Connection
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Check out connection events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.
Discover all the connection events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
Absolutely! Find connection events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.
Connection Events Today
Join in-person Connection events happening right now
Pickleball.
CHANGED to WEDNESDAYS
COLUMBUS RECREATION CENTERS require membership fee to play. Register & Pay at the desk when you arrive. $5 day pass is available.
I have some extra pickle ball paddles and balls if you donât have one. Definitely bring your own paddle if you have one and bring some balls if you have them.
Legal Stuff: The event hosts/Organizers are just fellow member volunteers. By participating in any event, you assume all risks of liability and injury inherent in these activities. You are responsible for your own safety and for determining if you are in condition fit to participate. You are also responsible for knowing and abiding by all laws and rules during your participation in any event.âŠ
Photos & or Video: by attending these events you acknowledge photos and or video may be taken and used on this and other platforms.
DevOps Columbus January: Learn Infrastructure-as-Code Through Minecraft
## Details
\#\# Learn Infrastructure\-as\-Code \(the FUN Way\) â Through Minecraft đŽâď¸
**Joint Meetup: DevOps Columbus - Azure CBUS - Columbus HashiCorp User Group**
What if learning Terraform and Infrastructure-as-Code didnât 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** \(Principal Architect\, Microsoft Azure \| HashiCorp Ambassador \| âThe Azure Terraformerâ\) 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 serversâwhile teaching the same patterns youâd use for production cloud infrastructure.
\#\#\# What weâll 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 requiredâjust curiosity and a willingness to learn infrastructure the fun way.
Come for the blocks, stay for the Terraform. đ§ąâĄď¸đ
Azure CBUS January: Learn Infrastructure-as-Code Through Minecraft
## Learn Infrastructure-as-Code (the FUN Way) â Through Minecraft đŽâď¸
**Joint Meetup: Azure CBUS Ă Columbus HashiCorp User Group Ă DevOps Columbus**
What if learning Terraform and Infrastructure-as-Code didnât 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** \(Principal Architect\, Microsoft Azure \| HashiCorp Ambassador \| âThe Azure Terraformerâ\) 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 serversâwhile teaching the same patterns youâd use for production cloud infrastructure.
### What weâll 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 requiredâjust curiosity and a willingness to learn infrastructure the fun way.
Come for the blocks, stay for the Terraform. đ§ąâĄď¸đ
Want to be a speaker? submit your talk to our Call for Presenters!!!
https://sessionize.com/azure-cbus-2026/
Columbus HUG January: Learn Infrastructure-as-Code Through Minecraft
## Learn Infrastructure-as-Code (the FUN Way) â Through Minecraft đŽâď¸
**Joint Meetup: Azure CBUS Ă Columbus HashiCorp User Group**
What if learning Terraform and Infrastructure-as-Code didnât 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** \(Principal Architect\, Microsoft Azure \| HashiCorp Ambassador \| âThe Azure Terraformerâ\) 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 serversâwhile teaching the same patterns youâd use for production cloud infrastructure.
### What weâll 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 requiredâjust curiosity and a willingness to learn infrastructure the fun way.
Come for the blocks, stay for the Terraform. đ§ąâĄď¸đ
Want to be a speaker? submit your talk to our Call for Presenters!!!
https://sessionize.com/cbus-hug-2026/
Sip & Read: *Founder Edition* Meetup: "The 5AM Club" by Robin Sharma
Calling all founders, CEOs, lawyers, doctors, and entrepreneurs to join our special *Founder Edition* of Sip & Read meetup event. Let's sip on fine wine and discuss our first book **The 5AM Club- Own Your Morning Elevate Your Life, by Robin Sharma**. We will pair this book with our favorite wine at **Wine on High** and engage in thought-provoking discussions on startup businesses and entrepreneurship, and network with like-minded individuals in a cozy book club setting.
*The 5AM Club* by Robin Sharma explores how waking up early and following a structured morning routine can dramatically improve productivity, mindset, and overall life mastery. Through a blend of storytelling and practical frameworks, it teaches high performers how to build discipline, focus, and long-term success by owning the first hour of the day.
Come prepared to discuss this month's book. At the end of each book club meeting, we will take next book and venue suggestions from the participants for the next meeting.
Whether you are a book lover, women entrepreneur, or a content creator, this event is perfect for sharing ideas and insights with other funders and founders in the entrepreneurial world. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to connect, learn, and grow together. Sign up now to reserve your spot!
*Fun fact! This meetup was established in 2015 and had over 1,000 members. I had to shut down operations while attending law school, but we're back!!*
HOW TO BE A BETTER COMMUNICATOR - A FREE IN-PERSON SEMINAR
How to be a Better Communicator
Communication is everything in life
Sunday, 23 February at 2pm.
You are only as successful as your ability to communicate.
\- What if you could confidently talk to anyone?
\- What if you had the ability to calmly control every conversation?
\- What if you could close that sale\, ask for that date\, make new friends\, repair problematic relationships\, get that raise\, or effortlessly express any idea with confidence?
You can!
The secret to success relies on your ability or inability to effectively communicate. Attend a free seminar and gain a better ability to communicate.
Hosted by the Church of Scientology of Central Ohio
1266 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH 43215
For more information, contact Rhiannon, the Event Host at 614-221-5024
Connection Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
Walk & Talk About Life's Big Questions
[The Board Walks](http://www.theboardwalks.com/) are for curious people who love deep conversations.
If that sounds like you, **bring a thoughtful topic** and join us for a 5-mile walk (10,000+ steps!).
**HOW IT WORKS**
**Step 1: Bring a topic**
Before you arrive, think of **one** topic you want to explore. A question. A thought that's been on your mind. An obsession you want to geek out on. This is your ticket to the event.
**Step 2: Circle up & share**
We gather in a circle. Your friendly walk host gives a speech to set the tone. Everyone shares: your name, what you're grateful for, and your topic. That's it. 60 seconds.
**Step 3: Walk, talk & float**
We walk 5 miles. You naturally drift into conversation with 2-3 people at a time, pulled by topics that spark your curiosity. When you're ready to move on, just say: "I'm going to float!"
**Step 4: Feel more alive**
Two hours flies by. You're back where you started â but you feel different. More alive. More energized. More connected to yourself and others. That's why regulars join 20+ times.
*For more details, read our [Orientation Guide.](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation)*
**HOW TO BRING A GREAT TOPIC**
A great topic = something you're genuinely curious about.
Recent topics include:
* "What are you passionate about right now?"
* "What makes a good friend?"
* "What's a belief you used to hold that you've completely changed?"
* "How do you want to be remembered?"
* "What would you do if money wasn't a factor?"
Think of your topic like the dish you're bringing to our conversational potluck. If everyone brings an A+ dish (i.e. energizing, uplifting, expansive), we'll all walk away feeling lighter and brighter.
**WHAT TO EXPECT**
This isn't a fitness event with casual chitchat. It's a walking think tank where we explore life's big questions together, beyond small talk. *If you're looking for light banter or a standard networking event, this probably isn't the right fit.*
But if you crave depth, genuine connection, and conversations that make you feel alive? You'll love it here.
**FAQ**
* Wear casual athletic attire and sneakers. It's a long walk!
* We have multiple first-timers at each event. We work hard to create a welcoming, inclusive, clique-free space.
* We welcome people of **all** ages, backgrounds, and industries who align with the [intention](https://www.theboardwalks.com/ground-rules) of this space.
* Rain or shine, we've been out here nearly every week since July 2022. If the event is cancelled, we'll let you know.
* Dogs, babies in strollers, parents, and friends are welcome â please text/email them the event link so they can RSVP and prepare a topic!
**LOGISTICS**
* If you'll arrive over 10 minutes late, we suggest skipping the event. It's hard to find us once we start walking, and your host can't answer messages during the event.
* This walk is designed for everyone to *move together at the same steady pace* (about 20 min/mile). This format works best when the whole group moves in unison. If you have mobility limitations, we kindly encourage you to find an event better suited to your needs.
* Read our [Orientation Guide](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation) for full details.
* If you enjoy the event, send **[this](http://www.theboardwalks.com/)** to a friend or sign up for our **[newsletter](https://theboardwalks.beehiiv.com/)**. We're in multiple cities with more on the way. đ¤ đ
**IF YOU WANT TO GO DEEPER...**
[The Board](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board) is the next step: a high-trust collective for renaissance people devoted to creating, connecting, and building lives that light us up.
* This is a global HQ for people who crave big talk, deep connection, and dream collaborations with people across industries. If the walks feel like a spark... The Board is the fire. Apply [here](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board).
Gold Star Business Networking
Bring your business cards and network in person with other business professionals! Gold Star Referral Clubs is one of the most established professional networking organizations in the country, with multiple groups in central Ohio. Join us!
French conversation club
Bienvenue! Columbus French Conversation group invites you to our Saturday morning French conversation club. Expect a casual and welcoming atmosphere in which to learn french! I will bring my laptop so we can look up new vocabulary as needed! The venue is a beautiful French restaurant so you can really get into the zone :)
Cafe Istanbul-Easton
Letâs meetup at Cafe Istanbul for the last day of Restaurant Week. You get three courses for $30.
This is the menu:
https://614now.com/rw-menu/cafeistanbul-easton
Free in-person event: Take Control of Your Mental Health
Itâs time to take control of your mental health. How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself.
Have you ever suffered from a traumatic experience, a deep loss or been through a painful breakup? Has your ability to communicate suffered as a result? And after that, even though you "moved on" did you find that things were never quite the same? Have you ever looked at childhood photos, or reminisced your early life and wondered where that happiness and spark went?
Are your emotions out of your own control? Have you ever felt, even if you arenât aware of it, that possibly you are getting in your own way of your happiness and success? How does this affect your self-confidence?
Find out what is at the root of all stress, anxiety, depression and self-doubt. Find out how and why you hold yourself back from achieving your goals and having the life you have dreamed of. As soon as you learn what is at the root of these unwanted conditions, youâll see it is something you can DO something about. You will not be labeled or categorized at this MeetUp.
Morning people unite!! đ¤ â + đŹ @ Crimson Cup Coffee Shop - Clintonville
Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Crimson Cup Coffee Shop - Clintonville](https://www.crimsoncup.com/about/location/clintonville)!
Connection Events Near You
Connect with your local Connection community
Connected Westerville Night of Networking!
Connected Westerville Night of Networking flips the script on networking, with surprises and connections that'll make you say, "Who knew networking could be this much fun?!"
Gold Star Business Networking
Bring your business cards and network in person with other business professionals! Gold Star Referral Clubs is one of the most established professional networking organizations in the country, with multiple groups in central Ohio. Join us!
The Power of the Subconscious Mind - Free Lecture
**How to take control of your subconscious and harness its power!**
Join us for an eye-opening lecture where the speaker will break down complex ideas in a clear and practical way.
Youâll gain insights into:
â
The true definition of the subconscious
â
How it generates unwanted emotions
â
Its real purpose and function
â
What determines the pressure it exerts on you
And the most important topic:
**How do you take control of your subconscious!**
But this isnât just another lecture where you sit and listen passively. Itâs interactive and engagingâyou can ask questions at any time.
đ
Reserve your spot now!
Seats are limited, so donât wait too long to sign up.
Location: 1266 Dublin Rd, Columbus, OH 43215
Hosted by the Hubbard Dianetics Foundation
Pop-up Book Club: A Streetcar Named Desire, by Tennessee Williams
Letâs meet and discuss whatever comes to mind about one of Tennesse Williamsâ most famous plays.
Contra dance with Big Scioty on Feb. 7 - First Congregational Church
**Caller: Dan Kappus**
**Band: Trillium**
**Big Scioty Contra Dance**
**temporarily returning to our long ago location for Jan-March - First Congregational Church, 444 E. Broad St., Columbus 43215**
WHAT IS CONTRA DANCING? Picture the Grand Ball scenes like youâve seen in period films such as âPride and Prejudiceâ, where the dancers are lined up in long lines, across from each other. Thatâs English Country Dancing, the predecessor of contra dancing. Now, add moves like âswing your partnerâ and âdo-si-do,â like youâve seen in square dancing. Set it to fabulous, high energy, live music with fiddles, guitars, percussion and more, alĂĄ âRiverdance.â Finally, set the whole scene down in the middle of Woodstock, with a hip, groovy atmosphere, a bit of tie-dye, and hints of counter-culture attitude. THATâs Contra Dancing!
Wear cool and comfortable clothes (you will get warm) and clean shoes that won't mark up our nice wood floor.
Be sure to come for the beginner's lesson from 7:30 - 8:00, followed by dancing 8:00 - 10:30. All dances are taught; we will help you learn! Beginners always welcome, no need to bring a partner.
Cost is $10.00 adults, $5.00 ages 12-26. Under 12 free. Free parking in church lot.
For more information contact me or check out our website: [www.bigscioty.com](http://www.bigscioty.com/)
Please bring your own refillable water bottle. Snacks to share are always welcome!
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 âN x M integration problem,â where every AI model requires a custom, brittle integration for each external tool or data source. This approach simply doesnât 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 Anthropicâs Model Context Protocol (MCP), the open-source framework designed to solve this challenge and become the universal connectorâthe USB-C portâfor 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 doesnât 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/)




























