Business Transformation

**Workshop: Life Turns: Find Your Center with Purpose and Self-Esteem** By Claudia Arena Brussels, 14 January 2026 Register here: https://www.imaginationclub.org/brussels/life_turns.php Life Turns. It happens. And what seemed "normal" now shakes. You change country, career, spouse, you have children, children leave home, somebody dies, someone new comes into your life, and so on. Whatever might happen, we know that in the middle of the hurricane, the centre is stable. What is your centre? What is that reassuring Northern Star that will bring you home, wherever you are? Using practical exercises based on polyvagal theory and art-therapy, we will explore how to recognise when you are aligned with your center and how to go back to it. During this workshop you can expect to: \* Learn/refresh some basic concepts of polyvagal theory. \* Have fun with colours, clay and art materials. \* Identify your Northern Star. \* Experience the feeling of being at peace in whatever situation you are. When Purpose is bigger than pain, your talent and values will allow you to proceed in your life with joy and meaning. About Claudia Arena Founder and owner of EPSILOC, Claudia facilitates art therapy and self-development through group workshops, team-building activities, and individual sessions. She uses various techniques, including autobiographical writing and clay and art materials. Her strength lies in the integration of rational and emotional approaches whhich are rooted in her Life experiences. These include a PhD in Physics; a Coaching and facilitation license; Arts of Fire – Ceramics; a C1 qualification; a Focusing facilitator's license; and an Art Therapy Practitioner certificate. She wrote her autobiography in 2019, as well as a Self-Esteem guide for school teachers. The title of her last book is “Life Turns. Find your center with the Earth”, where she guides the reader to use clay as a powerful tool for self-discovery and development. **Practical Information** When Wednesday, 14 January 2026 from 18h45-21h00 **Where?** Timesmore Boulevard St Michel 47, 1040 Brussels **How much?** €15 to cover expenses including materials, drinks, snacks, etc. - payable at the door. **Event web page** https://www.imaginationclub.org/brussels/life_turns.php **Please Share** If you feel your friends, family and/or colleagues may be interested in this workshop, please share it with them. The Imagination Club relies on new participants to cover our operational costs and maintain a diverse, perceptive and intelligent audience (in other words, people like you) for our events. **Might you be interested to give a workshop at the Imagination Club?** Whether you are a complete beginner or a seasoned professional, you are welcome to try out your workshop ideas at the club. We have dates available for this spring and summer

*Originally scheduled for November 25, 2025 — postponed due to national strike* **REGISTRATION IS COMPULSARY [HERE](https://www.science-by-trianon.com/event-details/security-through-environmental-social-and-economic-sustainability)** **Stop pretending sustainability and security are separate conversations. They never were.** Here's the uncomfortable truth most security establishments refuse to acknowledge: Environmental degradation, social inequality, and economic instability aren't peripheral "soft issues", they're direct threat multipliers that undermine both national and international stability. While defense ministries obsess over conventional threats, the real security challenges are already here: climate-induced state failure, resource wars masquerading as territorial disputes, and social fragmentation that external powers exploit like a geopolitical cheat code. This panel brings together people who actually work at these intersections, defense strategists, environmental policy experts, economists, and social governance specialists, to do what should have been done decades ago: integrate sustainability into security doctrine, not as a nice-to-have, but as strategic necessity. ### Why this actually matters (And why now) The scramble for critical minerals essential to the green transition, lithium, cobalt, rare earths, is creating new spheres of influence and dependencies. Control over sustainable technologies and resources is becoming as strategically significant as fossil fuel dominance was in the 20th century. Yet most security frameworks still treat this as "environmental policy." Meanwhile: Rising seas are redrawing maritime boundaries and creating stateless climate refugees at unprecedented scales. Climate impacts are forcing geopolitical realignments, from small island states forming new coalitions to food exporters gaining leverage, to climate-induced state failure creating power vacuums that major powers vie to fill. The question isn't whether sustainability matters for geopolitics. It's who will shape the rules of this new geopolitical order, and whether cooperation or competition will define the transition. (Spoiler: current trends suggest the latter, which is precisely why we need different thinking.) ### What we're actually discussing **Geopolitical competition & Resource control** How control over renewable energy supply chains, Arctic resources amid ice melt, and transboundary water basins is reshaping strategic competition. Because apparently we learned nothing from oil-driven conflicts and are determined to repeat the pattern with green tech. **The new energy geopolitics** The transition away from fossil fuels is fundamentally restructuring global power relationships. Petrostates face existential challenges while nations controlling green technology and manufacturing capacity gain strategic advantage. We're watching the greatest power shift since industrialization, and most security establishments are cosplaying like it's still 1985. **Climate change as a geopolitical disruptor** Maritime boundaries, climate refugees, and state failure. This isn't theoretical, it's happening now. **Environmental security as national security** The nexus between climate change, resource scarcity, and conflict, water stress, climate-induced migration, food security disruptions, and extreme weather impacts on critical infrastructure. The stuff that actually destabilizes regions while we debate missile counts. **Social cohesion & Stability** How inequality, lack of access to services, and social fragmentation create conditions for instability, extremism, and state fragility—with particular attention to how external powers exploit social divisions for geopolitical advantage. Because nothing says "national security threat" like a population with nothing to lose. **Economic resilience & Security** The relationship between economic sustainability, supply chain vulnerabilities, and strategic autonomy, examining how economic disparities and unsustainable development models generate security risks. Turns out you can't bomb your way out of economic dependency. **Breaking Institutional Silos** Practical approaches to integrate sustainability considerations into defense planning, foreign policy, and security frameworks—and conversely, to integrate security thinking into environmental and development policy. Revolutionary concept: maybe different government departments should talk to each other. ### Who's Speaking **Hélène de Rengervé** \- Business & Human Rights Advocate\, Forced Labour expert\, currently Senior EU Corporate Accountability Advocate at Human Rights Watch\. She led the advocacy that resulted in the EU's Forced Labour Regulation and Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive\. **Serge Stroobants** \- Director Europe & MENA at the Institute for Economics and Peace\. Former Belgian military officer with 25 years operational experience\, now focuses on political science\, international relations\, security and defense\, global risk analysis\, and crisis management\. **Two additional speakers TBD** \- Because we're selective about who gets to challenge the status quo on this stage\. ### The Bottom Line Nations that fail to integrate sustainability into their security doctrine will find themselves strategically disadvantaged. Those that control clean energy technologies, critical minerals, and sustainable food systems are emerging as the new power brokers. This event aims to foster cross-sectoral dialogue, develop integrated policy frameworks, and build coalitions that can translate the sustainability-security nexus from concept to operational reality. Because good intentions and conference declarations have gotten us precisely nowhere. Time to stop treating security and sustainability as competing priorities and start recognizing that in 2025, they're the same damn thing. **REGISTRATION IS COMPULSARY [HERE](https://www.science-by-trianon.com/event-details/security-through-environmental-social-and-economic-sustainability)**

For those unfamiliar with LeanCoffee: it's a moderated discussion format where we talk about the topics that get voted on by the participants. This makes for varying topics. Overall, Lean Coffee provides a flexible and democratic way for groups to engage in meaningful conversation. We try to start at 19:30 with an intro round and start gathering topics you want to talk about straight after. Coming late is ok, but just know that you typically won't have a say in what gets talked about. When you come for the first time, you’ll usually find the host, Nicky, there early, with a Lean Coffee sign on the table — and often in the company of two dogs.

Dear Folks, Ready for real conversations and genuine connections? Join us for an intimate **BFF** **Speed Dating evening** designed for people who value **quality conversations over quick judgments**. **Program Overview** **19:00 Welcome & Warm-Up** **Group Ice-Breaking Session** Duration: **25–30 minutes** * Participants are divided into **small groups of 4–6 people** * Each round lasts **5 minutes** * **5 rounds** in total * Everyone briefly introduces themselves (name + a few fun prompts) *** **19:30 One-to-One Friend Speed Dating** **BFF Speed Conversations** Duration: **45–60 minutes** * Format: **1-to-1 conversations** * Each conversation lasts **3 minutes** * **15 rounds** * Participants rotate after each round *** **20:30 Connection Recall & Matching** **Friend Match Selection (5 minutes)** * Participants take a few minutes to reflect * Each person writes down: * Their **own name** * The **names or numbers** of people they would like to connect with as friends * Notes are collected by the host After the event, **The host will match people only when the interest is mutual** and introduce them afterward. *** **20:40 Free Networking & Hang-Out Time** **Open Social Time** * Casual conversations * Reconnecting with people you liked * Drinks, laughter, and free-flow interactions *** **22:00 Event Ends** P.S. Please come 10 minutes in advance, to order your drinks. Let's make the first move together! ❤️❤️❤️ Looking forward to seeing you guys! Yifei

### **O’DANCE FIESTA — WEDNESDAYS IN BRUSSELS** **Bring the sunshine to your week!** ***Salsa – Bachata – Kizomba*** Meet, dance, connect & make new friends 📍 Rue Montoyer 1, 1000 Brussels **EVERY WEDNESDAY** ⏰ **6:30 PM** – Welcome + Salsa mini demo **7:00 PM** – Salsa Beginners **8:00 PM** – Salsa Intermediate **9:00 PM** – Practica & SBK Dance Social – FREE Entry INSTA: [O'dance_events](https://www.instagram.com/odance_events?igsh=MXg5eXE4d3g1bXdjMw==) PHONE :0499/891868 No partner? No problem! Warm, fun & international vibe Join the O’Dance energy and dance your heart out! ### **O’DANCE FIESTA — TOUS LES MERCREDIS À BRUXELLES** **Faites entrer le soleil dans votre semaine !** ***Salsa – Bachata – Kizomba*** Dansez, rencontrez, connectez et créez de nouvelles amitiés 📍 Rue Montoyer 1, 1000 Bruxelles **TOUS LES MERCREDIS** ⏰ **18h30** – Accueil **19h00** – Cours de Salsa débutants **20h00** – Cours de Salsa intermédiaires **21h00** – Practika & SBK Social (ENTREE GRATUITE) INSTA: [O'dance_events](https://www.instagram.com/odance_events?igsh=MXg5eXE4d3g1bXdjMw==) PHONE :0499/891868 Pas de partenaire ? Pas de souci ! Une ambiance chaleureuse, fun et internationale Rejoignez l’énergie O’Dance et dansez à fond !

✨ Meet new people in Brussels in a friendly, international atmosphere 🍻 Easy socializing, no awkward networking 🌍 Internationals, expats & locals welcome 👨‍👩‍👧‍👧 Over 10,000 members overall in our Brussels community 😀 Our events usually attract 20–40 attendees 💪 Organized weekly since early 2025 🩷 Safe, respectful environment, and zero tolerance for any harassment! The organizer is always present all evening in case of problems. **.** Looking to meet new people and expand your social circle in Brussels, as well as your network of professional contacts? Join us **every Friday evening anytime from 18:30** **and until at least 23h** **at** **“VESTER”** **bar**, in the heart of the famous Place du Luxembourg in front of the European Parliament, for a fun, relaxed night of **drinks, conversations, and great vibes**! 💛 . 📍 **Location**: “VESTER bar”, Pl. du Luxembourg 13, 1050 Ixelles 📌 **Google Maps**: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/fXLjLUyJefnTs3Ep9](https://maps.app.goo.gl/fXLjLUyJefnTs3Ep9) **🌐 Website of the venue**: [https://vester-bar.be/en/](https://vester-bar.be/en/) . ✨ **Why you’ll love it**: ✅ **Everyone is welcome**, even if you don’t know anyone else yet—expats, locals, newcomers, solo adventurers, or groups! ✅ Completely **free to attend**—just grab a drink and join the fun! Please ask the bartenders when you arrive if unsure where to find our meetup group and tables ✅ Possibility to make also useful **professional exchanges and networking** with other participants who work in similar domains, so remember to bring also your business card! ✅ Tons of **indoor and outdoor space available**—the square in front of the bar is quite pedestrian-friendly, and we have a private large room reserved entirely for the Meetup participants at the back of the bar! ✅ Possibility to have **dinner at the brasserie** during the meetup, thanks to its comprehensive selection of dishes available in the menu: [https://vester-bar.be/en/pdfviewer/menu-2024-03/](https://vester-bar.be/en/pdfviewer/menu-2024-03/) ✅ **Want to keep the night going?** After the meetup, we often continue as a group to explore nightlife hotspots in the city center. . 💬 **Stay connected with our Community**: ▶️ Join our **Facebook/Messenger chat** to get updates and easily find the group on arrival:[ ](https://m.me/ch/Abaqvj9lxNT3_xh7/)[https://m.me/ch/AbaV86vk4SHop_eD/](https://m.me/ch/AbaV86vk4SHop_eD/) ▶️ Otherwise, if you prefer to use **WhatsApp**, please join this other group: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/FMjWrr9wCR7JYsudMD6XV0](https://chat.whatsapp.com/FMjWrr9wCR7JYsudMD6XV0) ▶️ And don’t forget to join our **EuroMeet Facebook group** for many more social events in Brussels:[ https://www.facebook.com/groups/euromeet](https://www.facebook.com/groups/euromeet) ▶️ Finally, we also manage a **professional networking group on LinkedIn** as well, for more easily retrieving each other's LinkedIn profiles and identifying people who also work in similar domains: [https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13194613/](https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13194613/) . Come alone or bring a friend—either way, you’ll leave with **new friends, great memories, and maybe even some ideas on how to develop further your professional career!** See you this Friday! 🍻✨😀 . 📧 Got questions? Reach out to the **organizer**: **[gabriele.mogni@gmail.com](mailto:gabriele.mogni@gmail.com)** . 👉 Please **RSVP on Meetup** if you would like to attend our next event, so that we can plan accordingly. . *** **#BrusselsMeetup #ExpatsInBrussels #BrusselsSocialLife #BrusselsEvents #FridayVibes #EuroMeet #SocialInBrussels #BrusselsNightlife #MakeNewFriends #MeetupBrussels #SchumanAfterWork #WeekendVibes**

Ben je het beu om moeilijke systemen en meerdere apps te gebruiken om je bedrijf te runnen? Vereenvoudig het volledige process dankzij Odoo, de all-in-one geïntegreerde software! 💯 Neem deel in **Antwerpen** op **15 januari 2026** an een uniek evenement, dat een live demonstratie en een vraag- en antwoordsessie combineert en afgesloten wordt met een relaxte netwerksessie.📍 Registreer voor ons gratis event om een ticket te bemachtigen. 📋 https://www.odoo.com/r/NBp

Making new friends in a new city doesn’t need to be a struggle at all.

Shake off the workday and train with a welcoming crew of internationals and Brussels professionals. This is a **co-hosted session with F45 Brussels**—fast, fun, and coached circuit training that fits perfectly after work. **Why join?** * **Community vibe:** Friendly, social, in English. * **All levels welcome:** Coaches demo every move with **easier/harder options**. * **Time-smart:** 45 minutes, full-body, high energy, great music. * **Accountability:** Come with the group, leave with endorphins. **What we’ll do** 1. Quick intro & warm-up 2. **F45 functional circuits** (intervals that mix strength + cardio) 3. Team finisher & cool down 4. Optional post workout social drink/rooftop bowling nearby (meet new people, not just new burpees 😉) **Good to know** * **When:** Thursday, **6:30 PM start** (arrive 6:15 to check in) * **Where:** **F45 Brussels** (Brussels Central Station) Galeries Ravenstein * **Bring:** Clean trainers, towel, water bottle * **Fitness level:** Beginner to advanced (scalable stations) * **Capacity:** Limited spots — **RSVP required** * **Price:** Free weekly tryout **Who this is for** * New in Brussels and want a **friendly fitness + social** routine * Busy professional looking for a **structured, coached** workout * Sunday Vacations regulars who want to stay fit for hikes & trips **About F45** F45 = **Functional 45-minute training**: coach-led, station-based, results-driven. Expect variety, technique tips, and a positive team atmosphere. See you on the floor at 6:30! 💪🏽✨ By joining this event, you agree to the Sunday Vacations [Terms & Conditions](https://www.sundayvacations.com/terms), [Privacy Policy](https://www.sundayvacations.com/privacy) & [Code of Conduct](https://www.sundayvacations.com/code)

Did you know, fear of public speaking inhibits promotion to management by 15% and cuts salaries by 10% ? Overcome your fear and learn valuable leadership skills at our next meeting on Thursday 15th January 2025 at 7pm . There will be a special New Year's Back-to-Work Resolutions meeting geared towards new members and first time guests. Everyone welcome! Claddagh Toastmasters normally meet on the first and third Thursday of the month. But due the Christmas & New Year holidays this year, they did not meet 1st January and have back to work meeting on Thursday 15 nth January. Claddagh Toastmasters will also meet exceptionally on Thursday 29th January the 5th Thursday of the month. Claddagh Toastmaster Members are now able to participate in the international educational programme called Pathways tailormade to meet the needs of the member. Members and Guests will have an opportunity to learn more about this exciting public speaking and leadership programme. Admission Free. Where else would you get an innovative training programme with all the options below like this in Brussels?? Motivational Strategies Presentation Mastery 1. Leadership Development 2. Innovative Planning 3. Visionary Communication 4. Strategic Relationships 5. Dynamic Leadership 6. Persuasive Influence 7. Effective Coaching 8. Team Collaboration http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/f/2/event_79322802.jpeg You are invited to Claddagh Toastmasters, guests are most welcome and bring a friend if you wish. Admission Free. We meet on Thursday15 th, January 2025 at 7:00 PM . Welcome coffee at 6.45pm Co-working & Meeting Rooms Centre, The Mug Rue Charles Martel 8, Brussels 1000, (Near Schuman(Berlaymont exit) & Maelbeek Metro stops) Known as ´The Mug´. It is one minute´s walk from the Meeting Point Pub & restaurant on Rue Taciturne) CLADDAGH ENGLISH/IRISH TOASTMASTERS CLUB OF BRUSSELS TOASTMASTER AN CHLADAIGH – CLUB DÁTHEANGACH NA BRUISÉILE Claddagh Toastmasters helps you to develop your skills in public speaking, planning, leadership training, and managing your time. They aim is to provide a fun and social environment in which to practice your skills. Please let them know you are coming by reserving your place to claddagh.toastmasters(at)gmail.com. Claddagh Toastmasters are a club with an Irish Flair with a membership from about ten different nationalities. English is mainly spoken at the meeting but there is an opportunity for Irish speakers to speak in Irish (second oldest spoken language in Europe). You are most welcome to join us as a guest for this 'demonstration meeting' at no cost to see how the club works. Guests will be be asked for a short introduction at the start of the meeting and for their feedback at the end of the meeting. During the meeting there is a coffee break where you can network and discuss the training programme with members. You will also be invited to make a small contribution towards the cost of the teas,coffees and cookies. Come and experience it for yourself! The ultimate objective of the meeting is to emphasise how communication and planning can play an important role in the home and work place and how Toastmasters is an ideal organisation to serve all generations to help you plan and enjoy an active life. Last thing (finally !!!): the first part of the meeting will be held as usual with Table Topics and impromptu speeches and second part consists of prepared speeches given by members in accordance with set objectives followed by evaluations to improve .There is no obligation for guests to speak unless they agree to do so. Afterwards guests can decide if you want to become a member or come back again for a second meeting as a guest. email: claddagh.toastmasters(at)gmail.com, to confirm your place. Claddagh Toastmasters meet at the Co-working & Meeting Rooms Centre, Rue Charles Martel 8, Brussels 1000, on the first and third Thursday of the month. Welcome coffee. Meeting starts at 7pm sharp. You ring the designated Toastmasters bell to gain entry. They then go a local pub afterwards for a social and networking drink......this is optional... http://www.toastmasters.org

To begin the year, we would be pleased to welcome you to a **special evening of meditation**, offering a quiet opportunity to come together and reflect on inner calm and well-being. We invite you to a meditation evening - a gentle, peaceful experience to help you slow down, find stillness and reconnect with inner calm. **[Visit our website for further information](https://www.brahmakumaris.be/brussels)**

Booking link [here](https://www.billetweb.fr/yin-yoga-et-sons-sacres1)[ ](https://www.billetweb.fr/yin-yoga-et-sons-sacres2)lien de réservation[ ici](https://www.billetweb.fr/yin-yoga-et-sons-sacres1) **Tatiana et Claudio ( Nirmal Karam) vous invitent à une session vibratoire spéciale :** **✨ TRANSITIONS ✨** Une expérience pour démarrer la nouvelle année *de bon pied*, élever votre taux vibratoire et ancrer vos résolutions dans le corps et l’énergie 🙏🌟 Un atelier unique où la profondeur du **Yin Yoga** rencontre la puissance des **sons sacrés**. Les postures de Yin Yoga, tenues plusieurs minutes, stimulent la circulation de l’énergie dans les méridiens, soutiennent les organes et favorisent un relâchement profond du système nerveux. Chaque posture est accompagnée d’une immersion sonore complète : **gongs, bols alchimiques, harpe de cristal, flûte chamanique** et autres instruments vibratoires. Cette alchimie crée un espace thérapeutique unique, mêlant relaxation profonde, méditation guidée et voyage sonore. Un moment de transition, d’intégration et de réalignement — accessible à toutes et à tous, **sans aucun prérequis**. **INFOS PRATIQUES** 📅 **Vendredi 16/01** ⏰ **18h00 – 20h00** 📍 **@yogalavalle** 💶 **Prix : 40 €** 🔗 **Réservations** : https://www.billetweb.fr/yin-yoga-et-sons-sacres1 💫 **Acompte** : 10 € à régler à l’inscription 💫 **Solde** : en espèces à l’entrée *** ### **Tatiana and Claudio invite you to a special vibrational session:** **✨ TRANSITIONS ✨** An immersive experience to start the new year grounded, raise your vibrational frequency, and anchor your intentions with clarity and presence 🙏🌟 A unique workshop where the depth of **Yin Yoga** meets the power of **sacred sound**. Yin Yoga postures are held for several minutes, gently stimulating the meridian system, supporting the organs, and encouraging deep release and nervous system regulation. Each posture is accompanied by a rich sound immersion featuring **gongs, alchemical singing bowls, crystal harp, shamanic flute**, and other vibrational instruments. This combination creates a unique therapeutic space blending sound alchemy, deep relaxation, and accessible meditation. A moment of transition, integration, and realignment — **open to everyone**, with no prior experience required. **PRACTICAL INFO** 📅 **Friday 16/01** ⏰ **6:00 PM – 8:00 PM** 📍 **@yogalavalle** 💶 **Price: €40** 🔗 **Bookings**: https://www.billetweb.fr/yin-yoga-et-sons-sacres1 💫 **Deposit**: €10 upon registration 💫 **Balance**: cash payment at the entrance

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 – January 14 Business Presentation** **Featuring Eric Wojtkun of Focal Point Coaching** **Wednesday\, January 14 \| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM** **Venture X Loudoun – Ashburn** Join us for our **January 14th 1 Million Cups Loudoun** meeting as we welcome **Eric Wojtkun**, founder of **Focal Point Coaching**, for a powerful conversation on leadership, resilience, and preparing businesses to thrive before challenges arise. **About the Presenter** Eric brings a rare and compelling background to entrepreneurship. An **Army BRAT, Army Veteran, and FBI Agent**, Eric has lived in 17 places, served two overseas deployments (Bosnia and Kosovo), and worked across nearly every major FBI discipline — from violent and white-collar crime to cyber, counterintelligence, crisis response, and national security. After decades of leadership in high-stakes environments, Eric launched **Focal Point Coaching** to focus on what mattered most to him throughout his career: **helping people and organizations build resilience in the face of change and adversity**. Through executive coaching and team development, Eric helps leaders move from survival mode into what he calls **“BEAST mode”** — prepared, confident, and proactive. His exclusive resilience-focused coaching framework supports leadership, teams, processes, culture, and cyber readiness before a crisis occurs. **Where Eric Is Seeking Community Feedback** * How do you effectively market **resilience preparation** *before* a critical incident occurs? * What helps leaders and business owners clearly understand the **ROI of resilience coaching**? * How can resilience training be integrated into the flow of **normal business operations**? * What motivates leaders to prepare mentally and emotionally for the inevitable challenges of business? **Who Should Attend** Eric is especially eager to connect with: * Small to mid-sized business owners in the **hospitality industry** * Leaders responsible for teams, culture, and operations * Entrepreneurs experienced in scaling service-based businesses * Anyone interested in leadership, preparedness, and sustainable growth Come ready to listen, learn, and offer meaningful insight to support a founder building something impactful. ### What Is 1 Million Cups? 1 Million Cups is a national program powered by the Kauffman Foundation that brings together entrepreneurs and community members for weekly conversations that educate, support, and inspire. Loudoun’s chapter meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month. Join us on **January 14 at 9:00 AM** for coffee, connection, and a meaningful conversation about reimagining after-school education in Loudoun County. **We look forward to seeing you there.**

A weekly networking meeting where we have a lot of fun and of course, meet other busy professionals!

## **1 Million Cups Loudoun Workshop: How AI Can Work for Your Business** **Wednesday\, January 28 \| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM** **Venture X Loudoun – Ashburn** Artificial Intelligence is no longer just a buzzword — it’s a practical tool that businesses of all sizes can begin using today. Join **1 Million Cups Loudoun** for a special **workshop-style presentation** led by **Victor Meer of AI Prime** and **Jay Jay Billings of Band Gap AI**, designed to help entrepreneurs understand how AI can realistically support their business operations. This workshop will provide: * A clear, practical overview of what AI actually is * Real-world examples of how businesses are using AI today * Insight into where automation can save time and reduce friction * Guidance on how to start leveraging AI without needing technical expertise Whether you’re AI-curious, overwhelmed by the noise, or ready to explore automation in your business, this session will help you think clearly about where AI fits — and where it doesn’t. As always, coffee, conversation, and community are at the heart of 1 Million Cups Loudoun. ### What Is 1 Million Cups? 1 Million Cups is a national program powered by the Kauffman Foundation that brings together entrepreneurs and community members for weekly conversations that educate, support, and inspire. Loudoun’s chapter meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month. Join us on **January 14 at 9:00 AM** for coffee, connection, and a meaningful conversation about reimagining after-school education in Loudoun County. **We look forward to seeing you there.**

Small business Owners who do business through referrals and community. Come visit our chapter to see how help each other expand our business and maximize our time. Our group has over 30 members from different backgrounds! We meet every Wednesday morning, network, and share great ideas! We are looking for a few more like-minded business professionals to grow our group! Come visit our chapter and see if we are fit! Breakfast and drinks are provided at $30. Location: Seva Spaces Tysons 1604 Spring Hill Rd 2nd floor, Vienna, VA 22182

## 💻 Reimagine Your Second Half of Life – AI Vision Board Workshop (Ashburn) **Saturday\, January 17\, 2026 \| 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM \| $35** *** ### 🔔 **Important Event Format Notice** To keep this workshop intentional and high-quality: • **5+ participants** → Hosted at a rented facility • **Under 5 participants** → **Private small-group workshop** ✨ *Workshop content, duration, and outcomes remain the same.* *** ## ☀️ **Design What Comes Next** ✨ **A Different Kind of Experience** 👉 **Most people don’t expect this to feel so personal.** The AI doesn’t just generate ideas — it reflects your own thinking back to you in a way that creates real clarity. 👉 **Even people who already use ChatGPT are often pleasantly caught off guard.** When paired with the right prompts and guided reflection, the insights go much deeper than typical goal-setting or vision work. 👉 **There’s often a quiet “oh wow” moment.** Not because it’s flashy — but because something finally clicks into place. You’ve lived enough life to know that success isn’t about doing more — it’s about doing what matters. ### 3-Part Session **1️⃣ Discover & Design** Learn simple AI tools and a practical framework to clarify your 2026 vision and priorities. **2️⃣ Create & Collaborate** Design your personalized AI-powered vision board with guided prompts and small-group reflection. **☕ Short Refreshment Break** Coffee and curated snacks to reset and recharge. **3️⃣ Align & Act** Map your next 3, 6, and 12 months with realistic action steps — individually or with group support. You’ll also learn how to: * Use ChatGPT to clarify goals and affirmations * Turn ideas into effective AI prompts * Create a digital or printable vision board that inspires action * Stay intentional and motivated throughout the year 👉 No AI experience necessary — just bring curiosity, a laptop, and an open mind. *** ## 💻 What to Bring * **Laptop required** (AI tools don’t work well on tablets) * ChatGPT account (free version is fine) 👉 Please set this up before the event. Message me after you RSVP if you need help. *** ## ☕ What’s Included * Guided AI Vision Board workshop (full experience) * Coffee and curated snacks * Small-group collaboration and discussion * All digital tools, prompts, and resources *** ## 💬 Who This Is For * Professionals planning a strong 2026 * Entrepreneurs mapping their next chapter * Anyone navigating life transitions — career, relationships, reinvention * People curious about AI but unsure where to start * Anyone who enjoys learning, connecting, and gaining clarity This community is about learning while having fun — no jargon, no pressure, just real conversation and clarity that lasts. *** ## 📍 Final Details 📍 **Location:** Ashburn area (final location shared after RSVP) 💵 **Fee:** $35 per person 🕐 **Time:** 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM 👩‍💻 **Bring:** Laptop + ChatGPT account ready *** 🔗 **RSVP early — space is intentionally limited.** Come reimagine your second half of life — with a little help from AI and a lot of inspiration 🌟 🌐 Explore more at: [https://midlifereinvention.co](https://midlifereinvention.co)

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.