Creative Problem Solving

As a creative, you might recognise this: somehow you always end up with more craft and art supplies than you actually use. Maybe it was an idea you never got around to, maybe other materials just worked better, or maybe it was simply time for a good clear-out. Whatever the reason, those supplies deserve a second life! At this craft swap everyone brings the materials they no longer need. We put it all out on the table and from there it's up to you, browse around and take home whatever sparks your creativity. A fun and affordable way to find new supplies while helping each other free up some storage space. 🎨 It's also a great chance to chat with fellow crafters about what you like to make and get inspired by each other! * 🖊️ What can you bring? Think paper, pencils and markers, washi tape, beads, stickers, glue, wool, fabric, stamps, craft kits... basically anything craft-related that's been sitting unused * 📦 Anything unclaimed at the end of the evening you can take back home, donate yourself, or leave with the organiser who will pass it on to charity

Join us for the next Azure Thursdays meetup. On **May 7th** we are welcomed by **Sopra Steria** at their Headquarters in **Nieuwegein**. **Confirmed speakers:** * Wesley Camargo (Tata Consultancy Services) * Jacco Rademaker (4Dotnet) **Program:** 17:30 \~ 18:00 Walk-in 18:00 \~ 18:45 Dinner 18:45 \~ 19:30 First session by Wesley - Your Azure Is Wrong And I Can Prove It 19:45 \~ 20:30 Second session by Jacco - The long running battle between Azure DevOps and GitHub: finally peace? 20:30 \~ 21:00 Drinks & wrap-up **Session 1:** *Speaker:* Wesley Camargo *Title:* Your Azure Is Wrong And I Can Prove It Many Azure environments are functioning, but that doesn’t mean they are designed to scale, stay secure, or meet enterprise requirements. Short-term decisions like using Resource Groups as environments, relying on a single subscription, manual scaling, and adding governance only when problems appear often lead to fragile platforms that break under growth. In this session, we uncover the most common Azure architectural anti-patterns and explain how the Microsoft Cloud Adoption Framework (CAF) provides a practical path from “it works” to Enterprise Ready. The focus is on the Ready, Govern, and Manage phases, where platform foundations are defined and long-term success is determined. You’ll get a clear overview of key CAF design areas, based on real production environments, not theory: • Identity and access • Networking • Governance and security • Monitoring • Automation • Cost management **Session 2:** *Speaker:* Jacco Rademaker *Title:* The long running battle between Azure DevOps and GitHub: finally peace? Are you currently working with Azure DevOps, but also have an eye on GitHub for its AI features? Do you need the functionalities Azure Boards offers and would you also like to use with AI agents? Or has your organization heavily invested in Azure Pipelines, which you do not want to rebuild using GitHub Actions? And when you would move your repositories, will you still have your pull request history? You do not have to go all-in with GitHub and leave Azure DevOps behind. Why choose, when you can combine them! You'll learn how to connect Azure DevOps to GitHub, what features this will open up for you and what your workflow can look like. This session will help you decide on how to move forward with your team or your whole organization! **About Azure Thursday and this event:** ===> Read more about the sessions and speakers on: www.azurethursday.com \# ==========CODE=OF=CONDUCT========== If you join this event, you agree with our Code of Conduct. Please read the full COC at [https://www.azurethursday.com/code-of-conduct/](https://www.azurethursday.com/code-of-conduct/)

Do you want to write stories, poems, blogs or lyrics, but you don't know how to start? Then this workshop is perfect for you. In two hours, I tickle your writing brain and spark your creativity. With easy exercises and plenty of writing, you will be sure to end up with a full notebook and a smile. You can secure your spot through this link: https://www.eventbrite.nl/e/introduction-to-creative-writing-at-zoku-tickets-1987123186944

Not everyone who has ever worked in academia chooses to continue their career there. Sometimes academic work turns out not to be the right fit; sometimes it is simply different from what you expected. Some people entered with high ideals that did not come to fruition. Have you worked in an academic setting for at least one year (roughly full-time), and would you like to reflect on your experiences with others who have since left? Join the Journal of Trial and Error event on May 7, from 20:00, at Utrecht University Library City Center. During the evening, we will engage in an open dialogue. Together, we will explore what lessons the university can learn for improving science and higher education, and how these insights might help make academia more sustainable and appealing for the next generation. Register for the event here: https://trialanderror.org/lustrum-ex-academia-2026.

Op 7 mei 2026 zal de [NLUUG Voorjaarsconferentie 2026](https://nluug.nl/evenementen/nluug/voorjaarsconferentie-2026/) (#VJ2026) plaatsvinden. De [Call for Proposals](https://cfp.nluug.nl/nluug-voorjaarsconferentie-2026/cfp) is geopend tot 06-03-2026. Heb je een interessant onderwerp waar je graag de Open Source wereld meer over wilt laten weten, schrijf je dan vooral in. De conferentie voor bedoeld voor NLUUG leden. Zij hebben de mogelijkheid om een introducee mee te nemen. De inschrijving voor de Voorjaarsconferentie zal in Q1 2026 geopend worden

You may purchase your ticket here: https://internationals-networking-event.utrecht-international-center.com/ Drinks, bites, and the best advice in town. Are you joining us? When: Thursday May 7th from 5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Where: LE:EN in Utrecht Whether you’ve just arrived in the Netherlands or have been here for a while and are looking to meet new people, this event is for you! Join the Internationals Networking Event on May 7th in Utrecht for an evening of networking and information gathering. Join the event to: Meet new people during a fun networking game. Meet service providers in housing, finance, education, and much more! Enjoy live music, drinks and streetfood bites!

Hallo liebe Java User Group Mitglieder! Diesmal haben wir Peter Kranz mit seinem interaktiven Talk zu den unterschiedlichen Java-Versionen zu Gast. Wir freuen uns euch zu sehen (virtuell oder vor Ort). * 18:00 Uhr: Einlass * 18:30 Uhr: Talk * ab 19:30: Ausklang des Abends Dank an [adesso](https://www.adesso.de/de/unternehmen/standorte/nuernberg.jsp) für Location, Bier und Pizza! \-\-\- Java entwickelt sich seit Version 9 im Halbjahresrhythmus weiter – mit Records, Pattern Matching, Virtual Threads und vielen weiteren Features. Doch wer hat schon die Zeit, 17 Releases im Detail zu verfolgen? Die Fülle an Neuerungen ist enorm, und je nach Projekt und Interesse sind ganz unterschiedliche Features relevant. Ein klassischer Vortrag kann hier nur einen starren Pfad durch die Feature-Landschaft bieten. Dieser Talk geht einen anderen Weg: als interaktiver Dungeon Crawler. Das Publikum entscheidet gemeinsam, welchen Themenkomplex es als Nächstes erkunden will – Moderne Sprach-Features, Concurrency, APIs, JVM-Tooling oder experimentelle Preview-Features. Jede Entscheidung führt tiefer in den Dungeon und schaltet neue Level frei. So entsteht bei jedem Vortrag ein einzigartiger Pfad durch die Java-Versionen 9 bis 26. Wie in einem echten Dungeon Crawler sammelt das Publikum dabei XP und wird am Ende einer Klasse zugeordnet – vom Warrior mit Fokus auf Performance bis zum Wizard der Sprach-Features. Ob Einsteiger:in oder erfahrene:r Entwickler:in: Jede Session liefert praxisnahe Einblicke in genau die Java-Features, die das Publikum am meisten interessieren. Kein Vortrag gleicht dem anderen – und der einzige Weg, alles zu sehen, ist wiederzukommen. \-\-\- Dein Vortrag bei der Java Usergroup Nürnberg! Hast du dich in letzter Zeit in deinem Projekt oder privat mit einem interessanten Thema beschäftigt? Vermutlich ist das nicht nur für dich selbst interessant! Hast du Lust, selber einmal einen Vortrag bei der Java-Usergroup Nürnberg zu halten? Wir sind nicht nur auf Java-Themen fokussiert, sondern beschäftigen uns gern mit und um alles über Software Entwicklung und IT. Wir wollen bei der JUG nicht nur bekannten Speaker\*innen eine Plattform geben und die neuesten State-of-the-Art Technologien vorstellen. Wir freuen uns auch besonders, wenn wir Themen aus unserem technologischen (Arbeits-)alltag Raum geben zu können. Melde dich gerne bei uns, wenn du dazu Lust hast, wir geben wenn gewünscht gerne auch Hilfestellung bei der Vorbereitung!

**Zondag 10 mei presenteert OPA een boekpresentatie voor Dingen doen denken, het nieuwe boek van auteur Jeroen van den Eijnde en ontwerper Jannie Guo.** Dingen doen denken bevat teksten die Van den Eijnde schreef tussen 1994 en 2025, van persoonlijke observaties tot bijdragen aan vak en publieksboeken over design en ontwerpend onderzoek. Kunstenaar en ontwerper Jannie Guo heeft het boek vormgegeven. Beiden verzorgen een presentatie met aandacht voor de teksten van Jeroen en het ontwerp van Jannie. Walter Jansen van Het Colofon gaat met hen in gesprek. Graag aanmelden via info@hetcolofon.nl met de vermelding van het aantal personen.

Come play improv theatre in English and kick off your Friday evening with laughter, creativity and new people. This [drop-in workshop](https://www.improvutrecht.nl/drop-in-workshops/) is open to everyone, whether you are trying improv for the very first time or you have played before and want to stay sharp. You do not need acting experience and you do not need perfect English. Many people join us for the first time each week, alongside regular players who keep coming back. The atmosphere is open, playful and supportive, with a real focus on having fun together. During the session you can expect: * Meeting internationals and Dutch players who enjoy playing in English * Fun and accessible improv games inspired by shows like Whose Line Is It Anyway and De Lama’s * Clear introductions to improv principles like listening, accepting ideas and playing together * Plenty of laughter and a few moments where you surprise yourself * A relaxed, social vibe rather than anything competitive or performative We play from 20:00 to 22:00. Doors open between 19:50 and 20:00 and you enter together via the side entrance on Troelstralaan. After the workshop, many people head to O’Leary’s nearby for a drink and a chat. Sign up by adding your name via [https://bit.ly/iudropin](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2Fiudropin%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExYzVUWUpNcUx3Qmxyc0tCNnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5K0FVPivgkRn67BEoDofHkr7Es12_1bq4hDCggWDXNdpNhLZnzLNMNtrNdqw_aem_j1YiiuZaWNnyDZ5jbnCCBQ&h=AT2fpKsMMORdusQhpZ9iv0ed8772wQ5kPJcHxIGz5i8iQEJK0FVlSpqVqEh62oBzSisT7moNRPBSDvWIuZEL9WgLIXRbLyqXfXj7sE7CYyKbKxqnakD0W31HOEXSgK_5tuPYJFStscaUvrh-0pc&__tn__=q&c%5B0%5D=AT3WQkDUYF4F66VuKR4XhsJ2afRvpjsAkK93Octb-hRh_JIzYk-7ePG7XSFfHFYxd9GLxqQgCwnPjN2yiYBNVADfb7VXyjFO1sHIArS4Jo43x4NQHr-b2RMtZUH_TIvYncgegRNFx3P2HDQbu5bCg5dzFhmaWlgHFa4). If you can no longer attend, please remember to remove yourself so someone else can join. The workshop works on a Pay What You Thought It Was Worth basis. Suggested donation is €10 to €20, but you are always welcome regardless of what you can pay. Contributions help cover the room and the professional trainer giving up their Friday evening. **About the teacher this week** This session is taught by [Steven Morgan](https://stevenmorgan.wales). Steven is a British comedian, improviser and teacher with a long international track record both on stage and in the classroom. He was the Head of Teaching at easylaughs in Amsterdam and was cast member of Impro Amsterdam for two years running. He previously organised the Bris Funny Fest in Australia, producing over one hundred comedy shows, and has performed stand up comedy in numerous countries and festivals including the Utrecht International Comedy Festival. Steven has also run corporate workshops for organisations such as Nike, Zoom and the Red Cross, and was one half of the improv duo Tru2U with Rogier Bak. His teaching style is playful, clear and confidence building, with a strong focus on connection, generosity on stage and enjoying the moment rather than trying to be funny. Whether you come to learn, to meet people, or just to have a joyful Friday evening, you are very welcome.

* We **start at 11:15** at Raadhuisplein 1, 3951 XT Maarn https://maps.app.goo.gl/WogeofsFNuDyBgrN9 * Length: \~16.6 km (4 - 5 hr hiking) * What to bring: lunch, water, snack. * For whom: As always, sporty folks that like to combine social event with being active in nature. **Getting there by Train:** * To train station: Maarn https://maps.app.goo.gl/UkHaTRXZZW9zG3dn9 **Getting there by Car:** * Parking in the streets close to: Raadhuisplein 1, 3951 XT Maarn https://maps.app.goo.gl/WogeofsFNuDyBgrN9 **Note:** * Please **pay a small fee (3 euro)** to help us cover the (increased) yearly Meetup contribution of 240 euro. We'll ask you to pay before the start of the hike (can be on the day itself). No refunds, but in the unlikely event that hike would be cancelled and you already paid, you don't need to pay for your next hike. Thank you so much! Use the **safe link** here: https://betaalverzoek.rabobank.nl/betaalverzoek/?id=cqlYWv_MTpSjp2VkROXWhA * Keep in mind that the hike can be canceled when the weather is very bad (**always check the event before you go**). * If you RSVP 'yes' we expect you to show-up. Please do not cancel less than 24 hours before the hike. **No-shows** will lead to your removal from the group. Thanks for the understanding. * By signing up for this event, you agree to release the organizers from any responsibility and liability in all claims. As the participation is strictly voluntary and you freely choose to join, it is the responsibility of individuals participating to ensure that they are fit enough and have adequate coverage to protect themselves.

For our next hike we'll be following a beautiful 9.5km route starting at Soest-Zuid train station and ending at Amersfoort Central Station. On the way we'll pass by the Soesterduinen dunes and the Birkhoven forest. Will you join? Utrecht Hiking Community aims to organise one hike per month in the Utrecht Region. Anyone is welcome to join, no matter whether you're a beginner or an experienced hiker, a local or an expat, a professional or a student, as long as you bring a good mood. We are not about fast hiking, but about social hiking: being active, exploring places, meeting like-minded people and just generally having a fun walk. We'll be starting from Soest-Zuid train station at 10.30AM. This time we won't be following a circular route, which means we won't end at our starting point, but we'll end at Amersfoort Central Station instead. Those who want to return to Soest-Zuid station afterwards to get back to their car, can take bus 70 from Amersfoort, which is going every 15 minutes. Please try to arrive to Soest-Zuid on time. We'll start our hike at 10.30AM and won't let the whole group wait for you in case you're arriving later. Only in case the train scheduled to arrive at 10.24AM has some delay, we'll wait for that train to arrive. If you're arriving after we have departed, you can send a message on WhatsApp to +31621177691, so we can share our location with you and you can try to catch up with us. Soest-Zuid station has a toilet, but please don't count on it to work. When checking the route, it was closed. On the way there are no public toilets, so please use a restroom before you arrive. The route is going over both paved and unpaved roads and we'll even be walking through the sand of the Soesterduinen dunes for a bit (not for long, as it's harder to walk through the sand than on the paths). Please wear good shoes, bring something to drink for on the way and use SPF if it'll be a sunny day Dogs are allowed on the route, but need to be kept on a leash on parts of the route. After the walk, those who want can join for lunch/drinks in the center of Amersfoort. This is not directly next to Amersfoort Central Station, but at a distance of another 15-20 minutes of walking. Since we do make some costs while organising our hikes (MeetUp subscription, travel expenses), a small donation would be very much appreciated. You can do so by following this link: https://www.ing.nl/payreq/m/?trxid=s9tT34cUyD97YuSHhIYbTIqN4LfxLAn9 If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. See you on Saturday 9th of May at Soest-Zuid train station!

## Connect & Grow onder begeleiding van Pauline van Aken, auteur, spreker en trainer... ## Voel je dat je hoofd vaak te “vol” zit en heb je behoefte aan meer rust én echte gevoelsmensen om je heen in de natuur? ## Tijdens deze 1e Connect & Grow sessie, stap je even uit de drukte van alledag en kom je samen met een groep bewuste en gelijkgestemden. Een laagdrempelige, ontspannen meeting waarbij je kunt 'zijn' en we ook, als het weer het toelaat, een mooie wandeling maken. We ont-moeten, verbinden en doen tussentijdse korte, praktische oefeningen, waarbij je voelt dat je hoofd even met 'vakantie' is. De meeting vindt plaats in de natuur bij de Hoorneboegse Heide. Specifieke meetingpoint: Brasserie Zonnestraal op de parkeerplaats rechts van de zij ingang. Bij minder goed weer verzamelen we binnen in de Brasserie Zonnestraal. Wil je hierbij zijn, stuur dan een mailtje met je naam en mobiele nummer + de datum (zaterdag 9 mei) naar: info@paulinevanaken.nl Check ook even de site: Paulinevanaken.nl zodat je weet hoe ik eruit zie en wellicht kan ik je alvast inspireren met wat ik deel in verschillende podcasts en blogs. De kosten: €27,00 p.p. inclusief 't boek: VOEL, *terug in contact met jezelf,* exclusief drankjes en versnaperingen die bij de Brasserie mogelijk zijn om te bestellen. Ik kijk ernaar uit je te ontmoeten. Lieve groet, Pauline

This is a public event. https://www.mamalouise.nl/stemmen/#meer Location: Amsterdam https://share.google/cwDD8kYtynE6gveog Please WhatsApp your meetup organisor Mari for your confirmation!

Hi everyone! With good weather present, let’s get together for a picnic-themed meetup! In the spirit of BYO things, feel free to join with food, drinks, blankets to lie down on, games, or just good vibes. If the weather allows and people are up for it, there’s always the possibility of follow-up drinks later that day. Exact Location to meet: Dropped pin https://maps.app.goo.gl/6SbDVFQJdP1WWVdG8 More tips on how to find the group will follow in the comments on the day of the meetup. Hope to see you there! :) In case of bad (NL) weather, the Picnic might be moved to another day.

At Evolve Synergy Sessions, you'll be part of a supportive mastermind where we share challenges, brainstorm solutions, and inspire one another to take bold steps in our businesses. Grow your network, gain fresh perspectives, and build meaningful relationships with like-minded women who are committed to success. Whether you’re looking to move the needle in your business or simply need a space to connect and recharge, this is the perfect place to fuel your entrepreneurial journey. [Add Event to Calendar](https://evolvecolumbus.eventcalendarapp.com/) \*\* Please note, we will be arriving around 8:15a for open networking! Get there early and get connected! Contact Alexis Morley at [alexis.morley@edwardjones.com](mailto:alexis.morley@edwardjones.com) or Terri Lawson at [terri.lawson@e-merge.com](mailto:terri.lawson@e-merge.com) for more information.

**Building a great product is one thing—building momentum behind it is another.** Join **Senior Product Manager Adam Solaiman** and **User Experience Manager Tyson Smith** for a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to turn complex ideas into scalable products inside large organizations. In this session, they’ll share how teams move from ambiguity to execution—navigating organizational complexity, aligning stakeholders, and continuously evolving products after launch. You’ll walk away with insights on how to: * Build and sustain momentum across teams * Adapt to changing priorities without losing direction * Scale products thoughtfully in complex environments Whether you're driving a new initiative or growing an existing product, this conversation will give you practical strategies to keep things moving forward. Come connect, learn, and swap stories with fellow product professionals. \-\-\- Food and drinks will be provided by Switchbox, our generous host. Free parking will be available at the front and back sides of the Switchbox Office.

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.

When judging morality, should we prioritize **intentions/duty** or **outcomes/results**? It introduces two influential philosophers as representatives of these approaches. * **Immanuel Kant (deontology):** An action is moral when it is done from **duty** and follows rational, universal principles (the **categorical imperative**). Certain acts—like lying—are wrong regardless of the consequences; you can’t do a wrong thing for a right reason. * **John Stuart Mill (utilitarian consequentialism):** The morality of an action is determined by its **effects**, specifically how much **happiness/well-being** it produces. Mill argues that some pleasures are “higher” than others, and that good intentions don’t redeem harmful outcomes. ## Discussion Questions 1. **The lying dilemma:** A murderer comes to your door and asks if your friend is hiding inside. Kant would say you must not lie. 2. **Can good intentions rescue a bad outcome?** 3. **The organ harvest problem:** A surgeon has five patients dying of organ failure and one healthy patient in for a checkup. Killing the one to harvest organs would save five lives, and the math works out for the utilitarian. Why does this feel so deeply wrong? Is that feeling a point in Kant's favor, or just a bias we should overcome? 4. **Do rules need exceptions?** Kant insists moral rules must be universal, with no exceptions. But most of us can imagine extreme scenarios where any rule seems like it should bend. Does the need for exceptions fatally undermine deontology, or is the strength of the system precisely that it refuses to bend? 5. **Who gets to calculate the consequences?** Utilitarianism asks us to maximize good outcomes, but we're notoriously bad at predicting consequences. If we can't reliably know the results of our actions, is it practical to base our entire moral system on outcomes? Does this uncertainty push us back toward rules and principles? 6. **Everyday morality:** Think about a real moral decision you've made recently, even a small one. Did you reason more like a Kantian (what's the right thing to do in principle?) or more like a utilitarian (what will produce the best result?)? Do most people naturally lean one way? 7. **Justice vs. the greater good:** A town can prevent a deadly plague by sacrificing one innocent person. The greater good is clearly served. But is it just? Can an action be morally right and deeply unjust at the same time? 8. **The big synthesis question:** Are these two systems actually opposed, or do they often arrive at the same answers by different paths? Is it possible that we need both: rules to guide us in the moment and consequences to evaluate systems and policies over time?

[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).

Practical AI for Power BI Developers A year ago, “agentic AI” was mostly hype for Power BI teams. Today, it deserves your undivided attention. For Power BI pros, there is now a real opportunity to reduce repetitive development work, accelerate delivery, and help developers do more, but only when strong DataOps practices are in place to make AI workflows effective. This session is a no-nonsense introduction to effective AI patterns for Power BI and Fabric development. Along the way, we will make sense of the growing pile of terminology, including skills, plugins, hooks, and MCP. You will see examples of how modern AI tooling can help with development tasks across Power BI and Fabric, along with the prerequisites, guardrails, and DataOps principles needed to use it responsibly. Whether you're burned out on AI hype or already using Copilot CLI daily, this session will show you the foundations that are finally making AI-assisted development genuinely useful.