Crowdfunding

**SPACES ARE LIMITED – BOOK YOUR TICKET BEFORE THE EVENT:** **[https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1986889668484?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1986889668484?aff=oddtdtcreator)** Join us for an exciting evening at the **BioTech Networking Event** in London, designed to bring together innovative biotech startups, forward-thinking investors, and leading industry professionals. This event is the perfect platform to foster collaboration, share ideas, and build valuable relationships in the thriving biotech sector. **Why Attend?** * **Expand Your Network:** Meet a diverse array of biotech founders, investors, and professionals. Forge meaningful connections that can lead to collaborations, partnerships, or investment opportunities. * **Discover Cutting-Edge Innovations:** Learn about the latest advancements in biotechnology from groundbreaking startups and experts. Investors will have the chance to connect with high-potential companies pushing the boundaries of biotech innovation. * **Pitch and Connect:** Startups can informally pitch their ventures to interested investors, gaining feedback and exploring potential funding opportunities in a relaxed setting. * **Foster Growth:** Be part of a dynamic and supportive community of biotech innovators. Discuss challenges, celebrate successes, and contribute to the advancement of biotechnology as a critical industry. * **Stay Ahead of Trends:** Whether you're an investor looking for the next big breakthrough or a biotech professional seeking to keep up with industry trends, this event will provide valuable insights into the future of biotech. * **Relax and Network:** Enjoy a casual and engaging evening in London’s vibrant biotech community. Meet new people, reconnect with industry contacts, and build lasting professional relationships. If you are a part of the biotech ecosystem or have a deep interest in biotechnology, this event is an excellent opportunity to connect with key players, exchange ideas, and build valuable relationships.Whether you are a biotech startup seeking investment, an investor looking for promising ventures, or a professional passionate about biotechnology, the **BioTech Networking Event** offers the ideal setting to connect, collaborate, and grow. **Who Should Attend the BioTech Networking Event?** **Biotech Startups:** Entrepreneurs and founders at the forefront of biotech innovation who are looking to connect with investors, potential partners, and industry professionals to share ideas and explore growth opportunities. **Investors:** Venture capitalists, angel investors, and institutional investors interested in discovering and funding cutting-edge biotech startups with high potential for growth and impact in the life sciences sector. **Biotech Professionals:** Scientists, researchers, and engineers who are involved in the biotechnology industry and want to stay ahead of trends, exchange ideas, and network with like-minded individuals. **Healthcare and Pharma Executives:** Professionals working in the healthcare, pharmaceutical, and life sciences industries who are eager to explore new biotech innovations and discover potential collaborations or partnerships. **Industry Consultants and Advisors:** Legal, regulatory, and business experts who provide advisory services to biotech companies, helping them navigate challenges and seize opportunities for growth and success. **Academics and Researchers:** Those involved in biotechnology research and development who want to connect with startups, investors, and industry professionals to share knowledge and explore opportunities for collaboration or commercialization. **Biotech Enthusiasts:** Anyone passionate about the biotech sector and its potential to revolutionize healthcare, agriculture, and other industries through scientific and technological innovation. Whether you are a biotech startup seeking investment, an investor looking for promising ventures, or a professional passionate about biotechnology, the **BioTech Networking Event** offers the ideal setting to connect, collaborate, and grow. Spaces are limited, so **join us now** to secure your spot and connect with leading innovators in the biotech industry!

*this event is advertised elsewhere so there will be more people coming than stated* **✨ Welcome to Conundrum Corner at The Union Jack pub, Southwark! ✨** Step inside and join a gathering *of* open minds and kind hearts. Whether you bring a conundrum of your own that you are experiencing or simply your listening ear, you’ll find a welcoming space to share, reflect, and explore life’s tricky questions together. 🌿 **What to expect:** *You’re invited to share a conundrum, dilemma or question that you yourself are experiencing. - We’ll vote to choose a few intriguing ones to explore more deeply. *With a few extra details in hand, we’ll break into small groups for thoughtful discussion. - Then, we’ll come together as one big group to share insights, perspectives, and perhaps even some fresh solutions. The atmosphere is **analytical yet empathetic, thoughtful yet light-hearted**, and always non-judgmental. Whether your conundrum is personal, professional, or just a head-scratcher, we’re here to help unravel it together. 💸 There’s no set fee to attend, but we do ask for donations on the night to cover costs - which are warmly appreciated! 🍷 Please also support our lovely hosts, Jade and co., by buying yourself a drink at the bar (and food’s available if you fancy a bite). 💡 **What’s a conundrum, you ask?** A conundrum is any dilemma, crossroads, or confusion in your life—big or small. It could be a **"chicken and egg"** situation, a **"catch-22"**, or a **"have your cake and eat it"** kind of puzzle. Sometimes, life just throws us complex, messy questions—and that’s what we’re here to navigate together. Once our deep discussions wind down, we’ll slip into **pub mode**—a chance to relax, connect, and continue chatting with newfound friends. **🛡️ Code of Conduct - *please note*** Conundrum Corner is committed to providing a safe and respectful environment for all attendees. Any abuse, harassment, or inappropriate behaviour towards other attendees, whether during the event or in any contact related to the event afterwards, will result in permanent removal from the Meetup group and exclusion from future events. Come along for an evening of intriguing conversations, fresh perspectives, and a touch of serendipity. Looking forward to seeing you there! Helena x

The ancient healing practice of Kundalini Yoga uses breathwork, mantras, kriyas, meditations, and mudras to awaken your energy. Its goal is not only to make the body stronger and more energetic, but also to increase your level of self-awareness and consciousness. Kundalini Yoga asana sequences are called kriyas. Mudras are the gestures you make when doing yoga, generally with your hands. Mantras - Part of the Kundalini practice is to chant mantras or positive affirmations. Kundalini Yoga offers benefits for people of all ages. Some of these benefits are mental, whereas others are physical. Reduced Stress and Anxiety Improved Cognition and Mood Healthier Blood Sugar Levels Better Flexibility 10% discount on drop-in for meetup members. or Register Online with code FIRST for first free trail [Yoga Schedule](https://bookwhen.com/sohamyogaldn#focus=ev-s7dx-20230904183000)

Join us for open minded discussions and the opportunity to learn from other people's perspectives and life experiences. This episode will explore the topic of 'SHAME' by way of three original thought experiments (posted in the comments below on the day of the event). We'll meet at the beautiful Betjeman Arms in St Pancras Station. Spaces are limited and tickets sell out fast, so get your ticket early if you want to be there! **THOUGHT EXPERIMENTS** \- posted in the comments below on the day of the event **[SUBSTACK](https://experimentsingroupwisdom.substack.com/)** \- read more about this community and other related stuff **[INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/thoughtexperimentsinpubs/)** \- see what we look like \(including The People of TEiP project\) **[WHATSAPP GROUP](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DapwAXpnOHO5DRYThobpe4)** \- stay in the loop **The idea:** A chance to meet and talk meaningfully about thought provoking topics. **How we'll do it** (timings approximate): * 7:00pm - Arrive at The Betjeman Arms. You can access the pub either from the street (entrance to the right of The St Pancras Hotel entrance) or via St Pancras Station (entrance from the upstairs train platforms). We'll be in the private dining room - ask at the bar if you can't find us. * Organise ourselves into small groups (3-4 people per group) * Have a look at the **thought experiments** (announced on the day of the event) * 7:15 - First rotation begins - Talk about the first thought experiment, but feel free to veer off topic. * 7:35 - Optional reshuffle: swap groups, move on to the second thought experiment. * 8:00 - Optional reshuffle: swap groups, move on to the third thought experiment. * 8:25pm - Wrap up - hear about upcoming events, feedback/requests for future meetups. * 8:30 Meetup ‘ends’. But feel free to carry on conversations. We have the room until 10pm and usually a lot of us stay until then :-) **Notes on the general atmosphere**: * The vibe is to let conversation flow rather than stick strictly to one topic. * While we'd like to talk about 'meaningful things', we also see the value in lighter topics, so don't worry about not being 'deep' enough! * Feel free to suggest ideas for future Thought Experiments in Pubs meetup groups, both in terms of structure and topics to discuss. **Where we'll meet**: This group will be at The Betjeman Arms. The nearest Tube station is King's Cross St. Pancras. You can access the pub either from the street (entrance to the right of The St Pancras Hotel entrance) or via St Pancras Station (entrance from the upstairs train platforms). We'll be in the private dining room - ask at the bar if you can't find us. **Who should come**: Everyone! We believe that the more perspectives, the richer the conversation. This group is not about being experts in Philosophy, it is about *doing* philosophy. That is, bringing our various life experiences and lenses on the world to group discussions about the human experience, the nature of reality... etc.... I'm so looking forward to meeting & talking with you in this beautiful location :-) If you would like to further support these meetups, please [subscribe to the newsletter](https://experimentsingroupwisdom.substack.com/) and [follow us on instagram](https://www.instagram.com/thoughtexperimentsinpubs) :-) Thank you!

**Normal Fee Resumed - 4 courts available** **Booking & Payment Details** * **First RSVP,** then **use this [Collctiv](https://pay.collctiv.com/badminton-67127) payment link** **until 10am Mon ([see full details here & below](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pMsg6dATGes2pM59YuuzQBXabl882VvvXeDby0Y2usc/edit?usp=sharing))** * After 10am (AutoPay) payments made via Meetup/PayPal (fees inc) ***\*Social Badminton*** *-* This session is suitable for players from beginner to intermediate levels who like to play for fun & competitively, but not too serious, with a variety of different players. Games are arranged by the Session Rep! **SESSION DETIALS** * 4 court venue . 26 players max. Feather Shuttles used * Bring your own racket & refreshment * Toilet facilities only * **Cost** \- £11\.50 per person \(**see payment link below** ) * If you cannot attend, update your status immediately * Cancellation, No Show & Refund Policy! (see T&C's below) **HOW TO BOOK:** First RSVP on Meetup & Pay straight away as below! * **Before 10am on Mon** (Manual option) **-** Pay via > **[Collctiv Payment Link](https://pay.collctiv.com/badminton-67127)\*** * \*Supporting the Collctiv App is optional. Untick this to pay the session fee only. * **[Click Here](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pMsg6dATGes2pM59YuuzQBXabl882VvvXeDby0Y2usc/edit?usp=sharing)** to see full details regarding Collctiv * * **From 10am on Mon**, incomplete bookings will be withdrawn and need to rebook as below. Plus... * **Autopay switched on!** \- RSVP via Meetup and make payment via PayPal \(fee inc\)\. No PayPal account required\, simply continue as a guest\. * **Do not turn up without booking, and/or wanting to pay in cash.** **WAITING LIST** is open till 10am. If you get a spot, then make a payment ASAP! Make sure you have your Meetup notifications on! It is your responsibility to make your payment in due course! Cancelation & No-Show Policies apply! The list will close at 10am, after which you can book via AutoPay if a space becomes available. **VENUE DETAILS** * Harris Academy Peckham, 112 Peckham Road, SE15 5DZ * Parking is available within the school car park. Entry is via Peckham Road, buzz for entry if closed * Players enter via reception to gain access to the sports hall **Terms & Conditions** **[Click Here](https://docs.google.com/document/d/12WmILk6X9dwgf_W0Cm6kgswKeW4ovHDTN8TBvN4Gq10/edit?usp=sharing)** to view details for Full Details By RSVPing for this event you confirm you have read and agree to our T&C's **Dress Code, Well Being, Conduct & Equal Opportunity:** * Wear suitable clothing and footwear for indoor sporting activity. * Ensure than your jewellery is also kept to a minimal, and avoid wearing large ear rings, chains or bracelets/bangles. * If the above is not suitable, you might not be able to participate within the session. No refund, exchange or credit will be given! * If needed please seek advice from your doctor before playing any sports. * You are responsible for warming up/cooling down stretches to reduce the risk of strains/ injuries. * Play at your own risk as Crossfire Badminton Club will not be held responsible for any injuries incurred. * We welcome players of all backgrounds, and treat everyone equally with respect. This is also expected from our participants. If you fail to do this, you may be asked to leave the session, or even banned from future sessions

***BITCOIN: From Pizza to Protocol ***🍕 **Sign up to attend via our Luma page [here](https://luma.com/qhe1km0l).** 🍕 Bitcoin Pizza Day marks the moment Bitcoin moved from theory to reality - from code to culture. ​Every year, CryptoMondays London goes big on Bitcoin. ​This is that night. ​From the first 10,000 BTC pizza to a global monetary network, Bitcoin has evolved far beyond what anyone imagined. And today, it’s no longer just an asset or ideology. ​**It’s infrastructure.** **It’s energy.** **It’s culture.** **It’s IRL.** ​This special edition brings together some of the UK’s most active builders, operators, and thinkers to explore what Bitcoin actually looks like in the real world - and where it’s going next. *** ## ​**⚡ What We’ll Cover** ​A high-signal evening exploring: * ​Bitcoin’s evolution from experiment to global system * ​The intersection of Bitcoin with AI, energy, and infrastructure * ​Real-world adoption across payments, culture, and communities * ​The state of Bitcoin in the UK — and what comes next ​​​**​📅 Monday 18 May** **📍 Location revealed upon registration** **⏰ 6:00–9:30pm** **\*\* PLEASE NOTE! \*\*** **CML primarily uses Luma now and we suggest you subscribe to our [calendar there](https://lu.ma/cml). All attendees must be registered via Luma for our events, WE NO LONGER ACCEPT RSVP'S VIA MEETUP.** CryptoMondays London is the city's largest and longest-running web3 meet-up. We are dedicated to community, education, and networking. Please subscribe to our Luma calendar to stay up to date on events [https://lu.ma/cml](https://lu.ma/cml)

**Welcome to Networx London!** Are you a business owner, entrepreneur, or tech professional looking to build valuable connections? Join a relaxed and engaging evening designed for leaders and innovators across industries. Whether you're a CEO, executive, investor, finance expert, IT professional, business professional, or aspiring founder, this is your space to connect with like-minded people and spark new opportunities. We start at **6:30 PM** with a warm welcome and light icebreakers to get conversations flowing, followed by **open networking all evening**. No formal pitches—just real connections, fresh ideas, and meaningful relationships in a friendly, laid-back setting. 📍 **Venue: The Sycamore, Holborn** A modern, relaxed venue in central London, just steps from Holborn station. Perfect for after-work networking, drinks, and great conversations. 📅 **Event Schedule** **18:30 – 19:00** \| Welcome & Warm intro **19:00 – 19:30** \| Open Networking **19:30 – 21:30** \| Informal Networking \(no pitches\, no pressure\) 💡 **Why Attend?** Connect with Founders, Co-Founders, Entrepreneurs, and Startup Leaders in a relaxed and dynamic setting. Discover career opportunities, meet companies hiring top talent, and exchange insights with peers. Get inspired by new ideas and find partners, clients, or investors to grow your startup, project, or business. **Who Should Attend:** This event is perfect for Founders, Co-Founders, Entrepreneurs, Startup Leaders, Investors, Finance Experts, IT Professionals, and Business Professionals looking to expand their network, grow their business, or gain fresh perspectives from a diverse mix of startup leaders and innovators. **🎟 Tickets & Entry:** To avoid the venue getting overcrowded and ensure everyone enjoys an amazing night, we've introduced a small ticket price to keep things running smoothly. **Limited spots!** Register today and hit **Follow** for updates on future weekly events. 📸 **Event Photography** Please note that photos and videos may be taken for promotional purposes. \*\*🔗 Join our WhatsApp group to connect before and after the event:\*\*👉 [https://chat.whatsapp.com/GisOCaIiMeKEehV5Lv7qxg](https://chat.whatsapp.com/GisOCaIiMeKEehV5Lv7qxg "https://chat.whatsapp.com/GisOCaIiMeKEehV5Lv7qxg")

**Welcome to Networx London!** Are you a startup founder, investor, or professional looking to explore opportunities in investing, capital, and business growth? Join a relaxed and engaging evening bringing together people active in startups, finance, and investment. Whether you're a founder seeking funding, an investor exploring opportunities, or a professional in business, finance, or tech, it’s a space to connect with like-minded individuals and discover real opportunities. 📍 **Venue: The Sycamore, Holborn** A modern, relaxed venue in central London, just steps from Holborn station. Perfect for after-work networking, drinks, and great conversations. 📅 **Event Schedule** **18:30 – 19:00** \| Welcome & Warm intro **19:00 – 19:30** \| Open Networking **19:30 – 21:30** \| Informal Networking \(no pitches\, no pressure\) 💡 **Why Attend?** Connect with founders, investors, and professionals in a relaxed setting focused on funding, investment, and business growth. Explore opportunities, share insights, and build meaningful connections. **Who Should Attend:** Founders, entrepreneurs, investors, finance and business professionals, and anyone looking to expand their network and explore opportunities in startups and investment. **🎟 Tickets & Entry:** To avoid the venue getting overcrowded and ensure everyone enjoys an amazing night, we've introduced a small ticket price to keep things running smoothly. **Limited spots!** Register today and hit **Follow** for updates on future weekly events. 📸 **Event Photography** Please note that photos and videos may be taken for promotional purposes. 🔗 \*\*Join our WhatsApp group to connect before and after the event:\*\*👉 [https://chat.whatsapp.com/GisOCaIiMeKEehV5Lv7qxg](https://chat.whatsapp.com/GisOCaIiMeKEehV5Lv7qxg "https://chat.whatsapp.com/GisOCaIiMeKEehV5Lv7qxg")

**What we are about:** Life drawing sessions every Wednesday 7.30pm-9.30pm This class is for all drawing levels, aiming to improve your own drawing style and learning about drawing the human form and anatomy in a relaxed and friendly environment. The class invites you to study guided or untutored with professional models in a variety of different poses. Usually we begin with a series of short poses and warm up exercises from 1min to 5mins. Followed by longer studies of 10, 15 and 20mins. We have a small break and the we’ll continue with a 25 min pose and concluding with a 20 minute pose. A different model each week All levels welcome Guidance given/optional Drawing materials and paper provided and included in the price. We are a friendly, welcoming, sociable group. Price: Drop-in, single session £15 - weekly sessions art materials and paper provided You can pay by cash or use this pay pal link : // [paypal.me/CreativeLifeDrawing](http://paypal.me?CreativeLifeDrawing) please choose - pay friends and family members If you like to secure your spot you can pay via this meet-up site but they will add some additional fees. CreativeLifeDrawing [J_wolfmail@yahoo.com](mailto:J_wolfmail@yahoo.com) Jennifer Wolf

Hello makers, it's the 75th(!) IndieBeers, the flagship monthly event from Ramen Club. **IndieBeers is London's #1 indie makers pub meetup** \- our goal is to help indie makers\, solopreneurs & bootstrappers from across the capital meet IRL\, exchange ideas and support each other\. **This event's powered by MongoDB** London founders, builders and AI people — MongoDB.local London is on 7 May at Old Billingsgate. A full-day event on taking AI products from prototype to production, featuring speakers including CJ Desai (MongoDB), Harry Stebbings (20VC) and Luciana Lixandru (Sequoia Capital). **Apply for a complimentary pass [here](https://luma.com/17mpuzyj).** **Meetup format:** * Meet at the The Bricklayers Arms in Shoreditch from 6pm * We'll be stood/sat on the right of the bar as you go in * Ask for Charlie to get your IndieBeers sticker * Drink beers (well, anything you like) * Talk about what we're working on, try and help each other **Contact:** Twitter: [@indiebeers](twitter.com/indiebeers) With peace, love & MRR, Charlie

Please reserve your spot by registering on the below link : **Reserve** https://www.eventbrite.com/e/join-biggest-community-investors-founders-london-online-tickets-1984545575238?aff=meetup **QUESTIONS ?** Pls Reach out to; Ridhi - [+971 50 472 4873](http://wa.me/971504724873) ( WhatsApp Only)

For those of you who want a nice relaxed drink and not necessarily a meal to accompany it, Croydon Eats Out brings you a regular opportunity to meet, drink and have a nibble - well, it has to involve some sort of eating! When you arrive, please look out for the Meet Up sign or ask at the bar as we have booked an area. Whether you'd prefer to dive straight in to conversation with other CEO members or would like an introduction is entirely up to you, so look out for Fran who is your host. Travel: Please check the TFL website (http://journeyplanner.tfl.gov.uk/) to plan your route. Ground rules: • This is a social networking event - This is the place to have a nice chat over a drink, meet new people and exchange ideas. If you're coming to sell or pitch your business, dish out flyers or business cards, this isn't the event for you. Likewise, this isn't a dating event either.

**Looking for a business networking event in London for finance, banking, and business professionals?** Join us in Canary Wharf for a **founder-led networking evening** co-organised by London tech startup **GMax Card**. **What to Expect** * Connect with professionals in **finance, banking, FinTech, investment banking, property and business** * Build valuable business relationships across the **finance, banking and business ecosystem** * **Exchange ideas**, spot trends, and uncover opportunities * **A lightly structured event** \- not a random mingle in a local pub\, not an overcrowded conference An atmosphere that feels **quality yet relaxed**, with space for real after-work conversations. Hosts are there from the start to help with introductions. **Who You’ll Meet** * Finance, banking & investment professionals * Asset management, capital markets & fund specialists (private equity & venture capital) * FinTech & B2B specialists * Business owners, decision makers, founders, entrepreneurs and property pros * International professionals on a business visit to London **How the Evening Flows** **18:30** \- Arrival **19:00** \- Short introductions **19:30** \- Open networking **21:30** – Close Hosts are there from the start to help with introductions. **Venue: Market Halls, Canary Wharf (Upper-Floor Bar)** Located in the heart of Canary Wharf, **Market Halls Canary Wharf** offers a lively yet polished setting for professional networking. Our event will take place in the quieter **upper-floor bar area**, ideal for natural business conversations. The venue is easily accessible via the **Elizabeth line**, with quick connections from both the City and Central London. **Entry & GMax Cards** * **Free RSVP**: Event access only * **Paid ticket (when available)**: Includes a contactless **GMax Card** (ask host to claim; not distributed automatically) **Dress Code** Business casual / smart casual **Important Info** * 18+ (ID may be required) * Photos/video by [CineEye Audiovisual Production Studio ](www.cineeye.co.uk)(inform us if you prefer not to appear) * Attendance is at your own risk. Organisers and the venue are not liable for any injury, loss, or damage. **Limited spots - register early!** Join our [WA Community](https://chat.whatsapp.com/FJdEP809H5U8WQ4y4BLLS5?mode=hqctcli) to stay connected between events, and follow us on [LinkedIn](http://linkedin.com/company/gmax-card) for upcoming dates.

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Shibam Coffee](https://shibamcoffee.com/)!

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)

## 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

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.

**History** The history of [Blendon Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blendon-woods/) began long before its 1951 opening, rooted in a landscape of rugged ridges and deep ravines that made the land unsuitable for traditional farming. In 1945, a report proposing a metropolitan park system for Franklin County specifically highlighted these cliffs of Bedford Shale as some of the "wildest land in the vicinity". Following this recommendation, the recently formed park district purchased the first 229 acres in early 1949. Because the terrain was so uneven, developers had to cut a mile-and-a-half-long roadway through dense woods just to bring in heavy equipment. This initial preservation effort ensured that the mature second-growth hardwood forests remained largely untouched by the urban expansion spreading toward Westerville. Opening day arrived on Labor Day, September 3, 1951, marking Blendon Woods as the second park in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system. The final push to open was a frantic race; the State Highway Department only finished the primary gravel access road four days before the gates opened. Early staff members, consisting of just four full-time employees, had to hand-dig pit toilets and learn construction skills on the fly to build the first picnic shelters. Despite the dusty conditions and limited facilities, the park was an immediate success, drawing massive crowds from across Central Ohio. By the end of the 1950s, annual visitation had already climbed to over 190,000 people. As the surrounding suburbs grew in the 1960s, the park faced severe overcrowding that threatened its natural habitats. In response, Franklin County voters passed the first Metro Parks levy in 1960, providing the funds necessary for a decade of steady expansion. During this era, the park nearly doubled in size, growing from 264 acres to over 570 acres by 1968. Planners also addressed a critical water shortage by collaborating with the U.S. Soil and Conservation Service to build a lake in 1964. This body of water originally served as a temporary reservoir before its role shifted toward conservation and wildlife support. The 1970s marked a transition toward the specialized wildlife and educational focus for which the park is known today. In 1971, the Walden Waterfowl Refuge was established around the 11-acre Thoreau Lake, creating a sanctuary that remains restricted to provide a quiet habitat for migratory birds. A formal nature center was also developed during this period, expanding on the guided Sunday walks that had been a park staple since the early 1950s. The park’s famous "Monarch Mansion" also became a prominent fixture, starting a long tradition of raising and releasing thousands of monarch butterflies each September. These initiatives cemented the park’s reputation as a premier destination for birders and nature enthusiasts. In more recent decades, Blendon Woods has continued to modernize while maintaining its wilderness character. The 10-acre Natural Play Area was added in 2017, encouraging kids to explore the ravines and woods off-trail. This was followed by the opening of a $1.5 million inclusive playground in April 2025, designed to accommodate children of all physical abilities. The nature center also underwent major renovations to include immersive, three-dimensional exhibits and a new butterfly house. Today, the park encompasses 653 acres, preserving a unique geologic and biological corridor amidst the bustling Westerville and Northeast Columbus area. **Map of the Park** Here is a map of [Blendon Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BLN_map_Inclusive-Playground-and-Butterfly-Trail_May-2025_1980px.png). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Lake View, Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook, Brookside, and Sugarbush Trails. This sounds like a lot, but it will really be only a little over five miles. Blendon Woods has a few hills here and there, but it's not one of the more strenuous metro parks. **Where We'll Meet** We'll meet just in front of the Nature Center. This is about a mile into the park from the main entrance. You have to go past the Ranger Station and the Shadblow Reservable Area to get to it, so don't stop too early at the Ranger Station and get it confused with the Nature Center. **After the Hike** Afterward, we will head over to [Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/) at Easton for [drinks](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/#dinner-menu) and [food](https://forbiddenroot.com/wp-content/uploads/Cbus-Food.pdf). We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks. The brewery's actual address is [4080 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219](https://www.google.com/maps/place/4080+Worth+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43219/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88388a86d10b6619:0x4d42b470a5cf11d3?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111); however, I recommend pointing your GPS to the [Worth Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Worth+Garage/@40.0542293,-82.9137962,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388b4df6082825:0x17582f0eccd9dda1!8m2!3d40.0542293!4d-82.9137962!16s%2Fg%2F11rzfvvv8b?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQxNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) across the street. Parking in this garage is free as long as you're not on the first floor, and it is literally right next to the brewery.

**PLEASE BUY TICKETS THROUGH EVENTBRITE. RSVP THROUGH MEETUP IS NOT A TICKET PURCHASE CONFIRMATION.** Strive welcomes you to 'General Business Networking', Columbus' hottest networking event! We are set in the perfect central location in Downtown for all to join. Are you interested in business? Want to elevate your career? Meet Consultants, Analysts of all types, Bankers, Software Engineers, Entrepreneurs, and more who are active in the space or are eager to get started. **\*\*This will be a multi-vertical event\*\*** **There will be professionals with backgrounds in the arts, finance, tech, real estate, healthcare, and more. Come with an open mind, and leave with connections that wouldn't be possible otherwise!** Pack some business cards and come with an open mind! Meet your future business partners, employers, coworkers, investors, and friends. You don't want to miss this opportunity to expand your network and create a brighter future. We will have a space for our event to check-in. The event will go from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (feel free to come at any point in this timeframe). Name tags will be provided. Business casual dress code. Job fair attire. **Remember, it's not who you know, it's who you meet tomorrow!** We look forward to meeting you at the event! Sincerely, Strive Networking Team *Refund requests are permitted up to 24 hours after purchase, so long as we are not within 48 hours before the event start time. Refunds will be made in full and repaid to your method of payment. Note that we are unable to reimburse PayPal fees.* *Disclaimer: By attending Strive Networking events you agree to photos/videos taken during the event being used to promote future events.*

Join us for an introduction to writing grant proposals for your nonprofit organization, led by consultant Tiffany Nobles. We'll discuss the most common funder requirements and how to successfully meet them. We'll also share common pitfalls to avoid. This event is free and open to the public.