Design Futures
Meet other local people interested in Design Futures: share experiences, inspire and encourage each other! Join a Design Futures group.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Check out design futures events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.
Discover all the design futures events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
Absolutely! Find design futures events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.
Design Futures Events Today
Join in-person Design Futures events happening right now
Conditioning Workout @ Rail Corridor (BV)
Have you experienced the power of habits, dedication, and small actions over time? This is your sign to start, or continue building on your past efforts!
“Consistency is what transforms average into excellence.” — Tony Robbins
**Date:** 18 May 2026 (Thu)
**Meeting Time:** 8am
**Meeting point:** Buona Vista MRT Exit A (near the tunnel towards Holland V)
**Route:**
Buona Vista MRT Exit A ➝ Rail Corridor ➝ Gaharu Trail ➝ Rifle Range ➝ Beauty World (\~8.5km)
**Notes:**
· Have some light snacks before the workout if required
· Bring sufficient water (\~1L) and food/snacks for refuel
· Waterproof your items and be rain-equipped (rain cover, rain jacket, poncho, umbrella, etc.)
· Towel, small cloth or extra clothing for change out
· Hiking poles (optional)
· **RSVP**: If there is a change in availability, please update your RSVP at least one day in advance.
**Please read this:**
#1 – **Attendance.** This is a number-controlled event. Please come only if you are on the attending list. Please check your calendar and make sure you can come before RSVP, so as not to deny someone else from attending.
#2 – **Punctuality.** We will move out at 8.05am sharp. We are not able to wait for latecomers.
#3 – **Early Departure.** Please inform the Event Host if you need to leave early.
#4 – **Waitlist.** Please note that the waitlist may not be processed in order. We may prioritize spots for participants training for upcoming hikes/ trips.
#5 – **Weather.** In case of severe weather conditions, we will provide an update or adjust the route accordingly.
**Important Liability Notice:**
By joining this training, you acknowledge that you are participating voluntarily and understand the physical risks inherent in this activity. AU is not responsible for any injuries, accidents, or health complications that may occur during the training.
Please ensure you are medically fit and adequately prepared for the
demands of the session.
Thank you for your understanding! See you there!
Join us on social media to keep updated with our latest adventures!
[https://bit.ly/m/Adventures-Unlimited](https://bit.ly/m/Adventures-Unlimited)
"Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out." — Robert Collier
🦞Living with AI Agents: OpenClaw & NanoClaw in Practice
**Living with AI Agents: OpenClaw & NanoClaw in Practice** \| **18 Jun @ PayPal**
What happens when AI stops being a tool… and starts becoming an extension of how you think and work?
This session showcases personal AI agents built using Openclaw and NanoClaw, demonstrating how designed systems can extend cognition, reduce friction, and reshape personal daily workflows.
📅 18 Jun 2026, Thursday
🕒 6.30-9pm
📌 PayPal, Innovation Lab, L7 Tower 5 Suntec, 5 Temasek Blvd
**Meet Our Speakers for the Evening :**
We’re thrilled to bring you insights from two incredible
practitioners with lived tales of building working AI agents:
* **Victoria Lo** – Solutions Engineer Lead, Speaker, GitHub Star, Co-Director of WomenDevsSG, and Co-Founder of ragTech. Victoria thrives at the intersection of tech, systems, and leadership.
* **Zawanah Sainuddin** – Senior Business Analyst (successfully drove analytics programs across 5 markets in EMEA/APAC). She now designs AI-assisted workflows and personal agents for her day-to-day.
They will help you understand what AI agents, OpenClaw, and NanoClaw actually are. By seeing real examples, you'll walk away with a practical map of how to automate your own daily life and workflows
**Who is this for?**
Developer, builder, or just AI-curious, this evening was made with you in mind. Join us and spread the word.
(To all our Male allies - we encourage you to bring along a female colleague or friend!! 🌟)
**Schedule:**
6:30 to 7:00 - Event Registration & Networking
7:00 to 7:15 - Intro to Women Devs SG & Paypal
7:15 to 8:15 - Sharing Session
8:15 to 8:30 - Q&A
8:30 to 9:00 - Closing Remarks & Networking
\*\***NOTE: Please fill up this form upon registration for the access to the venue :**
[Venue Access Form](https://invites.envoy.com/group-invite/4dDnk7e8j2lVRlY1)
This is a registered‑attendees‑only event. **Walk‑ins will not be permitted** at the venue
**About WomenDevs SG:**
WomenDevs SG is a Singapore community for women developers that organizes events, mentorship, and spaces where engineers at every stage can learn from each other.
**Venue Sponsor: PayPal**
Chill Futsal at Kovan Thurs 6pm to 8pm
Hello! We’re looking for more players to join us as our regulars might not be able to make it all the time. The cost is to be shared by the total number of players present.
Please contact TS 96277699 to confirm your attendance as we don't respond here actively.
CYA there!
**NOTE:** Indicating your attendance here does not mean you are guaranteed a slot. Contact me to confirm your place.
Over Dinner - Love & Boundaries with Prof. Rana
**What if the most valuable thing you could do is stop and think?** Join experts, founders, and curious humans for 90 minutes of real conversation over dinner. No easy answers. Just better questions.
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# We often imagine ourselves as rational, measured, and in control. But love has a way of redrawing those boundaries.
This Thursday, we share a story shaped by love under impossible circumstances. How do we decide what is worth risking? And how do we live with the choices we make?
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Note: This is a ticketed dinner gathering. For tickets, head to: lu.ma/socrates
SG SME Owners & Professionals — Referral Networking Breakfast (Limited Seats)
**Grow Your Business Through Genuine Relationships**
This weekly referral networking session brings together SME owners and professionals who are focused on building meaningful business relationships and expanding their client base through referrals.
Many attendees join to build long-term referral partnerships and expand their professional network with like-minded business owners.
[RSVP Here](https://forms.gle/Gt7UemdzUjgRG4ci7)
**What Makes This Different**
Unlike casual networking events, this session is structured, efficient, and focused on helping attendees build genuine professional relationships.
You will meet fellow SME owners and professionals who are actively growing their businesses and open to building partnerships.
The session is professionally facilitated to ensure everyone has the opportunity to introduce themselves and connect meaningfully.
[RSVP Here](https://forms.gle/Gt7UemdzUjgRG4ci7)
**What You Can Expect**
• 7.30AM - 9.30AM
• Structured introductions from attendees
• Opportunity to present your business and services
• Referral and opportunity sharing
• Professional networking with SME owners and professionals
The environment is welcoming, professional, and respectful of your time.
[RSVP Here](https://forms.gle/Gt7UemdzUjgRG4ci7)
**Who Is This For**
This session is suitable for:
• SME owners
• Business owners and founders
• Lawyers and legal professionals
• Doctors and medical professionals
• Consultants
• Immigration service providers
• Accountants and professional service providers
• Professionals responsible for business growth and client acquisition
Whether you are growing an established business or expanding your professional network, this session provides valuable connections.
[RSVP Here](https://forms.gle/Gt7UemdzUjgRG4ci7)
**What To Bring**
• Name cards
• A short introduction of your business
• A professional mindset
[RSVP Here](https://forms.gle/Gt7UemdzUjgRG4ci7)
**Why Attendees Attend Regularly**
Many attendees find this to be one of the most effective ways to:
• Build trusted professional relationships
• Increase referral opportunities
• Expand their business network
• Stay connected with the local business community
[RSVP Here](https://forms.gle/Gt7UemdzUjgRG4ci7)
Meaningful Conversation for Curious Minds
Welcome to Curious Souls Café, a warm and friendly space for meaningful conversations. 😊 We invite you to join us for an evening filled with thought-provoking dialogue, meaningful connections, and personal growth.
Inviting all Curious Souls who are passionate about:
🌍 Embracing open-mindedness
🤝 Tapping into collective wisdom
🗣️ Engaging in meaningful conversations
🌱 Embarking on a journey of self improvement
📚 Exploring diverse schools of thought and personal experiences
**Agenda / What You'll Experience**
💬 Meaningful Conversation Cards
We will begin the session with our uniquely curated, meaningful conversation cards. You'll have the opportunity to pick a card and initiate thought-provoking conversations with fellow attendees. (Check out a sample of the cards in then photos)
💬 Final Thoughts and Feedback
In the last 5 minutes of the event, we'll reflect on the key insights, memorable moments, and takeaways from the evening's discussions. It's an opportunity to distill the shared knowledge and leave with a deeper understanding of the topics explored. You are free to leave anytime.
🈚 Free of Charge
While there is no charge to attend, we kindly encourage you to support the venue by purchasing a drink and/or any items from their menu.
Note:
[This event](https://curioussouls.cafe) is not affiliated with the restaurant/cafe.
Design Futures Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
🥾 Bukit Timah Training Hike 2026 — Build Endurance for Greater Adventures
Get ready for an energising guided walk at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve — a great opportunity to reconnect with nature, improve your fitness, and prepare for future outdoor adventures. Whether you’re gearing up for an overseas expedition or simply looking for a meaningful weekend activity, this session is designed to enhance endurance, strengthen your legs, and build confidence on challenging terrain
Set amidst lush rainforest scenery and scenic trails, the walk offers both physical challenge and enjoyment. Train alongside fellow outdoor enthusiasts in a supportive environment as you tackle stairs, slopes, and uneven paths — a rewarding way to begin your journey toward bigger mountain goals
🥾 Event Detail
📍 Location: Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
📅 Date: Sunday, 21 June 2026
⏰ Meeting Time: 2:45 PM (sharp departure)
🚇 Meeting Point: Beauty World MRT – Passenger Service Counter
⏱️ Walk Duration: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
🗺️ Route Overvie
🚶 Start: Bukit Timah Nature Park
⬆️ Climb: Bukit Timah Summit – Loop
🌿 Continue Along: Wallace Trail
🏕️ Stopover: Dairy Farm Hut
⬆️ Return Climb: Bukit Timah Summit – Loop
🧍 Finish: Bukit Timah Nature Park
This route includes stairways, inclines, and natural uneven terrain, making it excellent preparation for hiking and mountain trekking
⚠️ Important Information / What to Brin
Arrive on time as the group will depart promptl
Wear comfortable hiking or sports footwea
Carry enough drinking wate
Be prepared for physical activity on uneven surface
Optional items: snacks, sunblock, insect repellen
🌍 Upcoming International Expedition
🏔️Mount Fuji, Japan (July 2026)
⛰️Yushan (Mount Jade), Taiwan (Dec 2026) 🏞️Mount Rinjani, Indonesia (2027)
🏞️ Mount Kinabalu, Panalaban basecamp Malaysia (2027)
🏞️Mount Kinabalu, Ferrata, Malaysia (2027)
️🏔️Annapurna Base Camp (ABC), Nepal (2027)
📝 Disclaimer
Participation is voluntary and entirely at your own discretion. Each participant is responsible for their own safety and well-being throughout the activity. Please remain mindful of your surroundings, follow the organizer’s instructions, and notify the organizer immediately if you feel unwell or need assistance
As with all outdoor activities, there are inherent risks including slips, falls, and physical fatigue. The organizer will not be responsible for any injuries, accidents, losses, or incidents arising from participation
✨ Take the First Step Toward Greater Adventure
Build stamina, strengthen your mindset, and prepare yourself for future mountain expeditions — starting right here at Bukit Timah
📝 Reserve your place today — limited slots available
Super-Individual Secret Club (SISC): The Cybersecurity AI Chapter
**\*\*\* Please register at** [https://luma.com/ofdo61ky](https://luma.com/8d43vcou) **\*\*\***
**The Super-Individual Secret Club (SISC): The Cybersecurity AI Chapter**
📅 19 Jun 26 (Fri)
🕗 7pm to 10pm
📍 Register to see Address
🔗 [https://luma.com/ofdo61ky](https://luma.com/8d43vcou)
We’ll explore how cybersecurity and AI intersect — AI as a powerful engine for threat detection, automation, and adaptive defense, while also lowering the barrier for cyberattacks through AI-driven hacking, social engineering, and automated exploits.
At the same time, cybersecurity is evolving to protect intelligent systems, data, and digital infrastructure in an increasingly AI-powered world.
**Expect demos, discussion, and ideas worth stealing.**
**Register now! 🚀 →** [https://luma.com/ofdo61ky](https://luma.com/ofdo61ky)
🏋️Elevate Your Fitness: Professional Resistance Training Session
🗓️Midweek Power Workout
⏳60-minute session
🎟️ New Participant Benefit
💪🏻Resistance Training with Certified Instructor
Event Details
🗓️ Every Saturday
🕥 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
📍 Aperia Mall, Level 3, Open Plaza
Elevate your fitness journey with our professionally guided resistance training session, led by a certified instructor. This structured and progressive workout is designed to safely challenge your muscles beyond their usual limits—helping you build strength, enhance endurance, and improve overall physical performance.
Whether you are new to strength training or looking to refine your routine, this session provides expert guidance in a supportive and motivating environment.
🎟️ New Participant Benefit
First-time attendees receive a complimentary body composition analysis to establish a fitness baseline and support personalized goal-setting.
Why Join Us?
Build muscular strength and endurance
Improve bone density and joint stability
Boost metabolism and energy levels
Enhance balance and coordination
Support cardiovascular health
Complement the management of chronic conditions such as diabetes
Our goal is to help you develop sustainable strength, improve muscle tone, and achieve better overall fitness—one session at a time.
What to Bring:
Yoga mat
Towel
Water bottle
Take the first step toward a stronger, healthier you. We look forward to welcoming you this Saturday.
Disclaimer:
Participants are encouraged to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise program, especially if they have existing medical conditions or injuries. By attending, participants acknowledge that they are voluntarily engaging in physical activity and assume responsibility for their own health and safety. The organiser and instructor shall not be held liable for any injury or medical condition arising from participation.
Blooms & Socials: Floral Arranging for Beginners
Come for the flowers. Stay for the people.
**Blooms & Socials** is the very first gathering of **Her Flowers Collective** — a new community in Singapore for anyone who loves flowers, creativity, and good company.
This isn't a formal class. It's a relaxed, hands-on afternoon where you'll arrange beautiful blooms, swap stories, and leave with more than just a bouquet — you'll leave with people you actually want to see again.
**What to expect:**
🌿 A warm, unhurried space where no one feels out of place
🌼 Hands-on floral arranging — no experience needed, we guide you through everything
💬 Genuine conversation — we design the afternoon so you actually get to know the people next to you
📸 A group moment to remember — and something beautiful to take home
**Details:**
* 📍 JustCo, Level 4 — 176 Orchard Road, The Centrepoint, Singapore 238843
* 🗓 Saturday, 20 June · 2:15 PM – 4:15 PM
* 👥 Intentionally small — 5 spots only
* 🎟 $15 commitment fee *(fully redeemable , see below)*
**🎁 Get your $15 back — here's how**
Your $15 commitment fee is fully redeemable. Join us for all three free community activities happening the same week and we'll return your fee in full at the workshop:
* 🌿 **Nature walk** — a slow, sensory stroll to notice what's blooming around us
* 🎯 **Onboarding goal-setting** — set one simple intention for your floral journey
* ☕ **Tea & flowers gathering** — an intimate catch-up over tea and fresh stems
Show up to all three and Saturday's workshop is on us. Think of the $15 as a placeholder , your presence is what we're really after.
(Honestly, this is worth a lot more than $15 , we're keeping it this way because it's our first and we want the right people in the room, not the most people.)
*(Flower varieties may vary by season and availability)*
Whether you're coming solo or with a friend ,you'll fit right in. The only thing we ask is that you show up as yourself.
*See what's coming next at* **herflowers.sg/community🌺**
####
Weekend Hike: Rifle Range Nature Park to Windsor Nature Park
It is time for a weekend hike in nature. Good for the mind, body and soul.
An opportunity to meet old friends. And make new ones. It's fun and it's social! We shall hike from Rifle Range to Windsor Nature Park.
Keep stress to a minimum. The benefits are built-in. We will get our hearts pumping. And take in the natural sights and sounds. And the company of like-minded friends - old and new.
20 June 2026 (Saturday)
8:30am - 12:00pm
**Meet at King Albert Park MRT, Exit A. Street level.**
\*\* Please note that this is a walk on multiple terrains including nature trails and tarmac.
Items to bring:
Comfortable hiking attire and shoes
Raincoat / Umbrella
Hat / Cap / Sunblock
Water to stay hydrated
Your smile!
Please read this
#1 - This is a number-controlled event. Please come only if you are on the attending list.
#2 - We will move out at 0835hrs sharp. We are not able to wait for late-comers.
#3 - As this is a limited number event, please check your calendar and make sure you can come before you RSVP. Do not change your attendance at the last minute and deny someone else who genuinely wishes to come.
EnCore: i-Light ’26, City in Glow 📸🌌🔮
Join us for a relaxed evening as we start with dinner at Lau Pa Sat 🍜, before heading over to the i-Light Singapore 2026 festival.✨ This year’s theme, “Movement,” brings the waterfront to life with interactive light installations that respond to touch and motion, along with glowing pathways, and playful displays.💡
We’ll take an easy stroll through the installations, and for those who want more, we can swing by GastroBeats — the festival village with live music, games and plenty of food options (free entry, just pay for what you eat 🍔🎶) — making it a great spot to soak in the atmosphere and unwind together.
[https://gastrobeats.com.sg/](https://gastrobeats.com.sg/)
This is a free community walk, led by volunteers who enjoy the Great Outdoors (GO) and would like to share them with u too! 🤎✌️😃
Kindly RSVP responsibly to give others a chance to join. The 'going' list may not necessarily follow a strict sequence. 🔄 To protect your privacy, we do not collect telephone numbers 📵. Communication will be through the Event Chat. Kindly check for any updates, especially on the day of the event. The route may be amended or the hike postponed in the event of inclement weather, for the safety of our walkers. 🚶🚶♂️
*Disclaimer: By joining this walk, you assume responsibility for your own safety and well-being 🚸, and will not hold the organizers/hosts liable for any loss or injury or other unforeseen events, ensuring a shared commitment to a safe and enjoyable experience for all. 😊 Thank you. 🙏
Photos credit: I-Light 2026
Practical Philosophy Meetup - Singapore 🇸🇬
🏛️ **WHAT'S PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY ABOUT?**
Practical Philosophy is a weekly meet-up that brings critical thinkers together for an opportunity to dive deep on a topic, practice communicating, and building a community. All with no ‘official’ philosophy knowledge required! 😎
Practical Philosophy is based on the idea that philosophy should be accessible to all, and not something reserved only for academics. Each week we choose a topic, and the goal is to use the conversation to develop our critical thinking and communication as we explore that topic.
The goal is to help develop our Critical Thinking, Communication, and Community 🙌
📓 **HOW DOES IT WORK?**
Each week, we pick one topic and discuss it. The topic for the week is shared, generally in the [Whatsapp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Dsjl0cwLVxR4tw1jTC1Osx?mode=gi_t), along with jump-off points to get the conversation going.
When groups get bigger than 7-8 people, it’s important that we break into smaller groups. This way we are able to maintain a conversational flow as opposed to having our meetups feel like a discourse or lecture.
**General Meeting Agenda**
Each Practical Philosophy meet-up follows this general timeline:
* 19:00-19:15 - People arrive and chat, get to know each other before the ‘official' start.
* 19:15-19:25 - Meeting introduction, explanation of Practical Philosophy and the topic for the week, read the guidelines and the overview so attendees know what to expect in terms of timelines.
* 19:25-20:45 - Break into small groups - introduce yourselves and general thoughts on the topic, open discussion afterwards. At this point the group can review the ‘jump-off’ questions as needed, but they are just there to help guide the conversation. It’s not obligatory to answer them.
* 20:45-21:00 - Bring everyone back together to discuss conclusions of the topic - each group gives a short 1-minute summary. Organizer concludes the meeting and everyone takes a group photo.
* 21:00 - The official meeting is over but it’s a great opportunity to get to know people in a non-structured environment, so we often stick around, chat, and get to know each other.
**🧧PRICING?**
Practical Philosophy Club is FREE to attend! We just ask that if we are meeting in a café, buy a beverage! Some chapters rent a space for us to meet, and they may ask for donations to help contribute to the cost of rent. Donations will always be 100% voluntary though!
💛 **WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY**
🗣 “I feel like Philosophy Club helps someone build their own belief system through a series of perspectives while not promoting what’s right and wrong” - Ekam
🗣 “I got hooked from day 1 (the topic was authority) and felt it was the right place for me. I feel it is a place where people can go to learn and discuss new perspectives and increase critical thinking and community by interacting with people who might challenge your point of views but at the same time encourage you to have openness and mind flexibility.” - Daniel
**🤓 FAQ**
* What will we talk about? What's the topic?
The topic for the week is shared every Sunday in the Whatsapp group. We try to add the topic to the comment section on this event page as well but if you don’t see it, the topic and the jump-off points will be in our [Whatsapp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Dsjl0cwLVxR4tw1jTC1Osx?mode=gi_t).
* Do I need to study or read anything to attend?
No preparation is necessary. This isn’t a study of other thinkers. We want to know what YOU think about the topic, not what an old philosopher thought. If you have a perspective from a religion or a school of thought to share, throw it on the table and we’ll discuss it, but it's not required.
* Is there a specific philosophy that Practical Philosophy is focused on?
The goal of our meet-ups is to not have dogmatic discussions, and flex our critical thinking muscles. Because of this, we want to hear from every realm of thought, and don't study a particular school.
* Is it mostly men that attend?
Surprisingly, no! Although philosophy is seen as a Candelabra affair in a dark room with a bunch of guys, our Practical Philosophy meetups are generally 50/50 between genders, and we don’t meet in any dark rooms.
* Can I come alone?
Of course you can, we encourage it :)
* Can I be late?
Please don't be! We do have a 15 minute grace period where we allow people to funnel in while we hang out, but after that if you arrive too late, it disrupts the flow of the conversation.
* Where do you meet?
The location is posted in Meetup and our [Whatsapp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Dsjl0cwLVxR4tw1jTC1Osx?mode=gi_t) group for this location. It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you join the Whatsapp group! If you want to know what other cities have a Practical Philosophy Club, you can see our chapters on our [website](https://www.practicalphilosophy.club/practical-philosophy-locations/).
**PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY - Making Philosophy Available To All.** ✨
Practical Philosophy hosts weekly, in-person meetups in over 20 countries, including Canada, Spain, Japan, Mexico and many more! 🗺️
\*\*\*
Join our [Whatsapp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Dsjl0cwLVxR4tw1jTC1Osx?mode=gi_t) 👈
Follow us on [Instagram](www.instagram.com/practicalphilosophyclub/) 👈
Our [website](https://www.practicalphilosophy.club/) 👈
Design Futures Events Near You
Connect with your local Design Futures community
Profs & Pints Northern Virginia: Can Artificial Intelligence “See”?
[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Can Artificial Intelligence ‘See’?”** A look at how humans and artificial intelligence systems interpret the visual world in fundamentally different ways, with Arryn Robbins, assistant professor of psychology at the University of Richmond and cognitive scientist who researches visual attention, perception, and category learning.
[Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-can-AI-see](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-can-AI-see) .]
Artificial intelligence can now identify faces, categorize objects, describe scenes, and outperform humans on certain visual tasks. But does AI actually “see” the world the way that people do? Or does it arrive at correct answers using representations that differ markedly from human perception?
Join Arryn Robbins of the University of Richmond for a fascinating exploration of how humans and AI construct meaning from visual information and a look at comparisons between human perception and AI that reveal just how dynamic and context-dependent our own visual systems really are.
Dr. Robbins, who previously has given excellent Profs and Pints talks on flaws and biases in human visual perception, will draw from research in cognitive science, visual perception, and AI vision systems.
She’ll explain how human perception is not merely a simple recording of the world, but an active process shaped by expectations, context, goals, and recent experience. You’ll learn how humans form flexible mental representations that allow us to recognize objects across changing environments and conditions, and why those representations continuously adapt as we interact with the world.
Many AI systems, by contrast, learn visual categories through statistical patterns in data. They can produce impressive results, but sometimes they also produce strange and unexpected failures, and sometimes they classify images in ways that seem strange to us.
Dr. Robbins will discuss what these differences reveal about the nature of perception itself, and why the mismatch between human and AI representations matters for technologies like self-driving cars, medical imaging, facial recognition, and automated surveillance.
Important for anyone trying to understand the rapidly growing role of AI in daily life, this talk will explore one of the biggest questions in cognitive science and artificial intelligence: What does it actually mean to “see” and understand the world? (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.)
Image: “Eye Farm” by Nevit Dilmen (Wikimedia Commons).
🥘👉 Inner Coach Reset + Community Potluck Lunch (Ashburn)
⚡ Reset your direction. Meet someone unexpected. Walk away with fresh clarity.
Join us for a relaxed **small-group afternoon event** that blends a light **Inner Coach conversation experience** with a **community potluck lunch**.
In February we hosted our first **Inner Coach event**, and many attendees said it helped them notice something powerful — the voice inside that quietly guides better decisions when life gets complicated.
This event builds on that idea.
Instead of overthinking the past, we’ll explore how to **reset direction for what’s next** — through thoughtful conversation, new perspectives, and the kind of questions that spark real insight.
We’ll start with a few short conversation rounds designed to spark reflection, humor, and perspective — and then continue the discussion over food and relaxed conversation.
Think **good food, grounded people, and real conversations about what comes next in life.**
Held in our **Startup Garage** — a bright, comfortable living-room style space inside a single-family home.
(Couches, food, conversation — **not an actual garage** 😊)
***
## **🥘 Potluck Lunch**
If you're able, bring something small to share.
Homemade or store-bought — both welcome.
A dish you enjoy making. A dish that always works
Or simply something easy from the store
If you're busy, come anyway — the goal is **community, not perfection**.
We’ll share a relaxed **afternoon potluck lunch** while continuing meaningful conversations with people navigating their next chapter.
***
## **What You’ll Experience**
• Light conversation rounds designed to spark insight
• Fresh perspectives from people navigating similar life transitions
• Humor, perspective, and grounded conversation
• A relaxed environment where ideas and connections happen naturally
***
## **Who Typically Attends**
• Professionals in their 30s–40s–50s
• Entrepreneurs and builders
• Divorced or separated individuals navigating what’s next
• People who prefer thoughtful conversation over surface-level small talk
Whether you're **resetting direction, building something new, or simply meeting grounded people**, this event is designed for honest connection and fresh perspective.
***
Most attendees are navigating life and growth with **curiosity, clarity, and a sense of humor.**
📍 Hosted in a spacious living-room setting inside a single-family home (Ashburn – 20147).
Full address and parking details are emailed **2–3 days before the event.**
🌐 Learn more about the community
[https://midlifereinvention.co](https://midlifereinvention.co)
***
If you're curious about the **Inner Coach vs Inner Critic concept**, here’s a short introduction:
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtgoDgqppGI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtgoDgqppGI)
U.S. Market Launch & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
The evening begins with a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark our American debut, followed by a reception bringing together industry leaders, executives, and elected officials from across the region. You'll be among the first to meet our leadership team, hear how Diconium — a Volkswagen company — is bringing the engineering rigor of one of the world's most demanding manufacturers to the US market, and explore where our work might intersect with yours. The evening continues with networking, hospitality, and a few moments we're saving for the night itself.
This is a milestone we'll mark only once — it would be our honor to have you there.
Warm Regards,
Diconium, *a Volkswagen company*
Supporting Partners:
Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce
VW Group of America
Porsche Consulting
Aligned Artist Meetup, Manassas
Join us for an afternoon of connection, conversation, and creative community!
Whether you're an artist, musician, writer, performer, maker, entrepreneur, or simply someone who enjoys being around creative people, you're welcome to join us.
Creative work can be deeply personal, but many of us grow further when we're supported by a community. This gathering is an opportunity to connect with fellow creatives, share what you're working on, exchange ideas, celebrate wins, and encourage one another along the way.
There is no formal agenda—just a relaxed opportunity to gather, connect, and be inspired.
Feel free to bring:
• A project you're working on
• An upcoming event to share
• Questions, ideas, or creative challenges
• A friend who would enjoy the community
Feel free to bring a snack or beverage to share if you'd like, but your presence is what matters most.
Come for the entire gathering or just stop by for a bit—whatever works best for your schedule.
Musicians and performers are welcome to share works in progress if they'd like. The space includes two pianos and an organ, as well as some basic audio/video recording equipment. If you anticipate needing any specific equipment or setup, please mention it when you RSVP.
**Saturday, June 27**
**3:30 PM**
Please RSVP so we know how many to expect. Address will be provided upon RSVP.
Looking forward to seeing both familiar and new faces!
RSVPs are on Microsoft Reactor Site - Build 2026 Local Host Reston Virginia
**Make sure to RSVP** **[here](https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/reactor/events/27321/)** **at the Microsoft Reactor site** https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/reactor/events/27321/
We're excited to announce the **Microsoft Build 2026 Local Host Conference** happening in **Reston, VA,** on **Friday, June 19, 2026**, from **09.00 AM to 4 PM EDT**!
This **free conference** will take place at the **Microsoft offices** at **11955 Freedom Dr, Reston, VA 20190, on the second floor in the rooms MPR RESTON-11955/2.2D, MPR RESTON-11955/2.2E, and MPR RESTON-11955/2.2C.**
**Agenda:**
* 09:00 AM - 09:30 AM: Registration and Breakfast
* 09:30 AM - 10:00 AM: Build 2026 Keynotes Highlights
* 10:00 AM - 10:50 AM: **Session:** Build context-aware agents at scale with Microsoft IQ
* 11:00 AM - 11:50 AM: **Panel:** Ask Us Anything about AI (with focus on skilling and finding jobs)
* 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM: Lunch
* 01:00 PM - 2.30 PM: **Hands-On Lab:** From zero to deployed on Azure with AI agents
* 2:45 PM - 4:00 PM: **Hands-on Lab:** Observe, optimize, and protect your hosted agents in Microsoft Foundry
The venue is **Metro accessible via the Silver Line**, and there’s plenty of **paid parking available** in the Reston Town Center garages.
We'll have **breakfast, lunch, and snacks** for all attendees!
Make sure to **RSVP** — you’ll receive your **event badge at check-in**, and you’ll need it to attend.
This in-person event is built for developers and cloud engineers who want to design, build, and deploy real-world AI solutions on Azure. Expect a hands-on, implementation-focused experience using Microsoft Foundry and GitHub Copilot with live demos, guided labs, and practical developer workflows.
**What to expect:**
* Key takeaways and announcements from Microsoft Build 2026
* Deep dive into Azure AI and Generative AI use cases
* Live demos with Microsoft Foundry and GitHub Copilot
* Hands-on labs to build and test AI-powered features end-to-end
* Best practices for building AI-powered applications
* Networking with the local AI developer community
Whether you're shipping your first AI feature or scaling production systems, this event is designed to give you actionable insights to accelerate your AI journey with Microsoft.




















