Talks / Presentations Catalog

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I love to present on a variety of topics, from the latest in the .NET & Cloud ecosystems, to the fundamentals of quality software development, to agile principles & practices. Below is a sample of what I’m presenting on.

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Catalog of Past Talks

Talk Date Venue Description
The Joy of Functional Testing with SpecFlow

Jul 07, 2022 Roanoke Valley .NET User Group (RVNUG) (Online) Functional testing is a great way to ensure we're not just building the thing right, but building the right thing. In this session, we'll examine the testing pyramid, the place of functional testing, and how to write Gherkin syntax with SpecFlow to move toward acceptance test driven development. We'll use a real world sample to show a few cycles of acceptance tests in the language of the business, and talk about one project's real-world functional testing journey.
TDD Your Own Adventure!

Mar 22, 2022 CapArea .NET Uer Group (Online) You're in the driver's seat and Sean's in the hot seat as he works to answer your questions about test automation and TDD in .NET. During this talk, we'll build an example application live while working in all of the questions and topics that you submit beforehand. Let's see where it goes, and what we learn together!
An Introduction to the Actor Model with Akka.NET

Jul 27, 2021 Orlando .NET User Group (ONETUG) (Online) Akka.NET is an Actor Model Framework that helps .Net developers create powerful concurrent & distributed applications more easily. The Actor Model is a well-established paradigm for building fault-tolerant and scalable applications that has recently seen a resurgence as distributed and asynchronous systems gain popularity. In this introductory talk, Sean will walk you through the concepts of the actor model, its benefits over traditional approaches, and the basics of how to use Akka.NET to achieve these advantages in your .NET applications.
Learning Docker for Smaller Feedback Loops

May 27, 2021 DockerCon 2021 (Online) A high-level talk for those new to Docker on the importance of smaller feedback loops and how Docker helps us get there.
An Introduction to the Actor Model with Akka.NET

May 18, 2021 .NET DC User Group (Online) Akka.NET is an Actor Model Framework that helps .Net developers create powerful concurrent & distributed applications more easily. The Actor Model is a well-established paradigm for building fault-tolerant and scalable applications that has recently seen a resurgence as distributed and asynchronous systems gain popularity. In this introductory talk, Sean will walk you through the concepts of the actor model, its benefits over traditional approaches, and the basics of how to use Akka.NET to achieve these advantages in your .NET applications.
An Introduction to the Actor Model with Akka.NET

May 06, 2021 Roanoke Valley .NET User Group (RVNUG) (Online) Akka.NET is an Actor Model Framework that helps .Net developers create powerful concurrent & distributed applications more easily. The Actor Model is a well-established paradigm for building fault-tolerant and scalable applications that has recently seen a resurgence as distributed and asynchronous systems gain popularity. In this introductory talk, Sean will walk you through the concepts of the actor model, its benefits over traditional approaches, and the basics of how to use Akka.NET to achieve these advantages in your .NET applications.
The Joy of Functional Testing with SpecFlow

Mar 09, 2021 Hampton Roads .NET User Group (HRNUG) (Online) Functional testing is a great way to ensure we're not just building the thing right, but building the right thing. In this session, we'll examine the testing pyramid, the place of functional testing, and how to write Gherkin syntax with SpecFlow to move toward acceptance test driven development. We'll use a real world sample to show a few cycles of acceptance tests in the language of the business, and talk about one project's real-world functional testing journey.
The Joy of Functional Testing with SpecFlow

Mar 02, 2021 Central Maryland Association of .NET Professionals (CMAP) (Online) Functional testing is a great way to ensure we're not just building the thing right, but building the right thing. In this session, we'll examine the testing pyramid, the place of functional testing, and how to write Gherkin syntax with SpecFlow to move toward acceptance test driven development. We'll use a real world sample to show a few cycles of acceptance tests in the language of the business, and talk about one project's real-world functional testing journey.
The Joy of Functional Testing with SpecFlow

Feb 23, 2021 DC Agile Software Testing Group (DCAST) (Online) Functional testing is a great way to ensure we're not just building the thing right, but building the right thing. In this session, we'll examine the testing pyramid, the place of functional testing, and how to write Gherkin syntax with SpecFlow to move toward acceptance test driven development. We'll use a real world sample to show a few cycles of acceptance tests in the language of the business, and talk about one project's real-world functional testing journey.
An Introduction to the Actor Model and Akka.NET

Oct 14, 2020 Triangle .NET User Group (Online) Akka.NET is an Actor Model Framework that helps .Net developers create powerful concurrent & distributed applications more easily. The Actor Model is a well-established paradigm for building fault-tolerant and scalable applications that has recently seen a resurgence as distributed and asynchronous systems gain popularity. In this introductory talk, Sean will walk you through the concepts of the actor model, its benefits over traditional approaches, and the basics of how to use Akka.NET to achieve these advantages in your .NET applications.
(ICP-TST/ATA) Certified Agile Testing Training

Dec 09, 2019 Excella Training (Arlington, VA) A 3-day course on Agile Testing for folks in QA or product ownership who are doing manual testing but want to learn about applying the testing mindset from day 1. ICAgile-certified.
A Brave dotnet-new world: Using and building templates in .NET Core

Nov 14, 2019 TechBash (Poconos, PA) In this session, I'll demonstrate how to create a template for a .NET Core solution, and will show an end to end out of the box template I've created to be up and running quickly with a .NET Core project, front-end project, containers, and a CI pipeline.
An Introduction to the Actor Model and Akka.NET

Nov 13, 2019 TechBash (Poconos, PA) Akka.NET is an Actor Model Framework that helps .Net developers create powerful concurrent & distributed applications more easily. The Actor Model is a well-established paradigm for building fault-tolerant and scalable applications that has recently seen a resurgence as distributed and asynchronous systems gain popularity. In this introductory talk, Sean will walk you through the concepts of the actor model, its benefits over traditional approaches, and the basics of how to use Akka.NET to achieve these advantages in your .NET applications.
The Joy of Functional Testing with SpecFlow

Nov 13, 2019 TechBash (Poconos, PA) Functional testing is a great way to ensure we're not just building the thing right, but building the right thing. In this session, we'll example the testing pyramid, the place of functional testing, and how to write Gherkin syntax with SpecFlow to move toward acceptance test driven development. We'll use real world codebase and show a few cycles of acceptance tests in the language of the business, and talk about one project's real-world functional testing journey.
Full-Day Workshop: Modernizing to .NET Core

Nov 12, 2019 TechBash (Poconos, PA) In this workshop, we'll introduce .NET Core conceptually and work to modernize .NET Framework application. We'll have practical tips and discussions of pitfalls along the way.
An Introduction to the Actor Model and Akka.NET

Oct 04, 2019 The SwiftKick Show (Live Video Broadcast) Akka.NET is an Actor Model Framework that helps .Net developers create powerful concurrent & distributed applications more easily. The Actor Model is a well-established paradigm for building fault-tolerant and scalable applications that has recently seen a resurgence as distributed and asynchronous systems gain popularity. In this introductory talk, Sean will walk you through the concepts of the actor model, its benefits over traditional approaches, and the basics of how to use Akka.NET to achieve these advantages in your .NET applications.
Serverless is more: An Introduction to Azure Functions

Jul 25, 2019 CodeOnTheBeach (Atlantic Beach, FL) In this session, Sean will walk through how to use Azure Functions and Azure Key Vault to create a system to continually share his RSS subscriptions with the world. Follow along as we discuss concepts of serverless computing, build a functional application, an marvel at all the things we didn’t have to do.
(CSD) Agile Engineering 3-Day Training Course

Jul 08, 2019 Excella Training (Arlington, VA) A 3-day course on Agile Engineering Principles and Practices that is considered the technical requirement for the Certified Scrum Developer (CSD) certification.
Introduction to Microsoft Graph Services

Jun 29, 2019 Microsoft Insider Dev Tour NYC (New York City, NY) Microsoft Graph provides a unified programmability model that you can use to build apps for organizations and consumers that interact with the data of millions of users. You can use the Microsoft Graph REST APIs to access data in Azure Active Directory, Office 365 services, Enterprise Mobility and Security services, Windows 10 services, Dynamics 365, and more.
Serverless is more: An Introduction to Azure Functions

Jun 19, 2019 Microsoft Maniacs (Sterling, VA) In this session, Sean will walk through how to use Azure Functions and Azure Key Vault to create a system to continually share his RSS subscriptions with the world. Follow along as we discuss concepts of serverless computing, build a functional application, an marvel at all the things we didn’t have to do.
(Fr)agile: How Agile Falls Apart, and What You Can Do to Hold It All Together

Jun 06, 2019 RevolutionConf (Virginia Beach, VA) Working in an agile mindset – especially when favoring specific approaches – can go wrong in about 100 ways. In this talk, I describe some lessons as a technical lead working on agile teams, holding it together with duct tape and a little help from my friends.
Serverless is more: An Introduction to Azure Functions

May 07, 2019 Central Maryland Association for .NET Professionals (CMAP) (Columbia, MD) In this session, Sean will walk through how to use Azure Functions and Azure Key Vault to create a system to continually share his RSS subscriptions with the world. Follow along as we discuss concepts of serverless computing, build a functional application, an marvel at all the things we didn’t have to do.
Serverless is more: An Introduction to Azure Functions

Apr 13, 2019 Philly.NET CodeCamp (Philadelphia, PA) In this session, Sean will walk through how to use Azure Functions and Azure Key Vault to create a system to continually share his RSS subscriptions with the world. Follow along as we discuss concepts of serverless computing, build a functional application, an marvel at all the things we didn’t have to do.
An Introduction to the Actor Model and Akka.NET

Apr 13, 2019 Philly.NET CodeCamp (Philadelphia, PA) Akka.NET is an Actor Model Framework that helps .Net developers create powerful concurrent & distributed applications more easily. The Actor Model is a well-established paradigm for building fault-tolerant and scalable applications that has recently seen a resurgence as distributed and asynchronous systems gain popularity. In this introductory talk, Sean will walk you through the concepts of the actor model, its benefits over traditional approaches, and the basics of how to use Akka.NET to achieve these advantages in your .NET applications.
An Introduction to the Actor Model and Akka.NET

Mar 14, 2019 NYC .NET (New York, NY) Akka.NET is an Actor Model Framework that helps .Net developers create powerful concurrent & distributed applications more easily. The Actor Model is a well-established paradigm for building fault-tolerant and scalable applications that has recently seen a resurgence as distributed and asynchronous systems gain popularity. In this introductory talk, Sean will walk you through the concepts of the actor model, its benefits over traditional approaches, and the basics of how to use Akka.NET to achieve these advantages in your .NET applications.
(Fr)agile: How Agile Falls Apart, and What You Can Do to Hold It All Together

Oct 02, 2018 TechBash 2018 (Kalahari Resort, PA) Working in an agile mindset – especially when favoring specific approaches – can go wrong in about 100 ways. In this talk, I describe some lessons as a technical lead working on agile teams, holding it together with duct tape and a little help from my friends.
An Introduction to the Actor Model and Akka.NET

Aug 09, 2018 Code on the Beach (Atlantic Beach, FL) Akka.NET is an Actor Model Framework that helps .Net developers create powerful concurrent & distributed applications more easily. The Actor Model is a well-established paradigm for building fault-tolerant and scalable applications that has recently seen a resurgence as distributed and asynchronous systems gain popularity. In this introductory talk, Sean will walk you through the concepts of the actor model, its benefits over traditional approaches, and the basics of how to use Akka.NET to achieve these advantages in your .NET applications.
How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Feedback Loops

Apr 21, 2018 OSS Dev Conf (Blacksburg, VA) Several topics dominate the landscape of modern software delivery – agile principles & practices, DevOps, Continuous Integration & Deployment, automated testing & test-driven development. Central to all of these is the idea of feedback loops. In this talk, I will work through the essence of feedback loops, and the myriad ways that seeking & targeting smaller feedback loops can benefit your team & your organization in its pursuit of agility and excellence.
Introduction to Akka .NET

Apr 20, 2018 Free public webinar (Online) Akka.NET is an Actor Model Framework that helps .Net developers create powerful concurrent & distributed applications more easily. The Actor Model is a well-established paradigm for building fault-tolerant and scalable applications that has recently seen a resurgence as distributed and asynchronous systems gain popularity. In this introductory talk, Sean will walk you through the concepts of the actor model, its benefits over traditional approaches, and the basics of how to use Akka.NET to achieve these advantages in your .NET applications.
TeamCity, OctopusDeploy, and Azure: So Happy Together

Mar 28, 2018 Tech Talk DC (Arlington, VA) Sean Killeen is going where no presenter should ever go – a live demo! Continuous integration and automated delivery are considered best practices, but how does it actually happen? During this talk, Sean will create – from scratch – a CI/CD pipeline for a real project using TeamCity, OctopusDeploy, and the Azure cloud. Along the way, we’ll discuss Chocolatey, deployment slots, nuget packages, and more. We’ll also touch on Appveyor and some other Azure deployment methods, as well as the “why” of CI/CD.
TeamCity, OctopusDeploy, and Azure: So Happy Together

Mar 20, 2018 .NET DC User Group (Bethesda, MD) Sean Killeen is going where no presenter should ever go – a live demo! Continuous integration and automated delivery are considered best practices, but how does it actually happen? During this talk, Sean will create – from scratch – a CI/CD pipeline for a real project using TeamCity, OctopusDeploy, and the Azure cloud. Along the way, we’ll discuss Chocolatey, deployment slots, nuget packages, and more. We’ll also touch on Appveyor and some other Azure deployment methods, as well as the “why” of CI/CD.
Introduction to Akka .NET

Mar 06, 2018 Central Maryland Association for .NET Professionals (CMAP) (Columbia, MD) Akka.NET is an Actor Model Framework that helps .Net developers create powerful concurrent & distributed applications more easily. The Actor Model is a well-established paradigm for building fault-tolerant and scalable applications that has recently seen a resurgence as distributed and asynchronous systems gain popularity. In this introductory talk, Sean will walk you through the concepts of the actor model, its benefits over traditional approaches, and the basics of how to use Akka.NET to achieve these advantages in your .NET applications.
Certified Agile Testing & Automation

Mar 05, 2018 Excella Training (now NextUp Solutions) (Arlington, VA) Our ICAgile (ICP-TST/ATA) certified testing course is happening in March. Check the links for more info!
Certified Agile Testing & Automation

Jan 22, 2018 Excella Training (now NextUp Solutions) (Arlington, VA) Our ICAgile (ICP-TST/ATA) certified testing course is happening in January. Check the links for more info!
Stretching .NET: An Introduction to ElasticSearch

Nov 15, 2017 Capital Area .NET Users Group (Vienna, VA) An introduction to ElasticSearch for .NET developers, with concepts & code.
Stretching .NET: An Introduction to ElasticSearch

Oct 10, 2017 NoVA Code Camp (Reston, VA) An introduction to ElasticSearch for .NET developers, with concepts & code.
Casting a Wider .NET: Working Toward More OSS Maturity in the .NET Community

Jun 05, 2017 .NET Fringe Conference (Portland, OR) This talk discusses how to bring a model of open-source maturity to the .NET community in the hopes of getting others involved to realize our shared vision to make .NET a great space for open-source.
Intro to OSS

Apr 04, 2017 OSS Dev Conf 2017 (Blacksburg, VA) A presentation on the "why" of OSS software with an introduction on how to contribute.
Attack-a the Akka!

Mar 29, 2017 Microsoft Maniacs (Sterling, VA) A revised version of my Akka.NET Talk
Attack-a the Akka!

Jun 05, 2016 Tech Talk DC (Arlington, VA) A revised update of a previous Akka.NET introductory presentation. I’ll endeavor to explain concepts and benefits behind the actor model, show how Akka.NET enables such a model with relative ease, and demonstrate some of the top features of the framework via code samples / demos. I have some additional time this go-round, so I’m hoping I’ll be able to add some more code samples.
Attack-a the Akka!

Jun 05, 2016 Capital Area .NET Users Group (Vienna, VA) A revised update of a previous Akka.NET introductory presentation. I’ll endeavor to explain concepts and benefits behind the actor model, show how Akka.NET enables such a model with relative ease, and demonstrate some of the top features of the framework via code samples / demos. I have some additional time this go-round, so I’m hoping I’ll be able to add some more code samples.
TeamCity, OctopusDeploy, and Azure: So Happy Together

Feb 16, 2016 DevOps DC Meetup (Reston, VA) This presentation sought to explain the pleasantly symbiotic relationship between a build server such as TeamCity and a release tool, such as OctopusDeploy. There weren’t as many .NET-focused developers there as expected, and time was a little short, but I’m looking forward to making some tweaks to this one and giving it again soon.
Attack-a the Akka! A brief intro to Akka.NET

Jul 29, 2015 BaltoMSDN Meetup (Baltimore, MD) Along with my co-presenter Matt Burleigh, I gave an introductory presentation on concepts behind the actor model and .NET’s most popular library for implementing the actor model, Akka.NET.