana Grill
Audience: Technologists, business leaders, and entrepreneurs
SIGs – Special Interest Groups
Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are a vital part of Softec’s TEC Community, offering a unique and valuable space for deep, engaging discussions. Unlike more formal seminars, SIGs foster a more intimate environment reminiscent of a campfire conversation, where every voice can be heard, and personal experiences are shared freely. This smaller, community-driven setting encourages members to deep-dive into topics with focus and personal connection, facilitating meaningful exchanges that are both supportive and enlightening.
These groups provide a platform for members to explore specific interests within technology, ranging from coding to cybersecurity, management, communications, and much more. SIGs communities gain specialized knowledge with deeper relationships, enhancing their professional networks and personal growth. SIGs exemplify the spirit of collaboration and continuous learning that is central to Softec’s mission, making them an invaluable resource within the TEC Community.
Women in Tech Dinner
Softec’s annual Women in Tech Dinner is a key event dedicated to addressing the underrepresentation of women in the tech industry. We are committed to supporting the growth and advancement of women in technology on the Central Coast. Our mission is to empower these talented professionals through opportunities for networking, professional development, and educational enrichment.
Each year, this event brings together a diverse group of women who share a passion for technology and innovation. By providing resources, mentorship, and a supportive community, we aim to inspire and equip women to excel in their technical careers and make significant contributions to the industry. The pandemic caused Softec to suspend this event, but it will return in 2025.
Recognizing the significance of women’s issues in our industry, Softec has appointed a dedicated Board of Directors member to serve as the Women’s Issues Advocate. This role underscores Softec’s commitment to addressing and supporting gender-related concerns within the TEC community.
Tech Reads
Softec’s Tech Reads program offers an exceptional opportunity for our members to engage directly with thought-leading authors in the business and technical fields. We host insightful podcast interviews with thought leaders who are shaping industry perspectives through their written work.
Softec’s members actively participate, meeting the authors and posing their questions in a dynamic Q&A session. This direct interaction enriches the experience, allowing members to delve deeper into topics, clarify complex ideas, and gain practical insights that can be applied to their professional lives. Tech Reads broadens knowledge, fosters community, and connects members to the cutting edge of technology and business.