Architecting Emergent Meaning: Designing Temporal Intelligence

For decades we’ve built software and organizations around plans and repositories — but knowledge isn’t static. In this keynote, Diana Montalion introduces Emergent Meaning Architecture (EMA): a new paradigm for designing systems that think with us. EMA turns architecture from rigid pipelines into living, relational systems where meaning emerges, adapts, and flows.

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Architecture as a Collective Practice: A Role-Playing Simulation

You’ve just joined Mago — and the system is on fire. In this first-of-its-kind role-playing simulation, you'll navigate organizational chaos, consult fictional execs, and deliver an architectural recommendation under pressure. Practice systemic reasoning, evolve models together, and experience architecture as a collective, socio-technical practice. And have wicked fun doing it.

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Learning Systems Thinking

Join Diana Montalion's 3-hour workshop to learn systems thinking for software professionals, where you'll understand how to view software systems holistically, recognize and correct common mistakes, and develop strategies to improve systems-thinking skills. This course is ideal for technologists who seek to integrate diverse expertise, work with complex systems, and become leaders who can foster collaborative, insightful environments with minimal oversight.

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Architecture is Designing Knowledge Flow

The tech industry needs to shift from focusing on individual knowledge stock to fostering knowledge flow to make better decisions amidst change. This involves understanding the differences between data, information, knowledge, understanding, and wisdom, and recognizing the importance of developing knowledge systems as a core architectural practice.

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Panel about Systems Thinking, Complexity Thinking

Nigel Thurlow hosts a debate on systems and complexity thinking with experts Dave Snowden and Diana Montalion, discussing the conflation of terminology, the difference between systems thinking and complex systems, and whether their views align or diverge on these nuanced topics.

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Architecture is Designing Knowledge Flow

Explore how the tech industry's emphasis on knowledge stock limits potential and why fostering knowledge flow is crucial for decision-making and adapting to change, including the distinction between data types, the shift from management to systems leadership, and the development of knowledge systems as a core practice.

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Qualities of a Well-Functioning System

Diana emphasizes the intricacies and adaptive qualities such as resilience and self-organization within hierarchical structures of software systems.

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Architecture is Designing Knowledge Flow

The tech industry must pivot from valuing individual knowledge to promoting knowledge exchange and system development for improved decision-making in a dynamic environment.

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The Friction Fix: Building Collaborative Relationships Between Teams

Diana Montalion and Cat Morris will explore the root causes of friction between product and technology teams, providing practical strategies based on their 30+ years of experience to foster effective collaboration and informed decision-making for impactful outcomes.

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Writing as Thinking: Pecha Kucha

Pecha Kucha offers 10 rapid-fire talks on topics like AI and Agile, with each speaker using 20 slides for a 6-minute, 40-second impactful presentation.

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Panel: Bridging the Gap

Join Frank Buschmann and experts Erik Dörnenburg, Gregor Hohpe, Diana Montalion, and Xin Yao as they explore and discuss strategies to bridge the divide in software products and teams caused by various market, technical, social, and economic factors.

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Mindshifts: Thriving in the Systems Age

In a world of rapid, nonlinear change and complex digital ecosystems, it's crucial to reexamine the outdated, mechanistic approaches to software development and embrace four transformative mindshifts to flourish in the systems age.

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Architecture isn't Kubernetes

In the systems age, being an architect transcends knowledge of tools like Kubernetes; it's about designing and adapting the interplay between system components, requiring a sociotechnical skillset that merges social and technological expertise. This talk will explore five key qualities that define a great architect, beyond any specific tool proficiency.

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Architecture Isn't Kubernetes - NDC London 2025

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Learning Systems Thinking

In this systems thinking workshop, software professionals will learn to navigate the increasing complexity of modern systems through hands-on exercises and real-world scenarios. Participants will develop skills in critical self-reflection, decision-making, and crafting recommendations amidst uncertainty, using tools like the Iceberg Model. The workshop is aimed at those working in complex, cross-functional environments and focuses on overcoming linear thinking, fostering quality architectural thinking, and providing modern leadership in software as information systems. Testimonials praise the workshop's structure, relevance, and the instructor's engaging delivery.

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