Journalism

We're back with our first event of the year and we couldn't be more excited. We'll stick to our usual format of 2 speakers and a fireside chat (with a twist this time). If you've not been to one of our events before then here is what you can expect. CRAP (Conversion Rate Optimisation, Analytics, Product) Talks is a cross-discipline event. We don't work in silos so why network and learn in silos. In the past we've had speakers from Data, Analytics, CRO, Product, Marketing, Data Science, Design and Research and so many more. If you work in tech, chances are you work cross-functionally, so come along and meet people doing amazing things in tech. **Hosts:** RVU - https://www.rvu.co.uk/ **Venue:** RVU The Cooperage, 5 Copper Row, London SE1 2LH **Date:** 27/01/2026 6pm doors open Talks kick off at 630 Wrap up approximately 9:00pm. **Speakers:** * **Speaker Name:** [Juliana Jackson](https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliana-jackson/) * **Title:** Cloud Director, Data Science * **Talk Name:** The haystack paradox: What happens after AI creates 1M Ads? * **Speaker Bio:** Enterprise strategist specializing in Data Science & AI\, product and digital experience\. Known for saying what others won’t\. Lovie Awards Winner \- Best use of AI & ML 2025 \(Bronze\)\,\(People’s Lovie Award\) \| BIMA 2025 \- Best use of Data \(Bronze\)\,\(Trailblazer\) * **Speaker Name:** [Valeria Stromtsova](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAAB_hh3QBLXV1C5bXbofGrnqGJs9vlBrlbjc) * **Title:** Product Owner * **Talk Name:** How AI kept me sane during onboarding: building a second brain with Claude Code * **Speaker Bio:** Climate tech product manager. Passionate about empathy, efficient cross-functional collaboration and sustainable leadership practices.

**Start the New Year Creatively: Nature Journals Workshop** Kick off the new year by personalizing your very own notebook! Explore **nature-themed stamping and stitching techniques** to create a unique journal that reflects your style and inspiration—perfect for capturing your goals, thoughts, or sketches in 2026. But this evening isn’t just about crafting—it’s about **connection**. Come solo or with a friend and enjoy a warm, welcoming atmosphere where you can meet new people while making something meaningful together. Most attendees come alone, so you’ll be in great company! ### 🛠 What’s Included: * All tools & equipment ✂️ * A friendly, festive atmosphere to meet new friends ✨ * Step-by-step tutorial videos * A welcoming host to guide you Feel free to join our whatsapp group chat to get to know some friendly faces before the event. [Join using this link :)](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Ky87VTJ4u8ZFcsfVUeAzfB) 📍 **Perfect for:** Anyone who is looking to meet new people, sustainability, and building community. ⚠️ **Please note:** Tickets are non-refundable.

**Debait - a modern public square that promotes respectful disagreement.** **We offer a much needed alternative to social media "debating". We are anti-clickbate and shouting. Just thoughtful discussions about issues shaping society.** We run an in-person and an online session every week, as follows: * In-person sessions are held on **Tuesdays at 259 Goswell Road, London, between 6pm-8pm** * Online sessions are held on **Wednesdays between 7pm-9pm** All our sessions are limited to a **maximum of 20 attendees** which guarantees that everyone will get ample opportunities to engage. **All our sessions are free for first timers. However, please note that you still need to book via the website (www.debait.co.uk) to secure your place on any given session. Use code FIRSTDEBAIT to claim your free spot.**

🐾 Unleash the Joy: Join Our Doggy Luv and Wellness Club! 🐾 Are you a dog enthusiast yearning for the companionship of these incredible creatures? Do you find solace and joy in the presence of furry friends, even if you don't have one of your own? We invite you to experience an hour of pure canine bliss at our Doggy Luv and Wellness Club! 🌟 What to Expect: A Furry Fiesta! Embark on an adventure into the world of boundless love and joy with our playful pack of dogs, ranging from 1 year and older. **You don't need a dog of your own for this unique experience, as we bring our own family dogs to shower you with unconditional love and therapeutic benefits.** 🐶 Why Attend? For Dog Lovers Without a Dog: If you're a devoted dog lover without a furry friend of your own, this is your golden opportunity to bask in the warmth of canine affection. Missing the Pitter-Patter of doggy Paws: Whether you've heard the pitter-patter of doggy paws in the past or simply miss the experience, our event allows you to reconnect with the healing energy of spending time with dogs. Serotonin Boost Guaranteed: Immerse yourself in an hour of pure joy, as our dogs provide a genuine serotonin boost. Let their love and playfulness elevate your spirits. 🌈 Your Canine Hour Awaits: Activities Galore! Choose your own adventure with our furry companions: Relaxation Station: Unwind after a long day as our dogs instinctively provide the calm and comfort you need. Feel the soothing presence of a canine friend by your side, ready to warm your lap. Playtime Extravaganza: Embrace your inner child and play with our playful dogs. From fetch enthusiasts to those who love a good romp, our pack has it all. 🍬 Sweeten the Experience: Light refreshments will be provided to enhance your time with our canine companions. 🎟️ Limited Spots Available: Reserve Your Canine Hour Now! Entry is priced at £15 per person for an hour of doggy delight. To ensure an intimate experience, we limit each session to only 12 people, preventing overwhelm for our furry friends. 📆 When: Every Wednesday, 7pm to 8pm📍 Where: Herne Hill, SE24 **🐾 Join the Pack: My Dogs, Our Love, One Unforgettable Hour! 🐾** Book your spot now and let the magic of dogs weave its spell on your heart.

Description: Join us for an enlightening lecture that delves into the intricate web of the past and its potential to cast a long shadow over our present lives. In this thought-provoking session, we will explore the profound ways in which the past can negatively impact our well-being, choices, and personal growth. Throughout history, human lives have been shaped by a multitude of experiences, both positive and negative. These experiences accumulate, leaving imprints on our memories and shaping our beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. While the past holds valuable lessons and cherished memories, it can also harbor unresolved conflicts, traumas, and limitations that subtly influence our present reality. During this lecture, we will navigate the labyrinth of psychological and emotional baggage that may accumulate over time, inhibiting our personal development and impeding our ability to lead fulfilling lives. By examining the effects of the past on various aspects of our existence, we will gain a deeper understanding of how it can manifest in detrimental ways. Through engaging discussions, case studies, and real-life examples, we will explore the following topics: 1. The Power of Unresolved Trauma: We will delve into the profound impact of unresolved traumatic experiences and how they can subtly shape our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. By shedding light on the intricate mechanisms behind these effects, we can begin to dismantle their hold on our lives. 2. Inherited Baggage: Examining the intergenerational transmission of pain, beliefs, and patterns of behavior, we will explore how our ancestors' experiences can unconsciously influence our lives. By recognizing and addressing this inherited baggage, we can break free from destructive cycles and chart our own path. 3. Limiting Beliefs and Self-Sabotage: Uncovering the deeply ingrained beliefs and narratives that stem from past experiences, we will explore how they can become self-fulfilling prophecies, stifling our potential and sabotaging our aspirations. By challenging these beliefs, we can reclaim our personal power and reshape our narratives. 4. Breaking Free: Strategies for Healing and Transformation: This segment will offer practical tools and techniques for healing past wounds, releasing emotional burdens, and cultivating resilience. We will explore approaches such as therapy, mindfulness, self-reflection, and forgiveness to facilitate the process of letting go and embracing personal growth. By the end of this lecture, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the profound influence the past can exert on their lives and how to break free from its negative impact. Armed with newfound knowledge and practical insights, they will be empowered to embark on a transformative journey towards self-discovery, healing, and the creation of a brighter future. Note: This lecture is open to all individuals seeking personal growth and a deeper understanding of the psychological and emotional factors that shape their lives. No prior knowledge or experience is required, only an open mind and a willingness to explore the depths of the past.

**Message Graig in advance for location, usually a pub or beer garden in new cross** Come along and join some fellow writers. We'll write together and chat together. Take two hours to get creative! All you need is yourself and a pen and paper (or laptop) :) You can either work on your own project, or pick one of the provided prompts to fire your imagination.

Come and join us for the first bujo meet up! Bring your journal/planner and favourite supplies and spend a couple of hours working on whatever you want. Whether it's a monthly spread, your weekly, junk journalling or memory keeping, come along and be creative! Just want to finally get this to-do list down on paper and organise your priorities? Join us too, everyone is welcome. We will meet in Maidstone, exact location TBC, I will confirm soon. Please respond whether you are coming at least a day before, but the earlier the better.

Art Journaling is a fun and simple way to incorporate creativity into everyday life. An art journal is a great place to experiment and try out different approaches to art without the pressure of creating a masterpiece. It is an artistic form of self-expression – instead of using words alone; you will be using various media and different art techniques to express your creativity. In a busy world, largely driven by technology, taking time to be creative can often seem frivolous and indulgent. But studies show that creative activities encourage positivity and significantly improve our wellbeing. Art journaling is an effective way to de-stress and practice self-care. Join us for these drop-in sessions in Art journaling with Sai, an experienced teaching artist, avid art journaler and professional calligrapher. From simple mark making to elaborate mixed media art you will learn a variety of new skills; gain confidence in your artistic ability and develop an amazing creative habit that is both enriching and nourishing. Whether you have five minutes or half an hour to spare, Art journaling will inspire you to be creative, practice self-care and reconnect with yourself. Each week we work with different media and techniques. Sai provides some resources, however please bring an art journal and some basic supplies with you. Contact Sai directly to book bluepaletteartstudio@gmail.com

***\-\-\-\-\-\- Welcome\, London R Users\! \-\-\-* This is a paid event *\-\-\-\-\-\-*** **Happy New Year, and welcome to 2026!** We’re excited to kick off 2026 with fresh energy and plenty of R fun ahead! As before, the event will be brought to you by **Datacove**. We are a Data and Analytics Consultancy Team based in Brighton, with experience in founding many well-attended R & Python events. Plus, home of the EARL Conference! We work across multiple streams - from marketing and customer analytics, to bespoke dashboards, process automation, and training! :) We will be supported by the generous team, organised by Matt Nixon, at **Incubeta**, London. Hosted by **Laura Mawer** and **Jeremy Horne** from **Datacove**. ***\-\-\-\-\-\-* !! Please Note !! *\-\-\-\-\-\-*** **This is a paid event.** Your ticket entitles you to pizza and drink options (soft and alcoholic beverages available). As standard, we cater for Vegetarian, Vegan, and GF. Please contact an organiser for any other requirements. **You can book your tickets online through [Ticket Pass](https://ticketpass.org/event/EVXIGF/londonr-january-29th-2026) at a discounted rate:** * **General Admission:** £8 online / £10 at the door * **Student Admission:** £4 online / £5 at the door Students must bring an NUS card or any other form of student ID. Cash and card accepted on the door. ***\-\-\-\-\-\- Talk Information \-\-\-\-\-\-*** ***\-\- Talk One \-\-*** Hannah Choi, Senior Public Health Intelligence Analyst, London Borough of Tower Hamlets Developing EDITH: a local public health team’s journey to build a complex Shiny dashboard Hannah will take us on a whistle-stop tour of the Tower Hamlets Public Health Intelligence Team’s journey to build EDITH - a Shiny dashboard of local-level statistics for public health decision-making. She will cover key methodological and operational challenges, and share reflections on what worked, what didn’t, and the importance of strong team culture and the wider R community. ***\-\- Talk Two \-\-*** Jeremy Horne, Founder & Director, Datacove Your Marketing Analytics Are a Mess - and Google Analytics is the Problem. While Google Analytics remains a powerful tool, relying on it as a single source of truth often leaves major gaps in paid media attribution and performance insight. Jeremy will unpack where GA excels, where it falls short, and why marketers need to look further beyond. This talk will explore how econometrics can provide a more robust, business-focused approach to measuring marketing effectiveness. ***\-\-\-\-\-\- Timing Information \-\-\-\-\-\-*** 6pm: Arrival and greetings from our team. 6:15pm: Food and drinks are served while networking. 6:40pm: Introduction to the event commences. 6:45pm: Talks commence. 8:00pm: Talks conclude. 8:10pm: Networking continues. 8:30pm: Event moves to the local pub. ***\-\-\-\-\-\- Sponsorship Information \-\-\-\-\-\-*** Our event relies heavily on sponsorship from companies that attend. Please contact the organisers or **admin@datacove.co.uk** to get involved. ***\-\-\-\-\-\- Arrival Instructions \-\-\-\-\-\-*** Please arrive at The Bower and locate the reception, where staff will be there to guide you to the correct floor. **What3Words**: magma.clip.achieving ***\-\-\-\-\-\- Registration Etiquette \-\-\-\-\-\-*** At our meetups, the event is sometimes capped by the space. We’re committed to keeping these events accessible for everyone, but to make that possible, we need your help. **Please ensure your registration is kept up to date.** If your plans change, simply update your RSVP to reflect your availability. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Please feel free to spread the word. We look forward to seeing you all again!

Faced with tyranny and violence, can an artist really hope to make a difference? Does human creativity truly have the power to change our world for the better? Ai Weiwei is living proof that it does. Raised in a labour camp and later beaten, surveilled and secretly detained for 81 days without being officially charged by the Chinese state, Weiwei has dedicated his life to the struggle against corruption and oppression of all kinds. As a conceptual artist and activist fighting for justice, he has become an icon in his own lifetime, renowned world-wide for his work promoting freedom of thought and expression, compassion, and humanitarian values. In conversation with internationally renowned journalist Stephen Sackur, Weiwei will share his personal experiences of censorship at the hands of the state, and show us how authoritarian regimes across the globe suppress freedom of thought and expression. Importantly, he will show us how censorship and self-censorship affect liberal, democratic countries in hidden, pernicious ways – and issue a rallying cry against complacency. Those who control the narrative control the future: Ai Weiwei is here to help us fight back. **All tickets to this event include a copy of Ai Weiwei’s new book, *On Censorship* (RRP £12.99).** I’m seating at the Stalls Block E Row: B Seat: 2 After the event, we’ll meet to share impressions at the Red Lion pub in 48 Parliament St. [https://share.google/Ndfpw4Gb5pUq3MOlS](https://share.google/Ndfpw4Gb5pUq3MOlS) You can buy your ticket here: [https://howtoacademy.com/events/ai-weiwei-on-censorship/](https://howtoacademy.com/events/ai-weiwei-on-censorship/) Join me on: [-www.meetup.com/gaia-libros](http://-www.meetup.com/gaia-libros) [-www.meetup.com/gaia-livres](http://-www.meetup.com/gaia-livres) -[www.meetup.com/persian-culture](www.meetup.com/persian-culture) -Instagram: @persian_culture_

**We will be at The Mitre pub in central Greenwich.** This meetup is free and casual. We just sit around for a few hours and write together. Bring a laptop, or use a pen and paper or clay tablet and stylus if that's what works for you. The structure of the session is roughly: 2pm: chat 2:20–3:25: writing time 3:25: chat/coffee break 3:40–4:45 writing time 4:45: chat But our Saturdays are very casual, so feel free to drop in and out. **Our Saturday sessions sometimes rotate location. We're going to stick with the Mitre for now, but do check the location of the specific meetup before signing up. If you arrive later, you may need to ask the bar staff to show you through to the room.**

Let’s meetup at Cafe Istanbul for the last day of Restaurant Week. You get three courses for $30. This is the menu: https://614now.com/rw-menu/cafeistanbul-easton

Hey! I’m Ron K, and I’m excited to welcome you to Neighborhood Boxing Club. Kickstart your fitness journey with a FREE Beginner Class **Class Schedule** **​** **12:30 - 1:00 PM** **Hand Wrapping & Basics Tutorial** **We’ll start with a step-by-step tutorial on wrapping your hands, followed by tips on stance, footwork, and striking to get you feeling confident.** **1:00 - 1:30 PM** **Beginner Boxing Class** **Dive into a high-energy, 30-minute workout on the heavy bags, where you can practice your moves, release stress, and enjoy a great workout.** **1:30 PM** **Q&A & Membership Overview** **Stick around after class to learn about our membership options and ask any questions to help you continue your boxing journey.** **​This is the perfect opportunity to kickstart your boxing journey, enjoy the energy, and join a supportive community. I’m here to help you every step of the way!** Visit The Following Link To Sign Up [https://www.neighborhoodboxingclub.com/freebeginnersclass](https://www.neighborhoodboxingclub.com/freebeginnersclass "https://www.neighborhoodboxingclub.com/freebeginnersclass")

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.

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 grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. If the weather cooperates we will be meeting in the patio. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."

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.

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Crimson Cup Coffee Shop - Clintonville](https://www.crimsoncup.com/about/location/clintonville)!