Journalism

Let's meet to write! Schedule : 18:30 - 18:45: Arrival & introduction tour. Share briefly with the group your project and the "goal of the day". 18:45 - 20:00 : Let's write! 20:00 : Closing tour. Did you achieve the "goal of the day" ? See you soon !

**Cinema Palace : Parallel Tales** 04/06 @ 18h30 **'Histoires parallèles' d'Asghar Farhadi, vertigineux enchevêtrement de réel et de fiction** [...] Après 'Le passé', Asghar Farhadi ('Le client', 'Une séparation') retourne à Paris pour cette fiction fascinante qui s’inspire du sixième volet du 'Décalogue' de Krzystof Kieslowski, empruntant la musique composée par Zbigniew Preisner pour le film originel. Soutenu par une distribution exceptionnelle, le cinéaste iranien déploie un scénario virtuose qui aurait pu se contenter de poser la question, somme toute classique, de la fiction qui pille et déforme la réalité. Mais dès lors que le personnage passionnant d’Adam rentre en contact avec la réelle Anna, Nita de son vrai nom, lui dérobe son journal intime et s’arrange pour qu’elle lise le manuscrit écrit par Sylvie autour d’elle, 'Histoires parallèles' emprunte une direction autrement plus troublante. [...] [Cinema Palace](https://cinema-palace.be/fr/film/histoires-paralleles) [Rafael Wolf pour la Radio Télévision Suisse](https://www.rts.ch/info/culture/cinema/2026/article/histoires-paralleles-d-asghar-farhadi-vertigineux-enchevetrement-de-reel-et-de-fiction-29243622.html) **For Dreamers, Coffee shots, Orezza, eau de Saint-Georges !**

**Welcome to our May UX Beers in Mechelen!** This time, we will host our event on Tuesday the 26th of May at [Buffl](https://buffl.be) in Mechelen. [Ariad](https://www.ariadgroup.com/) and [Creative Skills](https://www.creativeskills.be/) sponsor our events. Follow the event online? We stream live via [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBqyTDAyQBw) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- \#\#\# UX TALKS **Talk 1: Research Reinvented** [Michiel Willekens](https://www.linkedin.com/in/michiel-willekens/), Productmanager @ BUFFL and [Seppe Stroo](https://www.linkedin.com/in/seppe-stroo-843b82128/), Founding partner @ BUFFL In this presentation, BUFFL will demonstrate how rethinking research can drive real business results through a pragmatic case study. You’ll discover how to translate business objectives into the right customer questions and how to act on those insights immediately to accelerate growth and sales. By bringing the live voice of thousands of (potential) customers into the decision-making process, organizations can ask the right questions at the right time and turn insights into measurable business impact: from increased sales and customer loyalty/experience to stronger brand awareness and more effective activation strategies. **Talk 2: Synthetic Personas – real insights or digital illusions?** [Kate Foszcz](https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarzyna-foszcz/?locale=en), AI Product designer @ Ebay Can synthetic personas help us make better business decisions, or are we just interviewing very convincing imaginary friends? In this talk, Kate will explore where synthetic personas can actually bring value, from testing assumptions to speeding up research, and where they can quietly mislead us with biased, overconfident, or poorly grounded answers. Expect a practical look at how to design these systems responsibly, when to trust them, and when to go back to real humans. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- \#\#\# SCHEDULE 18:00 - Doors open. Drinks & snacks 19.00 - 19.15 - Introduction to UX Belgium Meetup, announcements 19.15 - 19:45 - Talk #1 19:45 -20:15 - BREAK 20:15 - 20:45 - Talk #2 20:45 - 21:30 - Socialize \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- \#\#\# SLACK CHANNEL We have our own UX Belgium slack channel. [Come join us and say hi!](https://join.slack.com/t/ux-belgium/shared_invite/zt-1bjpnuiog-T4Di4flXYPWgbT9KrZ53CA) \*\*\* \#\#\# YOUTUBE CHANNEL All our livestreams and talks are recorded and available on our [UX Belgium youtube channel](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCno7V18T-EglYXprgrUZQ7A). \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- \#\#\# ABOUT UX BELGIUM UX Belgium is a growing community of User Experience (UX) professionals in and around Belgium. Look for these types of events: UX Beers Periodically, we gather at a different agency or venue to drink beers, network and listen to speakers on various themes in the world of UX and digital design. UX Antwerp: Each last Tuesday of the month UX Brussels: Each second Tuesday of the month, 4x per year UX Workshops Now and then we organize events to dive deeper into specific skills and techniques in UX. These are smaller, hands-on workshops designed to boost your UX toolbox. \*\*\* The UX Belgium Meetup Team

Hey Everyone! 👋 **Location:** \- On\-site: INDUSTRIEMUSEUM Minnemeers 10 9000 Gent \- Online: TBA **Practicalities for the evening on Tuesday, May 26th:** \- 18:00: Doors Open\, snacks & drinks \- 19:00: Speaker Talks \- 20:30: Networking & Drinks **Transport:** * **Parking:** Paid parking at Dok Noord * **Arriving by Train:** Minnemeers 10 in Gent is an easy **10 minute walk** from Dampoort Gent Station. **Note:** As this is an invite‑only event, you may be asked to show your calendar invite upon arrival. **Welcome to edition 15 of the Generative AI Belgium Meetup! 🚀** This time, we look at how AI is changing the Way We Work. For a long time, work was built around a simple exchange: time for money. You showed up, spent hours on tasks, and value was measured by effort, output, and expertise. Generative AI is starting to question that model. AI agents are no longer just tools for writing better emails. They are entering workflows, taking over tasks, writing code, coordinating information, and becoming part of how teams operate. Tools like Claude Cowork & Microsoft Copilot are already omnipresent in our daily work and expectations to use them are rising quickly. At the same time, robotics is making the story physical again. Machines are not only thinking with us behind a screen. They are starting to move through factories, labs, hospitals, warehouses, and most importantly homes. This raises a new question: what happens when AI becomes both a colleague in your browser and a body in the room? In this edition, we are inviting: * Startups building the tools, agents, and workflows that make this future happen * Researchers exploring human-machine interfaces and robotics * A broader discussion on what a “union of the future” could look like when work is shared between people, software agents, and machines Let's see what meaningful work, when intelligence becomes abundant. Join us on May 26th! **Line-up:** | 🤙 Tom Pluym (Wonderful) — on why cracking enterprise AI demands a new type of engineer 🤖 Ruben Janssens (Ghent University) — on socially interactive robots as the next frontier of human-machine collaboration 🛡️ Jarno Goossens (Aikido Security) — on what happens when security becomes the default and software starts securing itself | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Big thanks to Stad Gent for hosting us and to our sponsors: In The Pocket, BruCON, Red Hat, Collibra, Plainsight & Volta Ventures for supporting the community.

Join us for an invigorating Qi Gong class focusing on physical exercises to promote overall well-being. Qi Gong is a centuries-old practice that combines gentle movements, mindfulness, and controlled breathing to cultivate and balance the body's vital energy. In this class, you will learn specific exercises designed to enhance flexibility, strength, and body awareness. Whether you are a beginner or have experience with Qi Gong, this class is suitable for all levels. Come and experience the rejuvenating effects of Qi Gong as we guide you through a series of exercises aimed at improving physical health and vitality. Don't miss this opportunity to train your energy and enhance your physical well-being with us!

**TechTalk - AI voor jouw KMO: van buzzword naar business case** → **Ferdinand Casier ([Agoria](https://www.agoria.be/nl))** licht het StartAI-traject toe: wat houdt het in, voor wie is het, en hoe schrijf je je in? → **Jonas Douwen van [Orakel Group](https://orakel.com/nl-be),** een toonaangevende internationale producent en leverancier van evenement materialen, deelt zijn ervaring met het StartAI-traject → **Ixor** toont aan de hand van een concrete use case welke vervolgstappen mogelijk zijn na het traject **Wat is Start AI?** [StartAI](https://www.ixor.be/start-ai) is een initiatief van het Vlaams Industriepartnerschap, gedragen door Agoria en VLAIO. Je krijgt als KMO een individueel begeleidingstraject van 3 dagen met een ervaren AI-expert. Samen identificeer je de meest haalbare AI- en data-opportuniteiten voor jouw bedrijf, en krijg je een concreet actieplan mee. Het traject wordt grotendeels gesubsidieerd door de Vlaamse overheid. ‍ **Wat neem je mee naar huis?** → Een helder beeld van wat AI concreet voor jouw KMO kan betekenen → Inzicht in het StartAI-traject en hoe je je kandidaat stelt → Een eerlijk verhaal van een KMO die het traject doorliep → Concrete handvaten om morgen mee aan de slag te gaan **Datum** Dinsdag 26/05/26 **Locatie** [Ixor, Schuttersvest 75, 2800 Mechelen](https://www.google.com/maps?sca_esv=3d16839f334d68f5&rlz=1C5CHFA_enBE1133BE1133&sxsrf=ANbL-n41HRp_bji2meG1ikVLAPIz93Cunw:1769513461367&kgmid=/g/1pxwt4kls&shem=bdsle,ptotple,shrtsdl&shndl=30&kgs=61800e9c5aeb0c1b&um=1&ie=UTF-8&fb=1&gl=be&sa=X&geocode=KcOEjoHS5cNHMa9y5riKRn8U&daddr=Schuttersvest+75,+2800+Mechelen) **Timing** *Welkom vanaf* \- 18:00 *TechTalk* van 18:30 tot 19:30 *Netwerken en vragen* tot 20u30

Are you someone who is local (or a westerner who has lived in the city for a while, understand the local culture and speak the local language) and are confident when meeting new people of different backgrounds and cultures? We’re looking for a lively friendly host to manage some of our weekly Fastfriends meetups in your city. As a host, your role would be to: ✨ Welcome members and make them feel comfortable ✨ Encourage conversations and help people connect \- direct and manage our fastfriending socialising format ✨ Keep the energy positive and the fast friending event flowing smoothly \- manage the event relationship with the venue What is in it for you? \- this is a volunteer role but we give you an expense allowance to cover some of your expenses\. \- ⁠you get exposure to the local and international community and can make a positive contribution \- ⁠you get experience with meeting new people\,running social events and managing groups\. We would love to hear from you. Please write a quick message to Dan at ‪+44 7715705005‬ and let's chat.

Join us for an energizing Qi Gong class focused on physical exercise techniques that help cultivate and balance your energy. Qi Gong is a traditional Chinese practice that combines movement, breathing, and meditation to improve overall well-being. In this session, you will learn various exercises aimed at enhancing physical strength, flexibility, and vitality. Whether you are a beginner or have experience with Qi Gong, this class is designed to help you connect with your inner energy and feel rejuvenated. Come discover the power of Qi Gong and train your body and mind for better health and harmony.

Hi everyone, This coffee morning event is @ **Schmet !!!**, on Saturday, is 30 May 2025, from 10:00 - 13:00. - Outside! Schmet is a new place and belongs to Château Moderne. It only opened a few months ago. 😃 It's right at Place Poelaert. This is their Instagram account. It's still very new. https://www.instagram.com/schmet.bxl/ 1. The **prime time** of the event is **10:30 - 12:30**. That's when most people will be there. 2. When you enter the place, you will see a long table that is set up for the event. 3. If you intend **to join past 12:00** (high noon), then there is no need to register. Just come and join! 4. **DON'T forget to cancel** if you can't join! 5. **Please, be respectful towards each other during the event. (And after ;))** **As always, feel free to follow us on INSTAGRAM!** https://instagram.com/weekendmorningcoffee?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA== *** **THE STRUCTURE of THE EVENT:** * I post the event on Saturday/Sunday for the following Saturday. * I send out a reminder as an email or a comment on the event page on Thursday/Friday. * There is sometimes a waiting list. * **For everyone on the waiting,** please check your status and messages on Friday evening the latest. I message everyone on the waiting list on Friday. * **Please, move to "not going" AS SOON AS you know that you can't come anymore, that includes everyone who is on the waiting list.** **IMPORTANT:** * When you register yourself, be careful not to register accidentally a +1 guest (unless you bring a guest). It happens very often. * If you have any questions then, message me. *** **A MESSAGE FOR NEWCOMERS:** *In the three years of hosting this coffee group, I have met many people who struggle with anxieties when coming to an event for the first time. Sometimes, it took them more than one attempt before being able to join.* *Occasionally, people reach out to me before the event, and I have always been grateful for that as it offers the opportunity to communicate with each other and to find the best and most gentle way for that person to join the group.* *I would like to encourage everyone who struggles with this to contact me before. It would really be too bad if you can't join us, as it mostly gets better the second or third time you come.* *In addition to that, if you arrive and notice any signs of nervousness or fear, you can always let me know right then.* **THANK YOU AND SEE YOU ALL ON SATURDAY!** **LOCATION:** Schmet 2 Rue des Quatre Bras Brussels 1000 (right at Place Poelaert)

Hi 😃 We’re playing a beach volleyball tournament next Saturday in Gembloux from 10:00 until 16:00. Level : intermediate + Format: 4 vs 4 mixed teams Transportation provided Fees : 10 euro per person

The People's Republic of China has risen from one of the world's poorest countries to an economic powerhouse. While China is still not at the level of wealth that Western countries are, its power and global presence are greater than anytime in the last two centuries. In 2026, China controls most of the world's manufacturing, and is expanding its economic reach throughout the world. Long associated with simpler industry, these days, China is a force to be reckoned with in advanced manufacturing, competing with Western companies in sectors like cars, electronics, and information technology. With the Belt & Road Initiative, Confucius institutes, and intensifying global trade, China is seeking to spread its economic and cultural influence worldwide. Much discussion around the rise of China focuses on what the West should do in response. This time at Brussels Debaters, we're going to go in a different direction. After all, the world is a big place, and the West and China aren't the only important locations to keep in mind. Come join us for what should be an interesting debate about China: the world's second superpower, the historical hegemon of humanity, and the nation that wishes to reclaim the mantle it once wore. This debate will follow a British Parliamentary format with eight debaters split into four teams of two. Participants who wish to speak are highly encouraged to bring a paper and pen. You are welcome to participate even if you have no prior debating experience. ⚠️ Disclaimer: We aim for debates that are respectful, constructive, and welcoming. • Respect ideas and people: Listen actively, stay quiet while others speak, and debate arguments, not identities or beliefs. • Be concise and civil: Keep questions short and relevant; avoid hostility, hate speech, or discrimination. • Respect boundaries and time: No unwanted advances or suggestive behavior; arrive on time to avoid disrupting the debate. • Follow moderators: They guide the discussion and ensure fairness.

Making the new Friends after work or in your vacation.

Improvisation is not just for comedians. It is a practical skill you use whenever life does not follow the script: during a meeting, a job interview, a difficult conversation, a presentation, a Q&A session or an unexpected challenge at work. On **Saturday 30 May**, Atomic Toastmasters invites you to a practical workshop designed to help you **think on your feet, stay calm under pressure and respond with more confidence**. The workshop will be hosted by **Nayara**, an aviation expert who knows from professional experience what it means to adapt quickly, communicate clearly and make decisions when circumstances change. During this two-hour session, you will practise simple and effective techniques to: * respond more naturally when you are put on the spot * structure your thoughts quickly * speak with clarity even when you have little time to prepare * become more comfortable with uncertainty * use improvisation as a communication skill, not as a performance trick This is a hands-on workshop. You will not only listen. You will practise, experiment and learn in a supportive environment. No previous Toastmasters experience is required. Guests, beginners and experienced speakers are all welcome. ## Practical information **Date:** Saturday 30 May **Doors open:** 09:45 **Workshop:** 10:00 – 12:00 **Location:** Shopping Linthout **Address:** Rue Bâtonnier Braffort 2, 1200 Brussels **Public transport:** Close to metro Merode **Parking:** Paid on-site parking available **Price:** 10 € ## Agenda **09:45 – 10:00 \| Arrival and welcome** Participants arrive, check in and meet the group. **10:00 – 10:10 \| Opening** Welcome by Atomic Toastmasters and introduction to the workshop. **10:10 – 10:25 \| Why improvisation matters** A short introduction to improvisation as a practical communication skill, with insights from aviation and real-life situations. **10:25 – 10:55 \| Thinking on your feet** Exercises to practise quick thinking, active listening and spontaneous responses. **10:55 – 11:10 \| Short break** **11:10 – 11:40 \| Speaking under pressure** Practical activities to help you stay calm, structure your message and respond with confidence. **11:40 – 11:55 \| Applying improvisation in daily life** How to use these techniques in meetings, interviews, presentations, conversations and Toastmasters sessions. **11:55 – 12:00 \| Closing** Final takeaways and next steps.

What would make a city "ideal"? The answer(s) might first appear on the surface (excuse the pun) to be a no-brainer: thriving, prosperous, clean, safe, energizing yet relaxing, beautiful, affordable, etc ... However, as we further unpack and explore all these factors, we might soon begin to see that the answer(s) may not be that simple after all - not only considering the reality of limited resources (not enough money or energy - or surface area - to realize all visions, therefore choices have to be made), but also confronting the reality that each decision made will have implications on the whole system, as every element in a city both influences and requires all others. Inspired by Plato's *Republic,* one approach to answer the question "What is an ideal city?" could be to compare this question with the question, "What is an ideal human being?" If there might be *many* types of ideal cities or human beings, what properties (again, excuse the pun!) would they all have in common? Each city should best of course be studied in the context of its particular history, geography, climate, ecosystem, economics, culture etc. How have cities optimized (achieving differing degrees of success) their natural advantages while compensating for their vulnerabilities? What type(s) of people would be the ideal cities' inhabitants and visitors? How homogeneous or heterogeneous should a city be to both flourish and function optimally? (cf. meetup topic of 7/11/2020). In which ways should its citizens behave uniformly and in which ways diversely? Should architecture and urban design be used to promote social/political/ethical behaviour? How would *social* navigation ("networking" and maintaining ties) in our city operate? What sorts of infrastructure and urban culture would facilitate thriving interactions? How can city and nature be best reconciled? How should our cities deal with climate change and function sustainably? Where do we go from now? What lies in the future for our cities in the world today? At the micro level... What would your ideal city look like? (For example - just 1 out of hundreds of possible questions - how high should its highrises be?) What would be the ideal size of geographical area that we would consider to be our "home territory" i.e. the amount of earth surface area that we move upon during an average day/week/month of our living? How would we move around? What would your own personal lifestyle be like in your ideal city? Would a "low-stress" lifestyle be ideal, and if so, what characteristics of our ideal city would facilitate this? What would you argue are the most positive and negative aspects of cities you can think of in the world today? Jane Jacobs' ideas, values and theories continue to remain a standard reference even today, 65 years later [https://youtu.be/Y4k6SXaUXho?is=zdkUoi9hbzE7Lpg-](https://youtu.be/Y4k6SXaUXho?is=zdkUoi9hbzE7Lpg-) Carlos Moreno's concept of "15-min city", introduced 10 years ago, has become increasingly popular - as well as debated [https://youtu.be/a1tUy8uqlOE?is=RW4eRLplijnyomKU](https://youtu.be/a1tUy8uqlOE?is=RW4eRLplijnyomKU) Edward Glaeser interview (only if you have enough time) [https://youtu.be/k2USzajXfLk?is=2sPas0L8_C0COrL](https://youtu.be/k2USzajXfLk?is=2sPas0L8_C0COrL) *(begin from 03.00) Where we're going (possibly)... [https://youtu.be/T6mK-Ukr_ts?is=QjHyf8uVu6GlzuTF](https://youtu.be/T6mK-Ukr_ts?is=QjHyf8uVu6GlzuTF) [https://youtu.be/zHgfKz7aQkY?is=H56JVVaLlJXbLRjl](https://youtu.be/zHgfKz7aQkY?is=H56JVVaLlJXbLRjl) [https://youtu.be/hfHtFiqw-IY?is=-LVjTtb07ZSYPosI](https://youtu.be/hfHtFiqw-IY?is=-LVjTtb07ZSYPosI) Photo (by Alan Woo): Chóngqìng from the air (May 2026)

Who else is ready to sit outside? Join us for a casual chat over coffee & tea at Grandview Grind! Come out and meet some new people, enjoy your favorite drink, and make some new friends!

It’s time to take control of your mental health. How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Here is the secret of being positive and free: Thinking positively is not enough. You also have to get rid of the negative thinking. Your mind is like a garden. You can plant many beautiful flowers in it, but if you don't get rid of the weeds when you plant your flowers, the weeds will soon take over the whole garden. A positive thought is like a flower in your mental garden, and a negative thought is like a weed. You cannot expect to have a positive mindset if you continue to have negative thoughts dwelling and growing there. So, how do you get rid of the negative thoughts? That's what this Meetup is all about. Attend this local meeting and find out! The Meetup event will be led by a consultant who had helped many people live happier in life. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is created by the Dianetics & Scientology life improvement center.

Let’s meet and share discussion of the James Baldwin short story collection, Going to Meet The Man.

It’s time to take control of your mental health. How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Have you ever suffered from a traumatic experience, a deep loss or been through a painful breakup? Has your ability to communicate suffered as a result? And after that, even though you "moved on" did you find that things were never quite the same? Have you ever looked at childhood photos, or reminisced your early life and wondered where that happiness and spark went? Are your emotions out of your own control? Have you ever felt, even if you aren’t aware of it, that possibly you are getting in your own way of your happiness and success? How does this affect your self-confidence? Find out what is at the root of all stress, anxiety, depression and self-doubt. Find out how and why you hold yourself back from achieving your goals and having the life you have dreamed of. As soon as you learn what is at the root of these unwanted conditions, you’ll see it is something you can DO something about. You will not be labeled or categorized at this MeetUp.

Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 7:00pm on Wednesday, February 11 at Streetlight Guild. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. **SCHEDULE:** 6:45ish - Quick introductions 7:00 - Timer starts: write for 1 hour 8:00 - The End **OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING** happens before and after the writing hour. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. **BEING LATE IS OKAY:** just show up and get settled! If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing & I look forward to seeing you at Streetlight Guild! **WHAT SHOULD I BRING?** Whatever you need to be able to write! You're welcome to bring earplugs/headphones if noise will bother you! **OTHER IMPORTANT DETAILS:** * **RSVP:** Please RSVP by 6:00pm the evening of the meeting. This helps me know how many to expect, and if we'll need additional space! * **COVID:** While masks are not required, please be mindful of the other writers around you and their comfort levels. * **WIFI/OUTLETS:** Outlets are limited, so please ensure your devices are charged when you come! But Streetlight Guild does have free WiFi! Yay! * **PARKING:** There is free public parking at Streetlight Guild.

Come attend a free in-person seminar where you will find out why you: -Feel isolated -Can't express yourself openly -Get nervous or anxious in front of people -Run out of things to say or feel tongue-tied -Feel introverted -Don't feel comfortable in any social setting -Can't make more friends -Are shy and miss opportunities to connect in a meaningful way And we cover what you can do about any one, some or all of the above. This seminar is the weapon against loneliness, isolation and boredom, come join us! COME TO THIS SEMINAR AND LEARN THE SECRETS TODAY This seminar is brought to you by the Dianetics & Scientology Life Improvement Center. 1266 Dublin Road, Columbus, Ohio 43215

Let’s meet and wander the galleries! General admission on Sundays is free.