Hardware

***This is a paid event ($5 general admission, free for students & job seekers) with limited tickets - you must [RSVP on Luma](https://luma.com/zd29ibx6) to secure your spot.*** ​Recent research from Anthropic and Redwood Research has shown that "reward hacking" is more than just a nuisance: it can be a seed for broader misalignment. ​Evgenii Opryshko explores how models that learn to exploit vulnerabilities in coding environments can generalize to concerning capabilities, such as unprompted alignment faking and cooperating with malicious actors. ​**Event Schedule** 6:00 to 6:30 - Food and introductions 6:30 to 7:30 - Presentation and Q&A 7:30 to 9:00 - Open Discussions ​​​​If you can't make it in person, feel free to join the live stream starting at 6:30 pm, via [this link](https://www.youtube.com/@Trajectory-Labs/live).

**A Special Event!** Join Hae Kwang Sunim Bad Stress Out "Inner Peace" Qigong - Don't Miss It! **THIS IS NOT LIKE ANY OTHER QI-GONG YOU EVER EXPERIENCED** Class also Includes full lying down guided Inner Peace Qigong. Join Community - lets connect and grow the Inner Life Training. **Experience the healing and stillness of Inner Peace Qigong. Also learn essential mind-body tools for the Inner Life.** **Location - Merritt & Niagara St. Welland.** **Required:** **Contact Sunim to register (text 416-797-7553 or email to innerpeaceqigong@icloud.com)** **Investment: Only $17.70 + hst ($20.00\*\*)** **Benefits of attending this class** \*\*\*Soft 'Inner Peace' Qigong leads to the deep release of dis--ease / stress and the restoring of ones energy channels and the infusion of fresh Qi and Peace through the body (reconnection to the Universal Qi field). About Inner Peace Qigong **"HARMONIZE" - "DESTRESS" and "RECHARGE"** We invite you to a great class which includes Zen Qigong, "Experiential" Qi Energy infusion and healing instruction, Meditation and more. This class also includes a soft, flowing series of Tao In, Deep Breathing, Relaxation and an amazing stress reduction closing and meditation that will leave you floating out of the class. The energy healing components of the classes are taught at Zen Temples in Korea that specialize in martial arts. This class by Hae Kwang Sunim is considered the ultimate stress reducer. All are welcome!! \*\*What to Bring A yoga mat and anything else that will make you comfortable for this class. A friend! Note: We have extra yoga mats, blankets, etc., but we recommend bringing a yoga mat to place over ours for optimal 'Inner Qigong' comfort. We supply use of meditation chairs and blankets (please arrive 15 minutes early). Class Benefits Include: Reduced stress level / deepening mind-body connection, improved blood pressure, massaging of all organs of the body, reduced anxiety and depression, relieving chronic pain, improved balance and coordination, improved sleep quality (such as staying asleep longer at night and feeling more alert during the day), strengthen mind awareness and inner peace, vitality, and everyday physical functioning. UNDERSTANDING Bad Stress Out "Inner Peace" ZEN QIGONG Health = A Balanced Flow Of Qigong The health of our body is dependent upon a clear, strong and balanced flow of Chi through the Sen Lines. Since qigong practice accomplishes just this, it should come as no surprise that the benefits of qigong (also spelled “Chi Kung”) practice extend to every physical system of our bodies, as well as to the mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of our Being. Physical Benefits of Qigong Practice: Qigong practice makes the body strong and supple. It improves balance, stamina and flexibility. It has positive effects on the cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, endocrine, and immune and central nervous systems. It tends to create smooth skin, and a pleasant feeling of deep warmth within the body. It increases sexual vitality, and allows our sleep-time to be more deep and restorative. Over time, qigong practice can reduce or eliminate chronic pain. It also has the power to reverse the aging process, and restore youthfulness. Emotional Benefits: The smooth and balanced flow of Qi created by qigong practice shows itself as a joyful, relaxed, optimistic and energized state of mind. While the emotional energies of anger, fear, anxiety or grief still may arise, they will be much less “sticky” – and be held and then dissolved within the larger field of joy, gratitude, acceptance and equanimity. Mental & Spiritual Benefits of Qigong: The abundance of clarified energy and mental stillness generated by qigong practice supports great mental clarity, and nourishes both intuition and creativity. As our intelligence becomes rooted in a connection to the inner body, it widens and deepens in increasingly wonderful ways. As we deepen in our qigong practice, we become aware of more subtle realms of Being, and begin to experience, directly, our interconnectedness with All-That-Is. As acclaimed cardiovascular surgeon Dr. Mehmet Oz, vice-chair and professor of surgery at Columbia University and director of the Cardiovascular Institute and Complementary Medicine Program at New York–Presbyterian Hospital writes in his best selling book ‘Staying Young’: “Qigong allows us to cope with the day to day struggle of being human – it can help us stretch and stay loose and balanced in both mind and body.” On the Oprah Winfrey show in November he simply put it this way, "If you want to be healthy and live to be 100, do Qigong." He also added that Qigong reverses the aging process. Parts of P.K.Z.Q. are modeled off of the Mind-Body Wellness Program taught at the Stress Reduction Clinic at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. The mindfulness based stress reduction meditation techniques come from Dr. Jongmae Park of Loyola Marymount University. During P.K.Z.Q., cares and troubles wash away. Replacing them are positive images, increased confidence and peace of mind. Near the end of each class the goal is for participants to attain the full ‘relaxation response’ and it’s that response that helps release the feel good endorphins. Why is this important? Endorphins encourage white blood cells and white blood cells help the body fight infection and disease. According to Dr. Benson, “repeated activation of the relaxation response can reverse sustained problems in the body and mend the internal wear and tear brought on by stress.” (Ref: Center for Women’s Healthcare, Weil Medical College of Cornell University.) "When the mind is trained, quieted, then room is created for our brightness, our True Self to shine through. The nature of True Self IS positive, loving, witnessing, unmoved in the moving. No positive affirmation can deliver the depth of contentment, of joy that already exists, that comes forward from True Self. The more we connect with it, the more it grows through us. In such an environment, the body has comfort, hurry sickness and chasing to 'fix' what we 'thought' we were collapses. The nervous system can finally rest - Stillness. From this place, the body will not easily fall prey to disease." - Hae Kwang Sunim **🌿🌿 Stay connected beyond our gatherings** **Between classes and events, we share reflections, short teachings, inspiration, and gentle reminders to return to presence, balance, and inner peace on Facebook and Instagram.** **You’re warmly invited to join us here:** **Facebook:** https://www.facebook.com/innerpeaceqigong **Instagram:** https://www.instagram.com/inner_peace_qigong Questions? Email us at innerpeaceqigong@icloud.com --- About The Teacher: Hae Kwang Sunim started training at the age of 18 in Thailand. He has taken full seminary and in temple training, with graduated ordinations (including Bhikkhu ordination) under Patriarch Kun Sunim in South Korea. He spent over 25 years distilling the deepest and hardest to grasp teachings into a simplified language so it can be taught and effectively applied directly in daily life. In 2005 (2549), the 19th Headquarters in Korea appointed Venerable Hae Kwang as Director of Bo Kwang Zen Center Palm Springs, U.S.A. In 2013, the Western Bhikkhus Council nominated Hae Kwang Sunim 교구장 Kyo Goo Jahng of all American-European Temples (closest english translation: North American-European Oversight Head / Bishop / Director). Qigong and Mind-Body Training Hae Kwang Sunim drew from the most effective mind-body teachings he acquired from studying under different teachers in the East, including the teachings of Wat Bua Luang in Thailand. The methodology is based on the ancient Eastern principles of Hai Palung (Energy Healing), Pon Klie Kwan Sow (Emotional Release), Meditation, Food Based Healing and the importance of compassion, gratitude, oneness, outreach and the need to support the whole person holistically - body, mind and spirit.

Please Note: This event is advertised on multiple platforms. Please RSVP and get a ticket on Mindstone (https://community.mindstone.com/events/mindstone-toronto-january-ai-meetup) to view the agenda and guarantee a spot. Welcome to the most electrifying and ground-breaking AI Meetup in Toronto! Join us once a month as we delve into the world of artificial intelligence, explore its cutting-edge practical applications, and marvel at the astonishing projects that are shaping our future. Why should you attend? • Get up close and personal with the AI projects that are redefining the boundaries of technology and human potential. • Learn from the brightest minds in the field and gain valuable insights into the ever-evolving AI landscape. • Unleash your curiosity, fuel your creativity, and expand your network as you connect with fellow AI aficionados and pioneers. What you can expect? Mindstone events consist of three talks covering different aspects: • What I Learned Building With LLMs: A technical demo breaking down the process for building a product using AI with real-life learnings and insights. • How To Be More Productive Using AI: A practical demo and step-by-step guide on how to use AI to speed up and improve tasks. • What Does The Future Look Like With AI?: A theoretical talk on the impact of AI on work, life and society. After the talks we'll have pizza, drinks, and networking. Don't miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to witness the AI revolution in action. It's time to embark on a thrilling journey into the future and discover the endless possibilities that lie within the realm of artificial intelligence. Reserve your spot today for the ultimate AI experience! 💡✨ (https://community.mindstone.com/events/mindstone-toronto-january-ai-meetup) Please Note: This event is advertised on multiple platforms. Please RSVP and get a ticket on Mindstone (https://community.mindstone.com/events/mindstone-toronto-january-ai-meetup) to view the agenda and guarantee a spot.

Join Oakville Gamers for a fun-filled evening of tabletop board and card games! Whether you're a seasoned player or a newbie, this event is perfect for all enthusiasts of board games, card games, and more. Don't miss this opportunity to come together, learn new games, make new friends, and immerse yourself in exciting adventures. Our Game Night promises to be a lively gathering where you can enjoy a variety of games, from classic board games to the modern new hotness. Come join you may or may not bring games. Most of us will have games but we always need people you to join and play.

Join us for ESL Cafe on Mondays nights at St Paul's Bloor Street. We have groups for all levels of English: Basic English, Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced. At ESL Cafe, you can practice English conversation, drink coffee (or tea) and have lots of fun meeting other interesting people!!

Almost Jeopardy is now gone from GLB Brewpub. This was just posted today: THERE’S A TRIVIA NIGHT DOWNTOWN, AND ANDREA IS ASKING THE QUESTIONS! Is your brain is packed with history facts, pop-culture nonsense, science tidbits, or information you genuinely can’t remember learning? Then, this is night is for you. Andrea’s trivia questions will have you saying “oh yeah, I knew that” or “why on God’s Green Earth do I know that?”. Play to win or play for the joy of giving all of that cerebral clutter a stage. We’ll have #FreshGLB and delicious food, because nothing tastes quite as good as victory (except maybe another round). 🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻 Every Tuesday @ GLB Brewpub (Downtown Toronto) at 7PM! ) 📝 That is from their Instagram. It is silent on whether there is a maximum number of people per team and silent on whether or not they will continue with the same prize structure that they had when Simon was hosting. GLB takes reservations now for trivia nights. I was able to make a reservation for 8 at 6:45. We have no idea of the format so join us as we discover it together and decide whether or not we want to keep it in our rotation.

Coming Soon

SPACE IS LIMITED! This is a much smaller class than our 7:30 pm event and we can only accept a limited number of students. Key areas of focus: Practicing oral communication (speaking languages), for conversations, presentations, interviews and job skills Schedule: 1. 6:45- 7:15 pm : 30-minute language conversation class with certified award-winning language teacher John Dias. 2. Language exchange social (7:30-11 pm): includes Free access to the Toronto's BIGGEST Language Party and Social Party also in the Madison Pub led by teacher John Dias (same location) Cost: just $ 5 while we have this promo. **PROMO (Limited Time): $5 fee will give you access to both events (usual rate: $15 total)** Feel free to message us if you have any questions!

The silence is broken. **We are officially relaunching DEF CON Toronto (DC416) on Jan 15.** We’re kicking off this new era at 6:30 PM at 100 Queens Quay St. It’s free for everyone, but capacity is limited. RSVP to lock in your spot. To find upcoming events, updates and stay involved as we grow, visit our revamped site [https://defcontoronto.ca](https://defcontoronto.ca/) **Talk:** Syndicate: Inside the life of a Ransomware Operator **What you’ll learn:** A deep dive into how ransomware affiliates rise through the ranks, build trust, and operate inside the dark web ecosystem. **Speaker:** Tammy Harper (Senior Threat Intelligence Researcher @ Flare) **About the Speaker:** Tammy Harper is a Senior Threat Intelligence Researcher at Flare, specializing in dark web ecosystems, ransomware affiliate operations, and adversary psychology. Her work combines technical analysis with narrative and sociological approaches to understand how modern cybercriminals think, organize, and operate.

The Board Games event is a fun, sociable and charitable event We are a fun, friendly and kind group of people mostly in our 20s, 30s and 40s. Beginners are welcome! We are a very inclusive and social group and we teach people how to play games they have not played before :) We provide a variety of 40+ board games. The games usually take 5 or 10 minutes to learn and 30 to 60 minutes to play. **Time** * Board Games Start time: 630pm * Board Games end time: 10pm * Eat / Drink/ Socialise at a nearby pub afterwards **Location** 30 Leeds St, Toronto, ON M6G 3R8 (Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Holy Protection) The entrance to the board game room is at the back of the Church. There is a sign on the door that says BOARD GAMES GROUP. Please use the map provided on the event page also. **Fee** $10 Cash (no coins ) $11.55 by card or e-Transfer * e-Transfer before or at the event dvschiller@gmail.com for e-Transfer **Charity Donations** * This is a not-for-profit initiative. Revenue go towards covering costs of the event including venue, insurance marketing, refreshments and board games. Any surplus revenue is donated to charity **Food and drink** * Everyone will get cookies/candy for free * Cups will be provided for tap water * Bring your own food and drink. * Please do not bring CHIPS AND CRACKERS as they make a mess and are greasy * **ALCOHOL IS PROHIBITED AND WE HAVE A ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY ON THIS - there are no second chances** Photos will be taken at the event and posted publicly for marketing purposes. Please only attend if you are ok with this or tell me when you arrive that you do not want to be in any photos The event is officially hosted by Ace of Math Learning Program Ontario Inc.

🚨👉 To RSVP for this event, head to our [Luma event page](https://luma.com/mbafwfgu). RSVPs are intentionally closed on Meetup.👈🚨 https://luma.com/mbafwfgu Join us for a welcoming and inclusive coffee meetup where women and non-binary folks in tech can connect, share experiences, and build community in a relaxed setting. **January Topic:** TBD Whether you're an industry veteran or just getting started, everyone is welcome! **FREE ENTRY** – However, please support the café by purchasing a drink or snack while attending. **Location:** Prema Coffee and Bar, 35 McCaul St #110, Toronto, ON M5T 1V7 **Time:** 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM **Schedule:** 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM → Arrive, grab a drink/snack, socialize 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM → Group discussion, paired chats & activities **Important Notes for RSVPs** We’re introducing a few questions when you RSVP to help us manage space and ensure an inclusive environment: **This is a space created to support people who are underrepresented in tech.** We ask **cisgender men** (men who were assigned male at birth and identify as male) to respect this and not attend. **To manage limited space, we track no-shows for all Code Diversity events.** If you RSVP and miss two events, you’ll be waitlisted for future events. Please update your RSVP at least 24 hours in advance if you can’t attend. **Photography & Video Disclaimer:** By attending this event, you acknowledge and agree that photographs and/or video recordings may be taken. These may be used for promotional purposes, including social media, websites, and other marketing materials. If you do not wish to be photographed or recorded, please inform the event organizer upon arrival. **Organized by TechTank** Let’s continue fostering diversity, inclusion, and innovation in tech—this month and beyond! **Join our vibrant community for the latest updates and continued discussions:** [https://linktr.ee/techtankto](https://linktr.ee/techtankto)

Gaming, AdTech, EdTech, Media Streaming, and FinTech are just a few of the workloads where high-availability cloud infrastructure matters. Whether you’re doing battle daily in one of these spaces or are just curious about ways to improve performance, meet us in Reston for an in-person discussion on bare metal cloud architecture. You’ll meet our product lead, James MacKenzie, who will walk through how modern bare metal serves as a control plane for hybrid and private cloud architectures. **What we will cover** * Ways to leverage bare metal, containers, and orchestration for better performance and predictable economics; * Real-world hybrid, disaster recovery, and data-intensive architectures; * Our approach to eliminating ingress and egress fees. **Who should attend** * Cloud architects and platform engineers; * DevOps professionals and infrastructure leads; * FinOps stakeholders managing data-heavy or hybrid workloads. **Why attend** This is a technical, architecture-first conversation. You will leave with a clearer understanding of high-availability cloud infrastructure and how organizations are scaling cost-effectively. Food and drinks will be provided. Space is limited to keep the discussion interactive.

Want to mess with some electronics? Or perhaps contribute to HacDC's main group project? HacDC's latest event brings hardware projects to the community. We will focus primarily on the main project (Space Blimp!) but please feel free to bring some of your own projects to show off and work on!

Ready for the **FIRST Loudoun CyberTech Event of 2026** \- featuring the **Loudoun County CISO**?!?! Join us on **Tuesday, January 13, 2026,** at **Honor Brewing Company** at **42604 Trade West Dr, Sterling, VA 20166**! Want a custom name tag to enhance your networking opportunities? Register here and yours will be ready at the door: https://share.hsforms.com/1J8_8W2-vSe2WSqQbnxxz0Adwxz1 Are you prepared for what cyber threats will define 2026? Which ones matter and which should be ignored? What does modernization look like in 2026 at the intersection of risk, cost, and security? Join us for an exciting evening with the **Loudoun County CISO** and our spotlight speaker, **Dr. Elizabeth Di Bene**, as she explores these questions and addresses what to expect in cyber in 2026! **Dr. Elizabeth Di Bene** is the **CISO** for **Loudoun County Government,** overseeing information security strategies with a focus on risk management, data analytics, and SaaS. She brings more than 20 years of cyber leadership experience across the federal government and private sector, including roles at **CACI International,** **the U.S. Department of Justice,** and the **U.S. Marine Corps** where she also served in cyber leadership roles at **Marine Corps System Command**. Dr. Di Bene is nationally recognized for her expertise in network and information security and is a frequent industry speaker and FinOps ambassador. Join us next month to meet **Dr. Elizabeth Di Bene** to learn what should matter most for cyber in 2026! **Agenda** 5:30 Social hour and networking begins 6:10 Welcome 6:20 Spotlight Speaker - **Dr. Elizabeth Di Bene** 6:50 Q&A 7:00 Open Mic & Networking Continues 7:30 Adjourn

A Path Forward – Grand Opening & 2-Year Anniversary Celebration! Join us as we celebrate the Grand Opening of A Path Forward’s new Leesburg studio and mark two years of supporting mothers through every stage of motherhood. A Path Forward is a maternal wellness studio offering integrated lactation support, strength-based fitness, nutrition coaching, and restorative therapies designed to help moms rebuild strength, confidence, and balance — not just “bounce back.” This open-house style event is an opportunity to: * Tour the new studio space * Learn about our services, including Red Light Therapy * Meet the founder and local providers * Ask questions and explore how A Path Forward can support you in your current season * Enjoy light refreshments sponsored by Robin with 'Keeping It Real' Real Estate * Community Connection **Give-A-Ways!** We wil be doing 2 give-a-ways at the top of every hour. * 10:00AM, 11:00AM, 12:00PM and 1:00PM Whether you’re pregnant, postpartum, a toddler mom, or simply ready to prioritize your own wellbeing again, this celebration is for you. Come celebrate a new chapter, a new space, and a shared commitment to supporting moms in our Loudoun community. We can’t wait to welcome you.

**Agenda :** * 4.30 to 4.45 PM ET: Food and Networking * 4.45 to 5.30 PM ET: "Building Smarter Agents with Microsoft Copilot Studio (Jan 2026 Edition)" Hello Everyone! Please join us for our Jan 13th edition of the AI-ML MeetUp. **Please note this is an in-person meeting and light refreshments/food will be provided.** **Title:** Building Smarter Agents with Microsoft Copilot Studio (Jan 2026 Edition) **Description:** Discover how to design intelligent, task-driven AI agents using **Microsoft Copilot Studio**. Learn how to connect copilots to enterprise data, workflows, and external systems. Explore real-world use cases, best practices, and architecture patterns for scalable agents. Get hands-on insights into what’s new in the Jan 2026 edition and what’s coming next **Location:** The meeting will be hosted in the Applied Information Sciences ( AIS ) office in Reston, at 11440 Commerce Park Dr # 600 · Reston, VA. The location is also right off the Silver Line metro's Wiehle-Reston Metro Station. **Parking:** Parking is paid and can be validated at the AIS office reception. We will meet in Room Lake Anne. We hope to see you all there!!!!

## **1 Million Cups Loudoun Workshop: How AI Can Work for Your Business** **Wednesday\, January 28 \| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM** **Venture X Loudoun – Ashburn** Artificial Intelligence is no longer just a buzzword — it’s a practical tool that businesses of all sizes can begin using today. Join **1 Million Cups Loudoun** for a special **workshop-style presentation** led by **Victor Meer of AI Prime** and **Jay Jay Billings of Band Gap AI**, designed to help entrepreneurs understand how AI can realistically support their business operations. This workshop will provide: * A clear, practical overview of what AI actually is * Real-world examples of how businesses are using AI today * Insight into where automation can save time and reduce friction * Guidance on how to start leveraging AI without needing technical expertise Whether you’re AI-curious, overwhelmed by the noise, or ready to explore automation in your business, this session will help you think clearly about where AI fits — and where it doesn’t. As always, coffee, conversation, and community are at the heart of 1 Million Cups Loudoun. ### What Is 1 Million Cups? 1 Million Cups is a national program powered by the Kauffman Foundation that brings together entrepreneurs and community members for weekly conversations that educate, support, and inspire. Loudoun’s chapter meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month. Join us on **January 14 at 9:00 AM** for coffee, connection, and a meaningful conversation about reimagining after-school education in Loudoun County. **We look forward to seeing you there.**