HOLD MY BEER! Recommendation Systems for Beer Lovers

Have you ever wondered how Netflix knows the next movie you're going to watch?
And how Amazon suggests the best accessory for the item you're buying?
Do you wish there was a system that knew what your next favorite beer would be?

In this new Agile Lab-Milano meetup you can figure it out, and participate in creating your own beer recommendation system.

Tired of the meetups that quarantine has used us to, we decided to propose a new format that is closer to their original purpose: sharing a passion by learning and confronting each other.

In the new HOLD MY BEER format we'll be in front of the screen in an informal way, with a beer in hand, ready to say "hold my beer!" whenever we're asked to actively participate in writing code or in any other way. This format is designed to encourage participation and discussion, and you are welcome to interact at any time with questions, sharing of personal experiences, or suggestions for improvement.

This meetup offers a gentle introduction to recommendation systems, and is well suited for those who have never had a chance to learn more about the topic. The more experienced ones will find extra insights and could help us and other participants with interesting stories and hints. We hope to come out of this meetup having learned something from you as well.

The event will last about 1,5h and will consist of an introduction to the topic with a focus on evaluation methods (30 min) plus a practical part (1h). In the second part, starting from the data, we will build together the actual system.

A Colab Python notebook will be made available so that you can independently run the code and make changes.

Requirements:
Basic knowledge of Data Science and ML
Basic knowledge of Python and Pandas
A Google account and access to Google Drive
Beer, willingness to engage with each other, and a webcam on to enhance the experience!

Speakers:
Paolo Tomeo, Big Data Engineer with a Ph.D. in Recommendation Systems. He will cover the introduction and the more theoretical aspects.
Riccardo Fino, Data Scientist and Statistician, and Lorenzo Graziano, Data Engineer and Computer Scientist. Together with them, you will create your beer recommendation system.
You: Each of you will be able to contribute to the meetup at any time and there will be several occasions in which you will be involved.

This meetup is 100% COVID-19-free and you will attend it online.
The streaming platform is Teams, we will provide a link as direct access for attendees.
Desktop: you can access via browser or with the Teams app.
Mobile: you need to access with the Teams app, unless you set your mobile browser as "Desktop Website".

We hope you will join us!
Please, send your RSVP as soon as possible in order to let us organize the event in the best way possible.

See you all on Wednesday 17th February!

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I am very happy to announce that the Vetra Brewery in Milan has decided to support this event!

Just like us, they are very sad that the current situation prevents us all from having a beer together, but they share our effort in seeking authentic interaction anyway.

Thanks to them, the most interactive people during the event could win some prizes. Prizes, of course, beer-themed!

""
Vetra was born from a group of friends from very different backgrounds, but with one idea in mind: good beer is the right of anyone who knows how to appreciate and respect it, everywhere.
This is our way, which starts from six classic styles, interpreted in a fresh and drinkable way. Special beers, collaborations and new styles complete our lineup.
""

They are a very nice and willing group of guys.
Follow them on their socials:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vetrabeer/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vetrabeer/

And don't forget to try their amazing beers (which we had the pleasure of tasting) at https://shop.vetra.beer