Information Visualization
Meet other local people interested in Information Visualization: share experiences, inspire and encourage each other! Join a Information Visualization group.
20,858
members
18
groups
Largest Information Visualization groups
Newest Information Visualization groups
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Check out information visualization events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.
Discover all the information visualization events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
Absolutely! Find information visualization events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.
Information Visualization Events Today
Join in-person Information Visualization events happening right now
Craft Alchemy Business Presentation
## 1 Million Cups Loudoun – Business Presentation
### Featuring Mary Hartshorn, Founder of Craft Alchemy
**Wednesday\, June 10 \| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM**
**Venture X Loudoun**
Join us as we welcome **Mary Hartshorn**, founder of **Craft Alchemy**, to the 1 Million Cups Loudoun stage.
***
## About the Presenter
Mary Hartshorn is an Army Veteran, entrepreneur, and founder of Craft Alchemy. With a background in communications and logistics and an MBA earned in 2016, Mary spent years developing expertise in e-commerce, digital products, automation systems, Shopify, Etsy, and customer-focused product development while raising her family and navigating military life.
In 2024, a personal moment of crisis inspired Mary to create a tool that could help others facing similar challenges. What began as a resource for veterans quickly evolved into a broader solution designed to support individuals and families navigating autism, mental health challenges, caregiving responsibilities, medical conditions, and other situations where communication can become difficult during times of stress.
***
## About the Business
Craft Alchemy has developed the **Anchor Tag Support System**, a personalized QR-based support hub that helps individuals quickly access calming tools, emergency contacts, support resources, and personalized information when they need it most.
Designed to bridge the gap between physical and digital support, Anchor Tags provide a practical, accessible tool for Veterans, First Responders, autism families, caregivers, mental health advocates, schools, healthcare providers, and organizations focused on community well-being.
Rather than creating another app, Craft Alchemy offers a real-world solution that can be carried, accessed quickly, and utilized during moments when support and communication matter most.
***
## Who Mary Is Looking to Hear From
Mary would especially value feedback and connections from:
* Veteran support organizations
* First responder support groups
* Mental health professionals and advocates
* Autism and disability support organizations
* School administrators and special education professionals
* Healthcare and caregiving professionals
* Nonprofit leaders
* Community outreach specialists
* Government contracting and partnership advisors
* Local leaders focused on community impact initiatives
***
## Current Business Focus & Challenge
Craft Alchemy is currently in its early growth and partnership stage.
Mary's primary focus is building awareness, establishing strategic partnerships, and expanding opportunities within organizations and community-based networks.
She is seeking feedback around:
* Building strategic partnerships
* Scaling awareness organically
* Expanding into schools, nonprofits, and community organizations
* Navigating government and organizational opportunities
* Growing a mission-driven business without relying heavily on paid advertising
She would also appreciate introductions to individuals and organizations connected to veterans, first responders, mental health advocacy, autism support, caregiving, education, and community health initiatives.
***
## Why Attend?
* Learn about an innovative solution designed to support people during moments of stress and crisis
* Provide valuable feedback to a mission-driven entrepreneur
* Connect with community leaders, advocates, and professionals across multiple industries
* Be part of a meaningful conversation around accessibility, support, and community impact
***
## About 1 Million Cups
1 Million Cups is a national program that brings entrepreneurs and communities together to learn, connect, and grow through presentations and discussion. Loudoun’s chapter meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays each month.
Join us on **June 10** for coffee, connection, and a conversation about creating practical solutions that strengthen individuals, families, and communities.
We look forward to seeing you there.
⚡️ Side Projects and Networking: DSDC Meetup
RVSP on Luma!: https://luma.com/thq3hut1
Join us for an evening of data science side projects and networking! Come hear lightning talks about what people are building, meet other people working on cool stuff, and hang out.
Whether you're deep into a side project, just getting started on one, or curious about what other people are working on, this is a good place to be. Side projects are how a lot of us learn new tools, explore ideas, and connect with people—and they're a lot more fun when you have other people to talk to about them.
The speakers tonight are folks who have been participating in our side project mentorship program since March. They submitted side projects they wanted to work on, got matched with mentors, and spent 12 weeks working on them. They'll be talking to you about some aspect of what they did or learned.
**Schedule**
* 6:00 - 6:30PM: Mingling & food & drinks
* Lightning Talks!
* **Bryan Johns** — "Floodlines: The Geography of Institutional Memory"
**Karen Zhu** — "Historic Recipe Explorer: Bringing Historic Cookbooks to Life with AI"
**Aaron Schumacher** — "Pave the Planet: A new data visualization technique"
*
We'll add more as they come in.
Speakers! TBA, but I'll add them as they come in!
Beloved Yoga
Join us for Beloved Yoga at Reston Metro Plaza! Enjoy complimentary fitness classes every Monday and Wednesday from May 27 - September 2!
DCC & Zephyrus Bikes Wednesday Night Rides
**For some of our Northern Virginia riders our cycling family from District Cycling Collective & Zephyrus Bikes LLC present Wednesday Night Rydes!!**
**This weekly ride will be led by our own Jeff Walden, owner of Zephyrus bikes. We will be Meeting in the parking lot of the Giant Foods at 5pm and rolling at 5:30 pm.
This will be a no drop ride, but is NOT a ride for beginners. Steady pace and climbs in spots.**
**Riders should be comfortable with group and street riding . The pace for this ride will be a minimum of 18 mph. There is a considerable amount of climbing. All riders will be riding at their own risk, there will be NO SAG.
Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/36205543**
Casual Warmachine/Hordes
Come play and learn with the best Warmachine and Hordes players in the world!
Trivia Night By Geeks Who Drink at Hashtag!
Every Wednesday and Saturday! There will be prizes and fun, and even drinks!
Information Visualization Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
Learn all things Data Science and Compete on Kaggle
We will be meeting at Starbucks to learn together. Come with an online class you're already going through or an interest and we will try to connect you with a course where you can learn it. Already have a skill you want to contribute to a Kaggle Datascience competition? We will work on these too! Laptop required :)
Bikes Before Wine, Gears Before Grapes - The Barns at Hamilton Station
Let's earn this afternoon's wine at The Barns at Hamilton Station with an easy paced bike ride along the W&OD Trail between Hamilton, Purcellville, and Clarks Gap. Since this will be Outdoor Vineyard Visits' first bike ride, we'll be keeping things casual and easy. Starting at the W&OD trail at Hamilton Station Rd, we'll begin with a 7.6 mile out-and-back to the end of the trail in Purcellville. For those that want more, we'll then head east to Clarks Gap for a total of twelve miles. If this pre-winery bike ride goes well, we'll look into doing more in the future including longer & more challenging rides. But today's ride is just for the fun of getting some easy miles in before joining the group up the road at The Barns. (Separate sign up here: https://www.meetup.com/outdoor-vineyard-visits/events/314870488/)
**PLEASE READ ALL THE DETAILS!**
Date: Saturday June 13
Pre-Ride Prep: 10:45 am
Pedaling Time: **11:00 am!!**
Start Location: Where the W&OD crosses Hamilton Station Rd
Start GPS: https://maps.app.goo.gl/c2fPJ68SDTKuSPYTA
Parking: There is street parking along Hamilton Station and Irene Rds. Do not park in local businesses' lots.
Estimated ride time: 1:00 to 1:30 hours
Estimated average speed: 12 mph (mostly flat, some small hills)
Pace: Casual and easy - this is not a race or training ride
Rider Level: We will keep an easy pace, but this is not a pure beginner's ride. You should know how your bike works and be comfortable riding on a trail or roads with other cyclists, walkers, runners, and maybe even horses.
Surface: Paved Multi-Use Trail
Max Grade: 2.8%
Route Map: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55226129
Cue Sheet: n/a since we will remain on the W&OD
Post Ride Refreshments: The Barns at Hamilton Station Vineyards.
The Barns is less than a mile up the road where we'll meet to the rest of the Outdoor Winery Visit's gang.
**Cycling helmets are required!**
You must have at least one large full water bottle.
You must have a spare tube, tire levers, and either a pump or CO2 cartridges. I can help fix a flat but I can't bring a tube or air for every different type/size of tire.
Check your bike BEFORE you leave your house. The trail head is not the place to adjust your brakes, derailleurs or air up your tires.
eBikes are welcome but you must stick to the same pace as standard bikes.
**+++++++++++++++++++++**
**The Not So Fine Print:**
**+++++++++++++++++++++**
Helmets are required to participate on all Outdoor Winery Visit rides. All riders ride at their own risk and with the understanding that cycling is an inherently dangerous activity. When coming to the meetup you do so voluntarily and are ready and able to participate in the ride as described under the conditions of the day. Be on time for the "pre-ride" preparation. We will begin the ride at 11:00 am, no exceptions.
In consideration of being allowed to participate in any way in the Outdoor Winery Visit's programs, related events and activities, I acknowledge, appreciate, and agree that: 1. The risk of injury from many of the activities is significant, including the potential for permanent paralysis and death, and while particular skills, rules, equipment, and personal discipline may reduce this risk, the risk of serious injury does exist; and, 2. I KNOWINGLY AND FREELY ASSUME ALL SUCH RISKS, BOTH KNOWN AND UNKNOWN, EVEN IF ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES or others and assume full responsibility for my participation; and, 3. I willingly agree to comply with the stated and customary terms and conditions for participation. If, however, I observe any unusual significant hazard during my presence or participation, I will remove myself from participation and bring such to the attention of the nearest official immediately; and, 4. I, for myself and on behalf of my heirs, assigns, personal representatives and next of kin, HEREBY RELEASE AND HOLD HARMLESS Outdoor Winery Visits, it’s officers, officials, ride directors, ride coordinators, agents, and/or employees, other participants, sponsoring agencies, sponsors and advertisers ("RELEASEES”), WITH RESPECT TO ANY AND ALL INJURY, DISABILITY, DEATH, OR LOSS OR DAMAGE TO PERSON OR PROPERTY, WHETHER ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES OR OTHERWISE, to the fullest extent permitted by law. I HAVE READ THIS RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT, FULLY UNDERSTAND ITS TERMS, UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE GIVEN UP SUBSTANTIAL RIGHTS BY SIGNING UP AND PARTICIPATING.
NOVA Brain Computing — DC's Only Community at the Brain–Machine Frontier
**The Neural Revolution Is Happening Right Now — Are You Plugged In?**
Imagine typing with your thoughts. Steering a robotic limb with a neural signal. Lifting depression by stimulating a single brain circuit. Loading a skill straight into memory.
This isn't science fiction. It's happening in labs, clinics, and startups around the world — and the DC region, home to NIH, the BRAIN Initiative, and DARPA's neural-interface programs, is one of the places it's being funded and built.
**This Event Is for You If…**
* ✅ You're a **technologist** curious about the computing paradigm beyond screens and keyboards
* ✅ You work in **healthcare** and want to see how neural interfaces will reshape patient care
* ✅ You're an **entrepreneur** hunting the next real opportunity in deep tech
* ✅ You're a **researcher** looking to plug into the broader BCI ecosystem
* ✅ You're simply **fascinated** by where neuroscience and technology collide
* ✅ You **missed our last meetup** and want to reconnect with the community
**Why That List Makes Us Unique in DC**
Read it again. A technologist, a clinician, a founder, a researcher, and the merely curious — in the same room, on the same afternoon.
That mix is the whole point, and it's what no other event in the region offers. Neuroscience conferences are built for neuroscientists. AI meetups are built for engineers. Healthcare summits are built for clinicians. Each one serves a single silo.
Brain computing doesn't live in any one of those silos — it lives in the overlap. So we built the one community in DC dedicated to that overlap: a place where the person decoding neural signals can talk to the person who'll commercialize the device, who can talk to the clinician who'll put it in front of a patient.
**What You'll Walk Away With**
This isn't just another tech meetup. Because of who's in the room, you get:
* **Frontline insight** from people actively decoding neural signals
* **Direct access** to the scientists, engineers, and founders pushing BCI forward — not a panel behind a rope line
* **Hands-on work** with real neural data and BCI systems
* **Career connections** in one of the fastest-growing fields in tech
* **First looks** at breakthrough research before it reaches mainstream media
**The Stakes Are Real**
We're at an inflection point. The next decade decides whether brain-computer interfaces *expand* human potential or *deepen* inequality — whether they're built in the open or behind closed doors, whether the benefits are shared or hoarded.
Your voice, your expertise, your perspective shapes which future we get.
**Join the Minds Shaping Tomorrow**
This is your entry point into the neural-interface revolution — your chance to stand alongside the researchers reading neural code, the engineers building the interfaces, the clinicians treating patients, and the founders bringing it all to market.
**Saturday, June 13 · 12:00–3:00 PM** isn't just a meetup. It's the one place in DC where all of those people come together around brain computing.
**Come curious. Leave connected. Return transformed.**
Because the future of human-computer interaction isn't happening *to* you — it's happening *with* you.
[Hybrid] Superconvergence: How the Genetics, Biotech, and AI Revolutions Will…
…Transform Our Lives, Work, and World (2024) by Jamie Metzl, 432 pages [Genetics]
• Paperback
• Hardcover
• Kindle
• Audiobook
• Library: [https://fcplcat.fairfaxcounty.gov/search/title.aspx?ctx=1.1033.0.0.1&pos=1&cn=615082](https://fcplcat.fairfaxcounty.gov/search/title.aspx?ctx=1.1033.0.0.1&pos=1&cn=615082)
Check the How To Find Us section for Zoom Link **(Remember, the Zoom Link is different each month, do not bookmark)**
### Review
“In Superconvergence, Jamie Metzl takes readers on a magical journey through the science of the intersecting genetics, biotech, and AI revolutions, deeply explores the implications, and challenges us to think creatively and proactively about what comes next. Very few books are absolute must-reads. This is one.”―Siddhartha Mukherjee, assistant professor of medicine at Columbia University and author of The Gene: An Intimate History
"During the 25 years I have known Jamie Metzl, he has always been ahead of the curve. There is no one better to help us understand and prepare for the fast-approaching technological revolutions. Superconvergence is brilliant. I can't recommend it more strongly."―Sanjay Gupta MD, bestseller author, neurosurgeon, and Emmy-award winning chief medical correspondent (CNN)
"Our world is defined by our science and technology—whether we like it or not. The question now is not whether to use these powers, but how best to use them. In Superconvergence, Jamie Metzl takes us on a journey through the new capabilities that are radically transforming ecosystems inside us and around us, challenging each of us to get personally involved with building the future we want."―Beth Shapiro, University of California Santa Cruz evolutionary biologist and author of Life as We Made It: How 50,000 Years of Human Innovation Refined―and Redefined―Nature
"In a fine counter-blast to the pessimism of today, Jamie Metzl lays out just how spectacular the future of humanity and planet can be if we harness innovation responsibly and imaginatively to create what he calls the 'spiral of progress.'"―Matt Ridley, author of How Innovation Works, and co-author of Viral: The search for the Origin of Covid-19
“A page-turning journey through space and time that shows us how our lives will be changed by imminent technological advances we once only dreamed of.”―David Sinclair, Professor of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, and author of Lifespan: Why We Age―and Why We Don't Have To
“The superconvergence of the genetics, biotechnology, and AI revolutions provides spectacular opportunities for building a better world. It also represents an almost limitless investment opportunity. We were excited to collaborate with Jamie Metzl, one of the world's great experts on how these aspirations can best be realized, including in capital markets. Superconvergence is a master class for imagining, investing in, and building a future we'd like to inhabit."―Jeremy Schwartz, Global Chief Investment Officer, WisdomTree
“A clear examination of a transitional moment in the story of life on Earth…. Metzl capably describes recent developments in genetics and biotech and looks at how AI is providing an analytical engine of unprecedented power…. An important book in which the author sets out a path for the future based on his experience and expertise.”―Kirkus
“Erudite, optimistic, and timely.”―Science Magazine
"[In Superconvergence] Mr. Metzl has identified an important truth: that the convergence of new technologies is galvanizing us to reimagine how to meet urgent challenges in medicine and the environment. It’s a compelling opportunity—provided we manage to sidestep self-induced catastrophes along the way."―The Wall Street Journal
### About the Author
Jamie Metzl is a leading technology and healthcare futurist and the founder and chair of OneShared.World. He is the author of Hacking Darwin: Genetic Engineering and the Future of Humanity and four other books and was a member of the World Health Organization expert advisory committee on human genome editing. Jamie previously served in the U.S. National Security Council, State Department, and Senate Foreign Relations Committee and with the United Nations in Cambodia. His work has been featured by most major media organizations around the world, including 60 Minutes, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, Fox, CNN, ABC, NBC, CBS, the Times of London, Le Monde, and Paris Match, and his podcast interviews with Joe Rogan, Lex Fridman, and others have reached tens of millions of listeners. He lives in New York City. Visit Jamiemetzl.com.
Gonzo's Nose (reunion) @ FNL!!!
**Gonzo's Nose is the most popular party band in the national capitol area. Formed in the summer of 1996 by four musicians from the College of William and Mary, Gonzo's Nose brings solid musicianship to a massive setlist of cover songs, which range from the early 80's up until songs that hit the radio just yesterday.**
**We will meet by the beer tent.**
Happy Hour with Social Sips & Bites at The Costal Flats
SSB Happy Hour isn’t just drinks, it’s where strangers become regulars and regulars become friends. Every HH, we’re building something simple but real: good people, great conversation, and a table that always has room for one more. Pull up. Feel the difference.
Information Visualization Events Near You
Connect with your local Information Visualization community
Think With Ink™ - Lizard Brain’s visual facilitation workshop
**Just discounted: $500 off!**
**Register at** [https://www.lizardbrain.com/thinkwithink](https://www.lizardbrain.com/thinkwithink)
Think With Ink™ is Lizard Brain’s 3-day premiere graphic facilitation workshop. This is an intensive workshop that covers the essentials of using visuals to facilitate a group process.
The workshop covers three areas:
* Technique: Markers, paper handling, color use, lettering, drawing, forms, levels of information, listening for synthesis.
* Models, Methods, and Tools: visual energizers and icebreakers, meeting principles and ground rules, and visual tools for brainstorming ideas, comparing ideas, and collaboratively deciding the way forward.
* Experiential Practice: hands-on practice designing and leading facilitated modalities.
This workshop is meant for:
* The facilitator who wants to build a repertoire of visual tools,
* The graphic recorder or sketchnoter who wants to expand into graphic facilitation,
* The team member who wants to bring visual, participatory methods to the team,
* The consultant and coach who wants to help clients think through problems in a visual manner, or
* The visual thinker, the whiteboard salesman, the data visualizer, or anyone that sits in the intersection of visuals and helping others solve problems.
Each participant will receive:
* Textbook
* Sketchbook and sketchnoting materials
* Handouts summarizing key practices
* Set of markers
* Roll of twenty-five-yard paper
* This hands-on, practice-driven workshop will give you everything you need to graphically facilitate groups through the toughest challenges.
**The next in-person running is in Reston, Virginia, June 17-19, 2026.**
Click the link below to find out more!
[https://www.lizardbrain.com/thinkwithink](https://www.lizardbrain.com/thinkwithink)
**FAQs**
* *Will this teach me to graphic record?*
* Graphic recording is large-scale visual notetaking for groups. Graphic facilitation is using visuals to help move a group through a process. Although you can apply many of the graphic facilitation methods in Think With Ink to graphic recording, we will focus on visual group processes rather than on the aesthetic side of graphic recording.
*
* *Will this teach me to graphic facilitate?*
* Yes!
*
* *What can I bring into the event?*
* Please bring questions, comments, stories, favorite tools, examples, experiences, and a willingness to learn and share with others!
*
* *How can I contact the organizer with any questions?*
* For any questions, please contact brian@lizardbrain.com.
Workshop: Data Viz with AI
Join the Data Viz DC meetup and the Ballston BID for a hands on workshop to learn how to use AI for Data Visualization and Data Analysis.
Bring a laptop and get ready to learn and practice how to use AI to analyze a real local data set and build data visualizations that more effectively communicate information and help accelerate time to understanding.
\-\-\-\-
* **Date and Time**: Monday June 15th, 2026, 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
* **Location**: The Filling Station, 4201 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22203
Ballston BID will provide light refreshments.
\-\-\-\-
Data Visualization DC is a part of Data Community DC, Inc, a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to advancing data practitioners in the national capital area.
The **Ballston Business Improvement District** is a public–private partnership dedicated to making Ballston a vibrant, innovative, and connected urban center in the heart of Arlington. Funded by a special tax from commercial property owners within our boundaries, we invest in initiatives that enhance the neighborhood’s economic vitality, public spaces, and overall experience for those who work, live, and visit here.
*Please note: A photographer may be on-site at this event. By attending, you consent for your image to be used for future Ballston BID marketing or promotional purposes.*
Location
The Filling Station
4201 Wilson Blvd Suite 150-160, Arlington, VA 22230, USA
AI Meetup (June): Secure AI Agents
Important: Register on [AICamp website](https://www.aicamp.ai/event/eventdetails/W2026061814) is required for admission.
**Description:**
Welcome to the AI meetup in Washington DC. Join us for deep dive tech talks on AI, GenAI, LLMs and Agents, hands-on experiences on code labs, workshops, and networking with speakers and fellow developers.
**Agenda:**
\* 5:30pm\~6:00pm: Checkin, Food/drink and networking
\* 6:00pm\~8:00pm: Tech talks and Q&A
\* 8:00pm: Happy Hour at Courthouse Social (cross the street)
**Tech Talk: Secure Developer Environments in the Age of AI Agents**
**Speaker:** Patrick Brown (Coder)
**Abstract:** Federal engineering teams are under pressure to ship faster while meeting some of the most demanding security and compliance requirements in the world. In this talk, Patrick Brown of Coder explores how cloud development environments (CDEs) give agencies a foundation to accelerate software delivery without sacrificing control — and why that foundation matters even more as AI-powered coding agents enter the workflow. He'll cover how CDEs keep source code off endpoints, enforce zero-trust access patterns, and provide the consistent, ephemeral infrastructure that both human developers and AI agents need to operate safely at scale.
**Speakers:**
Stay tuned as we are updating speakers and schedules.
If you have a keen interest in speaking to our community, we invite you to submit topics for consideration: [Submit Topics](https://forms.gle/JkMt91CZRtoJBSFUA)
**Sponsors:**
We are actively seeking sponsors to support AI developers community. Whether it is by offering venue spaces, providing food, or cash sponsorship. Sponsors will not only speak at the meetups, receive prominent recognition, but also gain exposure to our extensive membership base of 5,000+ AI developers in D.C and 500K+ worldwide.
Monthly Scribe Circle
**Join Nova Scribes for an in person Scribe Circle** to practice graphic recording together and build the kind of community that makes solo work feel a little less solo. We'll spend the heart of our time graphic recording a former Nova Scribes talk on visual practice as well as spend some time reflecting on our work and sharing real time feedback.
**Who is this for?**
Graphic recorders, visual practitioners, sketchnoters and anyone who listens, thinks, and draws at the same time. Whether you've been doing this for years or you're still finding your style, you're welcome here.
**No prior experience with the group required.** Bring your paper and markers - a few foam boards will be available. The fee covers the price of the venue.
Profs & Pints Northern Virginia: Can Artificial Intelligence “See”?
[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Can Artificial Intelligence ‘See’?”** A look at how humans and artificial intelligence systems interpret the visual world in fundamentally different ways, with Arryn Robbins, assistant professor of psychology at the University of Richmond and cognitive scientist who researches visual attention, perception, and category learning.
[Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-can-AI-see](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-can-AI-see) .]
Artificial intelligence can now identify faces, categorize objects, describe scenes, and outperform humans on certain visual tasks. But does AI actually “see” the world the way that people do? Or does it arrive at correct answers using representations that differ markedly from human perception?
Join Arryn Robbins of the University of Richmond for a fascinating exploration of how humans and AI construct meaning from visual information and a look at comparisons between human perception and AI that reveal just how dynamic and context-dependent our own visual systems really are.
Dr. Robbins, who previously has given excellent Profs and Pints talks on flaws and biases in human visual perception, will draw from research in cognitive science, visual perception, and AI vision systems.
She’ll explain how human perception is not merely a simple recording of the world, but an active process shaped by expectations, context, goals, and recent experience. You’ll learn how humans form flexible mental representations that allow us to recognize objects across changing environments and conditions, and why those representations continuously adapt as we interact with the world.
Many AI systems, by contrast, learn visual categories through statistical patterns in data. They can produce impressive results, but sometimes they also produce strange and unexpected failures, and sometimes they classify images in ways that seem strange to us.
Dr. Robbins will discuss what these differences reveal about the nature of perception itself, and why the mismatch between human and AI representations matters for technologies like self-driving cars, medical imaging, facial recognition, and automated surveillance.
Important for anyone trying to understand the rapidly growing role of AI in daily life, this talk will explore one of the biggest questions in cognitive science and artificial intelligence: What does it actually mean to “see” and understand the world? (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.)
Image: “Eye Farm” by Nevit Dilmen (Wikimedia Commons).
AI Tool Explorers Night | Connect & Make New Friends
Most AI meetups end up as just networking. **We’re different.**
At **AI Tool Explorers Night \| Connect & Make New Friends**, you’ll:
✨ Walk away with a *real learning nugget* (a tool, workflow, or strategy you can use immediately)
✨ Connect with people who share your curiosity for AI, productivity, and automation
✨ Enjoy a fun, casual setting where new ideas and friendships spark naturally
👉 **Our promise:** every session delivers structure, substance, and takeaways you can use when you get home.
### 📅 Event Flow
* **6:00–6:15 PM** → Arrivals & intros
* **6:15–6:45 PM** → AI demo / learning nugget
* **6:45–7:00 PM** → Q&A and group discussion
* **7:00–8:00 PM** → Networking & contact sharing
⚡ Please hold networking until after the presentation so we can all learn together. Plenty of time at the end to connect and exchange cards!
**Let's explore AI Tools that actually *work* in our day-to-day life!**
***
#ChatGPT #Claude #Grok #Gemini #Perplexity #DeepSeek #NotebookLM #Cursor #GitHubCopilot #Replit #Windsurf #v0dev #Lovable #Zapier #Makecom #n8n #Descript #OpusClip #Synthesia #Runway #Sora #Kling #Veo #PikaLabs #LTXStudio #AdobeFirefly #Vidu #Hailuo #LumaDreamMachine #Wisecut #Elaiio #Capsule #Filmora #Gling #Magisto #AdobePremierePro #ElevenLabs
#Suno #Udio #Soundraw #Riffusion #Mubert #BeatovenAI #AIVA #Loudly #SplashPro #Soundful #MagentaStudio #WavTool #MakeBestMusic #BandLabSongStarter #TadAI #EcrettMusic
#Midjourney #DALLE3 #CanvaMagicStudio #NotionAI #Gamma #Fathom #FirefliesAI #MLX
June Resource Presentation
## 1 Million Cups Loudoun – Resource Presentation
### Understanding Loudoun's Commercial Real Estate Landscape: Opportunities for Small Business Growth
**Presented by Vanessa Simon, Real Estate Intelligence Manager, Loudoun Economic Development**
**Wednesday\, June 24 \| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM**
**Venture X Loudoun**
Join us for an engaging and informative conversation with **Vanessa Simon**, Real Estate Intelligence Manager for Loudoun Economic Development, as we explore Loudoun County's evolving commercial real estate landscape and what it means for small businesses looking to grow.
***
## About the Presenter
Vanessa Simon serves as the **Real Estate Intelligence Manager** for Loudoun Economic Development, where she tracks land and property data, manages the county's commercial property database, and builds relationships with developers, brokers, and industry stakeholders throughout Loudoun County.
Prior to joining Loudoun Economic Development, Vanessa served as the Director of Operations for a regional residential real estate team serving Virginia, Maryland, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia. Her experience includes operations management, contracts, compliance, negotiations, and market analysis.
Vanessa holds a bachelor's degree in Biology and Business from Virginia Tech and began her professional career in technical sales before transitioning into real estate and economic development.
***
## About the Session
Whether you're considering your first commercial location, expanding your business footprint, evaluating market opportunities, or simply trying to better understand the local business landscape, this session will provide valuable insight into one of the most important factors influencing business growth: commercial real estate.
Vanessa will share current market trends, development activity, available commercial space, and economic development initiatives that are shaping the future of Loudoun County.
Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how real estate data and economic development resources can support strategic business decisions.
***
## What You'll Learn
* Current commercial real estate trends across Loudoun County
* Available space and development opportunities
* Site selection considerations for growing businesses
* Workforce accessibility and location planning
* Economic development initiatives supporting business growth
* Market insights that can help inform expansion strategies
* Resources available through Loudoun Economic Development
***
## Who Should Attend
This session is ideal for:
* Small business owners
* Entrepreneurs considering a physical location
* Businesses planning expansion
* Retail, restaurant, and service-based businesses
* Commercial property owners and investors
* Startup founders evaluating growth opportunities
* Community and economic development professionals
***
## Why Attend?
* Gain practical market intelligence from a county expert
* Better understand Loudoun's commercial development landscape
* Learn how location decisions impact business growth
* Discover resources available to support your business
* Ask questions directly to a leader involved in shaping Loudoun's economic future
***
## About 1 Million Cups
1 Million Cups is a national program that brings entrepreneurs and communities together to learn, connect, and grow through presentations and discussion. Loudoun’s chapter meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays each month.
Join us on **June 24** for coffee, connection, and a valuable conversation about how Loudoun County's commercial real estate market can support your business growth and long-term success.
We look forward to seeing you there.





















![[Hybrid] Superconvergence: How the Genetics, Biotech, and AI Revolutions Will…](https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/b/7/8/highres_534122936.webp?w=640)








