Ex-New Yorkers

Speaker: **Ivana Martić** Title: **When a Prompt Becomes Part of the System: Voice AI in the Recruiting Industry** Prompting is often reduced to writing a few clear instructions for LLMs. In Voice AI systems that interact with humans in real time — without scroll-back, in noisy environments, and with unpredictable human speech — the prompt becomes part of the system, and prompt engineering turns into an engineering problem. Using Voice AI agents in the recruiting industry as a case study, we will talk about key challenges of controlling voice agents and shows how their behavior is designed, monitored and evaluated in production. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Join us on **Wednesday** at MaMa for a first talk of the year. Drinks and a discussion afterwards at [Old Pharmacy Pub](https://maps.app.goo.gl/AeaRdnBrMqPiRhvPA) 🍻🍷🥤

Poznata hrvatska neuroznanstvenica i akademkinja **Vida Demarin** majstorski spaja strogu neurologiju s duhovnim i holističkim pristupom životu. Njezina glavna poruka je snažna i osnažujuća: **mi sami oblikujemo strukturu svog mozga!** Kroz misli, emocije, vizualizacije i ljubav možemo aktivno mijenjati strukturu i funkciju mozga zahvaljujući **neuroplastičnosti** – sposobnosti mozga da se prilagođava i obnavlja tijekom cijelog života. Genetika utječe samo oko **5%**, dok **epigenetika** – naš način života, misli i emocije – čini čak **95%**. Mozak ne razlikuje u potpunosti maštu od stvarnosti, pa pozitivne vizualizacije i emocije poput ljubavi i zahvalnosti doslovno mijenjaju kemiju tijela i mozga. Na ovom meetupu istražit ćemo ključne teme iz Demarinih učenja: * **Ljubav kao najjači stimulus** za neuroplastičnost – jača empatiju, emocionalnu regulaciju i otpornost na stres. * **Upravljanje emocijama**: Kako promijeniti 75% negativnih misli afirmacijama i vizualizacijom te razviti samokontrolu. * **Oproštenje i odgovornost** – ključ oslobađanja od ljutnje i trauma. * **Stres i otpornost**: Razlika između "dobrog" i "lošeg" stresa te kako preuzeti kontrolu nad reakcijama (inspirirano Viktorom Franklom). * **Empatija i odnosi**: Kvalitetni odnosi i ljubav temelj su sreće i zdravlja mozga (prema Harvardovom istraživanju). * **Intuicija srca**: Srce ima svoju "inteligenciju" koja povezuje emocije s mudrošću i emocionalnom zrelosti. Akademkinja Vida Demarin cijenjena je specijalistica neuropsihijatrije te redovita članica Hrvatske akademije znanosti i umjetnosti. Predsjednica je Međunarodnog instituta za zdravlje mozga te jedna od osnivača uvođenja neinvazivne ultrazvučne dopler dijagnostike i procjene moždane cirkulacije ne samo u Hrvatskoj, već i u ovom dijelu Europe. 📍 Pivana, Ilica 222, Zagreb 🗓 14.01.2026. u 18:00 h Organizator: Međunarodni institut za emocionalnu zrelost – zajednica poduzetnika, stručnjaka i znanstvenika posvećenih razvoju pojedinaca i društva.🌐 http://emotionalmaturity.eu

Where locals, expats & travellers turn Thursday into Small Friday. Hey everyone! As we ease into 2026 ✨, we’re wishing you good health 💛, calm energy 🌿, and plenty of moments that feel human 🤝💬. New starts can be exciting 😌, messy 😵‍💫, or just a bit much 😮‍💨 all of that’s fine 🤍. Wherever you’re at 📍, you’re welcome here 🫶. Here’s to a year of kindness ✨, real chats 🗣️, and small wins 🌱, shared in good company 🍻🛋️. Whether you’ve just landed in Zagreb, been here a while, or live right around the corner, **Small Friday International Zagreb** (**[SFIZ.FUN](https://sites.google.com/view/smallfridayinternationalzagreb)**) is your go-to for winter evenings, language swapping, and good times with great people. 📍 **Where?** The Beertija, Pavla Hatza 16 🕗 **When?** Thursdays, every other week from 8PM ✨ Free to join, just grab a drink and support the bar’s rockin’ vibe 🍺🎸 ✨ Open to all, all ages, all vibes, all language levels welcome 💬 **What to expect?** 🗣️ **Language Exchange:** English, Croatian, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Ukrainian, Russian… you name it 💬🌐 🌍 **Cultural Vibes:** Locals, expats, travellers, Erasmus students . . . sharing tips, stories & laughs 🎭✨ 🤝 **New Connections:** Real convos, real mates, winter evenings to remember 🤗 🍷 **Weekend Planners:** From concerts, winter sports, partying to fests and day trips, let’s plot our winter adventures 🎶❄️🏔️ 🌟 **Why now?** The Christmas markets have closed 🎄❌, the New Year celebrations have faded 🎆➡️🌙, and Zagreb has slipped into its **winter mood** 🏙️❄️. The days are grey 🌫️, sometimes snowy 🌨️, cold 🧣🥶 the kind of weather that pulls people indoors 🏠 and a little closer together 🤍🤝. This is the season of **quiet, grounded pleasures** 🌿✨: winter walks through the city 🚶‍♂️❄️🏙️, snow-dusted hikes on Sljeme 🌲🏔️🌨️, museums and cinemas 🖼️🎬, ice rinks ⛸️❄️ and proper warm food 🍲🔥, followed by long conversations 💬🕯️ over a drink 🍷🍺. Zagreb is also a little unusual in winter ✨ because it offers something rare: a **mini ski holiday within the city** 🏙️➡️🏔️🎿. When there’s enough snow 🌨️, Sljeme serves up slopes perfect for beginners and casual skiers 😊🎿 no mega-resorts 🚫🏨, no queues 🚫⏳, just straightforward winter sport close to home 🏡❄️. And if skiing isn’t your thing 🙃, there’s skating ✨⛸️: **outdoor ice skating at Šalata** 🌌⛸️, or **indoor rinks at Velesajam or the Admiral Ice Dome** 🏟️❄️ playful 😄, social 🤍, and very winter-appropriate 🌨️. After the festivities are over 🎭➡️🌙, what remains is **everyday life** and that’s where genuine connection happens 🤝💬. Winter is for slowing down 🐢✨, sharing stories 📖🕯️, warming up together 🔥🧣, and finding comfort in good company 👥🤍. And the best way to share it? At **[SFIZ.FUN](https://sites.google.com/view/smallfridayinternationalzagreb)**. Our meetups are where plans get made, tips get swapped, and crews form to explore Zagreb together. 🌍💖 🍺 **Why The Beertija?** Because it’s that place everyone ends up wishing they’d gone to 😏✨ Warm beer cellar vibes 🍻🔥, cosy living-room energy 🛋️☕, 🚭 non-smoking inside (happy clothes, happy lungs 😌), plus a covered outdoor patio for quick smoke breaks 🚬😉. Skip it, and you’ll hear about it later 👀💬 💡 Top tip: Turn up early, smile, catch someone’s eye, and dive into conversation, that’s how the magic starts 😉💫 No pressure, just rock up and join the crew. 💖 Let’s ditch the screen, grab a drink, and meet the world! See you soon, **SFIZ Crew** P.S. Spread the word https://sites.google.com/view/smallfridayinternationalzagreb 🔎 **How to Spot Us** New here? Best trick is to swing by right at the start, that’s when it’s easiest to find the crew and jump straight in, or ask the bar staff about the event ✨ Need quick updates or can’t see us straight away? No worries, our [WhatsApp group](https://sites.google.com/view/smallfridayinternationalzagreb/faq/sfiz-whatsapp-guide-keeping-it-fun-and-respectful) is where you can ask quick questions. 💖 #ZagrebGlobalMingle 💖

Speaker: **Ivana Martić** Title: **When a Prompt Becomes Part of the System: Voice AI in the Recruiting Industry** Prompting is often reduced to writing a few clear instructions for LLMs. In Voice AI systems that interact with humans in real time — without scroll-back, in noisy environments, and with unpredictable human speech — the prompt becomes part of the system, and prompt engineering turns into an engineering problem. Using Voice AI agents in the recruiting industry as a case study, we will talk about key challenges of controlling voice agents and shows how their behavior is designed, monitored and evaluated in production. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Join us on **Wednesday** at MaMa for a first talk of the year. Drinks and a discussion afterwards at [Old Pharmacy Pub](https://maps.app.goo.gl/AeaRdnBrMqPiRhvPA) 🍻🍷🥤

Poznata hrvatska neuroznanstvenica i akademkinja **Vida Demarin** majstorski spaja strogu neurologiju s duhovnim i holističkim pristupom životu. Njezina glavna poruka je snažna i osnažujuća: **mi sami oblikujemo strukturu svog mozga!** Kroz misli, emocije, vizualizacije i ljubav možemo aktivno mijenjati strukturu i funkciju mozga zahvaljujući **neuroplastičnosti** – sposobnosti mozga da se prilagođava i obnavlja tijekom cijelog života. Genetika utječe samo oko **5%**, dok **epigenetika** – naš način života, misli i emocije – čini čak **95%**. Mozak ne razlikuje u potpunosti maštu od stvarnosti, pa pozitivne vizualizacije i emocije poput ljubavi i zahvalnosti doslovno mijenjaju kemiju tijela i mozga. Na ovom meetupu istražit ćemo ključne teme iz Demarinih učenja: * **Ljubav kao najjači stimulus** za neuroplastičnost – jača empatiju, emocionalnu regulaciju i otpornost na stres. * **Upravljanje emocijama**: Kako promijeniti 75% negativnih misli afirmacijama i vizualizacijom te razviti samokontrolu. * **Oproštenje i odgovornost** – ključ oslobađanja od ljutnje i trauma. * **Stres i otpornost**: Razlika između "dobrog" i "lošeg" stresa te kako preuzeti kontrolu nad reakcijama (inspirirano Viktorom Franklom). * **Empatija i odnosi**: Kvalitetni odnosi i ljubav temelj su sreće i zdravlja mozga (prema Harvardovom istraživanju). * **Intuicija srca**: Srce ima svoju "inteligenciju" koja povezuje emocije s mudrošću i emocionalnom zrelosti. Akademkinja Vida Demarin cijenjena je specijalistica neuropsihijatrije te redovita članica Hrvatske akademije znanosti i umjetnosti. Predsjednica je Međunarodnog instituta za zdravlje mozga te jedna od osnivača uvođenja neinvazivne ultrazvučne dopler dijagnostike i procjene moždane cirkulacije ne samo u Hrvatskoj, već i u ovom dijelu Europe. 📍 Pivana, Ilica 222, Zagreb 🗓 14.01.2026. u 18:00 h Organizator: Međunarodni institut za emocionalnu zrelost – zajednica poduzetnika, stručnjaka i znanstvenika posvećenih razvoju pojedinaca i društva.🌐 http://emotionalmaturity.eu

Ciao! L'appuntamento di **gennaio** è per **giovedì 15 alle 19** con un altro interessante talk in presenza, sempre al [Politecnico di Milano](https://www.google.com/maps/place/45%C2%B028'41.3%22N+9%C2%B013'43.6%22E/@45.478127,9.228763,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m4!3m3!8m2!3d45.478127!4d9.228763?entry=ttu)! Questo mese lo speaker sarà **Marco Nicastro**, con il talk **Il mondo dei gestionali con WordPress fra sogni e realtà.** Durante questo talk vorrei parlare di come è possibile realizzare dei veri e propri gestionali direttamente con WordPress e dei vantaggi e degli svantaggi in cui si incorre se si decide di intraprendere questa strada. Oltre a questo vorrei poi presentare un caso studio per rendere il tutto più pratico. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Saremo in diretta streaming** Non puoi partecipare di persona? Noi non ti giudicheremo! :) Se vuoi, puoi seguirci anche in diretta streaming su YouTube. Il link sarà visibile solo una volta che avrai fatto la tua iscrizione all'evento. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **In breve, ecco come sarà organizzata la serata:** 19:00 Benvenuto + networking 19:20 Presentazione (di circa 50 minuti) 20:10 Domande e risposte 20:30 Fine; Chi vuole può continuare il networking in un bar o pizzeria vicino al luogo dell’evento. All’inizio dell’incontro faremo il conteggio per prenotare: per non creare disguidi conferma la presenza solo se sei sicuro di venire. Networking significa che ci sarà tempo per chiacchierare con chi partecipa e fare amicizia. Potresti trovare una persona interessante, un futuro cliente, un futuro fornitore o un nuovo partner di lavoro, chi può dirlo? Non riesci a venire, o devi dare la tua disdetta? Nessun rancore, sarà per la prossima. Ti chiediamo solo di farci sapere 24 ore prima così - liberiamo il tuo posto per altre persone. **Vuoi essere speaker?** Beh, nulla di più facile: **Compila il modulo [cliccando qui](https://wpmilano.org/speaker-form/)**. Ti risponderemo per fornirti tutti i dettagli. Ci vediamo lì! 😉

Join us for a Classic Movie Monday event to see one of the best comedy films of all time, ANNIE HALL! This Woody Allen classic stars Diane Keaton and follows a man who reflects on his relationship with an aspiring nightclub singer, which ended abruptly just like his previous marriages. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: The film follows Alvy Singer, a divorced Jewish comedian, reflects on his relationship with ex-lover Annie Hall, an aspiring nightclub singer, which ended abruptly just like his previous marriages. It is written/directed by Woody Allen and stars Diane Keaton (in a role written specifically for her), Woody Allen, Tony Roberts, Carol Kane, Paul Simon, Janet Margolin, Shelley Duvall, Christopher Walken and Colleen Dewhurst. Also keep an eye out for Beverly D’Angelo and Sigourney Weaver in her film debut! TRAILER: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bj4ZoeRMHwU](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bj4ZoeRMHwU) 2010 CBS Sunday Morning Interview with Diane Keaton on Woody Allen, “Annie Hall,” and marriage: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4CpyJhbXaM](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4CpyJhbXaM) CELEBRATING DIANE KEATON: The film is part of the Drexel's “Starring Diane Keaton,” program, which celebrates the life of the legendary actress in January. BUZZ & ACCLAIM: ANNIE HALL was nominated for five Academy Awards, winning four: Best Picture, Best Director. Best Original Screenplay and Best Actress for Diane Keaton. It also won 4 BAFTAs (Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay and Best Actress) and a Golden Globes Best for Best Actress – Motion Picture Comedy or Musical for Diane Keaton. It is regarded as the greatest comedy films ever made and ranks 31st on AFI's list of the 100 greatest films in American cinema, 4th on their list of the greatest comedy films and 28th on Bravo's "100 Funniest Movies." Film critic Roger Ebert called it "just about everyone's favorite Woody Allen movie.” PLAN: Please purchase your ticket for the 7:00pm showing and meet inside the theater lobby between 6:30 and 6:45pm! A full house is expected so early arrival is advised. We'll head into the theater by 6:50pm to get good seats. Be sure to mention you're with the Movie Group for admission and concession discounts. Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

⚠️ **IMPORTANT: You must sign up and buy a ticket here to attend:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) **Join the Columbus City Brunch Club and make new friends!** Each meetup brings together 4–6 people for casual conversations over brunch. We use the Groupvibe platform to facilitate the meetup and ensure everyone’s a good fit. 👉 **To attend, you’ll need to complete registration via this link:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) We’ll share the exact location of the upcoming meetup the night before only if you have bought a ticket or membership plan. **Why this works:** \* Smaller groups make real conversations easier. \* Discover new restaurants in your city, together. \* Curated lunch venues with good food and vibe. \* If you hit it off with your group, there’s plenty of time to hang out afterwards. **Note:** RSVPs on Meetup don’t reflect total attendance. Many attendees register directly via our website. The event on [Meetup.com](http://meetup.com/) is only a placeholder. This meetup is organized by Groupvibe, a small team passionate about helping people form meaningful friendships offline.

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 7:00pm the second & fourth Wednesday of every month at Two Dollar Radio Headquarters (HQ). 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:** 6:45ish - Quick introductions 7:00 - Timer starts: write for 1 hour 8:00 - The End **OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING** happens around 6:45pm. 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! If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing & I look forward to seeing you at Two Dollar Radio HQ! **WHAT SHOULD I BRING?** Whatever you need to be able to write! Other customers are welcome at Two Dollar HQ at the time, so please bring earplugs/headphones if noise will bother you! **OTHER IMPORTANT DETAILS:** * **RSVP:** Please RSVP by 6:00pm the evening of the meeting. This helps me know how many to expect, and if we'll need additional space! * **COVID:** While masks are not required, please be mindful of the other writers around you and their comfort levels. * **ACCESSIBILITY:** Two Dollar Radio HQ's entrance door on Cline Street is wheelchair accessible, they have two gender-neutral bathrooms that are both wheelchair accessible, and their ordering and table-seating area is as well. Working service dogs are allowed. * **WIFI/OUTLETS:** Outlets are limited, so please ensure your devices are charged when you come! But Two Dollar Radio HQ does have free WiFi! Yay! * **PARKING:** There is free public street parking on all surrounding streets, on both sides of Parsons Ave. You are also welcome to park in the Columbus Metropolitan Library parking lot across the street (1113 Parsons Ave). Two Dollar Radio HQ has a bike rack on the corner of Cline and Parsons, and the library has bike parking (across Parsons). * **FOOD/BEVERAGE:** Two Dollar Radio HQ is a bar and vegan cafe. Their food is 100% vegan and made from scratch, with love. They also serve a range of wine, beer, and cocktails, as well as coffees and teas. If you're able to, please consider thanking our venue by purchasing something!!

Let's have lunch at Uptown Westerville's newest restaurant. Ampersand is owned by the same couple who owns Asterisk. They are known for ramen, rice bowls, teriyaki and small plates.

Build your network the fun and productive way! We have had THOUSANDS of amazing connections created at our luncheons over the last 9 years! Join us at the brand new North High Brewing, in Downtown Dublin, every 3rd Monday from 11:30am-1pm! The address is: 56 N High St, Dublin, OH 43017 There is plenty of free parking across the street in the Library Parking lot! All are welcome, and there is no charge for the event. Just purchase your own lunch! Whether you are a new networker, or a seasoned networker, you'll feel welcome from the time you arrive, and leave energized with all of your new connections! Arrive at 11:30am to enjoy some open networking in a very cool location! At 11:45am, everyone will be seated, order their own meals, and get to know their new table-mates! Beginning at noon, we provide the opportunity for all participants to be introduced and welcomed to the group. Having a good conversation and want to stay longer? No problem, we have a private room, so stay as long as you like. We do have a limited amount of space, so RSVP right away and please honor your RSVP! I will keep an eye out and close off the event once we reach capacity. See you at lunch! By attending an event with the CONNECTED Networking Group, Become a Better Networker, and/or Chris Borja, you are granting permission to the CONNECTED Networking Group, Become a Better Networker, Chris Borja, and anyone authorized, to have unlimited right, without charge, to use your likeness in photos, videos, recordings and in all media now known or hereafter created to be used and distributed in perpetuity for promotional and publicity purposes. By attending an event you agree to release the CONNECTED Networking Group, Become a Better Networker, Chris Borja, and anyone authorized, their staff, board of directors, members and their partners from any liability.

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 Sunday 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 noon on Sundays. 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: 12:00 - quick intros. 12:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 1:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 1-1:30ish. 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. 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 Sunday!