Ins and Outs of Python in Databricks notebooks

Welcome to our next Python Meetup! Whether you're a seasoned developer or just beginning your Python journey, this event is designed to help you dive deeper into the language, meet fellow enthusiasts, and share insights. We’ve lined up an exciting main technical talk that will showcase innovative ideas in Python, followed by lightning talks where community members present quick, interesting projects or tips. It’s a great opportunity to learn, network, and collaborate.

Feel free to grab some refreshments, get comfortable, and get ready for an engaging evening of Python!

Date: 16 June, 2026
Time: 6pm-8pm
Location: Improving, 10111 Richmond Ave. # 100, Houston, TX 77042

### Welcome and Networking

• Time: 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM
• Description: Attendees check in, grab refreshments, and network with fellow Python enthusiasts.

### Opening Remarks

• Time: 6:30 PM – 6:40 PM
• Speaker: Dillon Niederhut
• Description: Brief introduction to the event, agenda rundown, and announcements.

### Main Technical Talk

• Time: 6:40 PM – 7:20 PM
• Title: Ins and Outs of Python in Databricks notebooks
• Speaker: Daniel Rutledge
• Description: In this session, we'll look at the history of Databricks Notebooks and its evolution to eventually adopt Python as the default language! If you've never worked with Databricks Notebooks, they're scalable, interactive runtime environments primary that have become very popular in the data science, analysis and engineering fields. Balancing cluster size, Databricks runtime and Python runtime is a delicate act when working in Databricks, and we'll review the major considerations for managing your notebooks and their environments in our session. This will also be the kickoff event for the Houston Databricks User Group, so input on further topics will be welcome and encouraged!
• Bio: Daniel has 12 years of software development experience, including traditional backend Java development, frontend React.js development, and Devops working with Ansible and Terraform before spending 5 years managing data engineering teams. He now admits that Python is his primary programming language and looks forward to learning more and interacting with the local community!

### Lightning Talks

• Time: 7:30 PM – 8:00 PM
• Description: 5-minute talks on various Python-related topics. Lightning talks are meant to be quick and informal, showcasing small projects, tools, or quick tips. Lightning talk sign-ups are at the event!
• Format: Each speaker has 4 minutes to present, followed by 1 minute for questions.