Michael Dyrynda - Small steps, Big shifts - Laracon AU 2025

Laracon AU 2025 opens with an energetic, cinematic intro and a heartfelt keynote inviting developers to “Level Up” through community, curiosity, and shared passion. The talk reflects on the evolution of PHP and Laravel, the power of human creativity in an AI-augmented world, and the importance of belonging and connection over the next two days. 📚 ## Chapters 00:00 Opening cinematic: Honor, Courage, Commits 04:20 Behind-the-scenes on the intro video 05:10 Welcoming returning attendees & first timers 05:40 Theme revealed: "Level Up" 06:20 The essence of PHP & Laravel 07:20 Community stories and opportunities 08:30 Leveling up: persistence over perfection 09:20 AI vs human creativity & care 10:00 Federer’s lesson: next-point mentality 10:40 Creating belonging & the Pac-Man rule 11:30 Using the Six Sides app + conference game 12:40 Sponsor appreciation & Mario Kart challenge 13:40 Encouragement to connect and include others 14:20 Code of conduct & community standards 15:00 Closing message: Level Up together https://x.com/michaeldyrynda https://laracon.au