Product Design

🚨👉 To RSVP for this event, head to our [Luma event page](https://luma.com/7h4g008b). RSVPs are intentionally closed on Meetup.👈🚨 [https://luma.com/7h4g008b](https://luma.com/7h4g008b) To stay up-to-date with our latest events, please subscribe to our luma calendar here: [https://luma.com/techtank](https://luma.com/techtank) **Long CI times slowing down your development workflow?** Many teams assume improving CI performance requires new infrastructure, expensive tools, or major changes to their workflow. But in many cases, the tools you're already using include built-in flags that can significantly reduce CI time — they're just often overlooked. In this talk, **[Emily Xiong](https://www.linkedin.com/in/xiongemi/)** (Software Developer @ StackAdapt) will share how small configuration changes in common JavaScript tooling can lead to meaningful CI speedups, faster feedback loops, and a better developer experience. The core idea is simple: **you can often reduce CI time significantly without adding new infrastructure, SaaS, or complex changes.** Most JavaScript tooling already includes flags for caching, concurrency, and smarter execution. The real challenge isn't availability — it's awareness and correct setup in CI environments. Emily will walk through practical examples using tools many teams already rely on, including: * ESLint * Jest * Playwright * Next.js If you work on large codebases, monorepos, or pipelines that take longer than you'd like, this talk will show how **small adjustments to existing tooling can make a big difference.** *** ## About the Speaker **[Emily Xiong](https://www.linkedin.com/in/xiongemi/)** is a software engineer with 10+ years of experience building and scaling products in enterprise environments. She's experienced the industry’s ups and downs (including layoffs), which has shaped her resilience and focus on continuous growth. Emily is particularly passionate about developer experience, tackling challenges like large monorepos and long CI times. She stays closely tuned to developments in AI, both excited and a little cautious about where the industry is heading, and she enjoys blogging to explore ideas and share what she's learning. *** ## Important Notes for RSVPs **RSVP Commitment** ​If you RSVP and can no longer attend, please update your RSVP at least 24 hours in advance. No-shows may affect your ability to attend future TechTank events. ​​ **Photography & Video Disclaimer ​** By attending, you acknowledge that photos and/or videos may be taken and used for future promotional content. If you’d prefer not to be included, please inform the TechTank organizers when you arrive. ​​ *** ## Event Sponsor This event is sponsored by **[BrainStation](https://brainstation.io/)**. BrainStation is a global leader in digital skills training and workforce transformation. Founded in 2012, BrainStation has certified over **35,000 professionals** and worked with some of the largest companies in the world through cutting-edge digital skills training delivered online and in person from campuses in **New York, London, and Toronto**.  *** ## About TechTank [TechTank](https://www.techtankto.com/) is a Toronto tech community bringing developers, designers, and builders together through talks, workshops, and community events. Join our vibrant community for the latest updates and continued discussions: [https://linktr.ee/techtankto](https://linktr.ee/techtankto)  *** **Interested in Supporting TechTank?** If you or your company are interested in sponsoring a TechTank event or supporting the community, we’d love to hear from you. 📩 **Email us:** [techtankto@gmail.com](https://techtankto@gmail.com)

Lotions, Potions & Creams I Dread the feeling of dry, itchy skin? The obnoxious fragrances and unreadable ingredients of drug store moisturizing lotions? Want to moisturize and nourish your skin without feeling like you've been dunked in a tank of grease? Come learn to make your own lotions, for yourself, your family, and your clients. We'll use simple, natural, vegan ingredients like vegetable waxes and flower waters. You'll chose enhancing ingredients like essential oils, cocoa butter, shea butter, argan, tamanu, evening primrose, rosehip and calendula oil to meet individual skin needs. You'll not only learn how to make a basic white lotion and basic white cream from scratch, but also how to protect yourself and your loved ones, no matter how young, from harmful sun rays, while still making and storing essential vitamin D by using natural ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, coconut and avocado oils. You'll preserve with essential oils and grapefruit seed extract instead of harmful ingredients. We will create: • Basic White Cream and/or • Basic White Lotion • Cocoa Cream or • Shea Butter Cream • Your Very Own Custom Elemental Protection Lotion • Your Very Own Custom Specialty Cream (such as Anti Ageing, or Eczema, or Healing or? ...) Finally, you will package and label your creations in beautiful cobalt blue jars, metal and glass pump bottles. You'll come away with the lotions, potions and creams you've made, and skills that can serve you for a lifetime for a fraction of the cost of a quality moisturizer! What I enjoyed about the Lotions and Creams course is that Tracey the instructor didn't just know how to make creams and lotions, she knew extensively the products we were working with to a point that she could make recommendations suited to the kind of cream/lotion you wanted to make and all the properties of those products at the drop of a hat. She is so knowledgeable. The course taught me everything I needed to know about making lotions and creams and how to customize them to suit my customers needs and my own. She is truly in the right field of work. We laughed, we learned and we created not just lotions but memories. Sincerely, Stephanie Atwood, Oshawa Ontario, healer and co-owner of natural product company http://www.TranquilityMatters.ca This is the PRE REQUISITE to Lotions II. Lotions II Advanced will take place Monday April 13th. Register & pre pay with a friend for both for a discount (see below). (http://www.TranquilityMatters.ca) Vegan/ Hallal / Kosher / Gluten-free LUNCH and COFFEE TEA WATER are included. Please bring your reusable bottle or mug. Please don't bring throw away containers! Register here: http://www.anarreshealth.ca/workshop/workshop-lotions-i

**This is a paid event. You must register and have a ticket to attend.** [https://luma.com/bestof-apr-13-2026](https://luma.com/bestof-apr-13-2026) **Best Of TechTO is our annual night to celebrate what Toronto’s tech community is building - and to meet the people behind it.** Real stories, real milestones - no panels, no pitch competitions. This year we're back at Toronto City Hall. \*\*\* **Agenda** 6:00 pm — Doors open, networking, food & drinks 7:00 pm — Community open mic, TechTO announcements, and stage presentations 8:30 pm — Afterparty \*\*\* ***Speakers*** * **[Liza Akhvledziani Carew](https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizaveta-akhvledziani-cfa/)**, Co-Founder & CEO, **[Chexy](https://chexy.co/)** \- $1B\+ annual run\-rate payments\, $14M Series A led by Khosla Ventures * **[Anthony Mouchantaf](https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-mouchantaf-508442113/)**, Co-Founder & CEO, **[Biossil](https://www.biossil.co/)** \- AI biopharma backed by OpenAI and Founders Fund * **[Eden Ding](https://www.linkedin.com/in/edending/)**, Co-Founder & CTO, **[NationGraph](https://www.nationgraph.com/)** \- $22\.5M raised\, 2x pipeline per sales rep * **[Rebecca Kacaba](https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccakacaba/)**, CEO & Co-Founder, **[DealMaker](https://www.dealmaker.tech/)** \- raised $2\.3B\+ in capital for founders\, with $20M recently raised for DealMaker itself * **[Saam Mashhad](https://www.linkedin.com/in/saam-mashhad-47598639/)**, Co-Founder & CPO, **[EvenUp](https://www.evenuplaw.com/)** \- former litigator\, $385M raised\, $3B valuation in under five years * \*\*\* **This is a paid event. You must register and have a ticket to attend.** 👉 [https://luma.com/bestof-apr-13-2026](https://luma.com/bestof-apr-13-2026) *By attending you consent to photography and video recording and agree to receive the TechTO newsletter. Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable.*

### JUST GO WITH IT IMPROV – WEEKLY DROP-IN Whether you’re experienced in improv or completely new, you’re invited to join us each week at the Thornhill Community Centre. (Atrium Room, Look for large plant in middle of round hallway. We welcome all skill levels for a fun, supportive, and high-energy session. Have limited spots available and hoping to get a few extra from meetup. **$25 per drop-in • 7:00pm–8:00 PM**

**Meet new people over great food in a relaxed, social setting.** This is a small-group social dining experience for people who enjoy good food, good conversation, and expanding their circle in a natural way. Everyone attending is there to meet others — no pressure, no awkward networking. **What to expect** * A small group (usually 4–8 people) * A friendly, low-pressure atmosphere * Easy, natural conversation **How it works** We coordinate the group and reserve the table once attendees confirm. The venue and details are shared with the group beforehand. Just show up, order what you like, and enjoy the experience. Each guest covers their own food and drinks. To keep groups balanced and confirmed, seat confirmations happen through #dine: https://www.hashtagdine.com/

**Welcome to Miss Bachata & Miss Salsa!** **Spring is in the air, and with it comes the promise of new beginnings, fresh energy, and the joy of connection!** As the season of renewal unfolds, we invite you to step into the rhythm of community, dance, and celebration at Miss Bachata & Miss Salsa. My objective has always been to create a different kind of social gathering—one that is open, non-judgmental, and safe. A place where you can meet people just like you, where socializing and dancing come together to help build community and tear down the walls that separate us. Here, we make new friends, feel a sense of belonging, and enjoy the calmness that comes from knowing we are in a safe and welcoming space. Many times, I have been asked, “Why host an event on Monday night?” Many people escape on the weekend and dread Mondays when they return to work. I believe that if you dance and socialize on a Monday, you infuse your week with joy and positive energy, giving your life balance and helping you face your challenges with enthusiasm and confidence. We’re also thrilled to announce that our trial of advanced Bachata lessons, which began last September, has been a resounding success! Building on this momentum, we’re excited to offer an enhanced schedule for 2026. Our dance evenings will now feature three hours of classes: one hour of beginner to intermediate Bachata, one hour of advanced Bachata, and one hour of beginner to intermediate Salsa. As always, the entrance fee remains $15 for a night of 2 lessons and social dancing. For those interested in the advanced Bachata lessons, there will be an additional $5 fee. Here’s our updated schedule: **Miss Bachata – Main Ballroom** 🕖 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm: Beginner to Intermediate Bachata Lesson (No partner required) 🕗 8:00 pm – 12:00 am: Social Dancing **Miss Salsa – Round Room** 🕖 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm: Advanced Bachata Lesson (+$5) **NEW** 🕗 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm: Beginner to Intermediate Salsa Lesson 🕘 9:00 pm – 12:00 am: Social Dancing ✨ **Additional Details:** ✔️ Free Parking ✔️ Full Bar (Free Water, Beer: $5.75) Over the past decade, organizing Latin dancing events in Mississauga has been a labor of love. Our mission has always been to foster a sense of community, proving that the connections we share are far stronger than the differences that divide us. Loneliness is a growing concern, with over half of U.S. adults and many Canadians experiencing its effects. The COVID-19 pandemic has only heightened this issue. Harvard University's long-term study on happiness, which began in 1938, highlights the detrimental impact of loneliness on health. People with strong social connections experience slower mental and physical decline and greater overall happiness compared to those who are isolated. Here are some key findings from the study: 🌿 Close ties help delay mental and physical decline more than money, fame, social class, IQ, or genetics. 🌿 Relationship satisfaction is a better predictor of aging well than cholesterol levels in middle age. 🌿 A strong sense of community improves memory function. 🌿 Loneliness can be as harmful to health as smoking or alcoholism. And there’s hope! Strengthening our relationships and supporting community initiatives can combat loneliness and build healthier, happier lives. Miss Bachata & Miss Salsa provides a wonderful opportunity to make new friends, expand your social circle, and enjoy a safe, welcoming, authentic environment. Bring your open heart and a smile, and we’ll take care of the rest. 🌸 **Cheers to a season of renewal, joy, and community!** 🌸 **Anna G.** https://www.meetup.com/LatinDanceMeetup https://www.facebook.com/groups/1871491806494168/ https://www.facebook.com/EventsByAnnaG

​🚀 Join ProductTank Toronto for a night exploring how product people and founders are building **productive AI agents**—from configuring Notion agents to orchestrating systems that design, build, and ship real products. ​This session is all about **execution**: how AI moves beyond experimentation into real workflows that extend your capacity and actually get things done. ​If you've attended a Notion Toronto Community event before, you may already know our speakers. This time, they’re bringing their real-world AI practices to the ProductTank stage. Featuring: [Dave Mence](https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-mence/) and [Josh Gonsalves](https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshgonsalves94/) ## 🎤 **Dave Menceles, Program Ops Manager @ Notion** ***Quality In, Quality Out: Putting in the Human Work to Make AI Agents Shine*** **​About Dave:** ​Dave manages operations for a group of 120+ third-party Notion experts in one of Notion’s certified consultants programs. He leans on a handful of Notion Custom Agents to help him perform his day-to-day work that would otherwise extend way beyond his individual bandwidth. **​About his talk:** ​Dave will share how his Q&A agent helps to support the members of his program with the deep program knowledge he’s imparted to the agent. He’ll also give an short guide on how to set up your own Notion Custom Agents that can work around the clock to perform helpful work on your behalf. ## **Josh Gonsalves, Founder @ Contraverse** ​**AI That Builds AI: Orchestrating Agents Into a Real Product Team** **About Josh:** ​Josh is a Toronto-based founder building Formive, an AI platform for creating and sharing powerful AI tools and lead magnets without any code. His work focuses on turning AI into a leveraged system that can research, plan, build, and ship real products autonomously. He hasn’t written a single line of code. Instead, he directs AI systems that do. ​**About his talk:** ​Josh will break down how he uses AI coding tools like Claude Code, Codex, and Cursor as a coordinated team of AI designers and engineers to build and ship a real product from scratch. He will show how Agent Skills, MCPs, and structured workflows enable these models to collaborate, handling everything from product research and planning to coding, review, bug fixing and shipping production-ready software. This talk are especially **relevant for non-technical** founders and Product Managers. It demonstrates how you can create solid, production-ready software without being a traditional developer by directing systems instead of writing every line yourself. ​Spots are limited—see you there! 📍 BrainStation @ The Well 🗓️ Thursday\, Apr 16th\, 2025 \| 6:00 p\.m\. \- 8:00 p\.m\. 🎟️ Free to attend [hashtag#ProductManagement](https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23productmanagement&origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED) [hashtag#AIForPMs](https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23aiforpms&origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED) [hashtag#TorontoTech](https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23torontotech&origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED) [hashtag#ProductTank](https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23producttank&origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED) [hashtag#AIExecution](https://www.linkedin.com/search/results/all/?keywords=%23aiexecution&origin=HASH_TAG_FROM_FEED)

Autodesk is shaping how the world is designed — and this **[Obsidi® Tech Talk](https://carter.obsidi.com/event/e58ee68d-8aad-4f1d-a9d0-1631a21fd5ad?utm_source=obsidi&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=techtalks-2026-apr-16&utm_content=meetup-hyperlink&utm_obsidi_source=events)** gives you direct access to the teams behind that impact. Join senior Engineering and UX leaders on April 16, 2026, for an inside look at how high-performing product organizations build, scale, and ship at an enterprise level. From working with massive datasets to designing tools used by millions across industries, you’ll hear how real teams solve complex technical challenges — not just what worked, but what didn’t. This session goes beyond theory. Expect practical insights into modern tech stacks, cross-functional collaboration, leadership decision-making, and the trade-offs of building at scale. You’ll leave with clear takeaways you can apply to your own projects, teams, and career trajectory. Whether you’re leading squads, architecting systems, or preparing for your next career move — this conversation is built for engineers who want to level up. Register Now - **[CLICK HERE](https://carter.obsidi.com/event/e58ee68d-8aad-4f1d-a9d0-1631a21fd5ad?utm_source=obsidi&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=techtalks-2026-apr-16&utm_content=meetup-hyperlink&utm_obsidi_source=events)**

**RSVP** **here: [https://reg.experiences.redhat.com/flow/redhat/3646953/redhatfieldeventspreregnoappform/page/landingregistrationpage?sc_cid=RHCTN1260000476061](https://reg.experiences.redhat.com/flow/redhat/3646953/redhatfieldeventspreregnoappform/page/landingregistrationpage?sc_cid=RHCTN1260000476061)** Join your peers and subject matter experts at the Toronto Red Hat® User Group (RHUG) event on April 16, 2026, to discover solutions for your biggest IT challenges. This RHUG is a unique opportunity to network with industry professionals and explore cutting-edge solutions for IT modernization. Our focus will be on The Foundational Role of IT Automation in an AIOps Strategy: Enabling Intelligence with Ansible. Learn how robust, agentless automation prepares your environment for AI-driven insights and reduces manual intervention. Transform your IT services while enjoying complimentary food and drinks. **Event Details:** * Date: April 16, 2026 * Location: IBM Office: 16 York St, Toronto, ON M5J 0E6, Canada * Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM ET We look forward to seeing you there.

**This is a ticketed event. Please register at [this link](https://luma.com/zcsyrtrx).** ​With [Duncan Cass-Beggs](https://www.cigionline.org/people/duncan-cass-beggs/?utm_source=luma), Executive Director of the Global AI Risks Initiative at the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI). ​Prominent AI scientists and national security experts are raising the alarm that it may soon become technically possible to build autonomous AI systems capable of posing an extinction risk to humanity. While timelines are uncertain – with most informed estimates ranging from 2 to 10 years – recent advances suggest that AI systems could soon reach a critical threshold and feedback loop of recursive self-improvement. In this context, societies and governments must prepare now to address the most challenging AI scenarios. ​Based on current trends, the most powerful AI systems will likely be developed by frontier AI companies in the United States or China. Canada, like most other countries, therefore, lacks direct influence over the AI developments that may most affect our future. This doesn’t mean we have to resign ourselves to a fate determined by others. Along with efforts to promote AI adoption, innovation, and sovereignty, Canada can help to lead an international effort to avoid the worst global scale risks of AI – and make sure AI goes well and for the benefit of all. The challenges – technological, philosophical, political – are complex and daunting, especially under possibly very short timelines. But they are challenges most worthy of our commitment in this tumultuous and pivotal time. ​Building on CIGI’s recently published [Special Report on AI National Security Scenarios](https://www.cigionline.org/publications/ai-national-security-scenarios/), this session will lay out the key arguments for an international coalition of willing middle powers and others to lead urgent efforts to address global scale risks from AI. The session will then engage participants in a roll-up the sleeves discussion of Canada’s potential interests, roles, and points of leverage, and how best to rapidly mobilize Canada’s contribution. ​​​**Event Schedule** 6:00 to 6:30 - Food and introductions 6:30 to 7:30 - Presentation and Q&A 7:30 to 9:00 - Open Discussions ​​​​​​If you can't make it in person, feel free to join the live stream starting at 6:30 pm, via [this link](https://www.youtube.com/@Trajectory-Labs/live).

Join the Toronto Founders Hub every other Saturday at 3:30pm for our regular meetup at 5 Elements Espresso Bar. Sit down with other entrepreneurs to network and discuss business ideas or strategies. \- Broaden your network \- Get critical feedback \- Socialize in low pressure setting I look forward to seeing you!

Hi everybody: We currently have 30 people attending. Come on out to socialize, play, board games, cards, and have a great meal. Don’t be shy to arrive by yourself. There will be icebreakers to get everybody chatting and interacting. The place is called the Goose and Firkin pub.  There is plenty of parking, and easy to get to by TTC transit, and wheelchair accessible. Meet-up Fee $5.00 Your Organizer; Tammy

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!

Columbus Code & Coffee is an inclusive, informal co-working session. People of all skill levels attend, and we love it that way. Many people (optionally) bring projects to work on, and many other people (optionally) socialize the entire time. It's entirely up to you! **What to Expect at the Intro Circle** \~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~ Near the beginning of the event (1:30 pm), we do a standup: * Organizer announcements, updates, and logistics Round 1 - (7 secs max): * Your name * What you're working on * What you can help others with Round 2: * Community events you wanna plug. If none, that's cool too. Round 3: * Job opportunities you're hiring for OR announce that you are looking for one. If none, that's cool. After the introduction circle, everything is self-organized! Feel free to work alone, pair up, attend one of our workshops/presentations, or mingle!

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)

**TBA**

Bring your Raspberry Pi, Arduino, microcontroller, or any other electronic project and join fellow electronics makers for a night of creativity and collaboration! This session is open forum to share your current projects—whether complete or in progress, it’s all interesting! Whether you’re deep into embedded systems, exploring new ideas, or just getting started, you’ll find a welcoming space to collaborate, share, and get inspired. **New to electronics or curious about tinkering?** You’re absolutely welcome. If you’re a beginner and want to experiment, I’ll have a couple of starter kits available so you can try things out—whether that’s blinking your first LED, putting something on a display, or experimenting with simple sensors. No pressure and no experience required—just an interest in learning and building. While we continue to pursue a more permanent venue for this Meetup, we’ll be using public library facilities based on availability. This session will be at the Worthington Park Library in the Olentangy Meeting Room.

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!

Let’s try this popular Italian restaurant in Reynoldsburg. This is the menu: https://scaliristorante.com/#4e468054-0235-43e2-81c2-44e061341e9e