Guest Speakers and Events

FREE ENTRY 日本語は下へスクロール! 🎉 2025–2026 New Year’s Eve Karaoke & DJ Party! 🎉 Let’s wrap up the year and welcome the new one with an unforgettable night together! 📍 Venue: Izakaya by Tamura (343 Smith St, Fitzroy VIC 3065) A popular Japanese restaurant offering authentic ramen, yakitori, and izakaya-style dishes. 🗓 December 31st (New Year’s Eve) 💰 Entry: Free Admission 📝 Please register via Meetup before attending --- 🎁 Meetup Registration Bonus: Free Toshikoshi Soba! All registered guests can enjoy ✨ a self-serve Toshikoshi Soba station available on the day. --- 🎤 Two Floors of Entertainment! 1st Floor: Karaoke Floor ・Announcements begin around 8:00 PM ・Hand your request card to the MC to join ・The MC will walk around and collect song requests directly! 2nd Floor: DJ Floor ・Non-stop music and NYE vibes until countdown ・Perfect for both groups and solo attendees --- 🔐 Safe & Smooth Event Operations ・Expecting around 100+ attendees with security staff on-site ・ID checks will be conducted to ensure a safe environment for everyone ✨ Let’s make the 2025–2026 New Year’s Eve one to remember! We’re excited to celebrate with you all. 🎉 2025–2026 年越し カラオケ & DJ パーティー開催！ 🎉 最高の年末年始を、みんなで盛り上がって迎えましょう！ 📍 会場：Izakaya by Tamura （343 Smith St, Fitzroy VIC 3065） 本格ラーメン・焼き鳥・居酒屋料理が楽しめる人気の日本食レストラン！ 🗓 12月31日（大晦日） 💰 入場：完全フリーエントリー（無料） 📝 参加される方は Meetup での予約（レジスター）をお願いします --- 🎁 Meetup レジスター特典：年越しそばプレゼント！ 登録いただいた方には、当日 ✨ セルフ式「年越しそば」 コーナーをご利用いただけます！ --- 🎤 2フロアで楽しむ年越しスペシャル！ 1階：カラオケフロア ・20:00頃から司会者がアナウンス開始 ・リクエストカードを司会者に渡すだけでOK ・司会者がフロアを周りリクエストを直接受付！ 2階：DJフロア ・ノンストップで盛り上がるクラブスタイル ・友達同士でも一人でも気軽に参加できます --- 🔐 安心して楽しめる環境 ・100名規模を想定し セキュリティスタッフを配置 ・ID確認を徹底し、安全な年越しイベントを運営します --- ✨ 2025–2026 の年越しを特別な夜に。 皆さまのご参加を心よりお待ちしています！

# New Year’s Eve 2025 at Transport Public Bar ## Free Entry, Live Bands, DJs & Fireworks ##### **Doors Open All Day \| Federation Square** Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Melbourne’s CBD at Transport Public Bar, the city’s **premier meeting spot** and the **ultimate destination for live music, fireworks, and good times**. With **free entry all night,** **live bands, DJs,** and **big screens for the countdown**, there’s no better place to ring in 2026. ### 🎶 Entertainment Line-Up **Doors open All Day** \- enjoy an afternoon in the heart of the city **4PM to 7PM** \- Live Music set \#1 **7PM to 10PM** \- Live music set \#2 featuring some of Melbourne's best acts **10PM till Late** \- Live DJs spinning disco\, funk\, and feel\-good classics into the new year **12AM -** Countdown to the new year and fireworks ### 🍹 Food & Drinks * **Normal menu items** available all day – pub classics, tasty bites, and share plates * **Themed cocktails** for NYE to keep the disco vibes flowing * Bars open all day with beer, wine, spirits, and cocktails on tap ### 🎇 Fireworks & Countdown * **Big screens throughout the venue** for the midnight countdown * **Floor-to-ceiling windows** with views of fireworks across the **Yarra River & Arts Precinct** * Step outside into **Federation Square** for a front-row experience of Melbourne’s iconic fireworks display ### Why Celebrate NYE at Transport Public Bar? * **Free entry** all night – no tickets required * **Central CBD location** – opposite Flinders Street Station * **Glasshouse space** overlooking Flinders Street, perfect for people-watching * **Live bands + DJs** for the ultimate Saturday night soundtrack * **Huge screens** for the countdown & plenty of space for groups * Melbourne’s go-to spot for live music, sport, and celebrations 📍 **Public Bar**, Ground, Transport Hotel, Federation Square, Melbourne CBD 🗓️ **Wednesday 31st December 2025 \| Doors open all day from 11am** 🎟️ **Free entry** \| Walk\-ins welcome Ok this is a really great event for those looking for a sitdown meal. Table booked under Andrew Goodwin (ph: 0424453134) at 6pm for dinner. Here is a copy of the menu. [https://assets.transporthotel.com.au/TRANSPORT-PUBLIC-MENU.pdf](https://assets.transporthotel.com.au/TRANSPORT-PUBLIC-MENU.pdf) Then there's a band plus a DJ. So please feel free to come at any stage throughout the night if you don't want dinner though even coming at 6pm and not eating dinner is fine too. Obviously dinner is optional too. Event cohosted by Martin Carr. So venue very close to Flinders Street Station though there should still be plenty of parking options though they may be slightly limited with it being NYE. PLEASE NOTE THIS EVENT IS ON MULTIPLE GROUPS.

FREE entry if you ATTEND WITH A FRIEND! Come down and make new friends from all over the world! Karaoke, DJ and more!

Hi everyone, I’m launching a dating-focused social group for ABC singles aged 35–50 in Melbourne and am looking for a few co-organisers to help run events and build a positive, respectful community together. If you enjoy meeting people, sharing ideas, and helping organise social activities, I’d love to hear from you. We can start by co-hosting one event and see how it goes. Feel free to message me for a chat!

MUST TAP “ATTEND” (PLEASE SPECIFY NUMBER OF GUESTS). FREE ENTRY ONLY IF YOU BRING A FRIEND. This is an extremely popular event so please RSVP EARLY to avoid disappointment as PLACES ARE LIMITED. Please arrive on time at 5.30pm as NO ADMISSION WILL GRANTED ONCE THE VENUE REACHES FULL CAPACITY. Please follow instagram.com/eventsinmelb for more FREE events! LAST ENTRY STRICTLY AT 6.30PM

MUST TAP “ATTEND” (PLEASE SPECIFY NUMBER OF GUESTS) FREE ENTRY ONLY IF YOU BRING A FRIEND. This is an extremely popular event so please RSVP EARLY to avoid disappointment as PLACES ARE LIMITED. Please arrive on time at 8pm as NO ADMISSION WILL GRANTED ONCE THE VENUE REACHES FULL CAPACITY. Please follow instagram.com/eventsinmelb for more FREE events! LAST ENTRY STRICTLY AT 8.30PM

Ever wondered how humanity would respond to an asteroid heading for Earth? Or how the world might react to first contact with aliens? Welcome to **The Thought Experiment** — a new kind of meetup where we explore big *“What if…?”* scenarios in a fun but thoughtful way. Each session, we’ll pick one scenario (from global crises to wild sci-fi situations) and work together to imagine solutions, strategies, and possibilities. This is for **curious minds of all kinds** — students, professionals, creatives, or anyone who enjoys thinking differently. Some people might bring research, others just bring imagination. Either way, we’ll brainstorm together and see where the discussion takes us. **We ask everyone to Buy a drink at the venue** **Format:** * Quick intro to the scenario * Small-group discussions * Share back with the group * Wrap up + (optional) post-discussion drinks For our first meetup, we’ll introduce the format, get to know each other, and jump into a scenario together. Keywords: Morality, End of the World, Survival, Debate **Scenario: Judgement Day (ENCORE)** ☢️ The sirens have begun. A nuclear strike has been confirmed. The city will be vaporized in one hour. 🚨 Deep beneath the streets, there’s a single bunker — a relic of the Cold War — sealed, powered, and stocked for a handful of survivors. Only a few can enter before the blast. ⏳ The rest… will face the fire. 🧩 Who gets a place — and who is left behind? Do we save the strongest, the kindest, the most useful… or the most innocent? ⚖️ Every choice has a cost. Every argument, a consequence. 🕯 And along the way… there will be twists.

☕ **Girl Who Boss Coffee Catchup!** ☕ Join us for a relaxed and casual coffee catchup, where like-minded women come together to connect, chat, and share ideas! Whether you're a career professional, entrepreneur, or creative, this is the perfect chance to meet other inspiring women in a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. *** **Here’s the agenda:** 🕚 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM: Welcome & Mingle 💬 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM: Casual Conversations & Coffee 🤝 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Networking & Wrap-Up No formalities, no pressure—just a space to enjoy great company, share experiences, and make new connections over coffee. ☕💖 These meetups are a great way to ease into networking while building friendships in a laid-back setting. Looking forward to catching up with everyone! 🌟 Feel free to message me if you have any questions. See you there! 😊

**No pressure, no plan—just new friends** ✨ Whether you’re visiting Melbourne for the first time, recently relocated, or simply love connecting with curious people, this weekly meetup is the perfect way to share stories, make friends, and go explore, as a group, the magic that Melbourne has to offer 🇦🇺 **What to expect?** • **Casual & hostless**: no formal host, no schedule: just show up, be yourself, meet fellow solo travellers & expats and decide as a group where you feel like going • **Central meeting point**: it is surrounded by cultural landmarks, cafes, and restaurants, making it a convenient and safe starting point. • **Open to everyone**: whether you are a local, an expat or just passing through for a few days, you are welcome to join. (English is the primary language, but feel free to switch of course) **How to talk with strangers?** (and create meaningful connections) To help you get started, I curated a little game of **[ridiculously good questions](https://www.pierrebonvalot.com/theblog?p=285a9711d7df80d5ac25dd4ef8fe5394&pm=c)** you can ask to break the ice, shift the conversation from dull to intriguing and fun, and eventually create meaningful connection quickly. I hope this helps! **The only things you need to do are…** • Leave a message in the comment section to let the others know that you will actually be there (I don’t want you to end up alone there :) • If you can’t make it anymore, no problem! But please update your RSVP to let the others know • Please be gentle and patient with each other. We all want to make good friends here. **Why join?** • Meet open-minded travellers and locals who are keen to connect, learn and have fun together. • Experience Melbourne... as a group. • Be part of a global community that celebrates solo travelling and meaningful connections between foreign and locals. **How does it works?** 1\. Arrive at the meeting spot at the scheduled time\. 2\. Look for other joiners—friendly faces and curious explorers\. 3\. Introduce yourself\, connect with others\, and decide as a group where to go\. **When & where?** • Day: every Sunday • Time: 4:00 PM (meetup sometimes displays a different time zone: but it’s always 4pm local time) • Location: in front of the Dolphin Fountain (inside Fitzroy Gardens) **Hostless**: I am setting up the event for you all to meet, but I won't be there myself this time :) **Hi my names is Pierre** I created this Meetup group because I want to see more human connection happen in the real world. I feel many of us want this, but don't exactly know how to go about it. I hope this helps a little bit. I also work as a transformational coach: I help people who feel stuck in their life to reconnect with themselves, create real change and ultimately live more fulfilling lives. 🔗 bento.me/pierrebonvalot

At the corner of King & Flinders, this seven-level destination blends the soul of a classic pub with the spirit of global adventure. From the Public Bar to South-East Asian dining, rooftop cocktails, and three event spaces for private celebrations, complete with lush terraces and sweeping city views. **Public Bar & Beer Garden** Located on the ground floor of The Waterside Hotel, this is where locals and visitors alike gather for cold beers, great flavours, and warm service. Whether you’re dropping in for a casual pint, catching up with mates, or kicking off a night upstairs at Past / Port, it all starts at the Waterside Public Bar & Beer Garden So come along for dinner at Waterside Hotel in the Public Bar on the Ground Floor at 6pm. Table for dinner booked under Andrew Goodwin (ph:0424453134) at 6pm. Here is a copy of the menu. [https://watersidehotel.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/THEWATERSIDEPUBLICBAR_MENU.pdf](https://watersidehotel.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/THEWATERSIDEPUBLICBAR_MENU.pdf) Event cohosted by Martin Carr. As far as getting here for public transport take your pick of either Southern Cross Station or Flinders Street Station and preferably take a tram near here or if necessary walk it. Likely to be plenty of parking around the general area and Crown Casino Carpark might be a good options here. PLEASE NOTE THIS EVENT IS ON MULTIPLE GROUPS.

It’s time to take control of your mental health. How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Have you ever suffered from a traumatic experience, a deep loss or been through a painful breakup? Has your ability to communicate suffered as a result? And after that, even though you "moved on" did you find that things were never quite the same? Have you ever looked at childhood photos, or reminisced your early life and wondered where that happiness and spark went? Are your emotions out of your own control? Have you ever felt, even if you aren’t aware of it, that possibly you are getting in your own way of your happiness and success? How does this affect your self-confidence? Find out what is at the root of all stress, anxiety, depression and self-doubt. Find out how and why you hold yourself back from achieving your goals and having the life you have dreamed of. As soon as you learn what is at the root of these unwanted conditions, you’ll see it is something you can DO something about. You will not be labeled or categorized at this MeetUp.

Our January program is privileged to have Kristen Tregar as our speaker. Ms. Tregar is the co-author with John de Lancie (the actor who portrayed the character Q on Star Trek next generation) of a radio play depicting the events surrounding the Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District trial. The trial decided the issue of some of the Dover school district board members attempting to insert creationism disguised as "intelligent design" into the 9th grade biology curriculum. She will discuss the trial and the process of writing the play. (Bob Leonhard has seen the play and it is riveting and tense). Ms. Tregar's bio is below: Kristen Tregar is a dramaturg, director, playwright, and theatre teacher. She earned her Ph.D. in Drama and Theatre from the UC San Diego and UC Irvine joint program. In addition, she has a MS in Forensic Science from City University of New York- John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a MA in Educational Theatre from New York University- Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. In 2013, in collaboration with Irish colleagues, she founded *The Ireland Project*, an intercontinental devised theatre work with high school students in New York and Tallaght, Ireland. Her original short story "Far From Here" was recently published in *Stay Awhile Longer: More Scenes From Temecula Valley*. She has two rescued dogs (Kira and Harry) and she rides, competes, and foxhunts with her horses, Andromache and Baker Street Irregular. Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon

Salsamante Dance Academy will be at Swerve to share the Rhythm & Energy of Bachata & Salsa. These are Beginner Level lessons to get you comfortable and understand the two dances. Spread the Good News to all. Swerve Dance & Fitness Complex 640 Lakeview Plaza Blvd A, Worthington, OH 43085 Bachata 7pm-8pm Salsa 8pm-9pm $15 - One Lesson $20 - Both Lessons

[The Board Walks](http://www.theboardwalks.com/) are for curious people who love deep conversations. If that sounds like you, **bring a thoughtful topic** and join us for a 5-mile walk (10,000+ steps!). **HOW IT WORKS** **Step 1: Bring a topic** Before you arrive, think of **one** topic you want to explore. A question. A thought that's been on your mind. An obsession you want to geek out on. This is your ticket to the event. **Step 2: Circle up & share** We gather in a circle. Your friendly walk host gives a speech to set the tone. Everyone shares: your name, what you're grateful for, and your topic. That's it. 60 seconds. **Step 3: Walk, talk & float** We walk 5 miles. You naturally drift into conversation with 2-3 people at a time, pulled by topics that spark your curiosity. When you're ready to move on, just say: "I'm going to float!" **Step 4: Feel more alive** Two hours flies by. You're back where you started — but you feel different. More alive. More energized. More connected to yourself and others. That's why regulars join 20+ times. *For more details, read our [Orientation Guide.](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation)* **HOW TO BRING A GREAT TOPIC** A great topic = something you're genuinely curious about. Recent topics include: * "What are you passionate about right now?" * "What makes a good friend?" * "What's a belief you used to hold that you've completely changed?" * "How do you want to be remembered?" * "What would you do if money wasn't a factor?" Think of your topic like the dish you're bringing to our conversational potluck. If everyone brings an A+ dish (i.e. energizing, uplifting, expansive), we'll all walk away feeling lighter and brighter. **WHAT TO EXPECT** This isn't a fitness event with casual chitchat. It's a walking think tank where we explore life's big questions together, beyond small talk. *If you're looking for light banter or a standard networking event, this probably isn't the right fit.* But if you crave depth, genuine connection, and conversations that make you feel alive? You'll love it here. **FAQ** * Wear casual athletic attire and sneakers. It's a long walk! * We have multiple first-timers at each event. We work hard to create a welcoming, inclusive, clique-free space. * We welcome people of **all** ages, backgrounds, and industries who align with the [intention](https://www.theboardwalks.com/ground-rules) of this space. * Rain or shine, we've been out here nearly every week since July 2022. If the event is cancelled, we'll let you know. * Dogs, babies in strollers, parents, and friends are welcome — please text/email them the event link so they can RSVP and prepare a topic! **LOGISTICS** * If you'll arrive over 10 minutes late, we suggest skipping the event. It's hard to find us once we start walking, and your host can't answer messages during the event. * This walk is designed for everyone to *move together at the same steady pace* (about 20 min/mile). This format works best when the whole group moves in unison. If you have mobility limitations, we kindly encourage you to find an event better suited to your needs. * Read our [Orientation Guide](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation) for full details. * If you enjoy the event, send **[this](http://www.theboardwalks.com/)** to a friend or sign up for our **[newsletter](https://theboardwalks.beehiiv.com/)**. We're in multiple cities with more on the way. 🤠👋 **IF YOU WANT TO GO DEEPER...** [The Board](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board) is the next step: a high-trust collective for renaissance people devoted to creating, connecting, and building lives that light us up. * This is a global HQ for people who crave big talk, deep connection, and dream collaborations with people across industries. If the walks feel like a spark... The Board is the fire. Apply [here](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board).

The topic for January is "Chemistry" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 7:00 pm, show starts at 7:30 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!