Field Trips

**Hey fellow AWS enthusiasts! ✨** May is all about AWS Partnership! Not a usual topic you hear about at User Groups. So we are more than thrilled to hear about **Deepika Tomar**'s journey as the AWS Cloud Lead at HWS Gruppe on pathing the way for her company to become an AWS Advanced Partner. Thanks to our friends at **[codecentric Nürnberg](https://www.codecentric.de/standorte/nuernberg)** for sponsoring the event with food and drinks and opening their wonderful offices for us! **📆 Tonight's Agenda** 19:00 - Welcoming **19:15 - Talk by Deepika** 20:00 - Food, Drinks & Networking Looking forward to seeing you 👋🏻 [Nora](https://www.linkedin.com/in/nora-schoener/) & [Frank](https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankprechtel/) \-\-\- The talk ⤵️ **From AWS Registered to Advanced Tier in 2 Years: Practical Lessons from the Field** In this session, I will share how we progressed from AWS Registered Partner to Advanced Tier within two years, focusing on real-world actions that made the difference. I will walk through: How AWS Summit connections and community engagement helped shape our partner strategy Building impactful customer case studies and completing the FTR (Foundational Technical Review) successfully How to identify and generate opportunities using the AWS Partner Portal Practical use of POC funding and Marketing Development Funds (MDF) for business growth and employee enablement Key learnings from attending AWS events, webinars, and partner programs This session is intended for AWS partners who want a practical roadmap to accelerate their growth in the AWS ecosystem. The speaker⤵️ **Deepika Tomar, Lead AWS Public Cloud @ HWS Gruppe** AWS Community Builder with 14 years of experience in cloud computing, infrastructure management, and database solutions — I've built a career around turning technology into a lasting competitive advantage. Today, I lead an AWS team driving cloud migration, infrastructure modernization, and a reimagined approach to customer service. This work recently reached a milestone with our organization achieving AWS Partnership status. Whether shaping IT strategy or bridging cross-functional teams, my focus remains constant: harness technology to deliver real business outcomes, streamline operations, and build a governance foundation that grows with the organization. \-\-\- **Please note:** At the event, photos and videos will be taken for marketing purposes both by our hosts and our location sponsors. We try to offer a hybrid experience by providing a video stream of the talk. There will be no recording published after the event. Please also keep in mind, that we try our best effort to provide a good streaming experience. We don't offer a professional stream, so delays, technical issues or other interference are a matter to be tolerated.

Speaker: **Damir Korenčić** Title: **Brief Adventures in Machine Translation Using Python and LLMs** Machine translation (MT) is one of the earliest tasks in natural language processing, and one where modern LLMs excel. The presentation describes a lightweight MT approach based on a small LLM and a self-improvement workflow. We will cover the design of the approach and its implementation in Python, utilizing LangChain and Hugging Face. We will also discuss the MT task in general and the current state of the field by reviewing several recent WMT challenges. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Drinks and friendly discussion afterwards at [Old Pharmacy Pub](https://maps.app.goo.gl/AeaRdnBrMqPiRhvPA) 🍻🍷🥤☕️

\*\*\*\* Practice Foreign Languages with Native Speakers \*\*\*\*\* === \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* at the Language Conversation Table \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* === \*\*\*\* Practice Foreign Languages with Native Speakers \*\*\*\*\* === \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* at the Language Conversation Table \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* === The caffe Cukeraj provides us with a back-room reserved just for this event, where we get to practice Croatian and other languages three hours for free.The entrance is free, but to be sure that Domenico will continue to host us, please have at least one drink when you're coming.at Cukeraj, Petrinjska 61See you soon!P.S. IF U HAVE ANY PROBLEMS FINDING THE PLACE BE FREE TO CONTACT THE ORGANIZER: +385953913346 \*\*\*\*\* Vježbajte Strane Jezike sa Izvornim Govornicima \*\*\*\*\* === Za organizaciju događaja se ne mora nista platiti. Radi korištenja prostora u kafiću (koji se nalazi u dvorišnoj zgradi) , bilo bi poželjno kad bi svatko naručio barem jedno piće. Nedjelja 18:00 - 21:00 sati Cukeraj Petrinjska 61

🇭🇷 BDD (Behaviour-driven development) je vrlo učinkovit način razvoja softvera. Taj proces spaja analizu korisničkih zahtjeva i pisanje testova. Ovo predavanje će pokazati kako smo naš već "ispeglan" BDD process obogatili sa agentskim AI-jem. Developeri se sada većinom bave sa analizom zahtjeva i arhitekturom, a AI preuzima pisanje koda. 🇬🇧 BDD (Behavior-Driven Development) is a highly effective approach to software development. This process combines user requirements analysis with test writing. This talk will show how we enhanced our already well-refined BDD process with agentic AI. Developers now spend most of their time focusing on requirements analysis and architecture, while AI takes over much of the code writing. 📣 Speaker: [Marko Bjelac](https://www.linkedin.com/in/markobjelac) ⏰ Schedule: \- Introduction \- BDD with AI \- Q&A \- ⚡Lightning talks⚡ 🇭🇷 Za *munjevita predavanja* (⚡*lightning talks*⚡) se ne morate prijaviti unaprijed. Samo javite domaćinu na početku okupljanja da želite održati munjevito predavanje. Munjevita predavanja traju 5 minuta (ili manje) i mogu biti na bilo koju temu. Na pojedinom okupljanju će se održati onoliko munjevitih predavanja koliko ima zainteresiranih predavača. 🇬🇧 You don’t need to register in advance for ⚡*lightning talks*⚡. Just let the host know at the beginning of the meetup that you want to present a lightning talk. Lightning talks last 5 minutes (or less) and can be on any topic. At each meetup, as many lightning talks will be held as there are interested speakers. **🫵 You have a topic for a ZSC meetup?** 🇭🇷 Javite se domaćinu (Marko B) i sve ćemo dogovoriti! 🇬🇧 Get in touch with the host (Marko B), and we’ll sort everything out! Cover image: [Freepik](https://www.magnific.com/free-vector/robot-education-set-flat-isolated-icons-human-characters-interacting-with-robot-helpers-toy-robots-vector-illustration_26765523.htm)

**Stress** is one of the greatest challenges of modern life. When stress becomes long-lasting, it can quietly turn into anxiety, affecting both mental and physical well-being and increasing the risk of more serious health issues. Through regular **mental hygiene**, we can gently influence our bodies and restore balance. By adding the power of the exhale to classical autogenic training, we enhance its effects. The energy of the exhale supports and accelerates the body’s natural process of restoration. Your donation for this event supports the work of our Club.

Nova gošća će pričati inovativnoj metodi koju je osmislila i znanstveno potvrdila dr. sc. Ana-Marija Jagodić Rukavina-Filozofija koja se temelji na "Body tehnici". Body tehnika nije samo sustav vježbanja, već holistički pristup koji stvara energetsku, fiziološku i funkcionalnu ravnotežu, povećavajući vitalnost, otpornost i dugovječnost. Ova ista filozofija duboko je povezana s osobnom transformacijom, autentičnošću i mentalnom snagom – vrijednostima koje dr. sc. Ana-Marija Jagodić Rukavina živi i promiče i izvan Body tehnike. Kao aktivistica, edukatorica i inspirativna govornica, Ana-Marija otvoreno dijeli svoju priču o hrabrosti, prevladavanju izazova te životu bez maski. Njezina poruka je jasna: istinska promjena događa se kada prestanemo živjeti prema tuđim očekivanjima i počnemo slušati sebe, svoje tijelo i svoje potrebe. Upravo zato s ponosom najavljujemo novo izdanje Level Up Meetup-a na kojem nam je gošća upravo dr. sc. Ana-Marija Jagodić Rukavina. Kroz vlastito životno iskustvo, padove i ponovno pronalaženje unutarnje snage, ona inspirira ljude da preuzmu odgovornost za svoj život, postave zdrave granice i izgrade autentične odnose. Na Meetupu ćemo se dotaknuti tema koje su ključne za cjeloviti razvoj – fizički, mentalni i emocionalni: \- Autentičnost u svijetu očekivanja – kako ostati svoj bez potrebe za odobravanjem \- Postavljanje granica \- Mentalno zdravlje bez tabua \- Samopouzdanje iznutra i izgradnja unutarnje snage \- Kvalitetni odnosi i svjesna komunikacija u vježbanju tijela \- Preuzimanje odgovornosti kao temelj dugoročne transformacije tijela Ana-Marija svojim direktnim, iskrenim i često duhovitim pristupom ne nudi samo inspiraciju – ona poziva na konkretnu akciju i dubinsku promjenu. Očekuje vas otvoren, iskren razgovor ispunjen energijom i realnim uvidima koji spajaju tijelo, um i emocije. Podaci za event: Moderator: Zoran Salopek 📍Pivana, Ilica 222, Zagreb 🗓13.05. u 18:00 h Organizator: Međunarodni institut za emocionalnu zrelost 🌐 http://emotionalmaturity.eu/

Što zapravo čini brend – logo, kampanja ili nešto puno dublje? Na ovom panelu istražujemo kako brend nastaje, raste i opstaje u svijetu stalnih promjena, kroz perspektivu onih koji ga svakodnevno grade. Iskusni agencijski lideri podijelit će konkretne uvide, izazove i odluke koje stoje iza uspješnih priča. Očekuje vas dinamična rasprava koja će preispitati uvriježene definicije i otvoriti nova pitanja o ulozi brenda danas. Panelisti: * **Anja Bauer** – Fabular * **Tomislav Krajačić** \- Kofein * **Marko Šesnić** \- Šesnić & Turković * **Saša Vučković** \- Stožer * **Ana Pia Pušić**, moderatorica – Elevate Vidimo se 14.5. u 19h na Zavrtnici u Wespa Spaces! 🤝 **O PANELISTIMA** * **Anja Bauer** direktorica je brand strategije i kreativna direktorica Fabulara, vodeće agencije specijalizirane za branding. Diplome iz engleskog jezika, engleske i američke književnosti te magisterij iz marketinških komunikacija sa Sveučilišta u Bournemouthu pomogli su joj da usavrši svoje dvije urođene snažne točke - analitičku i kreativnu - koristeći ih za stvaranje brand strategija, imena i slogana za koje je dobila brojne međunarodne nagrade i uvrštena u REBRAND Hall of Fame™. Autorica je jedinstvene metodologije Osam sastojaka koji grade brand™ koja predstavlja popis sastojaka potrebnih da bi brand napredovao. * **Tomislav Krajačić** je stručnjak za razvoj brendova i strateško pozicioniranje s više od 10 godina iskustva u transformaciji poslovanja kroz brand i korisničko iskustvo. Kao osnivač i direktor Kofein d.o.o., vodi razvoj brand strategija s dokazanim rezultatima u FMCG-u, hospitalityju i retailu. Fokusiran na rebranding i izgradnju dugoročno vrijednih i tržišno relevantnih brendova. * **Marko Šesnić** je dizajner sa skoro 20 godina iskustva, suosnivač studija Šesnić&Turković i član uprave HURA-e. Specijaliziran za kulturu, brending i oglašavanje, Marko najviše gušta u raspetljavanju kompleksnih zadataka koji se rješavaju kreativom. * **Saša Vučković** je dizajner, ilustrator i suvlasnik Stožer Boutique agencije. Strastveni ljubitelj motocikala, vintage američkih automobila i vintage Hi-Fi opreme. Nakon 10 godina rada na poziciji event managera u dvije marketinške agencije priključuje se ekipi iz Stožer agencije kao art direktor. Specijalizirao se za branding evenata (oblikovanje identiteta, promo materijala i brandiranje prostora eventa) i izradu ručno crtanih ilustracija za razne klijente. * **Ana Pia Pušić** više od petnaest godina gradi i transformira brendove u FMCG-u, beautyju i modi, radeći s globalnim imenima poput Monster Energy, Levi’s, Wrangler, Mustanga, Lee, BIPA, Dermalogica i Prima. Kroz svoj rad razvija strategije temeljene na dubokom razumijevanju potrošača i stvarnih izazova dinamičnih tržišta. Posebno uživa spajajući analitiku i kreativnost kako bi brendovima pomogla da ostanu relevantnima i konkurentnima, uz jasan fokus na mjerljive rezultate. \*\*\* 18:30-19:00 Okupljanje sudionika, Wespa spaces Zavrtnica 19:00-20:15 Panel rasprava: "Kako izgraditi brend?" 20:15-20:30 Otvorena rasprava i pitanja publike 20:30-... Networking i fun 😊 \*\*\* **SPONZORI** Ukoliko želite podržati Marketing Meet Up, javite se na ilija.brajkovic@gmail.com **PARTNERI** * **Godji entertainment** prepoznato je ime full service agencije za tehničku produkciju događanja, koja iza sebe ima mnoštvo odrađenih događanja svih vrsta - od koncerata, sportskih natjecanja, korporativnih događanja, poslovnih konferencija i promotivnih događanja, festivala i sajmova. Sve informacije i B2B opcije pronađite na [www.godji.hr](http://www.godji.hr/) * **Plata do vrata** prvi je specijalizirani servis i pionir digitalne prodaje standardiziranih plata hladnih narezaka u Hrvatskoj. Više od 40.000 isporučenih plata godišnje potvrđuje poziciju lidera u kategoriji. Više informacija dostupno je na [https://platadovrata.com/](https://platadovrata.com/) \*\*\* Prijave su obavezne! Upad na #MMZG je BESPLATAN, ali vas molim da odgovorno RSVP-ate (Yes/No) kako bismo mogli planirati točan broj sudionika. Facebook stranica: [https://www.facebook.com/marketingcroatia/](https://www.facebook.com/marketingcroatia/) LinkedIn stranica: [https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketing-meet-up/](https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketing-meet-up/) Vidimo se!

[ENGLISH BELOW ] 16\. maja '26 v Ljubljani 👉 prvi WordCamp Slovenia ♥️ En dan, v celoti posvečen WordPressu, en dan različnih talkov in delavnic, en dan druženja s somišljeniki, poslovnimi partnerji, potencialnimi delodajalci, en da spoznavanja ljudi, ki počnejo iste stvari kot ti! In še kaj se bo našlo za ta en dan. Kako se to sliši? 🤩 Dogodek bo potekal na čudovitem gradu Fužine, kjer bo poskrbljeno za vse: od prve jutranje kavice, kosila in seveda after-partya 🙌 **VABLJENI!** Kot obiskovalci, kot prostovoljci, sponzorji, govorci. 🫶 Več info o dogodku&vstopnice: https://slovenia.wordcamp.org/2026/ 📆16. maj 2026, ob 10. uri 📍Grad Fužine, Ljubljana Program je objavljen spodaj. ENGLISH: 16 May 2026 in Ljubljana 👉 the very first WordCamp Slovenia ♥️ One day entirely dedicated to WordPress, one day filled with talks and workshops, one day of connecting with like-minded people, business partners, and potential employers, one day of meeting people who do the same kind of work you do! And there’ll be plenty more packed into that one day. How does that sound? 🤩 The event will take place at the beautiful Fužine Castle, where everything will be taken care of: from your first morning coffee and lunch to, of course, the after-party 🙌 YOU’RE INVITED! As attendees, volunteers, sponsors, or speakers. 🫶 More info about the event & tickets: [https://slovenia.wordcamp.org/2026/](https://slovenia.wordcamp.org/2026/) 📆 16 May 2026 at 10:00 AM 📍 Fužine Castle, Ljubljana 10:00 – 10:10 Main hall Opening remarks **10:10 – 11:00** Main hall **Davor Jovanović:** *From Constraints to Potential: Engineering Creative Freedom in WordPress* Workshop (Tower) **Dario Jazbec Hrvatin:** *Stop Pasting Translations from ChatGPT* **11:00 – 11:50** Main hall **Bor Jemec:** *WordPress in Slovenia: Current state and security from a hosting provider’s perspective* **11:00 - 11:50** Tower **Haim Michael:** S*oftware Developers’ Evolution in the Era of Artificial Intelligence* **11:50 – 12:40** Main hall **Aleksandar Pasku:** *Storytelling: From Blah-Blah to A-ha!* Workshop (Tower) **Berislav Grgičak:** *Discover How WordPress Playground is Transforming the WordPress Ecosystem* 12:40 – 13:30 Main hall **Bruno Zagorščak:** *Podcast to hire: Turn your show into talent magnet* Workshop (Tower) **Isotta Peira:** *From Classroom to Core: Bridging the Gap Between Education and Open Source* 13:30 – 14:25 Lunch 14:25 – 15:20 Main hal **Remkus de Vries:** *WordPress Performance: What You’re Still Getting Wrong* 15:20 – 16:10 Main hall **Ivana Čirkovič:** *Human first: Content in the age of AI* Workshop (Tower) **Gregor Grešak:** *Fixing Accessibility: From Broken UI to WCAG compliant* 16:10 – 17:00 Main hall **Rade Jekić:** *Scaling Intelligence: Applying AI in WordPress Multisite Environments* Workshop (Tower) **Neven Jevtić:** *How to optimize WordPress: tips and tricks from practice* 17:00 – 17:50 Main hall TBA **Tomaž Zaman** 17:50 – 18:40 Main hall Round table 18:40 – 19:00 Main hall Closing remarks **19:00 – 00:00** After party **SPONSORS** **Global sponsors** [WooCommerce](https://woocommerce.com/) **Golden sponsors** [Bunny.net](https://slovenia.wordcamp.org/2026/sponsor/bunny-net/) **Bronze sponsor** [Domenca](https://www.domenca.com/) **Bronze sponsor** [Metakocka](https://metakocka.si/)

**History** The history of [Blendon Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blendon-woods/) began long before its 1951 opening, rooted in a landscape of rugged ridges and deep ravines that made the land unsuitable for traditional farming. In 1945, a report proposing a metropolitan park system for Franklin County specifically highlighted these cliffs of Bedford Shale as some of the "wildest land in the vicinity". Following this recommendation, the recently formed park district purchased the first 229 acres in early 1949. Because the terrain was so uneven, developers had to cut a mile-and-a-half-long roadway through dense woods just to bring in heavy equipment. This initial preservation effort ensured that the mature second-growth hardwood forests remained largely untouched by the urban expansion spreading toward Westerville. Opening day arrived on Labor Day, September 3, 1951, marking Blendon Woods as the second park in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system. The final push to open was a frantic race; the State Highway Department only finished the primary gravel access road four days before the gates opened. Early staff members, consisting of just four full-time employees, had to hand-dig pit toilets and learn construction skills on the fly to build the first picnic shelters. Despite the dusty conditions and limited facilities, the park was an immediate success, drawing massive crowds from across Central Ohio. By the end of the 1950s, annual visitation had already climbed to over 190,000 people. As the surrounding suburbs grew in the 1960s, the park faced severe overcrowding that threatened its natural habitats. In response, Franklin County voters passed the first Metro Parks levy in 1960, providing the funds necessary for a decade of steady expansion. During this era, the park nearly doubled in size, growing from 264 acres to over 570 acres by 1968. Planners also addressed a critical water shortage by collaborating with the U.S. Soil and Conservation Service to build a lake in 1964. This body of water originally served as a temporary reservoir before its role shifted toward conservation and wildlife support. The 1970s marked a transition toward the specialized wildlife and educational focus for which the park is known today. In 1971, the Walden Waterfowl Refuge was established around the 11-acre Thoreau Lake, creating a sanctuary that remains restricted to provide a quiet habitat for migratory birds. A formal nature center was also developed during this period, expanding on the guided Sunday walks that had been a park staple since the early 1950s. The park’s famous "Monarch Mansion" also became a prominent fixture, starting a long tradition of raising and releasing thousands of monarch butterflies each September. These initiatives cemented the park’s reputation as a premier destination for birders and nature enthusiasts. In more recent decades, Blendon Woods has continued to modernize while maintaining its wilderness character. The 10-acre Natural Play Area was added in 2017, encouraging kids to explore the ravines and woods off-trail. This was followed by the opening of a $1.5 million inclusive playground in April 2025, designed to accommodate children of all physical abilities. The nature center also underwent major renovations to include immersive, three-dimensional exhibits and a new butterfly house. Today, the park encompasses 653 acres, preserving a unique geologic and biological corridor amidst the bustling Westerville and Northeast Columbus area. **Map of the Park** Here is a map of [Blendon Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BLN_map_Inclusive-Playground-and-Butterfly-Trail_May-2025_1980px.png). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Lake View, Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook, Brookside, and Sugarbush Trails. This sounds like a lot, but it will really be only a little over five miles. Blendon Woods has a few hills here and there, but it's not one of the more strenuous metro parks. **Where We'll Meet** We'll meet just in front of the Nature Center. This is about a mile into the park from the main entrance. You have to go past the Ranger Station and the Shadblow Reservable Area to get to it, so don't stop too early at the Ranger Station and get it confused with the Nature Center. **After the Hike** Afterward, we will head over to [Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/) at Easton for [drinks](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/#dinner-menu) and [food](https://forbiddenroot.com/wp-content/uploads/Cbus-Food.pdf). We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks. The brewery's actual address is [4080 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219](https://www.google.com/maps/place/4080+Worth+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43219/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88388a86d10b6619:0x4d42b470a5cf11d3?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111); however, I recommend pointing your GPS to the [Worth Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Worth+Garage/@40.0542293,-82.9137962,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388b4df6082825:0x17582f0eccd9dda1!8m2!3d40.0542293!4d-82.9137962!16s%2Fg%2F11rzfvvv8b?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQxNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) across the street. Parking in this garage is free as long as you're not on the first floor, and it is literally right next to the brewery.

Who’s up for a fun night out? Get your boots on, grab your cowboy hat, and let’s have some fun! Thinking about checking out PBR Cowboy Bar & Smokehouse for a lively evening to unwind, connect, and enjoy the night together. • Lively atmosphere with country vibes • Delicious food + drinks • Music, dancing, and lots of laughs • Great conversation and new connections

Join us for a relaxed and enjoyable brunch at 17 Arrows Kitchen and Bar! This is a great opportunity to meet new people, enjoy good food, and ease into the weekend with great conversation. Whether you’re new to the group or it’s your first event, you’ll feel right at home.

Join us this Thursday (5/14) at 6:30 pm at Rocky Fork Metro Park in Westerville as we walk about 2.5 miles of a fully paved trail. The Beech Woodland trail is a flat yet scenic trail with a variety of landscapes. Let’s take it in together!