Internet of Things

**About the Workshop Discover** how modern AI tools and workflow platforms can help automate everyday work, reduce manual effort, and streamline common tasks. In this hands-on session, you’ll learn how to design and build simple AI-powered workflows that turn repetitive processes into smart, automated systems—without requiring a technical background. **What You’ll Learn** * What AI workflows are and how they differ from traditional automation * How AI can be embedded into workflows to handle everyday tasks * Connecting tools and services using workflow builders * Designing simple, end-to-end automations you can reuse * Applying AI workflows to real work scenarios and productivity challenges **What to Bring** Bring a laptop and a few everyday work tasks or “pain points” you’d like to automate. You’ll get the most value if you’re ready to follow along with live demos and experiment with building your own workflows during the session. **Sponsor** This event is organized in partnership with Cayman Enterprise City. See you there!

**About the Workshop Discover** how modern AI tools and workflow platforms can help automate everyday work, reduce manual effort, and streamline common tasks. In this hands-on session, you’ll learn how to design and build simple AI-powered workflows that turn repetitive processes into smart, automated systems—without requiring a technical background. **What You’ll Learn** * What AI workflows are and how they differ from traditional automation * How AI can be embedded into workflows to handle everyday tasks * Connecting tools and services using workflow builders * Designing simple, end-to-end automations you can reuse * Applying AI workflows to real work scenarios and productivity challenges **What to Bring** Bring a laptop and a few everyday work tasks or “pain points” you’d like to automate. You’ll get the most value if you’re ready to follow along with live demos and experiment with building your own workflows during the session. **Sponsor** This event is organized in partnership with Cayman Enterprise City. See you there!

Get to know your fellow writers! In this relaxed, easygoing environment, we'll have the space, snacks, and some interactive activities to meet your fellow writers. Led by a professional in the industry, we'll discuss upcoming events in Montgomery County, some upcoming conventions, and local open mics that are available for you to participate in. $5 donation asked to provide for food and supplies so we don't have to worry about going to a cafe or restaurant, but still have a great time. Expect coffee, pastries, and other cafe-like snacks, as well as writing supplies, goodies, and other things to do. Host will use all funds towards the group. Novices and seasoned writers welcome. Just come and make community.

HYBRID EVENT, VIRTUAL SPEAKER In this talk, Sean Hoar will explore the transformative journey of AI’s role in modern software engineering, from rapid prototyping (“Vibe Coding”) to strategic AI integration by skilled practitioners. It clarifies the distinctions between AI-assisted, AI-enabled, and practitioner-led approaches, offering insights into how developers can effectively adapt to and harness AI tools. The presentation also highlights recent advancements and practical strategies for leveraging AI in daily workflows and long-term development.

Imagine beginning the New Year feeling refreshed, optimistic, and genuinely excited about the people around you. You step into *Greenhouse Kitchen + Bar* in Tysons Corner and are immediately met with warm lighting, sleek modern design, upbeat music, and an inviting buzz in the air. Cocktails are being poured, conversations are flowing, and the energy feels intentional—stylish yet relaxed, lively yet comfortable. It’s the kind of space that makes you feel at ease the moment you arrive. Now imagine connecting with open-hearted professionals from different industries—people who are curious, engaging, and ready to start the year with purpose. This curated singles mixer is designed for authentic camaraderie, companionship, and meaningful connection. Whether you’re open to romance, new friendships, or simply expanding your circle with positive, like-minded people, this evening is about real moments and shared energy—not profiles or algorithms. Picture conversations unfolding naturally as you move through the space—laughing over small plates, bonding over shared experiences, and feeling that subtle spark when you meet someone who resonates. Light icebreakers help set the tone, but nothing feels forced. The vibe is social, uplifting, and genuine, allowing chemistry and connection to develop at your own pace in a setting that celebrates being yourself. This is your invitation to start the year differently. Put the apps away, step into real life, and choose presence over swiping. Imagine the friendships, connections, and possibilities waiting for you as the year begins—we can’t wait to welcome you, meet you, and kick off the New Year together! **Can't make this event? Sign up for FREE on our website to get updates on future events:** [www.Intelligent.Events](https://www.intelligent.events/ "https://www.Intelligent.Events")

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.

**AI-Supported Creative Exploration** *For Unassuming Intuitives & Practicing Creatives* (Please note that this event has not been organized or endorsed by The Writer's Center.) This meetup is part of AI as Creative Partner — A Practice Group, a set of open, non-sequential creative labs you can join at any point. We use AI as a thinking partner—not to replace your ideas, but to help surface and shape them without overthinking or pressure. You bring fragments—ideas, impulses, unfinished concepts. With AI as a supportive collaborator, we explore how those fragments can become clearer, more coherent, and ready to share if and when you want to. No technical background is required. If you can talk or type, that's enough to work with AI here. This session is intentionally low-commitment and flexible: * Arrive late or leave early * Work quietly or observe * Ask questions, or simply watch the process unfold There's no presentation and no expectation to finish anything. Showing up as you are is enough. **THINKING OUT LOUD WITH AI - LIVE WORKING SESSION** This session is for people curious about how creative thinking actually happens with AI. I'll be working live on my own project, narrating decisions when useful, and answering questions as they come up. You're welcome to work on your own project, watch quietly, or ask about the process. No experience required. (Please note that this event has not been organized or endorsed by The Writer's Center.) **HOW TO FIND US** Look for the room with the door open on the lower level. Look for the guy with the screen projector and ambient light and sound. Feel free to just walk in and settle. **(*This is an independent meetup using rental space at The Writer's Center. The Writer's Center has not organized or endorsed this event.*)**

## **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.**

Whether you're new to Insight meditation or an advanced practitioner looking for like-minded people to sit with, you're welcome to join us at our Sunday morning drop-in group, sponsored by the Insight Meditation Community of Washington. Insight meditation cultivates our natural wisdom and compassion. Meditation practice develops concentration, which allows us to calm and steady the mind. This class includes a 30-minute lightly-guided meditation, followed by a short talk and time for questions and discussion. The size of the group usually runs somewhere between 25-40 people in-person and between 12-25 online. Chairs are provided, or you may bring a sitting cushion or bench. You may also use the blankets and bolsters offered by the yoga studio. **We offer both in-person and online attendance.** To learn more about our topics and teachers, view our videos or **get the Zoom link**, visit our [class page](https://imcw.org/event/?eventId=735&utm_source=MeetUp&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=vienna-drop-in).