2025 ALGIM Annual Conference - Let's Build a Chatbot

Let's Build a Chatbot

Tracks

Rongomātāne A: 2degrees ICT

Wednesday, November 26, 2025

1:15 PM - 2:45 PM

Breakout Room A, Rongomātāne A

Overview

Scott Newman, Devonport City Council, Tasmania

Speaker

Scott Newman

Enterprise Solutions Achritect

Devonport City Council

Lets Build A Chatbot

Abstract

Join Scott Newman, Enterprise Solutions Architect at Devonport City Council, for an engaging hands-on workshop on building your own chatbot. In this session, you’ll learn the fundamentals of chatbot design — from planning and prompt writing to understanding large language models and crafting chatbot personalities. Using real-world examples, including lessons from the Air Canada chatbot case, Scott will guide participants through creating a working chatbot using Tars. By the end of the workshop, you’ll understand how to plan, build, and launch an AI-powered chatbot safely and effectively for your organisation and have access to a digital resources kit with links and more advanced information.

Biography

Scott Newman is an Enterprise Solutions Architect at Devonport City Council, specialising in digital transformation and innovation in local government. With over seven years of experience, he has delivered impactful projects using Microsoft Power Platform, automation, and AI to streamline services, strengthen compliance, and enhance the citizen experience.
At Devonport, Scott has introduced cost-saving automation, modernised service delivery, and implemented AI-driven chatbots to improve community engagement. His ability to combine technical expertise with a clear vision for public service makes him a leader in applying emerging technologies to government challenges.
Scott has shared his insights on the national stage, speaking on two panels at Tech in Gov, Canberra, and serves as an Advisory Board Member for ALGIM Australia.