Business Skills

**Join us for a hands-on workshop where you'll build an agentic commerce solution and explore how AI agents can discover products and complete payments using Stripe.** **About** Experience a hands-on workshop designed for developers interested in the future of AI-driven commerce and agentic payments. This workshop is the very first time this content has ever been delivered. It is a pilot workshop for Stripe Sessions, and attendees will get early access to technology and workflows that are still very new inside Stripe. The way customers discover and purchase products is shifting from traditional search to LLM-powered agents. In this workshop, you’ll customize an AI agent to become an intelligent shopping assistant capable of discovering products and completing transactions. **Through practical exercises, you will:** * Customize an AI agent for commerce workflows * Implement Shared Payment Tokens (SPT) using the Agentic Commerce Protocol (ACP) * Enable secure payment credential handoff from an AI agent to Stripe * Process payments and perform risk evaluation through Stripe * Build a complete end-to-end agentic commerce experience Because this is a pilot workshop, the content is evolving and highly experimental. Participants will be among the first developers anywhere to build an agentic commerce integration with Stripe. By the end of the workshop, you’ll have a fully functioning agentic commerce solution complete with code, equipping you with the skills to build next-generation AI-powered buying experiences. **Attendance & Invitations** ⚡ This is a small, invite-only workshop designed for a very limited group of developers. To keep the session highly interactive, attendance is restricted to a small number of participants, and admission is **by invitation only**. To request an invitation: 1. Join the waitlist to express your interest 2. We will review all waitlist requests 3. Selected participants will be moved to the confirmed list 4. You will receive confirmation once your spot is approved. **Please wait for confirmation before making plans — only confirmed attendees will be admitted.** This approach allows us to create a focused, collaborative workshop environment and ensure the best possible experience for participants. **Schedule** **1:00PM – 1:15PM — Arrival & Welcome** Arrive, grab coffee and refreshments, and make sure you're set up and ready to go. **1:15PM – 4:00PM — Hands-on Workshop** Introduction to agentic commerce and AI-driven purchasing. You'll build a working agentic commerce solution including: * AI agent customization * Agentic Commerce Protocol setup * Shared Payment Token creation * Payment flows through Stripe * End-to-end testing **4:00PM – 4:30PM — Wrap-up & Networking** Wrap up the workshop and connect with Stripe Solution Architects and Developer Advocates. **Requirements** This workshop is designed for developers interested in building AI-powered commerce experiences and agentic payment workflows. Developers should be comfortable with: * Basic JavaScript fundamentals * Using a terminal or command line * Working with APIs * Basic web development concepts No prior AI or Stripe experience is required. **What You'll Need** Laptop and charging cables — no Chromebooks or tablets Code editor and ability to download and install necessary tools Required software: * IDE such as VS Code * Node.js * curl

***Mountain Skills for Only €120 / course*** Ever wanted to learn the skills you need to become a competent navigator in the Irish mountains, the UK, the Alps or beyond! As a fully qualified mountain guide and course provider for Mountaineering Ireland and the UK, I run Mountain Skills which is a nationally accredited course and is delivered in an upland environment. Hiking in Ireland can be challenging not only because of its wilderness, but the island has very little sign posted hiking trails in the mountains or hills. In addition to this, as being an island in the Atlantic we experience the forces of nature; storms and weather events. In other words, Ireland is probably the best place in Europe to learn a new outdoor skill like Mountain Skills. The aim of this course is to help you learn the skills you need to get out hiking in the hills and mountains independently, safely and responsibly. You will learn how to navigate with confidence by any type of weather conditions. A Mountain Skills course is run over 2 days in an upland environment and covers: Map reading, map description, map scale, contour lines, land and ground features, navigation legs, simple navigation techniques, setting the map, the 5 D, estimation of direction & destination, grid reference, mountain hazards, hypothermia, mountain environment, timing, pacing, route planning, route card, emergency procedures, personal equipment, safe movement skills, river crossing and much more… Some level of fitness is essential in taking part in this course. Each course (MS1 / MS2) is a 20 hour syllabus which includes indoor and outdoor sessions and night navigation (MS2) **A course includes:** Maps and compass provided, tea breaks, course notes, 3 route cards, a free hiking day practice as part of a weekend. **For Only €100 for under 18 and students and €120 for adults.** Accommodations can be provided Feb 21-22 MS1 Comeragh, Co.Waterford Feb 26/March 01 - MS2 in Glenmalure, Co.Wicklow March 21-22 MS1 Glenmalure, Co.Wicklow March 28-29 MS2 Glenmalure, Co.Wicklow April 09-10 MS1 Glenmalure, Co. Wicklow For more information contact us at: [aeaccom@gmail.com](mailto:aeaccom@gmail.com) / +35387 9691193 Or go to: [www.mountainadventures74.com](http://www.mountainadventures74.com)

Join us at Mastercard’s Dublin Tech Hub for Discovering Post-Quantum Cryptography, an evening dedicated to exploring how quantum technologies are reshaping the foundations of trust, privacy, and secure communications. As quantum computing advances, today’s cryptographic standards face unprecedented challenges. This event, **brought to you by Mastercard in partnership with IBM**, will bring together experts working at the forefront of quantum‑safe security, post‑quantum cryptography, and quantum key distribution to unpack what’s coming and what organizations should do now. From understanding the real‑world impact of the quantum threat to learning how industry is preparing for a post‑quantum future, this session combines strategic insight with practical perspective. Whether you work in cybersecurity, payments, data science, engineering or are simply curious about how quantum will redefine digital trust, this event offers a unique opportunity to learn, connect, and engage with the future of cryptography. **Why attend?** * **Hear from quantum and cryptography experts**: Gain insight from specialists shaping post‑quantum standards, quantum‑safe systems, and real‑world security applications. * **Understand the quantum security challenge**: Explore how quantum computing threatens existing cryptographic models - and what “harvest now, decrypt later” means in practice. * **Discover Mastercard’s approach**: Learn how Mastercard is actively preparing for the quantum era through research, standards leadership, and industry collaboration. * **Connect with the quantum ecosystem**: Network with innovators, researchers, technologists, and security leaders working to make our digital economy quantum‑safe in Ireland and beyond. **Speakers:** **[Kerem Varici](https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerem-var%C4%B1c%C4%B1-93700379/) & [John Beric](https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-beric-54657092/) (Mastercard) – Preparing payments for a post-quantum world** Kerem and John bring together the foundations of post-quantum cryptography with the practical realities of EMV and payment card technology. This session bridges emerging PQC algorithms with what they could mean for chip-based payments, highlighting why the industry should be thinking about quantum readiness now. **[Jason Flood](https://www.linkedin.com/in/securityatibm/)** & **[Liher Elgezabal](https://www.linkedin.com/in/liherelgezabal/) (IBM) with Mastercard – IBM Quantum Safe proof of concept** Jason and Lihir will join Mastercard to present a live proof of concept using IBM Quantum Safe Explorer. This session demonstrates how organisations can begin assessing their quantum readiness today through code analysis that identifies cryptographic hygiene issues and highlights potential vulnerabilities as we move toward quantum-safe environments. **[Dr Hazel Murray](https://www.linkedin.com/in/hazel-ms-murray/) (Munster Technological University - Quantum Physics: Unlocking the next generation of security** Dr Hazel Murray will explore how quantum physics is transforming cybersecurity - from the potential to break today's encryption standards to enabling the next generation of quantum-safe security. Her session frames the scientific foundations behind the shift and why organisations must prepare now.

Join us for a lovely evening of music and song in a relaxed, supportive space. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, all levels of musicians and singers are very welcome. We are adding a few sing along songs to our Wednesdays session. You will still get the opportunity to sing as usual we are just adding some sing along songs to add something new to the session. see comment section below for the sing along song list. ​Performers: Space is limited to 10 performers to ensure everyone gets their time in the spotlight. Please secure your spot by booking through the app! ​Listeners: If performance spots are full, we’d still love for you to come along, listen, and soak up the atmosphere. It’s a wonderful way to build confidence and get a feel for the session. ​The Details: There is a small €2 kitty fee. As the venue hosts us for free, we kindly ask that you support the bar by purchasing a drink or two. ​A Note on Parking: The car park directly outside is convenient but strictly monitored, so please double-check the rates to avoid a €125 unclamping fee! For a stress-free evening, there are several other parking options within a 5-minute walk, including the Tesco car park (which is usually free after 6:30 PM, but do check the signs!).

***Mountain Skills for Only €120 / course*** Ever wanted to learn the skills you need to become a competent navigator in the Irish mountains, the UK, the Alps or beyond! As a fully qualified mountain guide and course provider for Mountaineering Ireland and the UK, I run Mountain Skills which is a nationally accredited course and is delivered in an upland environment. Hiking in Ireland can be challenging not only because of its wilderness, but the island has very little sign posted hiking trails in the mountains or hills. In addition to this, as being an island in the Atlantic we experience the forces of nature; storms and weather events. In other words, Ireland is probably the best place in Europe to learn a new outdoor skill like Mountain Skills. The aim of this course is to help you learn the skills you need to get out hiking in the hills and mountains independently, safely and responsibly. You will learn how to navigate with confidence by any type of weather conditions. A Mountain Skills course is run over 2 days in an upland environment and covers: Map reading, map description, map scale, contour lines, land and ground features, navigation legs, simple navigation techniques, setting the map, the 5 D, estimation of direction & destination, grid reference, mountain hazards, hypothermia, mountain environment, timing, pacing, route planning, route card, emergency procedures, personal equipment, safe movement skills, river crossing and much more… Some level of fitness is essential in taking part in this course. Each course (MS1 / MS2) is a 20 hour syllabus which includes indoor and outdoor sessions and night navigation (MS2) **A course includes:** Maps and compass provided, tea breaks, course notes, 3 route cards, a free hiking day practice as part of a weekend. **For Only €100 for under 18 and students and €120 for adults.** Accommodations can be provided Her are few additionnal dates: Jan 24-25 MS2 Glenmalure, Co.Wicklow Feb 11-12 MS1 Comeragh, Co.Waterford March 21-22 Glenmalure, Co. Wicklow March 28-29 Glenmalure, Co.Wicklow April MS1 18-19 Glenmalure, Co,Wickow For more information contact us at: [aeaccom@gmail.com](mailto:aeaccom@gmail.com) / +35387 9691193 Or go to: [www.mountainadventures74.com](http://www.mountainadventures74.com)

**Talk: Skill Estimation, Agents and the Condorcet Jury theorem.** The Condorcet Jury Theorem promises that groups are smarter than individuals — add more voices, get closer to the truth. But the theorem has a poison pill: it only works when people think independently. In this talk we'll use PyMC to build a Bayesian model that stress-tests collective decision-making, simulating how shared training, correlated thinking, and organisational "alignment" can quietly destroy the engine of collective intelligence. The results raise uncomfortable questions about what happens when everyone's reasoning runs through the same foundation model. If you're interested in Bayesian modelling, probabilistic programming, or just want a principled way to think about the epistemic cost of your AI toolchain, this one's for you. **Author:** Nathaniel Forde [[https://nathanielf.github.io/](https://nathanielf.github.io/)] [I'm an experienced Data-Scientist and Statistician working in tech in Dublin for \~ 10 years] ============================= **Talk: Learning MongoDB CRUD the Agentic Way: A Python Learning Coach in Your IDE.** Instead of another slide deck on CRUD, we’ll turn the MongoDB CRUD Operations Skill Badge into a live, IDE-based learning experience. You’ll see how to use agentskills.io to give a copilot agent concrete MongoDB teaching skills so it can coach you through queries, inserts, updates, and deletes right where you write your code. **Author**: [Manuel Fontan](https://www.linkedin.com/in/manuelfontan/) [I am a Staff Technologist on the Curriculum team at MongoDB. Previously I was a Senior Technical Services Engineer in the Core team at MongoDB. In between I worked as a database reliability engineer at Slack for a little over 2 years and then for Cognite until he re-joined MongoDB. With over 15 years experience in software development and distributed systems, I am naturally curious and hold a Telecommunications Engineering MSc from Vigo University (Spain) and a Free and Open Source Software MSc from Rey Juan Carlos University (Spain).] **=============================** **Lightning Talk:** 1. TBA **=============================** **Venue:** [Building 2 Number One Ballsbridge, Shelbourne Rd, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, D04 Y3X9](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x48670c275d061203:0x76f97274f33c1a41?sa=X&ved=1t:8290&ictx=111) Big thanks to our sponsor for this edition: [MongoDB](https://www.mongodb.com/careers/locations/dublin?jmp=blog)

Get over the mid week slump and come down to meet some new faces and relax. We try and go to a different bar every week and you can join us anytime after 18:30. **How to find the group?** \*We have an area reserved just for us so if you are new and unsure please ask any of the bar staff for the area reserved under the organisers name or if completely lost on the night please contact the event host and they'll come and find you. **How does it work?** \*After finding the group either the organiser will approach you and ask if you are looking for the meetup or you can just ask anyone "Is this the meetup?" and normally that is a great conversation opener to join the group. After that it's up to you what you make of the event. That is pretty much it. Easy right? We normally encourage people to stand as it's much easier to mingle that way. **Nervous about coming to the event?** \*While it's quite intimidating meeting a bunch of strangers from the internet we are a very welcoming group. We normally look out for new people and remember that everyone in the group has been new in the group at one point. If are you'd like extra help just contact the event host on the night. **Interested in helping out?** \*Let me (Éamonn) know as it would be greatly appreciated. **Something happened?** \*Please report it to the organiser as we cannot do anything to prevent it from happening again if we don't know about it. Even if it's something small please let the organiser know as they are probably unaware. We aim to have the location up by Monday afternoon before the event. The bars we go to are all based in the city centre. **See you on Wednesday!**

**Join us on March 12 for the next Stripe Dublin meetup. This is an in-person event for anyone building with Stripe. An evening focused on Stripe user experiences, product insights, best practices, and community.** 🍕🍺 **Perks** Food, drink provided! **🎫 Tickets** There is a hard limit for RSVP :) Wait list will be operating on Meetup. **📍Location** The event is hosted at Stripe's Dublin offices, Fitzwilton House, Wilton Pl, Dublin, 2 · Dublin, ie **🕚 Rough timings** * 6:30 pm - 7:00 pm: Doors open with refreshments * 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm: Talks and Q&A * 8:00 pm - 8:30 pm: Drinks, food, and networking **📣 Talks** 1\. Code for success with Stripe and Temporal \- **Simon Emms, Temporal** 2. **Anna Spysz Developer Advocate, Stripe** Don't miss this opportunity to connect with the Stripe community. [Stripe developer code of conduct.](https://stripe.com/legal/developer-code-of-conduct)

This is one of our performance sessions. Microphones, PA, Speakers and lights on a stage setting. These sessions give members the opportunity to perform in public, so you can bring along your friends and family to see you perform. There are limited performance spaces so the first 20 performers will get a slot on the night. Please note this is only open to members that attend our weekly Meetup sessions on a regular enough basis. Each performer should have 2 songs and an additional back up just in case we are running ahead of time on the night. I suggest you update the comment field with your song list so others can avoid duplication. We booked the room in The Halfway House, Ashtown, Navan Road. Admission is €7.00 pay at the door (Revolut accepted) on the night. Finger food will be served. The venue is serviced by bus and the Maynooth train.

Let’s enhance our curiosity and creativity in ourselves and others through Movement. In this event we will have easy exercises and games prepared for us to associate on life in a playful and fun way, and create choreographies with music. An Example of an Exercise: In small groups, we visualise a word with a 5 second gesture, followed by another person, who will associate on that gesture, and create their own. With music, the rhythm can influence the size, intensity and speed of your motion. The other exercises will be a surprise. We will explore ways to express emotions, thoughts, images and experiences, by creating a safe environment without judgement. Anyone is welcome to attend and no dance experience is required. **Location:** We are meeting at Studio 1 of The LAB. **Fees:** We ask a fee of €10 per person to help out with the costs of the asc group. Please pay the organizer at the event. We accept cash or revolut/paypal. Find out more about us/Support our Group here: [https://activesocialconnections.com/](https://activesocialconnections.com/)

Join this Improv workshop for an afternoon filled with fun! You don't need any acting/stage experience to join us. It is meant for beginners and improvers. **What we will do:** * Group exercises to warm up and feel safe playing * Play improvised scenes Each person has their own way of improvising, of playing characters, that are fun for an audience to watch and fun to play. Maybe the mind, with its judgment and fear, is now hiding this part of you. The goal of our workshops is to unlock that part of you by providing a safe environment and the tools to improvise. **About the venue:** We are meeting at The LAB, studio 1. NOTE: We ask a fee of 10€ per person to help pay for the room/costs of the asc group. Please pay the organizer after the event (cash, revolut or PayPal).

## **1 Million Cups Loudoun – March 11th Business Presentation** **Featuring Q Studio** **Wednesday \| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM** **Venture X Loudoun** Join us for an engaging and forward-thinking presentation as we welcome **Q Studio** to the 1 Million Cups Loudoun stage. *** ## **About the Business** Q Studio operates on the belief that **peak mental performance** is a state of optimal functioning — where individuals intentionally control their thoughts, understand their emotions, and respond with clarity and wisdom to opportunities and challenges. Through science-backed **Mind Skills**, Q Studio helps individuals strengthen focus, resilience, emotional regulation, and performance. Their digital platform, the **MyQStudio app**, provides unlimited access to micro-learning courses, personalized assessments, practical techniques, habit-building tools, progress tracking, and a supportive member community — all designed to build sustainable mental excellence. Beyond individual development, Q Studio partners with organizations to help teams integrate Mind Skills into everyday work. With customizable tools, reporting, and expert guidance, companies gain insight into how developing Mind Skills as a core competency drives engagement and performance at every level. *** ## **Target Markets** Q Studio serves: * Organizations seeking workforce upskilling * HR and talent development leaders * Corporate teams focused on engagement and performance * Businesses looking to strengthen leadership and team resilience *** ## **Current Business Focus & Barrier** As Q Studio continues to expand, they are seeking feedback around: * Hiring strategic personnel * Expanding market reach * Scaling sustainably * Strengthening positioning in B2B markets Insight from leaders who have scaled teams, grown SaaS or app-based platforms, or expanded into new markets would be especially valuable. *** ## **Why Attend?** * Learn how mental performance directly impacts workforce success * Offer insight to a growing, innovation-driven company * Connect with business leaders focused on growth and development * Be part of a collaborative, solutions-oriented conversation **About 1 Million Cups** 1 Million Cups is a national program that brings entrepreneurs and communities together to learn, connect, and grow through presentations and discussion. Loudoun’s chapter meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays each month. Join us for coffee, connection, and a powerful conversation about unlocking peak performance in individuals and organizations. We look forward to seeing you there.

Network with an average of 60+ business professionals, all attendees get an opportunity to give a 30 second elevator pitch, enjoy a light breakfast, 10 minute educational presentation on topics that change weekly, and enjoy networking before and after the meet up.

## **1 Million Cups Loudoun – March 11th Business Presentation** **Featuring CPR Lifeline** **Wednesday \| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM** **Venture X Loudoun** Join us for another impactful morning at 1 Million Cups Loudoun as we welcome **CPR Lifeline** to the stage. ## **About the Business** CPR Lifeline is dedicated to providing **Adult and Pediatric CPR, First Aid, and AED training** to individuals and organizations throughout the community. Their mission is simple yet powerful: equip people with the life-saving skills and confidence needed to respond in emergencies. They offer training for schools, workplaces, community organizations, and individuals — helping ensure more people are prepared when it matters most. ## **Who CPR Lifeline Is Looking to Hear From** They are especially eager to receive feedback from: * Schools (teachers, staff, administrators) * Parents, caregivers, and childcare professionals * Local businesses and community organizations * Workplaces requiring OSHA-compliant training * Public safety professionals * Members of the American Red Cross training network If you are connected to any of these groups, your insight could be incredibly valuable. ## **Current Business Focus & Barrier** CPR Lifeline’s biggest challenge right now is balancing **growth and marketing efforts** with day-to-day operations. As a small business, managing teaching, scheduling, administrative responsibilities, and outreach simultaneously makes scaling difficult. They are seeking feedback and ideas around: * Increasing visibility within the community * Building strategic partnerships * Streamlining operations * Expanding outreach to schools and organizations Additional support and collaboration could help them reach more individuals and organizations with life-saving training. ## **Why Attend?** * Learn about a business that directly impacts community safety * Provide meaningful feedback to help scale a mission-driven company * Connect with local educators, business leaders, and community partners * Be part of a solutions-focused entrepreneurial conversation **About 1 Million Cups** 1 Million Cups is a national program that brings entrepreneurs and communities together to learn, connect, and grow through presentations and discussion. Loudoun’s chapter meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays each month. Grab a cup of coffee and join us for a morning that could help strengthen both a local business and our community’s preparedness. We look forward to seeing you there.

Attendance is $35 (cash, credit/debit card, or ApplePay - paid at the door), which includes water/soda/coffee, bread, choice of a plated lunch entrée, and a dessert assortment. Parking is also validated in the Reston Station garages (3 hours of validation). Join one of Northern Virginia's most successful business networking groups (part of BNI). Open to the public and is typically attended by business owners, business developers, and entrepreneurs. Meetings are typically attended by 30-40 members and guests. \*\*\*PLEASE RSVP here: [REGISTER HERE](https://square.link/u/0WvC6Eir) \*\*\*If you do not register on the BNI website, there may not be a seat available for you.

## **1 Million Cups Loudoun – Resource Presentation** **Why Not Today? Build Systems That Support Your Growth** **Presented by Leslie Kane, Founder of Why Not Today?** **Wednesday March 25th \| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM** **Venture X Loudoun** Join us for a powerful resource presentation designed to help entrepreneurs move from scattered effort to sustainable momentum. *** ## **About the Session** Entrepreneurs rarely struggle because they lack ideas. They struggle because everything lives in their head. In this session, **Leslie Kane**, founder of **Why Not Today?**, will explore how developing intentional systems creates clarity, focus, and forward progress in business. Drawing from decades of leadership experience and working with hundreds of entrepreneurs, Leslie shares how structure reduces overwhelm, simplifies decision-making, and transforms inconsistent action into repeatable success. If you’re building a business and constantly feeling stretched thin, this conversation will challenge you to ask a powerful question: **Why not today?** *** ## **What You’ll Gain** * Insight into why systems are critical for growth * Practical perspective on turning ideas into structured action * A framework for reducing overwhelm * A mindset shift from reactive to intentional leadership This is not about adding more to your plate — it’s about building the foundation that allows your business to grow without burning you out. *** ## **About 1 Million Cups** 1 Million Cups is a national program that brings entrepreneurs and communities together to learn, connect, and grow through conversation and collaboration. Loudoun’s chapter meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays each month. Join us for coffee, connection, and a conversation that may completely change how you approach your business growth.

This popular and accomplished Toastmasters club (#4787) is open to everyone, with an average of 25 people per meeting, mainly business professionals from the Reston/Herndon area. Meetings are held on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Tuesdays of the month from 6pm to 7pm at Conference Room 1 on the ground floor of 1880 Campus Commons Dr, Reston, VA 20191 SOUTH ENTRANCE. Some of the group's members are accomplished professional speakers, while others are just starting down their path of improved public speaking, including many non-native English speakers. Whether you're just starting out and looking to improve your speaking or overcome some nervousness...or looking to gain connections and sharpen your skills, you'll feel connected with the members of Reston Town Center Toastmasters. Stop by. Check us out! Chances are you'll like us so much that you'll be back! For more information: http://towncentertoastmasters.toastmastersclubs.org/

Tally Ho Toastmasters meets regularly on the 1st and 3rd Monday each month. Our friendly club offers great opportunities to improve communication and leadership skills while providing excellent evaluations by the members. Learn more on our website at http://tallyho.toastmastersclubs.org/. Please, do not get discouraged by the number of members signed up on this MeetUp. Most of our active members do not use MeetUp to RSVP. We usually have around 10-15 members attending our meetings. Come check it out yourself!