Embedded Systems

Join us to **practise and improve your Spanish/English with native speakers every Monday at River Bar** at 1 Burgh Quay (Dublin 2) from **6.30pm to 8.30pm**. **Our system:** **• You sit opposite a native speaker of the language you're learning** **• You speak 5mins English, 5mins Spanish, then change table** This ensures everyone gets an equal chance to practise the language they're learning. Our team seats people, controls the time, organises the seat changes etc. What to expect: • Relaxed easy going atmosphere • Professional and quality service • Great networking opportunities • All levels welcome from absolute beginner to fully fluent • A big mix of ages with attendees at each event from 18 to 70+years old • Topic cards on the tables to help start conversations **Admission fee €7** (€1 off for student card holders). **No pre-registration required, just show up**. Loyalty card system: Come to 5 events and the 6th is free. Over 150,000 people have attended our language exchanges to practise and improve their target language - you can too! Everyone is welcome! For more news and info check: Website: [www.languageexchangeireland.com](http://www.languageexchangeireland.com/) FB: [www.facebook.com/languageexchangeireland](http://www.facebook.com/languageexchangeireland) Instagram: [www.instagram.com/languageexchangeireland](http://www.instagram.com/languageexchangeireland) We also have the events every Thursday at River Bar on Burgh Quay at 6.30pm.

Join us to **practise and improve your Italian-English with native speakers every Monday in River Bar** (1 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2) from **6.30pm to 8.30pm**. **Our system:** **• You sit opposite a native speaker of the language you're learning** **• You speak 5mins English, 5mins Italian, then change table** This ensures everyone gets an equal opportunity to practise the language they're learning. Our team seats people, controls the time, organises the table changes etc. What to expect: • Relaxed easy going atmosphere • Professional and quality service • Great networking opportunities • All levels welcome from absolute beginner to fully fluent • A big mix of ages with attendees at each event from 18 to 70+ years old • Topic cards on the tables to help start conversations **Admission fee €7** (€1 off for student card holders). **No pre-registration required, just show up**. Loyalty card system: Come to 5 events and the 6th is free. Over 150,000 people have attended our language exchanges to practise and improve their target language - you can too! Everyone is welcome! For more news and info check: Website: [www.languageexchangeireland.com](http://www.languageexchangeireland.com/) FB: [www.facebook.com/languageexchangeireland](http://www.facebook.com/languageexchangeireland) Instagram: [www.instagram.com/languageexchangeireland](http://www.instagram.com/languageexchangeireland) We also have the events every Thursday at River Bar at 6.30pm.

TOG Watch Night: The Secret Life of Components (Tim Hunkin) We’re kicking off a new bi-weekly Monday Watch Night at TOG. We’ll watch an episode of Tim Hunkin’s “The Secret Life of Components” together, then have a relaxed Q&A and discussion afterwards. This is a friendly, low-pressure way to learn the kind of practical tips you normally only pick up through years of making, fixing, and building. Perfect for beginners, makers, repair folks, and engineers who enjoy the practical side of components and mechanisms. How it works \- Watch together \(one episode per night\) \- Q&A and chat after: questions\, examples\, tangents\, and “how would we do this at TOG?” \- If you miss a week\, no stress\. Watch it at home and come along to the next one First session \- Monday 26 January \- Episode 1: Chain \- Free and open to all \- TOG Hackerspace \(Dublin 12\, D12 CF6V\) Full details: https://www.tog.ie/2026/01/tog-watch-night-the-secret-life-of-components-tim-hunkin/

**Do you like to make things? Would you like to use 3D software, lasercutter and 3D printing to help you make your idea?** TOG has an open evening to learn how CAD software and 3D fabrication tools can help you make your project. All you need to take part is your own laptop and some ideas on what you want to make. This is not a taught class, more like an informal working group of self-directed makers. We will be happy to help you explore how to use our 3D tools in designing and making your project whether you are a crafter, designer, engineer or hobbyist. Come and have a look at the tools in our space and get some ideas on how your project can be made.

Join us to **practise and improve your target language with native speakers on Monday in River Bar**(1 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2) from **6.30pm to 8.30pm**. **Our system:** **• You sit opposite a native speaker of the language you're learning** **• You speak 5mins English, 5mins other language, then change table** This ensures everyone gets an equal opportunity to practise the language they're learning. Our team seats people, controls the time, organises the table changes etc. What to expect: • Relaxed easy going atmosphere • Professional and quality service • Great networking opportunities • All levels welcome from absolute beginner to fully fluent • A big mix of ages with attendees at each event from 18 to 70+ years old • Topic cards on the tables to help start conversations Languages: We usually have **native speakers of English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, German, Italian, Japanese, Chinese** and more depending on who shows up. **Admission fee €7** (€6 for student card holders). **No pre-registration required, just show up**. Loyalty card system: Come to 5 events and the 6th is free. Over 150,000 people since 2012 have attended our language exchanges to practise and improve their target language - you can too! Everyone is welcome! For more news and info check: Website: [www.languageexchangeireland.com](http://www.languageexchangeireland.com/) FB: [www.facebook.com/languageexchangeireland](http://www.facebook.com/languageexchangeireland) Instagram: [www.instagram.com/languageexchangeireland](http://www.instagram.com/languageexchangeireland) NOTE: The MeetUp attendance does not reflect actual attendance. There are usually around 100 people at each event. We are also in the River Bar every Thursday at 6.30pm

Join us for an ultimate Frisbee session, and meet some lovely people. This is a relaxed evening of Ultimate Frisbee in Merrion square Park. No experience? No problem. Just bring yourself and whatever makes you comfy outdoors. But dress to run! NB: Ultimate Frisbee is a non-contact sport. Do your utmost to avoid collisions with other players. *** 🗓 **What’s Happening** * Gentle warm-up + Frisbee basics * Friendly, low-pressure Ultimate Frisbee games * Optional: sideline cheering, lounging * Cool down & post-game hang *** 📍 **Where** **Merrion square park**, Dublin 💶 **Contribution** If you’d like to help cover the meetup costs and gear (cones, bibs, frisbees, etc), a **€2 contribution** is suggested. Revolut ref tag: [https://revolut.me/marise3](https://revolut.me/marise3) No pressure — you can join us either way. *** 🧺 **What to Bring** * Your fave snacks or drink (solo or to share) * A blanket or something comfy to sit on * Sunscreen, water, good energy, and running shoes ☁️ **Weather Watch** If it rains, we’ll update this page **90 minutes beforehand**. (Also: the traditional sun dance is already scheduled 🌞) *** 🔗 **More ways to connect** Looking for more social and creative outdoor & indoor fun? 👉 [https://activesocialconnections.com/](https://activesocialconnections.com/)

DubJUG 265, our live in-person event, presents Professor Ž (aka Željko Kozina!) Hear why Netflix dumped REST in favour of GraphQL and explore how memory management improves performance, the different parts of Java memory and the various garbage collectors. OFFICIAL BOOKING >>>>> https://ti.to/dublin-java-user-group/265-zeljko-kozina ## **Talk 1:** Netflix dropped REST, but should you? Last year, Netflix announced that it was dropping REST completely in favour of GraphQL. It is undoubtedly one of the popular kids on the Development playground right now. GraphQL is a new way to build APIs, one that's easier, faster, better, and more flexible than the old RESTful API system, or at least that's the promise. In this session, a REST developers' Assessment of Spring GraphQL, Željko will cover the basics of Spring GraphQL, explore its strengths and weaknesses, and determine whether it is a better option for your company than a conventional REST API. ## **Talk 2:** Trash Talk - Optimising Java Garbage Collection Understanding how Java organises memory is important for every Java professional, but this particular topic is a common knowledge gap for many software professionals. With the help of Željko, this talk explores how memory management can help you improve performance effectively, helping you understand the different parts of Java memory and the various garbage collectors so you can select your preferred one.

**Book your ticket (6;34 euros) on EVENTBRITE. Money going to chariety.** Overview Come join us for a fascinating tour exploring the history and art of The Masonry building in Dublin 8! **The Masonry - History and Art Tour** Discover the hidden gems of Dublin 8 with our immersive tour of the historic Masonry building, now a vibrant workspace (Iconic Offices) and café. Step back in time as we explore the refurbished former seed warehouse, a beacon of Dublin's architectural heritage dating back to 1778. Marvel at the intricate craftsmanship and rich history embedded in its walls. Then, immerse yourself in the creative pulse of the neighbourhood as we showcase the diverse artwork of talented local artists. Our tour offers a captivating blend of past and present, weaving together the stories of Dublin's past with the vibrant expressions of its present-day culture. Join us for an unforgettable journey through Dublin's historic heart and artistic soul. Light refreshments and pastries will be provided on the day by The Art of Coffee. **MONIES GOING TO LOCAL CHARITY** DETAILS: **09:45 Meet outside the main entrance to the building** \*\*10:00:\*\*Tour begins Afer the tour there is coffee/tea provided **Buy your ticket on Eventbrite BEFORE pressing Attend!**

🔐 **Hack and Chill – Weekly Meetup** 🔐 📍 **Tog Hackerspace** \| 🕖 **Fridays, 7–9 PM** *(Except the first Friday of the month – we’re at 2600 Dublin then!)* Are you into cybersecurity, hardware hacking, or just love the hacker mindset? Bring your laptop, your curiosity, and your latest digital mischief to our chill Friday night sessions. No talks, no pressure — just hacking, learning, and chatting with like-minded folks in a relaxed space. 💻 BYO projects, hacks, and war stories ☕ Tea, tools, and toggers provided 💬 New faces always welcome Come hang out. We don’t bite — unless you’re a vulnerable service. https://www.tog.ie/2025/08/new-weekly-group-night-hack-and-chill/

## About this event ## **Temple Bar Toastmasters, in person meetings, will allow you to be a confident speaker, gain an edge in your career and communicate effectively.** **FREE to all first time guests!** Open to all members of the public. **The club meets every first & third Tuesday of the month.** * Bring a friend or come alone, all welcome- we are a friendly supportive group! **Benefits for you:​** be a confident speaker gain an edge in your career communicate effectively prepare for online job interviews become a confident public speaker **How we help you:** regular opportunities to speak a planned programme mentoring and coaching friendly supportive feedback practice on hosting a meeting different speaking situations ​ \* \* Entry fee of 5 euros applicable at the door (free for first time guests) \* \* **​**

**IMPORTANT UPDATE:** Due to a fire incident at Kyodai Izakaya, It's been **temporarily closed**. Let's meet at J.R Mahon's on 1-2, Burgh Quay, Dublin 2 (across the river from Izakaya Kyodai). We still need a venue for presentations. If anyone can help, please get in touch (e.g. via Discord). The minimum requirement is a room with a screen, or projector. We have a Discord server, which you're welcome to join: https://discord.gg/nCBrCXB6 Clojure Ireland is sponsored by [Taxamo - a Vertex Company](https://twitter.com/taxamo).

Vision Language Models (VLMs) such as LLaVA, Qwen-VL, Nemotron VL and GPT-4o have unlocked a new era in AI where language and sight converge into a single reasoning system. These models can describe images, answer visual questions, read documents, and interpret charts — but their true power emerges when you fine-tune them on domain-specific data, teaching them to see and reason about the visual world that matters to you. In this hands-on session, we walk through the full fine-tuning pipeline for vision-language models. We begin by understanding how these architectures work — how a visual encoder like CLIP or SigLIP is coupled with a large language model through a projection layer, and how the interplay between image tokens and text tokens enables multimodal reasoning. We then move into the practical side: preparing image-text datasets, choosing the right fine-tuning strategy (full fine-tuning vs. LoRA vs. QLoRA), configuring training with frameworks like Hugging Face Transformers and PEFT, and evaluating results on real-world benchmarks. We will also discuss when and why fine-tuning a VLM is the right approach compared to alternatives like prompt engineering or retrieval-augmented generation, and how to avoid common pitfalls such as catastrophic forgetting, overfitting on small visual datasets, and misaligned image-text pairs. Bring your laptop, your curiosity, and — if you have one — a dataset you would like to try. By the end of the session you will have a clear, reproducible workflow for adapting any open-source vision-language model to a custom task. \*\*📅 Open to all levels — no prerequisites, just curiosity.\*\*

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.

Join the CONNECTED Westerville Mastermind Group for a dynamic afternoon of B2B networking! This event is perfect for professionals looking to expand their business connections, share insights, and foster collaboration within the community. Whether you are a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this event offers a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas, build relationships, and grow your network in a supportive environment. Connect with like-minded individuals, explore potential partnerships, and discover new opportunities for professional growth. Don't miss out on this chance to enhance your business network and take your career to the next level with CONNECTED Westerville Mastermind Group! We meet the 4th Monday of every month from 11am-1pm. Welcome and general networking from 11am - 11:30am with core meeting 11;30 - 12:30 and a final round of networking from 12:30 - 1pm.

Central Ohio Radio Enthusiasts—CORE—is an informal community for anyone enthusiastic or curious about radio—whether you're new to radio and want to learn or you've been tinkering for years and want to share. Ham radio operators, GMRS users, Meshtastic fans, software-defined radio nerds, makers, and technical and non-technical folks are all welcome. No experience required or expected. This month we have **Radio Signal Analysis Using SDRs and OpenWebRX+** with **Scott McCrory**. Details are are [core.radio](https://core.radio/).

WQC has weekly Thursday night social nights at the Westerville Java Central. Come and grab a coffee and connect with the community: low stakes, chill environment, and tasty drinks. No registration is required; come as you are.

Come out to Improving for our monthly iOS and Mac meetings. This Month's Presentation: Nothing yet. (You should volunteer). What is Cocoaheads (http://cocoaheads.org/)? CocoaHeads is a group devoted to discussion of Apple Computer's Cocoa Framework for programming on MacOS X and iOS (including the iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch). During monthly meetings, members present on their projects and offer tutorials on various programming topics. What is BuckeyeCocoa (http://buckeyecocoa.org/)? BuckeyeCocoa is a group of Objective-C/Swift developers/enthusiasts. We host monthly Cocoaheads and near-weekly NSCoder meetings in Columbus, Ohio. The meetings are free to attend. Presentations! Presenters welcome! We are always in need of people willing to present material. Any Swift and/or Objective-C related topic is welcome. Times can be 5 minutes (i.e. lightning talks) to a maximum of 2 hours. Interested? Contact info is on the BuckeyeCocoa website. To volunteer for a presentation contact us at @BuckeyeCocoa on Twitter. Follow us on Twitter! @BuckeyeCocoa (https://twitter.com/#!/Buckeyecocoa/) For more information: http://buckeyecocoa.org/

Connected Westerville Night of Networking flips the script on networking, with surprises and connections that'll make you say, "Who knew networking could be this much fun?!"

FREE event [https://www.ccad.edu/chroma](https://www.ccad.edu/chroma) Friday, May 15, 3–7 p.m. CCAD campus, 60 Cleveland Ave, Columbus, OH Join Columbus College of Art & Design for *2025* *Chroma: Best of CCAD*, our annual campuswide exhibition showcasing outstanding student work from across the college’s academic programs. This faculty-juried show features select work from CCAD students of all class years, and is a can’t-miss end-of-year campus celebration recognizing their tremendous achievements. It’ll be a night of fun and entertainment, with interactive games, animation and film screenings, art symposiums, poetry and prose readings, and more (along with some of the best local food trucks). *Chroma* is free and open to all. Many exhibitions including... **Game Art & Design:** **DSB, first floor, Welcome Center lobby and Room 115**