CEOs & Founders
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Check out ceos & founders events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.
Discover all the ceos & founders events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
Absolutely! Find ceos & founders events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.
CEOs & Founders Events Today
Join in-person CEOs & Founders events happening right now
Summer Bucket List
What’s on your summer bucket list this year?
Come share your ideas, hear everyone else’s, and maybe discover a few things you didn’t even know existed. The best part? Some of these ideas may turn into future group meetups.
ATTENDANCE POLICY: To keep this group running smoothly and ensure that spots are available for those who genuinely want to attend, please RSVP only if you are confident you can make it. If you RSVP “Yes” and do not attend without updating your RSVP in advance, you may be restricted from attending future events for a period of time. We understand that things come up. If you can no longer attend, simply update your RSVP as soon as possible so your spot can be offered to someone on the waitlist. Repeated no-shows will result in removal from the group. Thank you for respecting everyone’s time and helping us maintain a reliable and engaged community.
SUPPORT THINKERS AND DRINKERS: Thinkers and Drinkers International is a registered 501(c)7 nonprofit organization. We work hard to create an organization that adds value to our communities while keeping membership free for all. If you find value in what we’re doing, please consider donating through Patreon: [https://www.patreon.com/thinkers](https://www.patreon.com/thinkers)
CONNECT:
Instagram: @ThinkersDrinkersInternational
Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/thinkersdrinkersinternational/](https://www.facebook.com/thinkersdrinkersinternational/)
Podcast: [https://www.spreaker.com/user/thinkersdrinkersinternational](https://www.spreaker.com/user/thinkersdrinkersinternational)
Email: ThinkersDrinkersInternational@gmail.com
Soundbath — My Body Don’t Rest That Way - Sound Healing + Meditation
Do you find yourself showing up in meditation sessions wondering why your mind won’t settle down?Are you trying to figure out why your body seems to become so uncomfortable in meditation sessions? Join Marsha, non-conventional meditator, certified yoga therapist, trauma sensitive yoga facilitator, and energy and sound healing facilitator, as we show up and unpack ways of meditating that uniquely resonate with you. Whether you find comfort in standing, sitting in a chair or on a yoga mat, or lying on the floor, eyes open or closed, you are welcome to show up just as you are, as we seek peace through movement and compassionate sharing experiences, while embodying the physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual benefits of meditation, energy + sound healing, and yoga therapy.
**Please reserve your spot at www.piesfitnessyoga.com**. The session is offered both InStudio and OnLine. The Zoom link for the OnLine session will be emailed 15 minutes before class starts to those who are registered at www.piesfitnessyoga.com. **Sign up for sessions must be made at least 2 hours prior to class.**
The address is 1322 Prince St Alexandria, VA 22314.
Our entrance is located on the side of the building, parallel to West St. **Street parking is available and additional parking is located at Shiloh Baptist church, spaces 36,37,38,39.** The church is located across the street from the studio, on the corner of Duke St. and West St.
Discount is available to seniors, teachers, students, emergency responders, and military. All can save by purchasing class packs.
Profs & Pints DC: Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy
[Profs and Pints DC](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy,”** on findings, debates and trends in the use of psychedelic substances to treat trauma and other conditions, with Whitney Marris, instructor at the University of Buffalo’s School of Social Work, certified psychedelic-assisted therapy facilitator, and consultant to clinical trials.
[Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/dc-psychedelic-assisted-therapy](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/dc-psychedelic-assisted-therapy) .]
Psychedelics are rapidly moving from the margins into the mainstream, and questions abound as the sociocultural and legal landscapes surrounding them shift. President Trump’s recent executive order expanding access to psychedelic drugs for certain conditions and accelerating research on them has both heightened interest and added to confusion.
Learn more about the so-called “Psychedelic Renaissance,” and get help separating the hope from the hype surrounding it, with Whitney Marris, a leading trainer and facilitator of psychedelic therapy who has used it to treat trauma survivors, military veterans, and people with cancer.
She’ll present foundational information on what we know about how psychedelics work. You’ll learn how psychedelic-assisted therapy differs from “trip sitting” and about what we know about the effects of “microdosing” versus “macrodosing.” We’ll examine what has been demonstrated to be helpful versus harmful before, during, and after a dosing session intended to support significant, sustainable change.
Marris also will discuss the historical and cultural context of the use of psychedelic medicines for healing, and she’ll describe the ethical challenges that arise as such practices move from counterculture to clinic. We’ll look at emerging and evolving findings in the field, as well as at the roles being played by various financial interests and ideologies in determining the direction of psychedelic-assisted therapy and research on its outcomes.
Attendees will gain an awareness of the need for new professional standards and regulatory guardrails related to such work, and they’ll leave knowing key questions to ask potential providers of psychedelic-assisted therapy. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.)
Image by Canva.
June Meet & Greet Happy Hour
*Interested in giving back to your community, while meeting likeminded people along the way?*
Stop by **Bronson Bierhall** to learn more 🍻
We'll be there from 6-8pm, and all are welcome to stop by when you can 🥨
-------------------------------------------------
The Arlington Jaycees is the premier civic organization of Arlington and the surrounding
DMV. We provide young adults ages 21-40 with opportunities for community service and outreach, personal & professional growth, business networking, and social engagement.
We are a local branch of the Junior Chamber International, which provides the opportunity to build lifelong connections both at home and abroad!
**Build** your community.
**Build** friendships.
**Build** yourself.
[Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/arlingtonjaycees?igsh=ZHd0cml3ZXh2MXFu&utm_source=qr) for more 📸
Yappy Happy Hour @ Spark Social
**NEW EVENT!!!** Please be sure to RSVP on **[Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1988729928752?aff=oddtdtcreator)** so we have an accurate guest list.
Pink Poodle Club is Spark's weekly Yappy Hour — every Monday on the back patio from 5–7pm. $1 Scooby Snacks for hoomans and $1 pup cups for the doggos.
Come join us for a fun and **dog-friendly** gathering! It’s the perfect chance to meet new people, share stories, and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with the **LGBTQ+ community**. Whether you're looking to make friends or just hang out, everyone’s welcome. Grab your favorite drink and let’s make some great memories together!
This event is free to attend. We hope to see you there. In addition to coffee selections, the venue offers a good food and drinks [menu](https://spark-dc.com/pages/menu-2).
We encourage you to register your attendance in advance. We hope to see you there.
When you arrive with your dog, order on your own from the [menu](https://spark-dc.com/pages/menu-2). Then meet and mingle with LGBTQ+ folk and their dogs on the back patio.
**Metro Directions:** Be eco-friendly. U Street Metro (Yellow/Green line) is only a few blocks away. Take the 13th Street Exit. The venue is adjacent to Crush Bar.
This event is a safe space for everyone under the rainbow.
Please feel free to invite all your friends to join you there!
This event is hosted by **[Go Gay DC](https://www.gogaydc.com)**, Washington DC's inclusive LGBTQ+ community focused on friendship, leadership, and service.
It now reaches over 10K fabulous people and is growing fast. Visit [https://www.gogaydc.com](https://www.gogaydc.com) . Go Gay DC's founder is **[TJ Flavell](https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjflavell/)**.
Go Gay DC is on social media:
Join the Facebook Group
[https://www.facebook.com/groups/GoGayDC](https://www.facebook.com/groups/GoGayDC)
Like the Facebook Page
[https://www.facebook.com/GoGayDC](https://www.facebook.com/GoGayDC)
Follow on Instagram
[https://www.instagram.com/GoGayDC](https://www.instagram.com/GoGayDC)
Follow on Threads
[https://www.threads.com/@GoGayDC](https://www.threads.com/@gogaydc)
Follow on Bluesky
[https://gogaydc.bsky.social/](https://gogaydc.bsky.social/)
Follow on X
[https://www.x.com/GoGayDC](https://www.x.com/GoGayDC)
Watch on YouTube
[https://www.youtube.com/GoGayDC](https://www.youtube.com/GoGayDC)
LinkedIn
[https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/GoGayDC](https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/GoGayDC?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExZG1DTnM0VnJybG83U3FWcnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR765Xxf5t8wFzbCac74QNX3p0Bs2oT0drXZoOmLV63J8cURMl3ta5b8iP3ztg_aem_nSdndpxd5-hXJ8myNF2_vQ)
Search keywords: LGBT LGBTQ LGBTQI LQBTQIA Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Intersex Straight Allies Two-Spirit
CEOs & Founders Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
Find a Cofounder, Help or Join a Startup
**Welcome to Startup Oasis!**
If you are a startup founder, investor, developer, marketer, entrepreneur, or anyone else in the tech ecosystem looking to start, join, or help a tech startup, this event is for you! Startup founders pitch their business to the audience, then they will join their own breakout group to get feedback from the attendees (similar to a hackathon).
The official registration page is [here](https://luma.com/8f94woli).
Schedule:
* 6:00 PM - Doors open for networking
* 6:45 - Founders pitch
* 7:00 onward - founders break off into break-out groups and attendees can move around and help one for the remainder of the time, similar to a hackathon.
Startup Oasis was created to pierce the illusion of accessibility of startups and tech by creating a grassroots forum for early-stage founders to pitch to those in the tech ecosystem to get real-time feedback for their idea or business.
Use this [link](https://lnk.bio/startup.oasis) to:
* Follow us on LinkedIn
* Join our community
* Donate to our cause
* Visit our website
* Sign up for our events newsletter
**FAQ:**
**Is this event free to attend?** Yes - Startup Oasis will always be free for anyone to attend. If you would like to donate, you can buy a VIP ticket here and it will be appreciated! You can also talk to us about volunteer opportunities.
**Am I eligible to pitch?** You must be the founder or on the leadership team of a technology-based startup to be eligible to pitch. You can be early stage (pre-funding, pre-revenue, or pre-MVP) up to series A. Consultants, firms, and agencies cannot pitch their services - please join a breakout to speak with the founders.
**What happens after the pitches?** The breakout groups form for the remainder of the event. Each founder gets a breakout room and you can talk with them more there about their business and needs.
**Can I take photos or videos?** Yes, please be respectful when doing so. You can tag Startup Oasis on LinkedIn. If you have a video or YouTube show, you are welcome to interview founders and attendees.
Primewise Founders Club VC Connect and Networking Event- Washington DC
**Pitch your startup directly to leading venture capital investors and** **Join Primewise Founders Club's exclusive networking session where visionary entrepreneurs connect, collaborate and create magic together.**
**Primewise Founders Club**, in collaboration with **a leading Venture Capital Firm**, presents an exclusive VC Connect Session – a high-impact opportunity for early-stage founders to pitch directly to active venture capital investors.
This closed-door virtual event brings together selected founders and investors in a focused setting designed to foster meaningful connections, investor feedback, and potential funding opportunities across USA.
If you’re building a scalable technology venture or an innovative business model, this is your chance to showcase your vision to leading investors and industry experts.
Register Now: [https://thepfclub.com/neusa/]
[Filling the form is a must. If you are looking to apply for investor connect, click "Raise Investment" on the "what are you hoping to gain from the event" and our team will reach out to you.]
**What Makes This Special:**
* Pitch directly to VC: Pitch your startup directly to VC and investors
* Strategic partnerships: Collaborate with fellow founders on new ventures.
* Scaling discussions: Exchange ideas on growth and market expansion.
* Investment opportunities: Be the first to discover promising startups.
* Expand your influence while contributing to the startup ecosystem.
* A supportive community: Celebrate wins and overcome challenges together.
**Networking event:**
**Date**: 13th June, 2026
**Time**: 12:00 PM (EDT)
**Format**: Online
**VC event:** Invite-only access - details will be shared for shortlisted founders
**Join Our Ecosystem:**
1\. Register for the event
2\. Join our LinkedIn community
3\. Get access to our exclusive WhatsApp group
4\. Connect with fellow members
5\. Start growing together\!
Contact Us:
Website: [[https://thepfclub.com/](https://thepfclub.com/)]
Email: [[event@thepfclub.com](http://event@thepfclub.com/)]
LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/company/primewise-founders-club/]
To your entrepreneurial success,
Primewise Founders Club Team
Unstuck Tuesday: Startup Pitches, Feedback, and Action Steps!
Pitch your idea, get feedback, give feedback, meet with a mentor and most importantly, take action.
Come to the meetup with a specific issue you are stuck with.
**10:30 am Introductions:** 2-minute pitches tell us who you are? What you're working on? and what you need help with?
**11:00 am Problem Solving:** Let's figure out how we can help, and what action you can take today to move forward.
**12:00 pm** Open Networking: Keep the discussion going and connect with other attendees. Bring yourself, notebooks, laptops and anything else you need to pitch your idea and get work done.
Interested in joining the Studio? [APPLY NOW](https://unstucklabs.com)
Sunday Curanderismo Cacao Ceremony & Sound Bath For Ancestral Healing
Cacao comes from a tree that has been used by Mexican, Central and South American indigenous cultures for spirituality and healing purposes. The main characteristic of this sacred medicine is opening the heart. During this ceremony we will practice the sacred ritual of drinking ceremonial grade cacao in its purest form to open our hearts to invite ancestral healing. Ceremony will be followed by a soothing and relaxing sound healing for you to bathe in the sounds of vibrational instruments. Everyone is welcome to join this ceremony.
In this Curanderismo Cacao Ceremony with Sacred Cacao we will respectfully honor the spirit of Cacao in the traditional ways from the Yucatan Peninsula. Ceremony will be lead by Jenny Perez a Curandera and Shamanic Healer who has worked together with her teacher and elders to facilitate Cacao Ceremonies in the most respectful way , honoring the spirit of Cacao and Los Abuelos de la tradicion (The Elders of the curanderismo tradition and guardians of the sacred cacao).\*\*\*No photography, video recording, or recording of any kind is permited during the ceremony without prior written and aproved authorization. No part of this ceremony or its entirety may be replicated or claimed as your own without legal writen concent from Jenny, Curanderas Heart, and her legal team. Failure to comply will result in legal action by Curanderas Heart legal team. Be respecful of this tradition and all the elders involved in making it possible to preserve this tradition and its sacred ways\*\*\*.
Start hydrating yourself a day before the Ceremony
\*\*IMPORTANT NOTE:\*\* It is possible to experience some side effects such as nausea, sweating, headache, and nervousness with overconsumption of cacao. Please consult with your doctor before consuming ceremonial Cacao. This ceremony is not for people who are pregnant and/or have a heart condition or if taking SSRIs medications.
What you may experience during this ceremony:
Heart Opening and Heart Expansion
Connection with your heart and emotions
Transformation
Chakra Balancing
Deep healing of emotional wounds, grief, and traumas
Ability to connect to your higher self, and ancestors.
Improve emotional balance.
Increased feelings of joy, happiness, and inner peace
Ability to create self-love and improve relationships.
What to bring:
Your own water bottle
Comfortable clothes to lay down
An Eye Mask or bandanda if you have one
Your own yoga mat or use one at the studio
Your own blanket or use one at the studio
Optional:A small offering for the altar such as a piece of fruit or flower
About Jenny Perez Curandera: Jenny is a full time Curandera and Shamanic Healer. Her core values are to LIVE IN HARMONY with great spirit, the elements, nature, animals and people. DO NO HARM TO OTHER PEOPLE, PLANTS OR ANIMALS. In the traditional Curanderismo that Jenny practices the foundation is LOVE AND RESPECT to the spirit world, towards animals,plants, people,free will and the elders who guard the curanderismo tradition (Los Abulitos de la tradicion).
Private bookings are available for ancestral healings,energy clearing , energy balancing and tarot readings. If you would like to book a private energy session or tarot reading before/after ceremony send an email to [healing@curanderasheart.com](mailto:healing@curanderasheart.com) or text (703)531-7046 ( Visit our site for more information on our upcoming ancestral healing ceremonies, trauma release ceremonies, cacao ceremonies, full moon ceremonies, women circles, breathwork sessions and energy clearing ceremonies to bring balance to mind, body and spirit) Stay connected via IG @curanderasheart
Curanderas Heart is located in the Westover Village in Arlington VA . 5852 Washington Blvd unit 5 Arlington VA at a walkable neighborhood with food options and street parking. Space is limited allowing all of our events to have an intimate vibe. Due to limited space pre registration and arriving on time is very important.
DATE: SUNDAY
TIME: 1pm-3pm Doors will open 30 minutes early ARRIVE ON TIME TO SET UP YOUR SPOT. DON'T KNOCK ON THE DOOR OR DISTURB THE SESSION. ONCE THE DOOR IS CLOSED IT MEANS SESSION IS ALREADY IN PROCESS AND IT WILL NOT OPEN UNTIL THE SESSION IS OVER.
Energy Exchange: $88
Address: 5852 Washington Blvd unit5 Arlington VA 22205
Info: WWW.CURANDERASHEART.COM
[healing@curanderasheart.com](mailto:healing@curanderasheart.com)
703\. 531\.7046 call or text
What you may experience during this session: Improve emotional balance, Increased feelings of joy, happiness, and inner peace. Ability to create self-love and improve relationships
\*\*\*\*Cancellation Policy: Due to the extensive time and effort that it takes to prepare the sacred Cacao there are no refunds for missed or cancelled reservations.\*\*\*\*
Cigars & Startups DC
Join us for an evening of networking and insightful discussions at our Cigars & Startups Networking Night, hosted by Cigars and Startups DC. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, a startup enthusiast, or a tech aficionado, this event is the perfect opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals. We'll have premium cigars, drinks and talk about the exciting topics of entrepreneurship, securing venture capital funding, and the intersection of technology startups and the cigar industry.
Sip on fine drinks, enjoy premium cigars, and engage in lively conversations with fellow guests who share your passion for entrepreneurship and innovation. Whether you're looking to expand your professional network, seek investment opportunities, or simply unwind after a long day, this event promises to offer a unique blend of business insights and leisure. Don't miss out on this exclusive chance to mingle with the brightest minds in the startup ecosystem while enjoying the finer things in life.
Thanks to our sponsors @Hunter from Next.Law, @Richard from Ashira Finanical and @Andrew from Zccounting.com
Note: Because my company (Zccounting) is a bookkeeping and accounting firm, not a licensed tobacco dealer I will not be selling cigars and your ticket only includes "entry" to the VIP lounge and event, however, I'm super generous and will share as many cigars as you can smoke at the event from my personal collection for no fee whatsoever!
Underwater Hockey (open to new players!)
Come try underwater hockey!
We are open to new players. You just need to bring a bathing suit. If you have a mask, snorkel, or fins bring those, but we have extra to borrow.
We are at The Saint James Sport Center. Go in the main entrance, walk past the front desk. Take the first right down a hallway. Follow the hallway to a set of stairs, take the stairs. Take the first right down another hallway. Locker rooms on the left.
NVTC: A Morning with Cyber Icon Kevin Mandia
# NVTC Event (NVTC Registration Required) A Morning with Cyber Icon Kevin Mandia
***
I am attending this event with the Northern Virginia Technology Council and wanted to share in case others are interested, particularly given our group's strong interest in AI. NVTC morning events typically feature a coffee & bagel breakfast with a really good speaker. I know weekday mornings can be a struggle, but if this is of interest to you, you can register on the NVTC website: [A Morning with Cyber Icon Kevin Mandia - Northern Virginia Technology Council](https://www.nvtc.org/event/a-morning-with-cyber-icon-kevin-mandia/)
## Details
Date: June 10, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Cost: Free for NVTC members, $40 for nonmembers
### Venue
LMI Headquarters
7940 Jones Branch Drive
McLean, VA 22102
From the NVTC website:
One of the most consequential figures in cybersecurity history is coming back to where it all began, and you can be in the room.
The Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC) is proud to name Kevin Mandia as our 2026 Cyber Icon. Chances to hear him speak candidly, outside the world’s biggest stages, are extraordinarily rare. This is one of them.
**Why this moment is different**
In March 2026, Mandia’s new company, Armadin emerged from stealth with a record-breaking $189+ million raise, the largest in cybersecurity history. His message is unambiguous: AI hasn’t just changed cybersecurity; it has rewritten the rules entirely.
Today’s attacks are autonomous, adaptive, and relentless driven by intelligent software agents operating at machine speed. Armadin was built for this new reality, and Mandia is at the center of this transformation.
On June 10, he’ll share where cybersecurity is headed next—and what leaders must do now to stay ahead.
He’ll be joined by longtime collaborator Ronald Bushar, CISO and Managing Director at Google Public Sector, for a candid, insider conversation that goes far beyond the headlines.
**What you’ll hear**
* **The Mandiant Legacy:** How the exposure of APT1 reshaped the global understanding of cyber threats—and changed the industry forever.
* **The AI Inflection Point:** What autonomous, learning-based attacks mean for defense in a world moving at the speed of compute.
* **Autonomous Offense as Defense:** Why the future may involve AI defending against AI—with little to no human intervention.
* **The Founder’s Journey:** The decisions, risks, and resilience behind building Mandiant into a $5.4B acquisition—and starting again.
* **The Future Cyber Workforce:** How roles are evolving, what skills will matter most, and how the next generation must prepare.
No recording. No replay. No second chance. Seats are limited.
**Register now before this moment passes you by!**
## CPE Credits are available to attendees
*We are pleased to offer 2.4 continuing professional education (CPE) credits to those that attend the event. CPE certification at A Morning with Cyber Icon Kevin Mandia is being administered by Carahsoft Technology Corp. Carahsoft is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education of the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. For more information on the CPE credit we are offering, our CPE sponsor (NASBA), and the submission process, please* ***[click here](https://carahevents.carahsoft.com/Event/Details/759939-cpe?auth=65c43597315342f482a6c07402079c85)****.*
CEOs & Founders Events Near You
Connect with your local CEOs & Founders community
Join Biggest Community | Investors Founders | Columbus | Online
Please reserve your spot by registering on the below link :
**Reserve**
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/join-biggest-community-investors-founders-columbus-online-tickets-1988563717610?aff=meetup
**QUESTIONS ?**
Pls Reach out to;
Ridhi - +971504724873 ( WhatsApp Only)
Data & Analytics Wednesday - Finding Product Insights
**The Behavior Gap: Where Products Win or Lose**
Teams today have more data than ever, and yet many still struggle to understand why customers adopt, engage with, or abandon their products. Teams sprint, ship faster, and chase more signals… all while metrics stall and confidence drops. The missing piece isn’t more data. It’s often the behavioral insight between the metrics, explaining why the numbers move in the first place. Dashboards can tell you what customers did, but understanding why they did it (and how to influence what they do next) requires a deeper blend of insights. This session is about closing that gap.
Drawing from real-world experience designing and scaling products as [ZoCo Design](https://zocodesign.com/)’s CEO, [Lacey](https://www.linkedin.com/in/laceypicazo/) will share how to cut through the noise and identify the insights that actually change behavior—moving people, and moving metrics. You’ll learn:
* Why understanding customer behavior is a quant and qual challenge
* How to spot the signals that actually predict behavior change
* Where AI accelerates insight, and where it creates distraction
* How to get meaningfully closer to customers, without adding more tools
This talk reframes how to evaluate performance and identify what levers actually improve it, helping your team to make smarter bets with greater confidence. Every meaningful outcome is driven by behavior change. And when you know how to design for behavior, you stop guessing, and start building things that work.
**About Our Speaker**
[Lacey Picazo](https://www.linkedin.com/in/laceypicazo/) is the Founder and CEO of ZoCo, a healthcare product studio that turns complex, high-stakes ideas into products that drive real-world adoption. She partners with healthcare organizations to uncover critical care delivery insights, focus product strategy through behavior design, and build solutions that patients and providers actually use.
Thanks to our 2026 sponsors:
[Clarivoy](https://www.clarivoy.com), [What Box Consulting Group](https://www.whatboxconsultinggroup.com), [Conductrics](https://www.conductrics.com), and [Piwik PRO](https://piwik.pro)
More info at [cbusdaw.com](https://cbusdaw.com)
QA or The Highway 2026
QA or the Highway is a one-day, affordable, regional, professional conference featuring real-world experience and thought leadership in the QA and testing industry.
This is a ticketed event please register here:
https://www.qaorthehwy.com/
Featured Keynote Speakers:
**Matthew-Hope Eland** **(Wizard at Leading EDJE)** \- An AI Specialist and Wizard at Leading EDJE who is known to teach software engineering\, AI\, and data science concepts in the most ridiculous ways possible\. Matt has used machine learning to settle debates over whether Die Hard is a Christmas movie\, reinforcement learning to drive the behavior of digital squirrels\, data analytics to suggest improvements to his favorite TV show\, and AI agents to play board games and create an AI agent with the personality of a dog\. Matt is the author of "Data Science in \.NET with Polyglot Notebooks" and "Refactoring with C\#" as well as several LinkedIn Learning courses\. Matt helps organize the Central Ohio \.NET Developer Group\, runs several blogs and a YouTube channel\, has a Master’s of Science in Data Analytics\, and is a current Microsoft MVP in AI and \.NET\.
**Tatyana Arbouzova** **(CEO at Innovate QA)** \- Tatyana Arbouzova is an engineering and business leader with a strong background in Quality Engineering across multiple industries\, including Big Tech\, Healthcare\, and Entertainment\. She has held leadership roles at world\-class companies such as Microsoft\, VMware\, Disney\, and The Pokémon Company International\, where she focused on building quality\-driven cultures and scaling teams to deliver high\-impact products\. With decades of experience\, Tatyana has helped organizations transform their quality practices so teams can deliver software efficiently\, confidently\, and with measurable business outcomes\. Today\, Tatyana advises software companies on adopting AI to optimize quality practices and improve how software is delivered at scale\. She is also a passionate community builder and the founder of Innovate QA\, a thriving Seattle\-based community and conference for quality professionals\.
Candle Making Night at The Arcane Foundry | Design Your Own Custom Candle
## Candle Making Night at The Arcane Foundry \| Design Your Own Custom Candle
**SPECIAL PROMOTION**: Buy 3 and get 1 Free!
Step into The Arcane Foundry and create your own custom candle from start to finish. This is a laid back, hands-on experience where **you’ll blend fragrances, choose your vessel, and pour your own candle using 100% soy wax**. Whether you’re coming solo or with friends, it’s designed to be simple, creative, and a good time.
We’ll walk you through the entire process, from picking your scents to choosing between a traditional cotton wick or a crackling wood wick. You can go with one fragrance or mix your own blend to create something completely unique**. No experience needed**, just show up and we’ll handle the rest.
While your candle sets, feel free to hang out, play a game, explore the shop, or just relax and talk. Drinks and snacks are available, and the atmosphere leans into the **fantasy**, **dark academia**, and **gothic horror** vibe The Arcane Foundry is known for.
Learn More: [Candle Making in Columbus, Ohio at The Arcane Foundry](https://thearcanefoundry.com/candle-making/)
***
### What to Expect:
* Guided candle making experience
* Choose your own vessel, wax, wick, and fragrance
* 100% soy wax candles
* Optional drinks and snacks
* Time to relax while your candle cools
***
### Important Notes:
* Please arrive on time so we can start together
* Candles will need time to set before taking home
* This is a beginner-friendly event
***
### RSVP Required
Reserve your spot on Meetup to lock in your seat.
**Candle Making** (includes vessel, your choice of wick, wax, scented oil, labels and lids)
5oz Glass Jars $15
8oz Candle Tins $25
12oz Glass Candles $35
12oz Amber Jars $40
16 oz Skull or Jack o Lantern Candle Mugs $65 (Limited Edition!)
**All materials included. You just bring yourself (and your drink of choice).**
**Payments accepted:**
* Credit Card
* Venmo: @Daclaud-Lee
* Cashapp: $DaclaudL
Stop Guessing: A Product Person's Guide to AI Adoption
## 🤝 Host Information
A co-hosted event by ProductTank Columbus & Women in Product Columbus
💡 About the Workshop
AI adoption is stalling across organizations — not because of a lack of motivation or tools, but because it's fundamentally a behavior design challenge.
This hands-on workshop applies proven Behavior Design models and methods to help you move from a vague organizational wish to boost AI adoption to 3-5 concrete, testable interventions you can act on starting tomorrow.
Whether you're a product manager, on a product team, or just someone trying to get AI to actually stick at work, you'll leave with a clear picture of what's worth focusing on, what to ignore, and how to drive real, sustained adoption — no guesswork required.
🛠️ What to Bring
Laptop: Fully charged and ready to go.
AI Assistant: Have your favorite AI assistant pulled up. (Dom will be using Claude, but feel free to use whichever assistant you prefer!)
🍕 Logistics & Perks
Food & Drink: Pizza and drinks provided!
Parking: Plenty of free spaces available on-site.
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Evolve Synergy: Westerville Chapter
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.
NFT AI ART Columbus
NFT's are here to stay folks!
This is a group for like minded people interested in understanding, leveraging, using, creating for, profiting from, trading too i suppose, NFT's.. everything around them, complexity, fear and exploits, best practices and more.
**PLUS**
This group will talk AI ART tools, techniques, artists, video, audio, prototypes and more in the AI assisted production space- ART specifically, but we can get into any aspect of some of the cooler things happening in AI in general.






























