Details

What if launching an online store was no longer a complex, time-consuming project—but something you could spin up in a fraction of the time with the help of AI?

In this session, David Lockie (Automattic) explores how AI is reshaping the way we build eCommerce experiences, dramatically lowering the barrier between “I want a store” and “I have a store”.

Framed around a “commerce in a box” approach, this talk will demonstrate how modern tools and AI-assisted workflows can accelerate everything from setup to customisation—without losing flexibility or control.

Expect a practical, demo-driven session that shows how to:

• Rapidly create a WooCommerce store using AI-assisted workflows
• Reduce setup time, technical friction, and repetitive tasks
• Move from idea to functional store with minimal overhead
• Adapt faster to client needs and changing requirements

This isn’t just about speed—it’s about rethinking how we deliver value.

For freelancers and agencies, this shift raises important questions:

• Where do we fit when the build becomes easier?
• How do we stay relevant when execution is no longer the bottleneck?

Rather than replacing developers, these tools are changing the game—opening up opportunities to focus on strategy, experience, and differentiation.

Whether you're building stores for clients or launching your own projects, this session will give you a clear view of what’s changing, what’s possible today, and how to adapt.

Language: English

Speaker

David Lockie

Product and innovation leader with 15+ years of experience at the intersection of emerging tech, platform strategy, and digital commerce. Proven track record scaling businesses, launching complex products, and translating disruptive technologies (AI, Web3, decentralization) into strategic advantage.

Currently Web3 Lead and member of the Payments Leadership Team at Automattic, working across product, partnerships, and special projects for WordPress and WooCommerce.

Core strengths include:

• Product Strategy & Innovation – From 0→1 vision to go-to-market

• Emerging Tech (AI, Web3, Agentic Systems) – Translating trends into usable value

• Cross-Functional Leadership – Connecting product, engineering, design, partnerships, and execs

• Platform Ecosystems & Open Source – Deep WordPress/WooCommerce experience

• Agency-Scale Thinking – Founded and grew Pragmatic to 65 people

External-facing roles include: speaking at global conferences (WordCamp, WooConf), podcast host and guest, grant reviewer, awards judge, and strategic advisor to multiple startups.

Suport

• Algarve Evolution
• Algarve STP
• UALG TEC Campus