Competitive Strategy & Innovation

💃 Beginner-Friendly Dance Fitness Get ready to move, sweat, and have fun! This high-energy class blends Brazilian Carnival vibes with global street dance for a full-body workout that doesn’t feel like one. ✨ No experience needed ✨ No partner required ✨ Just come ready to move and enjoy the music Expect a fun, welcoming environment where you can let go, build confidence, and leave feeling amazing. 📍 Location: Salsa With Silvia (Bethesda) – Studio B ⏰ Please arrive 5–10 minutes early 💵 Drop-in: $12 (pay at the door or message for details) 🔗 More info + schedule: https://fitnesswithmikissz.com/connect-with-miki Let’s sweat, dance, and make it a vibe 🔥

If you're a founder in the DC area, this is worth adding to your calendar. This Saturday, Startup Grind DC is hosting an intimate Founder Summer Gathering in Gaithersburg designed for entrepreneurs who want more than another loud networking event. Think: • Meaningful conversations with other founders and operators • A guided meditation session to reset mentally and physically • Elevated cookout fare, drinks, and a relaxed outdoor atmosphere on a multi-acre property • Space to recharge, connect, and have genuine conversations with people who understand the pressure of building This isn’t a typical meetup or cookout. It’s a curated afternoon intentionally designed to help founders slow down, reconnect, and build relationships beyond surface-level networking. Saturday, May 9 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM Gaithersburg, MD Schedule: • Networking + Outdoor Games | 2:00–3:00 PM • Guided Meditation Experience with Yvette | 3:00–3:45 PM • Premium Cookout + Founder Conversations | 3:45–6:00 PM This event will be held Rain or Shine. Food and non-alcoholic beverages are included. Address provided to registrants before the event. Agenda --- Hosted By Mia Orantes, Chapter Director I'm a dynamic speaker, angel investor, serial entrepreneur, the host of the celebrated Founders Only podcast, and the CEO & founder of the award-winning agency that automates online growth and profitability engines, Creative Analytics. As a lifelong entrepreneur, I am devoted to serving founders by showing them the road map for rapid online growth and helping them navigate that journey. A native Washingtonian, I hold several designations, including a PMI-certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification, an MBA & MS in Information Technology with a concentration in Project Management, and an in-progress certificate in Digital Transformation & AI from Cornell University. --- Global Partner Carta (http://www.carta.com/launch?utm_campaign=20240423-nam-general-smb-startup_grind_partnership&utm_medium=social&utm_source=startup_grind) Carta helps people manage equity, build businesses, and invest in the companies of tomorrow. Carta Launch is the only free cap table product, helping new founders get started. The company is trusted by more than 40,000 companies, over 7,000 funds and SPVs, and over two million equity holders to manage cap tables, compensation, valuations, liquidity, and more. For more information, visit carta.com. Partner Creative Analytics (https://creativeanalyticsdc.com/) Creative Analytics is a B2B growth marketing agency that leverages data-driven strategies and creative design to optimize digital performance and boost conversions for innovative brands. Specializing in SaaS, tech, and professional services, their services include conversion rate optimization, HubSpot implementation, content marketing, and web development. The agency combines deep expertise in CRO and product messaging with automation, helping clients scale faster with less time and effort. --- Startup Grind is a global startup community designed to educate, inspire, and connect entrepreneurs. We host monthly events in more than 600 cities and 125+ countries featuring successful local founders, innovators, educators and investors who share personal stories and lessons learned on the road to building great companies. Our monthly fireside chat interviews, startup mixers and annual conferences provide ample opportunities to connect with amazing startups and the people behind them, tap into a strong support network, form meaningful connections and gain inspiration for the startup journey ahead. For more information visit StartupGrind.com or follow us on twitter @StartupGrind. --- Complete your event RSVP here: https://www.startupgrind.com/events/details/startup-grind-washington-dc-presents-founders-summer-cookout/.

This session focuses on live points and match situations to help players develop strategy and confidence in real match play. Players rotate through competitive drills and games. Tennis clinic led by a former European junior player with over a decade of teaching experience. Sessions are designed to keep players active with fast-paced drills and live ball exercises that build rhythm, consistency, and confidence. Location: Nottoway Park 🕕 Sunday 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM Meetup RSVP does **not guarantee participation**. Registration required. https://dcacetennis.com/#spring-programsJoin a dynamic

Let’s start simple. Technoverts is a new group for introverts in tech who want to connect without the noise and pressure of traditional networking events. This first meetup is a relaxed, small-group coffee gathering—no agenda, no icebreakers, no expectations beyond showing up. If you work in or around tech (cybersecurity, IT, cloud, dev, data, etc.) and prefer quieter, more meaningful conversations, you’ll likely feel at home here. What to expect: • A small group (intentionally capped) • A calm, conversation-friendly setting • The option to participate as much—or as little—as you want

256 pages [Technology] • Paperback • Hardcover • Kindle • Audiobook • Library: https://fcplcat.fairfaxcounty.gov/search/title.aspx?ctx=1.1033.0.0.1&pos=1&cn=614113 Check the How To Find Us section for Zoom Link **(Remember, the Zoom Link is different each month, do not bookmark)** ### Review "[Co-Intelligence] is a solid explainer. Convincing…a blueprint…smart and well informed…"— The Wall Street Journal "A sharp and good-humoured guide to how to make the most of generative AI. Mollick follows his own prescription for success, 'inviting AI to the table' and running his own experiements into its creative and problem-solving potential." * Andrew Hill, The Financial Times "Generative AI has an oracle, and his name is Ethan Mollick. Lucky you: our oracle has written a lucid, succinct, and eminently practical guide to navigating the revolution that is right now unfolding at an astonishing pace. Co-Intelligence is the very best book I know about the ins, outs, and ethics of generative AI. Drop everything and read it cover to cover NOW." — Angela Duckworth, New York Times bestselling author of Grit "Ethan Mollick has been a leader with the hands-on exploration of AI's evolving capabilities. In Co-Intelligence, he masterfully navigates the landscape of AI advancements with insightful and informative commentary, presented with remarkable clarity and precision. This book is an invaluable resource, offering a comprehensive gide to current trends and future expectations in AI. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking to deepen their understanding of this rapidly evolving technology." — Eric Horvitz, Chief Scientific Officer, Microsoft “In today’s cacophony of ‘AI hot takes’, Mollick has distinguished himself as the leading voice of reason on the implications of AI for work and education. Anyone seeking a basis of practical knowledge to understand the coming massive changes should read this insightful book right now." — Reid Hoffman, Co-Founder of LinkedIn and Inflection AI "Co-Intelligence brilliantly captures the essence of our evolving relationship with AI. With lucid explanations and useful examples, Mollick shows how we can enlist this technology's astonishing power to build a more intelligent and humane future." — Daniel H. Pink, New York Times bestselling author of The Power of Regret, Drive, and A Whole New Mind “Embark on a transformative journey with Co-Intelligence, Ethan Mollick’s page-turning must-read for those at the helm. Mollick’s work will help CEOs and leaders harness AI’s enormous potential as a catalyst for elevating the capabilities of any team and any organization. Brilliant, authoritative, and educational.” — Jim M. Citrin, Leader, Spencer Stuart CEO & Board Practice, author of You’re in Charge, Now What? and The 5 Patterns of Extraordinary Careers ### About the Author Ethan Mollick is a professor of management at Wharton, specializing in entrepreneurship and innovation. His research has been featured in various publications, including Forbes, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal. He is the creator of numerous educational games on a variety of topics. He lives and teaches in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Join us for pickles and grilled cheese fest! Pickle and Grilled Cheese Fest is COMING BACK to Bunnyman Brewing Chantilly! 🥒🧀🍻 Mark your calendars, pickle fanatics and cheese lovers! Join us for a briny, boozy blast at Pickle and Grilled Cheese Fest at Bunnyman Brewing! 🗓️ Date: Saturday, May 9th, 2026 ⏰ Time: 11:00 PM – 7:00 PM 📍 Location: Bunnyman Brewing, Chantilly, VA Get ready to dill with all things fermented and fun! What to Expect: 🥒 Epic Pickle Vendors: Taste unique and artisanal pickles from local makers (spicy, sweet, sour, and more!) 🧀 Gourmet Grilled Cheese: Savory and creative grilled cheese sandwiches to pair perfectly with your brew. 🍻 Bunnyman Brews: Our delicious craft beer lineup will be flowing, featuring special releases perfect for pairing. 🎶 Live Music: Jamming tunes all afternoon

Hey, adult Gamerinos! Join the Dulles Area Gaming Group for a fun-filled day of gaming [Eurogame](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurogame) and [Amerithrash](https://boardgamegeek.com/wiki/page/Ameritrash) style at the Herndon Library! This game day promises to be a fantastic opportunity to connect in-person with fellow adult board game enthusiasts in the Dulles Area. Our group is passionate about board games and excited to welcome new adult members for a day of friendly competition and camaraderie. Bring your favorite games or try out one brought by another player. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or new to the tabletop world, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. Don't miss out on this chance to roll the dice, strategize your moves, and have a blast with Dulles Area Gaming Group! We advise players arrive 10 minutes before the start time, since selection of games and instructions begin shortly after. Late arrivals will most likely have a hard time joining a game already in progress. This event is for adults age 18+. There is free parking and free Wi-Fi at this location. We look forward to having you join us!

New Date and Time starting in May 2026. Saturday Night Chess is now Sunday PM Chess! Casual Chess: informal skittles games or optionally with Clocks (Blitz, Rapid, Quick, or custom time controls). Meetups of Ashburn Chess Club are held on 2nd floor of the Wegmans supermarket, 45131 Columbia Pl, Sterling, VA 20166, located in the Dulles Centre Shoppes Plaza which is just off the Waxpool Road Exit on Route 28 expressway. To find the chess games, take the elevator or stairs up to the 2nd floor mezzanine level. If there are RSVP the host will usually arrive a few minutes early to set up tables in the center mezzanine section located near the Kids Room with the TV. Guests, walk-ins, kibitzers are all welcome too; we request minor children to be accompanied by an adult, and we request only chess players RSVP, members and guests who are attending to play chess, so we have an accurate count of chessboards needed to set up.

**EVERYONE MUST REGISTER ON THE WOMEN ON COURSE WEBSITE TO CONFIRM A SPOT FOR THIS EVENT. [CLICK HERE TO RSVP](https://www.womenoncourse.com/18-hole-play-edp-14299-05-2026.html)** **(an RSVP on Meetup will NOT hold a spot for you)** Spend Sunday afternoon on this spectacular course for an exceptional round of golf in Virginia's horse country. Enjoy beautiful mountain vistas and rolling terrain distinguished by meandering streams and stone walls. Price includes 18 holes of golf with cart. This event welcomes the first 8 people who RSVP. Come solo or bring a friend. Payment will be made upon arrival at the event venue. **$90\.00 Member \| $90\.00 Non Member** A **Non Member** registration fee of **$10.00** is due at time of registration. This fee is non refundable.

Join us for Game Night! 🎲 Looking for a fun, relaxed evening? Come hang out, meet new people, and enjoy some friendly competition. This is an open invitation—everyone’s welcome! Bring your favorite board games, card games, or party games to share, or just come ready to play. Whether you’re into strategy, laughs, or something in between, there’s a seat at the table for you. Snacks and good vibes encouraged. Let’s make it a night full of fun, connection, and a little bit of rivalry!

Join Nova Subto Meetup Up for an exclusive Business Strategy Roundtable where entrepreneurs and business professionals can network and discuss strategies for mastering entrepreneurship. This event will provide a platform for small business owners to connect, share insights, and learn from each other's experiences. Whether you are a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this meetup is designed to foster growth and development in the business community. Don't miss this chance to connect with like-minded individuals and take your entrepreneurial journey to the next level. ***IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BRING YOUR DEAL PLEASE FILL OUT THIS*** [https://surl.li/vtgoma](https://surl.li/vtgoma)

If you’re trying to grow in marketing right now, guessing isn’t a great strategy. This event gives you direct access to how marketing leaders actually think. Join DC Marketing Tech Talks on May 19th in Tysons for a live **CMO Ask Me Anything** — a candid, open conversation with experienced marketing leaders who have built teams, driven revenue, and led at the highest levels. This is your chance to ask: * What skills actually matter right now? * What gets someone promoted vs. passed over? * What does it take to become a CMO today? * How are marketing teams and roles changing? * How do you connect brand to real business growth? Just real answers from people who have done the work. Whether you’re looking to move up, switch roles, or sharpen your edge, you’ll leave with a clearer sense of what to focus on next. As always, this event is free and open to the public thanks to our sponsors, SalesIntel. Food, drinks, networking, and a room full of marketers who care about getting better at what they do. Come with questions. Leave with direction.

## **1 Million Cups Loudoun – Business Presentation** **Featuring James Norris, Founder of Squeegee Samurai** **Wednesday\, May 13 \| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM** **Venture X Loudoun** Join us as we welcome **James Norris**, founder of **Squeegee Samurai**, to the 1 Million Cups Loudoun stage for a conversation on building a service-based business from the ground up. *** ## **About the Presenter** James Norris transitioned from a career in **cybersecurity compliance** into entrepreneurship, taking a hands-on approach to building a business from scratch. Initially exploring the acquisition of an existing company, he ultimately chose to **build his own window cleaning business** after recognizing the simplicity, consistency, and opportunity within the industry. His journey reflects a growing trend of entrepreneurs moving from corporate roles into tangible, service-based businesses with clear demand and scalable potential. *** ## **About the Business** Squeegee Samurai provides **professional window cleaning services for residential and commercial clients**, delivering immediate, visible results — what James calls *“clarity through pane.”* In an industry where the fundamentals haven’t changed, Squeegee Samurai focuses on **high-quality, traditional techniques** paired with strong customer experience and operational discipline. As a solo operator, James currently manages every aspect of the business — from marketing and pricing to service delivery, quality control, and operations — while laying the groundwork for future growth. *** ## **Who James Is Looking to Hear From** James would especially value feedback from: * Business owners who have scaled service-based businesses * Operators of route-based or recurring revenue businesses * Entrepreneurs who have transitioned from corporate roles to hands-on work * Founders who have built teams from a solo operation * Anyone with experience in pricing, local marketing, or service scaling *** ## **Current Business Focus & Challenge** James is in the **early growth stage**, focused on building a foundation for scale through recurring storefront contracts and refining his pricing model. He is seeking feedback on: * Pricing strategy in a competitive, price-sensitive market * Whether to display pricing publicly or use promotional strategies * When and how to invest in advertising (where, how much, and when) * Timing and approach to hiring and team building * Balancing market penetration with long-term profitability This is a critical stage where the right decisions can significantly impact long-term growth and scalability. *** ## **Why Attend?** * Gain insight into building a service business from the ground up * Provide feedback on pricing, marketing, and scaling strategy * Connect with entrepreneurs navigating similar growth stages * Be part of a practical, real-world business 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 on **May 13** for coffee, connection, and a conversation around building, pricing, and scaling a service-based business. We look forward to seeing you there.

**ProductTank NoVA is back!** After a brief hiatus, we are relaunching the chapter with a format that cuts out the fluff and gets straight to the reality of building. Every product feed is flooded with AI hype right now, but what does it actually look like on the ground? Instead of a polished keynote, we are hosting **0 to 1 with AI: Real Product Talks**—a "Show & Tell" featuring 3–4 lightning talks focused on the intersection of AI and product. The framing for the talks is simple: *"Here is what I'm building, and here is what I'm stuck on."* We want to look at the messy, 0-to-1 reality of integrating AI into your workflows and products. *(Want to share what you are working on? Reach out! The bar is low-pressure, just 10–12 minutes to talk about a real AI problem you are trying to solve.)* **Agenda:** * **5:30 PM - 6:00 PM:** Doors open, networking, & name tags * **6:00 PM - 6:10 PM:** Welcome + Chapter Relaunch Intro * **6:10 PM - 7:30 PM:** Lightning Talks (Three 12-min talks + 5 mins Q&A each, with a 5-min stretch break) * **7:30 PM - 8:00 PM:** Open networking * **8:00 PM:** Soft close **Location & Logistics:** Herndon Fortnightly Library (Extended Hours Meeting Room) 768 Center St, Herndon, VA 20170 * **Parking:** We'll meet at the library, located just behind the Herndon Municipal Center. There is plenty of free public parking available around the municipal center. * **Metro & Bus:** Take the Silver Line to Herndon Metro Station, then connect via Fairfax Connector Route 921 or 950 to Historic Downtown Herndon. * **Driving (via VA-267/Dulles Toll Rd):** Take Exit 10 North (Centreville Rd, which becomes Elden St). Turn left onto Station St or Lynn St. * **Driving (via VA-286/Fairfax Co Pkwy):** Take the Elden St West exit. Turn right onto Lynn St. Looking forward to seeing everyone again and getting back to building!