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Meet with local IT security professionals who have the CISSP certification or who are seeking to become CISSP certified. Meet, discuss happenings in the industry, socialize, and network.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Check out cissp events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.

Discover all the cissp events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.

Absolutely! Find cissp events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.

CISSP Events Today

Join in-person CISSP events happening right now

Doubles Volleyball, BB+ Level @ Bluemont
Doubles Volleyball, BB+ Level @ Bluemont
Let's get together to play some fun BB level Double games at Bluemont. **Format**: Doubles **COST**: FREE **Court Type**: Outdoor grass **Minimum Skill Requirements**: Intermediate-BB (click [here](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/mobilebasic) for details) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Smiley Social documents:** 1. [Group Rules ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HrG35p_0M08leRvCp8XWG3CMkr_GL928XFabl5T6Dvg) 1. [Liability Waiver ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1W2mq-7m99lmvd7gdWYaSUFtvVg4UGnzV6koafAbHmco) 1. [Volleyball Levels](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/)
Secrets to Meditation: An Introduction to the Happiness Program
Secrets to Meditation: An Introduction to the Happiness Program
Discover the power of your breath to manage your mind and experience instant peace & calm. Join a 60-minute free Workshop and get a glimpse of the Sudarshan KriyaTM- The breathing technique that is revolutionizing the lives of millions. What you’ll discover at ‘Beyond Breath’ ✔ A taste of the Sudarshan KriyaTM, a breathing technique taught in the Happiness Program ✔ An instant energy booster that awakens & relaxes your mind - Take it home and practice daily! ✔ The peace & calm of a unique guided meditation ✔ Secret keys to manage your mind ✔ The power of surrounding yourself with positive, like-minded people. You can use your breath to master your thoughts and emotions - the key to managing the quality of your day. The Happiness Program At the end of this workshop you may enroll into the Happiness Program (3 days, 3 hours each day) to learn the Sudarshan KriyaTM, a science-backed, rhythmic breathing technique through which you can: Tap into a reservoir of energy and use it as you please! Relieve deep-rooted stresses and anxieties Uplevel your productivity Overcome emotional blocks, move on from past events and shed limiting beliefs Heal your body & gain power over your mind Experience the true state of meditation Learn more about the Happiness Program & the Sudarshan KriyaTM in our introductory workshop 'Secrets to Meditation'. register: http://aolf.live/introSKY
Salsa Dance Lesson Silver Spring, Intermediate level
Salsa Dance Lesson Silver Spring, Intermediate level
**AM Salsa Silver Spring is offering intermediate Salsa Dance Lesson on Tuesday** **Salsa Dance intermediate Moves, Styling and Rueda** **Objective: Introduce more intermediate salsa dance elements for dancers who are ready to take their skills to the next level.** **Prior dance trainings/experiences are required!!** **NO PARTNER IS REQUIRED!!** 
**
What to Expect:
• This one and half hours/class Salsa lessons will be Focusing on moves, technique, and styling. This series will jump your dance skill to the next level!** 
**
Details:
**
 **• Where: Maryland Youth Ballet 926 Ellsworth Dr. Silver Spring, MD 20910
**
 **•When: Tuesday May 12 , 19, and 26 from 7:30 pm -9pm
**
 **• Cost: $20 a class/48 for 3 weeks of the 1.5 hours of instructions and practice** 
**
Payment Options:** **• Cash or Card at the venue** **• PayPal/Cash App/Zelle: 301-675-4565** **Parking nearby Options:
921 Wayne Ave Silver Spring, MD 20910** **Have Questions or Need More Information?
Feel free to reach out to us:** 
**
• Email: amsalsadance@gmail.com
• Phone: 301-675-4565
• Website: www.amsalsa.com** 
**
Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to embark and elevate your Salsa dancing skills!**
Silver Spring Peer Support Meeting
Silver Spring Peer Support Meeting
In-Person Psychedelic Peer Support Integration Circle
In-Person Psychedelic Peer Support Integration Circle
**Please join the Montgomery County Psychedelic Society for our monthly in-person psychedelic peer support.** This group is for those who have already had experiences with psychedelics and are looking to explore, understand, and learn from those experiences in a safe, welcoming space. Psychedelic integration is a way of turning the insights and experiences we have when we use psychedelics into lasting behavior and lifestyle changes. It’s a process of becoming whole, moving from altered states to altered traits. A psychedelic peer support meeting is a place where people take turns listening to and sharing their experiences, thoughts, and feelings relating to psychedelic integration. **Cost** Free **Location** * We meet in a private home in Bethesda, MD. * Street parking available * The primary bus routes servicing the intersection of Greentree Rd & Bradmoor Dr in Bethesda, MD, are the Montgomery County Ride On Route 30 (Bethesda Metro ↔ Medical Center Metro) and Ride On Route 47 (\~5–7 min walk) **This group may be right for you if you:** * Have past experience using psychedelics * Want to talk through your psychedelic experiences openly with supportive people * Seek additional strategies for continuing your integration process * Wish to support others in their personal growth within an inclusive and judgment-free space **This group may NOT be right for you if you:** * Hope that attending might replace your need for professional treatment of any mental health problems you might have * Are looking for group psychotherapy, medical care, or psychiatric treatment or advice * Had a challenging experience with psychedelics that continues to cause you distress * Want to find out where to access illegal substances or guides or practitioners working “underground.” **How it Works** Here are a few things to know about how our peer psychedelic integration group works: * Tea, water, and snacks will be provided * Please plan to attend the entire event. * Late arrivals and early departures disrupt the safety of our space. Doors will close shortly after 7 pm * There is a 15-person limit for this event so everyone has a chance to speak and be heard. * You must register via our MeetUp page. **Our Expectations of all Participants** To help keep our time together focused, meaningful, and safe for everyone, we ask that you abide by these expectations: * We treat everyone in our circle with courtesy, compassion, and respect, regardless of age, ability, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity. * We do not encourage or condone any illegal activities, the purchase, sale, transfer, or use of any illegal substances, or partaking in any unlawful activities related to illegal substances. For those who choose to partake, we encourage safety and awareness from a harm-reduction perspective. * We do not use illegal substances during our meetings. * Please do not use the group for references to ceremonies or where/how to find illegal substances, online and/or in person. * Do not bring, buy, sell, transfer, or arrive under the influence of any illegal substances, or swap information on how to acquire them through the group, online, and/or in person. * Anyone who disregards these basic requests will be asked to leave the group and not be permitted to return. Thank you for respecting the safety of the space we are co-creating. **Finally** * *We ask that you not show up without registering.* * Attending these meetings does not create a treatment relationship. Any attendees requiring medical or psychiatric treatment will be offered referrals to professional care. * If you have accessibility concerns, please contact the facilitator via a Meetup message. * If you wish to speak to somebody about difficult psychedelic experiences and are unsure where to turn, immediate and free peer support is available from the psychedelic helpline [Fireside Project](https://firesideproject.org/).

CISSP Events This Week

Discover what is happening in the next few days

TOOOL DC Lock Picking Monthly Meeting
TOOOL DC Lock Picking Monthly Meeting
Looking for a new skill? Want to seem mysterious when people ask about your hobbies? Enjoy puzzles? Lock picking might be right for you! Is this legal? Yes! Is it fun? Yes! The meeting is very casual, come and go as you please. We meet in the upstairs area of Board Room. No payment, skills, tools, or RSVP necessary. If you can make small precise movements with your hands, you can learn to pick locks. Introductory talk at 7pm. All are welcome. We meet in a bar but minors are allowed to attend. We are not in a private room; parental discretion advised. If you are a minor or are responsible for one who's attending, please email the organizer in advance at chapter-DC@toool.us Open invite; bring friends! We are the DC chapter of TOOOL. More information here: http://toool.us/
DC Foam Fest [20% OFF PROMO INSIDE FOR MEMBERS, MISS IT NOT!]
DC Foam Fest [20% OFF PROMO INSIDE FOR MEMBERS, MISS IT NOT!]
To secure your spot, purchase your ticket from the Eventbrite link ([https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dc-foam-fest-tickets-1992068997998](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dc-foam-fest-tickets-1992068997998)). RSVPing only on the Meetup page, doesn't allow you to attend the Event. ADVANCE TICKET PURCHASE IS REQUIRED. ABOUT THE EVENT Kick off 4th of July Weekend at The Biggest Foam Party in DC's history! FOAM FEST DC in The Bullpen on 7.2.26. Join us live at THE BULLPEN on 7.2.26 for an unforgettable day packed with fun, friends, and loads of foam! This in-person event is the perfect chance to let loose, dance, and get a little messy in the best way possible. Whether you're rolling solo or coming with your crew, the vibes will be off the charts. Don’t miss out on the ultimate foam party experience right here in DC! **There will be a lot of people. Use the comment box of the Meetup to coordinate amongst the group.** **This is also a wicked 'MeRtUp' with a saving!** **What is MERTUP?:) Mer + Meetup = Mertup.** **Mer is known as the Meetup guy. He likes to connect people and his fans coined that name for him. So, at his events, everyone will become a Wing Person to everyone:) When you get get there, we will introduce you to someone and you will be responsible to introduce that person to another person. That is MERTUP!** **Enter the Promo Code 'MERTUP' to redeem your 20% discount!** ([https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dc-foam-fest-tickets-1992068997998](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dc-foam-fest-tickets-1992068997998)) FAQs TICKETS You MUST have your ticket on your phone. Tickets are transferable and not refundable. You can give your ticket to a friend to use if you cannot attend the event. ID Government issued ID is required! It will be checked at every participating bar that you choose to go to. All participants must be 21 years old or older. WEATHER Event goes on rain, snow or shine! STILL HAVE QUESTIONS? Reach out to [info@merevents.com](mailto:info@merevents.com) Payment Instructions : 1. Login to see the 'Get Tickets' button, on the ticket link. Then hit the button. 2. Verify correct dollar amount for number of people you're paying for. 3. **If *you don't have a Paypal account, proceed to the next page and scroll down to see "Pay with a Debit or Credit Card". Then turn off the button 'Save The Info and Create Your Paypal Account'.*** 4. If you have a Paypal account, simply log in, and pay as you normally would via Paypal. **How to Unblock the Pop-up Blocker on Your Phone** Many of our patrons advised us that they have a Pop-up Blocker on their iPhones and it hinders them from buying tickets. To unblock, please follow the following steps : For Safari Users : 1. Go to Settings. 2. Scroll down to Safari and click on it. 3. Select Block Pop-ups and turn it off. For Google Chrome Users : 1. Open Google Chrome. 2. Click on the three dots and you will see many options. 3. Click on Settings. 4. Scroll down to content settings. 5. Select Block Pop-ups and turn it off. Refund & Ticket Resell Policy All sales are final. We only refund the full amount, if the event is canceled. If it is rescheduled, we will send an email to ticket holders advising that. A full refund will be given to those that let us know within 2 calendar days of the update email, if you are unable to make it on the new date. No refunds will be given after that time. However, you can sell your ticket to someone else if you are unable to attend. Please, feel free to post in the comment box for the event, that you have a ticket for sale. Work out payment between yourselves, and have the seller only send the organizers a message letting us know the full name of the person taking your spot. You must let us know two hours before the RSVP close time, on the day of the event. **FOR FURTHER INFO, REFER THE EVENTBRITE LINK AND PURCHASE TICKET. IT RULES.**
Post AWS DC Summit: Meet the Community Evening
Post AWS DC Summit: Meet the Community Evening
Join us for a special post-AWS DC Summit **“Meet the Community” evening** with **AWS DMV User Group** with special guest, AWS Principal Developer Advocate, Aaron Hunter! This casual networking session is a great way to connect with fellow builders, cloud enthusiasts, and AWS community members after the AWS DC Summit. Whether you’re a student, developer, architect, or just curious about cloud, this is a perfect space to meet like-minded people, exchange ideas, and grow your network. Expect light conversations, meaningful connections, and a relaxed atmosphere as we bring the community together after the big event. 📅 **Date:** July 2, 2026 🕠 **Time:** 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM 📍 **Venue:** Amazon HQ2, WAS19 2.103 + 2.104. 525 14th St S, Arlington, VA 22202 Looking forward to seeing everyone there and discussing the summit with great energy and conversations! Please RSVP with the same name as is on your state-issued ID, which will be required to check in at security.
USA – 8 Day Eastern Highlights Washington DC New York Niagara Falls
USA – 8 Day Eastern Highlights Washington DC New York Niagara Falls
Get checked your Bucket List by joining this eastern route of USA. Start your tour in the capital Washington DC and end in New York City while exploring the upstate New York by visiting Watkins Glen, Niagara Falls and many more highlights on this 8 days sightseeing tour of the lifetime. Highlights Visited Places: * Washington, D.C. * Watkins Glen * Niagara Falls * New York City Travel Experience: * City sightseeing * Local cuisine * Parks * Waterfall Tour Start WASHINGTON, D.C. Tour End NEW YORK CITY Destination USA Itinerary Day01 ARRIVAL - RIVER CRUISE & GUIDED GEORGETOWN WALKING TOUR Day02 WASHINGTON DC WITH MOUNT VERNON & OLD ALEXANDRIA Day03 WASHINGTON, D.C. – NEW YORK Day04 NYC - NIAGARA FALLS Day05 NIAGARA FALLS - NYC Day06 NYC: HARLEM, BRONX, QUEENS, BROOKLYN & CONEY ISLAND Day07 NEW YORK CITY SIGHTSEEING Day08 DEPART NEW YORK CITY Price: $3290 (Double Occupancy) $3990 (Single Occupancy) Inclusions Price Includes * 7 nights hotel stay * Breakfasts at hotel * All transportation by road (Bus / Mini Van) * Guided day tours * Activities as per the itinerary Price Excludes * Flights * Airport transfers * Meals * Personal Expenses * Optional activities * Travel insurance / Visa * Tips \*\*\* For detailed itinerary & to reserve your seat, follow the link: [https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/usa-8-day-eastern-highlights-washington-dc-new-york-niagara-falls/](https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/usa-8-day-eastern-highlights-washington-dc-new-york-niagara-falls/) Questions? Text / Call / Whatsapp: 2023787696
Clarendon Outing {Mingling followed by Dance}
Clarendon Outing {Mingling followed by Dance}
Our notorious expedition and curiosity for new venues in the area will take us to Clarendon, this time around. It is a casual spot serving up traditional Chinese dishes, Sushi and Thai food. We mingle and socialize for the first few hours and dance the night away! We booked the entire venue for this event We will have specials, including our usual suspect MERtini:) Dress code : Dress to impress Event is free and 21+ * Come one, come all; this is the most friendliest event you have ever attended! * Feel free to invite your friends. They don't necessarily have to be a member * Ideal for either you are new in town or not, to make friends and acquaintances * RSVP on Meetup is required and no need to sign up on Eventbrite or any other ticket link METRO & PARKING INFO : Hunan Number One is one short block from Clarendon metro station. Parking might be a challenge and the event involves drinking, we highly recommend you to get a shared ride or taxi service. DRINK RESPONSIBLY!
SUNDAY Asian Language Exchange [AT LUCKY BAR & ON SUNDAY PLEASE READ]
SUNDAY Asian Language Exchange [AT LUCKY BAR & ON SUNDAY PLEASE READ]
Come exchange Asian Languages that you speak! ***GRAB A DRINK AND YOU WILL BE ALL SET TO FLEX YOUR LANGUAGE CAPACITY. YOU NEED TO GET AT LEAST A DRINK OR FOOD :) To get the event going and show support. We know that you like our events. P.S. : We have non-alcoholic drinks as well.*** We have a tiny venue and we hit capacity often and early arrival is suggested. We have the discretion to decide entry. We will assign tables for represented languages. All languages are welcome! However we don't guarantee the availability of a partner in that particular language, you would like to exchange. As you all remember well, this event used to bring out hundreds of people every week. However, it was discontinued last year for obvious reasons and we couldn't gather that many people now, because of restrictions. Hence, we are downsizing and caping the number of attendees. We have super limited spots and advance ticket purchase is required. ***AFTER THE HAPPY HOUR, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!*** HOW IT WORKS : We will try to assign tables for each represented languages and will direct attendees to their respective tables accordingly. All languages are welcome! However we don't guarantee the availability of a partner in that particular language, you would like to exchange. Rules to abide : 1. Event is free and 21+ (bring ID). 2. Be respectful to your counterparts and give them a chance to exchange with others as well. 3. We all are native speakers of one or two languages and be willing to help others and try to accommodate as much as possible. 4. If you don't speak the other person's required language, LEAVE THEM ALONE. 5. Rude or aggressive members are removed from the group at an organizers discretion. 6. This is a face-to-face language exchange event. DO NOT try to arrange an online meeting, by using the comment box or direct message. 7. Most of our members complained about people writing in the comment box. Since it sends notification to all attendees. If you have any questions, send a message to the organizers. Don't write in the comment box. 8. We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via (info@merevents.com). 9. When you get there, we will greet you and take you to your respective group. 10. Don't be shy of your local languages. We have diplomates assigned to different countries, who would love to practice your languages. 11\. Be patient for the first 30 minutes\, up until we form your respective language group\. 12\. We will have a registration station and check you in\. You ought to have register on Meetup for a free entry\. Otherwise\, you will be subject to a cover charge\. 11. 13\. This is mainly a social for Intermediate/Advanced/Native Speaker\. It is not as such to learn a language\. Beginners\, if you want to learn a language\, reach out to us \(info@merevents\.com\)\. We have a school and will arrange you a class\. 12.
DC Kali's Beginner & Advanced Class - Wednesday Night Class
DC Kali's Beginner & Advanced Class - Wednesday Night Class
Covid Alert: We will start having classes again at Canal Park on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Please bring your own hand sanitizer, and mask are a must! We'll practice from a safe distance from each other; and progress from there. "DC Kali" is an official training group for FCS Kali. Our curriculum includes knifes, swords, stick-fighting, striking, and grappling; but we place a special emphasis on edged weapons. Please come out and learn some Kali. Our aim is to train hard, learn some sound defense strategies, and make friends along the way. Although FCS Kali is a combat-oriented systems that involves edged weapons, we provide a safe environment for learning w/o sacrificing realism in our training. We teach in small semi-private groups, allowing each individual student to progress as quickly as he or she can absorb the info being taught. Hope to see you all there. Mosi K. Jack, Esq. Training Group Instructor · FCS Manong (under Tuhon Ray Dionaldo) http://www.fcskali.com/ ) FCS Kali: Founded by Tuhon Ray Dionaldo,Filipino Combat Systems is an organization dedicated the preservation and promotion of all Filipino Martial Arts. Filipino Combat Systems(FCS) is an organization/system with members from around the world. FCS is based onTuhon Ray Dionaldo's over 35 years of practicing various FMA (Filipino Martial Arts) styles. He's combine elements of each, into one system that's efficient, fast, concise, and logical. FCS members have extremely diverse backgrounds, and Martial Arts systems. We’ve all come together because of our love of the Filipino Martial Arts, and our unwillingness to become involved in the politics that has so often stifled our growth. Please pick one of the following class and fee combos: Drop-In Fee: $25/per class (after 1st free Saturday class) Monthly fees: $80/month (Wednesday park classes included for free), or Quarterly fees: $210/every 3 months (which comes to $70/month; includes the Wednesday park classes), or Wednesday Park only: $50/month • Credit cards and Paypal are preferred method of payment (online payments via Square are available at: https://squareup.com/market/dc-kali ) • One free trial class is permitted (but must rsvp ahead of class) • Equipment: if you have training knives, rattan sticks, training swords, and/or mma gloves bring them. If not, we may have a few extra. Training Videos http://www.fcskaliphilippines.com/fcs-curriculum-videos.html http://www.bloodnbonesgear.com/id5.html

CISSP Events Near You

Connect with your local CISSP community

Azure CBUS July
Azure CBUS July
Want to be a speaker? submit your talk to our Call for Presenters!!! https://sessionize.com/azure-cbus-2026/
CMG Gives Back: Serve Dinner at FAITH MISSION GRANT KITCHEN!
CMG Gives Back: Serve Dinner at FAITH MISSION GRANT KITCHEN!
Join us as we get together to get together to help those in need at this CMG Gives Back event! We have a great little community of Movie Group friends so rather than see a movie this time, we’ll help “Create a better world” by helping serve those in need. NOTE: We’re switching it up this time and going with a DINNER shift on Mon, 7/6. Here are complete details and our plan for this event: FAITH MISSION – GRANT KITCHEN: The Faith Mission kitchen and dining room serves residents 3 meals a day, every day of the year. For this event, our group will help prepare food, serve meals, assist residents in the dining room, wash dishes, and clean surfaces. PLAN: We will be preparing / serving / cleaning for DINNER from 4:30 to 6:30pm and have space for a total of 7 volunteers. Please arrive at 4:20pm and wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. LOCATION: Faith Mission – Grant Kitchen is located at 245 N. Grant Ave. Enter the kitchen at Dock 1 (in the back of the building), indicated in the attached map. On-site parking in the adjacent lot and street parking are available in the surrounding area. Below are some links / attachments with additional info/details: IMPORTANT REMINDER: Our group will be providing all of the volunteers on this day so a firm RSVP count is essential. Please only sign up if you are certain you’ll be able to attend. If something unavoidable comes up, please try to update your RSVP no later than one week prior to the event. With few exceptions, no shows or cancelations within 1 week of the event will not be eligible for future CMG Gives Back events. I appreciate your understanding as we try to ensure the agencies have the volunteers needed to provide the essential services they provide to the vulnerable population they serve. Our Partner Agency for this event is Lutheran Social Services! A huge THANK YOU to those volunteering at this (or any of our previous or future) CMG Gives Back events! Look forward to seeing you there, Dan
Psychic Development Series  II - Pueo Group
Psychic Development Series II - Pueo Group
Private Group. Closed to the Public Knowing ourselves and understanding our abilities is the first step toward wielding our gifts with control and accuracy. In subsequent classes we will verify and hone our talents with activities and discussion. These are hands-on workshops and participation is expected. The goal of our series will be to develop expertise in areas of particular interest such as mediumship, channeling, divination, healing and, etc.. Our ultimate directions will be determined by class members as we evolve. I look forward to sharing and discovering with you. - Cynthia
Melancholia
Melancholia
Be prepared for an entirely different type of sci-fi movie! Unofficially, the second movie in director Lars von Trier's "Depression Trilogy," 2011 Melancholia depicts the events that occur before a rogue planet is about to collide with the earth. Considered by many to be a masterpiece, the film was included in BFI's 2022 Sight and Sound Poll of the greatest movies of all time. It is available at the library as well as on Kanopy.
DoJo (Informal Python Meeting)
DoJo (Informal Python Meeting)
**Latest Dojo Location!** **Knotty Pine Brewing** 1765 W 3rd Ave, Columbus, OH 43212 We're going to try a new dojo location for a few weeks and see how it works Dojos are informal Python group study sessions where everyone interested in Python gathers to learn about Python, help others with Python, or just hang out. Everyone is welcome from Python beginners to experts. Bringing a laptop is encouraged (we'll have extension cords and power strips). If there's something you want to learn leave a comment on this invite so we can plan ahead. We're looking for speakers for our Monthly Meetups! Fill out the form if you are interested in presenting to the Python Community. https://forms.gle/ehSfUAC2WgR34Crq9
Free admission to Dawes Arboretum all day- Dawes Homecoming Community Picnic
Free admission to Dawes Arboretum all day- Dawes Homecoming Community Picnic
**Arboretum admission is FREE all day (9a-7p) for this special event!** When: Sunday, July 12, 2026 at 4:00p-7p Where: The Dawes Arboretum Did you know that The Dawes Arboretum's co-founder, Beman Dawes, used to be the chairman of The Pure Oil Company and hosted picnics each year at The Arboretum for his employees and their families? To celebrate America's 250th anniversary and the Year of History at Dawes, join us on Sunday, July 12, from 4 – 7 p.m. for the Dawes Homecoming Community Picnic! Bring your own picnic and blanket. We'll celebrate the summer afternoon by providing free drinks and Velvet Ice Cream (while supplies last). Enjoy live music and games on the lawn. Located approximately 30 miles east of Columbus, The Dawes Arboretum is a nearly 2,000-acre tree museum dedicated to enriching lives through the conservation of trees and nature. We invite you to take part in our fun and informative programs or visit our grounds to experience the extraordinary collection of trees, beautiful gardens and distinctive natural areas.
Stop Guessing: How to Measure and Improve LLM Outputs
Stop Guessing: How to Measure and Improve LLM Outputs
Most people use LLMs by feel: ask a question, read the answer, decide whether it “seems good,” and move on. That works for casual use. It does not work when you are building software, automating workflows, writing important documents, or relying on AI for anything that needs to be repeatable. In this talk, we’ll look at how to improve and evaluate the inputs and outputs of LLMs using practical measurement techniques. We’ll cover how prompt changes affect results, how to compare outputs, how to build simple evaluation sets, and how math-based methods like similarity scoring can help you move beyond guesswork. This will be beginner-friendly, so even if you don't know anything about AI, you should get something out of it. However, this will be a little more technical than our intro talks. You do not need to be an AI researcher, but programmers and technically curious attendees will get a lot out of it. We’ll cover: * Why “it looks good” is not enough * How to improve prompts by changing the input, context, and constraints * How to compare LLM outputs more systematically * Basic evaluation techniques for accuracy, consistency, and usefulness * How embeddings, cosine similarity, and scoring can help evaluate results * Where automated evaluation works — and where humans still need to stay in the loop By the end, you’ll have a practical mental model for treating LLMs less like magic and more like systems you can test, measure, and improve. LOGISTICS AND PARKING: The talk starts at 7:00 PM. The first half hour is reserved for everyone to get set up and mingle. Free pizza and drinks! The cheapest parking option is to find street parking, which will only cost you a few bucks. Otherwise, park in the nearby veteran's museum lot for $8. It's highly recommended you avoid the nearby $15 garage parking.