Guest Speakers and Events

## 🎨**Activity for EXPATS & English Speakers** ☕ Are you an art enthusiast living in or around **Amersfoort, Hilversum, Utrecht, Nieuwegein, IJsseltein, De Bilt and the rest of cities of the Utrecht's province** who love painting or drawing? Maybe you've felt the joy of creating but struggled to find others who share your passion and speak **ENGLISH**? **You're not alone! 😉** ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ## 🖌️**About this event** You will meet other Art Lovers like you to Draw, Paint and have some drinks Together ! Our events are not just about sketching or creating art—they’re about building connections. Every two weeks, we meet at a café to have a relaxing time drawing a painting. Please keep on mind that **ENGLISH i**s the official language we will use to integrate everyone in our conversations. ⭕⭕⭕➡️ **IMPORTANT ⬅️** ⭕⭕⭕⭕ ### 👩🏻‍🎨**Book formally your Seat 🪑via [WHATSAPP](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f)** **If you want to confirm officially your attendance and separate your seat🪑. Book your seat in meet-up, and contact us via [WHATSAPP HERE](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f) to receive more information on the address of our activities.** **Thanks a lot for your understanding!** 💐🥰 ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### 👩🏻‍🎨**How Does It Work?** This event is simple, this initiative takes 2 Hours. Most of the participants use pencils, water pencils or watercolours. Main aim is to socialize while we draw. There will be plenty of time to talk and get to know each other. We have to mention that this event is suitable for all levels. Many have started to draw in our event actually. Also it is very important that you **[JOIN US AT OUR WHATSAPP COMMUNITY](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f),** to stay up to date on our upcoming events and participate in our Drawing and Painting Contests! **👉: [https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f)** 🍀 ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### ☕**Where?** We will meet in different cafes mainly in the *center of Amersfoort ( and some occasions in other cities around)*. I will inform you of the exact place some days in advance this event. The place will depend on the number of attendees. ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### **🎟️ What is included?** 🟢 **2 HOURS TO HAVE FUN!** 🟢 **15 mins warming-up creative activity and paper material**🖌️🎨 🟢 New friendships and **conversations in ENGLISH** in a relaxed atmosphere 🟢 **Souvenir picture** with you and the rest of Art Lovers 📷 🟢 Exclusive **access to our Art Lovers Community** on which you will receive: ***\~\~\~ Drawing challenges,*** ***\~\~\~ Training content,*** ***\~\~\~ FREE Entries only to members*** ***\~\~\~ Drawing Competitions*** 🟢 Time to **create alongside fellow artists and amateurs** 🟢 The freedom to **work at your own pace** 💃🕺🎈 ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### 🖼️**Art Materials?** Bring your own practical art materials to be adaptable to sketch on a coffee table. Like your sketchbook, pencils, watercolor, markets, pencils, your Tablet..etc ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ## **See you to Paint, Draw, and drink together!🌟☕🍷🍪🍰**

⚠️ **IMPORTANT: You must sign up and buy a ticket here to attend:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) **This is a curated, small-group meetup make new friends in Utrecht.** Each meetup brings together 4–6 like-minded people for casual conversations over coffee. We use the Groupvibe platform to organize and ensure everyone’s a good fit. 👉 **To attend, you’ll need to complete registration via this link:** [https://groupvibe.com](https://groupvibe.com) Once you register, and **buy a ticket or become a Groupvibe member**, we’ll share the exact location and match you with your group. **Why this works:** \* Smaller groups make real conversations easier \* Matching helps avoid awkward dynamics **Note:** RSVPs here on Meetup don’t reflect total attendance. Many attendees register directly via our website. This meetup is organized by **Groupvibe**, a small team passionate about helping people form meaningful friendships offline.

*Since this event will be in Dutch, this description is too.* Ben je benieuwd naar wat het Tibetaans boeddhisme inhoudt en zoek je een plek waar je op een ontspannen en toegankelijke manier kunt kennismaken? Of ben je gewoon op zoek naar een moment van rust, meditatie en reflectie? Dan ben je van harte welkom bij *Heart of Compassion*, een reeks zondagochtendbijeenkomsten waarin compassie het centrale thema vormt. Aan deze activiteit kun je per keer meedoen. Tijdens deze ochtenden beginnen we met een gezamenlijke meditatie. Daarna volgt een korte inleiding op een boeddhistisch thema, zoals de [Vier Edele Waarheden](https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vier_edele_waarheden), compassie voor jezelf en voor anderen. We nemen vervolgens de tijd om samen stil te staan bij het onderwerp, in de vorm van een gesprek of een geleide meditatie die uitnodigt tot reflectie. **Voor wie?** Of je nu net begint met het verkennen van boeddhisme of gewoon op zoek bent naar een moment van rust, iedereen is welkom. Ervaar de kracht van compassie in een toegankelijke en rustige sfeer. **Praktische informatie** -Begeleiding: Eline Rinchen Dorjee-Weiman -Ontvangst: vanaf 10:15 uur en na de bijeenkomst is er tijd voor een kopje thee -Plaats: [Jewel Heart, Hatertseveldweg 284, 6532 XX Nijmegen](https://maps.app.goo.gl/D4FzqLbkaqs2JNDG8). Loop de oprit op en dan zit de ingang aan je rechterzijde -Kosten: Aan deze bijeenkomsten zijn geen kosten verbonden -Aanmelding is niet nodig Kijk ook naar onze andere [open activiteiten](https://www.jewelheart.nl/nl/open-activiteiten/) en [cursussen](https://www.jewelheart.nl/nl/cursussen-overzicht/)

Please join us every other Sunday. What you can expect: We will have coffee, tea and snacks ready for you. As we settle into the practice we will sit and become comfortable in our chairs or cushions. I will ease us into a guided meditation progressively working from the base of our spine, our root chakra to your crown. Once we have completed the chakra wash we will sit for an additional 5-10 minutes. The full meditation will last between 25-35 minutes. After we will be brought out of the meditative state and there will be time to reflect, share, connect, or sit silently. **About the photo: I asked participants if it was okay if I took the picture - everyone was aware and gave consent <3**

Join us for a service of worship centred on Jesus Christ our Lord with praise, prayer and proclamation of God's Word.

Attention all sword-fighters and adventurers, from budding enthusiasts to seasoned practitioners! Are you seeking to embark on an exhilarating journey that will transport you back to epic medieval battles? Look no further! Come and gather for a session of theory and practice, where you can meet like-minded individuals who share a love for the artistry and discipline of this age-old arcanum. It will be a great opportunity to delve into the intricacies of the sport; from basic footwork to advanced counter-strikes, this event will equip you with the tools you need to dominate the battlefield. But theory alone is not enough! Prepare yourself for a bout of hands-on sparring, where you'll get to put your knowledge into action, and practice dodging, parrying, and striking with lightning efficiency. Solid-core foam-padded boffers will be provided, keeping the experience fun and safe for everyone. Engage in gauntlets against your contemporaries, hone your reflexes, enhance your combat prowess, and get a great work-out at the same time!

Philosophical discussions about fundamental human questions. It’s not a lecture! It’s participants like you who make the discussion a success, organizers just facilitate it. We bring our most puzzling questions - along with creativity, curiosity and genuine interest to enrich ourselves with perspectives of others. This usually makes Socrates Café event a truly inspiring one for people with very different backgrounds. We discuss, we inquire, we think aloud - respect is the main rule. Some practical stuff: 1. Everyone is welcome, but not all behaviors are welcome. If there is anything that may prevent you from participating in a respectful discussion, leave them outside before you come into the discussion. If you cannot do so, you will be asked to leave. 2. Please try to arrive on time so that you can participate in the whole discussion. If you are running late, please give us a heads up so we can hold your spot, otherwise it may be given to someone on the waitlist. If you cannot make it, please cancel as soon as possible, as frequent no-shows will be moved to the waiting list. 3. For those on the waiting list, feel free to stop by if you're in the area anyway, because last-minute spots may be available. An overflow event at a nearby cafe can be organized if there are enough people and extra moderators. 4. It is sometimes necessary to challenge others' ideas in the process - you are welcome to challenge ideas as long as it does not turn into something personal with the person who presented the idea. The format of the discussion is designed to minimize one-on-one debates so that the entire group can explore a question in a collaborative way. You can read more background about Socrates Café in the meetup group description, and if you have any questions - feel free to ask! See you soon!

Philosophical discussions about fundamental human questions. It’s not a lecture! It’s participants like you who make the discussion a success, organizers just facilitate it. We bring our most puzzling questions - along with creativity, curiosity and genuine interest to enrich ourselves with perspectives of others. This usually makes Socrates Café event a truly inspiring one for people with very different backgrounds. We discuss, we inquire, we think aloud - respect is the main rule. Some practical stuff: 1. Everyone is welcome, but not all behaviors are welcome. If there is anything that may prevent you from participating in a respectful discussion, leave them outside before you come into the discussion. If you cannot do so, you will be asked to leave. 2. Please try to arrive on time so that you can participate in the whole discussion. If you are running late, please give us a heads up so we can hold your spot, otherwise it may be given to someone on the waitlist. If you cannot make it, please cancel as soon as possible, as frequent no-shows will be moved to the waiting list. 3. For those on the waiting list, feel free to stop by if you're in the area anyway, because last-minute spots may be available. An overflow event at a nearby cafe can be organized if there are enough people and extra moderators. 4. It is sometimes necessary to challenge others' ideas in the process - you are welcome to challenge ideas as long as it does not turn into something personal with the person who presented the idea. The format of the discussion is designed to minimize one-on-one debates so that the entire group can explore a question in a collaborative way. You can read more background about Socrates Café in the meetup group description, and if you have any questions - feel free to ask! See you soon!

I update the booking as early as Thursday; 5.5 euro is charged. Pay and in Please make sure you can make it then sign up. Please do not cancel the last day.

⚠️ **IMPORTANT: You must sign up and buy a ticket here to attend:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) **Join the Amsterdam Coffee Club and make new friends!** Each meetup brings together 4–6 people for casual conversations over coffee. We use the Groupvibe platform to facilitate the meetup and ensure everyone’s a good fit. 👉 **To attend, you’ll need to complete registration via this link:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) We’ll share the exact location of the upcoming meetup the night before only if you have bought a ticket or membership plan. **Why this works:** \* Smaller groups make real conversations easier. \* Discover new cafes in your city, together. \* Curated cafes with good coffee and vibe. \* If you hit it off with your group, there’s plenty of time to hang out afterwards. **Note:** RSVPs on Meetup don’t reflect total attendance. Many attendees register directly via our website. The event on [Meetup.com](http://meetup.com/) is only a placeholder. This meetup is organized by Groupvibe, a small team passionate about helping people form meaningful friendships offline.

“Where big ideas meet open minds — join us!” “Speak your mind, challenge perspectives, make friends.” “From ancient philosophy to AI — your thoughts matter!” “Curious minds unite for a freestyle philosophy jam!" “A safe space to think out loud and explore deeply.” “Old wisdom meets new ideas — let’s jam!” “Question everything. Discuss anything. Connect with everyone.” “Bringing thinkers together to inspire and grow.” “Your ideas, your voice — let’s jam freely!” “Dive deep, laugh loud, and think bigger together.” Welcome to **Generation Thinkers — Philosophy Jam: Speak Your Mind!** This is more than just an event — it’s a movement. A place where old wisdom meets future visions, where deep questions lead to unexpected friendships, and where every voice truly matters. Bring your curiosity, your stories, and your boldest thoughts. Let’s explore everything from timeless philosophical debates to modern challenges in AI, love, freedom, and beyond — all in a relaxed, freestyle atmosphere. 👥 **Who’s it for?** Anyone craving meaningful conversations and genuine human connection. No preparation, no pressure — just your open mind and willingness to share. 🌟 **Why join?** * Make real connections beyond small talk * Get inspired and inspire others * Grow your perspectives and confidence * Be part of a friendly, international community 🔥 **Join us to think, laugh, challenge, and grow — together. Reserve your spot and let’s make this an unforgettable night!** **Event Joining Rules:** • Aim to arrive on time (ideally 5–10 minutes early). • If you’re running late, please notify me as the host. • Newcomers will be given some flexibility in their first sessions.

**Join us for a joyful morning of movement** We flow through gentle stretches, a light run, and playful dance. Closing with grounded stillness. Afterwards, stay for coffee and connection. We can't wait to dance together! **Tickets:** [book yours here!](https://luma.com/calendar/cal-0dSZXHQA8rBGpkh) **Website:** remember-women.com **Insta:** [@remember.women](https://www.instagram.com/remember.women) **What you can expect** Every Sunday morning, we gather in Oosterpark for an energizing experience that blends movement, music, and mindful connection. Our sessions begin with gentle stretching to awaken your body, transition into a light run through the park, and ending with free-flowing dance guided by curated playlists through silent disco headphones. This unique format allows you to move at your own pace while still feeling part of a collective, uplifting, energy. Whether you're seeking exercise, community, or simply a joyful way to start your Sunday, our sessions offer a space to celebrate movement without judgment. ​​**Some practical information:** \- ​​We start at 11:00 and will move in the park \- ​Arrive on time to pick up a headphone \- You can leave your belongings in a locker \- Wear warm comfortable clothes and gloves

End your weekend right🔥 and Get ready to laugh your socks off at our Open Mic Night at Hunter's Bar in Amsterdam! Don't miss out on the chance to have a great time with friends and fellow comedy enthusiasts before your work week starts. See you there! Brought to you by Quips And Bits Comedy @QuipsAndBitsComedy This is a free event, so reserve your spot before the room fills up! The fun starts at 19:00. Angus Pere @anguspere Sarah Ramadan @saharasarahcomedy Roy Cohen @comicohen Juanita Coble @juanitamariacoble Ana Tinsky @ana.tinsky Victor Den Heijer @VictorDenHeijer Rushali Paratey @ilahsur Prashant Khanchandani @prashantstandingup MC: Cid Clementine @cidnyclementine #comedyclub #lol #lmao #standupcomedy #comedyshow #humor #comedy #standup #fun #funny #cidnyclementine #huntersbaramsterdam #amsterdam #netherlandscomedy #thingstodoinamsterdam #livevents #nightout #laugh #friends #standupcomedy #comedian #quipsandbitscomedy #expats #englishcomedy

This is the running-eating challenge you have been dreaming about. Starting at „Oliebollenkraam W. Boon“: participants eat one Oliebollen and then run a 4km loop, every 30 Minutes. This continues as long as participants can eat one more Oliebollen and then complete the loop within half an hour. Anyone who drops out receives a "Did Not Finish" (DNF) result. Key rules and features Loop distance: A single lap is about 4km Lap start: Each new lap begins exactly one half hour after the previous one starts. Participants are required to purchase one Oliebollen from the stand and competely eat it before starting the lap Time limit: Participants must finish the lap within that 30-minute window to be eligible to start the next one Winning condition: The last person to complete a loop is the winner No finish line: The race duration depends entirely on how long the participants can keep going and the Oliebollen truck is open and sells Gebakkraam No late starts: All participants must begin each lap at the following times: 13:00 start of the first loop 13:30 2nd loop 14:00 3rd loop 14:30 4th loop 15:00 5th loop 15:30 6th loop 16:00 7th loop 16:30 8th loop 17:00 9th loop

Our January program is privileged to have Kristen Tregar as our speaker. Ms. Tregar is the co-author with John de Lancie (the actor who portrayed the character Q on Star Trek next generation) of a radio play depicting the events surrounding the Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District trial. The trial decided the issue of some of the Dover school district board members attempting to insert creationism disguised as "intelligent design" into the 9th grade biology curriculum. She will discuss the trial and the process of writing the play. (Bob Leonhard has seen the play and it is riveting and tense). Ms. Tregar's bio is below: Kristen Tregar is a dramaturg, director, playwright, and theatre teacher. She earned her Ph.D. in Drama and Theatre from the UC San Diego and UC Irvine joint program. In addition, she has a MS in Forensic Science from City University of New York- John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a MA in Educational Theatre from New York University- Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. In 2013, in collaboration with Irish colleagues, she founded *The Ireland Project*, an intercontinental devised theatre work with high school students in New York and Tallaght, Ireland. Her original short story "Far From Here" was recently published in *Stay Awhile Longer: More Scenes From Temecula Valley*. She has two rescued dogs (Kira and Harry) and she rides, competes, and foxhunts with her horses, Andromache and Baker Street Irregular. Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon

It’s time to take control of your mental health. How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Have you ever suffered from a traumatic experience, a deep loss or been through a painful breakup? Has your ability to communicate suffered as a result? And after that, even though you "moved on" did you find that things were never quite the same? Have you ever looked at childhood photos, or reminisced your early life and wondered where that happiness and spark went? Are your emotions out of your own control? Have you ever felt, even if you aren’t aware of it, that possibly you are getting in your own way of your happiness and success? How does this affect your self-confidence? Find out what is at the root of all stress, anxiety, depression and self-doubt. Find out how and why you hold yourself back from achieving your goals and having the life you have dreamed of. As soon as you learn what is at the root of these unwanted conditions, you’ll see it is something you can DO something about. You will not be labeled or categorized at this MeetUp.

Salsamante Dance Academy will be at Swerve to share the Rhythm & Energy of Bachata & Salsa. These are Beginner Level lessons to get you comfortable and understand the two dances. Spread the Good News to all. Swerve Dance & Fitness Complex 640 Lakeview Plaza Blvd A, Worthington, OH 43085 Bachata 7pm-8pm Salsa 8pm-9pm $15 - One Lesson $20 - Both Lessons

[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).

First Sundays are free admission at Franklin Park Conservatory. Sunday, January 4th, is also the last day The Palm House will be open before renovations begin. Let’s meet, enjoy a respite from January weather, and wander the gardens. Free neanthe bella palms are available to guests, beginning at 10am, while supplies last. Afterwards, we can visit the nearby East Market (212 Kelton Avenue).