Brand Strategy

**Register now to attend! =>** [https://konfhub.com/ksug-au-2026-07-01](https://konfhub.com/ksug-au-2026-07-01) **<=** **Latest promotions** discovered by our community! * **30%** OFF **[Kubernetes](https://lf.ksug.ai/)** Exams - Code: **30K8SUG** * **20%** OFF **[FinOps](https://ksug.ai/finops/?ref=meetup)** Certs Code: **KSAI_20** * Missed **65%** off [LF / CNCF](https://lf.ksug.ai/)? [Get Notified](https://ksug.ai/?notify&ref=meetup) for next BIG drop! We're excited to welcome you to the upcoming **KSUG.AI Australia Meetup** — happening both in-person at at Amazon and online via [Zoom](https://linktr.ee/ksug.ai)! 🎉 We're actively seeking more awesome K8s and AI topic speakers! 👉 [https://sessionize.com/ksug-au](https://sessionize.com/ksug-au) **Agenda and topics preview:** * Food, drinks and Socializing * Welcome / Introductions by the Organizers @**[KSUG.AI](https://ksug.ai/?ref=meet)** * **Topic 1:** Agents onboarded Internal Develop Platform (OpenChoreo) by [Kanchana Wickremasinghe](linkedin.com/in/kanchanaw/), VP & Field CTO for WSO2 * **Topic 2:** What is Podplane.dev by [Ryan Djurovich](linkedin.com/in/ryandjurovich/), Founder & Engineer @ Nadrama.com * **Quiz time:** nice swags giveaways Food and drinks will be provided between **5.30 and 6 pm** on a first-come, first-served basis. This is a great opportunity to learn and network with our peers. Thanks to our sponsors **[Amazon](https://aws.com/)** and **[Harness](https://www.harness.io/)**! **[Register here](https://konfhub.com/ksug-au-2026-06-03) to secure your spot!** See you all there! **Location:** Amazon MEL12, Level 13.304 [555 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000](https://maps.app.goo.gl/Kbi13GZqj2zDqDz2A) 👉 Join our [Discord](https://discord.com/invite/Rp9WzYyKua) and [WhatsApp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/D9a9IDiCS7U4cqQ0Sh60cz?mode=gi_t) for latest update! 🔖 𝐎𝐧𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐬: ☸ 30% OFF **[Kubernetes](https://lf.ksug.ai/)** Certs - Code: **30K8SUG** ☸ 20% OFF **[FinOps](https://ksug.ai/finops)** Certs - Code: **KSAI_20** 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐖𝐞 𝐃𝐨 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬: ✅ Learn 𝐅𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑 ⚡ ✅ Certify 𝐒𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐑 💰 ✅ Grow 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐆𝐄𝐑 💪 𝟐𝟎𝟎,𝟎𝟎𝟎+ follow **[KSUG.AI](https://ksug.ai/?ref=meet)** 🔥 [github.com/ksug-ai](https://github.com/ksug-ai) *By registering, you consent to the management of your personal information in accordance with KSUG.AI Meetup's [Privacy Policy](https://k8sug.ai/privacy). Additionally, you agree that our sponsors may contact you.* **[KSUG.AI](https://ksug.ai/?ref=meet)** is an independent community and not affiliated with or endorsed by CNCF. Kubernetes, K8s, Kubestronaut are registered trademarks of The Linux Foundation.

**Sticky stories are memorable, meaningful, and magnetic. They make people feel something — and that’s what makes them powerful.** You already tell stories — to friends, family, co-workers, and peers. You might need to inspire your team, persuade a colleague to support your ideas, or influence a client to say yes. But if your stories aren’t *sticky*, your message won’t land. It won’t be remembered. And it won’t drive action. Mastering the art of ‘sticky’ storytelling is one of the most valuable communication skills in today’s world. And the good news? It’s a skill anyone can learn. **THIS IS A CURATED GUEST EVENT** Whether you're new to public speaking or looking to elevate your influence and impact… Join us tonight at Port Melbourne Toastmasters as we dive into the principles of powerful storytelling that make messages truly stick. Get ready for a session that will help you speak with heart, connect with purpose, and leave a lasting impression. *Guests, Meetup Group members, and visiting Toastmasters attend for free.* 🌐 [www.portmelbournetoastmasters.org](http://www.portmelbournetoastmasters.org) 📍 Where: Find directions [here](https://www.portmelbournetoastmasters.org/directions.html) ***Port Melbourne Toastmasters is a club for people who are serious about developing their speaking, leadership, and personal presence.*** We offer limited, curated guest sessions throughout the year for prospective members. These sessions allow you to experience our high-engagement, growth-focused environment firsthand — without open access to every meeting.

We are stoked to announce our next **Melbourne MLOps Community Meetup** of the year! We are bringing you an absolute powerhouse lineup featuring two industry heavyweights. We will dive deep into tracking ML/DS performance using high-impact business metrics over raw statistical metrics. We will also tackle the AI coding productivity paradox and the high-stakes build-vs-buy SaaS dilemma. **🎤 Speakers** We’re thrilled to introduce: **\- Nathanael Lampe**, Machine Learning Manager *at* Bunnings Warehouse. Nat is widely recognised as one of the most brilliant, deeply technical data science leaders. He brings an elite background in advanced data science, now driving the core Data Science team at Bunnings. In his talk, *Data & Decisions,* Nat will explain how in ML, we often focus on model accuracy but it’s a lot harder to measure the decisions a model supports. When we can anchor our ML practice in true business metrics, we are better equipped to ensure analytics projects succeed. **\- Javier Candeira**, Fractional CTO *at* Infoplumbing. Javier is a distinguished veteran of the data, software, and tech consultancy scenes. He brings many years of battle-tested technical and business experience to guiding teams through today's volatile AI landscape. His talk titled: *The Buy/Build Dilemma and the Agentic Productivity Paradox* addresses three red-hot issues in the MLOps community: 1\. Local LLM inference and tooling for small scale teams\. What is too much local MLOps for a 1\-5 person shop? Is local inference only a cost saver\, or are there also capabilies unlocked by the finer\-grained control afforded by operating one’s own models? 2\. The Buy/Build dilemma\. This is a question for every company\, from small SaaS to big corporate\. The abundance of LLM coding tools shifts the balance\. How? 3\. The Productivity Paradox: If Agentic Coding and LLM autocomplete are so great\, where are the great new products? Where’s the programmer productivity going? Javier will showcase some of his NixOS-based MLOps-for-one tools, and will attempt to progress the conversation on these three questions with his own reflections based on personal experience. **Networking** The Melbourne MLOps Community is committed to fostering a space where AI/ML engineers and practitioners can connect, exchange ideas, and build meaningful relationships. Come ready to discuss: * The tools you’re experimenting with * Trends you’re seeing in ML and MLOps * Challenges you’re tackling * Ways to find peer support We’ll have food, drinks, and the perfect space for great conversations — so feel free to bring along anyone interested in ML, MLOps, or AI more broadly. **Agenda** 🍕 **5:30pm** – Networking, drinks & food 🙋 **6:00pm** – Welcome 🎤 **6:10pm** – Presentation by Nathanael ❓ **6:30pm** – Questions for Nathanael 🎤 **6:40pm** – Presentation by Javier ❓ **7:00pm** – Questions for Javier 🍻 **7:10pm onwards** – Networking, drinks & food We’re looking forward to seeing you there! **P.S.** If you can’t make it in person, we’ll be streaming the event via Google Meet. Google Meet link: [https://meet.google.com/fxh-hpsg-ryt](https://meet.google.com/fxh-hpsg-ryt)

**Salsa, Bachata & Kizomba Beginner Classes in Prahran** 💃🏼🕺🏻 Always wanted to try? Now is the time! Learn to dance with our friendly beginner classes for Salsa, Bachata & Kizomba. You’ll always walk away with a smile after dancing! **Get Fit. Have Fun. Meet new people.** Every Wednesday night Prahran RSL \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* **Timetable** 👉 **6.30pm** **FREE Intro to Cuban Salsa** (30mn) 👉 7.00pm Beginner 1 Cuban Salsa & Bachata 👉 8.10pm Beginner 1 Kizomba 🔸Privates lessons also available if you can’t make group classes! \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* **Location:** Prahran RSL 301 High Street Prahran Looking forward to seeing you all! 💃🕺🏻 \*\*\* **Cost:** Try our Free Intro class and after if you want to increase your dance level, feel free to enjoy our special deal for new students below! 📣 **Beginner Welcome Pack** 📣 4 weeks Beginner Classes + 30 min Private Lesson Just $65!! (value $165) 👉For more information 🔸You can contact us directly : 0411 572 822 ✅ David Smile Dance https://www.davidsmiledance.com

CBD Business Owners Network is a professionally facilitated networking experience designed specifically for business owners who are serious about building meaningful connections and growing their business. This is not a typical large, unstructured networking event. The focus is on **quality conversations, genuine relationships, and long-term business growth**. **What This Event Is About** We bring together a small group of business owners in a relaxed, structured environment to: * Build strong professional relationships * Create opportunities for referrals and collaboration * Have real conversations about business growth * Connect with like-minded business owners in Melbourne There are **no presentations and no sales pitches** — just focused, high-quality networking. **What to Expect** * A curated group of business owners (not a large crowd) * Structured introductions to help you connect with the right people * Open networking and meaningful conversations * A relaxed and welcoming environment * Opportunities to build long-term referral relationships **Who Should Attend** This event is ideal for: * Business owners and decision-makers * Consultants, service providers, and entrepreneurs * Professionals looking to grow through referrals and partnerships This event is designed **for business owners only** **Why Attend** If you’re looking for a networking environment that is: * Not overcrowded * Not overly sales-driven * Focused on real connections and growth …then this is for you. **Contact** If you have any questions or would like to know if this is the right fit for you: **Rakesh Singh** PinnacleEdge Business Coaching 0423 804 123

Hey everyone! If you're looking for a 5-a-side game, we have it happening **at East Caulfield Reserve every Wednesday, from 6-7 pm**. To join us, download the Stranger Soccer app and use the code **WELCOME** to book your first game for free if you're playing with us for the first time. We look forward to seeing you at the pitch then!

Have you ever experienced a relationship that soured into bitter or unresolved conflict? Have you ever attempted to connect with someone and seen your efforts come to nothing? WHAT IF you could resolve any upset and restore harmony? WHAT IF you could build positive relationships that last? NOW YOU CAN! The secret to successful relationships depends upon knowing what underlies all human relations, and nothing teaches you that basic foundation better than the how to improve relationships with others course. Today talk will go for roughly one hour, including the answering of all your questions. You also have the option to do a free personality test which takes about 20 minutes to fill out and another 30 min to go over the results with you. This free meetup talk is open to all people of goodwill. If the time and date does not suit you then contact the Event Organizer via meetup and rearrange it.

Smashing! Try something new Thursday Interactive reality workshop - Tonight learn how to respond to questioning, by thinking on you feet Serious about improving your leadership - **Why mess, come to the best** Why is Smashing different to other speaking clubs? Just two member's thoughts, "The fun/laughs factor is definitely a point of difference. We keep it moving with high standards so it’s a nice balance. Too strict makes it tense and boring, too loose and we can lose the energy/commercial feel. SmashSpeak's vibe's in the sweet spot." "At other clubs I used to listen to long speeches and lectures, here we get so many chances to talk every meeting, that we have to improve" **Free parking** close: O'Connell and Cobden streets **IMPORTANT: Be on time, as doors close when the show starts** “Proudly Australian" – Free-flowing teamwork, greater good focus, sharing the stage, etc Multicultural Hub, 506 Elizabeth St (Opposite Queen Vic Market) Level 1, PURPLE Room (End of corridor) More to come...

G'day! We have a 5-a-side kickoff happening **every Friday, from 6-7 pm at Rooftop Futsal @ ACU Fitzroy**! To join us, just download the Stranger Soccer app and register for free. If you're joining us for the first time, use the code **WELCOME** to book this game for free. Book your slot now and get involved. Cheers!

Hey, mates! We'll be having a 5-a-side match **at Monash University every Sunday, from 11:30 am-1 pm!** To join us, download the Stranger Soccer app and register for free. If this is your first time playing with us, use the code **WELCOME** to book your first game for free! Book your slot now and get involved!

Ease into your Sunday with a calm walk, meaningful conversation, and brunch with new people. This event is all about slowing down, getting out of the house, and connecting with others in a relaxed setting. We’ll start with a casual walk at the Fitzroy Markets so conversations can happen naturally, then continue the morning over brunch. It’s perfect if you want to meet new friends without the pressure of a big social event. You can come by yourself, bring an open mind, and let the conversation unfold. We’ll include a few simple BeSocial prompts to help break the ice and make it easier to get to know each other. Whether you’ve had a busy week, recently moved, or just want to build more real-life connection, this is a gentle way to reset and start the week feeling more connected. **Perfect for:** brunch lovers, Sunday walkers, people who prefer small groups, and anyone looking for genuine conversation. To help you get the most out of the event, we ask that you download our app before you arrive (or upon arrival). The app will be used throughout the event for prompts, activities, and other interactive content so having it ready will ensure you can fully participate. https://apps.apple.com/au/app/besocial/id6759604739 https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.appetiser.besocial&hl=en **Event photography and videography may take place at this event. Images and footage captured may be used in future BeSocial promotional materials.** **If you do not wish to appear in promotional materials, please notify Nexaro Group Pty Ltd before the event by emailing support@besocialapp.co, or let the event hosts know on the day.**

**Beginner Dungeons & Dragons Night (No Experience Needed - Dinner)** Play a fantasy story with a small group. Make choices. Solve problems. Work together. It’s fun, social, and easy because its hosted by a storyteller, then join us for dinner **What is this Event** This is a beginner-friendly D&D game. You don’t need to know anything. Most people are new. We teach as we play. **Small groups (limited spots**) Tables of 5–6 players, we wont take anymore than this to maintain a high quality of participants. 12–18 total spots in total. If you see a spot you can make, take it. They fill. **What happens when you arrive** You don’t need to bring anything You’ll be seated shortly after you arrive Most people come alone You will not be the only one. **What you’ll do** Play a character in a fantasy story Make choices with your group Talk, explore, and solve problems Roll dice to determine your success and see what happens (usually shenanigans) Expect to share funny and memorable moments with the people in our network. **What you don’t need to worry about** You don't need to know rules new people won't slow the group down Don't need to bring anything We guide you the whole way (< why this works) **Who this is for** You work a 9–5 and want to meet new people after work or on weekends. You enjoy fantasy stories, books or games You want to try dungeons and dragons You want a curated story games night that will be the highlight of your week. **Frequently Asked Questions... 🕵️‍♂️** **Won't everyone else already know each other?** The only people who know each other are the Dungeon Masters leading each table. We don't allow groups to attend these nights, so at most there is a duo coming who already know each other. Everyone and you are super new to this. **Will I be the only girl at the event?** No, our events are generally 3:1 ratio, most tables I have seen are 2 girls and 4 guys. no promises on any individual night, but you'll find it doesn't impact your enjoyment. **I'm worried I might slow everyone else down?** Not true, pre-filled character sheets take much of the guess work out of learning the game, and the GMs have all taught tens to hundreds of people this game. *The only thing you'll want to remember is the "D20", a twenty sided dice is always used to resolve actions, whether it's picking a pocket, striking a wicked goblin or recalling history on a forgotten ruin.* *Ok, your basically ready now. seriously.* Don't believe me? Come and find out for yourself. **I'm worried I might be too old/too young for this?** so here's what you'll want to know. we usually see attendees anywhere from 19-49 years of age. normally it's 25-35ish as we often curate out events for young professionals and established professionals working locally. But I'll say this: if you get along with a mature audience of respectful people who can collaborate together - you're in for a good time. **Session** 3-hour(ish) game Run by experienced Dungeon Master 2–3 tables each nigh **Before the event** You may get a message from the organiser Please reply to keep your spot **Attendance policy** Cancel early if you can’t make i No-shows or late cancels may lose future spot **Donation** We take small donations to support the event and our hosts **Dinner** Some of us like to hang out after the game for a bit, usually for eats and chats

Join us for an evening of learning, networking, and knowledge sharing as we explore how organisations create secure, well-governed cloud environments. Our speakers will discuss practical approaches to identity governance, cloud security, and business-driven decision making, sharing real-world experiences and lessons learned along the way. Whether you're working in cloud, security, business analysis, or just keen to expand your knowledge, we'd love to see you there! **Topics:** **1\. Multi\-Cloud Identity Governance: Reducing Risk Through Ownership\, Lifecycle\, and Assurance** In this session, we will be exploring how managing identity and access becomes more complex in multi-cloud environments due to the rapid growth of identities, systems, and permission models, and how identity governance brings structure, visibility, and control through three key principles - ownership (clear accountability for identities and access), lifecycle (managing access from creation to timely removal), and assurance (continuously validating that access remains appropriate and secure) to help reduce risk, improve control, and enable secure, scalable operations across modern distributed environments. **About the speaker** [Amitha Shree](https://www.linkedin.com/in/amithashree/) is an Identity Governance Manager at nbn® Australia. **2\. Business Analysis with AWS Security Services: GuardDuty\, Security Hub and IAM Access Analyzer** Business analysis enables change within an organisation by defining needs and recommending solutions that deliver value to stakeholders. When applied to AWS security, it ensures services are purposefully aligned to the organisation's risk appetite, strategic goals, and compliance obligations. It transforms Amazon GuardDuty from a threat detection tool into a quantifiable risk reduction investment, elevates AWS Security Hub from a technical dashboard into an executive-facing compliance reporting engine, and repositions IAM Access Analyzer from a policy scanner into a governance framework that protects against the most common causes of cloud breaches. Together, business analysis connects all three services into a coherent, measurable, and business-driven security strategy that enables organisations to make smarter, faster, and more confident decisions. **About the speaker** [Hazra Ali](https://www.linkedin.com/in/hazra-ali-a3777297/), a Business Analyst at WorkSafe Victoria, has more than 12 years of experience in Information Technology specialising in banking and finance sector in business analysis, software development, incident management and customer service. **Agenda:** **5:30pm** – Food and networking **6:00pm** – Presentation 1. Multi-Cloud Identity Governance: Reducing Risk Through Ownership, Lifecycle, and Assurance **6:40pm** – Presentation 2. Business Analysis with AWS Security Services: GuardDuty, Security Hub and IAM Access Analyzer **7:20pm** – Networking We’re incredibly grateful to our sponsors [Confluent](https://www.confluent.io/), [Mantel](https://mantelgroup.com.au/) and [REA group](https://www.rea-group.com/) — for supporting our community and making this event possible. Join us for an evening of learning, meaningful conversations, and great company, we can’t wait to see you there!

Join us for “Real Talk Night” a deeper, more meaningful kind of meetup built around prompt-based conversations. Each session features thoughtful questions designed to spark honest discussions, fresh perspectives, and genuine connection. This is a space to go beyond small talk, share experiences, and be heard in a supportive, respectful environment. You can participate as much or as little as you like — whether you’re opening up or simply listening, you’re welcome here. To help you get the most out of the event, we ask that you download our app before you arrive (or upon arrival). The app will be used throughout the event for prompts, activities, and other interactive content so having it ready will ensure you can fully participate. https://apps.apple.com/au/app/besocial/id6759604739 https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.appetiser.besocial&hl=en **Event photography and videography may take place at this event. Images and footage captured may be used in future BeSocial promotional materials.** **If you do not wish to appear in promotional materials, please notify Nexaro Group Pty Ltd before the event by emailing support@besocialapp.co or let the event hosts know on the day.**

You can sleep in on the Sesquicentennial (observed), we’re shifting to the following Friday. But join the local UX community for a chat and some biscuits to catch up. If you were in CA for Figma Config, tell us all the lines and you can tell me how I can animate an SVG without coding it by hand, and why I’d even want to. Thanks to the team at Nationwide of supporting the group.

This is a free, in person meeting. Burdened by a stressful relationship? Unhealthy relationships can trigger feelings of anger, despair or self-doubt. They can create dwindling spirals of fights and seeking to make-up, or trying to “pin the blame” on someone or something. If you don’t find the RIGHT reasons, or select the correct sources of the problem, the problem can just get worse and worse. Whether in love or personal ties, with friends or at work, our life really IS affected by the quality of our relationships. Good ones can promote pleasure and survival while less optimum ones can lead to annoyance, anger, self-doubt, stress, or even affect our health and ability to survive well. Whether you are suffering from a divorce, or a painful break-up, don’t know who to trust (or who to CHOOSE) as a partner, friend, boss or employee - the anxiety of relationship troubles can really make a mess of things. Maybe you’ve suffered a betrayal, or are dealing with hostility or criticalness or invalidation. Dwindling relationships can involve destructive behavior, where we hurt those we love, or start succumbing to self-destructive thoughts, attitudes or behaviors that spiral out of control and affect much more than our immediate relationship. Past losses in love or life can affect how we act or react to new people and situations and hold us back from even starting to create new, possibly great relationships! How can one get back onto a saner course of action? Come to our Meetup, where we can introduce you to some of the knowledge, tools and techniques of the breakthroughs in the field of the mind that we can apply to this ever important area of life: human relationships! Break free from self imposed limitations Here we will discuss: • How to “erase” the trauma of past hurts and betrayals so that one isn’t always repeating past mistakes. • Why and how do the negative emotions of others affect you? • Why is my partner withdrawing and what can I do about it? • Why do we sometimes feel compelled to hurt the ones we love? • Fights & arguments - what's really behind them? • What underlies “corrosive criticism” or the need to invalidate self or others? • How one can stably change one’s outlook on life so they can affect positive change? • Where do compulsive destructive behaviors come from and what can be done about them? • How to form closer bonds & keep growing the relationships with the people you care about? • How to enhance one’s own ability to survive and create positive healthy relationships whether in love, family & friendships or in work, business or one’s career? Relationships can be hard and life itself IS challenging. Why not arm yourself with the knowledge and breakthroughs that have been made about the mind, mental reactions & interpersonal relationships, so that one has better awareness and control over themselves and life in general. Learn where painful experiences are “stored” and how they can unknowingly affect us. You will also find out how one can “erase” those past painful experiences so that one is free to move forward without being tripped up by the past. Learn too, about what can lead some people to become “toxic” personalities and how to identify those traits in others so you won’t be tripped up trusting the wrong person. Our free Meet-ups occur in a safe environment where one can learn, without fear of judgment or criticism, and without the recommendation of harmful mental techniques or therapies, just how YOU can get yourself onto a happier & more successful path: in love & in life. We look forward to having you join us! This class is sponsored by the Dianetics & Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

At Evolve Synergy Sessions, you'll be part of a supportive mastermind where we share challenges, brainstorm solutions, and inspire one another to take bold steps in our businesses. Grow your network, gain fresh perspectives, and build meaningful relationships with like-minded women who are committed to success. Whether you’re looking to move the needle in your business or simply need a space to connect and recharge, this is the perfect place to fuel your entrepreneurial journey. [Add Event to Calendar](https://evolvecolumbus.eventcalendarapp.com/) \*\* Please note, we will be arriving around 8:15a for open networking! Get there early and get connected! Contact Alexis Morley at [alexis.morley@edwardjones.com](mailto:alexis.morley@edwardjones.com) or Terri Lawson at [terri.lawson@e-merge.com](mailto:terri.lawson@e-merge.com) for more information.

Want to learn pickleball in a fun, low-pressure setting? I’m hosting a free beginner-friendly meetup at Olentangy Parklands to help new players learn the basics and get comfortable on the court. I’m a pretty skilled player and will walk everyone through the essentials, including rules, scoring, serving, basic strategy, and how to start playing real games. No experience needed. We’ll meet on the upper courts. Bring a pickleball paddle if you have one. If not, no problem, I’ll have some extras available for people to use. This event is meant for beginners and anyone curious about trying pickleball for the first time. Come ready to move, learn, and have fun.

Monthly working lunch for Columbus business owners. One specific topic, one to three actions you can run this week. You can be the best at what you do and still be invisible. If local buyers cannot find you, the phone does not ring. Marketing Monday Lunch + Learn is a monthly working lunch for Columbus business owners focused on building relationships, local networking, and local marketing. Every kind of local business welcome. No pitch round, no pressure, no upsell. **This month** Most local businesses pick one or two places to be visible and call it good. The result is inconsistent calls and a feeling that marketing is not working. We will walk through the three places every local business needs to show up, plus the fourth place most owners ignore that quietly produces the warmest leads. **What to expect** Doors open at noon. Order lunch and drinks at the cafe counter or bring your own. You get real conversation with other local owners and a focused marketing lesson. You leave knowing people and with one to three actions to run that week. The room is reserved through 1:30 PM. **Who this is for** Any local business owner who wants clearer marketing direction and real local relationships. Service businesses, retail, home services, professional services, online owners building local presence, anyone serious about being part of the Columbus business community. **Not the right fit if** You are here to pitch the room or recruit for an MLM. **Details** * Second Monday of every month * 12:00 to 1:30 PM * Good Cafe Easton, 4400 Easton Commons, Ste 150, Columbus, OH 43219 * Order lunch and drinks at the counter when you arrive * Free to attend, RSVP required, space is limited **About the host** Rita Suzanne is a local marketing strategist and the founder of Local Marketing Method. She runs Visibility is Profitability, the membership where local business owners build the system that keeps their phone ringing. Learn more at learnlocalmarketing.com. Register here: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1989964540509?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1989964540509?aff=oddtdtcreator)

**✅ Bachata Mondays with Todd Smith!** **👉 Beginner Bachata Class** **$15 In Advance / $20 At the Door** 7:00 pm – 7:15 pm … Registration 7:15 pm – 8:15 pm … Beginner Class **👉 Intermediate Bachata Class** **= $15 In Advance / $20 At the Door** 8:15 pm – 8:30 pm Registration 8:30 pm – 9:30 pm Intermediate Class **👉 If You Take Both Bachata Classes** **= $25 In Advance / $35 At the Door** **👉 Buy Advance Tickets Now at:** https://columbussalsadancing.com/bachata-mondays-dance-class-tickets/

**Practical Curiosity: Learning from Everyday Data** How do we actually get better at utilizing our day-to-day data? Fancy dashboards and complex models might look nice and draw attention, but that’s not where most of us spend our time. In fact those shiny outputs frequently sit unused, while the real insights are drawn from the analyst’s daily practice. Sometimes it’s as simple and as powerful as noticing that a segment is shrinking, a channel is underused, or certain links keep getting all the clicks. There’s many different places that the spark of insight can come from, but you have to keep your head in the data and know where to look. In this session, we’ll explore real-world examples of how segmentation, testing, and click behavior can uncover practical digital marketing opportunities. You’ll leave with inspiration for your own use cases, along with a few simple ways to ask better questions, spot meaningful patterns, and make smarter decisions without overcomplicating it. **About Our Speaker:** [Elaine Armbruster](https://www.linkedin.com/in/elainearmbruster/) is a Director of Digital Experience at the [American Diabetes Association](https://diabetes.org/), where she focuses on using data and insights to create smarter, more effective digital experiences. A lifelong Columbus resident, she has built her career in email marketing and the broader digital user journey, and is finding she most enjoys working in the messy middle where systems, data, and big ideas don’t quite line up yet. Thanks to our 2026 sponsors: [Clarivoy](https://www.clarivoy.com), [What Box Consulting Group](https://www.whatboxconsultinggroup.com), [Conductrics](https://www.conductrics.com), and [Piwik PRO](https://piwik.pro) More info at [cbusdaw.com](https://cbusdaw.com)