Idea Cafe
Starting a new project, career, business, or campaign? Exchange information and ideas with people who are interested in making their dream into a reality. Make new friends!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Check out idea cafe events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.
Discover all the idea cafe events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
Absolutely! Find idea cafe events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.
Idea Cafe Events Today
Join in-person Idea Cafe events happening right now
Conversation and Coffee @ Belle's Bread Bakery
Hey Everyone!
Let's meet at Belle's Bread Bakery and Cafe. There is lots of free parking and easy access to the cafe and many shops and restaurants as well. This is a great way to meet new and old friends while chatting about life and practicing English language speaking skills. All are welcome and encouraged to join us anytime between 11am and 1pm. Looking forward to seeing you soon.
Nailed It! - DIY Meetup
Grab a drink or some food and get to know each other. This is our first event and we can take it slow. I’d love to meet everyone and hear if there’s anything you like to get out of the group.
Looking forward to meeting you all!
Westerville Queer Coffee Meetup
WQC has weekly Thursday night social nights at the Westerville Java Central. Come and grab a coffee and connect with the community: low stakes, chill environment, and tasty drinks. No registration is required; come as you are.
Customize the IDE: Building Extensions for Visual Studio Code - Alan Barber
**Important time note:** Please plan on arriving between 5:30 and 6:00 as the elevators lock after 6 and you'll need to message us and we'll need to come get you.
The building address is 4450 Bridge Park
The entrance is 6620 Mooney St, Suite 400
You will need to scan your ID at the door to get a visitor badge.
**Abstract**
*Customize the IDE: Building Extensions for Visual Studio Code*
Visual Studio Code is one of the most widely used development environments today, and much of its flexibility comes from its extension ecosystem. Extensions allow developers to customize the editor with new features, integrations, and workflow improvements tailored to their needs.
In this session, we’ll cover what extensions are and the different types available, including full extensions written in TypeScript or JavaScript, along with lighter-weight extensions such as color themes, language packs, language support, code snippets, and keymaps. We’ll also look at practical reasons a developer might create an extension, from automating repetitive tasks to adding custom tooling.
The session includes a hands-on walkthrough of creating a new extension, testing it locally, and understanding the basic project structure. We’ll close with a brief overview of how extensions are packaged and published to the Visual Studio Marketplace and other distribution options.
**YouTube Link**
TBD
Lewis Center Networking Lunch
Need more solid referrals for new clients? Join us for lunch and meet our networking group - we act as a sales team for each other. Bring your business cards and tell us your story. We have passed over $2.7 million dollars to each other!
Our speaker this week is **Deb Dolbow, doTerra Wellness Advocate.** Deb is extremely knowledgeable in the natural ways to stay healthy and vibrant. Her presentation always let's us know about what we are doing right and what and how we can improve our health and well-being.
All visitors are welcome. Any questions contact [pmarchio@farmersagent.com](mailto:pmarchio@farmersagent.com)
DoJo (Informal Python Meeting)
**Latest Dojo Location!**
**Knotty Pine Brewing**
1765 W 3rd Ave,
Columbus, OH 43212
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 speakers for our Monthly Meetups! Fill out the form if you are interested in presenting to the Python Community.
https://forms.gle/ehSfUAC2WgR34Crq9
Columbus Comedy Improv Meetup at Gresso's!
Whether you've never done improv before, or you've done it for so long you were quoted in *Truth in Comedy*, or anywhere in between, come join us! Swing by *Gresso's* for the **Columbus Improv Comedy Meetup**!
The idea behind improvised comedy is to create entire scenes from scratch. A suggestion is taken from the audience and laughter is built on the spot. This can be done in game form, like *Whose Line Is It Anyway, Make Some Noise,* or *Wild 'n Out*; it can also be done in a longer way, to tell a complicated story, like *TJ & Dave*.
Our meetup, which is central Ohio's longest running (and FREE!) weekly comedy event, brings the games for you to play in a safe, supportive, and compassionate environment. Afterward, many members will hang out in *Gresso's* itself and get to know each other. Not only is this a lot of fun, but you get to work on thinking faster on your feet, your public speaking, plus it's an excellent way to meet new people and build relationships that will last a lifetime, and you do that while laughing your butt off!
Ask yourself if you want to join the **Columbus Improv Comedy Meetup**, and say "*Yes, And*" that you'll have a blast!
Idea Cafe Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
Columbus Connect with Local Gay Men at Home
🥂 Gay speed dating night for Columbus singles, on Zoom
A warm, welcoming community evening of hosted rounds with local gay singles your age. Real conversation, matches shared the next day, all from home.
Find your age group and join in:
Ages 18-32: [sign up](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=582&productType=onlineSpeedDatingGay&city=Columbus&groupurlname=french-cafe-chat-meetup-group&ar=18-32&face_v=9.0)
Ages 30-46: [sign up](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=582&productType=onlineSpeedDatingGay&city=Columbus&groupurlname=french-cafe-chat-meetup-group&ar=30-46&face_v=9.0)
Ages 40-58: [sign up](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=582&productType=onlineSpeedDatingGay&city=Columbus&groupurlname=french-cafe-chat-meetup-group&ar=40-58&face_v=9.0)
Ages 55+: [sign up](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=582&productType=onlineSpeedDatingGay&city=Columbus&groupurlname=french-cafe-chat-meetup-group&ar=55+&face_v=9.0)
An RSVP here lets us know you're coming, but you'll need to finish your sign-up at your age link to join the rounds.
See you on Zoom, Columbus. 🌈
Morning people unite!! 🐤 ☕ + 💬 @ Grandview Grind
Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Grandview Grind](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063534163841)!
Game Dev Meetup (@Improving In-Person)
PLEASE NOTE!!!
This event will be In-Person for our 2nd Improving collab! If you know the [Columbus Unity group](https://www.meetup.com/columbus-unity-user-group/) location, we'll be at the same place. This is our 2nd event at this location so bare with us as we grow into this space.
There's paid street parking on Saturdays but you can also pay to park in any of the local garages. See image of [parking map here](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Mr9_LFIggbs-0_Zd3AJTGNqEhgMf2TzQ/view?usp=sharing).
\-\-\-
On the last Sunday of the month, we're having our usual end-of-the-month social gathering with our GameDev Meetup meeting. There will be announcements and presentations followed by some social networking Let's continue the conversations with good vibes and friends.
All are welcomed from all ages and backgrounds to this public event. If we can, we'll be streaming or uploading the video later via our COGG YouTube channel here:
[https://www.youtube.com/@TheCOGG/streams](https://www.youtube.com/@TheCOGG/streams)
(Also please do subscribe if you have not done so!)
No game development experience required!
If you are interested in doing a 20 minute game development related presentation, please fill out our form online here:
[https://goo.gl/forms/lVdTJZiNJewlPJuj1](https://goo.gl/forms/lVdTJZiNJewlPJuj1)
Or e-mail us at [info@thecogg.com](mailto:info@thecogg.com)
with the following:
Your Name, Company/Affiliation, Name of Your Game/Topic, Description, Tech Needs, and Your Contact.
Be sure to check out our Discord for real time news updates:
[https://discord.gg/NrBhuNQ](https://discord.gg/NrBhuNQ)
Columbus Gay Speed Dating for Authentic Connections
**❤️🔥 Gay Speed Dating from Home – Meet Columbus Singles Live on Zoom**
**⚠️ RSVP alone doesn't secure your spot.** You must register through your age group link below and complete the personality quiz. Places are limited.
**Pick your age group and register:**
- **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=544&productType=onlineSpeedDatingGay&city=Columbus&groupurlname=gathering-of-german-learners-at-cafe-chat&ar=18-32&face_v=7.0)
- **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=544&productType=onlineSpeedDatingGay&city=Columbus&groupurlname=gathering-of-german-learners-at-cafe-chat&ar=30-46&face_v=7.0)
- **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=544&productType=onlineSpeedDatingGay&city=Columbus&groupurlname=gathering-of-german-learners-at-cafe-chat&ar=40-58&face_v=7.0)
- **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=544&productType=onlineSpeedDatingGay&city=Columbus&groupurlname=gathering-of-german-learners-at-cafe-chat&ar=55+&face_v=7.0)
---
Online gay speed dating for Columbus locals — hosted live on Zoom, personality matched. Each round is a brief one-on-one Zoom chat with a Columbus gay local paired by age and personality. A host keeps the pace comfortable.
🎯 **Perfect for:**
- Introverts who shine in one-on-one conversations
- First-timers new to speed dating
- Busy professionals who don't want to waste evenings
- People fed up with swiping who want actual conversation
- Anyone who likes connecting online before meeting face-to-face
**Event Details**
- **Format:** Zoom video event – short timed rounds
- **Location:** Online from home – no going out required
- **Host:** Professional host keeping things smooth and relaxed
- **Vibe:** Friendly, inclusive, and relaxed – genuine chats with Columbus locals
- **Rounds:** Several short one-on-one rounds
- **Duration:** Around 90 minutes
- **Matches:** Mutual matches shared after the event
- **Privacy:** Contact details only shared on mutual match
**How It Works**
1. **Register** – Pick your age group above and sign up.
2. **Do the matching quiz** – Helps us find your best matches for the night.
3. **Log in** – Join the Zoom session from home. The host runs everything.
4. **Speed date** – One-on-one rounds with personality-matched Columbus locals.
5. **Get matches** – Mutual matches revealed after the event.
💡 **Tip:** Good lighting and a tidy background go a long way.
---
✨ Register, take the quiz, and connect with Columbus locals tonight. 💝 ✨
Shut Up & Write!™ Easton Town Center
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 Saturday 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 10AM on Saturday mornings.
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:
10:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros.
10:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour.
11:10 - chat / take off / keep writing.
OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 11A-11:30ish. 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. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) 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 Saturday!
Columbus First-Timers Online Speed Dating
A friendly online speed dating evening for Columbus singles, hosted on Zoom.
We're a welcoming local community where people come to meet genuine faces from the area. Expect short one-on-one chats, matched by age, all from the comfort of home.
Sign up here: [Reserve your place](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=573&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Columbus&groupurlname=french-language-learners-cafe-chat-circle&face_v=12.0)
Tapping RSVP lets us know you're interested. To join the rounds, please finish your sign-up at the link above.
Walk & Talk About Life's Big Questions
[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).
Idea Cafe Events Near You
Connect with your local Idea Cafe community
Tabletop Cafe
Come hang out at Tabletop Cafe. We can play boardgames and get to know each other. There is a small entry fee they tack onto the bill so take a look at their website beforehand 🙂 there is some snack food and tons of games!
Columbus Write Publish Earn with AI
💰 **Build Passive Income with AI Ebooks – Masterclass**
Build a passive publishing business with AI — from idea to income.
⚠️ Your spot is only held once you complete registration below.
### [🔗 SAVE YOUR SEAT](https://aiventurelab.org/product/AIEbookBusiness?city=Columbus&groupurlname=network-of-book-lovers-and-discussion-meetups&startgmtdatetime=2026-06-30T22:00:00Z)
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What's covered:
- Publish across platforms for passive income
- Format and list ebooks so they actually sell
- Find profitable niches using AI research tools
*One system. Recurring income.* ✍️
Columbus Go Viral Without Your Face
📱 **Build a Viral AI Content Brand – Faceless Influencer Blueprint**
Launch a content brand that grows on autopilot using AI-generated media.
⚠️ Complete registration to confirm your seat. RSVP is not enough.
### [🔗 CLAIM YOUR PLACE](https://aiventurelab.org/product/AiInfluencer?city=Columbus&groupurlname=network-of-book-lovers-and-discussion-meetups&startgmtdatetime=2026-06-30T22:00:00Z)
---
What you'll create:
- A monetisation path from day one
- AI tools to generate, edit, and post content automatically
- A content system that grows on autopilot
*Your brand. Your rules. No face needed.* 🚀
CMG Gives Back: Serve Dinner at FAITH MISSION GRANT KITCHEN!
Join us as we get together to get together to help those in need at this CMG Gives Back event! We have a great little community of Movie Group friends so rather than see a movie this time, we’ll help “Create a better world” by helping serve those in need. NOTE: We’re switching it up this time and going with a DINNER shift on Mon, 7/6. Here are complete details and our plan for this event:
FAITH MISSION – GRANT KITCHEN: The Faith Mission kitchen and dining room serves residents 3 meals a day, every day of the year. For this event, our group will help prepare food, serve meals, assist residents in the dining room, wash dishes, and clean surfaces.
PLAN: We will be preparing / serving / cleaning for DINNER from 4:30 to 6:30pm and have space for a total of 7 volunteers. Please arrive at 4:20pm and wear closed-toe shoes and long pants.
LOCATION: Faith Mission – Grant Kitchen is located at 245 N. Grant Ave. Enter the kitchen at Dock 1 (in the back of the building), indicated in the attached map. On-site parking in the adjacent lot and street parking are available in the surrounding area. Below are some links / attachments with additional info/details:
IMPORTANT REMINDER: Our group will be providing all of the volunteers on this day so a firm RSVP count is essential. Please only sign up if you are certain you’ll be able to attend. If something unavoidable comes up, please try to update your RSVP no later than one week prior to the event. With few exceptions, no shows or cancelations within 1 week of the event will not be eligible for future CMG Gives Back events. I appreciate your understanding as we try to ensure the agencies have the volunteers needed to provide the essential services they provide to the vulnerable population they serve. Our Partner Agency for this event is Lutheran Social Services! A huge THANK YOU to those volunteering at this (or any of our previous or future) CMG Gives Back events!
Look forward to seeing you there, Dan
Columbus Turn Forecasts into Income
📊 **Profit from Predictions – Polymarket Strategy**
Stop guessing on Polymarket. Learn the analytical system that generates real profit.
⚠️ Complete registration below — RSVP alone doesn't reserve your spot.
### [🔗 CLAIM YOUR SPOT](https://aiventurelab.org/product/Polymarket?city=Columbus&groupurlname=network-of-book-lovers-and-discussion-meetups&startgmtdatetime=2026-06-30T22:00:00Z)
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What you'll learn:
- A systematic approach to forecasting outcomes
- How to identify high-value markets before the crowd
- Polymarket strategies that generate consistent daily profit
*The forecasters who win have a system. Get yours.* 🎯






























