Creative Non-Fiction

Taucht ein in die Welt von GitOps! Euch erwarten zwei spannende Vorträge rund um FluxCD in der Praxis. Christian Fritz teilt seine Erfahrungen aus zwei Jahren produktivem GitOps-Einsatz – von Erfolgen bis zu Stolpersteinen. Thorsten Wussow zeigt live, wie Progressive Deployments mit Flagger und Istio für sichere und hochverfügbare Kubernetes-Deployments sorgen. Perfekt für alle, die GitOps evaluieren oder ihre bestehenden Setups optimieren möchten! **Dieses Meetup wird ausnahmsweise auf Deutsch sein und HYBRID\. \|** Zoom Link wird ein paar Tage vor dem Event in Meetup zu Verfügung gestellt. **\*\*\* AGENDA \*\*\*** * 18:30–19:00 Uhr \| Einlass mit Snacks und Getränken\. * 19:00 Uhr \| Begrüßung und Einführung \- Start des hybriden Meetups 19:05 Uhr \| GitOps Adventures aus der Praxis: Lessons Learned \- Zwei Jahre GitOps mit FluxCD in Produktion von Christian Fritz \(QAware GmbH\) ca\. 20:05 Uhr \| Flux mit Flagger und Istio \- Progressive Kubernetes Deployments von Thorsten Wussow \(Slix GmbH\) Anschließend: Weitere Snacks und Getränke und viel Zeit zum Networking mit allen Teilnehmern und Referenten. **\*\*\* ABSTRACTS \*\*\*** **GitOps Adventures aus der Praxis: Lessons Learned - Zwei Jahre GitOps mit FluxCD in Produktion von Christian Fritz (QAware GmbH)** Diese Etappe des GitOps Adventures erzählt aus dem wahren Leben: Seit zwei Jahren arbeite ich in einem Projekt, das schon zu diesem Zeitpunkt auf GitOps mit FluxCD setzte. In diesem Vortrag zeige ich unser aktuelles GitOps Setup und wie neue Features über unsere drei Stages in die Produktion gelangen. Dabei zeige ich die Vorteile wie bessere Reproduzierbarkeit und Effizienz, gehe aber auch auf Herausforderungen und Nachteile ein: von komplexen Fehleranalysen bis hin zu organisatorischen Stolpersteinen. Außerdem gebe ich einen Ausblick, wo wir noch Verbesserungspotenzial sehen. Dieser ehrliche Erfahrungsbericht bietet praktische Einblicke und Learnings für alle, die GitOps evaluieren oder weiterentwickeln wollen. **Flux mit Flagger und Istio - Progressive Kubernetes Deployments von Thorsten Wussow (Slix GmbH)** Heutzutage ist eine hohe Erreichbarkeit von Applikationen essentiell, auch bei einem Wechsel auf eine neue Version. Ebenso gibt es eine hohe Kadenz der Bereitstellungen. Dies birgt immer das Risiko, das sich Fehler in der neuen Version einschleichen, oder Ausfälle der Software während der Bereitstellung auftreten. Eine Möglichkeit das Risiko zu minimieren ist das Verwenden von verschiedenen Deploymentstrategien wie z.B. Blue/Green Deployments, Canary-Deployments oder A/B-Testing. Ein Tool das uns hier sehr gut unterstützen kann ist Flagger. In diesem Vortrag wird anhand von Live-Demos gezeigt wie mit Flagger im Zusammenspiel mit Flux, Istio (oder einem anderen ServiceMesh) oder einem IngressController diese Deploymentstrategien umgesetzt werden können. Auch werden die Unterschiede zwischen Canary Deployments, A/B Testing, Blue/Green Deployment und weiteren Strategien erläutert und wann man welche Methode verwenden kann. \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* Während unserer Meetups werden Fotos aufgenommen. Falls du nicht auf den Fotos erscheinen möchtest, sprich bitte zu Beginn der Veranstaltung mit unserem Meetup Team.

Vrij binnenlopen en kennismaken met een rustige professionele werkplek in Utrecht. Je kunt de ruimte bekijken, vragen stellen en ontdekken of dit een plek is waar jij je klanten zou ontvangen of zou werken. Geen presentatie of verplichtingen — gewoon even ervaren. Geschikt voor o.a. coaches, behandelaars, zzp’ers en kleine sessies. Koffie en thee staan klaar.

**Welcome to our February UX Beers in Antwerp!** This time, we will host our event on Tuesday the 24th of February with [Ariad](https://www.ariadgroup.com/en) at [Plein Magazijn](https://www.pleinmagazijn.be) in Antwerp. [Ariad](https://www.ariadgroup.com/) and [Creative Skills](https://www.creativeskills.be/) sponsor our events. Follow the event online? We stream live via [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBqyTDAyQBw) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- \#\#\# UX TALKS **Talk 1: Align or Fail: When Brand Meets UX** [Mario Restrepo](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mario-restrepo/), Creative Director Every interaction shape perception and tells a brand story, whether intended or not. In this talk, we explore why UX is the space where brand promises are either proven or broken, and why, in the age of AI, alignment between brand and user experience has become a strategic imperative. Drawing on real-world examples, this talk reframes UX designers as brand storytellers, and UX deciders and stakeholders as guardians of trust. It also introduces an **AI-driven Brand Sentiment Analysis workflow**, showing how teams can translate user signals into actionable insights, and design experiences that don’t just function, but reinforce how a brand is felt, remembered, and believed. **Talk 2: The UX evolution: thriving in the age of intelligent systems** [David Grunewald](https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidgrunewald/), Founder of Pluginto.ai , AI-Strategist AI is fundamentally changing how UX professionals work, but it's amplifying our capabilities, not replacing them. This 45-minute session explores what's actually happening in 2026. You'll see real implementations from banking, healthcare, and other sectors: proactive systems that anticipate needs, conversational interfaces that adapt to individual patterns, and hyper-personalisation at scale. We'll examine **four trends reshaping UX practice and, more importantly, what they mean for your daily work**. What's being automated? What's gaining value? And what are the five essential skills that set you apart in an AI-augmented world? You'll leave with clarity on how to evolve your practice and confidence that your human expertise remains your competitive advantage. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- \#\#\# SCHEDULE 18:00 - Doors open. Drinks & snacks 19.00 - 19.15 - Introduction to UX Belgium Meetup, announcements 19.15 - 19:45 - Talk #1 19:45 -20:15 - BREAK 20:15 - 20:45 - Talk #2 20:45 - 21:30 - Socialize \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- \#\#\# SLACK CHANNEL We have our own UX Belgium slack channel. [Come join us and say hi!](https://join.slack.com/t/ux-belgium/shared_invite/zt-1bjpnuiog-T4Di4flXYPWgbT9KrZ53CA) \*\*\* \#\#\# YOUTUBE CHANNEL All our livestreams and talks are recorded and available on our [UX Belgium youtube channel](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCno7V18T-EglYXprgrUZQ7A). \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- \#\#\# ABOUT UX BELGIUM UX Belgium is a growing community of User Experience (UX) professionals in and around Belgium. Look for these types of events: UX Beers Periodically, we gather at a different agency or venue to drink beers, network and listen to speakers on various themes in the world of UX and digital design. UX Antwerp: Each last Tuesday of the month UX Brussels: Each second Tuesday of the month, 4x per year UX Hasselt: 4x per year UX Workshops Now and then we organize events to dive deeper into specific skills and techniques in UX. These are smaller, hands-on workshops designed to boost your UX toolbox. \*\*\* The UX Belgium Meetup Team

Beste Java-ontwikkelaar, We nodigen je graag uit voor een fysieke Java Meetup bij de Belastingdienst over **DDD, Event Storming en Hexagonal Architecture** door Arjen Wassink & Cees van der Velde van Quintor. **Programma:** 17:45 Inloop 18:00 Indonesisch buffet (halal, koosjer & vegetarisch) 19:00 Presentatie **Domain Driven Design / Event Storming** 19:45 Pauze (koffie/thee) 20:15 Presentatie **Hexagonal Architecture** 21:00 Drankjes met hapjes 21:30 Afsluiting De presentaties worden in het Nederlands gegeven. **Betere systemen ontwikkelen met hulp van DDD, Event Storming en Hexagonal Architecture** Je hebt het vast wel eens meegemaakt dat je een software systeem onder handen krijgt die niet makkelijk te onderhouden, upgraden of uit te breiden is. Iedere aanpassing lijkt exponentieel veel tijd te vergen. Er kunnen verschillende oorzaken hiervoor zijn, maar vaak zie je dat er te veel afhankelijkheden in de sourcecode zijn, verantwoordelijkheden niet goed belegd zijn of het systeem niet goed aansluit op de werkelijkheid. In deze sessie gaan we in op hoe DDD, Event Storming en Hexagonal Architecture ons kan helpen deze punten te verbeteren aan de hand van een concrete casus, diagrammen en sourcecode. Zo gaan we in op: * hoe Event Storming kan helpen de brug te slaan tussen de ‘business’ en developers, zodat een systeem aansluit op de werkelijkheid * DDD artefacten input leveren voor het bepalen van een systeemarchitectuur met duidelijke verantwoordelijkheden en afhankelijkheden * Hexagonal Architecture handvatten biedt voor een software architectuur met minder functionele- en technisch afhankelijkheden Mis deze inspirerende kennissessie niet en ontdek hoe je jouw softwareprojecten toekomstbestendiger maakt! **Arjen Wassink** Arjen is een architect bij Quintor met 25 jaar ervaring in het bouwen, onderhouden en doorontwikkelen van verschillende soorten systemen met Java technologie. Met zijn brede techniek en vakmanschap interesse is hij instaat enterprise architecturen te vertalen naar systeem- en software architecturen, en werkwijzen die werken. Hiernaast verzorgt hij een minor cloud-native software development aan de Hogeschool Utrecht waarin hij nieuwe vakgenoten leert professioneel software te ontwikkelen voor de cloud. **Cees van der Velde** Cees is een ervaren business- en informatieanalist bij Quintor met een passie voor techniek. Zijn kracht ligt in het helder krijgen en begrijpen van vraagstukken en deze te vertalen naar een concrete oplossingen die aansluiten bij de behoeften van developers, zodat effectief het juiste systeem gebouwd wordt. **Deelname:** Deelname is gratis. **Locatie:** Belastingdienst Stationsplein 50 (naast het bus- en NS-station) 7311 NZ Apeldoorn **Opmerkingen:** * Vergeet uw paspoort of identiteitskaart niet mee te nemen. * Registreer met dezelfde achternaam als op uw paspoort of identiteitskaart. * Geef eventuele dieetwensen door, anders dan halal, koosjer en vegetarisch. * Wij raden u aan om met het openbaar vervoer of de fiets te komen. * Er zijn 30 parkeerplaatsen onder ons kantoor, navigatieadres Sophialaan 22 - 7311 PD Apeldoorn. * Overige parkeermogelijkheden: 1. Parkeergarage Haven-Centrum, navigatieadres: Korte Molenstraat 2 Apeldoorn, 2. P+R, Laan van de Mensenrechten Apeldoorn.

**3D Workshop** * **Ontwerpen met Fusion360** * **Scannen in 3D** * **Het gebruik van 3D printers** **Je bent nu welkom in de nieuwe locatie NewTechPark** Je kunt ook online aan deze fysieke bijeenkomst deelnemen. De bijeenkomst is dan op de locatie te volgen. Als je [hier](w.j.put@hccnet.nl) vooraf een mailtje stuurt kun je dinsdagavond tussen 19.00 en 20.00 uur inloggen met Jitsi voor vragen, of ter kennismaking met hcc!3D. Online neem je deel aan de bijeenkomst met [https://wij.hcc.nl/3D](https://wij.hcc.nl/3D) [(Alleen toegang als je zichtbaar bent met voor- en achternaam. )](https://wij.hcc.nl/3d)

Join us for an evening of good vibes! Whether you’re a local or an expat, Mingle Mania is the perfect place to socialize and make friends or even to practice languages. ‍♂️‍♂️ Join [https://chat.whatsapp.com/GopSuzuFKRBKeYVKQrX4pE](https://chat.whatsapp.com/GopSuzuFKRBKeYVKQrX4pE) The group has many regular members, we intend to do various type of events, the goal is to build a strong community for all sorts of activities. If you have an event idea that you would like to see happen, let us know. We generally have about 20 participants, the age is between 20 and 60 averaging somewhere around 30, language exchange is not strictly enforced, culture exchange happens naturally. **mingle** (verb, intransitive): to move among people and talk to them, especially at a social event. **What We Are:** * A diverse group of locals and expats * ...going out at least every Tuesday **Event Details:** * It is free to join and operated on a voluntary basis! * Please honor the bar by ordering at least one drink.

Join Creative Table for an interactive and fun Create & Connect session in Apeldoorn aimed at fostering community building. Unleash your creativity in a supportive and inclusive environment, where members can connect, share ideas, and collaborate on various art projects. Whether you are a seasoned artist or just looking to dabble in something new, this event welcomes all skill levels. Come prepared to mingle, create, and be inspired by the diverse talents within our community. Let's paint, draw, and sculpt our way to stronger connections and lasting friendships.

**(Tickets + event access exclusively available through EventBrite.)** Full event link here [From Fixed to Flow - EventBrite](https://www.eventbrite.nl/e/from-fixed-to-flow-an-online-workshop-of-creativity-and-release-tickets-1981557382473?aff=oddtdtcreator) Loosen the mental knots you didn’t know you were tightening. Use creativity to move from fixed patterns into more open habits. Refresh yourself before a new week with an easy, online workshop to open your mental well-being through creative mindset from a stuck sense of routine to more flexible state. \*\* What You'll Experience:\*\* * **Structured, guided conversations** where thinking out loud is part of the method. It's not a lecture, and it is a blend of psychology, art, and practical ritual. * A **live, interactive exercise** to break rigid thinking and experience "flow." * A **supportive space to connect** with others feeling the same desire for more lightness and less rigidity. **️ What You'll Take Away:** * **The "Separation of Tasks" Tool:** A philosopher's secret to deflating anxiety about others' opinions. * **The Conduit Mindset:** How to replace "Is this good?" with the liberating question, **"What happens if you stop deciding in advance what ‘good’ looks like?"** * **Your First Micro-Ritual:** A simple, 5-minute daily practice to make creativity an inevitable source of calm. * **Clarity & Permission:** A clear map to identify your "Fixed Self" and the courage to gently unfurl from it. **✨ This is for You if:** * You feel mentally "stuck" or confined by your routines. * You've ever said, "I'm not a creative person." * You long for more playfulness, less pressure in your daily life. * You desire to use creativity as a tool for well-being, not just output. * You are 18+ years of age. \*\* Workshop Details:\*\* * **Duration:** 90 minutes * **Format:** Live, interactive virtual session (Link provided upon registration) * **Investment:** €7 less 15% off through 1 March * **What You Need:** A quiet/comfortable space, a willingness to be gently curious, and one ordinary object within arm's reach (a pen, a cup, a book). **(Tickets + event access exclusively available through EventBrite.)** Full event link here [From Fixed to Flow - EventBrite](https://www.eventbrite.nl/e/from-fixed-to-flow-an-online-workshop-of-creativity-and-release-tickets-1981557382473?aff=oddtdtcreator)

Hi✋ At[ Data Tribes ](https://www.datatribes.nl/)we organise Meetups because we truly care about sharing knowledge both inside and outside the organisation. We believe that it is beneficial to us and to the market as a whole to connect, create, learn and grow together! **The agenda** // Doors open 6.00pm // Drinks and Pizza’s 6.30pm // Start presentations 7.00pm **Henk van der Valk:** "Optimizing the Azure cloud?" ***Who really cares about Cost & Co2?*** // Start networking 9.00pm // End Meetup 9.30pm Greetings, Data Tribes Inc.

** ABOUT OUR WATERCOLOR PAINTING PARTY / AMERSFOORT** Amersfoort - Utrecht Province / Center of the City / Easy access from train station. Create your very own **portrait, animals, landscape, or figurative** masterpiece in only **2.5 HOURS using watercolor and our secret mixed media techniques!.** This session is not about perfection; it is about capturing emotions and personal expression. **No experience required** **\- trust us\!** our professional artist will guide you step-by-step through this unique self-portrait journey. You can look forward to a fun and exciting evening with other participants, **so it doesn't matter if you want to come with friends or alone - you are very welcome!** This is the perfect after-work or weekend activity where you'll unleash your creativity while creating something deeply personal. You will create a portrait combining painting, drawing, and creative techniques to bring your unique vision to life. When finished, you'll take home your newly created self-portrait artwork to cherish or share with loved ones. Each participant will have pencils, colored pencils, watercolor, acrylic/gouache paints, and a surface. You'll work from an image we will bring. **️ READY TO HAVE FUN?** Get your Ticket and book your seat **✨[HERE](https://buymeacoffee.com/artloversclub/e/430555) ✨** **Questions?** Speak with a member of the team in **[WHATSAPP HERE](https://chat.whatsapp.com/J3Y5yeWUhvbJM98bqty2WP) ** .................................... ** WHAT'S INCLUDED?** All supplies included **2.5-HOUR [TICKET SESSION](https://buymeacoffee.com/artloversclub/e/430555)** ️ **EXTRA BONUS:** **FREE TICKET**️ to participate in our Drawing and Painting Cafes in Amersfoort or Our Online Still-Life sessions if you live far away. New friendships and Conversations Freedom to work at your own pace **English tutored activity** (And of course, you can speak in your local language with your friends!) ⭐ No experience needed **️ BOOK YOUR SEAT IN ADVANCE ✨[HERE](https://buymeacoffee.com/artloversclub/e/430555) ✨!** **Questions?** Speak with a member of the team in **[WHATSAPP](https://chat.whatsapp.com/J3Y5yeWUhvbJM98bqty2WP) ** ** 2026 CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS:** First Sunday or every month from 11.00 AM - 1:30 PM. .................................... **️ ART LOVERS CLUB / ABOUT US** **ART LOVERS CLUB** is a community where art enthusiasts come together to explore their creativity and connect with new buddies through various events and sessions ( In-Person and Online) . Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting, we have something for everyone!⭐ To share with you more about what we do, you can see here the overall atmosphere of our events in Amersfoort and also follow us if you want⭐: **[https://www.instagram.com/art_lovers_social_club](https://www.instagram.com/art_lovers_social_club)** **Questions?** Speak with a member of the team in **[WHATSAPP](https://chat.whatsapp.com/J3Y5yeWUhvbJM98bqty2WP) ** ** 2025 CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS:** First Sunday or every month from 11.00 AM - 1:30 PM. **See you soon. We are looking forward to painting and having Fun Together! ‍‍‍‍**

Donderdag **26 februari 2026** is het weer tijd voor onze **Techday**: hét vaste moment waarop we kennis delen, elkaar inspireren en nieuwe ideeën direct in de praktijk brengen. Deze editie komt een spreker van Onyx langs. Onyx is gespecialiseerd in cybersecurity. Tijdens deze techday worden theorie, praktijk en nabespreking gecombineerd met directe toepasbaarheid in jullie dagelijkse werkzaamheden. Tijdens de Techday duiken we hands-on in veelvoorkomende kwetsbaarheden en misconfiguraties binnen moderne softwareontwikkeling. Theorie, demo’s en realistische scenario’s wisselen elkaar af. Met de interactieve CTF‑opdrachten leer je niet alleen hoe deze problemen ontstaan en misbruikt worden, maar vooral hoe je ze direct kunt toepassen en voorkomen in je dagelijkse werk. **Wanneer:** Donderdag 26 februari 2026 **Wat:** Cybersecurity in de Praktijk: Hands-on met Onyx **Voor wie:** Iedereen die nieuwsgierig is en wil leren **Agenda** 14:45 - 15:00 - Inloop 15:00 - 18:00 - Opening en introductie Praktijkvoorbeelden: Wat zijn wij in het echt tegengekomen Security misconfiguration: Gezamelijke spot-de-fout met code-snippets CTF opdrachten 18:00 - 19:00 - Eten en napraten We zien je graag op de Techday!

This meeting will be an open discussion about the book "an Immense World" by Ed Yong

Attend a free seminar on how to have successful and lasting relationships. At this seminar you will learn: How to spot and handle negative and toxic relationships. How to get through the "rough patches" in a relationship. How to choose the right people to work with. The three things that make or break any relationship. How to make a good relationship great. All are welcome. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. Hosted by the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

Join us for The Fisherman by John Langan. In upstate New York, in the woods around Woodstock, Dutchman's Creek flows out of the Ashokan Reservoir. Steep-banked, fast-moving, it offers the promise of fine fishing, and of something more, a possibility too fantastic to be true. When Abe and Dan, two widowers who have found solace in each other's company and a shared passion for fishing, hear rumors of the Creek, and what might be found there, the remedy to both their losses, they dismiss it as just another fish story. Soon, though, the men find themselves drawn into a tale as deep and old as the Reservoir. It's a tale of dark pacts, of long-buried secrets, and of a mysterious figure known as Der Fisher: the Fisherman. It will bring Abe and Dan face to face with all that they have lost, and with the price they must pay to regain it.

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

[The Board Walks](http://www.theboardwalks.com/) are for curious people who love deep conversations. If that sounds like you, **bring a thoughtful topic** and join us for a 5-mile walk (10,000+ steps!). **HOW IT WORKS** **Step 1: Bring a topic** Before you arrive, think of **one** topic you want to explore. A question. A thought that's been on your mind. An obsession you want to geek out on. This is your ticket to the event. **Step 2: Circle up & share** We gather in a circle. Your friendly walk host gives a speech to set the tone. Everyone shares: your name, what you're grateful for, and your topic. That's it. 60 seconds. **Step 3: Walk, talk & float** We walk 5 miles. You naturally drift into conversation with 2-3 people at a time, pulled by topics that spark your curiosity. When you're ready to move on, just say: "I'm going to float!" **Step 4: Feel more alive** Two hours flies by. You're back where you started — but you feel different. More alive. More energized. More connected to yourself and others. That's why regulars join 20+ times. *For more details, read our [Orientation Guide.](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation)* **HOW TO BRING A GREAT TOPIC** A great topic = something you're genuinely curious about. Recent topics include: * "What are you passionate about right now?" * "What makes a good friend?" * "What's a belief you used to hold that you've completely changed?" * "How do you want to be remembered?" * "What would you do if money wasn't a factor?" Think of your topic like the dish you're bringing to our conversational potluck. If everyone brings an A+ dish (i.e. energizing, uplifting, expansive), we'll all walk away feeling lighter and brighter. **WHAT TO EXPECT** This isn't a fitness event with casual chitchat. It's a walking think tank where we explore life's big questions together, beyond small talk. *If you're looking for light banter or a standard networking event, this probably isn't the right fit.* But if you crave depth, genuine connection, and conversations that make you feel alive? You'll love it here. **FAQ** * Wear casual athletic attire and sneakers. It's a long walk! * We have multiple first-timers at each event. We work hard to create a welcoming, inclusive, clique-free space. * We welcome people of **all** ages, backgrounds, and industries who align with the [intention](https://www.theboardwalks.com/ground-rules) of this space. * Rain or shine, we've been out here nearly every week since July 2022. If the event is cancelled, we'll let you know. * Dogs, babies in strollers, parents, and friends are welcome — please text/email them the event link so they can RSVP and prepare a topic! **LOGISTICS** * If you'll arrive over 10 minutes late, we suggest skipping the event. It's hard to find us once we start walking, and your host can't answer messages during the event. * This walk is designed for everyone to *move together at the same steady pace* (about 20 min/mile). This format works best when the whole group moves in unison. If you have mobility limitations, we kindly encourage you to find an event better suited to your needs. * Read our [Orientation Guide](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation) for full details. * If you enjoy the event, send **[this](http://www.theboardwalks.com/)** to a friend or sign up for our **[newsletter](https://theboardwalks.beehiiv.com/)**. We're in multiple cities with more on the way. **IF YOU WANT TO GO DEEPER...** [The Board](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board) is the next step: a high-trust collective for renaissance people devoted to creating, connecting, and building lives that light us up. * This is a global HQ for people who crave big talk, deep connection, and dream collaborations with people across industries. If the walks feel like a spark... The Board is the fire. Apply [here](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board).