Architect and Build Reliable Agents and Workflows with n8n and Small Models

Workshop: Architect and Build Reliable Agents and Workflows with n8n and Small Models

Tired of hearing about AI but struggling to actually use it to make your work easier? Perhaps you’ve heard about AI agents and n8n, but don’t know where to start. Or perhaps you know where to start, but you’re stuck on the application part. Or perhaps you just want to work more ethically and sustainably with AI?

We understand the overwhelm. This workshop is a hands-on, no-nonsense guide to not only building AI workflows but also learning principles and techniques for identifying what to build in the first place. You'll also learn techniques that make building with n8n a breeze.

It's a healthy mix of foundational knowledge and practical techniques.

Why this workshop?

Learn how to separate "automation" from the generative capabilities of AI. Learn how to architect better workflows, involving deterministic tools, using AI for "decision-glue" and language processing "stuff".

This workshop will enable the use of smaller, cheaper, more energy-efficient language models that:

• Speed up your workflows by reducing reliance on large, expensive, slow models.

• Cut costs with lightweight processes that don’t drain your budget.
  

• More you in your work output
  

• Enable a path to customisation. The groundwork to move to using your own small models.
  

• Prioritise sustainability, reduce your environmental footprint, and boost accuracy.

What you’ll learn (and do)

The workshop will teach you the key concepts required for working with small models. You’ll also learn techniques to architect custom processes, workflows and automations using your current tasks and work as a source.

Key takeaways:

• Learn how to decompose projects into smaller steps

• Identify how and where to use AI by learning how AI “thinks”
  

• Build workflows visually in n8n (zero coding required)
  

• Compare AI agents vs. sequential workflows to choose the right tool for your needs.
  

• Connect tools: from spreadsheets, APIs, and chatbots.
  

• Design workflows that are predictable and reliable.
  

• Reusable workflow patterns you can apply to your own projects the same week
  

• Reinforce learning with a homework assignment + expert support.

Who should join?

This workshop is for professionals who recognise the need for automation but lack the resources or knowledge to start. Perfect for:

• Non-technical workers bogged down by repetitive data tasks (spreadsheets, CRM updates, etc.).

• Process owners (product managers, operations leads, analysts) are ready to build automations without needing developers.
  

• Leaders seeking hands-on foundational knowledge, not just theory, to help drive innovation.
  

• Anyone who wants to use AI ethically and sustainably, whilst improving output.

Iqbal's explainer style exudes the calm confidence you’d expect from someone who really understands the topic. He really wants you to get it rather than just nod along and for exploring users he is able to make this pretty technical topic feel a lot less intimidating. 

If you're after a first real intro to agent workflows, this is a great place to start. Iqbal sets the foundations well and you walk out with the concepts and the right mindset to build on them. Guido Jansen

Iqbal’s workshop was ideal, I was initially concerned it might be over my head and too complex, but Iqbal explained everything perfectly and broke it down into bite size chunks, making it easy to understand and follow through the process. The workshop was relaxed, fun and super informative. 100% recommend. Emma Howes, ANZ Bank

Iqbal is a fantastic presenter and clearly an expert in the field. He has a great way of explaining complex topics and creates a relaxed, interactive learning environment. Even coming in with no prior experience of building AI workflows, I left the workshop with a much better understanding of how these technologies work. The session was packed with practical exercises and provided a valuable introduction to AI agents, workflows, and small language models. Dominika Choroszko, Primark

What you’ll need

• A laptop.

• Your favourite AI chat interface (free accounts will do).
  

About your instructor

Iqbal Ali is a developer and former teacher, now teaching teams Experimentation and AI skills. He's the creator of Ressada, an AI-powered tool that automatically transforms user feedback into clear insights. The tool embodies the principles of transparency and reliability that Iqbal will instil in you throughout this workshop.