Innovation moves fast. But what actually powers it?Join GDG Albuquerque X Rubber Ducks for an evening exploring both sides of modern technology: real-world AI usage inside enterprise software teams and the invisible infrastructure that quietly keeps the internet running.Date: Thursday, March 5, 2026Location: Poki Poki Cevicheria, 3517 Wyoming Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NMTime: Doors open at 5:45 PM, event starts at 6:15 PMAgenda:5:45 PM – Doors Open6:15 PM – Lightning Talks Speaker: Noel Cothren | Senior Software Engineer II | Confluent Real-World AI Usage on an Enterprise Software Team A practical look at AI-assisted development. What’s working well, what’s overhyped, and lessons learned from real open-source and production systems. If you’re building with AI tools today, this session will help you separate signal from noise and apply AI more effectively in your workflow.6:30 PM – Featured Talk Speaker: Diana Tourville | Data Center Technician | Directline at Meta The World Runs on Cables: How Networks Quietly Power Our Everyday Lives We talk about innovation, AI, and the future, but none of it exists without the network. It’s the foundation under every breakthrough. From servers and cabling to hardware installs, Diana will pull back the curtain on the physical backbone of the internet. Learn how a single loose connection can affect thousands of users, and why the most important technology is often the one you never notice.7:15 PM – 8:00 PM – NetworkingHave something cool to share? Bring your slides, code, or demo for a lightning talk (5-minute cutoff).Want to stay connected? Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/PGsFk2SFXgDrinks and a full menu are available at the venue. Come hungry and ready to learn!This event is proudly supported by Confluent.