Digital Literacy

\*\*\*\*\*\* ***For address and more details see the website www.pausify.org*** \*\*\*\*\*\* **Event Info:** Pausify is the **biggest community and most active** of book lovers and creatives in Berlin. Impressions: Instagram: **[@Pausify (Co-Reading Space)](https://www.instagram.com/pausify_org/)** Events happen every Sat and Sun at 11 AM. Bring along your **current book to read** (or something **creative** to work on) and join us for this mix of a shared focus time + discussion. \- 11:00\-11:30 \- Meet & greet \- 11:30\-12:30 \- Silent focus time \- 12:30 \- Discussion of books/ projects over coffee Afterwards, join for lunch if you'd like (optional). **Drinks & snacks are included** ☕️ * **To reserve your place, a ticket (€9,90/event) or a community pass (only €17,90/MONTH) [from the website ](https://pausify.org/)*www.pausify.org* is required** * **Attendance here doesn’t show all sign-ups from other platforms. We usually have about 50 to 100 people at each event.** ***FAQ: Why does it cost money if I bring my own project?*** Because we rent a beautiful, central space for every event. Ever thought your monthly apartment rent was too high? Well, multiply that – that’s what commercial spaces in big cities like Berlin cost *per hour*. Of course, if all you want is just some quiet time, your home or a library is perfect. But if you’d like to focus & connect with others in an inspiring space – with drinks, snacks included – that’s what your ticket helps to cover. See pics from our events below - and on our Instagram: **[@Pausify (Co-Reading Space)](https://www.instagram.com/pausify_org/) ☕️** **[Pausify Co-Reading Space Website](https://pausify.org/) www.pausify.org** For questions, please contact us over [Website ](https://pausify.org/) www.pausify.org as this platform can have issues. Thank you! *Please note that photos and videos may be taken during the event and used for promotional purposes to highlight and share the experiences at our events. If you have concerns, don't hesitate to approach the event organizers before the event.*

Welcome to **I WRITE**, a gentle space for anyone who wants to write—quietly, freely, and without judgement. We are a Berlin community of writers who gather together weekly to write, talk and recharge after a long week. Some of us journal, some write novels, some do academic writing, many people come without a project in mind and see where the inspiration flow takes them. This is a space to simply show up and write, a safe place to be yourself and to release all your layers onto the paper. There’s no set topic, no feedback circle, and no pressure. Just warm people, a calm atmosphere, and time dedicated to yourself. 🗓️ **Agenda:** * 14:30 - 15:00 **→** 30 min arriving, optional socialising (arrive early, meet other writers) * 15:00 - 16:00 **→** 1 hour of silent writing (headphones welcome, focus encouraged) * 16:00–16:30 **→** 30 mins break + optional chat or solo time (stay and chat or go celebrate the rest of your Saturday) * 16:30–17:30 → 1 more hour of silent writing (for those staying) * 17:30–18:00 → 30 mins of chat, and leaving 🎒 **Bring:** * Something to write with (laptop, notebook, phone, typewriter… anything goes) * Something to drink (there is no cafeteria, unfortunately) * Your current project or a blank page * Yourself, exactly as you are **👉 Responsibility:** * Our location is limited; thus, I am kindly asking you to RSVP only if you are willing to attend. **📍Location:** * We meet at **Heinrich Schulz Library in Charlottenburg**. In the library, go look for the Gruppenraum; I will be waiting for you there. Any trouble finding the room, I will come to meet you outside. * 🚇 U7 **Richard-Wagner-Platz** * 🚌 M45 Bus **U Richard-Wagner-Platz** **About me:** Hi, my name is Anastasia. I started this writing club back in May 2025. Since then, it has been hosted weekly at the Heinrich Schulz Library (who is kind enough to allow us to use this room for free). Over this time, I’ve been privileged to meet some of the most creative and kind minds in Berlin. And I would be happy if you joined us. Whether you're an experienced writer or just at the beginning of your journey, you're welcome. If you know how to hold a pen or how to type, there will always be a space for you. Let's write together!

We talk about **comics**! Graphic novels, graphic non-fiction, comic strips, superhero comics, manga - all types of comics are welcome. **Bring a comic book that you are currently reading or one that you want to talk about** (either a physical or digital copy). If you read comics on your tablet, then bring your tablet with you. If you haven't read anything recently (life gets in the way, we know), then feel free to come for comic recommendations. Depending on the weather, we'll meet either at the Bode-Museum café (1st floor, no ticket required) or at Tiergarten for a picnic. I'll write an update a day or two before the meetup! Looking forward to seeing you there!

Meet up and join other people at the biggest meetup event in Berlin this Saturday! Whether you're a long-time resident or just traveling through, come and meet new people to have fun, make new friends and enjoy your Saturday evening in a **safe and welcoming** environment at one of Berlins fantastic locations. You can **pick up pizza at the venue** and/or stay with and party on the dance floors all night long! **IMPORTANT: AFTER 21:00 Birgit turns into club, so there is a charge of €15 to enter the venue or you may be refused entry by the people on the door, BUT if you arrive before then you can stay the whole night for FREE!!!** **ONLY CARDS** **FIND US BY LOOKING OUT FOR THE SIGNS ON THE TABLES!!** We always have several organisers there (male and female), so come say hello to us! We care to make sure that everyone enjoys themselves and we have **no tolerance for bad behaviour or creepiness.** Looking forward to seeing you there! **Follow us on Insta:** https://www.instagram.com/siphappens.berlin/ **Join us on Telegram:** t.me/siphappens_berlin **👉 Other important notes:** \- 🍸 The locations we visit are bars and clubs\, they are businesses and we are able to keep these events free ONLY if people buy drinks\. Please respect the locations and the event by making purchases \- 🦹‍♂️ Remember to keep an eye on your belongings and prioritize your own well\-being\. We are not responsible for any lost items or personal issues\. \- 📷 By attending our events\, you consent to being photographed or filmed\. Photos and videos taken during the events may be shared on our social media\. If you do not wish to appear in the photos or if you appear in a photo that we post that you would like removed\, please send us a private message as soon as possible on Instagram \(@siphappens\.berlin\)

This week we are discussing **Tove Ditlevsen:** Childhood. We look forward to seeing you! If you have book suggestions, would like to vote on our next reads, or join us for additional activities, please ask someone at the meeting to add you to our WhatsApp group. Just a heads up: **The cafe only accepts card payments for amounts over €10**, so you may want to bring some cash for smaller orders. **Also, if you're unable to attend, please update your RSVP so that someone from the waiting list can take your spot.**

Welcome to Terrible Football Berlin!
Do you want to play football but don't want to pay? Are you a bit unfit, a bit old, or a bit Terrible? Want to have a relaxed kick about and a couple of beers after? Then Terrible Football is for you!
Anyone can play: any ability, any age, and any gender. Terrible Football is about miss kicked clearances, sweet half volleys and desperate diving saves. We play in the rain, sun or snow. It's completely free, and always will be. It's open, inclusive and Terrible. We usually play on Astro (artificial grass) and sometimes on grass, depending on numbers. Bibs, balls, and cones are taken care of! Just bring sporty clothes and a pair of rubber studded football shoes you'll be good to go! You don't need shin pads and **we don't allow hard plastic or metal studs.** The exact location of the event is in the Telegram group description ([https://t.me/joinchat/OkWQBBcw3b7ptauwrIEfig](https://t.me/joinchat/OkWQBBcw3b7ptauwrIEfig)). Still trouble finding us? Send a message in our Telegram group and we'll help you out. You'll also stay up to date with last-minute changes!
See you on the pitch!
... and stay Terrible! \-\-\-\> GUIDELINES FOR THE SESSIONS <\-\-\-
 How the games will work:
 1\. We will have up to 18 players\.
 2\. Please RSVP on Meetup if you want to participate\.
 3\. If you sign up\, please try your best to attend the event to avoid disturbing the format\. If you cannot attend the session\, deregister asap \(Please check below how the waiting list will work\)\. LATEST CANCELLATION is 3 HOURS before the start of the event\. 4\. Regular no\-shows could be banned from future TF Meetups\.
 5\. We will NOT allow unregistered participants\.
 6\. The organizer group will ban repeat rule breakers\, so play nice\.

English is below In kurz & authentisch & unseriöser Künstler:) inneres und dann äußeres Fotoauge trainieren und Spaß dran haben. Wahrnehmung, Fotografie, Streetfood, Walk & beste U-Bahn :) Dazwischen Berlin in urban, lebendig, divers, dreckig, wunderschön, direkt im Kiezleben, mind. 1 Späti-Getränk, viele Reize und immer wieder ein Fokus. Dein Fokus. Wirst ihn immer wieder neu, anders, vertiefend für dich kennen lernen. Zwischen Ostkreuz bis Markthalle 9 wird unser Spielplatz sein. Ich freu mich darauf :) ausführlich, seriös: Dieser Street Walk verbindet urbane Erfahrung, Wahrnehmung und Fotografie in Berlin. Wir bewegen uns bewusst abseits klassischer Touristenrouten durch Friedrichshain, Kreuzberg und die Übergänge dazwischen. Straßenleben, Menschen, Bewegung und Streetfood gehören dabei genauso dazu wie das Fotografieren selbst. Dieses Format versteht sich weniger als klassische Fototour und mehr als urbane Erfahrung zwischen Wahrnehmung, Stadtgefühl und Fotografie. Die Kamera dient dabei nicht nur zum Festhalten von Motiven, sondern als Werkzeug, um bewusster zu sehen und Momente anders wahrzunehmen. Wer Lust hat auf schnelle Touristenbilder oder reine Technikvermittlung, wird hier wahrscheinlich nicht ganz glücklich. Wer dagegen neugierig darauf ist, wie stark Wahrnehmung, Aufmerksamkeit und Atmosphäre beeinflussen, welche Bilder entstehen und welche Erinnerungen bleiben, dürfte hier genau richtig sein. Das Format richtet sich an fotointeressierte Menschen, an Menschen ausm Kiez genauso wie auch Touris, die Berlin mal anders erleben wollen. Nicht als klassische Tour, sondern näher dran. Manche kommen fürs Fotoauge, manche für die Atmosphäre, manche einfach, um die Stadt (wieder) bewusster wahrzunehmen. Ich komme aus der Wahrnehmungspsychologie mit meiner Leidenschaft für Fotografie und verbinde diesen Blick mit urbanem Erleben. Und klar, auch der Gang zum Späti darf dabei nicht fehlen. Die ersten Walks sind Teil einer Beta Phase, in der ich gemeinsame Street Experiences auch ausserhalb von Teamevents ausprobieren möchte. Damit dieses Format in dieser Form möglich bleibt und sich entwickeln kann, liegt die Spendenempfehlung ab 20€. Bring Neugier, Kamera und/oder Smartphone für deine Wahrnehmung mit. Der Rest passiert unterwegs. Ich freue mich auf euch und auf die ersten gemeinsamen Walks diesen Sommer. This street walk combines urban exploration, perception and photography in Berlin. We make a conscious effort to stay away from the usual tourist routes, exploring Friedrichshain, Kreuzberg and the areas in between. Street life, people, movement and street food are just as much a part of the experience as the photography itself. This format is less of a traditional photography tour and more of an urban experience that blends perception, a sense of the city and photography. The camera serves not only to capture subjects, but as a tool to see more consciously and perceive moments differently. Those looking for quick tourist snaps or purely technical instruction are unlikely to be entirely satisfied here. On the other hand, anyone curious about how strongly perception, attention and atmosphere influence which images are created and which memories remain is likely to be in exactly the right place here. The format is aimed at people interested in photography, at Berliners from the neighbourhood as well as those who want to experience Berlin in a different way. Not as a traditional tour, but something more intimate. Some come for the photographic eye, some for the atmosphere, and some simply to perceive the city more consciously again. I come from a background in perceptual psychology with a passion for photography, and I combine this perspective with urban experiences. The first walks are part of a beta phase, during which I’d like to try out shared street experiences outside of team events as well. To ensure this format can continue in its current form, the suggested donation is from €20. Bring along your curiosity, a camera or a smartphone to capture your experiences. The rest will happen as we go. I look forward to seeing you all and to our first walks together this summer. Pierre

### Humanity: Dignity, Compassion, and Responsibility Humanity is one of the most basic concepts of human life. It refers not only to being biologically human, but also to a moral ideal: the ability to recognize others as dignified, vulnerable, and morally important beings. To speak about humanity is therefore to speak about compassion, respect, justice, responsibility, and human dignity. Historically, the meaning of humanity has changed over time. In early civilizations, ideas related to humanity were often connected to divine order, justice, social harmony, and the protection of the weak. In ancient Greek and Roman thought, humanity became linked to reason, virtue, education, law, and civic life. The Roman idea of *humanitas* especially connected humanity with culture, moral refinement, and responsibility toward others. Religious traditions also shaped the meaning of humanity. Many religions emphasize mercy, compassion, charity, humility, and care for the poor, the weak, and the stranger. In this sense, humanity was understood not only as a personal virtue, but also as a duty toward others and toward a higher moral order. In modern philosophy and politics, humanity became increasingly connected to universal dignity and human rights. The idea that every person deserves respect and protection, regardless of origin, religion, gender, class, or nationality, became central to modern ethical and political thought. Humanity therefore developed from a limited social or religious duty into a universal moral principle. However, the history of humanity is also a history of dehumanization. Slavery, colonialism, racism, war, genocide, and social exclusion show how people have often denied humanity to others. Dehumanization happens when human beings are treated as objects, threats, numbers, or tools. For this reason, humanity must also be understood as a critical concept against violence, humiliation, and exclusion. From a psychological perspective, humanity depends on empathy, compassion, moral judgment, and the ability to understand the suffering of others. From a sociological perspective, humanity is shaped by institutions, laws, education, culture, and social norms. From a biological perspective, it is connected to cooperation, care, attachment, and social bonding. Yet humanity cannot be reduced to biology alone; it also requires moral reflection and social responsibility. Today, humanity is challenged by war, poverty, migration, racism, technological change, artificial intelligence, and global inequality. Modern societies often reduce people to data, consumers, workers, or political categories. Therefore, the question of humanity remains urgent: how can dignity, compassion, and responsibility be preserved in a world shaped by power, technology, and crisis? This discussion invites a critical exploration of humanity as a moral, social, political, psychological, religious, and biological reality. Humanity is not only what human beings are; it is also what they owe to one another. *** 📅 Event Details 🗓️ Date: Sunday, 31 May 2026 ⏰ Time: 10:00 📍 Location: Tiergarten - Cafe am Neuen See Lichtensteinallee 2, 10787 Berlin · Berlin, de 📱 WhatsApp: For prep materials and directions (Group Chat) [Group Chat Bio](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Ba8ZAaH2Yuk6FGmD3LLO7H)

Welcome to **I WRITE**, a gentle space for anyone who wants to write—quietly, freely, and without judgment. This will be a Ladies Only gathering: a women-only writing space designed for quiet, connection, and creativity. Whether you’re journaling, writing a novel, drafting an article, or just processing your thoughts, this is a space to simply show up and write. There’s no set topic, no feedback circle, and no pressure. Just a warm community, a calm atmosphere, and time dedicated to your writing practice. 🗓️ **What to expect:** * 14:30 - 15:00 **→** 30 min arriving, optional socialising (arrive early, meet other writers) * 15:00 - 16:00 **→** 1 hour of silent writing (headphones welcome, focus encouraged) * 16:00–16:30 **→** 30 mins break + optional chat or solo time (stay and chat or go celebrate the rest of your Sunday) * 16:30–17:30 → 1 more hour of silent writing (for those staying) * 17:30–18:00 → 30 mins of chat, and leaving 🎒 **Bring:** * Something to write with (laptop, notebook, phone, typewriter… anything goes) * Your current project or a blank page * Yourself, exactly as you are **👉 Responsibility:** * Our location is limited; thus, I am kindly asking you to RSVP only if you are willing to attend. **📍Location:** * We meet at the Iska Cafe at Kalckreuthstraße 7, 10777 Berlin. Google map pin: [here](https://maps.app.goo.gl/765XQTN8KBGv95gx9) * 🚇 **U1\, U2 Wittenbergplatz \|\| U1\, U2\, U3\, U4 Nollendorfplatz** * 🚌 **106\, 187\, M19\, M29 An Der Urania \|\| M46 Motzstraße** If you know how to hold a pen or how to type, you will always be welcomed. Let's write together!

*English follows below* **Berlin hat genug Postkarten. Diesmal geht's darum, herauszufinden, welches Bild darin wirklich deins ist**. In 3 Stunden bewegen wir uns von Ostkreuz über das RAW-Gelände und die Warschauer Brücke bis zur Oberbaumbrücke. Durch Orte, die bewusst ausgewählt sind, weil sie voller Kontraste, Bewegung und dieser typischen Berlin-Energie stecken, die man nicht inszenieren kann. Kein geführter Rundgang, kein Motivabhaken. Eher ein gemeinsamer Spielplatz für Fokus, Aufmerksamkeit und den eigenen fotografischen inneren Blick. **Im Mittelpunkt steht eine Frage, die bei normalen Fotowalks fast nie gestellt wird: Wie filterst du aus all dem Lärm, den Reizen und den tausend möglichen Motiven einer Großstadt heraus, was dir eigentlich wichtig ist?** Nicht was sehenswert ist laut Reiseführer. Was dich wirklich anhält. Mit kleinen Übungen, echtem Austausch und Orten, die genug Reibung haben um interessant zu werden, schauen wir gemeinsam darauf, wie Fokus, Vorstellungskraft und das eigene Kopfkino beeinflussen, welche Bilder entstehen. Und warum manche Fotos später noch leben, während andere drei Sekunden nach dem Öffnen schon vergessen sind. Manche merken hier zum ersten Mal, wie stark die eigene Wahrnehmung Fotografie verändert. Den Abschluss macht ein echter Berliner Moment. Späti-Kaltgetränk, Streetfood, ein paar der bekanntesten Postkartenmotive der Stadt um uns umgeben. Nicht als Touristen-Selfie-Spot, sondern um die eigenen Bilder nochmal anders zu sehen und durch die Blickwinkel der anderen Ideen mitzunehmen, auf die man alleine nicht gekommen wäre. Smartphone oder Kamera, Einsteiger oder Profi: Der Raum ist groß genug, damit jeder auf dem eigenen Niveau arbeiten kann. Was zählt, ist Neugier auf die eigene Wahrnehmung und Lust auf mehr als die typische Touri-Fototour. SpendenBeitrag ab 20 €. => Kleine Gruppe, volle Aufmerksamkeit. Ich freu mich auf dich und deinen Blick. Auf die Bilder, die noch niemand gemacht hat, weil sie auf dich gewartet haben. Vorfreudige Grüße Pierre \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Between Postcard Motif & Your Image** **Berlin has enough postcards. This time it's about finding out which image in it is truly yours.** In 3 hours we move from Ostkreuz through the RAW Gelände and Warschauer Brücke to Oberbaumbrücke. Through places chosen deliberately because they're full of contrasts, movement and that typical Berlin energy you can't stage. No guided tour, no checklist of spots. More like a shared playground for focus, attention and your own inner photographic eye. **At the center is a question that almost never gets asked on regular photo walks: How do you filter out from all the noise, the stimuli and the thousand possible subjects of a big city what actually matters to you?** Not what's worth seeing according to a travel guide. What genuinely stops you in your tracks. With small exercises, real exchange and places that have enough friction to become interesting, we look together at how focus, imagination and your own inner vision influence which images emerge. And why some photos still feel alive later, while others are forgotten three seconds after opening them. Some people notice for the first time here how strongly their own perception changes photography. The ending is a real Berlin moment. Cold "Späti" drinks and/or street food, surrounded by a few of the city's most iconic postcard motifs. Not as a tourist selfie spot, but to see your own images differently and take home ideas from other people's perspectives that you wouldn't have found alone. **Smartphone or camera, beginner or pro: The space is wide enough for everyone to work at their own level. What counts is curiosity about your own perception and the desire for more than the typical tourist photo tour.** Suggested donation from 20 €. => Small group, full attention. I'm looking forward to you and your eye. To the images nobody has made yet, because they've been waiting for you. Warm regards and anticipation, Pierre

Ditch the old book club, where everyone has to read the same book...this is better! It works like this: Bring your own book. Come chat, have some tea or coffee, get to know your neighbors. Then we quietly read together, side by side, for about one hour, each one reading their own book, and afterwards we talk with each other about what we are reading. The usual agenda: - Arrival and introduction (~20 minutes) - ⁠Silent reading (~1 hour) - ⁠Discussion (~30-40 minutes) - ⁠Join us for a bite at a local restaurant afterwards, if you like! You may read in any language, you may read any book. We are a group of international residents of Berlin from many different countries, of all ages, and we converse in English. We welcome you! No registration needed – the event is donation based. All funds support the Offenes Wohnzimmer.

Train Your Brain Confidence & Adaptability Under Pressure What if confidence, adaptability, and decision-making could be trained through play? This interactive workshop introduces Cognitive Agility Through Chess — a beginner-friendly experience designed to strengthen focus, resilience, strategic thinking, and communication in a supportive and engaging environment. This is not a traditional chess class. Chess is used as a tool for reflection, collaboration, adaptability, and cognitive development through interactive challenges and guided exercises. WHAT TO EXPECT ♟️ Beginner-friendly introduction to chess fundamentals 🧠 Interactive cognitive and strategic challenges 🤝 Team-based and collaborative gameplay ⚡ Exercises focused on adaptability and thinking under pressure 💬 Guided reflection and discussion THIS EXPERIENCE SUPPORTS • Confidence-building • Strategic thinking • Communication • Adaptability • Emotional resilience • Cognitive flexibility • Decision-making under pressure WHO IS THIS FOR? Women interested in: • self-development • leadership • psychology • strategy • meaningful social connection • cognitive performance • creative and reflective experiences No chess experience is needed. EVENT DETAILS 📍 Motel One — Invalidenstraße 54, 10557 Berlin 🕒 2 Hours 👥 Limited small group experience, from 6-12 participants per event PILOT SESSION This is part of a limited founding pilot series in Berlin designed to create a thoughtful, engaging, and collaborative learning experience. FACILITATED BY Radwa Omar Founder & Cognitive Agility Facilitator Train Your Brain — Cognitive Agility Through Chess Train how you think. Elevate how you perform.

RSVP on Luma: [https://luma.com/y7jwd3nm?utm_source=Meetup](https://luma.com/odsuusrh?utm_source=Meetup) Silent Reading / Creating Club is a gathering for people who enjoy focusing together in public. Bring a book, a notebook, a sketchpad, knitting needles, whatever you’d like to spend a quiet hour doing. All projects and all participants are welcome. We’re building a community of readers and creators who value depth, presence, and shared silence. The reading and creating isn't the real highlight, though, it’s in the people who return and make it feel like a familiar room. (Please RSVP “yes” only if you can make it, so we can save a seat for you and others on the waitlist.) Our Meeting Point is the **W66 Café**. There’s no entrance fee, but please order at least one item from the café and don’t bring outside food or drinks 🙂 No assignments, expectations, or pressure. Just a shared hour of intentional silence, followed by the opportunity for good conversation. 🕰 Our Agenda **10:30 – 11:00** Arrivals, ordering drinks/food, light social time **11:00 – 12:00** The Great Quiet Hour (Read. Write. Sketch. Code. Think. Sit.) **12:00 – 12:30** Optional socializing: share what you were reading or creating, or simply continue in quiet focus. ## 🏡 House Guidelines To keep this space calm and welcoming for everyone: • Silence during the focus hour (no calls or conversations) • Put cellphones on silent mode • If using technology, please avoid meetings or audio (headphones please!) • Arrive before 11:00 if possible to minimize disruptions

Join this Professional Communication session — to sharpen the skills for architectural pitches, elevator pitches, interviews. This time we meet in the Monbijou park. 💡 How it works The event is split into two parts: 1. **Communication (10 minute rounds)** – One participant answers a round of design and behavioral questions. Each other participant gets to ask him one question. 2. **Feedback Round** – The group provides feedback on communication, structure, and clarity. Constructive criticism is encouraged. 💡You will be asked: * **Light design problems** (high-level reasoning, not code) * **Behavioral questions** (“Tell me about yourself”, “Describe a challenge you faced...”) No need to prepare anything in advance — just bring curiosity and an open mind. 💡Note: location is the entrance to Monbijou park

QA or the Highway is a one-day, affordable, regional, professional conference featuring real-world experience and thought leadership in the QA and testing industry. This is a ticketed event please register here: https://www.qaorthehwy.com/ Featured Keynote Speakers: **Matthew-Hope Eland** **(Wizard at Leading EDJE)** \- An AI Specialist and Wizard at Leading EDJE who is known to teach software engineering\, AI\, and data science concepts in the most ridiculous ways possible\. Matt has used machine learning to settle debates over whether Die Hard is a Christmas movie\, reinforcement learning to drive the behavior of digital squirrels\, data analytics to suggest improvements to his favorite TV show\, and AI agents to play board games and create an AI agent with the personality of a dog\. Matt is the author of "Data Science in \.NET with Polyglot Notebooks" and "Refactoring with C\#" as well as several LinkedIn Learning courses\. Matt helps organize the Central Ohio \.NET Developer Group\, runs several blogs and a YouTube channel\, has a Master’s of Science in Data Analytics\, and is a current Microsoft MVP in AI and \.NET\. **Tatyana Arbouzova** **(CEO at Innovate QA)** \- Tatyana Arbouzova is an engineering and business leader with a strong background in Quality Engineering across multiple industries\, including Big Tech\, Healthcare\, and Entertainment\. She has held leadership roles at world\-class companies such as Microsoft\, VMware\, Disney\, and The Pokémon Company International\, where she focused on building quality\-driven cultures and scaling teams to deliver high\-impact products\. With decades of experience\, Tatyana has helped organizations transform their quality practices so teams can deliver software efficiently\, confidently\, and with measurable business outcomes\. Today\, Tatyana advises software companies on adopting AI to optimize quality practices and improve how software is delivered at scale\. She is also a passionate community builder and the founder of Innovate QA\, a thriving Seattle\-based community and conference for quality professionals\.

[https://www.originsgamefair.com/](https://www.originsgamefair.com/) [https://tabletop.events/conventions/origins-game-fair-2026](https://tabletop.events/conventions/origins-game-fair-2026) ### **Discover the Heart of Tabletop Gaming at Origins Game Fair** Celebrate over 50 years of gaming, community, and connection at Origins Game Fair 2026, June 17 to 21 in Columbus, Ohio! Since its inception in 1975, Origins has been the premier gathering for gamers, creators, and fans, offering something for everyone - from seasoned veterans to first-time attendees. Explore exciting events like board and card games, miniatures, roleplaying adventures, LARPs, collectible card games, cosplays, and more. Compete in game tournaments, test your skills in our puzzle competition, and immerse yourself in the Origins Film Festival. Plus, don't miss the massive exhibit hall, filled with the latest games, accessories, and collectibles from top publishers and indie creators alike. Whether you're here to play, learn, shop, or connect, Origins Game Fair offers a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for all. Be a part of a community that has fostered friendships, sparked creativity, and built memories for five decades. Get your tickets today and experience the ultimate tabletop gaming event! ### **Important Dates** **Volunteer Applications Open:** November 28, 2025 - May 15, 2026 **Event Submission Open:** November 14th, 2025 - February 2, 2026 **Volunteer Shift Selection Opens:** February 3, 2025 **Late Event Submission Opens:** February 3, 2026 *There is no guarantee that any events submitted after February 2 will be reviewed or approved.* **Late Event Submission Closes:** April 5, 2026 **Perk Request Deadline:** April 10, 2026 **Layout Request Deadline:** April 15, 2026 **Event Registration Opens:** April 25, 2026 (1 PM EST) ### **Registration Hours:** **Self Serve - Scan and Go** Wednesday - 8am - Midnight Thursday - 7am - Midnight Friday - 7am - Midnight Saturday - 7am - Midnight Sunday - 7am - 2pm **Full Service / Materials Pickup** Wednesday - 8am - 9pm Thursday - 8am - 8pm Friday - 8am - 8pm Saturday - 8am - 6pm Sunday - 8am - 4pm **In 2026 you can go to Scan and Go for tickets purchased after you already have your badge just by scanning the barcode on your badge! Less waiting in line!** ### **Exhibit Hall Hours:** Wednesday - Closed Thursday - 9am - 10am - Premier Badge Holders Thursday - 10am - 6pm - All Attendees Friday - 10am - 6pm - All Attendees Saturday - 10am - 6pm - All Attendees Sunday - 10am - 4pm - All Attendees ### **Gaming Hall:** Wednesday - Noon - 1am Thursday - 8am - 1am Friday - 8am - 1am Saturday - 8am - 1am Sunday - 8am - 4pm ### **Important Information:** **Refunds:** There will be a 10% service fee for ALL Refunds; Badges and Tickets. **Badge Refund Deadline:**. April 15, 2026 No refunds on badges will be processed after this date. **Event Tickets:** \- will be refunded up to 24 hours before the event starts\. All event ticket refunds will have a 10% service fee\.

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Saturday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 10AM on Saturday mornings. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 10:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros. 10:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 11:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 11A-11:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Saturday!

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

**The Behavior Gap: Where Products Win or Lose** Teams today have more data than ever, and yet many still struggle to understand why customers adopt, engage with, or abandon their products. Teams sprint, ship faster, and chase more signals… all while metrics stall and confidence drops. The missing piece isn’t more data. It’s often the behavioral insight between the metrics, explaining why the numbers move in the first place. Dashboards can tell you what customers did, but understanding why they did it (and how to influence what they do next) requires a deeper blend of insights. This session is about closing that gap. Drawing from real-world experience designing and scaling products as [ZoCo Design](https://zocodesign.com/)’s CEO, [Lacey](https://www.linkedin.com/in/laceypicazo/) will share how to cut through the noise and identify the insights that actually change behavior—moving people, and moving metrics. You’ll learn: * Why understanding customer behavior is a quant and qual challenge * How to spot the signals that actually predict behavior change * Where AI accelerates insight, and where it creates distraction * How to get meaningfully closer to customers, without adding more tools This talk reframes how to evaluate performance and identify what levers actually improve it, helping your team to make smarter bets with greater confidence. Every meaningful outcome is driven by behavior change. And when you know how to design for behavior, you stop guessing, and start building things that work. **About Our Speaker** [Lacey Picazo](https://www.linkedin.com/in/laceypicazo/) is the Founder and CEO of ZoCo, a healthcare product studio that turns complex, high-stakes ideas into products that drive real-world adoption. She partners with healthcare organizations to uncover critical care delivery insights, focus product strategy through behavior design, and build solutions that patients and providers actually use. Thanks to our 2026 sponsors: [Clarivoy](https://www.clarivoy.com), [What Box Consulting Group](https://www.whatboxconsultinggroup.com), [Conductrics](https://www.conductrics.com), and [Piwik PRO](https://piwik.pro) More info at [cbusdaw.com](https://cbusdaw.com)