Design Fiction

**Welcome to DSF Sandbox Sessions!** Top tech talks and masterclasses from the best in the industry. Every month, and completely free. The catch? There isn’t one. Just a monthly dose of epic content to power up your data passion! **Event details** 📆 **Date:** Tuesday 14th April 2026 ⏰ **Time:** 6:00 – 9:30 PM BST 💡 **Topic:** **Signals, Systems, and Scams: Deconstructing the Future of Financial Intelligence** 🗣️ **Speakers:** Kristjan Erik Liive, Volodymyr Panov, Baran Koseoglu, Zoltan Szopory, Vera Shishkina, Aaron Wilson, Mohammed Topiwalla [Sign up for this event by clicking here!](https://datasciencefestival.com/session/wise-sandbox-session/) As global financial platforms evolve, the “Trust Gap” becomes an engineering challenge. Scaling a product to millions of users requires more than just better models—it requires a fundamental shift from manual heuristics to automated, high-fidelity intelligence. Join Wise for an exclusive Sandbox Session designed for senior data scientists and engineers. We’re moving beyond the basics of model training to explore the “Last Mile” of production ML: the infrastructure of compliance, the democratisation of optimization, and the transition to foundational representation learning. Through three practitioner-led deep dives and a collaborative product-data science panel, we will deconstruct how Wise builds resilient financial infrastructure where performance and safety are never a zero-sum game. What we’ll explore: • The GenAI Reality Check: Moving LLM automations from “cool demo” to “compliant production” in highly regulated spaces. • Decoupling Optimization: How we built “Threshold UI” to empower non-experts to tune model performance across hundreds of cohorts without a single code change. • Beyond Velocity: Replacing hand-crafted features with User Event Transformers to capture the deep behavioral context that traditional tabular data misses. • The Co-Design Philosophy: Why the future of fraud prevention isn’t just a better algorithm, but a tighter feedback loop between Product and Data Science. Food, drinks, and networking with fellow practitioners will follow throughout the evening. Check out the full session details below! **Please note: Due to high demand and limited capacity, tickets for this event will be allocated via a random ballot. Submitting an application does not guarantee entry. Successful applicants will be notified throughout March and early April. If you have not received confirmation by April 9th, this means your ballot application was not selected on this occasion.** **Talk 1: Evolution of GenAI: Building Compliant LLM Automations at Wise** **Speakers:** Kristjan Erik Liive, Senior Data Scientist & Volodymyr Panov, Senior Data Scientist. **Abstract:** Evolution of GenAI applications in servicing tasks at Wise. We will share examples, discuss architectures and challenges of building LLM-based automations in compliance-heavy space. We will also present our vision and key opportunity areas in further augmentation and automation. **Key takeaways:** Practical examples of scoping and implementing LLM-based solutions. **Talk 2: On the Threshold of Greatness: Democratizing Model Optimization at Wise** **Speakers:** Baran Köseoğlu, Lead Data Scientist & Zoltán Szopory, Staff Software Engineer. **Abstract:** This session will talk about machine learning model threshold optimization across hundreds of customer cohorts. Traditionally, optimizing these thresholds has been a complex, time-consuming task, often relegated to highly technical experts. At Wise, we faced the challenge of managing diverse customer segments, each with unique risk profiles and compliance mandates and as a solution we developed Threshold UI we will talk about more in the session. **Key takeaways:** Boost your machine learning model performance without changing any configuration in your training pipeline. **Talk 3: More Than Meets the Eye: Transforming User Events into Deep Context** **Speaker:** Vera Shishkina, Staff Data Scientist. **Abstract:** Moving from purely manual feature engineering to representation learning. This session covers the technical POC of a User Events Transformer – a foundational model designed to produce customer embeddings that augment traditional tabular features. We will discuss the proposed architecture, the challenges of building temporal data pipelines, and our vision for using these embeddings to boost performance in domains like scam prediction. **Key takeaways:** How learned embeddings provide deep context that traditional “velocity” features often miss. **Talk 4: Panel Discussion – Mind & Machine: How Product and DS Co-Design the Future of Trust** **Panellists:** Aaron Wilson, Fraud and Victim Prevention Product Lead & Mohammed Topiwalla, Fraud and Victim Prevention Data Science Lead. **Abstract:** Fireside chat to understand how DS and Product work hand in hand to keep wise safe. **Key takeaways:** How do you find the middle ground between business growth and risk precision? What is the future of DS in fraud prevention? **Schedule:** **6:00 PM** – Doors open – networking with food and refreshments **6:45 PM** – Intro **6:50 PM** – Talk 1 (20 minutes + 5 minute Q&A) **7:15 PM** – Talk 2 (20 minutes + 5 minute Q&A) **7:40 PM** – Comfort break **7:50 PM** – Talk 3 (20 minutes + 5 minute Q&A) **8:15 PM** – Talk 4 (30 minutes) **8:45 PM** – Networking with refreshments **9:30 PM** – Event close **Registering for the event:** Click the 'Sign up here!' button on the specific event page following the link below. Once you have completed the registration form, you will be emailed a link to join the webinar. You will also receive a reminder link one week, one day and one hour prior to the event. **PLEASE NOTE: Clicking 'attend' on Meetup does not register you for the event. You will need to register for the event on the link provided below to receive a joining link. If you do not, you will not be able to join the event.** **[Click here to sign up for this specific event](https://datasciencefestival.com/session/wise-sandbox-session/)** Please note the time zone when you book this event.

This will be a fun workshop where you will learn how to elevate an outfit with styling tips from a stylist. You will learn about the benefits of styling to feel your best, to be more confident and how to put together an outfit that you feel good in. I’ll share an intro into what colours work best with different skin tones. You will hopefully come away feeling energised and more emboldened to try new styles.

We are trying something new at Socrates Cafe Dublin. We are doing **trilogies** \- three back\-to\-back monthly topics that connect to tell a story\. Our next trilogy will be around the mystery of human flourishing\. For our first in the series we are going to ask: *What is beauty?* Then in May: *What role does 'home' play in our well-being?* Finally, in June, *what roles do nature and nurture play in our well-being?* We’ve all made the exclamation: “now, that is beautiful!” And life seems better, richer for it. What do we mean by ‘beauty’? What qualities does something require in order to be classified in such a way? What things can be given such label? Are there things that do not deserve to be called beautiful? Is beauty restricted to physicality? Is beauty merely subjective or does it have an objective framework? Is it a matter of the feminine side of life? Is it something internal or external? Come along next Tuesday evening at the lovely Third Space Cafe Smithfield for a facilitated discussion about beauty. Newcomers are welcome. NOTE: we ask for a 3 Euro donation to cover expenses. Pay on the evening by coin or Revolut. Socrates Cafe: a space where ideas and dialogue can flourish.

TOG will be open on Tuesday evenings from 19:00 to 21:30 for a general Open House event. Expect to find members and visitors in the space up to all sorts of activities. It's a great time to drop in and see what the space is about. If you're an artist, tinkerer, maker or just plain curious, come in and see what the space is about. Maybe you already have something to work on (or want to), have something to fix, create, design, bodge or tinker... drop in. We're also open for just for plain old social chat and hang out, with plenty of tea, coffee and biscuits. We have lots of free parking right outside our door.

Life Drawing Session, Tuesday evenings 6:30-9:30pm and Saturday afternoons 12-3pm in lovely Dublin City centre studio, with huge south facing bay windows and loads of natural light. Easels, drawing boards, all art materials and tea and coffee included. All levels of experience and or confidence (or lack of) are welcome! 50e for one session or 250 for six Small groups to allow for 2m per participant Bookings are confirmed on payment, and can be done by bank transfer, card over the phone or Revolut. 0863514303 or studio10dublin@gmail.com to reserve your spot!

Unwind after work, meet new friends and let a creative twist reveal what you’ll paint. Two margaritas, one surprise theme, endless fun. Here’s the twist: your painting theme isn’t given, it’s discovered through a fun game on the night. Every session brings new inspiration, new stories, and your own unique creation. You don’t need experience, just curiosity (and maybe a love for margaritas). It’s the perfect mid-week escape — a mix of art, play, and pure good vibes. 🎟️ Limited seats · 2 margaritas and your canvas included · 2 hours of fun 📍 Dublin’s coziest bar in dublin 04 ✨ Let’s make after-work more than just a drink.

On foot of the short story in March, we are reading the very large (850 pages) Seveneves in April. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22816087-seveneves

📚Reading books and discussing them are two distinct experiences! Conversations about books and sharing insights help us better appreciate literature and enrich our lives. Let's grab a drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) and discuss books we're currently reading or have recently enjoyed—whether poetry, fiction, or non-fiction. Bring your physical book or e-reader. There's no formal structure or agenda—just books and good conversation.💬 It's a perfect place to get book recommendations and rediscover your reading momentum if you've hit a slump. We welcome readers of all backgrounds and interests! ⚠️**Something Happened?** If something unpleasant happened to you, it may happen to others. Even if it seems minor, don't hesitate to reach out to me. 🔍 **How to find us?** * When I reach the venue, I'll leave a comment in the meetup where the group is seated. Normally, the booking is in my name, so you can ask the staff for the group. * If you're unable to find us, leave a comment in the meetup page. I'll be able to guide you. We highly encourage you to move between tables and strike up conversations with fellow book lovers. These discussions about literature and reading recommendations are often the highlight of the event! As an organizer, I'm always looking for feedback about the event and suggestions for new events, so feel free to suggest ideas to me. 💡 I look forward to seeing you all! 😊

Ready to level up your product game? Join us for an evening dedicated to the power of community. This month’s theme is "PMs helping PMs"—a deep dive into the real-world insights, candid observations, and hard-won lessons that you won’t find in a textbook. **🔹 Talk 1: Customer Engagement Highs & Lows** Facing customers is a fundamental skill in Product Management. Done well, it’s a key asset and a valuable input. But not all customer engagements are easy or straight forward. **Speaker:** [Bernie Foley.](https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernie-foley/) VP Product Management at Workday. Product Management leader with over 30 years’ experience leading product development through the launch of innovative market leading products. **🔹 Talk 2: Panel with three flavors of PM** From difference product management paths the panel is going to discuss the Engineering-led, Product-led & Sales-led product management challenges **Moderated** by [Conor McGlynn ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/comcglynn/)Senior Director, Product Management at Workday **Panelist:** * [Linda Mackessy:](https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-mackessy-0373b52b/) Product Leader & Mentor at Workday. Product Leader with over 10 years experience creating value for customers by enhancing existing products and bringing new innovative products to market. * [Ivan Stynes:](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivan-stynes/) Senior Engineering Manager with a professional background spanning over 20 years in both Engineering leadership and Product Management. Leverages deep technical expertise and a product-centric mindset to balance complex system engineering with user-focused Product development. * [Bernie Foley:](https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernie-foley/) VP Product Management at Workday. Product Management leader with over 30 years’ experience leading product development through the launch of innovative market leading products. **What to Expect:** * **Sharp Q&A:** Bring your toughest product challenges; our speakers are ready for your questions. * **Community & Connection:** As always, we’ll have plenty of **food and drinks** to fuel the conversation. It’s the perfect time to catch up with old friends and meet new faces in the Dublin product community. > **Save the Date:** Join us for an evening of engaging ideas that you can learn from and put into practice immediately. **⚠️ RSVP & Check-in Information** Please RSVP **only if you can attend in person.** Our hosts require a guest list for building security — to ensure a smooth check-in, make sure your **Meetup profile name matches your full, real name** and that your **profile picture clearly shows your face.** Attendees without a matching name or identifiable profile picture will be **removed from the guest list** and will not be able to enter the venue. See you soon! [Sima](https://www.linkedin.com/in/simaban/), [Antonella](https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonellabettati/), [Anna](https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-savelieva/), [Elham](https://www.linkedin.com/in/elham-hesaraki/)

Create your own resin earrings in Dublin! Join my hands-on workshop and design unique, handmade pieces from scratch. No experience needed — just creativity and good vibes 💫 🎨 Limited spots available!

Life Drawing Session, Saturday afternoons 12-3pm in lovely Dublin City centre studio, with huge south facing bay windows and loads of natural light. Easels, drawing boards, all art materials and tea and coffee included. All levels of experience and or confidence (or lack of) are welcome! 50e for one session or 250 for six Small groups to allow for 2m per participant Bookings are confirmed on payment, and can be done by bank transfer, card over the phone or Revolut. Please contact 0863514303 or studio10dublin@gmail.com to ask if we have a spot available for you.

Overview Make your own unique keychains with felt and beads in this beginner friendly workshop. [TICKET LINK](https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/felt-keychain-workshop-tickets-1985517646730) **MAKE YOUR OWN FELT KEYCHAINS** Get creative and craft your own adorable felt keychains for your bags, keys or ready to gift a loved one in this relaxed, hands-on workshop. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned crafter, you'll learn easy techniques for cutting, stitching, stuffing, and embellishing your own felt pieces. Bring your favorite drink and enjoy a chill night of crafting, conversation, and creativity. All materials are provided so just bring yourself, your friends, and your beverage of choice **WHAT EACH TICKET INCLUDES** * Felt and sewing materials * Ribbons and beads for your decorations * Chill vibes and good music! **WHAT DO WE DO DURING THE WORKSHOP? DO WE HAVE TO FOLLOW ALONG?** Our workshops are super informal, this is not a strict class, we have an instructor to guide you along but this is a very basic beginner event for you to experiment and have fun. We reward creativity and encourage everyone to create something different. **I'M GOING TO BE LATE, CAN I STILL COME?** Yes we don't usually start exactly on time. Due to a large volume of people arriving at once it usually starts at least 10 minutes after the time of the event. If you're really late just come in and don't worry! **CAN WE LEAVE OUR PIECES THERE?** We don't have capacity to keep the pieces as our studio is open 7 days a week so everybody has to take their works of art home and proudly display them! **THE EVENT SAYS SOLDOUT, CAN I BRING SOMEBODY ELSE?** Unfortunately not, if an event is sold out it means there are no seats left. **LOCATION:** This Must Be The Place 42 Arran Quay, Smithfield, Dublin 7 **IS IT WHEELCHAIR FRIENDLY?** The venue is not wheelchair friendly unfortunately but do get in touch as we host events in various locations that are accessible for wheelchair users. **DO YOU DO PRIVATE EVENTS?** Yes, we host private events, brand events, hen parties, and work parties. Contact us on bookings@alternativeexperiences.ie

Hello Everyone! Let's read something before coming to the event. It can be a few pages from a book, an article, a poem, an advertisement, a joke, a recipe, a quote, social media content - anything you find interesting. We meet and chat about it, as a starting point of conversation. Please feel free to bring books :)

We meet to learn and practice American Sign Language and to grow our familiarity with Deaf culture. Facilitated by hearing folks (with a connection to a professional interpreter) using Deaf-created content. People of all ASL skill levels are welcome! As we learn, we hope to connect more with the Deaf community in Central Ohio. Join us as you're able! Come regularly or just once - whatever you're looking for! Each meetup will explore different topics related to ASL/Deaf culture, and will feature time to practice conversation with one another. Just bring yourself and a willingness to learn!

AI is changing how art is made. But when does it stop being your work and start being the machine’s? This month we're going to be doing a panel with with digital image, music, and written word artists, talking about at what point, while using AI in the creation process, does the work become not the artist creation? We encourage audience participation during this event that will be moderated by Chris Slee. Whether you’re deep in the field or just getting curious, come connect with others building and exploring AI in Columbus. Sponsored by [Transform Labs](https://www.transformlabs.com/services) Sign up also accessible via [Transform Labs Luma](https://luma.com/55umjqta)

Let’s meet and share our thoughts about Carson McCullers’ novella, The Ballad of The Sad Café.

**TBA**

**Our April novel is: *The Hong Kong Widow* by Kristen Loesch** **This month’s novel blends gothic atmosphere with historical fiction and chilling horror, set against the haunting backdrop of China. The book is 368 pages in print and 10 hours and 42 minutes on audiobook.** In 1950s Hong Kong, Mei is a young refugee of the Chinese Communist revolution struggling to put her past in Shanghai behind her. When she receives a shocking invitation—to take part in a competition in one of the city's most notorious haunted houses, pitting six spirit mediums against one another in a series of six séances over six nights, until a single winner emerges—she has every reason to refuse. Except that the hostess, a former Shanghainese silent film star, is none other than the wife of the man who once destroyed Mei’s entire life. It is promised the winner will receive a fortune, but there is only one prize Mei wants: revenge. Decades later, the final night of that competition has become an infamous urban legend: The police were called to the scene of a brutal massacre but found no evidence, dismissing it as a collective hallucination. Mei knows what she saw, but now someone else is convinced they know what she did. She must uncover the truth about the last night she ever spent in that house—even if the ghosts of her past are waiting for her there. . . .

Colombus Code & Coffee is thrilled to partner with Central Ohio Azure to put on the global Azure community day! RSVP here: https://www.meetup.com/central-ohio-azure/events/313484939/ View the session lineup and speakers at [Global Azure Columbus 2026](https://coazure.github.io/cbus-global-azure-2026/) On **Saturday, April 18, 2026**, the Azure Columbus Meetup, DevOps Meetup, and Code and Coffee Meetup are hosting our local edition of Global Azure 2026. This is a free, community-driven event packed with learning, networking, and all things Microsoft Azure. Whether you’re building modern cloud-native apps, experimenting with AI agents, deploying containers, automating infrastructure, or just beginning your Azure journey, this event is for you! **What to Expect** * Engaging technical sessions * Real-world Azure architecture & cloud-native patterns * AI, agents, automation, and modern DevOps * Food and drinks (because learning burns calories) * Time to connect with fellow engineers, architects, and cloud enthusiasts **Who Should Attend?** * Software engineers (any language, any stack) * Cloud architects * DevOps engineers * Data professionals * AI explorers * Platform builders * Anyone who loves solving hard problems with great tools If you build, deploy, automate, scale, monitor, or optimize in Azure, you’ll feel right at home. **Why Global Azure?** Global Azure is a worldwide community event where Azure user groups host learning sessions on the same day across the globe. It’s grassroots. It’s technical. It’s practical. And it’s powered by people who genuinely love sharing what they’ve learned. And yes, it’s free to attend!