Creativity

A hands-on workshop on turning insights into ideas that actually hold. Most ideas aren’t bad. They’re just… premature. ​We’re trained to move fast, jump to solutions, and make things look good quickly. ​But good design doesn’t come from speed. It comes from **seeing differently.** ​This session is about breaking that habit. ​This hands-on workshop explores how ideas actually emerge i.e through tension, constraints, and collaboration and not just creativity. ​ **👉 To secure your spot, please register via [Luma](https://luma.com/caozni5i): https://luma.com/caozni5i** (*Meetup RSVPs don’t guarantee a seat*) # ​**What we’ll do:** ​**Start with people (but not in a fluffy way)** ​Map real experiences ​Surface assumptions ​Interrogate what we think we know ​ ​**Push beyond obvious ideas** ​Generate more (and worse) ideas — on purpose ​Break out of default thinking patterns ​ ​**Make it real** ​Work with constraints ​Shape direction ​Turn messy thinking into something tangible ​ ## ​**What you’ll take away** * ​Why most teams default to shallow thinking * ​How to actually *practice* divergent thinking (not just talk about it) * ​What it means to move from insight → concept * ​How constraints make ideas stronger, not weaker ​**Who this is for** * ​Professionals who want to relax, nerd out, and build fun things * ​Designers who are tired of surface-level workshops * ​People who jump to solutions (you know who you are) * ​Anyone curious about how ideas *actually* come together ​ ​**About Service Design Drinks (SDD)** ​SDD is a community of practice for people interested in service design. ​We host casual, hands-on sessions to learn, share, and grow together - no fluff, just thoughtful work and conversation. ​ ​**Agenda** ​5:30 pm \| Arrival \+ settle in ​6:00 pm \| Workshop session ​7:30 pm \| Stay back and connect

Hi everyone! We're doing an afternoon sketch hangout at Chefs Hall. Location: 111 Richmond St W, Toronto, ON M5H 2G4 A sort walk from Osgoode subway station. head south on University till you reach Richmond St and head east along Richmond St. you should see Chefs Hall on the south side of Richmond. ***We will be meeting inside Chefs Hall at the long tables. **First time meeting us and still not sure about the vibe?** Check out photos from **[past in-person events of 2023](https://www.meetup.com/artsrecto/photos/34212927/)** Bring your art supplies (mainly dry medium or small watercolour set), and order a warm drink and snacks. Looking forward to meeting you all :) ================ **Support This Group 🥰🤩** We hope you're enjoying the Arts & Rec events! If you'd like to give support, please consider making a small Ko-fi donation of $5-10 USD at [https://www.ko-fi.com/artsnrectoronto](https://www.ko-fi.com/artsnrectoronto.) . This helps cover meetup and miscellaneous expenses with hosting events! For more inquiries, please PM me for more info! Thank you all so much!

Welcome! Join us at the North York Centre to colour and chat. You can bring your own colouring books and colouring pencils. There’s a Dollarama across the street to buy them. If you’re coming empty handed no worries you can use ours for $2 cash. You can do other art related projects such as sketching, crochet etc. As long as you bring your own materials :) Please keep your DM options open for updates. We’re meeting at the North York Centre food court by 5:55pm, at the long table in front of the Z-teca Please reach out to me if you’re coming late, have trouble finding the place, or have any other questions. Hope to see you soon:)

Deeper Connections Disguised as Game Night \| Skip Small talk\. Start Playing\! \| Facilitated Games & "Cards FOR Humanity " Play \#1 Card Game\! #### **😍 Deeper Connections *Disguised* as a Conversation Game Night \~ Curated Community** #### 5️⃣ **Welcome to "Wildcard Wednesdays!"** *Inspired by "Timeleft"* we also curate tables of 5+ people based on your **"Play Personality**" a quiz we created exclusively for our events = Intimate Experience & every week is different depending on the group & games. 🎲 **Board Game ForePlay!** \~ "Choose your own Adventure" **100+ Games** Collection \~ Something for Everyone! Connect based on our different themes ***🃏 BYOB \~ Welcome to Bring your own Board Games/convo cards/tarot deck & Booze***🍺🍹 **[💌 PLEASE](https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1980401871308?aff=oddtdtcreator) *[CLICK ME](https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1980401871308?aff=oddtdtcreator)* [TO RSVP ON EVENTBRITE 🎟️](https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1980401871308?aff=oddtdtcreator)** ### **👩‍❤️‍👨 OUR HOSTESS RAINBOW:** ### **Extremely talented in meeting strangers & also connecting them with other strangers, one of the reasons is because she is an Airbnb Superhost = Strangers in your home - what's more personal then that! This had her realize WOW no matter where were from... "Were Not Really Strangers!"** ### **🤗 WHO IS THIS EVENT FOR?...EVERYONE! :)** * 👩‍❤️‍👨 **SINGLES** & Looking to Mingle? Curated Games "Slow Connection" vs "speed dating" * 🙋‍♀️🙋🏽 **FRIENDS/FAMILY** \~ Fun way to reconnect & deepen friendships in a playful way * 💝 **COUPLES:** New Date Nights vs "Netflix & Chill" Learn something new about your boo * **🌈 ALL-INCLUSIVE \~** Including (& not limited to) LGBTQ2S+ & BIPOC & All Ages/Abilities)

The Test Tribe 13th Toronto Meetup – From Tests to Trust: How QA Creates Value That Outlasts Technology Shifts Tools change. Frameworks evolve. AI reshapes workflows. But one thing remains constant: the expectation that QA delivers value. In a world of rapid technological change, the real question isn’t what tools we use - it’s how QA creates trust, clarity, and better decisions across teams. At the 13th Toronto Meetup, we step back from tools and trends to explore a deeper question: What does quality really mean to the business - and how can QA deliver it consistently, regardless of technology shifts? **Event Details** * **Date: April 29th, 2026 (Wednesday)** * **Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM ET** * **Venue: Tribal Scale** * **Maps Link:** https://maps.app.goo.gl/hqUyAVXKLQhPFsUK6?g_st=ic (Please enter via **35 John St.**, where a volunteer will be stationed downstairs to guide you to the venue) **Session: From Tests to Trust: How QA Creates Value That Outlasts Technology Shifts** **Speaker: Youssef Menkhour** **About the Session** Technology in QA is evolving rapidly - but expectations from stakeholders often remain unchanged. In this session, Youssef Menkhour brings a QA Director’s perspective to explore: * What different roles (engineering, product, business) actually expect from testing * How QA creates value indirectly, beyond test execution * Why traditional outputs - tests, reports, meetings - often fail to drive real decisions * How to simplify QA practices to better support clarity, alignment, and impact This talk challenges conventional thinking and focuses on how QA can move beyond activity-driven work to become a driver of trust and decision-making within organizations. **Key Takeaways** * Understand what stakeholders truly expect from QA * Learn how QA delivers value beyond test cases and execution * Simplify testing outputs to better support real decisions * Shift from activity-driven QA to impact-driven quality engineering * Build practices that remain relevant across changing technologies **About the Speaker** Youssef Menkhour is a Director of Quality Assurance with 15+ years of experience leading enterprise and SaaS-focused QA organizations across industries including insurance, banking, media, and telecommunications. At Alithya, he advises clients on quality modernization, helping organizations adopt automation-first strategies, shift-left testing, and CI/CD-aligned delivery models. Youssef is passionate about redefining QA’s role - from a supporting function to a strategic contributor that drives trust, alignment, and long-term value. **Why You Should Attend** * Gain a leadership perspective on the future of QA * Learn how to create value beyond tools and frameworks * Understand how to align QA work with business outcomes * Rethink how testing supports decision-making * Connect with Toronto’s QA and tech community **About The Test Tribe** The Test Tribe is the world’s largest software testing community, empowering testers globally since 2018. With 700+ events and 150K+ members across 130+ countries, we bring testers together to learn, grow, and connect through meetups, conferences, cohorts, masterclasses, and more. By RSVPing, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy and consent to be contacted by The Test Tribe and our event partners.

Welcome to Make New Friends (After Work)! Hey friend! Looking to meet new people in the neighborhood and make friends? Wednesday at 5:30 PM at Boxcar Social in Waterworks. The event will be hosted by myself, Trevor Carlson. You can find out more about me here -> https://www.youtube.com/@trevor-carlson I am new in town and looking to start a meetup group to make new friends and meet like minded people. The OG Open Coffee was started in Cedar Falls, Iowa, and grew to over 500 members. I’m bringing the same concept to Toronto. The format is you show up, share what you’re working on or excited about, and we all have a discussion around it and share ideas. Pretty simple but can be very fun and beneficial.
I look forward to talking about adventure travel and writing.
Hope to see you there!

Get ready for an unforgettable evening of laughter in one of Toronto's most iconic and historic neighbourhoods! Get ready for an unforgettable evening of laughter in one of Toronto's most iconic and historic neighbourhoods! Join us for the **Toronto Distillery District Comedy Night**, a fantastic live comedy showcase set against the stunning backdrop of the Spirit of York Distillery. Whether you are a die-hard comedy fan or just looking for a fun night out in the city, this event promises a vibrant atmosphere and non-stop entertainment. Our lineup features a dynamic mix of seasoned comedy veterans bringing their best material, alongside fresh, up-and-coming local talent ready to make their mark. **Free tickets here:** https://www.eventbrite.com/e/toronto-distillery-district-comedy-night-free-admission-tickets-1987016204958 It is the perfect blend of polished punchlines and raw, exciting new voices.The best part? **Admission is completely free!** Grab your friends, enjoy the warm, cinematic ambiance of the Distillery District's cobblestone streets and string lights, and settle in for a night of top-tier stand-up comedy.

Pottery Night at Orkid Gallery! All tools included. No experience needed—just come create, connect & sip tea with us! 3-hour workshop.

Come join us at the lovely, well-lit, and cozy Theatre Centre Cafe for an hour and a half of silent writing (on whatever writing projects you will)! After silent writing is done, feel free to stay and chat or go as you please. If you are late you are welcome to join us (quietly and not disruptively). Please note this is a casual event, and we will NOT be critiquing each other's work. Other Important Details: WiFi name/password: #TheTheatreCentre (no password, open access) Travel / Parking info: There is paid street parking as well as Green P underground parking located at 45 Abell St (2 mins walk from the venue) Venue Guidelines: Please thank our hosts by purchasing something.

We’re still working to get more people into these Meetups, but our goal is to give PlayYourCourt members a few social tennis outings each week in addition to your practice sessions and Challenge League matches. These Meetups are co-ed, super laid back, and all skill levels are welcome. Post your skill level and a suggested court in the comments section so we can round up as many players as we can for some tennis fun! Also, if you’re looking to meet new practice partners or play some matches and you aren’t already in the PlayYourCourt Community, you can go here to see what we’re all about and sign up: https://www.playyourcourt.com/tennis-community/toronto-ON/meetup/ If you love tennis, we’d love to have you! Be sure and watch the quick video that explains how everything works. Happy hitting! - Scott

We are now at **Yonge Sheppard Centre** in the **food court** near **Dazzle Mi**. We start a bit past 1pm, so if you're late, please find a seat and start writing -- we'd love to hear about your story or your day -- afterwards. :) **Coworking for writers in your area!** Join us for some focused writing time. All writers and all experience levels are welcome and don’t worry, no one will see what you've written. This session is about getting your writing done and meeting other writers in your area. When you show up, say hello to everyone, grab a drink, and get your writing tools ready. Once you’re all settled, take some time to chat with your fellow writers. Once everyone’s arrived, I will lead quick introductions and then set the timer for our quiet and focused writing session. Afterward, we’ll have time to chat and get to know each other. We often talk about our successes and challenges as writers. If you don’t have time to stick around, no worries! **A note about the format** We don’t host critiques or readings. These events are a safe space for writers of all skill levels and genres to work on their craft, so no one will read or critique your writing. For our full event schedule, visit [https://shutupwrite.com](https://shutupwrite.com) **Travel / Parking info:** Public Transit: 1. Take the TTC subway to Sheppard-Yonge Station. 2. Use the Yonge St. Sheppard Ave exit **Driving & Parking:** Parking Entrance to Yonge Sheppard Centre is located on Greenfield Avenue and Doris Avenue. Accessible parking is available on P1, P3 and Concourse. Be sure to check for parking limits or fees. **Location:** We gather around the tables in the food court near **Dazzel Mi**. If you spot a group of people with laptops out, that’s probably us! **RSVP:** Please do RSVP. But be advised that seating is first-come, first-served, even if you have RSVP'd. Seats are not reserved and we can't control how many other people are in the cafe. **SCHEDULE:** 12:45 to 1:15 PM: Arrive and get settled in -- come in early if you want to get lunch. 1:15 to 2:15 PM: Write in silence for an hour. \*\*If you arrive after 1:15, please silently find your own place to sit. We'll welcome you to join the group at 2:15.\*\* 2:15 PM: Introduce yourself. We'll go in a circle; just say your name and 1–2 sentences about what you're writing. (E.g., "I'm Rudolph and I'm writing a non-fiction book about red-nosed reindeer.") 2:20 PM onwards: Chat, hang out, keep writing if you want, leave whenever.

\*\*NOTE: This meetup currently lacks a regular host. (The current hosts are volunteers for online organizational purposes; they show up in person occasionally.) If you arrive and there is no host, don’t worry. Whoever is the longest-running member (or whoever wants to) can set the timer for the writing session. In this way, the meetup is self-sustaining, and not dependent on any one person. Thanks for your understanding.\*\* Join us for an hour of quiet writing, followed by an hour of (optional) socializing. \*\*SILENT WRITING BEGINS AT 1:15 PM. IF YOU'RE LATE, WELCOME! WE WILL IGNORE YOU (BECAUSE WE'RE BUSY WRITING) UNTIL 2:15 PM.\*\* This meetup is open to everyone, whether you’re writing a novel, blog, class paper, or journal entry—or something completely different. Anyone interested is welcome to attend :) LOCATION: 5 Elements Cafe, basement level RSVP: Please be advised that seating is first-come, first-served, even if you have RSVP'd. Seats are not reserved and we can't control how many other people are in the cafe. We recommend coming down to the basement to grab a spot before you buy anything, just in case. SCHEDULE: 1:00 to 1:15 PM: Arrive and get settled in. 1:15 to 2:15 PM: Write in silence for an hour. \*\*If you arrive after 1:15, please silently find your own place to sit. We'll welcome you to join the group at 2:15.\*\* 2:15 PM: Introduce yourself. We'll go in a circle; just say your name and 1–2 sentences about what you're writing. (E.g., "I'm Rudolph and I'm writing a non-fiction book about reindeer.") 2:20 PM onwards: Chill/leave. Chat, hang out, keep writing if you want, leave whenever.

### Each Crossroads & Connections workshop is a fast, friendly mash-up: short demos, paired practices and intentional reflection. We keep it light, embodied, and social—so wisdom lands in your muscles and your circle, not only your mind. There isn’t one technique that fixes everything, for everyone, in every situation. ### What is it? We pair complementary domains to spark shared flow, fresh insight, and unforgettable “aha!” moments. You leave with lived skills, not just notes. * **Dialogue** gets you out of solo spin: small-group formats expose blind spots and sharpen “shared reality,” so your next move matches *this* person and *this* moment. * **Imaginal** practice is guided “as if” rehearsal you look *through*, not *at*: walking the beats before the scene means your body recognizes turns when stakes rise. * **Mindfulness** steadies the camera: attention stops jerking around, drama gets de-amplified, and you can catch the instant you’re narrating motives and swap in one honest question. * **Embodiment** makes it actionable through direct, non-verbal experience and how your inner experience matches your outer expression. Facilitators: Varies Fee: $30USD - Or a 10-pack for $200USD [Please visit here](https://awakentomeaning.com/crossroads-and-connections/) for registration and more information.

Join us this Pride season to paint your own pride on rocks, paper, canvas, and yes- we are bringing back the bricks! Come create and paint with us. Seats and supplies limited! Come while you can for as long as you like! Westerville Public Library Meeting Room D.

**This month’s Creativity Circle is very timely. We will be making our own craft snowflakes out of paper, coffee filters, popsicle sticks, sparkles and more! Bring the snowy season inside without the wet and cold. All ages welcome, show up as you can, bring a friend or a few if you would like to! Excited to see you there! Seats Limited. Held at the Westerville Public Library Meeting Room B.**

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!

We’re still working to get more people into these Meetups, but our goal is to give PlayYourCourt members a few social tennis outings each week in addition to your practice sessions and Challenge League matches. These Meetups are co-ed, super laid back, and all skill levels are welcome. Post your skill level and a suggested court in the comments section so we can round up as many players as we can for some tennis fun! Also, if you’re looking to meet new practice partners or play some matches and you aren’t already in the PlayYourCourt Community, you can go here to see what we’re all about and sign up: https://www.playyourcourt.com/tennis-community/columbus-oh/meetup/ If you love tennis, we’d love to have you! Be sure and watch the quick video that explains how everything works. Happy hitting! - Scott

It feels like we just saw each other 🤷. Join members of the local design and UX community for our monthly breakfast. For May we’re stopping in for Rooh’s popup breakfast/cafe concept. You know someone is getting the lobster yuzu croissant, and that’s not even the prettiest thing on the menu!.

(Note: RSVPing here on meetup does NOT reserve your seat. To do that, you’ll need to register at our website, [HERE](https://www.coreerocks.com/Events.aspx?ID=2026-Central-Ohio-Real-Estate-Investing-Expo-14-5-5-2026).) We’re serious about helping you succeed in real estate. That means not just teaching you—but putting you in the room with the people who help you get deals done. Every deal depends on people. The agent or wholesaler. The lender. The contractor. The title company. The insurance agent. The problem is that most investors meet those people slowly. This event fixes that. One room full of: • Lenders • Contractors • Title companies • Insurance providers • Property managers • And active local investors A place where you can: • Build your team • Find funding • Solve real problems • Make connections that lead to deals If you’re serious about real estate, this is a smart room to be in. Members and non-members at any level of knowledge and experience are welcome. This event is free. Remember, to actually reserve your seat, you have to go [HERE](https://www.coreerocks.com/Events.aspx?ID=2026-Central-Ohio-Real-Estate-Investing-Expo-14-5-5-2026) and register on our website!

Greetings writers! Come down and join your fellow wordsmiths for one hour of uninterrupted writing time in the upper level of the Market District Supermarket in Upper Arlington. The main entrance of the shopping center opens onto stairs/elevator leading up to the 2nd floor cafe section where we will have a table displaying a sign with the Shut Up & Write logo. Writing is largely a solitary craft. Practicing with others in a community setting may be the thing you need to fire your own routine. We’ll meet on Wednesday evenings, starting the clock at 6:30, following a brief period of introductions. This is solid writing time and all inclusive. Any project is acceptable, be it fiction, non -fiction, work or homework assignment. All is welcome and will remain private to you. The market boasts a Starbucks, a full service bar and various affordable food options. Parking is plentiful, free Wifi is provided as well as outlets for charging your devices, though they are somewhat limited, so plan accordingly. Show up as early as you like, or stay late. This group tends to socialize some, both before and after the alloted time, but this is not mandatory to you. Feel free to come and go as you please and late arrivals are welcome. The cafe may be noisy on occasion so headphones/ earbuds are reccommended as you see fit. Please try to RSVP if possible so that we may grab enough seats for all—the venue can be busy at times. Feel free to message me privately wth any questions and/ or concerns you may have. Happy writing!