Session Abstract

Large Language Models (LLMs) have transformed the way we build intelligent applications, but using them effectively requires more than just good prompts. Out of the box, LLMs are frozen in time, lack access to your private data and, most worryingly, can produce plausible but incorrect responses. To create trustworthy AI agents - applications that can reason and act - we need to combine models with additional tools, data sources, and orchestration layers. This one-day course will guide you through using Azure AI Foundry, Microsoft's one-stop portal for AI infrastructure. We'll use AI frameworks to build practical AI applications, including agentic systems that can plan, reason, and act on objectives. We’ll see how to extend raw LLM capabilities with techniques such as prompt engineering, Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG), plugins (tools), and orchestration. This hands-on, full-day course will use various AI models provisioned in Azure AI Foundry. We'll focus on Microsoft's Semantic Kernel, an AI orchestration SDK available in C#, Python, and Java, that simplifies the integration of LLMs into enterprise-grade solutions. You'll learn how to: • Apply prompt engineering and RAG for accuracy and grounding. • Extend LLMs with custom plugins, APIs, and business logic. • Build multi-agent workflows. • Use responsible AI practices. • Design and deploy agentic systems that go beyond text generation to perform actions. Bring your laptop to follow along with the examples, or simply observe and learn. Either way, you’ll be equipped to design, build, and deploy AI applications that go beyond chat and deliver real business value.

Note to event organizers

This is a TUTORIAL. Semantic Kernel will be replaced/renamed so will likely need to update with new name nearer the time, but that info is currently under NDA. If you think title is too frivolous feel free to change it. Please make it clear this is a dev workshop, otherwise could get people who just want to use ChatGPT, Copilot, etc.

Bill Ayers

Dr Bill Ayers is a consultant developer and solution architect who has been working with computers for over 30 years. He originally earned his PhD in applications of computers in engineering before specialising in collaboration with SharePoint and more recently Microsoft 365 and Azure. He also specialises in mobile development and agile software development practices, and has been doing AI since the 1990s. He is a Microsoft Certified Master and Charter MCSM for SharePoint, and a Microsoft Certified Trainer and Microsoft MVP for M365 and AI Platform. He has also taken over forty Microsoft certifications and is a CompTIA CTT+ certified classroom trainer. He speaks regularly at international conferences and user groups and is based in Sheffield, UK.