The Future of Testing: Evolving Tools,Timeless Skills | Chicago Meetup

The Test Tribe 2nd Chicago Meetup

​Event Details

​Date: 4th November 2025 (Thursday)​
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM CDT​
Venue: Training Room, Association Forum
Location: 10 S Riverside Plaza #800, Chicago, IL 60606, United States​
Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/gurNwDf9ddU9Edq69

​Session: The Future of Testing: Evolving Tools, Timeless Skills
Speaker: Anton Podovalov, Senior Quality Assurance Engineer at Engineer Up

​Session Overview:
As AI, automation, and low-code platforms reshape how software is built and tested, the role of testers is evolving faster than ever. Modern tools can now generate test cases, self-heal scripts, and even predict defects, enabling teams to move at unprecedented speed. Yet these advancements bring new challenges — demanding that testers adapt, think strategically, and redefine what quality truly means in an intelligent ecosystem.
True quality still depends on timeless fundamentals: critical thinking, curiosity, and a deep understanding of user and business needs. The future of testing belongs to professionals who can blend technical innovation with human insight, ensuring that as tools evolve, the purpose of testing — delivering trust and value — remains unchanged.

​This is a session for testers, automation engineers, and QA leaders who want to stay ahead of the curve, future-proof their careers, and discover how AI can become a true partner in building better software.

​Key Takeaways
Understand how AI, automation, and low-code technologies are transforming the testing landscape.
• Learn why core testing fundamentals — critical thinking, curiosity, and risk awareness — remain essential despite rapid tool evolution.
• Discover how to future-proof your QA career by balancing technical innovation with strong analytical and domain skills.
• Gain insights into the evolving role of testers as quality strategists in an AI-driven world.

​About the Speaker
Anton Podovalov is a Senior Lead QA Automation Engineer with extensive experience in automation, performance, and data quality testing across enterprise-scale systems. He has led quality initiatives at major organizations like Kraft Heinz, driving improvements in test strategy, data accuracy, and process efficiency. Passionate about the evolution of testing, Anton combines hands-on expertise with a forward-looking perspective on how AI and emerging technologies are reshaping the QA landscape. His mission is to help testers bridge the gap between modern tools and timeless testing fundamentals to build smarter, more resilient quality practices.

​Why You Should Attend

• ​Discover how AI can simplify and supercharge your testing
• ​Get practical insights into applying AI in real-world automation
• ​Connect with the Chicago QA community at our very first meetup!

​About The Test Tribe
The Test Tribe is the world’s largest software testing community, empowering testers globally since 2018. With 400+ events and 120K+ members across 130+ countries, we bring software testers together to learn, grow, and connect through expert-led courses, membership programs, cohorts, and community events.

​By RSVPing, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy and consent to be contacted by The Test Tribe and our event partners.
Join this session to discover how AI can become your testing partner, helping you design smarter, test faster, and deliver with greater confidence.