First Time Authors

We're thrilled to invite you to our next meetup, a joint event with the **[Zurich Apache Kafka®](https://www.meetup.com/zurich-apache-kafka-meetup-by-confluent/)** community 💥 Many thanks to our great friends at **[Sunrise](https://www.sunrise.ch/)**, who have kindly offered to host us at their office 🫶 🗓️ March 9, 2026 📍[Sunrise](https://www.sunrise.ch/): Ambassador House\, Thurgauerstrasse 101B\, 8152 Glattpark \(Opfikon\) \| [https://maps.app.goo.gl/2pLV5duBYj3vwdDt5](https://maps.app.goo.gl/2pLV5duBYj3vwdDt5) St. Gallen meeting room 📕 **Agenda** **18:00 - 18:30:** Open doors **18:30 - 18:40:** Meetup introduction & some words from the host **18:40 - 19:15:** Talk 1 **19:15 - 19:45:** Talk 2 **20:00 - 21:00:** Apéro & Networking **21:00 - 21:10:** Event and venue closure 1️⃣ **"Supercharging Grafana with Community Plugins"** by **[Luis Colman](https://www.linkedin.com/in/luiscolman/)** (Solutions Engineer at **[Grafana Labs](https://grafana.com/)**), **[Imma Valls](https://www.linkedin.com/in/imma-valls/)** (Staff Developer Advocate at **[Grafana Labs](https://grafana.com/)).** Grafana is powerful on its own, but its true potential lies in its vibrant community of plugin developers. In this talk, we'll dive into how community plugins extend Grafana's core functionality, enabling you to connect to a broader range of data sources and visualize your data in new ways. We'll introduce the **[Kafka Data Source plugin](https://grafana.com/grafana/plugins/hamedkarbasi93-kafka-datasource/)** as a practical example, demonstrating how it enables you to query and visualize Kafka topic data directly in your dashboards, without requiring intermediate storage or external services. 2️⃣ **"From Stream to Table: Building Kafka-to-Iceberg Pipelines"**, by **[Will Martin](https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-p-martin/)** is the EMEA Evangelist at **[Dremio](https://www.dremio.com/)**. While Kafka excels at streaming data, the real challenge lies in making that data analytically useful without sacrificing consistency or performance. This talk explores why Apache Iceberg has emerged as the ideal streaming destination, offering ACID transactions, schema evolution, and time travel capabilities that traditional data lakes can't match. Learn about some foundational tools that enable streaming pipelines and why they all converge on this next-generation table format built for flexibility and scalability. We are looking forward to seeing you 🎉!

**What this is** A calm afterwork salon for long-view investors. Quick macro, three names worth real homework, and a frameworks roundtable to sharpen your thesis. **Where** Motel One Zurich, bar area. Head to the bar and ask for Financial Network Zurich. **When** Mondays, 19:00 to 22:00 19:00 welcome and connections 19:30 macro group analysis 20:00 three tickers in focus (tech and fundamental analysis in group) 21:00 open networking until 22:00 **How we roll** Signal over noise. Evidence over anecdotes. Respect for risk. **Bring** Notebook or laptop helpful. Curiosity required. **Food and drinks** Order food and drinks with the waitresses whenever you like. **LINKS** Community Owner’s Direct (All Infos & Questions): Alessandro +41 76 279 32 84 WhatsApp Group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/DCSSmdHj7xr6F39ZAAWubX Financial Network Zurich: https://www.meetup.com/entrepreneurs-focus-and-network-workshop/ Founder’s Links (Alessandro): https://linktr.ee/alessandronfthyme

**⚠️ Ticket needed:** [https://social-circle.ch/](https://social-circle.ch/) **Craft personalized, unique cards in this hands-on Aquarelle (Watercolor) class!** In this course, you will learn how to paint with watercolors. The focus is on landscapes. We use nature as inspiration for our artwork and learn to understand the techniques of fine arts. Ideal for a creative and inspiring evening or as a solid foundation for painting. Join our WhatsApp chat to keep up with the event: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/JPIASNUJGwD23UUweSe0s3](https://chat.whatsapp.com/JPIASNUJGwD23UUweSe0s3) (if you run into trouble open it in WhatsApp Web on your desktop) **Please Note:** This ticket is **non-refundable**. Photos may be taken during the workshop for promotional purposes. Want more events like this? **Join our newsletter:** [https://chat.whatsapp.com/Hmm9DZP3wzaL8cXrtAAafw](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Hmm9DZP3wzaL8cXrtAAafw) **No experience is required. Just bring your festive spirit!** *In case you cannot find us here is Ravi's number : +41 76 224 26 99*

**Color, Relax & Win – 1-Hour Coloring Session with Ohuhu Markers** Looking for a creative break that fits perfectly into your day? Come color in my studio and enjoy **one full hour of relaxing, focused creativity** using high-quality **Ohuhu alcohol markers**. Whether you want to unwind after work, try something new, or simply spend time doing something for yourself, this session is designed to be easy, flexible, and fun. You can **drop in anytime between 14:00 and 18:00** and choose the time that works best for you. Once you arrive, you’ll pick a design you love—from cute, calming, or detailed illustrations—and bring it to life with vibrant Ohuhu markers. No experience needed at all. You’ll have **one full hour** to finish your artwork. It’s the perfect amount of time to fully disconnect, get into a creative flow, and leave with something you’re proud of. All materials are included—just come as you are. **Bonus:** Every participant automatically joins the **monthly coloring contest**. At the end of each month, **one winner** will be selected and receive a **prize worth CHF 69.–**. It’s a fun extra motivation and a great way to celebrate your creativity. This coloring session is ideal for beginners, creatives, or anyone who wants a calm and joyful break. Flexible timing, no pressure, beautiful colors, and a chance to win—what more could you want? Pick your design, grab the markers, and let your creativity shine. 🎨✨

Kommen Sie vorbei und lernen Sie care 4 kids kennen. Wir stellen uns vor, erzählen Ihnen über unseren Jobmöglichkeiten und beantworten alle Ihre Fragen. Wir sind im Starbucks an der Europaallee 7 (neben HB Zürich). Sie finden uns drinnen am Tisch . Auf dem Tisch sind care 4 kids Schablonen aufgestellt, damit Sie uns schneller sehen.:) Bitte bringen Sie Ihren vollständigen Lebenslauf mit und konsumieren Sie ein erfrischendes Getränk. Wir freuen uns auf Sie. *** Come and learn about care 4 kids and let us answer all your questions. Please find us at Starbucks Europaallee 7 (next to HB Zurich). We have care 4 kids sign set up so you can find us faster. :) Please bring us your CV and have a refreshing drink. We very much look forward to meeting you! ***

Join us for the weekly Language Exchange! 🚀 Language Exchange WhatsApp Chat https://chat.whatsapp.com/C36TAgOl8Ei5qsWMNPZpHU Join the weekly Language Exchange (every monday) to work on your language skills, socialize and meet cool and open people. 💡HOW DOES IT WORK💡 1. Come to the location (for Spring and Summer the event will take place on a outside)☀️🍹 2. The Event Host will greet you🤜🏽🤛🏾 3. Choose the language flag that interests you and speak the language of the flag🇪🇸🇬🇧🇵🇹🇮🇹🇩🇪🇨🇭🇫🇷 4. Start talking with people around the world and improve your language skill💪🏽💭

Join us for the second series of the **free** literary event "Irish Voices", organised by the Swiss Centre of Irish Studies (UZH)! Lucy Caldwell is the award-winning author of four novels, several stage plays and radio dramas, and three collections of short stories. Her latest novel, *These Days*, won the 2023 Walter Scott prize for Historical Fiction. Set in Belfast during the Blitz, the novel follows two sisters as they navigate early adulthood. We will discuss Lucy's novels and her upcoming short-story collection, *Devotions*, which will be published in April. The reading and discussion will be in English, at the Zurich James Joyce Foundation (Augustinergasse 9, 8001 Zurich) More information at Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/irish-voices-reading-with-lucy-caldwell-tickets-1984288594602?aff=oddtdtcreator

Map the World, Change the World. Join Our Mapathon! Got a laptop? Ready to make a difference? 💥 We're on a mission to create life-saving maps for disaster response, and we need YOU. No experience? No problem. Whether you're a mapping newbie or an OpenStreetMap Pro, you'll learn, collaborate, and help create maps that matter. What to bring? Your laptop (mouse = bonus points!) Why join? Learn cool mapping skills Make a real impact in crisis zones Meet like-minded change-makers Ready to map for good? Let’s do this.

[TICKETS FOR THIS EVENT ARE SOLD VIA EVERSPORTS](https://www.eversports.ch/org/activity/e394a2f8-1658-4be6-ac26-bf9e895baa80) **Ready to Ditch the Fear and Join the Trend? This Event is for You!** Have you been watching the incredible popularity of reformer pilates online but felt too intimidated to try it yourself? It's easy to think everyone else is an expert and you'll be the only beginner. Stop waiting! We created My First Reformer Pilates Class specifically to remove that anxiety and guesswork. Join us for the perfect, pressure-free Saturday morning where you can finally find your flow. We've got everything covered to ensure your first experience is confidence-boosting, gentle, and fun! **Your Complete Beginner Program** This special 120-minute event is structured to give you a complete, gentle introduction to the world of reformer pilates, ensuring you leave feeling confident and inspired. You will be in great hands, learning the essentials from top to bottom. * **Theory & Machine Basics:** A comprehensive breakdown of the reformer machine, covering correct posture, essential safety tips, and how to operate the equipment effectively. * **Beginner Workout:** A gentle, low-pressure practice session on our digitally connected reformers, allowing you to follow exercises displayed on a screen at your own comfortable pace. * **Restore & Recover:** A focused stretching session with elements of yoga to teach you essential movements for restoring and lengthening muscles after your workout. * **Community & Connection:** Enjoy relaxation in our chill area. Grab a complimentary tea, chat with your instructor, and mingle with fellow beginners who are exactly on the same journey as you. **Secure Your Spot and Start Your Journey!** Don't let the fear of the unknown hold you back from discovering this amazing practice. This is your chance to step into the studio knowing that everyone else is a beginner, just like you. Plus, with only 6 reformers in the room, spaces are highly limited to guarantee an intimate and personalized experience! Book now, meet new people, and secure the friends you can go with to future workouts. [TICKETS FOR THIS EVENT ARE SOLD VIA EVERSPORTS](https://www.eversports.ch/org/activity/e394a2f8-1658-4be6-ac26-bf9e895baa80)

**Note from Callie:** *Originally a web serial - can be read on Royal Road or bought as an ebook in three volumes.* Hannah has a routine. Wake up, take a shower, go to school, go to work, come home, and pass out. It's a perfectly normal routine for a perfectly normal girl who does not have to remember how her limbs work every morning because of haunting nightmares of being a very different creature in a very different world. But that's all she thinks they are—nightmares—until one night they're all too lucid, and her body on Earth starts to change. Slowly, Hannah's humanity starts to slip away... but surely she can continue just sticking to routine, right? It'll be fine. It has to be. A mix of urban and traditional fantasy, Bioshifter is a story in two worlds, with magic leaking in from one to the other. It's a story about love, self-acceptance, neurodivergency, and a whole lot of trauma. Strap in and enjoy! ***\*\**** *The event takes place in the Library of the Regenbogenhaus, which is open from 15h00-19h00 on Wednesdays. You're welcome to visit the library, before the book discussion in the House of Colour* \*\* \*\* **Reminder:** The Sci-Fi & Fantasy books group meets monthly, and has a limit of 12 persons (due to venue size at the Regenbogenhaus). The Sci-Fi Fantasy group has a Whatsapp Group chat, and Excel sheet for suggesting and voting on books to read. **Suggest books and vote here**: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1M23Vst0aClZS5SOZN-CGDcaQRsQtO8_h18l7xChf1no/edit?gid=966314652#gid=966314652

### \*\*\*\* visit ZST workshop [webpage](https://zurichstorytellers.ch/transform-with-story-workshop-mar-14) for total immersion ### STOP OVERTHINKING. START TELLING Have you ever sat in the audience at a StorySLAM and thought, “I have a story like that, but I have no idea how to tell it”? Or maybe you have the idea, but you just don’t know how to make a 20-minute anecdote fit into an emotionally moving, 5-minute StorySLAM winner. Storytelling is a skill, not a secret gift. Whether you’re an aspiring newcomer looking to debut at our next StorySLAM, a professional wanting to have more impact in meetings, or a creator explaining your mission—this 3-hour intensive is the roadmap you've been waiting for. ### THE ROADMAP: THE 1-2-3 OF A GREAT STORY We strip away the jargon and focus on the purpose of you telling your story that actually touches people’s emotions: 1. **CONTEXT** (The Foundation): Setting the scene so we know where we are and who you were before everything changed. 2. **STAKES** (The Why): Why does this matter? What was at risk? Stakes are the tension you wind up that makes an audience lean into your story. 3. **CHANGE** (The Transformation): A story isn’t just a thing that happened; it’s how that thing changed you. We help you find your "Aha!" moment. ### **WHAT YOUR INVESTMENT DELIVERS:** * **20% Insight** / 80% Practice: We don’t just talk; we help you build, iterate and empower you to tell your story. * **Memory Mining**: We’ll help you dig for the "silver and gold" experiences, people and places - and shape them into a moving personal story. * **1-on-1 Coaching:** Direct feedback from Maria and Joel to polish your rough edges - plus reactions of fellow attendees. * **The Video:** Receive a high-quality video of your performance—perfect for self-review or your personal highlight reel. **Small Group Alert**: We limit this workshop to 10 spots to ensure everyone gets the "Olympic Coach" treatment. Don’t let your best stories stay locked away. Come for the camaraderie (and coffee), stay for the transformation. Secure your seat (and your croissant) now! **Story Workshop Programme** **10:00 - 11:00 Part 1 - 20% INSIGHT** * Foundations of storytelling * A process for story design * Mining memories for silver and gold **11:00 - 12:00 Part 2 - 80% PRACTICE** * First build - drafts with peer participant reviews * 1:1 coaching with Maria and Joel * Final drafts - practice round with fellow participants **12:00 - 12:10 Short drink break** **12:10 - 13:00 Part 3 - StorySLAM mini-Show** * Draw names from the story-sorting hat * Deliver 5-min StorySLAM on stage * Celebrate! our accomplishments! **13:00 Wrap up and goodbyes** **Secure your spot ON [EVENTFROG](https://eventfrog.ch/en/p/courses-seminars/other-courses-seminars/storytelling-workshop-transform-with-story-7430362970046118645.html) \- limited availability** PS Check out what workshop attendees have to say about their expereince in this **[1:45 min YT video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULcZ49FIDxs&t=2s))**

# **Band and caller TBA** Beginner lesson at 1:30, regular dancing begins at 2:00 pm NOTE THAT WE ARE TEMPORARILY DANCING IN THE AFTERNOON INSTEAD OF EVENING. Dance with us in the afternoon then you can still go out in the evening! **Sponsor: All Soles Contra and Square Dancing, First Unitarian Universalist Church, 93 W. Weisheimer Rd., Columbus OH 43214** WHAT IS CONTRA DANCING? Picture the Grand Ball scenes like you’ve seen in period films such as “Pride and Prejudice”, where the dancers are lined up in long lines, across from each other. That’s English Country Dancing, the predecessor of contra dancing. Now, add moves like “swing your partner” and “do-si-do,” like you’ve seen in square dancing. Set it to fabulous, high energy, live music with fiddles, guitars, percussion and more, alá “Riverdance.” 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. THAT’s 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 1:30 - 2:00, followed by dancing 2:00 - 430. 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. Please bring your own refillable water bottle.

Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 7:00pm on Wednesday, March 25 at Streetlight Guild. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. **SCHEDULE:** 6:45ish - Quick introductions 7:00 - Timer starts: write for 1 hour 8:00 - The End **OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING** happens before and after the writing hour. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. **BEING LATE IS OKAY:** just show up and get settled! If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing & I look forward to seeing you at Streetlight Guild! **WHAT SHOULD I BRING?** Whatever you need to be able to write! You're welcome to bring earplugs/headphones if noise will bother you! **OTHER IMPORTANT DETAILS:** * **RSVP:** Please RSVP by 6:00pm the evening of the meeting. This helps me know how many to expect, and if we'll need additional space! * **COVID:** While masks are not required, please be mindful of the other writers around you and their comfort levels. * **WIFI/OUTLETS:** Outlets are limited, so please ensure your devices are charged when you come! But Streetlight Guild does have free WiFi! Yay! * **PARKING:** There is free public parking at Streetlight Guild.

**Hello Columbus!** **The community is buzzing and growing well.** **We are thrilled to bring our third BrowserStack QA Meetup on March 12th!** We are creating a space for deeper insights, meaningful connections, and a vibe you won't want to miss. **What to expect:** * **Connect:** Network with Columbus' top engineering and QA minds. * **Learn:** Real-world tactics and trends you can use immediately. * **Enjoy:** Food, drinks, and great community spirit. **Agenda** * **[Sam Gomez](https://www.linkedin.com/in/samueljgomez/)** is presenting "AI is more than LLMs: Choosing the right AI for your needs." **RSVP Essential:** Space is limited, and we want to ensure a great experience for everyone. **RSVP now to secure your spot!** 📍 **Venue:** Leading EDJE, 6515 Longshore Loop, Suite 300, Dublin, OH 43017 📍 **Free Parking:** 6725 Longshore Street, Dublin, OH 43017 📅 **Date & Time:** March 12, 6:00 PM **Stay Connected!** Want to continue the conversation beyond the meetup? Join our **BrowserStack Discord Server** to get updates, connect with fellow QA professionals, and be part of an ongoing discussion. **Don’t miss out—click below to join!** 🔗 [\[](https://discord.gg/6SdCyWTNyW)**[Join the BrowserStack Discord Server](https://discord.gg/6SdCyWTNyW)**[\]](https://discord.gg/6SdCyWTNyW) **A Few Notes:** ✅ This is an **in-person event** ✅ **RSVP does not guarantee a seat** – A confirmation email will be sent one day before the event. **TALK ABSTRACT:** AI is all the hype these days; however, despite (or maybe because of) the excitement around it, a high percentage of AI projects fail. Projects that are over budget, delayed, or that fail to scale past the POC phase are very common. In many of these scenarios, choosing the right approach can be as critical as the solution itself. Should you build a tailored machine learning model, leverage the power of large language models (LLMs), or integrate with AI copilots? Each option has unique strengths, trade-offs, and resource requirements, and the key to success lies in aligning your choice with your business goals and technical constraints. In this talk, we will go beyond the basic concepts and definitions to provide a practical guide that allows attendees to navigate these decisions through real-world case studies. We will examine scenarios in which different AI paradigms were chosen, discuss the factors that influenced those decisions, and outline the process for evaluating needs, constraints, and outcomes. From assessing data availability and team expertise to balancing cost and scalability, you'll gain insights into the critical considerations that guide the selection process. By the end of this session, you’ll have a clear process for determining whether machine learning, LLMs, or copilots are best suited to your AI challenges and understand the resources and strategies needed to bring your chosen solution to life. This talk is ideal for decision-makers, technical leads, and innovators seeking to demystify AI implementation and maximize the impact of their investments.

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Sunday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at noon on Sundays. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 12:00 - quick intros. 12:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 1:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 1-1:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Sunday!

**New Dojo Location!** **Draft Day Columbus** 1130 Dublin Road Columbus, OH 43215 We're going to try a new dojo location for a few weeks and see how it works Dojos are informal Python group study sessions where everyone interested in Python gathers to learn about Python, help others with Python, or just hang out. Everyone is welcome from Python beginners to experts. Bringing a laptop is encouraged (we'll have extension cords and power strips). If there's something you want to learn leave a comment on this invite so we can plan ahead. We're looking for topic suggestions and people interested in presenting at our monthly meetings. To this end we've set up a survey form at [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/15eBKF1nQQ2XS5gzD4rvhVRHMBEj7lJtHuA9wXupS3Uc](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/15eBKF1nQQ2XS5gzD4rvhVRHMBEj7lJtHuA9wXupS3Uc)

The topic for March is "Our Bodies, Ourselves" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!