Advocacy
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Check out advocacy events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.
Discover all the advocacy events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
Absolutely! Find advocacy events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.
Advocacy Events Today
Join in-person Advocacy events happening right now
Smart Search + AI: An Outcome-Driven Journey from IDP to a Suite of AI
Over a billion documents processed. Millions of Veterans impacted. Hundreds of thousands of employee hours saved. Faster decisions. Greater accuracy. More benefits in the hands of our disabled Veterans.
We created Smart Search, the world’s largest consumer of Amazon Textract, right when GenAI began reshaping what’s possible. Since then, we’ve built a suite of AI‑driven solutions that transform this data into real, measurable outcomes—accelerating benefits decisions for our Nation’s Veterans.
Join us for a focused conversation on how an outcome‑driven approach to AI is helping us boost accuracy, streamline workflows, and deliver faster results for those who have served.
This is a follow up to the AWS re:Invent 2023 "Intelligent Document Processing with Gen AI for Public Sector" presentation.
About Speaker: Cameron Williams is a Senior Technical Project Manager and cross-functional technical leader at Booz Allen Hamilton with 15+ years of experience architecting and evolving scalable, cloud-native systems, from greenfield development to complex enterprise modernization. https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameronw711/
**THANK YOU** *Franklin University* for hosting our meetup! To learn more about *Franklin University*, please visit their website: https://www.franklin.edu/
**DIRECTIONS**
Franklin University
Fisher Hall
300 E. Main St, Columbus, OH 43215
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jxjBA2hUmS5qrvhq8
Parking is FREE! Please park in Lot C in front of Fisher Hall. See attached map.
NOTE: Map the address only. When mapping with Google Maps it may use the Fisher Hall at OSU, which is NOT correct.
**Want to sponsor the pizza and/or bar tab?**
Please contact me if you would like to sponsor this meetup's pizza and/or bar tab: angelo@mandato.com
Columbus Arduino Raspberry Pi Enthusiasts (CARPE) (Check Location)
Bring your Raspberry Pi, Arduino, microcontroller, or any other electronic project and join fellow electronics makers for a night of creativity and collaboration!
This session is open forum to share your current projects—whether complete or in progress, it’s all interesting! Whether you’re deep into embedded systems, exploring new ideas, or just getting started, you’ll find a welcoming space to collaborate, share, and get inspired.
**New to electronics or curious about tinkering?**
You’re absolutely welcome. If you’re a beginner and want to experiment, I’ll have a couple of starter kits available so you can try things out—whether that’s blinking your first LED, putting something on a display, or experimenting with simple sensors. No pressure and no experience required—just an interest in learning and building.
While we continue to pursue a more permanent venue for this Meetup, we’ll be using public library facilities based on availability. This session will be at the Worthington Park Library in the Olentangy Meeting Room.
2026 Summer Peer To Peer Session
Join us for our Summer Session of Peer To Peer
Class dates June 16 - Aug. 4, 2026
Register today at:
https://namifranklincounty.org/peer-to-peer/
Dinner at Orale Guey
The restaurant’s website doesn’t have the dinner menu listed. I took a picture of the dinner menu.
AWS Columbus: Smart Search + AI: An Outcome-Driven Journey
Title: Smart Search + AI: An Outcome-Driven Journey from IDP to a Suite of AI
Register at the Columbus AWS meetup: [https://www.meetup.com/columbus-aws-amazon-web-services-meetup/events/313426379/](https://www.meetup.com/columbus-aws-amazon-web-services-meetup/events/313426379/)
Over a billion documents processed. Millions of Veterans impacted. Hundreds of thousands of employee hours saved. Faster decisions. Greater accuracy. More benefits in the hands of our disabled Veterans.
We created Smart Search, the world’s largest consumer of Amazon Textract, right when GenAI began reshaping what’s possible. Since then, we’ve built a suite of AI‑driven solutions that transform this data into real, measurable outcomes—accelerating benefits decisions for our Nation’s Veterans.
Join us for a focused conversation on how an outcome‑driven approach to AI is helping us boost accuracy, streamline workflows, and deliver faster results for those who have served.
This is a follow up to the AWS re:Invent 2023 "Intelligent Document Processing with Gen AI for Public Sector" presentation.
About Speaker: Cameron Williams is a Senior Technical Project Manager and cross-functional technical leader at Booz Allen Hamilton with 15+ years of experience architecting and evolving scalable, cloud-native systems, from greenfield development to complex enterprise modernization. https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameronw711/
**THANK YOU** *Franklin University* for hosting our meetup! To learn more about *Franklin University*, please visit their website: https://www.franklin.edu/
**DIRECTIONS**
Franklin University
Fisher Hall
300 E. Main St, Columbus, OH 43215
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jxjBA2hUmS5qrvhq8
Parking is FREE! Please park in Lot C in front of Fisher Hall. See attached map.
NOTE: Map the address only. When mapping with Google Maps it may use the Fisher Hall at OSU, which is NOT correct.
**Want to sponsor the pizza and/or bar tab?**
Please contact me if you would like to sponsor this meetup's pizza and/or bar tab: angelo@mandato.com
Advocacy Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
Pattycake🧁 Meetup after Cbus Park of Roses Yoga
Join us Saturday June 20th after yoga for drinks and sweets at this delicious Vegan co-op bakery. Mingle with likeminded Columbus Vegans🤩
We will aim to sit outside after purchasing items and hopefully taking in lovely weather.
Special note on parking: Please try to park along Acton, Richards and/or Chatham streets so as to free up the lot at the back of the building for pick-up orders. Thank you. 😊
Patty Cake offers everything from cupcakes, cookies, cakes, muffins, whoopie pies, as well as gluten free goodies. They also have coffee, oat milk and cold brew.
You can view them on their website [here](https://www.pattycakebakery.com/goodies)
Conversacion en español (en persona)
While some are still meeting online, this is an in person event. Please note that we have attendees of all levels of speaking, including some native speakers. All are welcome!
Also, as we meet at the same time and place each week, many don’t RSVP on the app, so we will likely have more attendees than noted here.
Note: if you are asked to pay and upgrade the Meetup app, this is not necessary. You can ignore this and still attend our meetings.
Find us on our [Facebook group](https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1EKw86WJCp/?mibextid=wwXIfr).
Yoga @ Cbus Park of Roses w/Victoria + Pattycake Bakery After
Join us Saturday, June 20th at 10am for a gentle beginner-friendly yoga flow at the Columbus Park of Roses with Victoria, one of our very own vegan community members and certified yoga teacher!
Whether you’re brand new to yoga or a long time practitioner, this class is designed to help you slow down, stretch, breathe, and reconnect with yourself. Expect a relaxed, accessible flow focused on easing tension, moving mindfully, and leaving you feeling a little more grounded.
All levels welcome! Bring water and a yoga mat (or towel if you don’t have a mat).
A suggested donation of $10 is appreciated, but payment is absolutely not required to attend and enjoy class. A Venmo QR code will be available on-site for anyone who would like to contribute.
The class duration will be one hour from 10-11am. After class, we’ll head to Pattycake Bakery for anyone who wants to keep the good vibes going over delicious sweets and conversation 🌱
Origins Game Fair 2026
[https://www.originsgamefair.com/](https://www.originsgamefair.com/)
[https://tabletop.events/conventions/origins-game-fair-2026](https://tabletop.events/conventions/origins-game-fair-2026)
### **Discover the Heart of Tabletop Gaming at Origins Game Fair**
Celebrate over 50 years of gaming, community, and connection at Origins Game Fair 2026, June 17 to 21 in Columbus, Ohio! Since its inception in 1975, Origins has been the premier gathering for gamers, creators, and fans, offering something for everyone - from seasoned veterans to first-time attendees.
Explore exciting events like board and card games, miniatures, roleplaying adventures, LARPs, collectible card games, cosplays, and more. Compete in game tournaments, test your skills in our puzzle competition, and immerse yourself in the Origins Film Festival. Plus, don't miss the massive exhibit hall, filled with the latest games, accessories, and collectibles from top publishers and indie creators alike.
Whether you're here to play, learn, shop, or connect, Origins Game Fair offers a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for all. Be a part of a community that has fostered friendships, sparked creativity, and built memories for five decades. Get your tickets today and experience the ultimate tabletop gaming event!
### **Important Dates**
**Volunteer Applications Open:** November 28, 2025 - May 15, 2026
**Event Submission Open:** November 14th, 2025 - February 2, 2026
**Volunteer Shift Selection Opens:** February 3, 2025
**Late Event Submission Opens:** February 3, 2026 *There is no guarantee that any events submitted after February 2 will be reviewed or approved.*
**Late Event Submission Closes:** April 5, 2026
**Perk Request Deadline:** April 10, 2026
**Layout Request Deadline:** April 15, 2026
**Event Registration Opens:** April 25, 2026 (1 PM EST)
### **Registration Hours:**
**Self Serve - Scan and Go**
Wednesday - 8am - Midnight
Thursday - 7am - Midnight
Friday - 7am - Midnight
Saturday - 7am - Midnight
Sunday - 7am - 2pm
**Full Service / Materials Pickup**
Wednesday - 8am - 9pm
Thursday - 8am - 8pm
Friday - 8am - 8pm
Saturday - 8am - 6pm
Sunday - 8am - 4pm
**In 2026 you can go to Scan and Go for tickets purchased after you already have your badge just by scanning the barcode on your badge! Less waiting in line!**
### **Exhibit Hall Hours:**
Wednesday - Closed
Thursday - 9am - 10am - Premier Badge Holders
Thursday - 10am - 6pm - All Attendees
Friday - 10am - 6pm - All Attendees
Saturday - 10am - 6pm - All Attendees
Sunday - 10am - 4pm - All Attendees
### **Gaming Hall:**
Wednesday - Noon - 1am
Thursday - 8am - 1am
Friday - 8am - 1am
Saturday - 8am - 1am
Sunday - 8am - 4pm
### **Important Information:**
**Refunds:** There will be a 10% service fee for ALL Refunds; Badges and Tickets.
**Badge Refund Deadline:**. April 15, 2026 No refunds on badges will be processed after this date.
**Event Tickets:** \- will be refunded up to 24 hours before the event starts\. All event ticket refunds will have a 10% service fee\.
HCCO at the Pride Parade
We will be marching again this summer at Pride. Come ready to show your Pride and stand-up for every human's right to love, respect, and family!
* **Step-off:** 10:30AM
* **Route:** High Street from the Capital to Goodale Park
Update: We are meeting at Bob Leonhard's house. You can park your car there and we will carpool to the parade. This will eliminate you finding parking in the city and excessive walking.
You SHOULD BE AT BOB'S HOUSE BY 8:45 a.m.! We will leave for the parade at 9:15 am sharp!
Bob's address: 2858 Thorndale Avenue, Columbus, OH 43207
If you have questions, his number is 614-301-7436
Prototype, Play, and Build Workshops (In-Person @GameArena)
We're going to GameArena! We'll be in-person at the GameArena Gateway for our monthly COGG Prototype and Play event. Come to play and showcase your games!
We're back in the upper levels of the catwalk area. It'll be packed with lots of camaraderie playing your game(s) and other's games on the 2nd floor. Light snacks and water provided but you can buy food and drinks at the bar (alcoholic drink ID required).
[www.game-arena.co](http://www.game-arena.co/)
**Attendees:**
Don't have a game to show? Not a problem! All are welcomed and invited from all ages and backgrounds. The more we can have to play test our games is all the better!
**Developers:**
Do you have a game that you would like to get critical feedback on? Would you like an excuse to work on a game with other talented artists, programmers, musicians, designers, and writers? Digital, table-top, non-experienced developers, and the like are welcomed! We'll provide signage for your game to help others learn more about your work. Wifi, outlets, tables, and seats (though standing tables also) are available.
Come to the Prototype and Play workshop to collaborate and meet local game developers for an evening of epic and raw game play fun! Play works-in-progress, show off your own game, work with others to add polish to a game, or even lend your talents to other fellow developers. For this event, light snacks from the bar and water will be provided!
Though you can purchase you own if you like at the bar:
[https://www.game-arena.co/menu](https://www.game-arena.co/menu)
Can use South Garage at the Gateway with a $5 voucher on your way out.
75 E 11th Ave, Columbus, OH 43201
[https://maps.app.goo.gl/UwgveUYG37Jy7RtS9](https://maps.app.goo.gl/UwgveUYG37Jy7RtS9)
If you have any questions or comments, as always, feel free to reach out to us at [info@thecogg.com!](http://info@thecogg.com!/)
Pizza and Duckpin Bowling!
😋🎳
**Let’s meet for pizza 1st at Mikey’s Late Night Slice which is connected to Pins! Then we will bowl (no heavy balls involved)**
Advocacy Events Near You
Connect with your local Advocacy community
Conversacion en español (en persona)
While some are still meeting online, this is an in person event. Please note that we have attendees of all levels of speaking, including some native speakers. All are welcome!
Also, as we meet at the same time and place each week, many don’t RSVP on the app, so we will likely have more attendees than noted here.
Note: if you are asked to pay and upgrade the Meetup app, this is not necessary. You can ignore this and still attend our meetings.
Find us on our [Facebook group](https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1EKw86WJCp/?mibextid=wwXIfr).
Stop Guessing: A Product Person's Guide to AI Adoption
## 🤝 Host Information
A co-hosted event by ProductTank Columbus & Women in Product Columbus
💡 About the Workshop
AI adoption is stalling across organizations — not because of a lack of motivation or tools, but because it's fundamentally a behavior design challenge.
This hands-on workshop applies proven Behavior Design models and methods to help you move from a vague organizational wish to boost AI adoption to 3-5 concrete, testable interventions you can act on starting tomorrow.
Whether you're a product manager, on a product team, or just someone trying to get AI to actually stick at work, you'll leave with a clear picture of what's worth focusing on, what to ignore, and how to drive real, sustained adoption — no guesswork required.
🛠️ What to Bring
Laptop: Fully charged and ready to go.
AI Assistant: Have your favorite AI assistant pulled up. (Dom will be using Claude, but feel free to use whichever assistant you prefer!)
🍕 Logistics & Perks
Food & Drink: Pizza and drinks provided!
Parking: Plenty of free spaces available on-site.
###
Sunday Brunch
Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!
Karaoke at Beeline Easton
You’re Invited to a Karaoke Night at Beeline Easton! If the weather is nice we will be out on the back patio. If not it will be inside :)
🎤 Sing Your Heart Out! 🎶
Join us for an unforgettable night of music, fun, and good vibes at Beeline Easton! Whether you’re a rockstar in the making or just love a good singalong, this is your chance to shine.
Join us and Central Ohio friends
(Formerly cbus 20s and 30s)
🕗 Time: [8pm-2am (close)]
📍 Location: Beeline Easton
Parking: paid parking garage south of beeline or a free lot to the north of beeline!
Bring your friends, grab a drink, and get ready to take the stage! Let’s make it a night to remember.
RSVP we can’t wait to see you there



























