Firewalls

**WALK THE TALK** Zurich Toastmasters is the place to be if you want to improve your public speaking, communication, and leadership skills. **Walk the Talk** offers a friendly and inspirational environment for all levels of public speaking experience. Guests and new members are always welcome! A typical meeting includes 1–3 prepared speeches by members, evaluations of the speeches, and Table Topics – impromptu speaking. This meeting is Hybrid. "You can speak well if your tongue can deliver the message of your heart." John Ford DISCLAIMER: We may take pictures/videos of our events and share them online or on social media. If you do not wish to be in the pictures, please let us know before the meeting starts. We will do our best to respect your wishes.

A decade. Hundreds of conversations, ideas, and inspirations. And we're celebrating with a meetup that truly delivers. Three exceptional speakers, topics that matter, and plenty of room for what has made this meetup special for 10 years: real people, real conversations, real networking. **The Evening at a Glance** 17:30 Doors open, first drinks, familiar faces and new ones 18:00 Welcome and a brief look back at 10 years of DevOps Meetup Zurich 18:15–18:45 **Claws in the Dark: Bringing DevSecOps to Legacy Hardware with Robotics and Playwright** by Alexander Friesen 18:45–19:15 **Beyond Agile: Structuring Organizations for Real Autonomy** by Lea Düker 19:15–19:25 Short break 19:25–19:55 **From Bottlenecks to Flow: OKRs, Value Stream Management, and Governance Done Right** by Vasileios Konofaos 19:55–20:15 Panel discussion with all three speakers 20:15 Networking, Open Space, snacks, drinks, and anniversary cake 🎂 **Claws in the Dark: Bringing DevSecOps to Legacy Hardware with Robotics and Playwright** What do you do when your software’s "deployment target" is a piece of security hardware embedded in a concrete wall for 20 years? In the world of access control, we don't have the luxury of "move fast and break things"—if the integration fails, the door stays locked. For decades, hardware development at Primion relied on manual bit-shifting, incomplete specifications, and the "read, write, and pray" method. When the pandemic decentralized our R&D department—scattering 60 developers across Europe—the traditional model of physical bench testing collapsed. We couldn't send a lab to everyone’s home, so we brought the developers to the lab through robotics. In this session, we deep-dive into how we bridged the physical-digital divide by building a fully automated hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing farm. We will explore: * The Architecture: How we orchestrate GitLab CI, Azure ephemeral environments, and Playwright to drive physical interactions. * The Hardware Hack: How a 200 CHF robotic claw replaced manual testing, allowing developers to "touch" hardware from anywhere in the world. * The Shift-Left Strategy: Moving from "praying for compatibility" to robust integration testing that catches bit-level errors before they ever hit the factory floor. * Scaling on a Budget: How a single working student scaled our setup to 20+ (and rising) automated test cells. Join us to see how "claws moving in the dark" turned hardware debugging from a nightmare into a breeze, and learn how to apply DevSecOps principles to the most stubborn, physical environments. **Alexander Friesen** Aexander is a **Lead IT Architect** with over a decade of experience in software architecture and technical leadership. He specializes in building and scaling modern ecosystems for major enterprises like **Swisscard** and **Siemens**. DevOps & Platform Engineering Highlights * **Platform Leadership:** Directed technical strategy for Siemens’ IoT flagship "BuildingX" and managed multi-million dollar budgets for large-scale SAFe trains. * **Automation & Compliance:** Expert in **DevSecOps**, achieving ISO27000 compliance through automated CI/CD pipelines and security scanning. * **Efficiency Gains:** Improved software team productivity by **30%** through the implementation of AI Ops and Internal Developer Platforms. * **Cloud Native Stack:** Certified **AWS Architect** with deep expertise in Kubernetes, Terraform, Serverless, and **Data Mesh** architectures. * **Global Teams:** Proven track record of leading cross-functional engineering teams across Switzerland, Germany, the USA, and India. **Beyond Agile: Structuring Organizations for Real Autonomy** Many organizations invest in agile methods, DevOps, and new technologies, and yet the desired impact on collaboration, accountability, and decision-making often fails to materialize. A key lever for change lies in how organizations are structured. This talk provides an introduction to Holacracy as a model for radical self-organization and places it within the broader landscape of organizational development. It explains what defines Holacracy, the principles behind it, and the problems it aims to address. The focus, however, is not solely on the organizational model. The talk also presents concrete tools and practices of self-organization, such as clear role definitions, structured decision-making processes, and transparent governance, that can be applied regardless of the organizational structure in place. **Lea Düker** * Since 2024: IT Project Manager and Scrum Master at digital agency Unic AG * 2021–2024: Project Manager and Deputy Head of IT at the Building Department of the City of Zurich * 2018–2021: Consultant for Process Management at Join GmbH * 2016–2018: Master's degree in Business Management with a specialization in Process Management **From Bottlenecks to Flow: OKRs, Value Stream Management, and Governance Done Right** In our session, we'll be delving into the advanced flow engineering practices we've implemented at KPMG CH for our Cloud Platform. These methods have truly transformed how we deliver outcomes—faster, safer, and with an even greater level of satisfaction. During the session, we'll take a closer look at how we leverage OKRs to align teams and drive strategic goals, and how Value Stream Management helps us optimize workflow and eliminate bottlenecks. Our robust Governance model will also be discussed, highlighting how we maintain compliance without sacrificing agility. Beyond sharing the technical details, we'll reflect on the lessons learned and valuable insights we've gained throughout our journey. Our goal is to provide actionable takeaways that will benefit the DevOps community and inspire organizations seeking to enhance their delivery pipelines and nurture a culture of continuous improvement. **Vasileios Konofaos** Head of Business Services CH Group Digital Vasileios Konofaos is a seasoned technology leader with more than 20 years of experience driving large‑scale software engineering, cloud infrastructure, and digital transformation initiatives. As Director of Business Services CH Group Digital at KPMG Switzerland, he leads high‑impact programs that advance innovation, operational excellence, and AI‑enabled capabilities across the organization. His career spans senior roles in global financial institutions and consulting firms, where he has successfully delivered complex projects in software development, automation, DevOps, and machine learning. Certified in Azure, ITIL, PMP, PRINCE2, and Scrum, Vasileios is recognized for his strategic mindset, strong leadership, and ability to empower teams to achieve exceptional results. He brings deep expertise in systems analysis, project delivery, and process improvement, consistently enabling organizations to scale technology solutions with quality and precision. Many thanks to our **sponsors**: * Catering and Location Sponsor: **KPMG** https://kpmg.com/

🔥 **ECSTATIC DANCE JOURNEY ZÜRICH — FREEDOM DANCE PARTY** 🔥 **Theme:** ARIES IGNITION · SOUND HEALING Please be on time, we start sharp 19:30, doors open 19:10! 🎟 **Get your ticket on Eventfrog** [https://eventfrog.ch/en/p/miscellaneous/ecstatic-dance-zuerich-aries-fire-rising-sound-healing-7445108916650828168.html](https://eventfrog.ch/en/p/miscellaneous/ecstatic-dance-zuerich-aries-fire-rising-sound-healing-7445108916650828168.html) ✨ **FIRST TIME ALWAYS FREE** — limited free tickets available. This offer is valid once per person. If you reserve a free ticket and do not attend, you are no longer eligible for a free ticket in the future. **PLEASE NOTE:** at most of our events 20–45 beautiful souls are dancing with us. Many of them don’t sign up on Meetup. In case of conflicts between website/eventfrog please ask in our telegram group as the quickest way to get feedback: [yanantintribe](https://t.me/yanantintribe) Imagine stepping into a cozy home gathering where strangers smile like old friends. Eyes shining, bodies already moving. No alcohol, no awkwardness — just music, presence, and a warm sense of belonging. A space where you can dance like no one is watching and simply be yourself. ✨ **WHAT TO EXPECT** • warm-up & playful exercises • guided movement • ecstatic free dance • uplifting music & conscious community ✨ **WHAT PEOPLE EXPERIENCE** • stress release • more energy • authentic expression • real human connection ✨ **THE SCIENCE OF DANCE** • reduces stress and increases endorphins • improves emotional regulation • strengthens social bonding and wellbeing ✨ **WHAT PEOPLE SAY** “The beautiful souls from the Yanantin Tribe are of the sweetest kind — pure angels! You can truly feel the magic.” — Pascal ✨ **PRACTICAL INFO** **When:** • Ecstatic Dance Fridays — 3 times per month • One Saturday dance per month (longer edition) Bring: comfortable clothes, water bottle, curiosity **Space guidelines** • no alcohol • silence on the dance floor • no phones on the dance floor • barefoot or dance shoes — your choice Come dance, breathe and celebrate being alive. Lovingly 💜 Barbara & András Yanantin Tribe

**[⚠️>>Ticket needed (click here)<<](https://eventfrog.ch/en/p/sport-fitness/yoga/yoga-sound-healing-7437531987315800493.html) or** **[www.social-circle.ch](http://www.social-circle.ch/)** 🌿 **Social Circle Yin Yoga & Soundbath – Reset & Reconnect** 🌿 Join the Social Circle community for a deeply restorative evening designed to help you slow down, reset, and reconnect — with yourself and with others. 💖✨ 📲 Join our WhatsApp chat to keep up with the event: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/EsTccDt6vB2A8z3OXbPUbW](https://chat.whatsapp.com/EsTccDt6vB2A8z3OXbPUbW) (if you run into trouble open it in WhatsApp Web on your desktop) We’ll begin with a gentle **Yin Yoga practice**, featuring long-held, calming postures that release tension and soothe the nervous system. No rush, no pressure — just space to arrive and soften. 🧘‍♀️ As you rest into stillness, you’ll be immersed in the healing vibrations of a **soundbath** with crystal and Tibetan bowls. The sounds will guide you into a meditative state, helping you drop out of your head and into your body. 🎶 After the workshop we will go in a cafe for a drink to relax and socialize. This combination of Yin Yoga and sound healing is perfect if you’re looking to: 🌸 unwind after a busy week 🌸 calm your nervous system 🌸 reconnect with yourself in a warm, welcoming group setting **What to bring:** – Comfortable, loose clothing – A bottle of water Come as you are. Leave feeling grounded, relaxed, and gently connected. 🌙💫 We’re looking forward to creating a calm and supportive space together as part of Social Circle. ​📸 Photos and short videos may be taken during the event. Let the host know if you prefer not to be in them. Tickets are non refundable. Want more events like this? Join our community! [https://chat.whatsapp.com/DaGFCvKs6iu62pftk5cotM](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DaGFCvKs6iu62pftk5cotM)

As it is sometimes difficult in Switzerland to practice high german, in 2010 we decided to organize a conversation group that is free to everyone who wants to practice german and socialize. WhatsApp group for easier contact: https://chat.whatsapp.com/KmMkpiQxs291vTPv2RBNm4

**Welcome to Top Notch Toastmasters Zurich!** [www.topnotch.toastmastersclubs.org](http://www.topnotch.toastmastersclubs.org) \*\* Please arrive 15 minutes before, meeting begin \*\* **When & Where** Every Wednesday, 10–15 members and guests meet **in person** to practice public speaking and leadership skills in a friendly, dynamic environment. *(Please note: members don’t RSVP via Meetup.)* **What to Expect** ✅ Self-paced learning—advance at your own speed ✅ Hands-on experience—speak, lead, and grow ✅ Supportive feedback from peers ✅ Guidance from experienced mentors ✅ Monthly workshops—every last Wednesday on communication and public speaking topics **Who We Are** Part of **Toastmasters International**, a global network of over 352,000 members dedicated to helping peoplecommunicate with confidence and discover their leadership potential. **Drinks & Socializing** After each meeting, we head to a nearby bar to relax and connect—perfect for networking and great conversation. Come visit us! Our welcoming team is excited to show you how Toastmasters can help you grow personally and professionally. ✨ **We can’t wait to meet you!** ✨

**[Tickets here on Eventfrog](https://eventfrog.ch/jackpotcomedy)** **Down on your luck?** Perfect. Comedy works best on people with low expectations. At **Jackpot Comedy**, comedians test brand-new jokes alongside the ones that actually work. Some hit the jackpot, some crash out spectacularly. Either way, you win, because it’s funnier when anything can happen. Expect a proper underground comedy night, close to the stage, real crowd energy, and comics who are risking their dignity for your entertainment. Hosted by **[Jack Roberts](https://www.instagram.com/jackrobertscomedy/)**, a man who has invested his long-term financial stability entirely into making strangers laugh. We’re downstairs at **Bar OTRO,** just off Langstrasse, the ideal location for high-risk decisions you’ll be glad you made the next morning. No dress code. No awkward theatre seating. Just drinks, friends, and a very high probability of laughing harder than you planned. Roll the dice. Bring someone you like. Or someone you’re unsure about, this is an excellent test. **[Tickets here on Eventfrog](https://eventfrog.ch/jackpotcomedy)** **SHOW BEGINS AT 20:00 (Doors at 19:00)**

We are excited to invite you to join our cyber security breakfast where we share our knowledge and experience in the constantly evolving field of cybersecurity.

**Hike description:** The hike starts before the train station Altmatt at 11:15 you need to be fit and have good hiking shoes. The concert begins at 7:00 p.m., so let’s aim to finish the hike 15 min before it starts to have a good place. The last kilometers are along the Zürich lake. If we are late, we can take a bus. If we are too early (and the water not too cold), we can swim, [von Hochmoor Rothenthurm nach Wädenswil | Wanderung | Komoot](https://www.komoot.com/de-de/tour/2777682564?share_token=a22S3zJVK5xCstbx5AgAIK3KILf5ZfJSgUNylA2aYvgc9IYyWa&ref=wtd) **How to go with the train (from Zurich and I will meet you on the way):** [Das Online-Portal der SBB für Fahrplan, Zug und ÖV](https://www.sbb.ch/de?stops=Z%C3%BCrich+HB_I8503000~Rothenthurm,+Altmatt+Bahnhof_I8587856&day=2026-04-11&time=09_08&moment=dep&trip=3) **More information about the concert** the concert starts at 19:00 in the Ref. Kirche Wädenswil More information about this concert: [Konzerte | JSO Crescendo](https://jso-crescendo.ch/konzerte) It’s free, but donations are very welcome. **dedicated Whatsapp group** [WhatsApp-Gruppeneinladung](https://chat.whatsapp.com/HlsJBlVKqd1JSvHrAYZmJI) **If the hike is not long enough for you:** The hike start only at 11:15 because I suppose walking 7:30 is already long for a lot of people but, don't hesitate to tell in the whatsapp group if you what to make it longer by starting earlier. The only constraint is to be in Altmatt before 11:15 to join the main group. **Registration:** To sign up, please select "Yes" in the WhatsApp community survey for this activity: [🌄 Switzerland Discovery Crew (Preferred Ages 18-35)🌄 | WhatsApp-Kanal](https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaoercY1XquRrJm58k3V) If the event will happen in more than 30 days, I haven't added the survey in the channel yet. (Because message in a WhatsApp channel can be read by a new member only 30 days before he joins. But you can already enter the corresponding WhatsApp group) If you are concerned about privacy, only the admin of a WhatsApp channel can see who has voted in a poll (unlike a WhatsApp group). Please sign up only when you are certain! You can also register through Meetup, as it helps build momentum; however, I rely only on the number of people who signed up through the WhatsApp survey.

⚠️ [Ticket needed](https://eventfrog.ch/de/p/freizeit-ausfluege/wanderung/walk-connect-uetliberg-easy-sunday-walk-7445018894593438729.html) **Also here:** [www.social-circle.ch](www.social-circle.ch) **Come solo or with friends** — we’ll make sure you feel included from the first minute. During our **easy 1:30h walk** from Ringlikon to Triemli, we’ll rotate through Speed Friending rounds so everyone gets face time with everyone (snacks included ). At Gasthaus Albisgütli, we’ll slow it down with deep talks and a cozy coffee ☕ It is not a hike but **wear appropriate shoes** for a forest walk Expect a relaxed, healthy-vibes social where walking side-by-side makes conversations feel natural (no loud bars, no pressure). We’ll keep it simple: gentle downhill path, guided rounds to meet everyone, and then a warm landing spot for deeper chats ️ Join our WhatsApp chat for updates and similar events: (if you run into trouble open it in WhatsApp Web on your desktop) [https://chat.whatsapp.com/HGKLziV4s7bLZWEiouTQhi](https://chat.whatsapp.com/HGKLziV4s7bLZWEiouTQhi) \*\* Timeline:\*\* * 11:30 Meet at Zurich Main Station (HB), under the main clock (details in WhatsApp) ️ * 11:55 Take the S10 toward Uetliberg from platform 22 (Gleis 22) * 12:15 Arrive at Ringlikon * 12:25 Start the downhill walk from Ringlikon + Speed Friending rounds Snacks included on the way * \~13:55 Arrive at Gasthaus Albisgütli (near Triemli) ️ Deep Round Talks + cozy coffee hang (optional food/drinks) ☕ * Afterwards: head back individually or as a group ️ In case of bad weather we do a shorter walk and extend the restaurant part *** ## Disclaimer Participation in this event requires a valid ticket, which must be purchased in advance via the link provided in the event description. Please note that tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. We do not accept cash payments on the day of the event. To ensure a smooth and safe experience, we kindly ask all participants to follow the instructions and announcements from the event organizers. While our team works hard to create an enjoyable and welcoming atmosphere, attendance is at your own risk. We want everyone to feel comfortable and respected. If you encounter any issues or uncomfortable situations during the event, please speak directly to a member of our team — we’re here to help. We reserve the right to exclude participants from the event if they do not adhere to basic standards of respectful interpersonal behavior. This decision is at the discretion of the responsible organizers. By signing up, you agree that any content captured during the event (including photos and videos) may be used on Social Circle’s social media channels and those of our partners. Please be aware that we cannot wait for late participants, as this disrupts the planned group flow and connections. If you're delayed or choose a different route, it’s your responsibility to catch up with the group. Join our Whatsapp newsletter: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/DaGFCvKs6iu62pftk5cotM](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DaGFCvKs6iu62pftk5cotM)

\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Update 25.03.: We are fully booked.** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Hi everyone — I'm Michael from **Digitec Galaxus**, where I'm responsible for the integration of recommender systems. Together with my colleagues at Digitec Galaxus' recommendations team, we’ve recently taken over the **Zurich Recommendation Systems** meet-up group and consider reviving it as a regular series. To kick things off, we're joining forces with the **Digitec Galaxus Product Development Meet-Up** for an evening on recommender systems in practice. We will present two talks: * **Max Nolte (Migros Genossenschaftsbund)**, amongst other things, on four years of building and operating the engine behind personalized Cumulus coupons — covering data, models, measurement, and the practical realities of running it day to day at a brick-and-mortar retailer. * **Michael Weiss and Robert Rosenbach (Digitec Galaxus)** on the full recommendation stack in Switzerlands leading e-commerce platform — from the engineering architecture that keeps things fast, scalable, and maintainable, to insights from model training: what to optimize for and which inputs matter the most. Each presentation will take roughly 30 minutes, including questions, leaving plenty of time for discussion and exchange afterwards. To participate, please sign up for the events in both groups: * **Digitec Galaxus Product Development Meet-Up** — Primary organizer: This is the sign-up that counts, and you’ll also find a more comprehensive announcement of the talks there ;-) [https://www.meetup.com/digitec-galaxus-zuerich/events/313707996](https://www.meetup.com/digitec-galaxus-zuerich/events/313707996) * **Zurich Recommendation Systems** (i.e., this event) — to help us gauge interest in running this as a continuous series going forward Looking forward to seeing you there!

**[⚠️ >>Ticket needed (click here)<<](https://eventfrog.ch/en/p/eating-drinking/digital-detox-cafe-7438257105201571682.html) or** **[www.social-circle.ch](http://www.social-circle.ch/)** **Unplug & Create: Digital Detox Café at Paint it Easy** Take a break from screens and reconnect with yourself and others at our Digital Detox event in Zürich’s most inviting creative space, Paint it Easy. We’ll kick off the evening with a relaxed atmosphere, setting the tone for a mindful and inspiring night. Join our craft group: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/JPIASNUJGwD23UUweSe0s3](https://chat.whatsapp.com/JPIASNUJGwD23UUweSe0s3) Choose your path for the evening: **Deep Talk with Question Cards:** Dive into meaningful conversations and connect with fellow participants on a deeper level. **Boardgames:** Just for fun or to meet new people. **Creative Activities:** * **Drawing** (included) * **Canvas Painting** (CHF 10/hour + canvas, e.g., 30x40 cm: CHF 9) * **Pottery Painting** (CHF 20–45 per piece) * **Jewellery Making with Beads** (CHF 10/hour + materials, avg. CHF 20–30) * **Linocut Printmaking** (CHF 25–35 per piece) **Location:** Paint it Easy, Zürich **Early Bird Ticket:** CHF 15 **Includes :** Welcome drink\*, drawing material, notebook, games, workshop **Doesn't include** : optional creative activity fees (depending on your choice) \*Warm drink, homemade iced tea, or lemonade Want more events like this? Join our community! [https://chat.whatsapp.com/DaGFCvKs6iu62pftk5cotM?mode=gi_t](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DaGFCvKs6iu62pftk5cotM?mode=gi_t) No experience needed—just bring your curiosity and an open mind! Whether you're painting, reflecting, or connecting, this is your space to recharge, express, and enjoy. Please note that pictures might be taken and used, if you don't want to be on them please let the host know. Tickets are not refundable. #digitaldetox

We are excited to invite you to join our cyber security breakfast where we share our knowledge and experience in the constantly evolving field of cybersecurity.

**[⚠️ >>Ticket needed (click here)<<](https://eventfrog.ch/en/p/dating/speed-dating/mystery-matches-blindfolded-speeddating-7432017503818140259.html) or** **[www.social-circle.ch](https://social-circle.ch/)**[ ](https://social-circle.ch/) ✨ **Mystery Matches: Blindfolded Speed Dating in Zürich** **Beyond Looks – Find Real Connection (25-40y)** Had enough of small talk and superficial dating? Dive into an experience where true chemistry sparks *before* appearances come into play. **The Vibe** Imagine sitting across from someone you can’t see. No distractions. No snap judgments. Just their words, their voice, and their energy. That’s **Mystery Matches**—Zürich’s one-of-a-kind blindfolded speed dating event designed for deeper connection. Join our WhatsApp chat to keep up with the event: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FoJN0DzRQgF232huSHiGOi (if you run into trouble open it in WhatsApp Web on your desktop) **How It Works** * Rotate through a series of short, blindfolded conversations. * Exchange a card with your name so your partner remembers who they spoke with. * With sight switched off, you’ll naturally tune into personality, tone, and presence. * After the rounds, blindfolds come off and the evening flows into a relaxed mingle—this time with faces revealed. (Name tags included!) * Stay for vynil music! **What’s Included** * A welcome drink * A guided, well-paced format that keeps things fun and easy * A welcoming, pressure-free atmosphere for playful connections **Where & When** * Venue: *Raedli bar* * Time: *19:00 sharp – please arrive on time!* ️ **Tickets** * Early bird: **19.-** Want more events like this? Join our newsletter: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/DaGFCvKs6iu62pftk5cotM](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DaGFCvKs6iu62pftk5cotM) ​**Important:** Tickets are **non-refundable**. Pictures might be taken during the event, if you do not want it please let the organizer know.

**Important time note:** Please plan on arriving between 5:30 and 6:00 as the elevators lock after 6 and you'll need to message us and we'll need to come get you. The building address is 4450 Bridge Park The entrance is 6620 Mooney St, Suite 400 You will need to scan your ID at the door to get a visitor badge. **Abstract** GitHub Copilot is powerful, but what if you could scale from a solo AI assistant to an entire team of specialized agents working in parallel? This session introduces Squad: an open-source framework for multi-agent orchestration that lets you define teams of AI agents with specific roles, responsibilities, and expertise. We'll progress from Copilot basics to the Copilot CLI, explore how Agents add autonomy, and see how Instructions and Skills let you customize agent behavior. Then, the climax: a live demo where a Squad team of 3 agents (Lead, Developer, Tester) stands up and builds a working application in real-time, showcasing true multi-agent collaboration. Whether you're new to AI or exploring how to scale your use of Copilot, this session will show you what's possible when agents work as a team. **YouTube Link** TBD

[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 — 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 — 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. 🤠👋 **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).

The global Azure community is coming together again, and Columbus is officially on the map. View the session lineup and speakers at [Global Azure Columbus 2026](https://coazure.github.io/cbus-global-azure-2026/) On **Saturday, April 18, 2026**, the Azure Columbus Meetup, DevOps Meetup, and Code and Coffee Meetup are hosting our local edition of Global Azure 2026. This is a free, community-driven event packed with learning, networking, and all things Microsoft Azure. Whether you’re building modern cloud-native apps, experimenting with AI agents, deploying containers, automating infrastructure, or just beginning your Azure journey, this event is for you! **What to Expect** * Engaging technical sessions * Real-world Azure architecture & cloud-native patterns * AI, agents, automation, and modern DevOps * Food and drinks (because learning burns calories) * Time to connect with fellow engineers, architects, and cloud enthusiasts **Who Should Attend?** * Software engineers (any language, any stack) * Cloud architects * DevOps engineers * Data professionals * AI explorers * Platform builders * Anyone who loves solving hard problems with great tools If you build, deploy, automate, scale, monitor, or optimize in Azure, you’ll feel right at home. **Why Global Azure?** Global Azure is a worldwide community event where Azure user groups host learning sessions on the same day across the globe. It’s grassroots. It’s technical. It’s practical. And it’s powered by people who genuinely love sharing what they’ve learned. And yes, it’s free to attend!

We'll meet at Wyandot Park, cross Riverside Dr at Lane Rd, then walk south along the water to Griggs Park and back — 4.8 miles total. A scenic out-and-back route along the Scioto River. One of the nicer stretches of trail in Columbus. Parking is available at Wyandot Park, off Lane Rd. Here's an overview of the route on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/uqweEoi6vcpY4esTA All paces welcome. See you there.

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!

Join us for a two mile trail hike alongside the Brookside Trail at Blendon Woods Metro Park. This trail is largely gravel and does include some hills and stairs. Hopefully we will see some wildlife while hike this scenic trail! Join us!

The Fellowship of the Star Schema: Transforming OLTP Data for Power BI One does not simply build reports on OLTP data. Join us on an epic journey from the depths of raw, normalized tables to the shining halls of a well-modeled star schema fit for Power BI greatness. We will demystify the differences between OLTP and OLAP, walk through star schema vs snowflake (and why Power BI has a clear favorite), and show you the compression differences between normalized and columnar storage that will make you never look at an OLTP model the same way again. We will cover the different types of dimensions, when to use them, and how to handle Slowly Changing Dimensions without losing your mind. You will leave knowing exactly how to identify a bad model, how to convert OLTP data into a clean star schema, and how to forge relationships that rule them all. Whether you are a data wizard, a curious hobbit, or somewhere in between, your models will never be the same.