Information Science

## From Zero to AI App: A Hands-On Meetup for Data Professionals Curious about AI but tired of the hype? This beginner-friendly, practical meetup is designed to help you **actually understand and use AI in data roles**—not just talk about it. We’ll break down the core ideas behind modern AI systems in a simple, no-jargon way—then bring everything together by **building a real AI app live**. Whether you're a student, aspiring analyst, or working professional, you’ll leave with **clarity, confidence, and practical skills you can apply immediately.** *** ## 💡 What You’ll Learn In this session, we’ll go from fundamentals to real application: * What *Agentic AI* really means (and why it matters) * A simple breakdown of *LLM architecture* * What vectors are and why they power modern AI systems * What *RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation)* is and how it works in practice * How all these pieces connect in real-world data workflows And most importantly… 👉 **We’ll build a working AI app live—so you can see exactly how it all comes together.** *** ## 🎤 Talks ### 1️⃣ From Concepts to Creation: Understanding & Building with AI A practical walkthrough of key AI concepts—followed by a **live app build** where we turn theory into something real. ### 2️⃣ How to use AI within Data Analysis * Where to use AI to speed up Data Analysis and where not to. * How to critical think in this world of AI *** ## 👥 Meet Your Speakers **[Nitish Galat](https://www.linkedin.com/in/nitish-galat/) – BI Analyst & Gen AI Specialist** Nitish works at the intersection of data automation and generative AI, with a focus on simplifying complex systems and making AI accessible to everyone. **[Abhishek Gadve](https://www.linkedin.com/in/abhishek-gadve-8010a2119/) – Senior Product Analyst** Abhishek specializes in turning data into business impact, helping teams make faster, smarter decisions using analytics and AI. *** ## 🎯 Why You Should Attend This isn’t another theory-heavy AI session. You’ll walk away with: * A clear understanding of how modern AI actually works * Practical knowledge you can use in data roles right away * Exposure to real tools and workflows used today * The confidence to start building with AI yourself *** ## 🎟️ Free Event – Limited Spots We’re keeping this meetup **small and interactive** to encourage discussion, questions, and hands-on learning. If you're serious about understanding how AI fits into data and analytics, this session will give you a real edge. 👉 **Reserve your spot now**

Have you ever wanted to get together outdoors and chill out amongst good company whilst being immersed within nature & amazing weather? If so, then this is the right event for you. Welcome to another one of the CHILL events where you have the opportunity to settle in the parks, form friendships, socialise, have a picnic and so much more whilst being immersed within the luscious greenery, botanicals and the gorgeous weather. 

With this particular chill event, we will be settling at Primrose Hill. Primrose Hill is an iconic landmark which offers us the amazing if not one of the best views of the city skyline. It’s also a cosy spot to settle whilst seeing the sun set and gazing at the amazing view of the city. Depending on the aura and if the event goes well, we may do an aftermath and let democracy decide. My fellow explorers, if you enjoyed the event, I’m more than happy to accept any donations which of course are optional but will go a long way to help me unlock and deliver even more exciting and engaging events and resources: https://www.paypal.me/calvinjoy 

WHAT - Chill at Primrose Hill
WHERE - Primrose Hill
WHEN - 7pm - 11pm
MEETING POINT - Primrose Hill
NEAREST STATIONS - Chalk Farm & St John’s Wood Station
REQUIREMENTS - Just your good behaviour is all and whatever is listed above for the walk. Maybe bring your ID if we do an aftermath. Disclaimers: Please be on your best behaviour and respect one another. This group doesn’t tolerate any misbehaviour and misconduct. Should such a thing take place, you will be removed. If you ask a question that either already has the answer to it or doesn’t relate to the event at all, I won’t respond. Whenever an event takes place, I will cut off contact 20 minutes after the event commences. If you message even 1 minute after the cut off time, I won’t be available as I’m conducting the event. There will be photography and videography by myself so if you are photo conscious and/or do not want to be in the video, do kindly inform me and I’ll try my utmost best to not involve you in the picture. Let’s all be responsible but please be aware you come at your own risk. Do be mindful of your possessions, belongings and most importantly, your safety. The ‘London society of explorers’ accept no risk of liability at this event.

If AI tools are already becoming part of your daily life, this dinner is for you. Explore AI over dinner at a Michelin-listed London restaurant. Tools, opportunities and real conversation. **Meet2Click Curated Conversations** Each Meet2Click Curated Conversation dinner centres around a carefully chosen topic or shared interest, designed to spark thoughtful conversation and meaningful connection. **Curious about how AI is changing our lives — and want to explore it in a relaxed dinner setting?** Artificial Intelligence is evolving rapidly. New tools, ideas, and breakthroughs are reshaping how we work, create, and think. Instead of abstract debate, this evening is about sharing what we’re discovering in real life. Two days before the dinner, guests will receive a short, accessible overview of interesting AI tools — simply to spark ideas. At the table, we’ll explore: • Is AI making us smarter or lazier? • What is the most exciting real-life use of AI right now? • What should humans protect in an AI-driven world? No technical background required. **Launch Season Benefit** During our initial Meet2Click dinners, guests will enjoy **up to 50% off food** at the restaurant. This introductory benefit is available for a limited launch period. Food and drinks are paid individually, directly with the restaurant. **Details** Location: CHEZ MAL BRASSERIE & BAR, 18-21 Charterhouse Square, Barbican, London EC1M 6AH **Date: 8 April 2026, 19.30h** **Ticket price:** £15 per person *(includes your seat and contribution to the evening — food and drinks ordered and paid individually at the restaurant)* Seats are intentionally limited to encourage meaningful conversation and genuine connection. Just an open, relaxed exchange of ideas over dinner. **Additional Information:** Photos or videos may be taken during the event for promotional purposes. Should you wish to opt out, please notify the host upon arrival, and your preferences will be respected.

**RSVP TO ATTEND THIS EVENT. ALL TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED IN ADVANCE TO ATTEND THIS EVENT..** Join us for a night of networking at **LegalTech Connections® - Legal Industry for Working Professional** with legal professionals and practice your elevator pitch **Ticket & Entry: Here is the payment link:** https://www.fatsoma.com/e/joiinvj7/legaltech-connections-legal-industry-for-working-professionals Join us for a legal extravaganza like no other at the **LegalTech Connections® - Legal Industry for Working Professional**! Picture this: a room full of lawyers, tech wizards, and innovators, all buzzing with excitement and ideas. Whether you’re a legal eagle looking to up your tech game or a tech guru eager to crack the legal code, this is where the magic happens! **Event Overview** Come ready to connect, collaborate, and maybe even clash (in a friendly way, of course) as we explore the future of law and technology together. Bring your quirkiest ideas, your best elevator pitch, and an open mind—who knows what partnerships could emerge? This is not just another networking event; it's a vibrant fusion of innovative minds and ambitious spirits ready to reshape the legal landscape. Whether you are looking to expand your network, gain valuable industry insights, or discover new business opportunities, this event promises to be an enriching experience. **Who Should Attend?** AI and tech entrepreneurs Digital innovators Tech startups Investors in the tech space Solicitors Barristers In-House Lawyers Judge Legal Executive Paralegal Legal Secretary Working Professionals in the Legal Industry Anyone interested in Legal Networking **Why you should attend?** This event is designed to connect legal professionals, foster meaningful relationships, and drive business growth. Engage in meaningful conversations with professionals across different legal sectors. Bring your business cards and be ready to make impactful connections. **One Minute Presentation**: All attendees will be given the opportunity to pitch for one minute about their business to potential Investors and possibly business collaborations. **Schedule of Event** You are invited to join the dedicated Whatsapp group for the event and start networking before the actual event when you have purchased your ticket. Arrival & Introductions. Your name will be checked off the guest list and you will be introduced to each other. The dress code is smart, smart casual or office attire. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals and shape the future of legal technology. We look forward to welcoming you to an inspiring evening of networking and collaboration in the dynamic world of legal tech. **Ticket & Entry: Here is the payment link:** https://www.fatsoma.com/e/joiinvj7/legaltech-connections-legal-industry-for-working-professionals Secure your spot now and elevate your professional legal network **Tickets need to be bought online in advance to attend this event. Tickets are not available at the door.** **Refund policy: There is no refund at this event.**

A beginner-friendly badminton club focused on fun and friendship! Join us to learn the basics of badminton in a relaxed, supportive environment. No pressure, just casual games and social activities to make new friends while staying active! Every Friday at 8-9 pm For further information contact Jefferson +44 7862 353148

**Tickets:** [https://tickxts.com/e/edrY31g3](https://tickxts.com/e/edrY31g3) **THE KICKBACK PRESENTS** **FRIDAY AFTER WORK – SPRING EDITION** **Friday 8th - Saturday 9th May 2026** **6:00 pm – 03:00 am** 45 London 45 Curtain Rd, London EC2A 3PT **Friday After Work** is designed for Black professionals who want to wind down at the end of the week without forced networking or nightclub chaos. It’s a relaxed evening built around good music, good conversation, and a room full of people who understand the value of community. Come straight from work or arrive later. The pace is easy and the atmosphere is intentional. **Why Attend** This event brings together Black & Mixed Heritage professionals, founders, creatives, and entrepreneurs in a setting that allows for genuine connection. **On the night, expect:** A comfortable space to unwind after work Food and drinks available throughout the evening Thoughtful networking without pressure Music that sets the tone rather than dominates the room **Schedule** 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm **Food, drinks, arrivals** 7:30 pm – 8:20 pm **Open networking and conversation** 8:30 pm – 9:00 pm **Light games and icebreakers** 9:00 pm – 12:00 am **After party till 3:00 am** **Music** RNB at the centre, supported by hip hop, 90s classics, Amapiano, bashment, soca, and Afrobeats. **Dress Code** Casual chic or smart casual No hoods **Who It’s For** Black & Mixed Heritage professionals and entrepreneurs **Ages 23 and over** *** **Music** RNB at the centre, supported by hip hop, 90s classics, Amapiano, bashment, soca, and Afrobeats. *** **Dress Code** Casual chic or smart casual No hoods *** **Who It’s For** Black professionals and entrepreneurs Ages 23 and over *** **Stay Connected** **Follow The Kickback** Instagram, Twitter, Facebook: @TheKickBackHQ Join the WhatsApp community for event updates and announcements. *** **Photography Notice** Photography and videography will take place during the event. Attendance confirms consent for the content to be used by The Kickback. Secure your ticket and join us. **For more information, visit:** [www.wearethekickback.com](http://www.wearethekickback.com/) 🎟️ Link to WhatsApp Community: [Join here](https://chat.whatsapp.com/G3afVSIpZLP1cQkRsdhMVc?mode=wwt) **Don’t miss the vibe. Please save the date and join us for an unforgettable evening!**

Do you have spare books lying around your home? Do you want to read new interesting books for free while socializing with interesting people? This is the event for you. We will enjoy nice drinks and snacks together at a beautiful lounge bar in London. You can bring your books and exchange them with whoever has the books you want to read. Since this is a Science and Philosophy book club, it would be great for you to bring non-fiction books that are insightful and thought-provoking. If you want to bring fiction books that are scientifically or philosophically insightful, feel free to bring those as well. Since it is a social event, I encourage everyone to make deep meaningful conversations and make new friends. You can come alone or bring your friends with you. If you come alone, there is no need to be shy or scared. I will welcome you and introduce you to cool interesting people to speak with. Also feel free to come even if you forget to bring any books.

Would you enjoy a relaxed evening with fellow Science Fiction and Fantasy fans? If so, we’d love to meet you. Our next gathering takes place on **Saturday 9th May from 6pm** at **The Mad Hatter**, just by Blackfriars Bridge. Drop in, say hello, and join us for a drink. We’re a long‑running group that’s been meeting since **1998**—long before meetup sites existed. Over the years we’ve hosted celebrity meet‑and‑greets, attended conventions together, run role‑playing games, organised cinema trips, LARPs, and plenty more. These pub meetups are all about socialising and connecting with other Sci‑Fi and Fantasy enthusiasts. To help break the ice, we’ll be running a fun **team quiz at 8.30pm**. There’s no fee to attend—just pay for whatever food or drink you order at the venue.

In our first meeting of May, we discuss Brandon Taylor's *Real Life.* Shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 2020, the novel was the much-lauded debut for the Alabama-born writer. 'Deftly zooming in and out of focus, *Real Life* is a deeply affecting story about the emotional cost of reckoning with desire, and overcoming pain.' (Book jacket) 'A campus novel told from the perspective of a Black student, Taylor’s powerful tale embraces themes of grief, desire and alienation in rich, eloquent prose.' -Waterstones https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46263943-real-life We will discuss the Real Life in the Real Greek - Bankside. So come along for some tasty Greek fare on a Sunday afternoon as we dive into this fascinating premier. N.B. We will be charging an event fee of £3, non-refundable, to discourage no-shows and contribute to the running costs of the group. Please only sign up if you intend to come along as space is limited to make for an effective discussion!

We love a good chat. Come and join us at Table 45

**One quick note on how the community works** **L Community is member-funded.** The standard contribution is **£13 per month** to cover the platform, events, moderation, and safeguarding. If £13 isn’t workable for you right now, you can opt out for now. Support can be changed or cancelled at any time. Support the platform: [www.thelcommunity.com/back-us-now](http://www.thelcommunity.com/back-us-now) **What this is** A relaxed Sunday afternoon book club for lesbian and bisexual women, meeting in person. This is our first event and we will discuss which book we plan to read. It’s low-pressure, calm, and easy to settle into the event. Women usually range from their 20s through to their 60s. Most sessions are a genuine mix of new faces and returning women, so you won’t be the only person coming for the first time. Most people come on their own. That’s normal here, and we make sure you don’t feel it. Hosts introduce people, keep things flowing, and make the space feel easy rather than awkward. If you’re feeling nervous, you won’t be the only one. Many women feel that way before their first book club and end up staying longer than they expected. **Current book**: Ink Black Heart. You don’t need to have finished it. Come even if you’ve only started or just want to listen. **Important** This is a female-only lesbian space. That boundary is clear and upheld at events. If that doesn’t work for you, this won’t be the right event. **How to attend** You must register in advance to attend. Register here: [www.thelcommunity.com/book-club/](https://thelcommunity.com/book-club/) **Arriving and support** The table booking is under the name Jenny. If you’re nervous, arriving alone, can’t find us, or have any difficulty at all, you can message at any point – days before, on the day, or during the event. If it helps, we can have someone come outside to meet you. **WhatsApp Jenny** WhatsApp only (calls or messages): **+44 7591 386019** Normal calls or texts will not go through on this number. **Staying connected** Registering for an event is separate from joining the wider community. If you’d like to stay connected between events, access the private WhatsApp group, and join the wider network, you can register here: [www.thelcommunity.com/go](www.thelcommunity.com/go) We’re currently reading Ink Black Heart. No pressure to have finished it.

A sick society calls darkness light, and light darkness. To survive, man must shroud his goodness, and live inside a self delusion. According to Carl Jung, The Shadow is that part of the unconscious mind comprised of all hidden and nefarious elements of the individual. A black cavern cast beneath the socially and self acceptable facade of one's outward facing personality, or Persona. In this darkness, the fears and follies of out childhood, our ancestors, and our society are alive and moving. Influencing us from behind the scenes, without us being aware. Even the positive traits we had to reject in adaptation to a sick society, are trapped within our Shadow. He argues that only facing it, engaging it, can transform these suppressed elements into useful parts of a more whole, energised personality. A more complete self, closer to the Divine. How can we escape self delusion, and come to know our Shadow? What are the dangers of working into the Shadow? In our society, what positive traits are people naturally repressing to be socially acceptable? Here is a video on this topic: [https://youtu.be/8S__1h2Z2xI](https://youtu.be/8S__1h2Z2xI) \*Please do your own research and share resources related to this topic in the comment section\* #======# Donation! Thank you for being a member. I have made a donation page for those who want to help with the costs. [https://examinedlife.uk/donation/](https://examinedlife.uk/donation/) #======# Group chat We have a telegram group chat and here is a link for the front door: [https://t.me/+o9T9DL5u6AcwMmRk](https://t.me/+o9T9DL5u6AcwMmRk) #======# The Examined Life, "Let's Discuss..." session is an open discussion. The format of this event will be: 13:15 - Free flow group discussion about the topic. 14:00 ish - We will be splitting into smaller groups for more engaging discussion about what interests each of you. 16:00 - End of the official meetup. Most often attendees stay and continue discussing up to around 18:00. #======# Please RSVP if you can commit to attending and change your RSVP if something comes up. Inaccurate RSVPs can keep potential attendees on the waiting list and makes it difficult to plan for room sizes and bookings. Art work: The Great Red dragon and the Woman Clothed in Sun 1805 William Blake

Practical AI for Power BI Developers A year ago, “agentic AI” was mostly hype for Power BI teams. Today, it deserves your undivided attention. For Power BI pros, there is now a real opportunity to reduce repetitive development work, accelerate delivery, and help developers do more, but only when strong DataOps practices are in place to make AI workflows effective. This session is a no-nonsense introduction to effective AI patterns for Power BI and Fabric development. Along the way, we will make sense of the growing pile of terminology, including skills, plugins, hooks, and MCP. You will see examples of how modern AI tooling can help with development tasks across Power BI and Fabric, along with the prerequisites, guardrails, and DataOps principles needed to use it responsibly. Whether you're burned out on AI hype or already using Copilot CLI daily, this session will show you the foundations that are finally making AI-assisted development genuinely useful.

**Total Eclipse of the Chart: School Redistricting Dashboards** In this presentation, we will explore the utilization of maps, sets, and SQL within a Tableau dashboard to help provide “what-if” analyses generated through the use of a mapped dashboard, providing different scenarios and the potential implications of these. While in this use case we are focused on a large school district, the concepts of utilizing existing data to explore the future impacts of modifying different geographic boundaries can be useful to many industries, balancing the mix of maps with visual analytics. **About Our Speaker** Robert Kramer is the Data Systems and State Reporting Coordinator at South Western City Schools in Grove City. He has worked there for 17 years, serving previously in the roles of Data Analyst, Programmer, and Operations Coordinator. Prior to working at South Western, he worked as a Systems Engineer at Pinnacle Data Systems in Groveport. He graduated in 2005 from The University of Toledo with his Bachelor’s in Computer Science and Engineering, and a minor in Mathematics. Robert resides in Obetz with his wife, and their 15 and 12 year-old daughters. He was also just elected to his 3rd four-year term on the Obetz City Council. Thanks to our 2026 sponsors: [Clarivoy](https://www.clarivoy.com), [What Box Consulting Group](https://www.whatboxconsultinggroup.com), [Conductrics](https://www.conductrics.com), and [Piwik PRO](https://piwik.pro) More info at [cbusdaw.com](https://cbusdaw.com)

Customer identity resolution becomes increasingly complex as organizations scale across multiple systems, regions, and data formats. Traditional rule-based approaches often fail to keep up with data variability, require constant manual tuning, and struggle with real-time processing needs. This session presents a practical approach to building a scalable identity resolution pipeline using AWS services and modern AI techniques. The architecture combines data ingestion through Amazon S3 and AWS Glue, transformation pipelines using Spark on EMR, and machine learning models deployed via SageMaker for entity matching and standardization. Graph-based relationship modeling is implemented using Amazon Neptune to improve resolution accuracy by incorporating household and shared attribute context. We will walk through how machine learning models can be used for name and address normalization, how intelligent blocking strategies improve matching efficiency, and how feedback loops can be introduced to continuously improve accuracy. The session also highlights how serverless components such as AWS Lambda can be used for orchestration and real-time processing. **SPEAKER BIO** Mosaic Syed is a Senior Data Engineering and Cloud Solutions Architect with over 20 years of experience designing and delivering scalable, secure, and high-performance data solutions across global enterprise environments. https://www.linkedin.com/in/mosaic-basha-syed-92300856 **CALL FOR SPEAKERS** Learn more: [https://www.awscolumbus.com/get-involved/](https://www.awscolumbus.com/get-involved/) **THANK YOU** *VEEAM* for hosting our meetup! To learn more about *Veeam*, please visit their website: [https://www.veeam.com/](https://www.veeam.com/) **DIRECTIONS** 8800 Lyra Dr #450 · Columbus, OH go to 4th floor. **Want to sponsor the pizza and/or bar tab?** Please contact me if you would like to sponsor this meetup's pizza and/or bar tab: angelo@mandato.com

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)

**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

Join us for a practical, beginner-friendly guide to choosing the right large language model. We’ll compare major models like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Llama, talk about when to use hosted APIs versus local models, and break down the tradeoffs around cost, speed, quality, privacy, context windows, coding ability, and reliability. You’ll leave with a clearer mental model for picking an LLM based on your actual use case instead of hype, benchmarks, or brand names. No deep AI background required. LOGISTICS AND PARKING: The talk starts at 7:00 PM. The first half hour is reserved for everyone to get set up and mingle. Free pizza and drinks! The cheapest parking option is to find street parking, which will only cost you a few bucks. Otherwise, park in the nearby veteran's museum lot for $8. It's highly recommended you avoid the nearby $15 garage parking.

**Our May novel is: *The Quiet Librarian* by Allen Eskens** **This month’s book is set in the 20th century and mixes historical fiction with suspense and thriller elements. It also centers on women’s stories and relationships. The novel is 368 pages in print or 8 hours and 12 minutes on audiobook.** Hana Babic is a quiet, middle-aged librarian in Minnesota who wants nothing more than to be left alone. But when a detective arrives with the news that her best friend has been murdered, Hana knows that something evil has come for her, a dark remnant of the past she and her friend had shared. Thirty years before, Hana was someone else: Nura Divjak, a teenager growing up in the mountains of war-torn Bosnia—until Serbian soldiers arrived to slaughter her entire family before her eyes. The events of that day thrust Nura into the war, leading her to join a band of militia fighters, where she became not only a fierce warrior but a legend—the deadly Night Mora. But a shattering final act forced Nura to flee to the United States with a bounty on her head\*\*.\*\*