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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Check out big data events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.

Discover all the big data events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.

Absolutely! Find big data events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.

Big Data Events Today

Join in-person Big Data events happening right now

Brew & Business: Meet. Connect. Grow 💡
Brew & Business: Meet. Connect. Grow 💡
We’re bringing ambitious professionals together for an evening designed to spark meaningful business connections. Register and get more details! **[Join WhatsApp group (+971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/business-connect-meetup)** It’s where **business owners, leaders, and experts** come together to spark new ideas, discover opportunities, and build connections that matter 🤝💡 ​ ✨ Meet ambitious professionals & entrepreneurs ✨ Grow your business network ✨ Explore collaborations & fresh opportunities ✨ Share ideas that inspire growth ​Each guest arrives not knowing who they’ll meet … Yet leaves with new connections, exciting possibilities, and maybe even their next big collaboration 🚀 Register and get more details! **[Join WhatsApp group (+971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/business-connect-meetup)** ​💬 Expect surprising questions. Unexpected conversations. And the kind of business insights that linger long after the evening ends. ☕ Come for the coffee. **👥** Stay for the conversations. 🚀 Leave with opportunities. ​🔥 Think bold conversations. Big energy. Authentic chemistry. Because when you bring open-minded people together in the right space … magic happens ✨ **Registration** ✅ RSVP on Meetup. ✅ [Join WhatsApp group (+971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/business-connect-meetup) *Just like any event, slots are limited. RSVP and complete your registration at the earliest.* Happy Networking 😊
☕✨ Business Networking Over Coffee ✨☕
☕✨ Business Networking Over Coffee ✨☕
We’re bringing ambitious professionals together for an evening designed to spark meaningful business connections. Register and get more details! **[Join WhatsApp group (+971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/business-connect-meetup)** It’s where **business owners, leaders, and experts** come together to spark new ideas, discover opportunities, and build connections that matter 🤝💡 ​ ✨ Meet ambitious professionals & entrepreneurs ✨ Grow your business network ✨ Explore collaborations & fresh opportunities ✨ Share ideas that inspire growth ​Each guest arrives not knowing who they’ll meet … Yet leaves with new connections, exciting possibilities, and maybe even their next big collaboration 🚀 Register and get more details! **[Join WhatsApp group (+971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/business-connect-meetup)** ​💬 Expect surprising questions. Unexpected conversations. And the kind of business insights that linger long after the evening ends. ☕ Come for the coffee. **👥** Stay for the conversations. 🚀 Leave with opportunities. ​🔥 Think bold conversations. Big energy. Authentic chemistry. Because when you bring open-minded people together in the right space … magic happens ✨ **Registration** ✅ RSVP on Meetup. ✅ [Join WhatsApp group (+971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/business-connect-meetup) *Just like any event, slots are limited. RSVP and complete your registration at the earliest.* Happy Networking 😊
Dubai Bachata Meetup!! Learn how to dance Bachata in JLT, Dubai
Dubai Bachata Meetup!! Learn how to dance Bachata in JLT, Dubai
YAAAAAY. BACHATA CLASSES IN OUR BEAUTIFUL DANCE STUDIO IN JLT. We are sure you love Latin dances as much as we do! Monday 9:00pm - 10:00pm Start date 8th of April EVENT COST: One Lesson AED 100/- 4 hours 360 AED (till the end of April) Payable in Cash, Card or Bank Transfer \*\*\* PRE-BOOKING mandatory by WhatsApp: 0553244784
Professional Arabic for Futuristic Work Settings
Professional Arabic for Futuristic Work Settings
Learn Professional Arabic in 6 month and become KHDA certified
Coffee & Connections: Where conversations spark opportunities
Coffee & Connections: Where conversations spark opportunities
We’re bringing ambitious professionals together for an evening designed to spark meaningful business connections. Register and get more details! **[Join WhatsApp group (+971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/business-connect-meetup)** It’s where **business owners, leaders, and experts** come together to spark new ideas, discover opportunities, and build connections that matter 🤝💡 ​ ✨ Meet ambitious professionals & entrepreneurs ✨ Grow your business network ✨ Explore collaborations & fresh opportunities ✨ Share ideas that inspire growth ​Each guest arrives not knowing who they’ll meet … Yet leaves with new connections, exciting possibilities, and maybe even their next big collaboration 🚀 Register and get more details! **[Join WhatsApp group (+971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/business-connect-meetup)** ​💬 Expect surprising questions. Unexpected conversations. And the kind of business insights that linger long after the evening ends. ☕ Come for the coffee. **👥** Stay for the conversations. 🚀 Leave with opportunities. ​🔥 Think bold conversations. Big energy. Authentic chemistry. Because when you bring open-minded people together in the right space … magic happens ✨ **Registration** ✅ RSVP on Meetup. ✅ [Join WhatsApp group (+971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/business-connect-meetup) *Just like any event, slots are limited. RSVP and complete your registration at the earliest.* Happy Networking 😊
Coffee & Connections | Dubai
Coffee & Connections | Dubai
Note: Registration is valid and confirmed only through **: link shared in [WhatsApp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/D1cTWNPuq8ABDWjSYE3aVM).** **☕️ Coffee & Connections \| Dubai** *Sip, Mingle & Connect! 🌟* 👉[ ](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Iz9NYHMtijFA6BGgBq51r2)**[Join the WhatsApp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/D1cTWNPuq8ABDWjSYE3aVM)** to stay updated on the exact location and weekly Join us for a social coffee meetup where good vibes, friendly faces, and great conversations come together. Unwind after a long day, meet new people, and enjoy a cozy evening in one of Dubai’s nicest café spots. 📍 Dubai \| Business Bay 🕖 7:00 PM Come for the coffee, stay for the connections — let’s sip, mingle, and make new friends! 💬✨
The Networking Roast: Bold talks. Real growth 🔥
The Networking Roast: Bold talks. Real growth 🔥
We’re bringing ambitious professionals together for an evening designed to spark meaningful business connections. Register and get more details! **[Join WhatsApp group (+971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/business-connect-meetup)** It’s where **business owners, leaders, and experts** come together to spark new ideas, discover opportunities, and build connections that matter 🤝💡 ​ ✨ Meet ambitious professionals & entrepreneurs ✨ Grow your business network ✨ Explore collaborations & fresh opportunities ✨ Share ideas that inspire growth ​Each guest arrives not knowing who they’ll meet … Yet leaves with new connections, exciting possibilities, and maybe even their next big collaboration 🚀 Register and get more details! **[Join WhatsApp group (+971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/business-connect-meetup)** ​💬 Expect surprising questions. Unexpected conversations. And the kind of business insights that linger long after the evening ends. ☕ Come for the coffee. **👥** Stay for the conversations. 🚀 Leave with opportunities. ​🔥 Think bold conversations. Big energy. Authentic chemistry. Because when you bring open-minded people together in the right space … magic happens ✨ **Registration** ✅ RSVP on Meetup. ✅ [Join WhatsApp group (+971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/business-connect-meetup) *Just like any event, slots are limited. RSVP and complete your registration at the earliest.* Happy Networking 😊

Big Data Events This Week

Discover what is happening in the next few days

Networking Mixer for Tech Startups and Data Visualization Enthusiasts
Networking Mixer for Tech Startups and Data Visualization Enthusiasts
Join Building Blocks for Businesses (3Bs) for a networking mixer designed for tech startups and data visualization enthusiasts. Connect with like-minded professionals, exchange ideas, and build valuable relationships in the startup community. Whether you are looking to showcase your innovative products, seek investment opportunities, or simply expand your network, this event is the perfect platform for you. Mingle with entrepreneurs, developers, designers, and data analysts to discuss the latest trends in technology startups and data visualization tools. Share your business strategies, learn from industry experts, and explore potential collaborations to take your startup to the next level. Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with the vibrant startup ecosystem and be part of a supportive community that empowers businesses to thrive.
House of ThinkingBig: Ideas x Coffee. Wednesday
House of ThinkingBig: Ideas x Coffee. Wednesday
House of Thinking Big: Ideas × Coffee Have you ever dreamed of being part of the early dot-com energy — when ideas were raw, ambitious, and conversations could spark entire movements? Welcome to House of Thinking Big: Ideas × Coffee — inspired by the spirit of early founder circles, when bold ideas spoke louder than decks. We gather a small circle of creative and tech leaders who think beyond borders, value authenticity and intelligent dialogue, and believe that growth begins with people and their ideas. No presentations. No ads. Just caffeine-fueled thinking. ☕ When: 6:30 PM 📍 Where: Starbucks, Emirates Towers Boulevard, Dubai 🎙️ Host: Kate Adiyak — Founder of House of Thinking Big Join the House and think bigger — together. Thinking Big Strategy Timeline 6:30 PM — Arrival & Networking 7:00 PM — Personal Problem Statement 7:30 PM — Resource Mapping 7:50 PM — Action Planning 8:00 PM — Closing No rush — Dubai traffic does Dubai traffic things. Join whenever you manage to escape the roads You will find me with a laptop and a cup of coffee [To keep in touch join my WhatsApp group ](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Lnu5UhRArdXJTengnhqLhB?mode=hqrt3)
Beyond the Cloud: A Shared Vision of Intelligence
Beyond the Cloud: A Shared Vision of Intelligence
Join us for an exclusive training exploring how Huawei Cloud and AI are building the next generation of intelligent enterprise—together with our partners in the UAE. We are enabling local partners with go-to-market solutions, joint innovation, and ecosystem support to drive growth and accelerate digital transformation across the region. Come shape what's next—with cloud, intelligence, and shared vision. **Secure your spot: http://bit.ly/3LupRRm** *Registration is subject to approval. The event location will be disclosed after approval.*
MongoDB in Practice: Performance, Indexing, and Real-World Healthcare Use Cases
MongoDB in Practice: Performance, Indexing, and Real-World Healthcare Use Cases
Join the **Dubai MongoDB User Group,** in partnership with **[UAE Software Engineers & QA Dubai](https://luma.com/uaesoftwareengineers)**, for a practical, real-world focused meetup that dives into how MongoDB is used where performance and reliability truly matter. In **Topic 1: MongoDB Index Design That Actually Works**, we’ll go beyond theory and best practices to explore how to design indexes that deliver real performance gains. Learn how to avoid common pitfalls, understand query patterns, and build efficient indexing strategies that scale in production environments. By : [Mohamed Maged](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohamed-maged-72b596a6/) In **Topic 2: MongoDB in the Heart of Healthcare**, we’ll examine how MongoDB is powering modern healthcare systems. From handling complex clinical data models to supporting high availability, security, and compliance requirements, this session will highlight real use cases and architectural patterns from the healthcare domain. By: [Ashraf Nabil](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashrafmnabil/) **In Topic 3: MongoDB Data Modeling Playbook (Patterns You’ll Use in Real Life),** Serkan Cavusoglu, a MongoDB Solutions Architect with nearly 30 years of global IT experience, will share practical approaches to designing MongoDB schemas that stay fast, flexible, and scalable. This session covers real-world data modeling patterns, embedding vs. referencing decisions, query-driven schema design, and strategies for evolving schemas without downtime. By: [Serkan Cavusoglu](https://www.linkedin.com/in/serkancavusoglu/) This meetup is ideal for **backend engineers, data engineers, architects, and tech leaders** who want to deepen their MongoDB expertise through practical insights and industry-driven examples. Whether you’re optimizing performance or building mission-critical systems, this event will provide valuable takeaways and opportunities to connect with the local MongoDB community in Dubai 🇦🇪. 🚀 **Come learn, share, and network with fellow MongoDB practitioners.**
Dubai AI Meetup
Dubai AI Meetup
**What this is about?** This is a meetup group focused on AI. We meet every Saturday at 7:30pm at DIFC. Usually there are up to 30 people from different backgrounds, such as AI programmers, rocket engineers, physicists, marketing, designers, investors... But it's also meant for people who have no background in AI and are looking for more insight. This is a very casual group for everyone, no presentations, you can pitch your AI business idea or discuss your favorite Terminator movie. We meet at the Stage Area (next to S&C Music, see directions https://imgur.com/a/QIvYOvT ) above the Carrefour market at DIFC, just look for a group of people there without board games (if you see board games, that's another group). The group is free and there is no requirement to buy anything. There is free wifi. 📣 WhatsApp group for event updates (only mods can post): [https://chat.whatsapp.com/JjrVIJyxHbe9fUWoGLaJsZ](https://chat.whatsapp.com/JjrVIJyxHbe9fUWoGLaJsZ) 📍To get there: 🚇 Metro Station: Financial Centre Metro Station, 5 minutes walk, look for the Financial Centre exit sign. 🚗 Parking Options: Gate Avenue Parking is unfortunately under construction. Other options: Gate District Building 2: free underground parking from 6 pm onwards. \* Street Parking near Ritz Carlton: This is a paid parking option, conveniently located. \* Gate Avenue Open Parking: Present a purchase receipt for 4 hours of complimentary parking. 💡 **Note**: *You might see a few other Meetup pages with similar names - this one’s run by the folks actually hosting the weekly meetups and building the in-person community you’ve seen at DIFC.* *PS: We occasionally take group photos to capture good vibes and community spirit, by attending you're comfortable with casual group photos - feel free to step aside if you don't wish to be in them*
Picking Up the Pieces - What happens after the consultants leave
Picking Up the Pieces - What happens after the consultants leave
Happy New Year and welcome back! This session is a relaxed post–winter break catch-up for the HCD UAE community, with time to reconnect, share stories, and ease back into the year together. Alongside the networking, we’ll have a short, informal talk led by **[Julie Rix](https://www.linkedin.com/in/julierixbagger/)**, Co-founder and Strategic Designer at **The Sifer Network**. Julie will reflect on a familiar pattern many organisations experience after engaging large management consultancies, the moment when the strategy decks are delivered, the consultants move on, and internal teams are left to “pick up the pieces”. The conversation will touch on themes such as how strategy engagements often fail to build real capability inside organisations, how dependency can form in both the short and long term, and what happens when a 300+ slide PowerPoint lands without clear ownership, execution, or embedded change. Rather than a takedown, this is a reflective discussion grounded in a couple of real projects and lived experience. The aim is to spark thoughtful conversation about what actually helps organisations scale, adapt, and improve once external advisors have left the room. As always with HCD UAE, expect a friendly crowd, thoughtful discussion, and plenty of space to connect with others working across design, product, service, strategy, and research.
AI Builders & Business Connect | Dubai Meetup
AI Builders & Business Connect | Dubai Meetup
### **Where Dubai’s AI Innovators, Operators, and Talent Meet to Build the Future** Are you building in AI? Launching a tech startup? Exploring how AI can transform your business or job? Or looking to join the next big thing in AI? Join **AI Builders & Business Connect**, a **founder-first, operator-focused meetup** for Dubai’s tech and AI community. This isn’t your typical networking mixer—it’s a room full of **people building**, **people hiring**, and **people looking to grow**. *** ## **🗓️ Event Details** **Coffee & Sundries, First Floor** **When: 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM (Sharp) - Every Thursday** **Where:** Coffee & Sundries, First Floor (Above Carrefour), DIFC, Dubai **Entry: FREE**— we just ask that you support the venue by purchasing a coffee or some food. *** ## **🚀 What to Expect** This is for **doers, decision-makers, and tech talent ready to build:** ### **🔹 AI 60-Second Spotlight** Founders, job seekers, and partners get **60 seconds to introduce themselves**—no slides, no fluff. ### **🔹 Speed Collaboration Rounds** Quick, curated connections between **builders, investors, operators, and AI talent**. ### **🔹 Real Conversations, Real Opportunities** Whether you’re hiring, raising, building, or job hunting—this is where partnerships start. ### **🔹 Dubai & UAE Playbook** Hear practical tips from locals on how to **launch, hire, and scale tech ventures in the region.** *** ### 📋 Agenda * **7:30 – 8:00 PM** Introductions * **8:00 – 8:45 PM** Market research using different AI tools * **8:45 – 9:15 PM** Prototyping session on one selected idea * **9:15 PM onward** Networking ## **💡 Who Should Attend?** * **AI Founders & Startup Builders** * **Tech Entrepreneurs & SaaS Leaders** * **Investors scouting AI deals** * **Engineers, Developers & Product Leaders working in AI** * **Job Seekers & Operators looking to join AI and tech startups** * **Enterprise Innovators exploring AI use cases** *** ## **⚠️ Important** * **Your RSVP is a commitment**—let us know 24 hours in advance if plans change * **Doors close at 7:30 PM sharp**—no late entries *** ## **🌍 Hosted by Pradeep Valat** Startup advisor, investor, and AI business strategist helping founders unlock growth. LinkedIn: [linkedin.com/in/ivallat](https://linkedin.com/in/ivallat) WhatsApp: +971 529503315 *** ## **🔥 Why This Event?** Dubai’s AI and tech scene is booming—but it’s still about **who you know and who you build with.** This is where **startups meet talent, investors meet ideas, and builders find partners.** **Spots are limited. If you’re serious about AI, this is your room.** **By participating in AI Builders & Business Connect \| events\, you consent to the use of photos and videos captured during the event for promotional purposes\.**

Big Data Events Near You

Connect with your local Big Data community

CBusData - Ok I Want to Get Data into Fabric - Now What?
CBusData - Ok I Want to Get Data into Fabric - Now What?
I love my job and one of the main things I do is help customers get going with any of the data technologies at Microsoft. Right now there are a lot of my customers asking about Microsoft Fabric. It's hard to weave across all the shiny new options across the Fabric landscape, let alone figure out where it fits into your organization. In this session we'll focus on answering one question - how can I get data into Fabric? We'll talk through the "it depends" options and see some of the options in live demos.
DoJo (Informal Python Meeting)
DoJo (Informal Python Meeting)
**New Dojo Location!** **Draft Day Columbus** 1130 Dublin Road Columbus, OH 43215 We're going to try a new dojo location for a few weeks and see how it works Dojos are informal Python group study sessions where everyone interested in Python gathers to learn about Python, help others with Python, or just hang out. Everyone is welcome from Python beginners to experts. Bringing a laptop is encouraged (we'll have extension cords and power strips). If there's something you want to learn leave a comment on this invite so we can plan ahead. We're looking for topic suggestions and people interested in presenting at our monthly meetings. To this end we've set up a survey form at [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/15eBKF1nQQ2XS5gzD4rvhVRHMBEj7lJtHuA9wXupS3Uc](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/15eBKF1nQQ2XS5gzD4rvhVRHMBEj7lJtHuA9wXupS3Uc)
Azure CBUS January: Learn Infrastructure-as-Code Through Minecraft
Azure CBUS January: Learn Infrastructure-as-Code Through Minecraft
## Learn Infrastructure-as-Code (the FUN Way) — Through Minecraft 🎮☁️ **Joint Meetup: Azure CBUS × Columbus HashiCorp User Group × DevOps Columbus** What if learning Terraform and Infrastructure-as-Code didn’t feel like a whitepaper… but more like a game? Join us for a joint Azure CBUS, Columbus HashiCorp User Group, and DevOps Columbus meetup where **Mark Tinderholt** \(Principal Architect\, Microsoft Azure \| HashiCorp Ambassador \| “The Azure Terraformer”\) shows how **Minecraft** can be used as a surprisingly powerful way to understand real-world Infrastructure-as-Code concepts. In this session, Mark will demonstrate how Terraform and Azure can be used to provision, configure, and manage Minecraft servers—while teaching the same patterns you’d use for production cloud infrastructure. ### What we’ll cover * Infrastructure-as-Code fundamentals using **Terraform** * Provisioning real infrastructure on **Azure** * Applying **IaC best practices** (immutability, repeatability, versioning) * How playful environments like Minecraft make complex concepts *click* * Why learning through experimentation beats click-ops every time ### Who should attend * Developers, platform engineers, and cloud engineers * Terraform users (new or experienced) * Anyone curious about Infrastructure-as-Code but tired of boring examples * Minecraft fans who want to see it used in a totally unexpected way No prior Minecraft experience required—just curiosity and a willingness to learn infrastructure the fun way. Come for the blocks, stay for the Terraform. 🧱➡️📐 Want to be a speaker? submit your talk to our Call for Presenters!!! https://sessionize.com/azure-cbus-2026/
DevOps Columbus January: Learn Infrastructure-as-Code Through Minecraft
DevOps Columbus January: Learn Infrastructure-as-Code Through Minecraft
## Details \#\# Learn Infrastructure\-as\-Code \(the FUN Way\) — Through Minecraft 🎮☁️ **Joint Meetup: DevOps Columbus - Azure CBUS - Columbus HashiCorp User Group** What if learning Terraform and Infrastructure-as-Code didn’t feel like a whitepaper… but more like a game? Join us for a joint DevOps Columbus, Azure CBUS and Columbus HashiCorp User Group meetup where **Mark Tinderholt** \(Principal Architect\, Microsoft Azure \| HashiCorp Ambassador \| “The Azure Terraformer”\) shows how **Minecraft** can be used as a surprisingly powerful way to understand real-world Infrastructure-as-Code concepts. In this session, Mark will demonstrate how Terraform and Azure can be used to provision, configure, and manage Minecraft servers—while teaching the same patterns you’d use for production cloud infrastructure. \#\#\# What we’ll cover * Infrastructure-as-Code fundamentals using **Terraform** * Provisioning real infrastructure on **Azure** * Applying **IaC best practices** (immutability, repeatability, versioning) * How playful environments like Minecraft make complex concepts *click* * Why learning through experimentation beats click-ops every time \#\#\# Who should attend * Developers, platform engineers, and cloud engineers * Terraform users (new or experienced) * Anyone curious about Infrastructure-as-Code but tired of boring examples * Minecraft fans who want to see it used in a totally unexpected way No prior Minecraft experience required—just curiosity and a willingness to learn infrastructure the fun way. Come for the blocks, stay for the Terraform. 🧱➡️📐
February Ann Arbor R Users' Group Meeting - AI in RStudio (Hybrid, with Pizza!)
February Ann Arbor R Users' Group Meeting - AI in RStudio (Hybrid, with Pizza!)
**We'll have two meetings covering AI - this one is for RStudio** We will review which AI features are linked in for RStudio, and a quick demonstration of using AI to write R code with external AI (such as ChatGPT, ClaudeAI, etc.) The code will be either run on Posit Cloud (RStudio on the web) or in RStudio desktop (from a Github repository). **Location:** The meetup will be at SPARK's ([https://annarborusa.org/](https://annarborusa.org/)) Ann Arbor site: [SPARK HQ (Ann Arbor)](https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.google.com/maps/place/Ann*Arbor*SPARK*Headquarters/@42.2792515,-83.7447708,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x883cae3effe193cb:0x5296a53db2a282bf!8m2!3d42.2792515!4d-83.7447708?hl=en-US__;Kysr!!HXCxUKc!3EEdBNXRJKknP6LCGkZetSuEsdtChFojQnOVitFUC5C0fyilqXEbiMstT9ajBR3Cw-55qoFkrElCjQvjMdTxUw$). There is on street parking, and parking at local structures. **This will be a hybrid meeting - the Zoom session starts at 6:30 PM.** **Time:** The doors will be open at 6:00, with pizza and beverages provided. We will have a meet-and-greet-and-pizza session, and then at 6:30 we'll have a presentation. **Zoom information:** https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87236570854?pwd=zhj9DSebB1LaBeam4LFF90OHFVzPrz.1 Passcode: 012862 **If you can't get in, please call me at: 734 223-3307** **Document source:**
Columbus HUG January: Learn Infrastructure-as-Code Through Minecraft
Columbus HUG January: Learn Infrastructure-as-Code Through Minecraft
## Learn Infrastructure-as-Code (the FUN Way) — Through Minecraft 🎮☁️ **Joint Meetup: Azure CBUS × Columbus HashiCorp User Group** What if learning Terraform and Infrastructure-as-Code didn’t feel like a whitepaper… but more like a game? Join us for a joint Azure CBUS and Columbus HashiCorp User Group meetup where **Mark Tinderholt** \(Principal Architect\, Microsoft Azure \| HashiCorp Ambassador \| “The Azure Terraformer”\) shows how **Minecraft** can be used as a surprisingly powerful way to understand real-world Infrastructure-as-Code concepts. In this session, Mark will demonstrate how Terraform and Azure can be used to provision, configure, and manage Minecraft servers—while teaching the same patterns you’d use for production cloud infrastructure. ### What we’ll cover * Infrastructure-as-Code fundamentals using **Terraform** * Provisioning real infrastructure on **Azure** * Applying **IaC best practices** (immutability, repeatability, versioning) * How playful environments like Minecraft make complex concepts *click* * Why learning through experimentation beats click-ops every time ### Who should attend * Developers, platform engineers, and cloud engineers * Terraform users (new or experienced) * Anyone curious about Infrastructure-as-Code but tired of boring examples * Minecraft fans who want to see it used in a totally unexpected way No prior Minecraft experience required—just curiosity and a willingness to learn infrastructure the fun way. Come for the blocks, stay for the Terraform. 🧱➡️📐 Want to be a speaker? submit your talk to our Call for Presenters!!! https://sessionize.com/cbus-hug-2026/
Azure CBUS February: Build Your Own MCP Server
Azure CBUS February: Build Your Own MCP Server
### Tools in your AI's Toolbox : An introduction to MCP Servers The generative AI revolution has unlocked unprecedented capabilities, but the next frontier is agency: empowering models to interact with, query, and act upon the world. The current challenge is the “N x M integration problem,” where every AI model requires a custom, brittle integration for each external tool or data source. This approach simply doesn’t scale. How can we give an AI access to our sales leads, code repositories, or IoT devices in a standardized, secure, and reusable way? This session introduces Anthropic’s Model Context Protocol (MCP), the open-source framework designed to solve this challenge and become the universal connector—the USB-C port—for AI. MCP standardizes how AI models discover and use external tools, moving beyond simple function-calling to a robust, client-server architecture. We will dive into how this open protocol is creating a new ecosystem for building powerful, context-aware AI agents. Join this session for a developer-focused introduction where you will learn how to: Understand the core concepts of the open-source Model Context Protocol and its architecture. Utilize pre-built, open-source MCP servers to instantly connect AI to tools like Git, Slack, and databases. Build a custom MCP server to securely expose your own proprietary data and APIs as tools for any compliant AI. Move beyond bespoke integrations and contribute to a standardized, collaborative, and open ecosystem. Stop building one-off connectors and start building intelligent agents. This session will give you the practical knowledge to leverage MCP and create the next generation of AI that doesn’t just talk, but does. Want to be a speaker? submit your talk to our Call for Presenters!!! [https://sessionize.com/azure-cbus-2026/](https://sessionize.com/azure-cbus-2026/)