Guest Speakers and Events

**Nurture Voices. Grow Leaders. Inspire Impact.** Join us for a once-in-a-generation moment as we celebrate over 30 years of excellence. This historic final conference is our opportunity to honor our legacy, connect with leaders from across the region, and step boldly into the future as we transition to District 220. **Event Details:** * **Dates:** May 15–16, 2026 * **Location:** Washington Rockville Hilton Hotel, 1750 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852 **Why You Can't Miss This:** * **World-Class Keynotes:** Learn from **Craig Valentine, DTM** (1999 World Champion of Public Speaking) and **Melissa McGavick, DTM** (Past International Director). * **Expert Education Sessions:** Gain insights from industry leaders and Toastmasters legends: * **Michele DiMeo:** Branding and storytelling from "The Restaurant Diva." * **Vince Caldwell, DTM:** Strategies for high-performing teams. * **Barry Piatt, DTM:** Mastering the art of growth-focused evaluations. * **The Final Celebration:** Riveting speech contests, networking with guests, and food/entertainment as we honor the District 36 legacy. **Agenda Highlights** * Inspiring Keynote Speakers * Educational Sessions on Leadership and Communication * District-Level Speech Contests * Networking and Social Connection * Commemorative Food and Entertainment Seats are limited for this final gathering. Secure your spot today to ensure you are in the room when we close this chapter and launch into a bold new future. **Register Now:** https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/district-36-2025-2026-spring-conference-may-15th-and-16th

Let us get together and plot to conquer the world!:) ***GRAB A DRINK AND YOU ARE ALL SET TO FLEX YOUR LANGUAGE CAPACITY. YOU NEED TO GET AT LEAST A DRINK OR FOOD:) To get the event going and show support. We know that you like our events. P.S. : We have non-alcoholic drinks as well.*** ***Tate has been doing crypto and investment for years and he will share his immense experience.*** We have a tiny venue and we hit capacity often and early arrival is suggested. We have the discretion to decide entry. Instead of silently doing research on your own, it is well known that when you are regularly connected with people of your own investment interest, you are likely to be more motivated, better informed and less likely to miss out on opportunities. Meet and discuss face-to-face. **HOW IT WORKS : We will try to assign tables for each represented INDUSTRIES/SECTORS/SPECIALIZATIONS and will direct attendees to their respective tables accordingly. All industries are welcome! However we don't guarantee the availability of a partner in that particular field, you would like to exchange experience. Space is limited and advance RSVP is required. PLEASE BRING BUSINESS CARDS (Hard/Soft Copy).** THIS IS NOT A SEMINAR or A PANEL EVENT AND THERE WILL BE NO SPEAKER. It is just a happy hour social event for those interested. In the past we had a great mix of developers, miners, investors, blockchainers and people who are completely new to cryptos. \- Come one\, come all OR FLY SOLO; this is the most friendliest event you have ever attended\! \- Feel free to invite your friends\. They don't necessarily have to be a member \- Event is 21\+ ***AFTER THE HAPPY HOUR, WE WILL HIT THE DANCE FLOOR AND DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY. BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES!*** ***N.B. : We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via ([info@merevents.com](http://info@merevents.com/)).*** [)

To attend, register at: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/evening-at-the-embassy-of-kenya-tickets-1988416620639](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/evening-at-the-embassy-of-kenya-tickets-1988416620639) – The Majesty of Nairobi – The Beauty of Chyulu Hills – The Wonder of The Mars Tonight, step on foreign soil for a special evening of native authentic Kenyan food, drinks, music, art, diplomats, film, and more! Featuring: A) **Kenyan Food:** Prepared by a native Kenyan chef. B) **Kenyan Beer and other African Beverages:** Sample the best and most unique Kenyan beers as well as other African treasures. C) **Special Kenyan Cultural Presentation:** **D) Diplomatic Greeting:** Hear from the leading Kenyan Diplomats and feel free to schmooze and network with the diplomatic staff, all of whom will be invited to this special evening, and many of whom are expected to attend. **E) Kenyan Art:** Throughout the embassy, the staff has arranged for the presentation of special African artifacts and paintings unseen to most Americans’ eyes. They will be on hand to personally discuss the art’s origins and meaning with you. **F) Kenya Cultural Film:** At your leisure, you are invited to watch recurring films showcasing Kenya’s cities, mountains, borders, landscape, people, tribes, animals, safari tours, everyday culture and much much more. Note: The *event is presented as a cultural event organized by us at the Embassy of Kenya, Your registration fee is used by Things to do DC solely to present diverse cultural events to our membership. No part of the admission fee is related in any way to the Embassy of Kenya or staff at the Embassy of Kenya. We appreciate your support of our event* ## Suggested Attire Smart Casual. Jeans, shorts or sneakers, or plain/design tee shirts are not acceptable. To attend, register at: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/evening-at-the-embassy-of-kenya-tickets-1988416620639](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/evening-at-the-embassy-of-kenya-tickets-1988416620639)

It is irresistible, to enjoy a Spanish and Portuguese convo with appetizers, glass of wine and rail drinks. ***GRAB A DRINK AND YOU ARE ALL SET TO FLEX YOUR LANGUAGE CAPACITY. YOU NEED TO GET AT LEAST A DRINK OR FOOD :) To get the event going and show support. We know that you like our events. P.S. : We have non-alcoholic drinks as well.*** We have a tiny venue and we hit capacity often and early arrival is suggested. We have the discretion to decide entry. HOW IT WORKS : We will try to assign tables for each represented languages and will direct attendees to their respective tables accordingly. Rules to abide : 1. Event is free and 21+ (bring ID). 2. Be respectful to your counterparts and give them a chance to exchange with others as well. 3. We all are native speakers of one or two languages and be willing to help others and try to accommodate as much as possible. 4. If you don't speak the other person's required language, LEAVE THEM ALONE. 5. Rude or aggressive members are removed from the group at an organizers discretion. 6. This is a face-to-face language exchange event. DO NOT try to arrange an online meeting, by using the comment box or direct message. 7. Most of our members complained about people writing in the comment box. Since it sends notification to all attendees. If you have any questions, send a message to the organizers. Don't write in the comment box. 8. We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via ([info@merevents.com](http://info@merevents.com)). 9. When you get there, we will greet you and take you to your respective group. 10. Don't be shy of your local languages. We have diplomates assigned to different countries, who would love to practice your languages. 11\. Be patient for the first 30 minutes\, up until we form your respective language group\. 12\. We will have a registration station and check you in\. 13\. This is mainly a social for Intermediate/Advanced/Native Speakers\. It is not as such to learn a language\. Beginners\, if you want to learn a language\, reach out to us \(info@merevents\.com\)\. We have a school and will arrange you a class\. ***AFTER THE EXCHANGE, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!***

♠️ Spades in Virginia! ♠️ Nando's Peri Peri, Mosaic District 2987 District Ave Ste 100, Fairfax, VA 22031 🌟 3rd Friday Spades in Virginia! 🕕 6:30pm to 10:30pm 😀 **Posted in multiple groups. So, expect a nice crowd.** 🚗 Parking is FREE!!! 🍷 Alcoholic beverages are available! Please support the business by purchasing food/drinks. ✅️ No partner needed! Get matched with a partner onsite. All skill levels are welcome. ❤️ Come hang out with a friendly and welcoming group. Meet new people and have a great time! 🌟 The fun starts at 7pm! RSVP today.

Calling all Cuddle Enthusiasts and Afficianados!! Wanna celebrate boundaries and consent with me? Wanna celebrate for 2 days straight? This event will take place in Washington DC and include networking and connection time before and after the event! There will be a Cuddle Social on Friday evening from 5-9pm. There will be events and networking opportunities before and after each event and your ticket gets you into both events and additional opportunities (to be communicated soon! :) Tickets can be purchased [HERE](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cuddlecon-the-enthusiast-experience-tickets-1981489805348?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl) via Eventbrite! No touch is Ever required! Have you ever been to a cuddle event previously? Have any questions? Message me at [crystaltherapy.cc@gmail.com](mailto:crystaltherapy.cc@gmail.com) or at 412-368-2409. Never been? Well, let me tell you it's quite the experience. I recommend bringing comfy clean clothes and anything that makes you feel safe. We will work together using language and presence to cocreate safety. It helps to come prepared with your favorite stuffed animal or a water bottle or snacks that make you feel good. This sober event will last about 4 hours give or take a few minutes and we will begin by 5:00pm. That means doors will lock and we will all put away our phones. (so if you think you'll be late let me know) There will be a meditation and some exercises before we engage in a Cuddle Social that will last roughly 2 hours. Please know that No Touch is Required throughout my events. I'm slowly learning to trust myself and opening up to vulnerability. It's a long journey that I hope you will join me on. Please note that space is limited in my current location. I will accept the first 12-15 paid tickets. Please let me know if you are unable to make it. I can either give credit or refund you for your ticket if you communicate prior to the event start time. Hugs!!! Crystal

If you are a music lover, here's a free local event you might want to check out this Saturday night. RSVP REQUIRED: [Classical Open Mic - May 16, 2026 Tickets, Saturday, May 16 • 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM | Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/classical-open-mic-may-16-2026-tickets-1980269122252?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true) Overview Classical Open Mic on May 16 at 7:30 P.M. at Walker Chapel UMC on Glebe Rd. Join us for an evening of collaborative and supportive music-making! Our musical gatherings are open to all, fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for playing your favorite songs, exploring new compositions and styles and as an opportunity to connect with the local music community. Whether you’re a seasoned professional, a student, or an enthusiastic amateur, there’s a place for you at our event. Joining us on piano as collaborative accompanist will be Faith Ellen McCandlish. All genres and instruments are welcome! Please plan to come early as sign-up for the event is first-come, first-serve. Following the music, a light reception will be held where you can mingle and connect with fellow musicians and music enthusiasts! ## Good to know Highlights * 2 hours * all ages * In person * Free parking * Doors at 7 PM ### Agenda 07:00 PM - 07:30 PM ### Registration 07:30 PM - 09:00 PM ### Music 09:00 PM - 09:30 PM ### Reception

Let's enjoy a walk in Old Town and check out the Old Town Festival of Speed & Style! ❶ **What we'll do:** * Starting from the Capital Bikeshare Station on Diagonal Road, we'll walk through Old Town Alexandria, ending up in the Market Square area to check out the cars displayed along 200-500 King Street. * The walk is 4.5 miles and should take about 2 hours. The surface is paved throughout, with inclines here and there and steps in places. This is an easy walk. * Google map: [https://tinyurl.com/nufwbhph](https://tinyurl.com/nufwbhph) ❷ **How to get there:** * Metro: King Street Station is on the Blue and Yellow Lines. * Driving: From I-395, take VA-7 / King Street east about 2.8 miles. Take the first right after passing under the railroad (Daingerfield Street), and an immediate right onto Diagonal Road. From US-1 / Richmond Highway, follow King Street west 0.5 miles, take a sharp left onto Daingerfield, and the first right onto Diagonal Road. There is free parallel parking in the area, especially along streets a block north of King Street and beyond, and west of the tracks along Commonwealth and adjoining streets. ❸ **What to bring:** Water and comfy shoes. You can bring your furry friend (leashes, please), but the car show discourages them because of loud noises. ❹ **Weather:** It's too early to see the forecast! Updates: [https://tinyurl.com/yc4vjjnm](https://tinyurl.com/yc4vjjnm) ❺ **Advisory:** As a reminder, this is an adult group, and you are ultimately responsible for your own safety and well-being during events. No one under 18 years of age is allowed at this event, either as members or as guests, to include babies in carriers and/or strollers. ❻ **Administrative stuff:** There are restrooms at commercial establishments near our meetup point, at the Torpedo Factory, and at the Ramsey House (Alexandria Visitor Center). ❼ **Notes:** * Old Town Festival of Speed & Style: [https://festivalofspeedandstyle.com/home](https://festivalofspeedandstyle.com/home) * Old Town Festival of Speed & Style at VisitAlexandria.com: [https://visitalexandria.com/events/old-town-festival-of-speed-style-2/](https://visitalexandria.com/events/old-town-festival-of-speed-style-2/)

**Advance reservations REQUIRED. Tickets/Info:** [https://www.internationalclubdc.com/Events/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=ED67F2D0-0E21-420B-8E42-511585E1F989](https://www.internationalclubdc.com/Events/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=ED67F2D0-0E21-420B-8E42-511585E1F989) Join us on your own or with friends for an unforgettable evening of French wine, cuisine, and dance as you meet other attendees. We cordially invite you to a special evening at the Embassy of France to Immerse yourself in the magic of Paris, without leaving the city! Step into the charm of the French capital for an unforgettable evening at the Maison Française at the Embassy of France. **Advance reservations REQUIRED. Tickets/Info:** [https://www.internationalclubdc.com/Events/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=ED67F2D0-0E21-420B-8E42-511585E1F989](https://www.internationalclubdc.com/Events/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=ED67F2D0-0E21-420B-8E42-511585E1F989) Indulge in exquisite French cuisine, toast with a glass of champagne, and enjoy the sophisticated atmosphere of an authentic French soirée. Join us for Midnight in Paris and let the City of Light sweep you away! **On the Menu:** Delicious French food and buffets prepared by Chef Daniel Labonne, Executive Chef of the French and German Embassies Ham by Jambon de Bayonne, with live demo Raclette Station Crepes Station Desserts by Fresh Baguette Take the opportunity to network with fellow Francophiles, French VIPs, diplomats, professionals and business people in the wonderful Maison Francaise at the French Embassy. Kindly note that event details, entertainment, and menus are subject to change without notice. **Advance reservations REQUIRED. Tickets/Info:** [https://www.internationalclubdc.com/Events/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=ED67F2D0-0E21-420B-8E42-511585E1F989](https://www.internationalclubdc.com/Events/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=ED67F2D0-0E21-420B-8E42-511585E1F989)

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“How AI Alters Thinking,”** on dealing with artificial intelligence’s capacity to change and undermine our thought processes, with Eli Alshanetsky, assistant professor of philosophy at Temple University, principal investigator at its Cognitive Integrity Lab, and author of an upcoming book on AI and freedom of thought. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-how-ai-alters](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-how-ai-alters) .] Doctors who give bad advice can be sued for malpractice. Teachers belong to a profession with set standards. When artificial intelligence guides you, however, that guidance comes with a disclaimer: Use at your own risk. Every day millions of people take that risk, and usually AI seems genuinely helpful. But even if AI gives us good answers, might its use over time do bad things to how we think? Explore the relationship between AI and our own minds with Eli Alshanetsky, whose Cognitive Integrity Lab studies how artificial intelligence changes how we think, learn, and build trust. Author of *Articulating a Thought* and the upcoming book F*reedom of Thought in the Age of AI*, he’s on the cutting edge of efforts to answer AI-related questions such as: How can we tell when work is truly our own? How can technology support rather than replace authorship and reflection? What does trust mean when AI mediates our relationships with others and with our own thoughts? To set up his discussion of potential consequences of AI, he’ll describe how social media’s impact on society serves as a preview. Social media didn’t just give people what they wanted to click on, it actually changed what they regarded as click-worthy. It broke attention spans and fueled radicalization across millions of very different people. It left us with people who doom-scroll for hours, who can’t focus, who don’t know what to trust anymore. If you’d shown people this version of themselves ten years ago, would they have chosen it? Artificial intelligence is making a similar deal with us, but the stakes are higher. It isn’t chasing clicks. It’s optimized for giving you the most satisfying response to whatever is on your mind right now. The risk over time isn’t just that you’ll get lazy. More profoundly, even when you think hard, your sense of what counts as good thinking—as well as what sounds like you—will shift to match what AI has been feeding you. We’ll consider what kind of person this produces and whether this is someone we want to be or want children to become. Professor Alshanetsky will lay out a practical framework, which he calls “the interaction layer,” for using AI without letting it replace the thinking it’s supposed to support. He’ll also talk about what AI-related concerns should be the focus of parents and educators. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: Illustration by David S. Soriano / Creative Commons.

**\*TO ATTEND GET TICKET At** [https://www.socialevents123.com/event-details.aspx?id=13397#tix](https://www.socialevents123.com/event-details.aspx?id=13397#tix) (Multiple Meetup groups are co-organizing so the RSVP's shown are just a very small portion attending. We'll have at least 20 registered.) Our last online Bingo Night Party was such a BIG hit, we're doing it again! Do you like to play BINGO or want to just do something different?! Then you will LOVE this event! Here is your opportunity to have some fun playing our Live "Bingo" game. You will also get to socialize and make other friends from the comfort of your home. Prizes included Amazon gift cards, free future events and more! This completely online event will be LIVE and you will be able to see and hear the other participants while playing. You will either need to print or draw out your bingo cards. We will email you with how to get it after registering. You can have more than 1 person on your team as long as they're from your house and use same device. Friends/family around the country can also play. They would just need to also register for a ticket. This event will be held on Zoom which you would access through your computer/webcam, or via your phone/tablet. On day of the event, you will get a secured Zoom link and link to print out Bingo cards. \*RSVPS ON HERE ARE NOT REFLECTIVE OF ACTUAL ATTENDANCE as this is a multi group event. Cost: $15-$20 depending on how early you register. **\*TO ATTEND GET TICKET AT -** [https://www.socialevents123.com/event-details.aspx?id=13397#tix](https://www.socialevents123.com/event-details.aspx?id=13397#tix)

Straight from the Hit TV Show MASTERS OF ILLUSION and 3X COMEDY MAGICIAN OF THE YEAR WINNER, Eric is bringing his quick wit COMEDY and mind blowing MAGIC for an Adults-Only Comedy Magic Show. \*\*\* Please note, there is a 2 item per person minimum in the showroom. This can be any combination of food items or beverages. This does NOT include items bought in the basement at the Bier Baron Tavern. All General Admission seating is first come first serve, **therefore they cannot guarantee seating together this includes GROUPS so please** arrive at least 30-45 minutes to an hour PRIOR to show time for better seat selection. Doors CLOSE 30 minutes after showtime. Tickets are available at the door UNLESS tickets have sold out. Each ticket holder MUST purchase 2 items. Purchases made at the bar do not count. WEAR SOMETHING RED so we know you are with the group. There are 2 ticket options General Admission $29.50 per ticket Preferred Seating $40.50 per ticket Here's the link to paste in your browser [https://www.dccomedyloft.com/shows/347003?fbclid=IwY2xjawQfl71leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAwzNTA2ODU1MzE3MjgAAR7-pnKlVBu0f1qRgbyTjvsakLv0Tr99v1txWpQ6LrWLtP0DJpjvcCNZNhhJAA_aem_BqIOhI167HB1rr00wT8eNw](https://www.dccomedyloft.com/shows/347003?fbclid=IwY2xjawQfl71leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAwzNTA2ODU1MzE3MjgAAR7-pnKlVBu0f1qRgbyTjvsakLv0Tr99v1txWpQ6LrWLtP0DJpjvcCNZNhhJAA_aem_BqIOhI167HB1rr00wT8eNw)

Join the Columbus AI community for our quarterly gathering — a casual, community-focused evening where everyone has a chance to share, learn, and connect. These open mic–style events give anyone in the community up to **5 minutes** to present a project, share a tool, pose a question, or offer a perspective on the evolving AI space. No slides required — just a welcoming space to exchange ideas and keep the local AI conversation moving. If you’d like to take the stage, message \*\*Chris (the organizer)\*\*with a **title and short description** of what you’d like to share. Whether you’re deep in the field or just getting curious, come connect with others building and exploring AI in Columbus. Sponsored by [Transform Labs](https://www.linkedin.com/company/transformlabs/) Sign up also accessible via [Transform Labs Luma](https://luma.com/transformlabshq)

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.