GDG Annapolis

Join us for an enlightening event titled "Scrum in the Cloud: Building a Vertex AI App with Agile Precision." This high-energy, 60-minute Deep Dive will guide you through a full product lifecycle—from the Cloud Console setup to a live-deployed AI application. You will step into the roles of the Development Team, navigating the Google Cloud Platform under the agile framework.

Key Takeaways:

• The Agile Framework: Understand how to manage technical complexities with Planning Poker, a Sprint Backlog, and a strict 'Definition of Done'.
• The Tech: Learn to enable Vertex AI APIs and deploy a functional web app using Cloud Run via the Google Cloud Console.
• The AI Logic: Develop and refine System Instructions in Vertex AI Studio to define your application's core persona.
• The Goal: By the end of this session, aim to have a live, public URL for your custom AI tool.

Technical Requirements: Participants should have access to a Google Cloud Platform account to follow along with the build.

Call to Action: Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your tech skills with real-world applications. Register now to secure your spot and take the first step towards innovative AI development.

Agenda

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Speaker

Justin Puffpaff - https://www.linkedin.com/company/eridulabs/ (Founder)

Justin Puffpaff is a Project Manager and Agile practitioner (ICP-ACC, CSM) dedicated to bridging the gap between technical execution and efficient process management. With a focus on Google Cloud ecosystems, Justin specializes in coaching teams to move from 'idea' to 'deployment' using structured Agile methodologies and modern AI tools.

Hosted By

Angelo Thalassinidis, GDG Organizer

Spotlight on Angelo Thalassinidis: Empowering the Future of Tech and Education

With over 25 years of experience in education and professional services, Angelo Thalassinidis is a proven leader in shaping the future of technology programs, and supporting founders and innovation. As a first-generation college graduate, Angelo is at the forefront of social mobility efforts and creating impactful degrees, certifications, and industry partnerships that bridge the gap between academia and the tech industry.

🔧 Transforming Technology Education
Angelo has spearheaded the development of new academic programs, especially in MedTech, AI, and Information Systems, preparing students for the rapidly evolving tech landscape.

🌐 Building Communities and Connecting Innovators
As a co-organizer of GDG Baltimore and GDG Annapolis, Angelo is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where tech enthusiasts, developers, and entrepreneurs can connect, learn, and innovate. Events like the StartathonAI, Chesapeake Innovation Summit, and DevFest Annapolis offer invaluable opportunities to engage with the latest in AI, data analytics, and emerging technologies.

💡 Entrepreneurial Leadership
Angelo led multimillion-dollar projects and corporate ventures in business intelligence, data warehousing, and IT service management with MCI Systemhouse, EDS, ATT GIS, and various startups. His leadership has created high-impact solutions and successful ventures in both the US and Europe. Angelo has also founded several companies in both Europe and the US.

📊 Shaping the Next Generation of Tech Leaders
Angelo’s expertise extends to program development, having created graduate and undergraduate degrees in IS/IT, as well as custom educational solutions for corporations. His experience at Tampa Bay Tech and Tampa BSides further underscores his commitment to fostering tech communities and knowledge sharing. Angelo has planted the seed and mentored several startups and has a goal to increase the pipeline of founders.

💬 Driving Strategic Growth
Known for his ability to drive strategic initiatives and data-driven organizational change, Angelo’s leadership focuses on value creation, customer-centric solutions, and continuous improvement. He consistently helps organizations harness emerging technologies to scale and succeed.

Jesse Alton,

James Gibbons, Co-Organizer

Complete your event RSVP here: https://gdg.community.dev/events/details/google-gdg-annapolis-presents-scrum-in-the-cloud-agile-ai-app-development/.

Overview
As Maryland advances its position as a global leader in technology and innovation, the 2026 Chesapeake Regional Workforce Summit & Career Fair convenes the ecosystem’s most influential voices. From academic leaders shaping tomorrow’s talent to entrepreneurs scaling high-growth ventures, this event is designed to bridge the gap between classroom, community, and commerce – and align strategy with opportunity.

Why Attend?

Strategic Insights: Learn how our workforce helps Maryland Department of Commerce (MDOC) and Regional Economic Development Organizations attract businesses.

Direct Connections: Engage with recruiters and talent at the Career Fair, running all afternoon.

Niche Expertise: Hear from CEO’s, HR Professionals, and the Startup Community during our Micro-sessions tailored to your specific role in the workforce pipeline.

3. The Schedule
   1:30 PM – 2:00 PM Keynote: Stephen Rice, Deputy Secretary, MDoC Maryland’s Competitive Advantage – Attracting and Retaining Workforce (CADE 219)

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Panel: Work-Based Learning (CADE 219)

Moderator: Shamara Bownes, Senior Director CTE, Goverors Workforce Development Board

Erin Roth, Assistant Secretary, Maryland Department of Labor

Tasha Cornish, Executive Director, Cybersecurity Association of Maryland

Tim O’Ferrall, General Mnager, Fort Meade Alliance

Carl Kushinsky, Apprenticeship Manager, Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation

Bronwyn E. A. Bates, Workforce Program Manager, HCC

Tom Dickinson, AACPS Work Based Learning Career & Technical Education

3:00 PM – 3:30 PM Networking (CALT)

3:30 PM – 3:50 PM Micro Session: HR/CEO Perspective – What Employers are Looking for in Candidates (CADE 219)

Moderator: Emily Chanell, Owner/Principle Tidewater HR Advisory

Carolina Seldes, CEO, ITNova

Conner Barnes, Director, Talent Management, Vision Technologies

4:00 PM – 4:20 PM Micro Session: Startup Community Workforce Needs (CADE 219)

Moderator: Chris Barber, Founder, CEO and Chief Nerd, Cheaper Than A Geek

Jason Michael Perry, Principle/Fractional Chief AI Officer, Perry Labs

Jesse Alton, CEO, Virgent AI, Inc.

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Career Fair (CALT Building)

Build with AI Workshops

Organized in Collaboration With:
This summit is a joint initiative bringing together the leaders of Maryland’s economic and workforce development ecosystem:

AACC: Anne Arundel Community College

AAEDC: Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation

AAWDC: Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation

MDOC: Maryland Department of Commerce

MTC-CRC: Maryland Tech Council’s Chesapeake Regional Chapter

Cybersecurity Association

Agenda

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Hosted By

Angelo Thalassinidis, GDG Organizer

Angelo Thalassinidis has over 25 years of experience in both education and tech industry. He has built academic programs in high-demand fields like business intelligence, artificial intelligence (AI), and information systems.
Angelo has led multimillion-dollar projects and corporate ventures in business intelligence, data warehousing and DSS with MCI Systemhouse, EDS, ATT GIS and formed various startups in Europe and the U.S.
He is a Board member in several organization and is dedicated to creating an ecosystem where tech enthusiasts, developers and entrepreneurs can connect, learn and innovate.
Angelo is also organizer of events like the StartathonAI (an intensive, multi-day hybrid event designed to immerse participants in the practical application of Large Language Models for real-world entrepreneurship), Chesapeake Innovation Summit, Chesapeake Workforce Summit, and DevFest Annapolis that offer opportunities to engage with the latest in AI, data analytics and emerging technologies.

Jesse Alton,

James Gibbons, Co-Organizer

Complete your event RSVP here: https://gdg.community.dev/events/details/google-gdg-annapolis-presents-4th-annual-chesapeake-regional-workforce-summit-amp-career-fair/.

Join leaders from academia, government, and industry at AACC to explore how Maryland’s talent pool is our greatest driver of economic growth.

Workforce as a Competitive Advantage.

As Maryland advances its position as a global leader in technology and innovation, the 2026 Chesapeake Regional Workforce Summit & Career Fair convenes the ecosystem’s most influential voices. From academic leaders shaping tomorrow’s talent to entrepreneurs scaling high-growth ventures, this event is designed to bridge the gap between classroom, community, and commerce – and align strategy with opportunity.

Why Attend?

Strategic Insights: Learn how our workforce helps Maryland Department of Commerce (MDOC) and Regional Economic Development Organizations attract businesses.

Direct Connections: Engage with recruiters and talent at the Career Fair, running all afternoon.

Niche Expertise: Hear from CEO’s, HR Professionals, and the Startup Community during our Micro-sessions tailored to your specific role in the workforce pipeline.

3. The Schedule
   1:30 PM – 2:00 PM Keynote: Stephen Rice, Deputy Secretary, MDoC Maryland’s Competitive Advantage – Attracting and Retaining Workforce (CADE 219)

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Panel: Work-Based Learning (CADE 219)

Carl Kushinsky, Apprenticeship Manager, Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation

Tasha Cornish, Cybersecurity Association of Maryland

Tim O’Ferrall, General Mnager, Fort Meade Alliance

Bronwyn E. A. Bates, Workforce Program Manager, HCC

Erin Roth, Assistant Secretary, Maryland Department of Labor

Tom Dickinson, AACPS Work Based Learning Career & Technical Education

3:00 PM – 3:30 PM Networking (CALT)

3:30 PM – 3:50 PM Micro Session: HR/CEO Perspective – What Employers are Looking for in Candidates (CADE 219)

Debbie Hatton, ITNova

Emily Channell, Tidewater HR Advisory

4:00 PM – 4:20 PM Micro Session: Startup Community Workforce Needs (CADE 219)

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Career Fair (CALT Building)

Organized in Collaboration With:
This summit is a joint initiative bringing together the leaders of Maryland’s economic and workforce development ecosystem:

AACC: Anne Arundel Community College

AAEDC: Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation

AAWDC: Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation

MDOC: Maryland Department of Commerce

MTC-CRC: Maryland Tech Council’s Chesapeake Regional Chapter

Cybersecurity Association

Agenda

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Hosted By

Angelo Thalassinidis, GDG Organizer

As a first-generation college student, Angelo Thalassinidis knows how life-changing education and the right skillset can be. With over 25 years of experience in education and technology, he is dedicated to making sure students don’t just earn a degree but gain the skills they need in a rapidly evolving field.
Thalassinidis has a passion for social mobility efforts and creating impactful degrees, certifications and industry partnerships that bridge the gap between academia and the tech industry.
He has built academic programs in high-demand fields like business intelligence, artificial intelligence (AI), and information systems. He brings real-world experience to these programs. Thalassinidis led multimillion-dollar projects and corporate ventures in business intelligence, data warehousing and DSS with MCI Systemhouse, EDS, ATT GIS and various startups in Europe and the U.S.
He is also a leader in the local tech scene. Thalassinidis is a Board member in several organization and an organizer for Google Development Groups of Baltimore and Annapolis dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where tech enthusiasts, developers and entrepreneurs can connect, learn and innovate. He is also organizer of events like the StartathonAI (an intensive, multi-day hybrid event designed to immerse participants in the practical application of Large Language Models for real-world entrepreneurship), Chesapeake Innovation Summit, Chesapeake Workforce Summit, and DevFest Annapolis that offer opportunities to engage with the latest in AI, data analytics and emerging technologies.

Jesse Alton,

James Gibbons, Co-Organizer

Complete your event RSVP here: https://gdg.community.dev/events/details/google-gdg-annapolis-presents-4th-annual-chesapeake-regional-workforce-summit-amp-career-fair-1/.

Decode the DNA of modern AI.

Join GDG Baltimore and GDG Annapolis for a collaborative, 5-week deep dive into the "AI Research Foundations" learning path by Google DeepMind.

Overview:

This isn't a passive lecture series; it is a hands-on Study Group.

Google DeepMind’s AI Research Foundations is a practical, purpose-built AI curriculum (est. 50-60 hours) to empower you with the skills for high-impact AI research. This technical, university-level curriculum will deepen your understanding of transformers, and teach you how to responsibly build and fine-tune modern language models through practical activities.

Over five sessions, we will dissect the curriculum, run Keras labs, and debate the ethical implications of the models we build. Whether you are a student, a researcher, or a developer, this path will take you from simple N-grams to training your own Transformer model. We will provide you with free access to skills.google as well as any required tools and software. We will also introduce NotebookLM as a learning platform.

What You Will Achieve (5-Week Accelerated Path): Learning Outcomes

Who Should Join?

Developers

Researchers

Students

Prerequisites: very-very basic Python knowledge and a curiosity about how machines "think."

🕒 Time & Location:

Time: TBD by You! Once you register, you will receive a scheduling poll to help us pick the time that works best for the majority of the cohort.

Location: Virtual.

👉 Register now to receive the Time Selection Poll and join the cohort!

Agenda

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Hosted By

Angelo Thalassinidis, GDG Organizer

As a first-generation college student, Angelo Thalassinidis knows how life-changing education and the right skillset can be. With over 25 years of experience in education and technology, he is dedicated to making sure students don’t just earn a degree but gain the skills they need in a rapidly evolving field.
Thalassinidis has a passion for social mobility efforts and creating impactful degrees, certifications and industry partnerships that bridge the gap between academia and the tech industry.
He has built academic programs in high-demand fields like business intelligence, artificial intelligence (AI), and information systems. He brings real-world experience to these programs. Thalassinidis led multimillion-dollar projects and corporate ventures in business intelligence, data warehousing and DSS with MCI Systemhouse, EDS, ATT GIS and various startups in Europe and the U.S.
He is also a leader in the local tech scene. Thalassinidis is a Board member in several organization and an organizer for Google Development Groups of Baltimore and Annapolis dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where tech enthusiasts, developers and entrepreneurs can connect, learn and innovate. He is also organizer of events like the StartathonAI (an intensive, multi-day hybrid event designed to immerse participants in the practical application of Large Language Models for real-world entrepreneurship), Chesapeake Innovation Summit, Chesapeake Workforce Summit, and DevFest Annapolis that offer opportunities to engage with the latest in AI, data analytics and emerging technologies.

Jesse Alton,

James Gibbons, Co-Organizer

Complete your event RSVP here: https://gdg.community.dev/events/details/google-gdg-annapolis-presents-google-deepmind-ai-research-foundations-a-5-week-spring-study-group/.