{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Changemakers","title":"Just start the thing: Building community with Michael Dyrynda","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":3185,"description":"Michael Dyrynda is the director and organiser of Laracon AU, the Australian conference bringing together developers, product builders and members of the wider Laravel community.\nMichael joins Gavin to unpack how Laracon AU grew from an idea into a major annual gathering for developers across Australia and the broader Asia-Pacific region. They explore why in-person connection remains valuable, especially for people working remotely, and how conferences can create friendships, mentorship opportunities, new careers and even new businesses.\nMichael also shares the behind-the-scenes work involved in producing Laracon AU, including responding to difficult feedback, supporting speakers, leading volunteers and learning to delegate. He explains why community builders should start small, stay consistent and resist waiting for the perfect moment.\nThe conversation also covers how AI is changing software development, why experienced developers will remain important and why human creativity will continue to be fuelled by human connection.LinksLaracon AULaracon AU alternative websiteLaravelGitHubClaudeMeetupLaracon AU on LinkedInLaracon AU on XMichael Dyrynda on LinkedInMichael Dyrynda on XThe topics coveredIn this episode, we cover:What the Laravel framework is and why it has developed such a strong global communityWhy Michael created an Australian Laracon event for the Asia-Pacific regionGrowing Laracon AU from its first Sydney event into a major annual conferenceWhy people still travel to conferences when technical information is available onlineCombating isolation and creating human connection for remote software developersDesigning networking opportunities before, during and after a conferenceThe small behind-the-scenes details that make attendees feel welcomeUsing feedback to improve an event, including feedback that is difficult to hearCreating a more thoughtful and community-led speaker selection processSupporting speakers and building connection before they arrive at...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/OxsLtfAbGGy2PmIxyLsoTPifEJRsfyv3Oilimpwprm0/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS82Y2Ni/ZWUwNjRmMGVhYjQ3/YTc5OGIyZGY5YjZk/YWFiYS5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}