Engineering

Whether you're a seasoned tech veteran or just starting out, let's create the ideal afterwork place to meet and chill with other workers in tech - find that new job, expand your network, share ideas, and stay up-to-date on the latest trends in the industry. Let's inspire, innovate, and shape the future of technology in Toronto! Tech, AI, Data, IT, and more \~ ​ \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ### Event Details 💰 Cost: Free 🍺🥃 Afterwork drinks and social 📍 The Goodman Pub and Kitchen (Inside, or ask for Tech Social) - 207 Queens Quay W 🕕 6:00pm onwards every Friday ​ **Or RSVP on the website for our Discord / WhatsApp communities, and to see who else is going and what their backgrounds/seniority/interests are:** 🔗 [Link to Website](https://techsocialtoronto.com/event/meetup) ​ If you cannot find us, ask staff about Tech Social, or ask in the WhatsApp community above. ​ \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ### Who Should Attend? Perfect for **Toronto tech professionals** including: * **Software Developers & Engineers** (Python, JavaScript, Java, C++, React, Node.js) * **Data Scientists & Analysts** (Machine Learning, AI, Data Visualization, SQL) * **Cybersecurity Professionals** (InfoSec, Ethical Hacking, Cloud Security) * **Product Managers & Tech Entrepreneurs** * **Students & Tech Graduates** looking to break into tech * **Career Changers** entering tech industry * **Remote Workers & Digital Nomads** in Toronto * **Startup Employees & Entrepreneurs** * **Digital Marketing & Product Professionals** * **Senior Engineers** looking to mentor and network \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ### What You'll Experience * 🤝 **Network with Toronto tech community** * 💼 **Job opportunities** and referrals from peers * 🚀 **Career acceleration** through peer networking * 🎯 **Skill sharing** and tech discussions * 🧠 **Knowledge sharing** on latest tech trends * 🎉 **Social activities** and games * 🧠 **Learn from peers** about real-world challenges * 🚀 **Collaborate** on projects and ideas * 🎯 **Mentorship connections** (both ways!) * 🍻 **Fun, casual atmosphere** \- no matter your seniority level \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ### Event Guidelines * Support the venue by purchasing drinks/food (no outside items allowed) * Maintain appropriate behavior and respect for all attendees * Bring physical ID if required by venue (call ahead to confirm) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ​ ​ *Toronto Canada tech social mixer afterwork drinks AI connect network data IT programming cybersecurity digital nomad blockchain crypto big data science computer networking community jobs entrepreneur industry product design startup software development machine learning python javascript professional networking career development it professionals developers mentorship ai sql analytics data engineering business intelligence deep learning tensorflow pytorch data visualization data analysts ml engineers Toronto Canada tech social mixer afterwork drinks AI connect network data IT programming cybersecurity digital nomad blockchain crypto big data science computer networking community jobs entrepreneur industry product design startup software development machine learning python javascript professional networking career development it professionals developers mentorship ai sql analytics data engineering business intelligence deep learning tensorflow pytorch data visualization data analysts ml engineers*

Practise your English in a friendly, welcoming class in Toronto. Join our free in-person English class and improve your speaking, fluency, grammar and vocabulary with supportive teachers. This class is a great opportunity to practise English, build confidence and meet new people. **When** Starting today - every weekday Monday - Friday 2.00pm–4.00pm **Where** Teaching House Toronto OHC / Sol Camps 469 Jarvis St Toronto, ON M4Y 2G8 Canada **What you’ll practise** * Speaking and fluency * Grammar and vocabulary * Listening and pronunciation * Everyday English for real-life situations * Confidence using English with other people **Who can join?** Adults aged 18+ who want to improve their English. Refugees, asylum seekers and newcomers are very welcome. **About the classes** The classes are taught by trainee English teachers on a Cambridge-accredited CELTA course and supervised by experienced teacher trainers. **Cost** Free **Before the class** Please arrive a little early so we can welcome you and check your English level. Spaces may be limited, so please RSVP if you would like to attend.Cost: FREE Sign up using this **Level Test: [https://forms.gle/CZXAHL9w4WfsVdxk6](https://forms.gle/CZXAHL9w4WfsVdxk6)** OR If you already know your level, choose the [registration form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe65RTiI_hQMJ_58JdE2DhhtYyF2Mz3Ah_PN2hL3yLSkJadpA/viewform?usp=sf_link) instead

Welcome to the dbt Meetup, Toronto Tech Week 2026 Edition! dbt Meetups are networking events open to all folks working with data. Talks predominantly focus on community members' experience with dbt, however, you'll catch presentations on broader topics such as analytics engineering, AI, data stacks, data ops, modeling, testing, and team structures. **To attend, please read the Health and Safety Policy and Terms of Participation: [https://www.getdbt.com/legal/health-and-safety-policy](https://www.getdbt.com/legal/health-and-safety-policy)** Toronto Tech Week is a citywide celebration of the people building what’s next. From May 25–29, 2026, founders, investors, and builders come together for hundreds of community-led events across Toronto, connecting tens of thousands of people around Canadian tech. Torontotechweek.com. **Agenda** * 6:00 > Arrive, Eat, Drink, and be Merry (aka Socialize) * 6:30 > Speaker 1 and 2 presentations **Instructions**: * Meet at entrance and someone will escort you for check-in **Speaker Sessions:** **1st Speakers:** * [Josh Harris](https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-harris-86188983/), founder of AnswerLayer. * **Topic**: Open Semantic Interchange shipped in January 2026 with dbt Labs as one of the co-leading vendors. OSI v1.0: what it is, why it exists, and what it means for dbt users. **2nd Speaker:** * [Daria Sukhareva](https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariasukhareva/), creator of [kWwhat](https://www.linkedin.com/company/108154470) * **Topic:** Let’s chat: grounding ChatBI with dimensional models, semantic models, and rules - why your AI shouldn't be connecting dots. Reach out if you're interested in volunteering/speaking! ➡️ Join the dbt Slack community: [https://www.getdbt.com/community/](https://www.getdbt.com/community/)🤝For the best Meetup experience, make sure to join the #local-toronto channel in dbt Slack ([https://slack.getdbt.com/](https://slack.getdbt.com/)). dbt is the standard in data transformation, used by over 40,000 organizations worldwide. Through the application of software engineering best practices like modularity, version control, testing, and documentation, dbt’s analytics engineering workflow helps teams work more efficiently to produce data the entire organization can trust. Learn more: [https://www.getdbt.com/](https://www.getdbt.com/)

**🌍 Free English Classes – Learn with Real Teachers-in-Training!** Join us for *FREE* English lessons taught by CELTA trainees at Teaching House! Whether you're a beginner or want to improve your English skills, these fun and practical classes are a great opportunity to learn in a supportive environment. 🗓 **When:** Monday - Thursday 🕠 **Time:** 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM 📍 **Where:** Teaching House Toronto at OHC, 469 Jarvis Street, Toronto ON M4Y 2G8 👩‍🏫 Classes are part of our Cambridge-accredited CELTA teacher training programme and are led by motivated, supervised trainees. Improve your speaking, listening, and vocabulary in a real-time, interactive classroom. 📌 Open to adults (18+) from any background. No payment, no catch – just learning! 👉 Complete the level test or registration form to receive access info and reserve your place. Spots fill fast! Link for the [Level test](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScDyYnu9t1cRtL9ggMBKH9xwa3jjvIeJabNJRYUOjoV28_b1A/viewform?usp=sf_link) Link for the [Registration form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe65RTiI_hQMJ_58JdE2DhhtYyF2Mz3Ah_PN2hL3yLSkJadpA/viewform?usp=sf_link) \*\*\* ### **VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL** **🌍 Clases de Inglés Gratis – ¡Aprende con futuros profesores de inglés!** ¡Acompáñanos en clases *GRATUITAS* de inglés impartidas por profesores en formación en Teaching House! Ya seas principiante o quieras mejorar tu nivel, estas clases prácticas son una excelente manera de aprender en un entorno amigable. 🗓 **Cuándo:** Lunes, martes, miercoles y jueves 🕠 **Hora:** 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM 📍 **Dónde:** Teaching House Toronto at OHC, 469 Jarvis Street, Toronto ON M4Y 2G8 👩‍🏫 Las clases son parte de nuestro curso CELTA acreditado por Cambridge y están impartidas por profesores en formación supervisados. Mejora tu conversación, comprensión auditiva y vocabulario en un aula interactiva y real. 📌 Abierto a adultos mayores de 18 años. Sin coste, sin compromiso – ¡solo ganas de aprender! 👉 Confirma tu asistencia para recibir el enlace y asegurar tu lugar. ¡Los cupos se llenan rápido! [Ficha de registracion](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe65RTiI_hQMJ_58JdE2DhhtYyF2Mz3Ah_PN2hL3yLSkJadpA/viewform?usp=sf_link) [Prueba de nivel](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScDyYnu9t1cRtL9ggMBKH9xwa3jjvIeJabNJRYUOjoV28_b1A/viewform?usp=sf_link)

Come join us for an evening of drinks, laughs and painting in a relaxed, social setting.!! **Tickets -** **[https://tickets.nationalsocialnetworking.com/events/tommehra/2205614](https://tickets.nationalsocialnetworking.com/events/tommehra/2205614)** Tickets help cover the cost of hosting the social, ensuring a great venue, and a well-organized event for everyone. **Demographics** Ages 20-37 All attendees are fluent English speakers **Follow us!** [https://www.instagram.com/nationalsocialnetworking/](https://www.instagram.com/nationalsocialnetworking/) Tickets help cover the cost of hosting the social, ensuring a great venue, and a well-organized event for everyone.

Are you ready to expand your network, spark new opportunities, and connect with ambitious professionals in your community? Join us on Friday, May 29th from 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM at The Suya Spot for our monthly Level Up Networking Event — an evening designed to help you build meaningful relationships, exchange ideas, and discover new opportunities for personal and professional growth. Whether you're an entrepreneur, business owner, startup founder, professional, freelancer, student, or simply looking to connect with like-minded individuals, this event is for you! Why Attend? ✅ Meet local entrepreneurs, professionals, and business leaders ✅ Expand your circle and create valuable connections ✅ Discover collaboration, referral, and growth opportunities ✅ Share ideas, insights, and experiences in a supportive environment ✅ Gain inspiration and fresh perspectives to help you level up personally and professionally Unlike traditional networking events, Level Up Networking Night focuses on authentic conversations and genuine relationship-building in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. No pressure, no awkward sales pitches—just real people making real connections. Come solo or bring a friend, colleague, or business partner. You never know who you'll meet, what you'll learn, or where a single conversation may lead. 📅 DATE: Friday, May 29th, 2026 🕡 TIME: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM 📍 LOCATION: The Suya Spot, 1269 Weston Road, Toronto 🎟️ REGISTRATION: FREE (Advance registration recommended) 🍽️ PLEASE SUPPORT OUR HOST VENUE: Enjoy delicious food and drinks while networking and help support this amazing local restaurant! 🤝 Connect • Collaborate • Grow Bring your business cards, your positive energy, and an open mind. You never know who you'll meet or what opportunities may come from a single conversation! Space is limited—reserve your spot today on Eventbrite! 🚀✨ [https://LUNCCG05292026.eventbrite.ca](https://lunccg05292026.eventbrite.ca/)

New Rules: Starting now, we are asking that each person contribute $2 towards maintaining this page. Without our space here on MeetUp, there is no group. So we ask that you bring a tooney when you come to keep us operational. Thank you very much! Thank you to everyone who has ordered something to eat or drink. It's very important that we each make a purchase, even just a tea or coffee, to maintain our welcome. Mil veces, gracias!

#### **This event page is for English speakers only.** **こちらのイベントページは英語話者の方向けです。** **日本人の方は、別のイベントページからお申し込みください！** *** We host a Japanese & English language exchange meeting every Sunday at 9:30 AM. Participants practice in pairs or small groups, with 50 minutes of Japanese practice and 50 minutes of English practice. The study materials used in our sessions are created by professional language teachers. ### **Before Signing Up, Please Read the Following** * **Please make sure to check the comments section of the event page, as all event details and materials will be shared there around Saturday.** * This meeting is intended for people who are genuinely interested in language learning. Participants joining for other purposes may be asked to leave. * We prioritize creating a safe and comfortable environment for all attendees. * Disruptive behavior, solicitation, or sales activities are not allowed. Anyone who does not follow the instructions of the organizer or staff may be removed from the group. * **Participation fee : Refunds and carryovers are not available.** ### **Participation Fee & Donation** Your participation fee will be used by Emiko Tanaka, a Yosakoi Ambassador, to promote Yosakoi Naruko Dance from Kochi, Japan, to the world. For more details, please visit our website: [Yosakoi Ambassador Project](https://yosakoiambassador.com/) We look forward to seeing you at the event!

[Summary] This meetup is for those who are interested in code, web development, design, cloud, or AI. All levels are welcome, so feel free to bring your laptop and discuss what you are working on or what you are learning. You can share your projects and ideas with other participants freely. There are outlets and WiFi, drinks are about $5 for tea, they take card only. [Price] Attendance is FREE. But you need to buy something from the venue. [Policies] \- We do not tolerate harassment of our members \- We remind users that that this meetup is intended for networking and hobby development\, and any attempts at using this meetup event as a dating platform will not be not be tolerated Further information: https://torontostack.exchange/

Hello Everybody! 【College Park food court is closed again, so we change the location to the food court in Brookfield Place（181 Bay St., Toronto, ON）, near the Union Station.】 I am helping organize a mandarin-english language exchange downtown. If you want to improve your Mandarin/English, feel free to come by downtown and meet others to practise your language. There will be native Mandarin and English speakers to help you! Or you can share your language skills with others! Every Saturday 3:00pm-5:00pm Brookfield Place Food Court（181 Bay St., Toronto, ON） [ Please find a table with "meetup" label (like the Featured photo).] [ Usually in front of the Longo's supermarket] —————————————— 大家好： 【College Park的food court又给封了，所以我们把活动地点换到了 Brookfield Place的food court （181 Bay St., Toronto, ON），靠近Union Station。】 我正在组织一场中英文交流活动。如果你想提高你的普通话或者英语，那就快来参加吧！你可以在这里认识很多母语为普通话或者英语的新朋友！他们都非常乐于帮你提高你的中英文表达能力！也欢迎你同我们一起分享你的语言技巧! 谢谢! 每周六 3:00pm-5:00pm Brookfield Place Food Court（181 Bay St., Toronto, ON） 【请找到一张桌子，桌上有张纸，写着“Meetup”。】 【位置通常会在longo's超市前面】 ———————————————— 大家好： 【College Park的food court又給封了，所以我們把活動地點換到了Brookfield Place的food court （181 Bay St., Toronto, ON），靠近Union Station。】 我正在組織一場中英文交流活動。如果你想提高你的國語或者英語，那就快來參加吧！你可以在這裡認識很多母語為國語或者英語的新朋友！他們都非常樂於幫你提高你的中英文表達能力！也歡迎你同我們一起分享你的語言技巧！ 謝謝! 每週六 3:00pm-5:00pm Brookfield Place Food Court（181 Bay St., Toronto, ON） 【請找到一張桌子，桌上有張紙，寫著“Meetup”】 【位置通常會在longo's超市前面】

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!

你有没有试过，让 AI 帮你解释 ETF、看一只股票、算退休，或者判断该不该提前还房贷？ 它说得很快。 也很像那么回事。 但理财最难的，常常不是看懂一个产品。 而是看清自己的约束：收入、家庭、税务、房贷、风险承受力，还有你晚上能不能睡得着。 这一场，我们继续用「AI 双面圆桌派」的方式，聊 AI + 理财。 我们会聊几个普通人真的会遇到的问题： * AI 能帮我们省下哪些查资料、做比较、读文件的时间？ * 为什么同样收入、同样资产的两个家庭，答案可能完全不同？ * AI 给出的投资观点，普通人可以怎么验证，而不是直接相信？ * 金融平台越来越智能之后，效率、推荐和用户保护之间怎么平衡？ * 当金融骗局从群发话术变成个性化关系，我们该如何提高警觉？ 这不是一场投资课。 也不会给个股推荐。 我们更想聊的是： AI 可以帮我们更快看懂信息，但它不能替我们承担后果。 ***嘉宾介绍*** **Melinda Hu, CFP** 加拿大 CFP 注册财务规划师，拥有 20 年中加税务与财富规划经验，专注小企业与家庭的税务及退休规划。她长期关注 AI 对财务规划行业的影响，也关注在技术快速变化的时代，人们如何重新理解财富、风险与安全感。 **Alex Luo** 资深 IT 软件架构师，15 年深耕云技术、AI 人工智能与科技金融行业。金融创业 5 年，致力于中产阶级财商教育和理财服务，关注 AI 在金融行业的应用和发展。 ***About Startup4Chinese*** Started in August 2017, Startup4Chinese's mission is to INSPIRE, EMPOWER, and CONNECT entrepreneurial minds not only among Chinese but beyond. We want to inspire your passionate entrepreneurship spirit, empower your brilliant startup idea, and connect you with your future reliable partner. We value Openness. We provide Pragmatic topics. We want to help you succeed! ***关于OneHub*** OneHub商业咨询是一家领先的加拿大咨询公司，提供商业咨询和顾问服务，帮助中小企业增长和成功。该公司以其战略咨询方面的专业知识而闻名，包括商业计划、市场研究、财务建模和数字化转型。创始人Eddie Lee有30多年企业实务经验，他注意到创业者常常面临相同的问题。OneHub团队，就是要为为初创企业或中小型企业遇到的问题提供全面解决方案。 ***About OneHub*** OneHub Business Consulting is a leading Canadian consulting company that provides business consulting and advisory services to help small and medium-sized enterprises grow and succeed. The company is known for its expertise in strategic consulting, including business planning, market research, financial modeling, and digital transformation. Founder Eddie Lee has over 30 years of practical experience in the corporate world and noticed that entrepreneurs often face similar problems. The OneHub team aims to provide comprehensive solutions for the issues encountered by startups or small to medium-sized businesses.

### 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.

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\.

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!

Topic to be announced. **THANK YOU** *Franklin University* for hosting our meetup! To learn more about *Franklin University*, please visit their website: https://www.franklin.edu/ **DIRECTIONS** Franklin University Fisher Hall 300 E. Main St, Columbus, OH 43215 Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jxjBA2hUmS5qrvhq8 Parking is FREE! Please park in Lot C in front of Fisher Hall. See attached map. NOTE: Map the address only. When mapping with Google Maps it may use the Fisher Hall at OSU, which is NOT correct. **Want to sponsor the pizza and/or bar tab?** Please contact me if you would like to sponsor this meetup's pizza and/or bar tab: angelo@mandato.com

Most people still use AI like a search box: type one question, get one answer, repeat. But the next step is AI agents: systems that can take a goal, break it into steps, use tools, remember context, and produce useful work for a human to review. In this beginner-friendly session, we’ll demystify what AI agents actually are — without hype or jargon. We’ll walk through practical examples of how agents can help with research, planning, writing, coding, operations, and personal productivity. We’ll cover: * What makes an AI “agent” instead of just a chatbot * How agents break tasks into steps * Where agents are genuinely useful today * Where they fail, hallucinate, or need human review * How to design simple AI workflows for your own work * A live demo of an AI agent-style workflow from start to finish No coding experience required. This is for anyone who wants to understand where AI tools are going and how to use them more effectively right now. LOGISTICS AND PARKING: The talk starts at 7:00 PM. The first half hour is reserved for everyone to get set up and mingle. Free pizza and drinks! The cheapest parking option is to find street parking, which will only cost you a few bucks. Otherwise, park in the nearby veteran's museum lot for $8. It's highly recommended you avoid the nearby $15 garage parking.

**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)

Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) has been on the mind of many developers since most of the search engines implemented AIs. The landscape of the internet is shifting beneath our feet. In 2026, users are increasingly bypassing traditional search results in favor of direct, conversational answers from platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity. If your WordPress site is optimized only for "blue links," you’re missing out on a massive wave of traffic. This meetup will dive into Answer Engine Optimization (AEO), the strategic evolution of SEO. We’ll discuss why visibility in AI-generated summaries is becoming the new "Page 1" and how the "organic click" is being replaced by "brand citations" within AI responses. We can check on what solutions already exist, what can you do yourself by optimizing your Robot.txt. But, also does all this work worth it? I hope to see everyone for the discussion on June 3rd! P.S. We will not meet on May 6th. My friends having a wedding and i am surprisingly much more involved in it. But it gives us all more time to play with AEO!

PLEASE NOTE!!! This event will be In-Person for our very 1st Improving collab! If you know the [Columbus Unity group](https://www.meetup.com/columbus-unity-user-group/) location, we'll be at the same place. This is our 1st event and are doing a soft launch with limited attendance. 1st come 1st serve. If you want to be there and we fill up, please email me at [info@thecogg.com](mailto:info@thecogg.com) and I'll be in touch. All street parking is free on Sundays but you can also pay to park in any of the local garages. See image of [parking map here](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Mr9_LFIggbs-0_Zd3AJTGNqEhgMf2TzQ/view?usp=sharing). \-\-\- On the last Sunday of the month, we're having our usual end-of-the-month social gathering with our GameDev Meetup meeting. There will be announcements and presentations followed by some social networking Let's continue the conversations with good vibes and friends. All are welcomed from all ages and backgrounds to this public event. If we can, we'll be streaming or uploading the video later via our COGG YouTube channel here: [https://www.youtube.com/@TheCOGG/streams](https://www.youtube.com/@TheCOGG/streams) (Also please do subscribe if you have not done so!) No game development experience required! If you are interested in doing a 20 minute game development related presentation, please fill out our form online here: [https://goo.gl/forms/lVdTJZiNJewlPJuj1](https://goo.gl/forms/lVdTJZiNJewlPJuj1) Or e-mail us at info@thecogg.com with the following: Your Name, Company/Affiliation, Name of Your Game/Topic, Description, Tech Needs, and Your Contact. Be sure to check out our Discord for real time news updates: [https://discord.gg/NrBhuNQ](https://discord.gg/NrBhuNQ)