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
Nature Walk and Bird Watching at Albert Park Lake with Coffee & Conversation
Join me for a relaxed walk and bird watching at Albert Park Lake, an extraordinary wetland habitat that is home to nearly two hundred species of birds. Created from a lagoon and originally part of the extensive Yarra River Delta, the lake and its surrounds are a popular parkland for locals and visitors alike.
Together we can enjoy conversation and make new friends as we follow the path beside the water's edge and look out for gulls and cormorants roosting on the wharves. We'll wind our way around the lake and pass Gunn Island, a tranquil sanctuary and a safe nesting environment for local and migratory birds.
Further around the lake we'll see waterbirds such as stilts, swamphens and coots among the reed beds. When we reach the southern end of the lake we can stop to enjoy the magnificent views of the city skyline across the water. This is a great spot for photography.
We'll return to relax and socialise together in the Coots Picnic area and enjoy a snack and a drink. You can pick up a coffee and something to eat at the nearby Sir Albert Cafe or bring your own drinks and snacks.
**Agenda**
I will meet you at 10am on the lakeside of the Light Rail Tram Stop No.129 Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre.
We'll set off at 10.10am and follow the path beside the Melbourne Aquatic Centre and through the picnic area to the lake.
From there we'll stroll past the wharves and Gunn Island, follow the long stretch of reed beds and walk to the southernmost point of the lake to take in the stunning views of the city skyline.
We'll then make our way back to the Coots Picnic area to enjoy a snack and a drink together.
This is an easy walk on flat pathways and the distance will be about 5.5km all up. It will take us around 1hr 45mins at a leisurely pace with stops along the way to enjoy and photograph the birdlife.
**Location**
Albert Park Lake is located in the suburb of Albert Park, 3km from the Melbourne CBD. The No.96 tram/light rail runs from the Melbourne CBD down past Albert Park Lake.
There is free street parking available on Canterbury Road which runs beside the tram/light rail. Parking Fees apply to all car parks within Albert Park.
When you RSVP, please click Attend on the event page and I will be in touch via Direct Messages about the details. I will also be available in the Event Comments on the day.
Walk, Talk & Connect @ Royal Melbourne Botanic Gardens
Hi Everyone,
The next walk & talk is happening Monday 6th @ 1pm.
We're meeting @ **Shrine of Remembrance "Flame"** then we'll walk to Botanic Gardens from there.
For newcomers, this group is meant to help participants nurture and create a comfortable, trustworthy and safe emotional space to connect with other men, while sharing vulnerabilities about themselves.
Men of all ages welcome.
This will provide another great opportunity to practice being more present in the moment, authentic within ourself, while challenging our ability to break the ice with others in attendance. Let's continue practicing connecting in a deeper way with new people we meet. This group will help reinforce the benefit of showing vulnerability with others, while staying authentic to ourselves.
This Sunday's group will be led by **Ra'id.** (Mindset Coach)
and Co-led by **Fabien** (Group Facilitator)
Looking forward to seeing you there.
(message me thru meetup if needed)
1 Hour Breath & Sound Class
**A 1-hour guided breathwork session to help you slow down, release built-up stress, and reconnect with yourself in a calm, supportive space.**
**What to bring:**
**• Comfortable clothes**
**• Water bottle**
**Booking link below**
**https://linktr.ee/Claire_louise_analu**
Walk and lunch - St Kilda 20 attending
Join us for a walk and lunch in St Kilda.
Meeting 10:30am, on corner of Fitzroy St and Nepean HWY. Making our way to Albert Park Lake at 10:45am. Giving ourselves 1 hour for the walk, to take our time, take in the fresh air and to connect!
Throughout event, I'll mix and move you around so we can all connect with each other. Walking also helps our nervous system.
Then heading to a local cafe or pub (most likely the Prince Hotel). See comments on day for exact location.
Dogs welcomed. Looking like a lovely day.
Coffee and chat at Fitzy gardens (kerekere cafe)
WEATHER DEPENDANT
Just a random coffee meetup outside kerekere cafe in Fitzroy gardens.
Come and grab a coffee and/or snack.
We usually meet and stand outside the cafe on the left under/near the big tree.
Just a friendly way to meet others that might be by themselves or new in Melbourne.
Just a very casual and laid back vibe. You may come and go as you please
Please be respectful to each other and be careful about sharing personal information.
This is NOT a dating meetup, just friends.
Disclaimer: the organizers are not responsible for any loss of property or injury incurred at a meetup. We are volunteers who simply provide a platform to make friends.
Please be responsible for your belongings and safety.
Also these outdoor meetups are weather dependent too. We all know how unpredictable Melbourne can be
Looking forward to meeting you and probably seeing some old faces too.
Connection Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
Apr 11 | Kismetrix Billiards & Banter | Pool Singles Social - Bar Eight
# **🎱 KISMETRIX \| True Connection**
## **Billiards & Banter \| Pool\, Drinks & Singles Social**
[Ticketed Event](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/apr-11-kismetrix-billiards-banter-pool-singles-social-bar-eight-tickets-1985707475513?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl)
**Hosted by KISMETRIX \| True Connection**
**📍 Bar Eight**
**3/445 Grimshaw St, Bundoora VIC**
**📅 Saturday, 11 April 2026**
**🕖 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Hosted)**
**(Venue open later)**
***
## **A RELAXED SATURDAY NIGHT WHERE CONNECTION HAPPENS NATURALLY**
**Sometimes the best conversations don’t start with a question…**
**They start with something to do.**
**This is a social night built around billiards, drinks and easy interaction — where meeting new people feels natural, not forced.**
**No swiping.**
**No awkward speed rounds.**
**No pressure to perform.**
**Just a room of like-minded singles showing up, enjoying the moment, and seeing what unfolds.**
***
## **👥 AGE GROUPS (GUIDED, NOT RESTRICTIVE)**
**To help create comfortable and natural conversations, we’ll have two general age groups on the night:**
**• 25–35**
**• 35–50**
**Guests will be gently grouped around tables at the start of the evening, with the freedom to move and mingle as the night progresses.**
**This keeps the atmosphere structured enough to feel easy — without being rigid.**
***
## **💫 ABOUT THE EVENT**
**Tired of small talk that goes nowhere?**
**Or dating apps that never quite translate into real life?**
**Kismetrix events are designed to make meeting people feel simple, human, and enjoyable again.**
**You’ll walk into a space where people:**
**• Are open to meeting others in real life**
**• Prefer conversation over endless texting**
**• Value good energy, respect and authenticity**
**• Are simply looking for a better way to connect**
**Line up a shot.**
**Share a laugh.**
**Start a conversation.**
**Sometimes that’s all it takes.**
***
## **🎯 WHO THIS NIGHT IS FOR**
**This event is for singles who:**
**• Enjoy relaxed, social environments**
**• Prefer something interactive over sitting across a table**
**• Are open to meeting new people — without pressure**
**• Want a great Saturday night — regardless of outcome**
**Come solo or with a friend — many do.**
***
## **🎱 THE VIBE**
**Expect:**
**• A casual, welcoming billiards venue**
**• Easy interaction through shared activity**
**• Hosted support early in the evening**
**• Light, optional table rotations to help you meet different people naturally**
**• A social, down-to-earth crowd**
**• Light nibbles available early to help you settle in**
**Think less “dating event” — more a fun Saturday night where connection happens naturally.**
***
## **🎟 TICKETS & INCLUSIONS**
**Your ticket includes:**
**• Entry to the curated KISMETRIX social night**
**• Access to billiards tables throughout the event**
**• Hosted support to help you ease in and connect**
**• A structured yet relaxed social experience**
**Drinks are available for purchase at the bar.**
**🎫 Tickets are limited to maintain a comfortable group size and overall experience.**
**Early booking is recommended.**
***
## **🌱 A NOTE FOR THIS EVENT**
**This is one of our first events in the Bundoora area.**
**If you’ve been curious about Kismetrix but haven’t made it into the city — this is a more relaxed, local way to experience it.**
***
## **✅ WHY PEOPLE LOVE KISMETRIX EVENTS**
**No apps. No swiping. Just real people**
**No awkward scripts or forced formats**
**Thoughtful structure without pressure**
**A genuinely enjoyable night — even if you come solo**
**Many guests come “just for a drink”… and end up staying all night**
***
## **🔔 [BOOK NOW](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/apr-11-kismetrix-billiards-banter-pool-singles-social-bar-eight-tickets-1985707475513?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl)**
**Spaces are limited to maintain the flow and quality of the night.**
***
**Refund Policy:**
**Tickets are non-refundable. If you can no longer attend, you’re welcome to transfer your ticket to someone else within the same age group.**
***
## **🔗 Stay Connected with KISMETRIX \| True Connection**
**📧 social@kismetrix.com.au**
**🌐 [www.kismetrix.com.au](http://www.kismetrix.com.au)**
**📱 Instagram \| Facebook \| Eventbrite**
**📄 Important Notice:**
**By registering, you agree to Kismetrix’s Terms & Conditions, Privacy Policy, Disclaimer and Code of Conduct.**
Group Speed Friending with Meaningful Conversations
**Unlock Meaningful Connections at Our Speed Friending Event**
[LINK TO BOOK](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/group-speed-friending-with-meaningful-conversations-tickets-1985108771774?aff=oddtdtcreator)
Ready to step out of your comfort zone and make authentic connections? Join us at *The Bank on Collins* for an exclusive Speed Friending event with structured conversations designed for ambitious professionals and like-minded individuals who are eager to forge meaningful connections - not just small talk. This event attracts a diverse group of individuals who are serious about building friendships and expanding their network. Whether you're a professional climbing the career ladder, a creative pushing the boundaries of innovation, or an entrepreneur chasing your next big idea, you'll find yourself surrounded by like-minded go-getters who think big and dream even bigger.
In a world where quality relationships are key to success, we believe that life is better with great people in it. This event is your opportunity to meet dynamic, driven individuals who are all about growth, collaboration, and real conversations. Be prepared to dive deep with thought-provoking questions that foster vulnerability and genuine connections so you can Find Your Tribe.
Whether you're a seasoned event-goer or this is your first event, we're here to support you every step of the way. Push past surface-level interactions and start building the kind of relationships that truly matter.
**Event Structure:**
* **6:30 pm:** Arrive, grab a drink, and mingle. (Tip: Happy hour ends at 6:30 pm, so come early to snag a deal!)
* **6:45 pm - 7:30 pm:** 3 rounds of group speed friending. You'll meet 12+ like-minded people ready to connect on a deeper level.
* **7:30 pm - 8:00 pm:** Post-speed friending social networking. This is where the magic happens—spend time with the people you vibed with most and start building real friendships.
**Investment:**
$10. We are for passion, not profit. 50% of your contribution supports the running costs of the group, while the other 50% goes towards The Man Cave, Australia's leading preventative mental health charity for teenage boys and their communities. [Home - The Man Cave - Preventative mental health programs for teenage boys](https://themancave.life/)
Link to book: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/group-speed-friending-with-meaningful-conversations-tickets-1985108771774?aff=oddtdtcreator
To support the venue, please buy a drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) or snack during the event.
**Liability Disclaimer:**
By attending this event, you acknowledge that you are participating voluntarily and are responsible for your own health, safety, and well-being during the session. *Find Your Tribe Melbourne* and its hosts are not liable for any injury, loss, or damage that may occur. Please take care, be mindful of your surroundings, and participate within your own comfort level.
**Photo & Video Disclaimer:**
Please note that photos and videos will be taken throughout the event and may be used on our social media channels or other platforms. If you prefer not to be photographed or filmed, kindly inform one of the hosts at the beginning of the event.
**Take the leap - join us for a night of transformative connections and step into a community of movers and shakers. We can't wait to meet you!**
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/group-speed-friending-with-meaningful-conversations-tickets-1985108771774?aff=oddtdtcreator
Instagram: @findyourtribemelb
Dinner in Camberwell 🥗🍷
* **What We’re About**
You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with, so join us — and be part of a community that rises above circumstances and creates opportunities. Inspire and be inspired by those who make things happen.
It's a relaxed, organic space to connect with like-minded people and network—genuinely talking, learning from each other, and connecting over shared interests.
* **What to Expect**
Casual Meetups: We gather semi-regularly at a local(ish) café or restaurant to chat about everything from stepping outside your comfort zone to business ideas, creative projects, and building a life aligned with your purpose. It’s relaxed, easy, and welcoming—no need to have anything “figured out.”
An Easy-Going Space: We keep things simple and low-pressure. Once everyone arrives, we ease in with some light conversation and naturally break into smaller groups.
Networking: Feel free to introduce yourself or let people know what you're working on if you feel like it. And if anyone wants to quickly shout out what they’re working on or looking for before we settle in, go for it—it’s a great way to spark new conversations.
* **Host Support**
If you’d like a one-on-one chat with me about your business, just tap me on the shoulder. I’ll be floating around and happy to make time for you.
**Quick note for the day:**
🅿️ 🚗 There is parking space near Kmart and across the road.
❗If you're running late, drop me a quick message.
🏃 🏃♂️ 🏃♀️ We might go for a stroll in the area after dinner.
IN PERSON! Apache Kafka® Meetup (Apr 2026)
Hello everyone! Join us for an Apache Kafka® x Apache Flink® meetup on **Apr 9th from 5:30pm**, in Melbourne!
The address, agenda, and speaker information can be found below. See you there!
**📍Venue**:
394 High Street Northcote, Victoria 3070
\*\*\*
**🗓 Agenda:**
* 5:30pm: Doors open
* 5:30pm - 6:00pm: Pizza, Drinks, and Networking
* 6:00pm - 6:30pm: Chad Harris, Solutions Architect, Factor House
* 6:30pm - 7:00pm: Stephen Ermann, Senior Customer Success Technical Architect
* 7:00pm - 7:30pm: Additional Networking
\*\*\*
**💡 Speaker:**
Chad Harris, Solutions Architect, Factor House
**Talk:**
Things that go bump in the night: Kafka Operational Issues and How to Survive Them
**Abstract:**
Most Kafka talks focus on how things should work—this one is about what actually happens in production.
We’ll walk through real-world operational issues encountered with Apache Kafka and its clients, from subtle misconfigurations to full “why is everything on fire?” moments. Along the way, we’ll break down how to identify what’s going wrong, which signals actually matter, and how to approach debugging when the system doesn’t behave the way you expect.
This talk will also touch on observability, common failure patterns, and practical mitigation strategies you can apply immediately. Expect a mix of technical deep dives, debugging workflows, and a few war stories (including some questionable decisions and log-staring sessions). If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s just you? It's not!
**Bio:**
Chad Harris is a streaming data specialist and Solutions Architect at Factor House, where he helps organisations design, scale, and operate Apache Kafka platforms using industry-leading tooling.
With experience scaling Kafka across organisations ranging from small startups to some of Silicon Valley's largest companies, Chad has been working with Kafka since its early days. He brings deep expertise across both real-time streaming and data-at-rest systems, with a strong focus on practical, production-ready architectures.
\-\-\-\-\-
**💡 Speaker:**
Stephen Ermann, Senior Customer Success Technical Architect
**Talk:**
From Lag to Smooth Sailing: How Queues for Kafka (KIP-932) Fix Slow Consumers
**Abstract:**
Slow or bursty consumers are one of the most common reasons Kafka applications end up fighting lag, over-provisioning, and operational fire drills. Traditional Kafka consumer groups work brilliantly for high-throughput stream processing, but they can make it hard to serve heterogeneous consumers, apply backpressure cleanly, or guarantee fair access when some consumers fall behind.
In this talk, we’ll explore **Queues for Kafka**, the new KIP-932 feature that introduces native queue semantics on top of Kafka’s battle-tested log foundation. We’ll look at how queues decouple producer and consumer throughput, isolate slow consumers without penalising fast ones, and provide more predictable delivery and scaling behaviour for “task” and “work queue” style workloads.
You’ll walk away with:
* A clear mental model of how Kafka queues differ from topics and consumer groups
* Concrete design patterns for handling slow and spiky consumers
* Migration tips for evolving existing Kafka-based services to use queues safely
If you’ve ever stared at a lag graph wondering whether to add more consumers, more partitions, or more coffee, this session will show you a cleaner path to smooth sailing with Kafka.
**Bio:**
Stephen Ermann is a **Senior Customer Success Technical Architect at Confluent**, working with leading financial institutions across APAC to design and operate mission-critical, real-time data platforms. With deep experience in **Apache Kafka**, **Confluent Cloud and Platform**, and surrounding ecosystems like **Kafka Connect** and **Apache Flink**, Stephen helps customers solve hard problems around scalability, reliability, and security in production. They are particularly focused on **RBAC, OAuth, mTLS, and container image security**, as well as emerging **agentic AI** patterns built on streaming data. Outside day-to-day architecture work, Stephen regularly shares practical patterns and lessons learned at meetups and user groups across the region.
\*\*\*
If you would like to speak or host our next event please let us know! community@[confluent.io](http://confluent.io/)
The Art of Choosing (For Women): Boundaries & Standards in Dating
### ✨ KISMETRIX \| Love Mastery
[Ticketed Event](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/the-art-of-choosing-for-women-boundaries-standards-in-dating-tickets-1986299807193?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl)
This is the first release of The Art of Choosing under our Love Mastery Series.
**The Art of Choosing (For Women)**
Boundaries & Standards in Dating
📍 RYVE – Level 1, 38 Shafton St, Huntingdale VIC
📅 Wednesday, 8 April 2026
🕖 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
## A WORKSHOP FOR WOMEN WHO WANT MORE THAN SURFACE-LEVEL CONNECTION
This is not about how to attract more people.
This is about learning how to **choose the right ones**.
Many women don’t struggle with meeting people — they struggle with **discernment, boundaries, and trusting their own judgement**.
If you’ve ever felt:
• You keep attracting the same patterns in dating
• You ignore red flags or second-guess your intuition
• You give too much, too soon
• You’re unsure what you truly want in a partner
• You want something deeper — but don’t know how to navigate modern dating
This session is designed to support you.
## WHAT YOU’LL GAIN
• **Clarity** — understanding what you truly want (beyond chemistry)
• **Standards** — defining your non-negotiables with confidence
• **Boundaries** — learning how to hold them without guilt
• **Discernment** — recognising red flags, green flags, and inconsistency early
• **Self-awareness** — understanding your patterns in attraction and attachment
• **Decision-making** — knowing when to lean in… and when to walk away
## THE KISMETRIX APPROACH
At Kismetrix, we believe connection should feel natural, respectful, and aligned.
This is not a rigid workshop.
It’s a **guided, reflective space** with real conversations, practical insights, and the opportunity to deepen your understanding of how you show up in dating.
This work doesn’t stop here — it carries into how you engage in real-life interactions, including Kismetrix events.
## WHO THIS IS FOR
• Women who are intentional about dating and relationships
• Women who value depth, emotional intelligence, and meaningful connection
• Women who are ready to raise their standards — without becoming closed off
## IMPORTANT NOTES
• This is a discussion-based and reflective session (not lecture-style)
• This is not a dating or matchmaking event
• Outcomes in dating are never guaranteed — this is about personal clarity
• Respect, boundaries, and emotional safety are central to this space
• Tickets are non-refundable but transferable
## Hosted by
**KISMETRIX \| Love Mastery**
📧 [social@kismetrix.com.au]()
🌐 [www.kismetrix.com.au]()
Connection Events Near You
Connect with your local Connection community
Connected Westerville Night of Networking!
**Connected Westerville Night of Networking** *April Edition: The Introduction Economy*
You've been to the networking events. You've done the small talk. Collected the cards. Forgotten the names. And walked out feeling like you just wasted two hours of your life.
The problem isn't you. It's the format.
Most networking events put you in a room and tell you to figure it out. So everyone defaults to elevator pitches and business talk, and nothing real gets built.
Here's the truth about networking that most people miss: Your network isn't just who you know. It's who thinks of you when they're talking to someone else.
*That's* The Introduction Economy. And it only works when relationships are real.
There's a reason people who come once keep coming back. It starts with seven minutes that feel nothing like networking.
Then we open it up. Free networking. More conversations. More momentum.
This is a room full of corporate professionals, entrepreneurs, business owners, creatives, and career builders in the Westerville and Columbus area. The mix is the magic.
You might never do business with everyone you meet tonight. But someone in this room will think of *you.* **By name**. So, the next time someone needs exactly what you do, you get the recommendation.
**April 14th. RSVP now.**
**When:** Tuesday\, April 14th \| 6:15 PM \-\- 8:00 PM **Where:** Vineyard Community Center \| 6000 Cooper Rd\, Westerville\, OH 43081
IxDA Chat ‘n Pancakes
Pay attention! We’re delaying a week for those of you who may be on Spring break and/or celebrating the holiday. Ok, no pancakes, but waffles-a-plenty.
Join the local UX and Digital Design community for a casual monthly breakfast.
Look for us upstairs!
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!
CONNECTED Grove City Networking Event
CONNECTED – Grove City A casual, people-first networking gathering.
CONNECTED – Grove City is a casual, people-first networking gathering.
Join us for a relaxed, low-pressure space to meet new people, build real relationships, and have meaningful conversations — no sales pitches required.
From 7:30–8:30 AM every 3rd Wednesday of the month at the Grove City Business Center. Coffee & baked goods available for purchase at Pick ’Em Up Joe's.
Free street & public lot parking behind the building.
Free to attend & open to all!
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 :)
Prompt vs. Paintbrush
AI is changing how art is made. But when does it stop being your work and start being the machine’s?
This month we're going to be doing a panel with with digital image, music, and written word artists, talking about at what point, while using AI in the creation process, does the work become not the artist creation?
We encourage audience participation during this event that will be moderated by Chris Slee.
Whether you’re deep in the field or just getting curious, come connect with others building and exploring AI in Columbus.
Sponsored by [Transform Labs](https://www.transformlabs.com/services)
Central Ohio Radio Enthusiasts - WiFi HaLow: Introduction and Practical Use
Central Ohio Radio Enthusiasts—CORE—is an informal community for anyone enthusiastic or curious about radio—whether you're new to radio and want to learn or you've been tinkering for years and want to share. Ham radio operators, GMRS users, Meshtastic fans, software-defined radio nerds, makers, and technical and non-technical folks are all welcome. No experience required or expected.
This month we have **WiFi HaLow: Introduction and Practical Use** with **Alex Barbur**.
Details are are [core.radio](https://core.radio).






























