IT Execs

Join us for an evening of deep product insights and conversation with Steve Johnson, CEO of Product Growth Leaders. Most product managers aren’t struggling because they lack frameworks, data, or AI tools. They’re struggling because they’re talking to the wrong people. Instead of learning directly from customers, they rely on second-hand input—sales requests, executive opinions, support tickets, dashboards, and now AI-generated summaries of all of it. The result? Noise. Misalignment. And products that look good on paper but miss the market. AI can process more data than you ever will—but it can’t replace direct human understanding. It can’t see hesitation. It can’t hear what’s not being said. And it certainly can’t build trust with a customer who doesn’t believe you yet. That’s where product managers have an advantage—if they choose to use it. In this session, you’ll learn how Customer Conversations cut through the noise and become your most powerful differentiator. Not as a research technique, but as a leadership behavior that builds market insight, credibility, and better decisions. Through real stories and practical methods, you’ll learn how to: • Talk to the right people at the right time in the product lifecycle • Ask questions that uncover real problems • Validate ideas before you build them Because in a world where AI can generate answers at scale, the product manager who understands customers firsthand becomes the one who asks better questions—and makes better decisions. AGENDA 6:00 - 6:30 pm: Welcome and Registration. Refreshments provided. 6:30 - 7:00 pm: Talk by Steve Johnson (CEO at Product Growth Leaders) 7:00 - 7:15 pm: Q&A 7:15 - 8:00 pm: Networking ABOUT THE SPEAKER Steve Johnson is a product success coach focused on removing the chaos from product planning. He uses modern methods to guide product teams from idea to market in only a few weeks. Steve has trained tens of thousands of product professionals in his career. He is a former instructor and vice president at Pragmatic Institute and the chief architect of the popular Quartz Open Framework.

Come, share your projects, ideas, learn from industry professionals, discuss your thoughts, find a supportive and genuinely interested community

They have great seafood so if you see some of it, eat it! Here is their menu: greatamericanrestaurants.com (https://www.greatamericanrestaurants.com/coastalflats/gaithersburg/Menus/Dinner) Yes, “it’s a chain, but the food is delicious” at these moderately priced seafooders where “wonderful” lobster rolls, “terrific” crab cakes and “to-die-for” shrimp and grits arrive in “noisy”, “beach-themed” dining rooms; the “efficient” servers “know the menu well”, and though they generally “don’t take reservations”, “you can call ahead” to get a spot in line. All aboard mates!

We are a President's Distinguished Club and welcome new guests! Meeting is every Wednesday.

CALLING ALL DC RIOT GRRRLS & PUNKS!!! We’re up to it AGAIN!!! Sold out Pie Shop for https://survivors.org, now we’re gonna aim to sell out JAMMIN’ JAVA!! Help us help survivors of sexual assault by getting YOUR tix now ➡️ https://www.unionstagepresents.com/shows/punk-it-forward-for-survivors-org-29-apr !!PUNK IT FORWARD FOR SURVIVORS!! 🔥✨🖤✨🔥 🔗🎟️ https://www.unionstagepresents.com/shows/punk-it-forward-for-survivors-org-29-apr Modern Natives: Modern Natives was founded by Florida-born Dezy in 2009 and evolved into a dynamic duo when Savannah joined in 2019. What began in the humid swamps of Florida eventually stretched all the way to frozen Alaska, with the band spending years traveling back and forth between the two extremes while carving out their sound on the road. They’ve toured cross-country from Alaska to Florida and across Canada multiple times—living out of an old camper with their three cats and dog along for the ride. Now nestled full-time in New York’s Hudson Valley, Modern Natives brings that wild, road-worn spirit to every stage. Known for their genre-blending sound and unforgettable live performances, Modern Natives is a must-see act wherever they land. Shelley Star & The Galaxy: Shelley Star & The Galaxy are making cosmic waves in Washington, DC, bringing out-of-this-world lyrics, vibrant pop-rock melodies, and theatrical flair to the Nation’s capital. The enigmatic Shelley Star powerfully belts and stomps the stage in platform space boots while high-octane musicians “The Galaxy” shred by her side. The band takes musical inspiration from icons such as Lady Gaga, ABBA, and David Bowie, and their style comes from deep roots in the art of drag. Old Knife: Old Knife is a trio of musicians who create a distinctive DC post-hardcore sound that draws from much wider geographical influences. Ella Gallogly (drums), Maddie Franca (bass) and VJ Hyde (guitar/vocals) bring a mix of intensity and musicality to their live shows that is like performative group therapy meets art punk opera. Old Knife’s music will cut you and leave a scar. Gigi Marie: Gigi Marie is "DC's favorite red head rock n roller" according to DC radio DJ Reddy Kilowatt!! A finalist for two Wammie Awards this year for Best Punk Song with "Miss Black Lagoon" and Best Rock Album with "All Things Night & Beautiful", she's thrilled to be bringing her truly unique Garage-Glam-Punkette attitude to the Jammin' Java stage in support of an amazing cause: survivors.org.

**This talk is completely sold out in advance and no door tickets will be available. You must have purchased a ticket to be admitted.** [Profs and Pints DC](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Exploring the Deep Sea,”** a scholarly dive into an enormous and little-understood ecosystem, with Melissa Betters, deep ocean explorer and deep-sea biologist at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/dc-deep-sea](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/dc-deep-sea) .] If you’re afraid of the deepest, darkest reaches of the ocean, you aren’t alone. For centuries, humans have imagined the ocean’s depths to be inhabited by all manner of monsters, from the Kraken to Godzilla. But what is the cost of viewing over 70% of our planet with fear and aversion? Who benefits from that? Come to see the deep sea as far more worthy of fascination than fear with the help of Dr. Melissa Betters, a biologist and marine ecosystem researcher who has made nine trips to the bottom of the ocean and taught at Bryn Mawr College and Temple University. She’ll take you on a scholarly exploration of various deep-sea ecosystems around the world such as deep coral reefs and boiling-hot hydrothermal vents. We’ll get to know some of the deep ocean’s captivating biodiversity, examining where it lives, what it does, and why it matters to us. With her help you’ll come to see the deep ocean as a tapestry of different environments, each of which host their own forms of life and present their own suite of ecological challenges. Importantly, we’ll also look at how the deep ocean is portrayed in both myth and media, considering how our perceptions are skewed by the rhetoric used to describe it and the images used to depict it. Despite appearing far-removed and out of reach, the deep ocean is still a part of our planet, subject to all the same challenges and human impacts as life on land. The final part of this talk will examine the variety of human impacts affecting the deep ocean and actions we can take to protect Earth’s final frontier. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: Magnoteuthis magna, the most common deep-ocean squid, as photographed in Kinlan Canyon off of Rhode Island (NOAA Ocean Exploration photo).

We invite you to an in-person session in Seattle exploring the real impact of AI on knowledge-driven industries — from shifting economics and the disruption of traditional SaaS and consulting models to where organizations can still build lasting competitive advantage. As AI platforms like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini continue to redefine how work gets done, organizations face a critical question: how can they adapt, remain competitive, and create lasting value? We’ll discuss practical strategies for integrating AI while preserving human expertise, along with actionable approaches to upskilling teams for an AI-driven workplace. Drawing on real-world experience from training thousands of professionals and deploying AI solutions, this session will provide clear, applicable insights for today’s evolving landscape. Following a short presentation, the session will open into an interactive discussion where attendees can share perspectives and explore key questions around the evolving role of humans, organizational adaptation, and staying competitive in an AI-first world. **Who should attend:** • Executives and managers in SaaS, consulting, and knowledge-driven organizations • Professionals exploring AI upskilling and workforce transformation • Anyone interested in the future of AI and knowledge work 📍 **Location:** Data Science Dojo, 5010 148th Ave NE, Suite 200A, Redmond, WA, United States 🔗 **Google Maps:** [https://lnkd.in/d8WA-yNc](https://lnkd.in/d8WA-yNc) **💻 Online Access:** A livestream will be available for those unable to attend in person; however, the full interactive experience is reserved for in-person participants.

We're back! The Cover6 Community's in-person meetup returns for round two — and if you missed the first one, this is your shot. We're keeping it intimate this time — we've got space reserved right by the bar. Perfect size for real conversations. **What to expect:** * Pure open networking — no agenda, no presentations, no slides * Three hours to connect, catch up, and build real relationships * Genuine conversations with practitioners, newcomers, students, and professionals from across the industry * Good energy, familiar faces — and plenty of new ones * Drinks right there if you want one **Who should come:** Anyone in or entering the cybersecurity space in the DMV. It doesn't matter if you've been in the industry for 20 years or you're still studying for your first cert. You belong here. Bring a friend. Seriously — the more the merrier. Tag someone who needs to be in this room. 📍 AC Hotel by Marriott Arlington National Landing 1999 Richmond Highway, Arlington, VA 22202 *(Metro accessible — Blue/Yellow Line, Crystal City Station)* 📅 Friday, May 1, 2026 🕕 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM RSVP so we know how many people to expect. See you soon! — Tyrone & the Cover6 Community team

JOIN US FOR THE BEST NETWORKING EVENT IN DC! As seen in Entrepreneur Magazine THIS IS A PAID EVENT RSVP HERE => https://tinyurl.com/36dekrys <= THIS IS A PAID EVENT RSVP HERE => https://tinyurl.com/36dekrys <= THIS IS A PAID EVENT RSVP HERE => https://tinyurl.com/36dekrys <= weconnect® is the fastest growing startup, digital & tech networking organization in the country. Our events are comprised of the most influential professionals in the area. THIS IS A PAID EVENT RSVP HERE => https://tinyurl.com/36dekrys <= THIS IS A PAID EVENT RSVP HERE => https://tinyurl.com/36dekrys <= THIS IS A PAID EVENT RSVP HERE => https://tinyurl.com/36dekrys <= Our purpose is to help our members forge strong, lasting relationships within the community – combining Fortune 500/1000s with Entrepreneurs and Startups. We’re creating unique opportunities & connections to help you grow your business and network both offline and online through our proprietary platform (coming soon). Enjoy The Most Successful Startup & Tech Mixer In A Fun, Relaxed Atmosphere Mingle With Highly Successful Men & Women In The Entrepreneur, Startup, TECH Space Find Your Next Client, Employee, Business Partner or Co-founder “Your Network Is Your Net Worth.” Come Build Your Network With Us! THIS IS A PAID EVENT RSVP HERE => https://tinyurl.com/36dekrys <= THIS IS A PAID EVENT RSVP HERE => https://tinyurl.com/36dekrys <= THIS IS A PAID EVENT RSVP HERE => https://tinyurl.com/36dekrys <= COMPANIES OFTEN IN ATTENDANCE\* (... just to name a few) Google • Sony • Electronic Arts • Hulu • Hautelook • The Honest Company • Disney • Apple • Activision • Live Nation • Dollar Shave Club • Facebook • Snapchat • Trunk Club • ZipRecruiter • Experian • DreamWorks Amplify • HBO • Edmonds.com • DogVacay • NBC Universal • YouTube • BeachBody • Playstation • Amazon...and so many more. \*This does not Guarantee that these companies will be in attendance at this event. JOIN US FROM 6:00 - 9:00PM • DRINKS\* • AMAZING COMPANY • NETWORKING \*Cash Bar PROUDLY SPONSORED BY: Connect in Tech We're Hiring THIS IS A PAID EVENT RSVP HERE => https://tinyurl.com/36dekrys <= THIS IS A PAID EVENT RSVP HERE => https://tinyurl.com/36dekrys <= THIS IS A PAID EVENT RSVP HERE => https://tinyurl.com/36dekrys <= ***Event Date & location subject to change as per the organizers discretion.If event changes date your ticket will still be valid for the rescheduled event date.No Refunds, Exchanges or Substitutions***

DC Code and Coffee is an inclusive, informal co-working session. It's community-led and community-run by devs, for devs. People of all skill levels attend. Whether you’re dev-curious, aspiring, or a professional developer, we’d love to have you! Come chat or learn to code on a Sunday afternoon with coffee and cool-inclusive people. Bring your laptop! We typically meet every month on the weekend. **Join our online community!** For all things Tech in DC and to get latest updates and tech events from the DMV area, join the [DCTech Slack](https://dctech.chat/). All DC Code & Coffee announcements are in the #dccodecoffee channel **How it works** Near the beginning of the event, we do an introduction circle. You say your name, what you can help others with, and what you would like help with. You can also share job opportunities. After the introduction circle, everything is self-organized.

**NOVA Scribes is helping to get the word out about the IAF's Conference of the Americas! Please register at:** https://www.iafamericasconference.org/ [americas2026@iaf-world.org](mailto:americas2026@iaf-world.org) **ABOUT** The IAF Conference of the Americas 2026 is a premier regional gathering of professional facilitators, coaches, consultants, leaders, and educators from across the Americas and beyond. Hosted by the International Association of Facilitators (IAF), this bilingual conference offers immersive learning through workshops, keynotes, panels, and networking-advancing both the art and science of facilitation. **WHY ATTEND** Facilitating on the Edge invites participants to explore the evolving boundaries of facilitation-where human connection, complexity, culture, and technology converge. The conference emphasizes practical application, global perspectives, and professional growth. With over 250 participants, 40+ workshops, 5 pre-conferences, and 10+ countries represented, you'll gain: • World-class professional development with immediately applicable tools • International exchange, with facilitators and participants from diverse backgrounds • Deep professional networking across sectors and cultures • Opportunities for IAF Certification: the global standard on facilitation excellence CONFERENCE TRACKS * Relationships, Trust & Connection * Tech & Al in Facilitation * Facilitation as a Profession & Business * Facilitation Tools & Methods APRIL 30 - MAY 2, 2026 MONTERREY, MEXICO Crowne Plaza Monterrey by IHG GENERAL REGISTRATION OPENS JANUARY 5, 2026 **‼️Register by April 10, 2026 or until tickets sell out at:** iafamericasconference.org americas2026@iaf-world.org #IAFacilitators #AmericasConference2026 #FaciIitatingOnTheEdge | | | --- | |

*Tickets free for Constellations members. Must sign-up on [Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/speed-dating-for-adults-with-idd-20s-and-30s-tickets-1986401466258?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl&keep_tld=true).* *Sometimes we invite Neurodivergent District members to join a virtual event from our Constellations community. We’re glad you’re here.* *Just to clarify, attending this event doesn’t include access to the Constellations member portal or membership. If you’d like ongoing access to events like this, along with curated member introductions for friendship or dating, you’re welcome to explore joining [Constellations](https://www.harringtonmatchmaking.com/constellations-membership).* Join us in Bethesda, Maryland for a facilitated Speed Dating event designed to support adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities in meeting potential friends and romantic partners in a respectful, low-pressure environment. This event is hosted by[ Harrington Matchmaking](https://www.harringtonmatchmaking.com/ "https://www.harringtonmatchmaking.com"). Remember: You do not have to be perfect. You just have to show up. Connection begins with showing up! *Tickets free for Constellations members. Must sign-up on [Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/speed-dating-for-adults-with-idd-20s-and-30s-tickets-1986401466258?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl&keep_tld=true).*

You have heard about AI. You know it can benefit your business. \- Can it save you time? \- Respond to customers faster? \- Allow you to take extra profits? Each meetup will break down 1-2 real example scenarios of how AI implementation can relieve stress or even push you further towards your goals. Free. No hype. Just discussing how AI can be implemented in your small business. Location will be around Gahanna. TBD

Join other experienced and aspiring agile coaches and professionals to: * develop and practice your coaching skills in a peer-to-peer environment * share current successes and challenges in your work environment and get support from each other * learn from each other, build better relationships and experiment with new ideas ***NOTE:*** Pre-registration is required for this event. **Please arrive 10 minutes early** to check in at the security desk.

It feels like we just saw each other 🤷. Join members of the local design and UX community for our monthly breakfast. For May we’re stopping in for Rooh’s popup breakfast/cafe concept. You know someone is getting the lobster yuzu croissant, and that’s not even the prettiest thing on the menu!.

Join us for a Fun Friday event as we get together to see the long-awaited sequel to the 2006 original, THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA 2! Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci all return for this follow-up that finds the former assistant is now a rival! Here are details, a trailer and our plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: The film follow’s Miranda Priestly's struggle against Emily Charlton, her former assistant turned rival executive, as they compete for advertising revenue amidst declining print media. The film is directed by David Frankel and written by Aline Brosh McKenna (who wrote/directed the 2006 original). It stars returning cast members Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci along with newcomers Justin Theroux and Kenneth Branagh. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9HXmMnUEdE PLAN: Please purchase your ticket for the 7:00pm showing and meet inside the lobby area between 6:30 and 6:45pm! Advance ticket purchase not required for this theater but early arrival is advised! Be sure to mention you’re with the Movie Group for admission and concession discounts! And don’t miss the best part of the night – immediately after the show, we’ll head to the nearby Rusty Bucket for conversation, food and drinks! Park on Main St, near the Rusty Bucket, or in the lot near Brassica and your car will be close by at the end of the night! Should be a fun one, Dan

Want to be a speaker? submit your talk to our Call for Presenters!!! https://sessionize.com/cbus-hug-2026/

Christians in Tech is a community at the intersection of faith and technology. Our meetups are designed to spark meaningful conversations, promote knowledge sharing, and encourage growth—both in your career and your spiritual walk with God. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting your tech journey, CIT welcomes you. Our Website [https://linktr.ee/citcbus](https://linktr.ee/citcbus) Sponsors and Partners * Improving (Venue Sponsor) * Bethel World Prayer Center (Fiscal Sponsor) * Fruits & Roots (Coffee Partner)