Creative Problem Solving

Paint A Neon Canvas. Music. UV Lights. Prizes. No Experience Needed To Take Part. To get tickets: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/neon-painting-disco-ball-tickets-1975119937903?aff=oddtdtcreator Paint A Canvas Using Florescent Paint With Music And Prizes. Our team will take each person step by step into creating a masterpiece with no experience necessary. Create a painting under UV Lights and do something very different. **WHAT TO EXPECT?** * Artist (to help you paint) * Themed Painting * Prizes * Music * UV Lights **DO YOU DO PRIVATE EVENTS?** Yes, we host private events, brand events, hen parties, and work parties. Contact us on bookings@alternativeexperiences.ie **WHERE IS THE VENUE LOCATED?** The new space is located in Pawn Shop on Dame Street. **IS THERE ALCOHOL?** Yes, the bar has alcohol for sale. There is no BYOB option. **IS IT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE?** Unfortunately not, this venue is not wheelchair accessible but we do events in other venues which are. **DO YOU DO KIDS EVENTS?** Nope, all events are 18+. We are very strict on ID. **HOW DO I FIND OUT ABOUT EVENTS?** Signup to our weekly newsletter [here](https://www.alternativedublincity.com/newsletter-signup/ "https://www.alternativedublincity.com/newsletter-signup/") **LOCATION:** Pawn Shop, 15 Dame St, Dublin 2, D02 KD74

Create your tote bag with no experience necessary. Tote bag art event with music and craic! Tickets: [https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/tote-bag-painting-tickets-1970435406343?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/tote-bag-painting-tickets-1970435406343?aff=oddtdtcreator)**WHAT TO EXPECT?** * Expect chill vibes and good music in a creative workshop! * All art materials needed to create your own unique tote bag are provided. * This venue is BYOB after 5pm. **THE RULES** * This is over 18s. Our studio is a place for adults to socialize. * All attendees must have a vallid ticket. **DO YOU DO P RIVATE EVENTS?** Yes, we host lots of private events we can host them in our studio, at your office or a partner venue. We've hosted events for dozens of companies for hundreds of people! Get in touch for more info. **WHAT DO WE DO DURING THE WORKSHOP? DO WE HAVE TO FOLLOW ALONG?** Our workshops are super informal, this is not a strict class, we have an instructor to guide you along but this is a very basic beginner event for you to experiment and have fun. We reward creativity and encourage everyone to create something different. **IS IT WHEELCHAIR FRIENDLY?** Yes! Our venue has no step access and a disabled bathroom for our guests, all on the one floor. **WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?** Paint is messy avoid white clothes and get ready to roll up your sleeves. Dark clothing is advisable if you are going anywhere afterwards and make sure to wipe paint off with HOT water then machine wash :) **I HAVE A YOUNG CHILD OR TEENAGER CAN I BRING THEM?** Unfortunately not, we do not host events for children this space is for 18+ we want to create a place where adults can behave like children and get creative. **CAN WE LEAVE OUR PIECES THERE?** We don't have capacity to keep the pots as our studio is open 7 days a week we give everyone a bag to put their masterpieces in. **THE EVENT SAYS SOLDOUT, CAN MY FRIEND COME?** Unfortunately not, if an event is soldout it means there are no seats left. **I'M GOING TO BE LATE, CAN I STILL COME?** Yes, we don't usually start exactly on time. Due to a large volume of people arriving at once it usually starts atleast 10 minutes after the time on the event. If you're really late just come in and don't worry!

Create your tote bag with no experience necessary. Tote bag art event with music and craic! To get tickets: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/tote-bag-painting-tickets-1970435406343?aff=oddtdtcreator **WHAT TO EXPECT?** * Expect chill vibes and good music in a creative workshop! * All art materials needed to create your own unique tote bag are provided. * This venue is BYOB after 5pm. **THE RULES** * This is over 18s. Our studio is a place for adults to socialize. * All attendees must have a vallid ticket. **DO YOU DO P RIVATE EVENTS?** Yes, we host lots of private events we can host them in our studio, at your office or a partner venue. We've hosted events for dozens of companies for hundreds of people! Get in touch for more info. **WHAT DO WE DO DURING THE WORKSHOP? DO WE HAVE TO FOLLOW ALONG?** Our workshops are super informal, this is not a strict class, we have an instructor to guide you along but this is a very basic beginner event for you to experiment and have fun. We reward creativity and encourage everyone to create something different. **IS IT WHEELCHAIR FRIENDLY?** Yes! Our venue has no step access and a disabled bathroom for our guests, all on the one floor. **WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?** Paint is messy avoid white clothes and get ready to roll up your sleeves. Dark clothing is advisable if you are going anywhere afterwards and make sure to wipe paint off with HOT water then machine wash :) **I HAVE A YOUNG CHILD OR TEENAGER CAN I BRING THEM?** Unfortunately not, we do not host events for children this space is for 18+ we want to create a place where adults can behave like children and get creative. **CAN WE LEAVE OUR PIECES THERE?** We don't have capacity to keep the pots as our studio is open 7 days a week we give everyone a bag to put their masterpieces in. **THE EVENT SAYS SOLDOUT, CAN MY FRIEND COME?** Unfortunately not, if an event is soldout it means there are no seats left. **I'M GOING TO BE LATE, CAN I STILL COME?** Yes, we don't usually start exactly on time. Due to a large volume of people arriving at once it usually starts atleast 10 minutes after the time on the event. If you're really late just come in and don't worry!

Christmas lunch, free to attend, but obviously we all pay for our own food and drinks LOCATION: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Nn8sDrzA9cyM4Qdp8?g_st=ic

Please PREPAY for this game either by Revolut https://revolut.me/davidandl or Paypal ([kenna.david@gmail.com](http://kenna.david@gmail.com/)) √ We have just 60 minutes to play so please come along a few minutes early to ensure we can start on time. √ The maximum number of players is 18. Please be sure you show up. Places are in high demand so unfortunately, failure to show will result in you being automatically removed from the group. √ As always, you participate in these games at your own risk and an agreement to indemnify the organisers from any injury, loss, claim, or infection.

**A look into Dublin's lesser-known gems, including several great local spots.** Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/hidden-gems-of-dublin-free-walking-tour-tickets-923824753707 ## **Discover a different side to Dublin 🚶** Ever wonder what’s down there? For such a small town, Dublin certainly has its fair share of secret spots and dodgy stories. Starting from O’Connell street, our guides will share the story of one of the Rising’s lesser known heroes, how Dublin’s aging buildings have been utilised (for better or worse), and some of the crazy nights of Dublin’s past. Whether new or old to the city, come find a few new spots to socialize and discover and Alternative Side of Dublin. The Alternative Side of Dublin Tour is free to all and we are dedicated to keeping it that way, tipping if you can is greatly encouraged! Our tour has over 100 excellent reviews online and is ranked in the top tours on Trip Advisor. **TOPICS** * Easter Rising and the O’Rahilly Crusade * Historic Building Preservation in Dublin * Rise and Fall of Moore Street * The Chocolate Factory * Homelessness in Dublin * Capel Street Hotspots * The Hacienda * The Vegetable Market * The Complex * Nirvana & Drug Shenanigans * Panti Bliss’ Noble Call * Icon Walk **PRIVATE TOURS** We are also now doing private tours for groups, if you want to host your own tour get in touch with us. We can do tours for friend groups, work parties, educational tours or community tours.👬🧑‍🤝‍🧑 **WHAT ELSE DO WE DO?** We host art nights, pottery, walking tours, workshops, rug tufting and lots of whacky events. Join us for Drink & Draw Ireland's art party or one of our many experiences. 🎨 **SUPPORT LOCAL** After each tour we will send you a link to each artist featured and also bring you to a gallery where you can support artists by buying prints, paintings or commission them for work! ***FAQ?*** **What happens if I'm late?** We encourage anyone who is late to still join the tour, after you get a ticket you will get an email that will have instructions. 📩 **What happens if it rains?** All tours proceed even if it's raining, please bring an umbrella or rain jacket just in case.☔ **Is this wheelchair accessible?** Unfortunately, parts of the tour is not accessible, the first location is accessible to everyone. **Should I Tip?** If you enjoy it you can tip your guide if you want! Our guides keep all tips from tours so it gives artists and creatives a chance to do something they love. **FREE TOUR? Really?** Yes, this tour is free, if you enjoy it you can tip your guide if you want. We also offer a selection of paid walking tours that explore different facets of the city's history, which you can check out.

Join us for coffee, a chat and bring your project at the CHQ (fully accessible venue). We're usually at the tables in the middle of the building - just look out for the yarn :) There's a choice of cafes, including the Bakehouse & Starbucks. There's no charge for the meetup but we ask please that you join our Whatsapp group if you plan on staying with the group. Cost is only €5 a year to pay for Meetup subs etc.

## **Discover a different side to Dublin 🚶** Ever wonder what’s down there? For such a small town, Dublin certainly has its fair share of secret spots and dodgy stories. Starting from O’Connell street, our guides will share the story of one of the Rising’s lesser known heroes, how Dublin’s aging buildings have been utilised (for better or worse), and some of the crazy nights of Dublin’s past. Whether new or old to the city, come find a few new spots to socialize and discover and Alternative Side of Dublin. The Alternative Side of Dublin Tour is free to all and we are dedicated to keeping it that way, tipping if you can is greatly encouraged! Our tour has over 100 excellent reviews online and is ranked in the top tours on Trip Advisor. Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/alternative-side-to-dublin-free-walking-tour-tickets-292547356017 **TOPICS** * Easter Rising and the O’Rahilly Crusade * Historic Building Preservation in Dublin * Rise and Fall of Moore Street * The Chocolate Factory * Homelessness in Dublin * Capel Street Hotspots * The Hacienda * The Vegetable Market * The Complex * Nirvana & Drug Shenanigans * Panti Bliss’ Noble Call * Icon Walk * **PRIVATE TOURS** We are also now doing private tours for groups, if you want to host your own tour get in touch with us. We can do tours for friend groups, work parties, educational tours or community tours.👬🧑‍🤝‍🧑 **WHAT ELSE DO WE DO?** We host art nights, pottery, walking tours, workshops, rug tufting and lots of whacky events. Join us for Drink & Draw Ireland's art party or one of our many experiences. 🎨 **SUPPORT LOCAL** After each tour we will send you a link to each artist featured and also bring you to a gallery where you can support artists by buying prints, paintings or commission them for work! ***FAQ?*** **What happens if I'm late?** We encourage anyone who is late to still join the tour, after you get a ticket you will get an email that will have instructions. 📩 **What happens if it rains?** All tours proceed even if it's raining, please bring an umbrella or rain jacket just in case.☔ **Is this wheelchair accessible?** Unfortunately parts of the tour is not accessible, the first location is accessible to everyone. **Should I Tip?** If you enjoy it you can tip your guide if you want! Our guides keep all tips from tours so it gives artists and creatives a chance to do something they love. **FREE TOUR? Really?** Yes this is free, if you enjoy it you can tip your guide if you want. We also host a selection of paid walking tours, highlighting differet areas of the city's history.

**Sound of Soul 11:00 am** In many spiritual traditions, sound plays an important part in uplifting the individual. The sound of HU is a key to open your heart to God’s loving presence in your life. This simple prayer, singing *HU*, can change you. It can open your eyes to see clearly the miracles happening around you every day. Throughout the ages, followers of many spiritual traditions have used the singing of holy words to bring themselves closer to God. In the same way, those who have discovered HU, an ancient name for God, sing it for their spiritual upliftment. Regardless of your beliefs or religion, you can sing HU to become happier and more secure in God's love. You have the potential for greater happiness, love, and understanding. Singing HU can bring these to you—through the Light and Sound of God. Come join us for the Sound of Soul event, where we sing HU for about twenty minutes, followed by a brief silent contemplation. After we can chat and discuss any spiritual questions you may have. **Spiritual Lunch 12:15 pm** For lunch, we bring food to share with each other and have some conversation, cheer and companionship together. **Videos from the 2025 ECK Worldwide Soul Adventure Seminar 1:30 pm** **Changing of the Guard** Harold Klemp announces his successor, the new Mᴀʜᴀɴᴛᴀ, the Living ECK Master. **At the Ocean’s Edge** A new talk by Sri Doug Kunin, the Mᴀʜᴀɴᴛᴀ, the Living ECK Master. ***All are welcome!*** This is a hybrid event, in-person and online. It will take place in the ECK Centre, 4 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2, D02 AX96, Ireland, and on Zoom. **To join the in-person meeting**, please come along to the ECK Centre a few minutes before the start time. **To join online via Zoom**, please click the **[LINK TO REGISTER](https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcldOmsrTMuH9Mi8_j2EuzfjB33kbHnpxnf)** [https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcldOmsrTMuH9Mi8_j2EuzfjB33kbHnpxnf](https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcldOmsrTMuH9Mi8_j2EuzfjB33kbHnpxnf)[ ](https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAsd-ygqD0pEtz_ArkglopMTKMRaOqirMeA). After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Paint A Neon Canvas. Music. UV Lights. Prizes. No Experience Needed To Take Part. Paint A Canvas Using Florescent Paint With Music And Prizes. Our team will take each person step by step into creating a masterpiece with no experience necessary. Create a painting under UV Lights and do something very different. **To get tickets: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/neon-painting-disco-ball-tickets-1975119937903?aff=oddtdtcreator** **WHAT TO EXPECT?** * Artist (to help you paint) * Themed Painting * Prizes * Music * UV Lights **DO YOU DO PRIVATE EVENTS?** Yes, we host private events, brand events, hen parties, and work parties. Contact us on bookings@alternativeexperiences.ie **WHERE IS THE VENUE LOCATED?** The new space is located in Pawn Shop on Dame Street. **IS THERE ALCOHOL?** Yes, the bar has alcohol for sale. There is no BYOB option. **IS IT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE?** Unfortunately not, this venue is not wheelchair accessible but we do events in other venues which are. **DO YOU DO KIDS EVENTS?** Nope, all events are 18+. We are very strict on ID. **HOW DO I FIND OUT ABOUT EVENTS?** Signup to our weekly newsletter [here](https://www.alternativedublincity.com/newsletter-signup/ "https://www.alternativedublincity.com/newsletter-signup/") **LOCATION:** Pawn Shop, 15 Dame St, Dublin 2, D02 KD74

Our annual Christmas DMW. This is a 42km linear walk across the trails of the Dublin Mountains. We will kick off from Tallaght Stadium at 09:00. Some of us will meet in Shankill around 08:15 and get a taxi over to Tallaght. We expect to be finished in approximately 7.5 hours, so will be fast pace. We will be having some food and drinks in Bradys pub in Shankill afterwards. Bus and Dart available in Shankill for return journey. Parking available also if you fancy driving over. Light hiking boots or trail runners are suitable for this hike as mostly forest trails and roads.

Hi All, this is a on lead walk with dogs of all ages and experience welcome. Many who attend are recently rescued and learning. Walk the lovely grounds and see the flowers and wildlife followed by coffee. There is a Fb page Sighthound Adventures Ireland and #dublinhoundwalks on Instagram. All Welcome.

First attempt at this. If it's good, we'll do it again. If it sucks, we tried. (Event photo is from a recent trip to Flagstaff. Stock photos of fake people drinking coffee are the worst.) **Why I'm doing this:** You're the average of the people you spend the most time with. Running a business solo means I've been spending most of my time with myself. And AI tools, which are great for thinking through business problems, but terrible for actual human connection. I want to raise that average. Looking for people who want real conversations. Not networking, not pitches, just the kind of talk that makes you think differently about what you're building and why. If we all end up making a few friends along the way, even better. **What to expect:** Coffee. Conversation. No pitches, no elevator speeches, no going around the table introducing ourselves like it's a corporate icebreaker. Just show up and talk like a normal human. **Ground rules:** * No pitching your business * No recruiting * No MLM talk * No hustle porn **RSVP cap:** 6 people max so it doesn't turn into a crowd. **Location:** Transcend Coffee & Roastery in Grove City **Time:** Friday, January 16th at 11 AM. See you there!

Step into 2026 with intention, clarity, and a creative practice designed to help you see yourself more clearly. In this special Confidence Lab session, we’ll explore confidence as something you can curate - through the choices you make, the qualities you amplify, and the story you choose to step into. We’ll start with a short guided reflection to surface the traits, habits, and energies you want to nurture in the coming year. Then, using collage materials selected specifically for this workshop, you’ll translate those insights into a visual composition that represents the version of yourself you’re ready to grow toward. This isn’t about resolutions or perfection. It’s about crafting a grounded, imaginative vision of your next chapter - one that feels honest, energizing, and fully yours. All materials are provided. Just bring yourself (and a friend) and a willingness to explore what confidence can look like for you in 2026. **Featured Partner: Columbus Collage Collective** The Columbus Collage Collective was started in August of 2023 by Emily Morgan (aka Lovely But Dead) and Douglas Cuckler (aka Wonder Doug) as a place for collage enthusiasts to gather and create art together. The collective has since become a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with the mission to hold free or low-cost collage events across central Ohio. The CCC welcomes all artists of all backgrounds and skill levels and encourages folks to take this time to step away from everyday existence and create art with people who share a love for this dynamic art form. All materials—magazines, scissors, craft knives, glue, paper, cardboard, and more—are provided, so there's no need to bring anything at all (though you're welcome to bring a friend or a favorite tool if you'd like!). We also encourage folks to take home magazines and materials from our events to support continued creativity! Find us on Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/columbuscollagecollective/](https://www.instagram.com/columbuscollagecollective/) Register or sign up for the newsletter at [https://www.columbuscollagecollective.com/](https://www.columbuscollagecollective.com/) **What is Confidence Lab?** Confidence Lab is a monthly community experience for bold, thoughtful leaders building confidence from the inside out. Whether you’re launching a business, leading a team, navigating change, or simply striving to show up more fully—you belong here. Our work demands clarity, courage, and conviction—but the pace of daily life can erode our sense of self. Confidence Lab creates space to reflect, reconnect, and grow with others doing purpose-driven work. It’s designed for entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, creatives, corporate professionals, activists, and anyone ready to lead with authenticity and impact. ***Please note:*** *All are welcome! If cost is a concern, please use promo code PUBLIC to access a free ticket—we want you to join us.*

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.

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Sunday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at noon on Sundays. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 12:00 - quick intros. 12:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 1:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 1-1:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Sunday!

CHANGED to WEDNESDAYS COLUMBUS RECREATION CENTERS require membership fee to play. Register & Pay at the desk when you arrive. $5 day pass is available. I have some extra pickle ball paddles and balls if you don’t have one. Definitely bring your own paddle if you have one and bring some balls if you have them. Legal Stuff: The event hosts/Organizers are just fellow member volunteers. By participating in any event, you assume all risks of liability and injury inherent in these activities. You are responsible for your own safety and for determining if you are in condition fit to participate. You are also responsible for knowing and abiding by all laws and rules during your participation in any event.
 Photos & or Video: by attending these events you acknowledge photos and or video may be taken and used on this and other platforms.

**Web Design Decoded: Tools, Practices, and Proven Processes:** **Semantic HTML** At WebDev Columbus, we are exploring some of the most important topics of professional high-end web design and page building. Primarily focused on site building in the WordPress environment, our group explores tools, tips, and techniques for building the best WordPress sites possible. Additionally, we focus on disciplines and technologies that take website design from visually appealing to optimized spaces for delivering you and/or your client's message effectively and with a nod towards extended reach. Each session combines practical demonstrations with real-world insights, giving you actionable knowledge you can apply immediately. Whether you're a seasoned developer looking to enhance your design skills or a newcomer wanting to understand design best practices, this series offers valuable insights for every skill level. **What to expect:** * Hands-on demonstrations of popular design tools * Best practices for design-to-development workflows * Tips for creating responsive, accessible designs * Real-world problem-solving scenarios * Interactive Q&A sessions * Networking opportunities with fellow developers **Each meetup features:** 60 minutes of focused presentation 30 minutes of live demonstrations 30 minutes for questions and discussion **See you there!** Our casual, collaborative environment encourages learning from both presenters and fellow attendees. Bring your questions, share your experiences, and connect with Central Ohio's web development community! **Stay tuned for specific session topics and dates.**

CG flips the script on networking, with surprises and connections that'll make you say, "Who knew networking could be this much fun?!"