Distributed Ledger Technology

When: Thursday, May 14, 2026, 5:30 – 8:30 Location: Lost Rhino, 21730 Red Rum Dr, Ste 142, Ashburn, VA 20147 Come network with other local GovCon Executives and enjoy a few free beers on us and engage with our sponsors and Industry speakers. Speaker: Advanced Technology International (ATI), Tom Bailey – Director of Strategic Engagements. Largest Consortium Management firm, will discuss collaborations and Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs) – allows agencies to enter into agreements for research, development, prototyping, and sometimes production of new technologies or capabilities. Will provide overview of these collaborations with discussions and Q&A. Please register here for your spot and please enter full name and company so a badge will be waiting for you. If you would like your company logo to appear on the digital board, please message the logo to me. Feel free to pass along to another colleague or GovCon Executive in your network. Co-Sponsorships: Insperity, Pinnacle Financial Partners

Attendance is $35 (cash, credit/debit card, or ApplePay - paid at the door), which includes water/soda/coffee, bread, choice of a plated lunch entrée, and a dessert assortment. Parking is also validated in the Reston Station garages (3 hours of validation). Join one of Northern Virginia's most successful business networking groups (part of BNI). Open to the public and is typically attended by business owners, business developers, and entrepreneurs. Meetings are typically attended by 30-40 members and guests. \*\*\*PLEASE RSVP here: [REGISTER HERE](https://square.link/u/0WvC6Eir) \*\*\*If you do not register on the BNI website, there may not be a seat available for you.

We will be meeting at Starbucks to learn together. Come with an online class you're already going through or an interest and we will try to connect you with a course where you can learn it. Already have a skill you want to contribute to a Kaggle Datascience competition? We will work on these too! Laptop required :)

Healthcare organizations are increasingly using cloud-based real-world evidence (RWE) platforms to power clinical research, population health analytics, and AI-driven insights. However, building these systems on AWS introduces complex governance challenges around privacy, compliance, and multi-institution collaboration. This session explores how to architect data governance into healthcare analytics platforms on AWS, focusing on practical design patterns rather than policy theory. We examine how ethical data stewardship principles such as consent, accountability, and responsible data use, can be implemented using cloud-native controls and services. The presentation walks through key architectural considerations for secure RWE platforms on AWS, including role-based access control, auditability, data minimization, and encryption, and how these capabilities support compliance requirements such as HIPAA and GDPR. Attendees will learn how federated, multi-account AWS architectures enable collaboration across institutions while preserving local data ownership and control. We will also discuss privacy-preserving analytics patterns on AWS, including approaches that support federated learning, differential privacy, and secure computation to enable AI-driven insights without exposing raw patient data. Practical implementation trade-offs such as performance, scalability, and operational complexity will be highlighted using real-world platform scenarios. Attendees will leave with actionable AWS architecture patterns and governance strategies for building secure, compliant, and scalable real-world evidence platforms that unlock innovation while maintaining patient trust.

**Adventure Description:** An ancient evil thought forever buried has begun to stir in the village of Lastpost. At night, unnatural beasts stalk the countryside terrorizing the people. Can courageous adventurers brave the darkness below and stop the forces of evil for good or will it escape into the land to bring perpetual gloom and devastation? **This event is hosted using the Dungeons and Dragons 5th edition Adventurers League rules. It is a Tier 2 game suitable for players with advanced experience who have previously played in multiple Tier 1 games.** **Becoming a member in our Discord and accepting our Code of Conduct is required for play at all of our events. You must join and accept the Discord rules before signing up to any MeetUp events. These rules include but are not limited to:** * **Assigning your name and pronouns as your server nickname;** * **Confirming your age as 18 or older;** * **Participating in a respectful environment for both our AL DMs and your fellow players.** **If you do not join the Discord and accept these rules prior to signing up for an event, you may be removed from the MeetUp event or be required to join the Discord and agree to the Code of Conduct at the game table prior to playing.**

An open space for real conversation about how technology is shaping our world, and how we can respond with wisdom, purpose, and values. ## COMING UP: ## Life with Augmented Intelligence **Shaping how we live, work, and build in an AI-driven world** From assistants → to collaboration → to autonomous systems *** **A different way of thinking, working, building.** Most people are still using AI at the surface. Answers. Shortcuts. Quick help. But underneath, work is starting to look different: * systems instead of tasks * collaboration instead of commands * design instead of effort This is a space to step into that. Not a workshop. Not a panel. A place to see what’s emerging, hear how others are thinking, and explore what it means for your own life and work. *** ## Tech & Truth Café 📍 Greencourt Innovation Center 🗓️ May 10 & 17 🕐 1:30 – 5:00 PM 1:30 → arrive and connect 2:00 → ideas and conversation 3:00 → demos and exploration 4:30 → wrap up *** **WHO:** If you’ve been experimenting with something interesting, building something, or thinking differently about AI… reach out. We’d love to include you in the conversation. *** **Bring a laptop.** *** For people who feel like: “there’s more to this than what I’m currently doing with AI.” **Come be part of it.** **WHO** **For people who feel like:** "There's more to this than what I'm currently doing with AI." Come be part of it. **WHAT TO EXPECT**

Non-programmers are absolutely welcome—you don’t need to know how to code to join. This meetup is for anyone interested in tech. You can share what you’re working on, propose ideas, or just talk about technology. We typically meet once a month at the Centreville Regional Library, with occasional meetups in Chantilly or other nearby libraries depending on availability. We usually start with a totally optional intro circle. You can share as much or as little as you’d like—your name, background, interests, what you’re working on, or simply pass and listen. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, feel free to reach out: timothyfilippone@gmail.com

Whether you're Deaf, HoH, an interpreter, an ASL student, or just want to learn or practice American Sign Language (ASL), we welcome all levels of signers to come join us for an evening of ASL socializing and practice. This event occurs on the first and third Sundays of every month, in the heart of Fairfax County at the Fairfax Wegman's (corner of Route 29 and Monument Drive). We can be found on the upper level, typically near the stairs. We generally start around 7 pm. ASL beginners are welcome, but you should know the ASL alphabet and some basic signs - this is not an ASL class, but the more experienced signers are generally happy to help beginners learn and improve. There is no better way to develop your signing skills than by joining the conversation with other signers. There is a place for everyone to join, learn and practice. Regardless, we are always welcoming so don’t be discouraged to attend; this is very informal and new folks are always welcome. Note, some attendees arrive early and grab some of Wegman’s food for dinner, so you can combine a shopping trip with the ASL practice.

**Saturday • May 16 • 2–5 PM • Ashburn, VA** Many people say they want to write a book someday — **this session helps you start.** Your life experiences already contain stories, lessons, and insights that could become books. The real challenge is **how to organize those experiences and actually turn them into writing.** In this interactive session, I’ll share the approach I’m using to build a **multi-book journey based on lived experience.** So far I have: 📚 **3 books published on Amazon** 📖 **1 more books releasing this year** (end of the year) 📝 **16 additional books planned** — and likely many more. This session is not about writing **just one book**. We’ll explore how your experiences can evolve into **multiple books over time**, and how to **use AI the right way to speed up your writing while keeping your voice authentic.** *** ### What We’ll Explore • Turning life experience into book ideas • How one journey can become multiple books • Simple ways to structure stories and lessons • Using **AI to organize ideas and speed up writing** • Practical strategies to actually finish a book **Everyone will leave with the outline of their first book idea.** **You don’t need writing experience — just curiosity about how your life experiences might turn into ideas worth sharing.** *** ### Event Details 💵 **$25 RSVP — includes coffee + snacks** 📍 **Ashburn, VA** (exact address shared after RSVP) 🕑 **2:00 PM – 5:00 PM** 👥 **Max 10 people** for a small, interactive conversation. Most attendees are professionals, entrepreneurs, and people navigating reinvention or new chapters in life. *** # Background — Writing & Reinvention Journey Writing has been one of the most powerful tools in my own reinvention journey. What began as reflections during a difficult life transition gradually evolved into published books and a growing body of work focused on reinvention, personal growth, and life transitions. My goal is not just to write books — but to help others realize that their experiences may also hold stories worth sharing. *** # 🔗 Midlife Reinvention Ecosystem 🌐 Website [https://midlifereinvention.co](https://midlifereinvention.co) ▶ YouTube (400K+ views) [https://www.youtube.com/@midlife_mindfulness](https://www.youtube.com/@midlife_mindfulness) 💼 LinkedIn (4K+ followers) [https://www.linkedin.com/in/anju-debnath-0061524/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/anju-debnath-0061524/) 🤝 Meetup Community (300+ Members) [https://www.meetup.com/ashburn-transition-meetup-group/](https://www.meetup.com/ashburn-transition-meetup-group/) 📚 Amazon Author Page [https://www.amazon.com/stores/Anju-Debnath/author/B0FFNBVZLQ](https://www.amazon.com/stores/Anju-Debnath/author/B0FFNBVZLQ)

Meet & stroll over to the pavilion for free live music rock. Wear Yacht rock inspired attire. Bring lawn chair, if you can't stand 3 yrs. Music starts at 7:30 Saturdays May 16-Aug at RTC: Sip & Stroll alcoholic beverages from participating restaurants within the event footprint beginning at 6:00 PM. **Participating Sip & Stroll Restaurants:** Capital Burger CitySwing Fogo de Chao North Italia Sixty Vines Ted’s Bulletin True Food Kitchen Makers Union Uncle Julio’s

Join our weekly walking meetup to have fun, maintain a healthy lifestyle, meet new people, and enjoy nature! We meet Saturdays at 10am, by the bike racks and benches 150 feet in front of BUBBLES Hair Salon in Reston, leaving no later than 10:05. Every week we'll walk the Green Trail to Lake Anne Plaza (\~1 mile), pause there for 5-10 minutes (water, bio, and from April-Nov a Farmer's Market), then circle the lake (2 miles) before returning to our starting point. It's roughly 3.5 miles and takes about an hour and a half. Afterwards, some members will often head to a local restaurant to refuel and relax before tackling the rest of the day. This event is open to all ages and fitness levels, and both friends and dogs are always welcome! We recommend dressing for the weather (umbrella, water bottle, snow shoes, hat, etc.) since we'll always walk, rain or shine. By signing up, you accept and assume all risks and responsibilities with this activity, and nobody will be held liable.

Most AI meetups end up as just networking. **We’re different.** At **AI Tool Explorers Night \| Connect & Make New Friends**, you’ll: ✨ Walk away with a *real learning nugget* (a tool, workflow, or strategy you can use immediately) ✨ Connect with people who share your curiosity for AI, productivity, and automation ✨ Enjoy a fun, casual setting where new ideas and friendships spark naturally 👉 **Our promise:** every session delivers structure, substance, and takeaways you can use when you get home. ### 📅 Event Flow * **6:00–6:15 PM** → Arrivals & intros * **6:15–6:45 PM** → AI demo / learning nugget * **6:45–7:00 PM** → Q&A and group discussion * **7:00–8:00 PM** → Networking & contact sharing ⚡ Please hold networking until after the presentation so we can all learn together. Plenty of time at the end to connect and exchange cards! **Let's explore AI Tools that actually *work* in our day-to-day life!** *** #ChatGPT #Claude #Grok #Gemini #Perplexity #DeepSeek #NotebookLM #Cursor #GitHubCopilot #Replit #Windsurf #v0dev #Lovable #Zapier #Makecom #n8n #Descript #OpusClip #Synthesia #Runway #Sora #Kling #Veo #PikaLabs #LTXStudio #AdobeFirefly #Vidu #Hailuo #LumaDreamMachine #Wisecut #Elaiio #Capsule #Filmora #Gling #Magisto #AdobePremierePro #ElevenLabs #Suno #Udio #Soundraw #Riffusion #Mubert #BeatovenAI #AIVA #Loudly #SplashPro #Soundful #MagentaStudio #WavTool #MakeBestMusic #BandLabSongStarter #TadAI #EcrettMusic #Midjourney #DALLE3 #CanvaMagicStudio #NotionAI #Gamma #Fathom #FirefliesAI #MLX

Come join us at Nova Labs for our monthly lockpicking meeting! We meet every third Wednesday at the Nova Labs Fairfax location at 3850 Jermantown Road. Learn about locks, lockpicking, lock modifications, and even lock smithing in our classroom environment. No tools, skills, or knowledge required, but feel free to bring any of those things with you! Our meetings are overseen by one or more locksmiths.

Our first Technoverts meetup had a great turnout, so we're doing it again, this time with an optional conversation theme: **How people are actually using AI in everyday work and life**. This is not a panel or presentation, and I do not have a fixed agenda, it's just a relaxed coffee conversation for people in tech (or tech-adjacent fields) who are curious about practical AI use cases, useful tools, workflow hacks, weird experiments, and what's generally helping people right now. *Topics might include:* * AI tools people actually use at work * Productivity and automation * Prompting successes and failures * Writing, coding, research, analytics and creative use cases * What feels overhyped vs. genuinely useful. No expertise is required. It's completely fine to come mostly curious, skeptical, or just interested in meeting thoughtful people in tech. *What to expect:* * Low pressure conversation * A mix of tech talk and normal conversation Location: (Subject to change as I do more research) High Point Pub Tyson's Whole Foods, 1635 Boro Pl. (This is the cafe space on the second floor of the Whole Foods at the Boro, Tysons. Parking is free in the garage with validation). Time: 11 am (this is when the cafe opens). Everyone covers their own coffee/snacks. I'll arrive early and grab a table and will post details about location in the event discussion. Address: 1635 Boro Pl. Whole Foods 2nd Floor Cafe

**ProductTank NoVA is back!** After a brief hiatus, we are relaunching the chapter with a format that cuts out the fluff and gets straight to the reality of building. Every product feed is flooded with AI hype right now, but what does it actually look like on the ground? Instead of a polished keynote, we are hosting **0 to 1 with AI: Real Product Talks**—a "Show & Tell" featuring 3–4 lightning talks focused on the intersection of AI and product. The framing for the talks is simple: *"Here is what I'm building, and here is what I'm stuck on."* We want to look at the messy, 0-to-1 reality of integrating AI into your workflows and products. *(Want to share what you are working on? Reach out! The bar is low-pressure, just 10–12 minutes to talk about a real AI problem you are trying to solve.)* **Agenda:** * **5:30 PM - 6:00 PM:** Doors open, networking, & name tags * **6:00 PM - 6:10 PM:** Welcome + Chapter Relaunch Intro * **6:10 PM - 7:30 PM:** Lightning Talks (Three 12-min talks + 5 mins Q&A each, with a 5-min stretch break) * **7:30 PM - 8:00 PM:** Open networking * **8:00 PM:** Soft close **Location & Logistics:** Herndon Fortnightly Library (Extended Hours Meeting Room) 768 Center St, Herndon, VA 20170 * **Parking:** We'll meet at the library, located just behind the Herndon Municipal Center. There is plenty of free public parking available around the municipal center. * **Metro & Bus:** Take the Silver Line to Herndon Metro Station, then connect via Fairfax Connector Route 921 or 950 to Historic Downtown Herndon. * **Driving (via VA-267/Dulles Toll Rd):** Take Exit 10 North (Centreville Rd, which becomes Elden St). Turn left onto Station St or Lynn St. * **Driving (via VA-286/Fairfax Co Pkwy):** Take the Elden St West exit. Turn right onto Lynn St. Looking forward to seeing everyone again and getting back to building!

Join us for another session of our study group as we continue our coverage of the book Domain-Specific Small Language Models. In this session, we will attempt to cover Chapters 13 on "Creating end-to-end applications", which explores RAG and Agents and Chapter 14, on "Advanced Components for LLM Applications", which explores GraphRAG. This isn't just a lecture! Come ready to ask questions, share insights, and code along. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, this is the perfect opportunity to continue to learn together. If you plan to work with the code on your own laptop during the session, try and download the code from here https://github.com/virtualramblas/Domain-Specific-Small-Language-Models ahead of time.