Animation & Visual Effects

Hey Everyone! 👋 **Location:** \- On\-site: INDUSTRIEMUSEUM Minnemeers 10 9000 Gent \- Online: TBA **Practicalities for the evening on Tuesday, May 26th:** \- 18:00: Doors Open\, snacks & drinks \- 19:00: Speaker Talks \- 20:30: Networking & Drinks **Transport:** * **Parking:** Paid parking at Dok Noord * **Arriving by Train:** Minnemeers 10 in Gent is an easy **10 minute walk** from Dampoort Gent Station. **Note:** As this is an invite‑only event, you may be asked to show your calendar invite upon arrival. **Welcome to edition 15 of the Generative AI Belgium Meetup! 🚀** This time, we look at how AI is changing the Way We Work. For a long time, work was built around a simple exchange: time for money. You showed up, spent hours on tasks, and value was measured by effort, output, and expertise. Generative AI is starting to question that model. AI agents are no longer just tools for writing better emails. They are entering workflows, taking over tasks, writing code, coordinating information, and becoming part of how teams operate. Tools like Claude Cowork & Microsoft Copilot are already omnipresent in our daily work and expectations to use them are rising quickly. At the same time, robotics is making the story physical again. Machines are not only thinking with us behind a screen. They are starting to move through factories, labs, hospitals, warehouses, and most importantly homes. This raises a new question: what happens when AI becomes both a colleague in your browser and a body in the room? In this edition, we are inviting: * Startups building the tools, agents, and workflows that make this future happen * Researchers exploring human-machine interfaces and robotics * A broader discussion on what a “union of the future” could look like when work is shared between people, software agents, and machines Let's see what meaningful work, when intelligence becomes abundant. Join us on May 26th! **Line-up:** \- TBA \- TBA \- TBA Big thanks to Stad Gent for hosting us and to our sponsors: In The Pocket, BruCON, Red Hat, Collibra, Plainsight & Volta Ventures for supporting the community.

EN (FR en bas): We're still accepting people in our classes. Join us!​ -step 1: Book here! -> [https://www.danceproject.be/reservations.html](https://www.danceproject.be/reservations.html) -step 2: Show up! [Schedule](https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#schedule) Fees : [All info on trials, packs, subscriptions here](https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#fees) Locations: -Rue Brialmont 7, Brussels Metro/Tram: Botanique Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop, Forró Intro - 1: From base to the dancefloor! When you come for the first time we go over the base & rhythm with you. Then you are included in the group and everybody learns the same new steps for which you just need the base. Practice makes perfect: just relax and enjoy Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop and/or Forró! Our group is very welcoming and looking forward to meet new dancers! Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop, Forró Roots I - 2: Ready to go deeper on Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop &/or Forró? Let's go! [https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#improvers](https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#improvers) Salsa, Forró Roots II - 3: Looking for #SalsaChallenge? Already familiar with Forró Root? We've got your back! [https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#intermediates](https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#intermediates) More info: -Web: [https://www.danceproject.be](https://www.danceproject.be) -Whatsapp: +32 493 16 41 10 -Mail: brussels.salsa.project@gmail.com -[Facebook](https://facebook.com/brussels.salsa.project) -[Instagram](https://instagram.com/brussels.salsa.project) \-\-\-\-\- FR: Nous acceptons encore de nouvelles personnes dans nos cours. Rejoins-nous ! -1ère pas : Fait ta réservation ! -> [https://www.danceproject.be/reservation.html](https://www.danceproject.be/reservation.html) -2ème pas : Vient danser ! [Horaire](https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#horaire) Les prix : [Toutes les infos sur les essais, packs, abonnements ici](https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#prix) Endroits : -Rue Brialmont 7, Bruxelles Metro/Tram: Botanique Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop, Forró Intro - 1 : De la base à la piste de danse ! Lorsque tu nous rejoins on voit la base et le rythme avec toi. Ensuite, tu es inclus dans le groupe et tout le monde apprend les mêmes pas pour lesquelles tu as juste besoin de la base. C'est en forgeant qu'on devient forgeron : détend-toi et profite la Salsa, de la Bachata, du Lindy Hop et/ou du Forró ! Notre groupe est très accueillant et a hâte de rencontrer de nouveaux danseurs ! Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop, Forró Roots I - 2 : Prêt à approfondir la Salsa, la Bachata, le Lindy Hop &/ou le Forró ? Allons-y! [https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#inities](https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#inities) Salsa, Forró Roots II - 3 : Tu cherches #DefiSalsa ? Tu connais déjà Forró Roots ? Nous sommes là pour toi ! [https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#intermediaires](https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#intermediaires) Plus d’info: -Web: [https://www.danceproject.be/fr.html](https://www.danceproject.be/fr.html) -Whatsapp: +32 493 16 41 10 -Mail: brussels.salsa.project@gmail.com -[Facebook](https://facebook.com/brussels.salsa.project) -[Instagram](https://instagram.com/brussels.salsa.project)

**Cinema Palace : Parallel Tales** 04/06 @ 18h30 **'Histoires parallèles' d'Asghar Farhadi, vertigineux enchevêtrement de réel et de fiction** [...] Après 'Le passé', Asghar Farhadi ('Le client', 'Une séparation') retourne à Paris pour cette fiction fascinante qui s’inspire du sixième volet du 'Décalogue' de Krzystof Kieslowski, empruntant la musique composée par Zbigniew Preisner pour le film originel. Soutenu par une distribution exceptionnelle, le cinéaste iranien déploie un scénario virtuose qui aurait pu se contenter de poser la question, somme toute classique, de la fiction qui pille et déforme la réalité. Mais dès lors que le personnage passionnant d’Adam rentre en contact avec la réelle Anna, Nita de son vrai nom, lui dérobe son journal intime et s’arrange pour qu’elle lise le manuscrit écrit par Sylvie autour d’elle, 'Histoires parallèles' emprunte une direction autrement plus troublante. [...] [Cinema Palace](https://cinema-palace.be/fr/film/histoires-paralleles) [Rafael Wolf pour la Radio Télévision Suisse](https://www.rts.ch/info/culture/cinema/2026/article/histoires-paralleles-d-asghar-farhadi-vertigineux-enchevetrement-de-reel-et-de-fiction-29243622.html) **For Dreamers, Coffee shots, Orezza, eau de Saint-Georges !**

**Welcome to our May UX Beers in Mechelen!** This time, we will host our event on Tuesday the 26th of May at [Buffl](https://buffl.be) in Mechelen. [Ariad](https://www.ariadgroup.com/) and [Creative Skills](https://www.creativeskills.be/) sponsor our events. Follow the event online? We stream live via [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBqyTDAyQBw) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- \#\#\# UX TALKS **Talk 1: Research Reinvented** [Michiel Willekens](https://www.linkedin.com/in/michiel-willekens/), Productmanager @ BUFFL and [Seppe Stroo](https://www.linkedin.com/in/seppe-stroo-843b82128/), Founding partner @ BUFFL In this presentation, BUFFL will demonstrate how rethinking research can drive real business results through a pragmatic case study. You’ll discover how to translate business objectives into the right customer questions and how to act on those insights immediately to accelerate growth and sales. By bringing the live voice of thousands of (potential) customers into the decision-making process, organizations can ask the right questions at the right time and turn insights into measurable business impact: from increased sales and customer loyalty/experience to stronger brand awareness and more effective activation strategies. **Talk 2: Synthetic Personas – real insights or digital illusions?** [Kate Foszcz](https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarzyna-foszcz/?locale=en), AI Product designer @ Ebay Can synthetic personas help us make better business decisions, or are we just interviewing very convincing imaginary friends? In this talk, Kate will explore where synthetic personas can actually bring value, from testing assumptions to speeding up research, and where they can quietly mislead us with biased, overconfident, or poorly grounded answers. Expect a practical look at how to design these systems responsibly, when to trust them, and when to go back to real humans. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- \#\#\# SCHEDULE 18:00 - Doors open. Drinks & snacks 19.00 - 19.15 - Introduction to UX Belgium Meetup, announcements 19.15 - 19:45 - Talk #1 19:45 -20:15 - BREAK 20:15 - 20:45 - Talk #2 20:45 - 21:30 - Socialize \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- \#\#\# SLACK CHANNEL We have our own UX Belgium slack channel. [Come join us and say hi!](https://join.slack.com/t/ux-belgium/shared_invite/zt-1bjpnuiog-T4Di4flXYPWgbT9KrZ53CA) \*\*\* \#\#\# YOUTUBE CHANNEL All our livestreams and talks are recorded and available on our [UX Belgium youtube channel](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCno7V18T-EglYXprgrUZQ7A). \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- \#\#\# ABOUT UX BELGIUM UX Belgium is a growing community of User Experience (UX) professionals in and around Belgium. Look for these types of events: UX Beers Periodically, we gather at a different agency or venue to drink beers, network and listen to speakers on various themes in the world of UX and digital design. UX Antwerp: Each last Tuesday of the month UX Brussels: Each second Tuesday of the month, 4x per year UX Workshops Now and then we organize events to dive deeper into specific skills and techniques in UX. These are smaller, hands-on workshops designed to boost your UX toolbox. \*\*\* The UX Belgium Meetup Team

**Welcome to The Club.** A **curated** social community in Brussels for people who want real connections, memorable experiences, and **better energy than the usual random meetup chaos**. Most of our events happen in **private homes**, gardens, hidden places around Brussels, or unusual locations outside the city. The goal is simple: create the kind of atmosphere where people actually talk, laugh, connect, and want to come back. We organize things like: • gourmet lunches & dinners • picnics & roadtrips • cooking nights • walks around Brussels • karaoke & movie nights • debates & discussions • card and social games • occasional “chaperoned” social evenings where people can meet naturally in a safe environment The difference is that we personally curate and vet new members. The host actively introduces newcomers, helps people integrate into the group, and keeps the atmosphere respectful and relaxed. We have zero tolerance for creepy behavior, unwanted pressure, spam, random uninvited people, or drama. *Unfortunately, posting too many details publicly on Meetup or on the internet in general quickly attracts bots, scammers, fake profiles, crypto weirdos, and people who completely ruin the vibe for everyone else.* That’s why most of our real coordination happens privately through our ***vetted WhatsApp community***. To join, simply scan the QR code in the image. If you are on your phone and cannot scan it directly: • take a screenshot of the image • open the screenshot in your photo gallery • most phones can automatically detect QR codes from photos by long pressing or using Google Lens / iPhone scan feature Then request access to the group and introduce yourself briefly. See you soon

**TechTalk - AI voor jouw KMO: van buzzword naar business case** → **Ferdinand Casier ([Agoria](https://www.agoria.be/nl))** licht het StartAI-traject toe: wat houdt het in, voor wie is het, en hoe schrijf je je in? → **Jonas Douwen van [Orakel Group](https://orakel.com/nl-be),** een toonaangevende internationale producent en leverancier van evenement materialen, deelt zijn ervaring met het StartAI-traject → **Ixor** toont aan de hand van een concrete use case welke vervolgstappen mogelijk zijn na het traject **Wat is Start AI?** [StartAI](https://www.ixor.be/start-ai) is een initiatief van het Vlaams Industriepartnerschap, gedragen door Agoria en VLAIO. Je krijgt als KMO een individueel begeleidingstraject van 3 dagen met een ervaren AI-expert. Samen identificeer je de meest haalbare AI- en data-opportuniteiten voor jouw bedrijf, en krijg je een concreet actieplan mee. Het traject wordt grotendeels gesubsidieerd door de Vlaamse overheid. ‍ **Wat neem je mee naar huis?** → Een helder beeld van wat AI concreet voor jouw KMO kan betekenen → Inzicht in het StartAI-traject en hoe je je kandidaat stelt → Een eerlijk verhaal van een KMO die het traject doorliep → Concrete handvaten om morgen mee aan de slag te gaan **Datum** Dinsdag 26/05/26 **Locatie** [Ixor, Schuttersvest 75, 2800 Mechelen](https://www.google.com/maps?sca_esv=3d16839f334d68f5&rlz=1C5CHFA_enBE1133BE1133&sxsrf=ANbL-n41HRp_bji2meG1ikVLAPIz93Cunw:1769513461367&kgmid=/g/1pxwt4kls&shem=bdsle,ptotple,shrtsdl&shndl=30&kgs=61800e9c5aeb0c1b&um=1&ie=UTF-8&fb=1&gl=be&sa=X&geocode=KcOEjoHS5cNHMa9y5riKRn8U&daddr=Schuttersvest+75,+2800+Mechelen) **Timing** *Welkom vanaf* \- 18:00 *TechTalk* van 18:30 tot 19:30 *Netwerken en vragen* tot 20u30

**Cinematek : Invasión** 30/05 @ 20h **ENTRE BORGES Y LA LUCHA ARMADA: INVASIÓN DE HUGO SANTIAGO** Por Pablo Gamba Invasión (1969), el primer largometraje de Hugo Santiago, fue escrito por Jorge Luis Borges y el director, basado en una idea de este mismo escritor y Adolfo Bioy Casares. [...] **Otra manera de ver** A primera vista Invasión podría ser considerada también como uno de esos “relatos que marcan el miedo o extrañeza de una clase poseedora ante el avance de otro amenazante”, los cuales abundan en la literatura argentina, como escribió recientemente Nicolás Prividera en una nota sobre tres películas argentinas recientes.4 Eso explicaría también la actitud de los que no aplauden el filme, puesto que el representante mayoritario de ese “otro” es el peronismo, de acuerdo con Prividera, aunque los orígenes literarios del tema se remontan a El matadero de Esteban Echeverría (1838-1840). La película se desarrolla en Aquilea, en 1957. Es un año que los guionistas eligieron “porque no proporcionaba ningún dato en especial”, según David Oubiña.5 Pero en la ciudad ficticia hay referentes identificables de Buenos Aires, como la Bombonera, la cancha de Boca Juniors, donde el nombre de la ciudad real puede leerse en un poster. Además, Aquilea fue destruida por Atila en 452, después de tres meses de sitio, lo que podría dar pie para comparar al “otro” con los bárbaros que atacaron al Imperio Romano. El filme relata la resistencia de un grupo de agentes a un intento de invasión que comienza con la introducción de contrabando de un transmisor de radio a la ciudad. La historia está relatada desde el punto de vista de los defensores, cuya actividad clandestina incluso se presta para identificarlos como un grupo parapolicial. Pero los que torturan son los invasores y los de la resistencia son los que tienen un fin trágico. Eso pareciera darles la razón a los que consideran que se asume en el filme la perspectiva ideológica de El matadero. Un problema para identificar Aquilea con Argentina es el tipo de realismo de la película. En primer lugar, hay un efecto de extrañamiento en la representación de los límites de la ciudad del filme, que no pueden ser las de Buenos Aires. Así lo explica el director: “Es cierto que en la frontera norte hay islas como si hubiera un delta, eso hay, pero hay otras cosas. Por ejemplo hacia el nor-noroeste hay una frontera montañosa. Cuando lo escribimos con Borges […], cuando escribimos que llegan, pasan, y hay unas montañas en el fondo. Esa transgresión de saber que no era aquí porque había montañas fue una violencia enorme que nos hicimos a nosotros mismos, y nos reímos mucho”. También crean un efecto de extrañamiento ciertos ruidos que se repiten constantemente. Fueron producidos por Edgardo Cantón en el Laboratorio de Música Electrónica del Instituto Torcuato di Tella. La duda de si sólo forman parte de la banda sonora o los escuchan los personajes es despejada por la escena en la que el agente Lebendiger mueve la cabeza de un lado a otro, como buscando el origen de uno de esos ruidos. Más extrañamente aún, suena como un pájaro en el bowling donde se reúnen los agentes de la resistencia a la invasión, comandados por Herrera. Si en la Aquilea de la película se reconoce visualmente a Buenos Aires, esos sonidos producen la impresión contraria. Los invasores también son representados de una forma extraña. Algunos son gauchos a caballo, y en ellos podría reconocerse a un “otro” rural. Pero hay un desembarco que podría hacer pensar en marines estadounidenses, y dos imágenes que representan a los que invaden de forma desconcertante: las avionetas de la invasión aérea, que no son aviones de combate, y sobre todo los numerosos automóviles que se reúnen silenciosamente en diversos lugares, con los faros encendidos. Son una presencia tan inexplicable como amenazante. Todo eso invita a hacer diversas conjeturas acerca de qué tipo de invasión se trata, en vez de confirmar lo consabido que se desprende del lugar común literario. [...] **Forma sin contenido** En la medida en que Invasión se despega del registro de la Buenos Aires real y de la reproducción del tópico literario, puede hallarse en ella algo más interesante: ya no el contenido sino la forma del conflicto implícito en el temor al “otro”. Jung Ha Kang ve de esa manera la película, en un texto titulado “La forma es el mensaje”: “Si la obra de Santiago, Borges y Bioy Casares puede ser leída como una versión fílmica de la escena […] de la violación, la penetración, la invasión de la civitas, la Ciudad […], por una exterioridad amenazante, las características con las cuales esta última es representada hacen imposible de leer como una ‘alegoría histórica’: ni se trata de la barbarie rosista de Facundo ni del peronismo de Casa tomada, ni de un golpe de Estado militar ni de ninguna manifestación política concreta. Si hay política en Invasión, ella se encuentra en un nivel máximo de la ficcionalización, como un grado cero […], como una forma pura. El enfrentamiento puro es la forma pura de la política: ese es el tema de ese ‘cine puro’ que propone Invasión, y es su forma la que nos conduce a él.” [Cinematek](https://cinematek.be/2026-05-18-20-00/invasion) [Desistfilm Por Pablo Gamba](https://desistfilm.com/entre-borges-y-la-lucha-armada-invasion-de-hugo-santiago-1969/) **For Dreamers, Coffee shots, Orezza, eau de Saint-Georges**

=== [Confirm your your presence](https://hipsy.be/event/213471-connect-to-your-joy-a-full-moon-cacao-drum-ritual) === === When life feels overwhelming or a season of transition leaves you feeling disconnected from your own body, finding your way back to center can feel like a heavy task. But returning to yourself doesn't always have to be hard work. Anchored by the comforting, rich warmth of ceremonial cacao, we will create a grounding space to help you land safely back in your physical body. From this place of deep, earthy coziness, we’ll use gentle rhythm to invite in a sense of lightness and simple, child-like play. This experience is designed to help you peel back the layers of stress and rediscover your "inner smile"—that stable, quiet joy that lives beneath the noise. If you are ready to shed some weight, reconnect with who you are, and leave feeling lighter, you belong here. ✨ ​This ritual is an invitation to pause, step out of the daily rush, and simply let yourself *be*. While cacao is traditionally known as a medicine of the heart and love, in this space, we will lean into its comforting warmth to help us gently relax and open up. It gently expands our capacity for inner listening, creating the perfect earthy foundation for joy to naturally arise. ​Supported by breath, sound, movement, and community, this ritual offers a safe, grounded space to: * release the physical tension of overwhelm * reconnect with your body in a gentle, nourishing way * embody inner joy—not as an abstract idea, but as a lived experience === [Confirm your your presence](https://hipsy.be/event/213471-connect-to-your-joy-a-full-moon-cacao-drum-ritual) === === ​🌿 What to Expect \| Ritual Flow **🕰️ Timing & Arrival** * **18:30** – Doors open (arrive, settle in, and get comfortable) * **18:55** – Doors close (to ensure a safe, uninterrupted container, no entry after this time) * **19:00** – Ritual begins ​The experience unfolds in a carefully held and progressive way: * **​Welcoming & arrival** Grounding into the space and the group * **​Breathing and somatic practices** To calm the nervous system and prepare the body * **​Guided cacao ritual** Drinking ritual-grade cacao, prepared with intention accompanied by a gentle guided meditation * **​Conscious dance** Allowing insights and emotions to move through the body while connecting to the joy * **​Drum meditation** A deep, rhythmic journey to support inner clarity and emotional release * **​Closing circle** Integration, sharing (optional), and grounding before returning to daily life ​No previous experience with cacao ceremonies, meditation, or dance is required. ​🤎 About the Cacao ​The cacao used in this ceremony is: * ​100% pure, ritual-grade cacao * ​ethically sourced * all ingredients used are vegan * ​prepared slowly and mindfully, with intention for the process and the group ​Cacao is not a psychedelic substance. Its effects are subtle, heart-opening, and grounding. ​⚠️ Important Health Information (Please Read) To ensure this space is as supportive as possible for your unique body, please note that cacao is generally safe for most people, but it is important that you inform the host before registering if you have any of the following: * ​serious heart conditions * ​uncontrolled high blood pressure * ​are taking antidepressants (especially MAO inhibitors) * ​are pregnant or breastfeeding ​If you are unsure, you are warmly invited to contact the host to check whether this experience is suitable for you. This helps ensure the ritual remains safe, respectful, and supportive for everyone. About your host: I support people in life transition and overwhelmed. https://livingbloom.life https://instagram.com/reginadgaia Join my WhatsApp Group for a 15% discount code: https://tinyurl.com/livingbloomgroup === [Confirm your your presence](https://hipsy.be/app/events/213471/ticketshop) === ===

Hi everyone, This coffee morning event is @ **Schmet !!!**, on Saturday, is 30 May 2025, from 10:00 - 13:00. - Outside! Schmet is a new place and belongs to Château Moderne. It only opened a few months ago. 😃 It's right at Place Poelaert. This is their Instagram account. It's still very new. https://www.instagram.com/schmet.bxl/ 1. The **prime time** of the event is **10:30 - 12:30**. That's when most people will be there. 2. When you enter the place, you will see a long table that is set up for the event. 3. If you intend **to join past 12:00** (high noon), then there is no need to register. Just come and join! 4. **DON'T forget to cancel** if you can't join! 5. **Please, be respectful towards each other during the event. (And after ;))** **As always, feel free to follow us on INSTAGRAM!** https://instagram.com/weekendmorningcoffee?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA== *** **THE STRUCTURE of THE EVENT:** * I post the event on Saturday/Sunday for the following Saturday. * I send out a reminder as an email or a comment on the event page on Thursday/Friday. * There is sometimes a waiting list. * **For everyone on the waiting,** please check your status and messages on Friday evening the latest. I message everyone on the waiting list on Friday. * **Please, move to "not going" AS SOON AS you know that you can't come anymore, that includes everyone who is on the waiting list.** **IMPORTANT:** * When you register yourself, be careful not to register accidentally a +1 guest (unless you bring a guest). It happens very often. * If you have any questions then, message me. *** **A MESSAGE FOR NEWCOMERS:** *In the three years of hosting this coffee group, I have met many people who struggle with anxieties when coming to an event for the first time. Sometimes, it took them more than one attempt before being able to join.* *Occasionally, people reach out to me before the event, and I have always been grateful for that as it offers the opportunity to communicate with each other and to find the best and most gentle way for that person to join the group.* *I would like to encourage everyone who struggles with this to contact me before. It would really be too bad if you can't join us, as it mostly gets better the second or third time you come.* *In addition to that, if you arrive and notice any signs of nervousness or fear, you can always let me know right then.* **THANK YOU AND SEE YOU ALL ON SATURDAY!** **LOCATION:** Schmet 2 Rue des Quatre Bras Brussels 1000 (right at Place Poelaert)

Making the new Friends after work or in your vacation.

Improvisation is not just for comedians. It is a practical skill you use whenever life does not follow the script: during a meeting, a job interview, a difficult conversation, a presentation, a Q&A session or an unexpected challenge at work. On **Saturday 30 May**, Atomic Toastmasters invites you to a practical workshop designed to help you **think on your feet, stay calm under pressure and respond with more confidence**. The workshop will be hosted by **Nayara**, an aviation expert who knows from professional experience what it means to adapt quickly, communicate clearly and make decisions when circumstances change. During this two-hour session, you will practise simple and effective techniques to: * respond more naturally when you are put on the spot * structure your thoughts quickly * speak with clarity even when you have little time to prepare * become more comfortable with uncertainty * use improvisation as a communication skill, not as a performance trick This is a hands-on workshop. You will not only listen. You will practise, experiment and learn in a supportive environment. No previous Toastmasters experience is required. Guests, beginners and experienced speakers are all welcome. ## Practical information **Date:** Saturday 30 May **Doors open:** 09:45 **Workshop:** 10:00 – 12:00 **Location:** Shopping Linthout **Address:** Rue Bâtonnier Braffort 2, 1200 Brussels **Public transport:** Close to metro Merode **Parking:** Paid on-site parking available **Price:** 10 € ## Agenda **09:45 – 10:00 \| Arrival and welcome** Participants arrive, check in and meet the group. **10:00 – 10:10 \| Opening** Welcome by Atomic Toastmasters and introduction to the workshop. **10:10 – 10:25 \| Why improvisation matters** A short introduction to improvisation as a practical communication skill, with insights from aviation and real-life situations. **10:25 – 10:55 \| Thinking on your feet** Exercises to practise quick thinking, active listening and spontaneous responses. **10:55 – 11:10 \| Short break** **11:10 – 11:40 \| Speaking under pressure** Practical activities to help you stay calm, structure your message and respond with confidence. **11:40 – 11:55 \| Applying improvisation in daily life** How to use these techniques in meetings, interviews, presentations, conversations and Toastmasters sessions. **11:55 – 12:00 \| Closing** Final takeaways and next steps.

The unique exhibition *Bellezza e Bruttezza* at Bozar will soon come to an end. The works are amazing and can be appreciated on their own, but the thought-provoking thread running through the exhibition is less obvious and might benefit from the guidance of an art historian. If you wish to learn more about the prescriptive power of images as it emerged during the 16th century, join this guided tour. I'm one of Bozar's guides, and the rates are the official ones. Let's meet at 11:15 in the main Horta Hall. Be on time, we have to set up the audio system. Edit : Since we are not reaching 10 participants for Bellezza e Brutezza, I propose to use my Joker at Bozar: I can offer one personal tour. Entrance is €18 full price, €2 with Museum Pass. After the visit, you can simply give me whatever tip you like. Please confirm you still want to attend. So we keep the visit! Looking forward to seeing you all :-) Jennifer

**Beginner-friendly lesson (In English).** ​​In this 2.5 hour session, you will be given 500g of clay and Anna will teach you how to make a plate of your dreams. ​​​**Lesson themes:** Hand-build ceramic dishes, learn to model clay, work with underglaze, paint your piece. ​​​The instructor Anna will do final glazing and both kiln firings for you. Your creation will be ready for pickup within 5 weeks after the lesson. You will even be able to use it for your next breakfast! ​Anna will give you examples of different plates with cats. But of course, if you have your own ideas, bring them too! This workshop costs 65 EUR. **Please pay online by booking through the following link:** https://luma.com/02bp0zf3 **You can also buy a gift certificate:** [https://malinamore.studio/](https://malinamore.studio/) 🌷

Join us as we get together to see Paul Rudd in the latest comedy-drama-musical from John Carney, POWER BALLAD! The film follows a washed-up wedding singer, a fading boy band singer and a stolen hit song. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: Rick, a washed-up wedding singer, and Danny, a fading boy band star, bond over music and a late-night jam session. When Danny turns Rick's song into a hit, Rick sets out to reclaim the recognition he believes he deserves. Power Ballad is written/directed by John Carney, the master of the modern musical and creative mind behind Once, Begin Again and Sing Street! It stars Paul Rudd, Nick Jonas, Peter McDonald, Marcella Plunkett, Havana Rose Liu and Jack Reynor. BUZZ & ACCLAIM: The film premiered to rave reviews at this year’s Dublin International Film Festival where critics call it “a sure-fired crowd-pleaser” that “just might be the feel-good hit of the year!” Others say, “Paul Rudd delivers a career-best performance in this charmer” that’s both “hilarious and deeply moving!” SUMMER OF ICE CREAM, VOL 2: SHAKE NO. 8! Ranked the #1 Ice Cream Shop in Columbus in 2024, this is the perfect place to kick off our Summer of Ice Cream and grab a sweet treat after the show! Their menu features an array of traditional, specialty and vegan shakes, hot cocoa, and more! You can check out their full menu here: [https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php](https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php) PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the lobby area about 20 minutes before the show. Once showtime is announced, advance ticket purchase is advised! Once you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments section of this event. We'll head to nearby Shake No. 8 immediately following the show! Should be a fun one, Dan

NOTICE CHANGE OF LOCATION. WE WILL BE MEETING AT THE SHARON WOODS METRO PARK - THIS MONTH ONLY. Sharon Woods Metro Park, 6911 Cleveland Ave, Westerville, OH 43081 Enter the park from Cleveland Avenue and stay on the main park drive until it dead-ends into a turn around parking lot. We will meet at the Schrock Lake Shelter just off this parking area to the right. We will be taking a Guided Walk with access very near the shelter, on the Edward S Thomas trail, an ADA flat, hard-packed gravel surface trail. This walk will be led by Carrie Keller, Outdoor Naturalist at the park, and Megan Richley, Inclusion Coordinator for the Metro Parks. Wear sneakers or other shoes covering the entire foot. Sandals or flip-flops are ill advised. Sighted guides will be available. Target audience for this group is persons who are visually impaired, especially those who have experienced recent loss, however, all are welcome, including family members and supports. Light refreshments will be served. There will not be a Conference Call option for this meeting.

PLEASE NOTE!!! This event will be In-Person for our very 1st Improving collab! If you know the [Columbus Unity group](https://www.meetup.com/columbus-unity-user-group/) location, we'll be at the same place. This is our 1st event and are doing a soft launch with limited attendance. 1st come 1st serve. If you want to be there and we fill up, please email me at [info@thecogg.com](mailto:info@thecogg.com) and I'll be in touch. All street parking is free on Sundays but you can also pay to park in any of the local garages. See image of [parking map here](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Mr9_LFIggbs-0_Zd3AJTGNqEhgMf2TzQ/view?usp=sharing). \-\-\- On the last Sunday of the month, we're having our usual end-of-the-month social gathering with our GameDev Meetup meeting. There will be announcements and presentations followed by some social networking Let's continue the conversations with good vibes and friends. All are welcomed from all ages and backgrounds to this public event. If we can, we'll be streaming or uploading the video later via our COGG YouTube channel here: [https://www.youtube.com/@TheCOGG/streams](https://www.youtube.com/@TheCOGG/streams) (Also please do subscribe if you have not done so!) No game development experience required! If you are interested in doing a 20 minute game development related presentation, please fill out our form online here: [https://goo.gl/forms/lVdTJZiNJewlPJuj1](https://goo.gl/forms/lVdTJZiNJewlPJuj1) Or e-mail us at info@thecogg.com with the following: Your Name, Company/Affiliation, Name of Your Game/Topic, Description, Tech Needs, and Your Contact. Be sure to check out our Discord for real time news updates: [https://discord.gg/NrBhuNQ](https://discord.gg/NrBhuNQ)

Welcome to Casual Boardgames, where we enjoy classic tabletop games and social deduction games while bonding over good food, drinks, and great conversations. 
We started this group to meet new people and make new friends, and bonding over games in a relaxed atmosphere is a great way to do that. We currently meet near route 23 and Polaris Parkway, and this is close to areas like Powell, Lewis Center, Worthington, and parts of Westerville and Columbus. 
Feel free to bring your own games or play one of the many games our members bring. If you are inexperienced, we will help you learn. 
Here are just a few examples of the kind of games we play. 
Tabletop/board games: Splendor, Catan, Azul, Dominion, 7 Wonders… 
Social deduction games: Code Names, Chameleon, Werewords… 
IMPORTANT: 
1. While we love playing a variety of games and competing, we are not just about the games. We interact and talk while playing, and this leads to a lot of laughter and fun. If you just want to compete and focus solely on the game, then this is probably not the group you are looking for. 
2. Many people join groups like this and never (or rarely) show up after weeks or months. If you join and never really come, we will eventually remove you from the group as a courtesy to our members. Why? Because limiting group conversations (on the app) to regular members makes communication and planning much easier. Also, while it may be rare, it protects members from people who join because they are interested in following a person instead of having a real interest in our group. If you get removed, it is just because you haven’t come, and we follow this protocol as a courtesy to our regular game players.

**Important time note:** Please plan on arriving between 5:30 and 6:00 as the elevators lock after 6 and you'll need to message us and we'll need to come get you. The building address is 4450 Bridge Park The entrance is 6620 Mooney St, Suite 400 You will need to scan your ID at the door to get a visitor badge. **Abstract** Like it or not, AI agents are now capable of turning a quickly written paragraph of requirements into a pull request that is ready to be integrated into real-world production applications and it's now our responsibility to make sure AI doesn't go rogue and take down prod - or corrupt our data by misunderstanding the requirements or our existing schemas. In this session we'll explore strategies to protect our codebases through unit and integration testing, documentation, and code review along with additional ways of providing context and guard rails to our AI agents as they carry out the work we've assigned them to do. By the time we're done, you'll have a firm grasp of the problem and understand some helpful options for protecting your codebase from vibe coding mishaps getting YOLOed into prod. **YouTube Link** TBD

MCKS PRANIC HEALING® Level I In PRANIC HEALING® Level 1, you learn the basics of working with your energy aura, including learning to "scan," or feel the energy, to "sweep," or clean away congested energy, and to "energize," or supplement areas in your aura that have a pranic deficiency. PRANIC HEALING® has been taught to doctors, nurses, massage therapists, acupuncturists, chiropractors, shiatsu practitioners, and many others in the healing field. It has allowed them to heal confidently and consistently in the shortest learning time possible. These professionals find PRANIC HEALING® very effective and easy to apply. Other topics covered in PRANIC HEALING® Level 1: Energetic anatomy: You will learn to work with the network of chakras, meridians and auras to accelerate the healing processes of your body. Preventive healing: You will learn to remove the negative energetic patterns of a disease to prevent it from fully manifesting as a physical ailment. Self-Pranic healing: You will learn to apply these healing techniques to accelerate your own healing. Step-by-step techniques for ailments related to your: respiratory system, e.g., asthma,; circulatory system, e.g., heart ailments; gastrointestinal system, e.g., irritable bowel syndrome; musculoskeletal system, e.g., arthritis and back pain; reproductive system, e.g., menstrual problems. You'll also learn how to address common problems as migraines and sinusitis. Additionally, you'll learn to apply distant healing to loved ones who are not present in the room with you. All PRANIC HEALING® courses are "experiential," which means that you learn by actually performing the techniques and exercises in class - on yourself and those around you. During class, all the principles will be explained thoroughly and you will practice the techniques exhaustively so you will be confident in your ability to produce positive results when you finish the course. This is Day 2 of 2 Attendance at day one is required to attend day 2. The Course text book is Choa Kok Sui, "Miracles through Pranic Healing" Please bring this with you to class. PRANIC HEALING® Level 1 is a prerequisite to all other GMCKS courses. For those interested to review the class...Review fee is only $75!! LOOK AT THIS!! Review for FREE when you bring a new student to class with you.

Join us as we get together to see the top-reviewed comedy-drama, I LOVE BOOSTERS! The film comes from writer/director Boots Riley and follows a group of shoplifters who take aim at a cutthroat fashion maven. Here are details, trailers and our plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: The film follows a group of shoplifters who take aim at a cutthroat fashion maven. It is written/directed by Boots Riley (Sorry to Bother You) and stars Keke Palmer, Naomi Ackie, Taylour Paige, Poppy Liu, Eiza González, LaKeith Stanfield, Will Poulter, Don Cheadle, and Demi Moore. BUZZ AND ACCLAIM: I Love Boosters was the opening film at this year’s SXSW Festival and premiered to rave reviews! It is currently earning a tremendous 97% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes where critics call it, “an unexpected celebration of friendship, community, and solidarity.” Others call the film “an exercise in radical empathy,” a “masterful” and “optimistic” film designed to “provoke discussion” while making the audience laugh. TRAILER: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4lPRISgr9c](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4lPRISgr9c) SUMMER OF ICE CREAM: GRAETER’S! Established way back in 1870 in Cincinnati, this historic, family-owned brand is famous for their delicious small batch ice cream and any chocolate chunk flavors! They are currently the only commercial ice cream maker using the French Pot method that they’ve been using since they first opened! Plus, those chocolate chunks, oh my goodness! Vegan options are available. PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the lobby area about 20 minutes before the show. Advance ticket purchase not required for this theater but Showtime and complete details will be confirmed/announced as the date gets closer. Look forward to seeing you there, Dan