Women Techmakers is excited to partner with ABB’s Machine Automation Division (B&R), for an inspiring evening at the intersection of technology, innovation, and community. 

Join us for an event dedicated to connecting people in tech, amplifying diverse voices, and creating space for meaningful exchange. Together with B&R, we’ll bring together community members, industry professionals, and tech enthusiasts for an evening of insightful talks, networking, and conversations around the technologies shaping our future. 

✨ What to Expect ✨

Inspiring Tech Talks
Look forward to multiple talks from speakers across the tech community and industry. Topics and speakers will be announced soon.

Connect & Collaborate
Meet fellow developers, engineers, students, professionals, and tech enthusiasts in a welcoming environment. Whether you are looking for inspiration, mentorship, collaboration, or simply great conversations, this is the place to be.

Company Insights
Get to know B&R Industrial Automation GmbH, a member of the ABB Group, and learn more about their work, culture, and role in industrial automation and technology innovation.

Networking in a Relaxed Atmosphere
After the talks, stay for informal networking, snacks, and inspiring conversations with the community.

Join us as we continue to build bridges in the technology ecosystem and create opportunities for women and allies in tech to connect, learn, and grow together.

Program Details

Agenda

5:30 PM – Come Together

• Arrive, settle in, and prepare for an evening of insightful discussions and networking. This session offers the perfect opportunity to get comfortable before the event officially begins.

5:45 PM – Welcome and Company Presentation

• Start of the event with a short introduction to Women Techmakers and the company B&R Industrial Automation GmbH.

6:00 PM – AI, Diversity & The Future of Software Development

• This panel discussion explores how artificial intelligence is transforming software development and its potential impact on diversity in tech. The speakers will examine how AI can help eliminate historical biases in hiring and education. A key focus will be on how shifting qualifications toward communication skills and prompt engineering—rather than traditional credentials—could attract more women to software development roles. Drawing on talent acquisition, HR strategy, student perspectives, and project management experience, this session challenges conventional thinking about who can succeed in tech and how AI can level the playing field.

• Speakers: Julia Kronman – Talent Acquisition Manager, Austria • Melanie Buchner – Global HR Business Partner, R&D • Gabriel Strohbichler – Student and Software Developer • Ulrike Hahnel – Project Manager

6:30 PM – Sustainability & Circular Economy in Motion & Mechatronics

• Sarah Baierl shares insights into ABB's approach to sustainability and circular economy principles within the Motion and Mechatronics division. As a member of the Product Compliance team, she will discuss R&D initiatives that integrate sustainable practices throughout the product development lifecycle. This talk highlights how ABB is balancing innovation with environmental responsibility and creating products designed for a circular future.

• Speaker: Sarah Baierl, R&D Product Compliance Team, for ABB’s Machine Automation Division (B&R)

7:00 PM – Break

• A short break to refresh before we continue.

7:15 PM – From Base Camp to Summit – Mountain Climbing Lessons in Agile Product Development

• Drawing parallels between mountaineering and agile product development, Lisa Romako explores how successful innovation thrives in uncertainty and complexity. When hundreds of engineers from different disciplines collaborate on industrial automation products, success comes not from perfect planning, but from continuous learning and adaptation. Through real-world stories from ABB's Machine Automation division and lessons from the mountains, Lisa demonstrates how diverse teams, agile methodologies, and collaborative problem-solving transform complexity into breakthrough innovation. A compelling reminder that reaching the summit—whether on a mountain or in product development—is never a solo achievement.

• Speaker: Lisa Romako, Team Lead in Product Group Controls for ABB’s Machine Automation Division (B&R)

7:45 PM – Networking
After engaging and exciting tech talks, we invite you to spend the rest of the evening expanding your professional networks. Join us for insightful discussions and enjoy a selection of snacks in a relaxed and informal setting.

⚡ Reserve your spot now — more details will be announced soon!