Budget Friendly Events New York

Lets Dine NYC: At Kikoo's Sushi

Come and join us at Kikoo's Sushi for all you can and drink sushi, sashimi rolls, hot plates and tempura and hot sake, beer and soda The deposit for this event is $72.80 to hold your spot. If you RSVP for two events for this group and cancel without prior notice, you will no longer be able to attend any other events for this group. If for any reason you cannot make it please cancel ahead of time and give someone on the waitlist a chance to attend. The event price includes the price of food and drinks and gratuity and tax.

CFO AI Leverage Report: AI Budgets, ROI and Finance Sign-Off

Enterprise AI is moving from experimentation into the finance office. Open Future Forum has released the **CFO AI Leverage Report, Edition 1**, introducing the **Enterprise AI Buying & Budget Index** and the **CFO AI Leverage Index**. The report examines how CFOs and senior finance leaders are evaluating AI budgets, buying authority, ROI, productivity, governance and the question now sitting at the center of enterprise AI adoption: **Can AI help companies grow output without growing headcount at the same rate?** Read the report here: [https://openfutureforum.com/research/cfo-ai-leverage-report](https://openfutureforum.com/research/cfo-ai-leverage-report) This private executive discussion will focus on what the report means for CFOs, founders, finance leaders, AI operators, investors and enterprise executives. We will look at how AI buying is shifting, who signs off on AI purchases, what finance teams are measuring, and why AI ROI is becoming a CFO-level issue rather than only a technology issue. According to the report, enterprise generative AI spending reached approximately **$37 billion in 2025**, more than tripling from the prior year. At the same time, the share of AI spend funded from experimental innovation budgets fell from **25% to 7%** in one year, showing that AI is moving into core operating budgets. The report also draws on Open Future Forum’s 2026 executive community activity, including **200+ executive registrations across 20+ events**, with **60+ finance leaders and operators**, **50+ security leaders**, and **100+ founders**. In an early directional read, **3 in 5 finance leaders asked said the CFO or finance organization signs off on AI purchases**, rather than the CEO or IT. This discussion is connected to the **CFO Executive Forum**, Open Future Forum’s invitation-only community for CFOs and senior finance leaders of high-growth companies. The CFO Executive Forum hosts small, off-the-record gatherings across Silicon Valley focused on AI, capital allocation, governance, growth, risk, productivity and the changing role of the finance function. Learn more about the CFO Executive Forum here: [https://openfutureforum.com/cfo-executive-forum](https://openfutureforum.com/cfo-executive-forum) **What we will discuss** How CFOs are evaluating enterprise AI spend Why AI budgets are moving from innovation budgets into operating budgets Who signs off on enterprise AI purchases How finance leaders are measuring AI ROI Whether AI can create real headcount leverage Where AI improves productivity, margin and capital efficiency Why founders selling AI tools need to understand the finance buyer How boards and investors are starting to ask harder questions about AI value **Who should attend** This event is designed for CFOs, VPs of Finance, controllers, finance operators, CEOs, founders, investors, enterprise AI leaders and executives responsible for AI budgets, AI transformation, productivity, governance or capital allocation. **Why this matters** The first phase of enterprise AI was about adoption. The next phase is about leverage. Executives are no longer asking only whether AI works. They are asking whether AI creates measurable business value, improves productivity, reduces operating drag, supports growth and helps teams do more without simply adding more tools, more vendors and more headcount. That is a finance question. The CFO AI Leverage Report and Enterprise AI Buying & Budget Index are designed to track that shift over time. **Key links** CFO AI Leverage Report: [https://openfutureforum.com/research/cfo-ai-leverage-report](https://openfutureforum.com/research/cfo-ai-leverage-report) CFO Executive Forum: [https://openfutureforum.com/cfo-executive-forum](https://openfutureforum.com/cfo-executive-forum) Open Future Forum: [https://openfutureforum.com](https://openfutureforum.com/)

🗽🍹NYC Happy Hour: Young Professionals & New to NYC

Happy hour for people to make friends & socialize in NYC. Perfect for those new to nyc! More events @ **[https://linktr.ee/NYC.Connects.Social](https://linktr.ee/NYC.Connects.Social)** Professionals (21+-35+yrs) NYC Networking Social Monday and people new to NYC making new friends 🗽🔌A Monday After work NYC Social by NYC CONNECTS Social Meetup! Make new professional connections & friends at our event. We are to the left of the bar, darts area. 👔Young professionals aged 21+-35 years old attending. If older, yes you can join! We are open to all those in NYC that want to make new connections. 1-2 drink purchases or food required to attend. Questions? Text host at (718) 300-6483 If you are totally new to NYC, fantastic! Come make new friends on Monday with us; something to look forward to after work! * Make new NYC friends * Meetup social * Young professionals and friends * Network, connect and meet those new to NYC * NYC business networking * Bronx - Manhattan - Queens - Brooklyn - Staten Island - New Jersey - Long Island networking Meet, talk with new people in NYC, make new connections in New York City. ️More @ [linktr.ee/NYC.Connects.Social](https://linktr.ee/NYC.Connects.Social) Industries that join and participate! NYC Finance networking Social NYC Accounting networking Social NYC Technology and startups networking Social NYC College graduates making new friends Social NYC Healthcare networking Social NYC Fintech Networking Social NYC Legal and lawyers networking Social NYC PHD graduates networking Social NYC Education and teachers Networking Social NYC Real Estate Networking

New York Dodgeball Open Gym (UES)

This is a social event, so while some of us like to revel in being competitive, the goal is to meet people and have fun! That being said, headshots are **NOT ALLOWED**. We use 7 inch rubber No-Sting style dodgeballs. This provides a fun, friendly and competitive environment without any pain or bruising. The games are set to cool music. Basically, it’s one big party with dodgeball, music and friends. We’ll pick teams from people who show up each week. There will be no refs, but experienced New York Dodgeball players will oversee games. Co-ed, ages 21 and up. Please note we **always** have enough players for this event. Meetup is just one place we advertise, so if you only see one or two RSVPs please know that there will be others attending. We have a regular group of players who attend regularly and we would love for you to be part of this group. Wear athletic style clothing (work out clothes, basketball sneakers) and knee pads if you have them. If you wear glasses, we recommend wearing contacts or sports goggles. Event Details: Venue Address: 921 Madison Ave. New York, NY Date: Thursday September 24th & October 1st Cost: $10 (Accepting Cash, Venmo or Zelle)

Sri Lankan Food at AA Lankan’s Café! 🇱🇰

On Saturday, October 3rd let’s have Sri Lankan Food at AA Lankan’s Café! 🇱🇰 Details below: **Sri Lankan Food at AA Lankan’s Café!** Saturday, October 3rd 2:45pm to 5pm In Staten Island We’ll take the ferry together back to Manhattan at 6pm (the ferry is a 17 minute walk away) Google maps link to AA Lankan’s Café (the Google maps link also includes the menu and prices): [https://maps.app.goo.gl/QkuUTEqnkgqCteWZ8](https://maps.app.goo.gl/QkuUTEqnkgqCteWZ8) Before the Sri Lankan meal, we’ll enjoy many fun activities that are part of Snug Harbor’s City of Forest Day in Staten Island (separate Meetup event): [https://www.meetup.com/borough-hoppers/events/316718278](https://www.meetup.com/borough-hoppers/events/316718278) Both events are free to join The event host will reach out to each person at least 48 hours in advance to see if each person knows what they want to order. The chef asked for some of the orders to be put in 24 hours in advance as they may take some time to prepare (all orders are made fresh). Please see the Google Maps link below which has the menu and prices. How billing works: Usually for our larger parties, the restaurant only allows one person to pay (it would be ideal to have individual checks but unfortunately it’s usually not an option). Normally the host pays and each attendee pays the host back right away via venmo, zelle, paypal, or with cash. The amount owed is 1.3 times the subtotal (for entrees, appetizers, drinks, etc). So if the subtotal was $30, the total amount owed would be $30 \* 1.3 = $39 which covers tax and 20% tip. If there is a credit card fee charged, then the multiple would be a little higher (like 1.34 to 1.36). The host does not make any money off of this. **The not so fun rule on RSVPs** Please only RSVP if you think you can make it and adjust your RSVP asap if anything changes (as there are other people who would like your spot). Two no shows or cancellations within 6 hours results in a 4 month ban. I will send a reminder 24 hours in advance to the group Thanks and can't wait to see you!

Monthly Meetup: Montclair Coffee, Gadgets & Startups

### New Day. New Time. New Location! We’re switching things up for our next **Montclair Coffee, Gadgets & Startups** meetup! Join us **Monday, September 28 at 7:00 PM** at our new location, **Panera Bread, 15 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair**. This month, **Peter Rifkind** will introduce us to **Showcast**, a technology he built to make discovering live music easier. **Showcast turns concert announcements into a playlist-like preview so you can quickly hear who’s playing before you decide to go.** Peter will share how Showcast works, the problem he set out to solve, and some of the technology behind it. Then we’ll open things up for questions, ideas, and conversation. As always, come ready to **connect, share, and meet other curious people interested in technology, gadgets, startups, and new ideas.** ☕ **New day:** Monday ⏰ **New time:** 7:00 PM 📍 **New location:** Panera Bread, 15 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair **All are welcome!**

40's & Over Mixer (Drink Specials)

\***TO ATTEND GET TICKETS AT:** [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/40s-over-singles-mixer-tickets-2001274877030](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/40s-over-singles-mixer-tickets-2001274877030) (Limited # save $5 by using promo code "5" at checkout. Multiple groups are co-organizing so the RSVP's shown are just a very small portion attending. We'll have a good # attending). Make new connections in spectacular ambiance, with complimentary cocktails in a one of the best venues in all of NYC. This experience is for singles and socialites ages 40’s and over. Join us and make new connections in amazing ambiance, and complimentary signature cocktails in the one of the best hidden hotel lounges in all of NYC. The venue, views, customer service, wines and cocktails are simply superlative for a price point that is unmatched in NYC. In addition, all ladies will receive a complimentary signature one cloud champagne cocktail/alcoholic or non before a 8:00 pm arrival. There is a large outdoor patio which is covered in case it rains, in which you can have an amazing view the NYC. Skyline. Dress to impress. WHAT TO EXPECT: * Making new connections with up to 50 singles and socialites in an amazing venue * Ladies will receive a complimentary signature cloud one champagne cocktail before 8pm As Cloud One is waiving their large rental fee and providing complimentary cocktails, a 1 item minimum spend is require for ladies, and a 2-item minimum spend is required for men at the venue. Price points are beyond reasonable on the menu compared to other venues with similar “hard to match” ambiance in the city. FAQS: **Is this for singles?** This is for anyone looking to connect with others. We will have one color dedicated to “singles” so you can see who the other singles are. **How many members will attend?** This is a multi-Meetup group event. This page only shows a small portion of the actual attendees. Based on other RSVPs and members who have already prepaid, we will have a good # of members attending! **Can I come alone?** Yes, about 80% attend on their own. **How should I dress?** We just suggest neat casual. \*Limited # of tickets available for $20. Price will go up to $25 as event gets closer. No tix sold at door. To find more fun events follow: [https://www.eventbrite.com/o/nyc-social-group-316399833010](https://www.eventbrite.com/o/nyc-social-group-316399833010)

FTI: Will AI be good or bad for humanity (Spoiler: I'll argue its up to us!)

This event is brought to you by the Free Thinker Institute (FTI), a not-for-profit looking to support and empower personal development for its members - and for everyone interested. At this event we will discuss some topic that will be focused on helping us all flourish as human beings. Here's the agenda: 1. Introductions 2. Brainstorm topics 3. Vote on topics 4. Discuss the topic(s) that were most popular In these conversations, we try to follow the 5 intentions, which can be found on [FreeThinkerInstitute.org.](http://freethinkerinstitute.org./)

Fun & Games Happy Hour

**\*TO ATTEND GET TICKETS AT:** [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fun-games-night-tickets-2002134777014](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fun-games-night-tickets-2002134777014) (\*Limited # of tickets save $5 with promo code 5. *Our events are co-organized by multiple groups so don't pay attention to the RSVPs. Our events are consistently well attended. Members get tickets and don't RSVP.)* Join us for a fun-filled night of friendly competition, interactive games, and socializing! Throughout the evening, you’ll team up with new people in every round, giving you a chance to connect with everyone while playing exciting games inspired by popular TV game shows. ### **How It Works:** 🍽️ **6:30-7pm** **Pre-Game Socializing:** Arrive early to enjoy food and drinks with fellow attendees (pay as you go). 🎮 **7pm – Game Time:** Get placed into teams of **4-6 people** and dive into different rounds of interactive games. 🔄 **Team Rotation:** After each round, you’ll switch teams and try a **new game**, ensuring you meet and engage with different people throughout the night. ### **What to Expect:** * No need to be a trivia whiz—your team will help! * Games inspired by **Family Feud, Jeopardy Trivia, Name That Tune etc** and more (games vary each event). * A lively, **fun, and social atmosphere** perfect for meeting new people. To find more fun events: **Follow: [https://www.eventbrite.com/o/new-york-city-social-events-10797526283](https://www.eventbrite.com/o/new-york-city-social-events-10797526283)**

English Conversation for Intermediate Learners

There is a fee to attend this event. Read the description that follows for more info. Join us for this class and practice conversation with other English learners. Students will participate in instructor-led activities designed to improve listening and speaking skills. This class is for learners at the intermediate level (see our calendar for conversation classes for beginner or advanced students, as well as other ESL classes). This class is part of an ongoing course. Students attending this class have the option to pay-per-session ($20), or receive a discount by enrolling in the full course. Visit our website for more information: https://togetheronenewyork.org/Our-Programs/Language-Classes/English-Conversation-Classes/Intermediate-Advanced-Classes

First Mexican Steakhouse in NYC Redux 🐮🥩 @ CUERNO 🇲🇽

English Conversation for Advanced Learners

There is a fee to attend this event. Read the description that follows for more info. Join us for this class and practice conversation with other English learners. Students will participate in instructor-led activities designed to improve listening and speaking skills. This class is for learners at the intermediate level (see our calendar for conversation classes for beginner or advanced students, as well as other ESL classes). This class is part of an ongoing course. Students attending this class have the option to pay-per-session ($20), or receive a discount by enrolling in the full course. Visit our website for more information: https://togetheronenewyork.org/Our-Programs/Language-Classes/English-Conversation-Classes/Intermediate-Advanced-Classes