Customer Experience

We're holding the next 2026 London MeetUp events on **Wednesday, 27th May @ 6pm**, courtesy of our hosts [Fivium](fivium.co.uk) and sponsors [Tarmac IO](www.tarmac.io) and [Coder](www.coder.com). We'll take care of the pizza, drinks and two great presentations. You just need to bring you. **AGENDA** * **18:00:** Doors Open, networking, drinks & pizza * **18.45:** Official Welcome * **18.50:** Prompt Driven Platforms: The Future of Self-Service Infrastructure -- Amir Tayabali & Salman Iqbal, Solutions Architects @ Appvia * **19.20:** From AI Experiments to Production: How Teams Actually Scale AI Workflows -- Eric Paulsen, Field CTO @ Coder * **19:50:** Close * **20:00:** Networking and drinks **LOCATION** [Fivium ](https://www.fivium.co.uk/) 15 Adam St, London WC2N 6AH **what3words Address:** ///trim.most.other **HOW TO GET THERE** **Tube:** Embankment (5 mins) - District and Circle, Northern, Bakerloo Covent Garden (5 mins) - Piccadilly Line Temple (8 mins) - District and Circle Line

Tickets via: [https://clpn_may2026.eventbrite.co.uk](https://clpn_may2026.eventbrite.co.uk) Pre-Meet from 5.30pm/Main Meet from 6.30pm 🔥 **Battle of Strategies: Commercial vs Residential** 🔥 If you’re serious about building wealth through property in today’s market, this is one event you can’t afford to miss. Join Salim Miah as he leads a powerful, no-nonsense panel debate featuring three experienced operators from across the property spectrum: **What the panel will cover:** Commercial vs residential property investing in 2026 — where smart investors are putting their money, what risks are being underestimated, and how regulation is reshaping the market. Topics include: • Is your capital in the wrong place right now? • Why investors are switching from residential to commercial • What each side underestimates about risk • The impact of the Renters’ Rights Act • Which strategy is best positioned for the next 5 years **💰 Stuart Wyeth-** With over 20 years of experience in the property industry, Stuart embarked on his journey in 2001. From his early days in loft design and sales, Stuart quickly ventured into project management, fuelling his passion for creating exceptional spaces. In 2013, Stuart’s vision materialised into Sky Lofts, a flourishing business that has achieved a remarkable £4 million turnover and assembled a dedicated team of eight professionals alongside over 70 skilled contractors. Leveraging his expertise, Stuart expanded his horizons in 2020, launching SW Homes which has been steadily and significantly scaling up its sites, laying the foundation for a promising future. **🏢 Nilesh Rathi – Award-Winning Commercial Investor** Starting in residential buy-to-let in 2015, Nilesh transitioned fully into commercial property in 2018. He’s known for his ability to spot undervalued opportunities and structure creative, paper-based deals that deliver strong returns while creating win–win outcomes. His recent mixed-use auction deal in Chichester—secured below guide price, refinanced within 12 months, and with all capital pulled out—perfectly demonstrates his strategy in action. **🏠 Saam Lowni – Finance Broker, Merryoaks** Saam works closely with investors to structure funding solutions across residential property, helping clients navigate lending criteria, maximise leverage, and secure the right finance for their deals. With hands-on exposure to what’s getting funded in today’s market, he brings a practical, deal-focused perspective on residential investing. **💰 Scott Hendry – Director of Auction Sales** With over 20 years’ experience, including time at a major high street bank, Scott has built strong relationships with many of the UK’s leading auction houses. He works closely with investors nationwide, helping them access auction and short-term finance while identifying niche opportunities others miss. Known for his hands-on, always-available approach, Scott brings deep insight into how deals are really funded in today’s market. ⚔️ **What’s being debated?** Commercial vs Residential—**which strategy actually wins right now?** 💡 **You’ll learn:** * Where the **best opportunities** are over the next 3–5 years * How the **lending landscape is shifting** (and how to use it to your advantage) * The **biggest mistakes** investors make when structuring deals * The **red flags** you should never ignore 🚀 **Plus on the night:** * **AI Mini Session** from Nasar Ahmad * High-value **networking** with active investors 🕠 Pre-meet from 5:30 PM 🕡 Networking from 6:30 PM 🕖 Event starts at 7:00 PM 🎯 Whether you’re just starting out or scaling your portfolio, you’ll leave with real, actionable strategies you can use immediately.

**Please note this is an offline event with limited space. RSVP only if you will be able to attend in person. If you want to watch the live streaming, please RSVP to our [Online Event](https://www.meetup.com/producttank-london/events/314766823).** **\-\-\-\-\-\-\-** Product Managers are uniquely positioned to become founders. Years spent living in customer problems, making prioritisation calls under uncertainty, and shipping products across competing constraints is excellent preparation for building a company from scratch. The question remains which skills to activate first and which to actively develop before making the leap. This event convenes a panel of Product Managers who have successfully made the transition into founding — and are building companies today. Drawing on first-hand experience, they will cover what most founder talks omit: the PM skills that translate into a genuine competitive advantage, the capability gaps that require deliberate development, and a grounded, month-by-month account of what the first year of building demands. The result is a practical, unvarnished briefing designed to help you make an informed decision about the leap — and, should you choose to make it, to make it well-prepared. **Our speakers:** [Emma Burrows](https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-burrows/) \- Founder @ Rezonant\, Ex\-CTO @ Stripe UK [Sean Jayakrishna](https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-jayakrishna/) \- Product Manager @ Checkout\, Former Founder As always we will close our meet-up with a candid discussion and Q&A. This event is sponsored by Rezonant. **Location:** RichMix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Rd, London E1 6LA Please, note that this venue is NOT pet-friendly. **Timings:** 6:30 - Doors open 7:00 - Talk starts / streaming starts 8:00 - Q&A 8:30 - Q&A Finish 9:00 - Close Please note that the event will also be live-streamed on our YouTube channel and images will be taken throughout the evening. To keep up-to-date with our upcoming talks, follow our [LinkedIn page](https://www.linkedin.com/company/producttanklondon) and our [YouTube channel.](https://www.youtube.com/c/MindtheProductTV) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- By attending this event, you agree to give permission for any photos taken during the event to be used for promotional purposes, give permission for your name and surname to be used for registration purposes, and agree to be contacted by email by ProductTank.

Hi, Welcome to our midweek session of Superboys. The session is scheduled as our temporary midweek session . We will play for 3 hours between 6.30pm and 9.30pm at Rokeby School E16 4DD. The nearest station is Canning Town on the Jubilee or DLR. It is also 20 mins walking from Custom House on Elizabeth Line. It is £12 per person for 3 hours. We play with quality feather shuttlecocks. RSVP is now open on meetup. Once RSVP, please make payment to secure your spot. Any payment please make to: Monzo Name: Ba Quan Le Account number: 30719150 Sort code: 04-00-04

Hi new friends and old! We're baaack! As a smaller group, we make meaningful connections with like-minded data professionals. Lifelong friendships are forged along the way! Whether you're new in town, want to expand your social circle, get into the data and AI space, or see a friend you know, this is the place to be! No guest speakers nor rigid agenda, just a casual meetup and lots of fun conversation! 🥳 See you soon! NOTE: Please remember to bring your ID with you, as all guests must be of legal age to enter the venue. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **🤝 Code of Conduct:** The Friendly Data Meetup welcomes all genders, nationalities, ethnicities, backgrounds, identities etc. There is a strict no discrimination policy in adherence to our code of conduct and our guiding principles. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for hateful or antisocial behaviour. In short, be kind to others. Do not insult or put down others. Behave professionally, don't make others feel uncomfortable. Remember that harassment and sexist, racist, or exclusionary jokes are not appropriate for The Friendly Data Meetup. **🌱 Donations, Volunteers and Patrons Welcome:** The Friendly Data Meetup is completely volunteer run and not for profit. Donations and ideas are very welcome to fund some more exciting activities as summer is coming up! Buy us a coffee or come and chat with us. Support us: [https://bit.ly/support-friendly-data-meetup](https://bit.ly/support-friendly-data-meetup) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **About Us** 🤗 Welcome data professionals and friends! Sometimes, it can be difficult to make friends within the field, and that's what we're all about! We're a group of like minded individuals who understand the highs and lows of working in data and tech. ✅ Our primary goal is to have **higher quality conversations** that are more meaningful, with smaller groups so that we get to spend more attention on each individual. 💯 If you're already reading this, you're definitely welcome! **We welcome everyone**, whether you're already in the data field, looking to get started or just curious! 🗨️ **Bring your friends**, bring your plus ones, we're all just here to have a good laugh and a good chat about the world, even if it isn't always about our work. **Our values:** 📖 **Openness** \- We welcome everyone 🤝 **Trust** \- Build long\-lasting friendships together 💝 **Care** \- Be kind to others and help each other out **Who it's for** \- Data Scientists \- Data Engineers \- Data Analysts \- AI Engineers \- ML Engineers \- Software Engineers \- Data Product Managers \- Financial and Quantitative Modellers \- Entrepreneurs\, Contractors \- Anyone who works with Data \- Anyone looking to get into the space \- Friends **How to Make the Most of the Meetup** The Friendly Data Meetup has one simple purpose - meaningful connections. We're not just a community of people, **we're friends** who get invested in each others lives. We check in on our friends regularly, and personally. So come and join us, **more than just once or twice!**

**Hello there!** Our Face-to-Face Afternoon Classes are back this May in London! Are you learning English as a second language and looking for an opportunity to practise your English? Interested in **free, in-person classes**? We’ve got you covered! Here at **Stafford House,** our teachers-in-training are gaining hands-on experience by teaching enthusiastic English learners. Each lesson is interactive and fun, with plenty of opportunities to practise speaking, meet other learners, and improve your English along the way. We also offer **free online English classes**. Check out our other events for more information! Please see the **updated** details below! 🕑 **When:** From **4th May - 28th May (4 weeks)** ➡️**Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays** 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. ➡️**Fridays** 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m 📍 **Where:** Stafford House London, 2 Southampton Place, WC1A 2DA (just 2 minutes from Holborn Station) 📚 **Level: Both levels available** **\- Pre\-Intermediate \(A2\-B1\)** **\- Upper\-Intermediate \(B2\)** Spaces are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Please arrive **15- 30 minutes early** to secure your spot. We will ask for your name and email upon arrival. *Please note⚠️ confirming attendance on Meetup does not guarantee a place in the classroom.* **Please note that class times or dates may occasionally change due to the nature of the course. If this happens, we will inform you by email.** We look forward to seeing you all very soon! Got Questions? send us an email at [[teachertraining@staffordhouse.com](mailto:teachertraining@staffordhouse.com)]

We’re excited to announce our next breakfast networking event! After the bank holiday weekend, what better way to ease back into the work week than with coffee, breakfast, and great conversation? Join us for a relaxed and informal morning with fellow Women in Product - London members! 😊 There’s no presentations or agenda - just a chance to make connections, share experiences, and start the day feeling energised. Free to attend. Any food or drinks you order will need to be paid for individually. Children 👶 welcome. Spaces are limited, so make sure you book your spot early! 📅 Wednesday 27 May 📍 Scarlett Green (4 Noel St, London W1F 8GB) - look out for familiar faces as you arrive or ask for the Women in Product group!

Join a friendly, outdoor meetup for people who love the Korean language and culture Doesn’t matter if you’re a complete beginner, or already conversational. The meetup is a relaxed space to practice speaking Korean, meeting new people in rotated groups, and enjoying fun language activities together. There will also be an optional after-party for attendees (a nearby pub, café, restaurant etc.) Instagram/Tiktok: KStudyBang

The weather is getting absolutely gorgeous in London ☀️ It has been a long winter, and now it is time to go out and enjoy nature. Join us on this unique UXers Nature Walk and learn about the area we are focused on this year to drive social impact through our [Responsible Design for Change Fellowship](https://www.ux4change.org/responsible-design-for-change-fellowship/). Get a chance to meet our founder, Sandra Gonzalez, and some of the fellows who are currently enrolled in the third cohort of the Fellowship. This is a very lovely opportunity to connect with nature and our community. You are welcome to bring your pet and/or your children, especially if you are juggling half-term at the moment. We will end the walk at the Princess of Wales to share a drink and network a bit. We look forward to spending a lovely afternoon with you.

🎉 Event #24 – The Analytics Engineering Meet-up 🎉 The London Analytics Engineering Meet-up - Hosted by Google! Last year this was the meet-up with our highest attendance. Sign up early for this one. 🎤 Talks: [David Cox](https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-ryan-cox/)[ ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-cox-2948384/)– Business Intelligence Lead Engineer, Lloyds Banking Group Talk: *The journey to self-service through conversational (AI) analytics.* [James Sean Dickson](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesseandickson/) – Senior Analytics Engineer, Voy Talk: *Project Zen Garden - A philosophical approach to maintaining a reliable, scalable and maintainable data platform.* 📅 RSVP is Open This event will be over-subscribed, so set reminder — you won’t want to miss it! 📍 Agenda 6pm – Doors open, networking, food & drinks 7pm – Talks kick off 8:30pm – More drinks & networking @ local pub This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with some of the UK’s top data professionals, share challenges, and exchange learnings. The Analytics Engineering Meet-up is a community for data professionals working with the modern data stack, machine learning or AI. We host regular meet-ups featuring talks from data leaders building and scaling analytics, data platforms, and AI in forward-thinking teams. The community is ideal for Data Engineers, Analytics Engineers, Analysts, and those working in Data Science, Machine Learning, or AI. The meet-up is organised by [Cognify](https://cognifysearch.com/), the recruitment partner for modern data and AI teams. Our event sponsor is [Meltano](https://meltano.com/), an ETL platform built on open-source foundations, engineered by experts for cloud scale, efficiency, and reliability. We’re always on the lookout for venues to host and guest speakers to inspire. If you’d like to get involved, feel free to chat with one of the Cognify team at any event. If you’re eager to dive deeper into industry insights, check out The Stacked Data Podcast for conversations with industry leaders. Listen on: [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/24fIpekn8WfRDZsVHNcf7Q) **No-Show Policy:** If you miss 2 consecutive events or 2 out of 3 events, you won’t be able to attend the next event. We hope you understand this is to keep things fair for venues and other attendees.

Join us for another evening at #WPLDN, where we're tackling two of the more practical conversations happening in WordPress right now. First up, the migration question: how do you move thousands of legacy ACF Flexible Content posts into the block editor without losing your weekend? Then we're shifting gears to security, with a live interview exploring how AI is reshaping both sides of the WordPress security landscape. 📅 **Date:** Thursday, 28 May 2026 ⏰ **Time:** 6:00 PM BST 🎟️ **Cost:** Free (Registration Required) \-\-\- **Session 1: How We Automated Migrating Thousands Of Blog Posts From ACF Flexible Content To The Block Editor** 🤝 **Speaker:** Cameron Jones ([cameronjonesweb.com.au](https://cameronjonesweb.com.au)) Before the block editor arrived, ACF's Flexible Content field was the go-to for giving clients control over custom layouts. The block editor now offers a far more powerful experience, but that leaves a familiar problem: how do you migrate thousands of existing posts without manual rebuilds? Cameron will walk through how his team automated the entire process with just a few lines of code. Cameron Jones is the owner and lead developer of Shortie Designs, a web design agency based in the little beach town of Victor Harbor. With over a decade of experience building websites at various local and international agencies, he acquired Shortie Designs in 2024 to take the leap from developer to business owner. With a particular speciality in plugin development, Cameron is also the founder of Mongoose Marketplace, where his free and premium plugins have been downloaded over 400,000 times. He also works with the free donation platform Ko-fi to maintain their official WordPress plugin and authored the popular “WordPress Plugin Development For Beginners” course, which has been taken by almost 1,000 students. \-\-\- **Session 2: A Conversation with Robert Abela & Tim Nash: WordPress Security, AI & the Human Factor** 🤝 **Speakers:** Robert Abela ([Melapress](https://melapress.com)) and Tim Nash ([WP Security 101](https://wpsecurity101.com)) What are the biggest security challenges facing WordPress today, and how is AI changing the landscape for both attackers and defenders? Robert and Tim join us for a live interview and audience discussion covering modern WordPress security, user account protection, and why user awareness and visibility are becoming critical to keeping sites safe. Robert Abela is the founder and CEO of Melapress, where he and his team build WordPress plugins that help people manage and keep their websites and users secure. Tim is a WordPress Security consultant and professional doomspeaker. He teaches WordPress Security through his [wpsecurity101.com](https://wpsecurity101.com) course and provides consultancy services via Tempered Ltd. \-\-\- **Schedule:** 🔹 **6:00 PM** – Doors Open & Networking 🔹 **6:30 PM** – Welcome & Session 1: Cameron Jones 🔹 **7:30 PM** – Short Break & Networking 🔹 **7:45 PM** – Session 2: Robert Abela & Tim Nash 🔹 **8:30 PM** – Social & Wrap-Up \-\-\- **📢 RSVP Now!** Whether you're knee-deep in legacy content migrations or thinking through your security posture, there's plenty here to chew on. Bring your questions, bring your scepticism, and we'll see you at #WPLDN! \-\-\- **Venue Information** **The Bridge** is a charity supporting women to make positive choices and encouraging improvements to fitness, health, and wellbeing. The venue features a plant-based café (supplied by Girls Who Grind Coffee) and is just a 5-minute walk from London Bridge Station. \-\-\- **Massive thanks to our sponsors who make these free events possible:** [DreamHost](https://www.dreamhost.com/partners/wpldn/), [PodcasterPlus](https://www.podcasterplus.com/?utm_source=wpldn&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=partnership), [Mollie](https://www.mollie.com/gb/integrations/woocommerce), and [Kinsta](https://kinsta.com/) \-\-\- If you're interested in being a featured speaker at an upcoming event, we'd love to hear from you at [https://wpldn.uk/speak](https://wpldn.uk/speak). **🎥 - Media Release Terms** By attending, you understand and accept that portions of the event may have audio/photo/video-recorded and/or live-streamed and may be used by the organisers. You agree that the organisers have the right and permission to use and publish such media for any purpose in any format, including online and offline, now and ever after, without further compensation, permission, or notification. You understand that all official recordings from the event are the exclusive property of the organisers, available under the Creative Commons Attribution­ShareAlike license for general use, and you do not ask for nor expect compensation or notification of the use of official recordings or photographs in which you appear or speak. Please inform an organisational team member at the event's start if you do not wish to appear in photos or videos.

Beautiful people and fellow Spritz lovers 🍊, Saturday 30 May we’re back at Rex Cross for another Apericena Italiano Night in the heart of King’s Cross 🍊🇮🇹 A relaxed and super social Saturday evening with cocktails, Italian food and lots of new people 🍸✨ Perfect if you want something different from the usual pub night 👀 🍽 **FREE ITALIAN BUFFET** (6:30PM – 8:00PM) Italian appetizers served during the evening — ideal to share over drinks, conversations and good vibes 🍷 🍸 **ENTRY & DRINKS** • £15 entry (includes first drink + free buffet) • £10 from the second drink onwards 🍊 Aperitivo atmosphere, cocktails and friendly people — exactly how Saturday night should start ✨ 🐶 Pet friendly — your two-legged and four-legged friends are welcome 🐾 📍 Rex Cross Restaurant & Cocktail Bar 44–46 Caledonia Road London N1 9DT 🚇 King’s Cross 📅 Saturday 30 May 🕕 Entry from 6:00PM to 10PM 🍽 Buffet from 6:30PM to 8:00PM ✨ International crowd, relaxed atmosphere and lots of new connections 👉 To join, sign up or message me directly Daniele 📲 07733 273626

This is a smallish-group, quiet-ish meetup for ADHD brains who want to connect with their tribe without their nervous system going, 'Alll riiight, I'm outta here!' Everyone welcome. You don't need a diagnosis, you don't even need ADHD. You just need to be a good egg. We’re meeting at **Lincoln's Inn Fields** because it'll be too warm at our usual venue. So, bring snacks, drinks, thermonuclear intercontinental ballistic missiles, etc. Thankfully, it’s one of those places where you can actually hear yourself think. Mostly. **The environment is**: relaxed, validating, welcoming It won't be like whispering to each other at the back of the class, more less sensory Armageddon. **What to expect** A small group (human-scale, not “who are all these people” scale). A quiet-ish space where you don’t have to shout your personality into existence. Conversation that can be normal (well, probably far from normal 😅. There is no need to worry about trying to fit in, no need to mask. A soft landing. Come late, ease in, do a gentle hello, no one’s timing you. Low-pressure hanging out. If you want to chat, great. If you want to sit and decompress near other people, also great. **The unofficial theme** How to be social without being assaulted by: fluorescent lighting overlapping conversations surprise music that one table doing a full volume podcast recording next to you. **Important Note:** If you cannot make it, please put 'Can't go'. This ensures there's space for others who want to attend. I try to keep a reasonable balance of genders 🙂 ‐------------------------------------------------------ Boundaries (quick, clear, important) Yay!-DHD is a consent-led space. Some people are chatty, some are quiet, some are pacing themselves. Please don’t push for personal details, contact info, or continued connection if someone isn’t offering it. This isn’t a dating event. ‐------------------------------------------------------- For you robots out there: ADHD \| Low sensory meetup \| Inclusive \| AUDHD \|

We love a good chat. Come and join us at Table 45

Couldn't make Knowledge? Or want to debrief the dancing robots or Autonomous Workforce? Join us for a Knowledge '26 recap, insights sharing, a couple rounds of golf, and fun at Topgolf. As always, drinks and food will be provided. More details to come — mark your calendar, RSVP, and save your spot today!

## 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

Let’s meet and wander the galleries! General admission on Sundays is free.

Join us for our June Book Club gathering where we will come together to discuss [The Queer Principles of Kit Webb](https://catsebastian.com/the-queer-principles-of-kit-webb/) by Cat Sebastian in a safe and welcoming environment. Make new friends who share your passion for books and connect with fellow LGBTQ book enthusiasts.

Join us as we get together to see Paul Rudd in the latest comedy-drama-musical from John Carney, POWER BALLAD! The film follows a washed-up wedding singer, a fading boy band singer and a stolen hit song. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: Rick, a washed-up wedding singer, and Danny, a fading boy band star, bond over music and a late-night jam session. When Danny turns Rick's song into a hit, Rick sets out to reclaim the recognition he believes he deserves. Power Ballad is written/directed by John Carney, the master of the modern musical and creative mind behind Once, Begin Again and Sing Street! It stars Paul Rudd, Nick Jonas, Peter McDonald, Marcella Plunkett, Havana Rose Liu and Jack Reynor. BUZZ & ACCLAIM: The film premiered to rave reviews at this year’s Dublin International Film Festival where critics call it “a sure-fired crowd-pleaser” that “just might be the feel-good hit of the year!” Others say, “Paul Rudd delivers a career-best performance in this charmer” that’s both “hilarious and deeply moving!” SUMMER OF ICE CREAM, VOL 2: SHAKE NO. 8! Ranked the #1 Ice Cream Shop in Columbus in 2024, this is the perfect place to kick off our Summer of Ice Cream and grab a sweet treat after the show! Their menu features an array of traditional, specialty and vegan shakes, hot cocoa, and more! You can check out their full menu here: [https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php](https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php) PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the lobby area about 20 minutes before the show. Once showtime is announced, advance ticket purchase is advised! Once you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments section of this event. We'll head to nearby Shake No. 8 immediately following the show! Should be a fun one, Dan

Who else is ready to sit outside? Join us for a casual chat over coffee & tea at Grandview Grind! Come out and meet some new people, enjoy your favorite drink, and make some new friends!