Knime

**Generative AI for Developers Meetup 2026** ***Building AI Applications with Agentic AI, GenAI Workflows & Multi-Agent Systems*** We’re gearing up for another massive night on **Thursday, 14th May**. We’ve got an incredible lineup of speakers, a hands-on agenda, and our wonderful MC, **Annemarie Boicovitis**, to guide us through the evening. **📅 AGENDA** 1️⃣ **Implementing Voice AI Agents** **David Galtieri (DepthNode)** David has been deep in the trenches implementing AI chatbots for enterprise. He’ll share insights on moving beyond text and the mechanics of deploying production-ready Voice AI. 2️⃣ **Round Table Discussion: Is software engineering dead?** **Featuring event host Dr. George Vossos** A community-wide debate on the existential questions facing developers today. George will be joining the panel to dive into how AI-augmentation is shifting the role of the engineer. 3️⃣ **The New Agentic Skill Set & Hiring Trends** **Joh Leonhardt** Our regular AI futurist breaks down what "agentic skills" actually look like in practice and exactly what the industry is looking for in its next wave of AI hires. 4️⃣ **Zero to markermate.ai: The Reality of Building an AI SaaS** **Ryan Sinnott** One of our founding members, Ryan, tells the "real story" of building and launching his own AI SaaS—the technical hurdles, the pivots, and what it actually takes to get to market. *** Whether you're a seasoned dev or just curious about the agentic future, come for the technical insights and stay for the networking with Melbourne’s AI community. *** 🌍 **Live-streamed globally** — YouTube link shared on the day (EU + US welcome!) \-\-\- **Why attend?** If you’re building (or about to build) agentic AI systems, this is the room where you’ll pick up reusable patterns, avoid common traps, and meet others shipping in the same space - developers, data folks, founders, and technical leaders. RSVP here: https://www.meetup.com/genai-for-developers/

Our regular monthly presentation night on the second Thursday of the month from 6:30pm! Thanks to Mantel Group for hosting us again this month. If you're coming in person we're there with food and drinks from 6pm. We will be live streaming the presentations as usual from 6:30pm at [http://www.melbournecocoaheads.com/live](http://www.melbournecocoaheads.com/live) \-\-\- In an unusual turn of events we have two AI-related talks this month — but I think both will be speaking to the state of our industry and offering perspective on where we are and maybe where we're going. **Agenda** \| 6:00pm \| Food \+ Networking \| \| 6:30pm \| Event begins\. Introductions \| \| 6:40pm \| Andrew Murphy — The five stages of losing our craft \| \| 7:15pm \| Rob Amos \(Bok\) — Forging a Sword Spirit: From AI skeptic to autonomy \| \| 7:55pm \| Wrap up \+ social time at a nearby venue \| \* All times are approximate. Presentation order will be confirmed on the night. \-\-\-\- We are always looking for speakers and believe everyone has an interesting talk hiding inside themselves. If you are interested in letting that talk out at a future event you can get in touch on the website [https://www.melbournecocoaheads.com/talks](https://www.melbournecocoaheads.com/talks) or on Slack.

**Every Thursday \| 6PM \- Late** *🎉 The ultimate weekly tournament for TCG players - new and experienced alike* Win big on booster packs every Thursday night at Card Knights: a weekly TCG tournament night hosted in Fortress’s Arena every Thursday from 6pm. **The Games** In collaboration with [Luna Cards](https://www.lunacards.com.au/), we’ll be running buy-in, swiss-system tournaments for the following games every week: * Flesh and Blood - $15 buy-in, 2 booster packs per entrant * Riftbound - $14 buy-in, 1 booster pack per entrant * Digimon - $14 buy-in, 1 booster pack per entrant * Gundam - $14 buy-in, 1 booster pack per entrant **The Prizes** Guaranteed booster packs just for entering a tournament, courtesy of our friends at [Luna Cards](https://www.lunacards.com.au/). There are also special winner packs for One Piece and Flesh & Blood, plus other exciting prizes to come! **The Cards** Cards, mats and other accessories will be available for purchase on the night (if your deck needs a last-minute boost). **Free Play** Not quite ready to compete? That’s okay! You can hone your skills on our free play tables. **The Venue** Held in our Arena, you’ll enjoy plenty of space, low-volume ambience, and cold beverages while you play. Stay fueled with food and drinks delivered straight to your table - no need to pause the game. Best of all, spending $15 on food or drinks gets you a spin on The Wheel: Your chance to win from a random assortment of trading cards (and other fun prizes). **TERMS & CONDITIONS** * *Fortress is a licensed venue, and as such, a valid ID is required and checked upon entrance to the premises.* * *Unaccompanied minors are not permitted in the venue at any time. Please make sure any guests under 18 are accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.* * *Minors are not allowed in the venue past 8:00 pm* * *No outside food or drinks.* *More information on valid forms of identification and Fortress' minors policy can be found here: [www.fortress.games/minors/](https://www.fortress.games/minors/)*

**Event Confirmation Form (NEW LOCATION)!** ➡️ We kindly request you fill out this **event confirmation form** to confirm your attendance for the event and your dietary requirements - [https://forms.gle/3KHTRMddqW2RXvig9](https://forms.gle/3KHTRMddqW2RXvig9) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ## **What's On? 👀** **Speaker:** Paul McCarty **Title:** Rise of the AI Anti-Patterns **Abstract:** AI full-stack “vibe coding” platforms repeatedly converge on the same default stacks and the same failure modes. When your agent encounters an obstacle, it chooses the easiest path to get around it, which often means doing the bad security thing. If you know where to look, these "bad things" coalesce into several standard "AI anti-patterns". This talk will dive into these anti-patterns and underscore why you need consistent security tooling, because the agent can (and will) make insecure choices to satisfy the prompt. ## **Location** 📍(NEW!) Origin Melbourne M01, Ground Floor 321 Exhibition St Melbourne VIC 3000 ## **Agenda ⏰** * 5:30 - Food is served * 6:15 - Session start * 7:30 - Post-event networking \-\-\- Note: Please complete the event confirmation form: [https://forms.gle/3KHTRMddqW2RXvig9](https://forms.gle/3KHTRMddqW2RXvig9)

We will be continuing our trial of our new venue - 3rd floor of MIT Mahjong at 139 Franklin St, just a short walk from Melbourne Central! Players of all skill levels are welcome, and no experience is needed. Stop by for one game or play for the whole 6 hours. Warmup and casual gaming from 5 to 5:30 pm, and the first timed and recorded game starts at 5:30 pm. If you want to learn how to play, we can teach, and if you already know how, then join our shuffle and monthly leaderboard! The games schedule is: * 5:00 pm - 5:30 pm: Setup, Freeplay * 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm: Game 1 * 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm: Game 2 * 8:30 pm - 10:00 pm: Game 3 * 10:00 pm - 11:00 pm: Freeplay This event has a $10 fee which you can pay on the night. This money is used to pay for our use of the store space, maintaining equipment and other meetup services, and organising larger events open to everyone! Members get a special discount, which you can sign up for on the website links below. We also take photos and videos at our meetups for posting on social media, you may potentially appear in these. Hope to see you all then! *** Scores tracking: [https://scores.vicriichi.org/](https://scores.vicriichi.org/) The mahjong ruleset we play with: [https://www.vicriichi.org/mahjong-meetups#meetup-rules](https://www.vicriichi.org/mahjong-meetups#meetup-rules) Join us on Discord and connect with other jongers! [https://vicriichi.org/discord](https://vicriichi.org/discord)

For May we’ll be reading “The Butcher” by Jennifer Hillier. As always, if you haven’t read the book or finished, please still join us for a wine with some like-minded ladies! I ask that you please only RSVP if you are absolutely committed to attending, and please update ASAP if you decide not to attend. This means that everyone who really wants to come can join us! RSVP OPENS SATURDAY MAY 9 AT 12PM. *Please note the PayPal fee to join is to cover MeetUp admin app costs.

## **KISMETRIX \| True Connection: Singles Dinner Night at Gilbert's Bentleigh** [Ticketed Event](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/may15-singles-dinner-night-feast-drinks-connection-gilberts-bentleigh-tickets-1987889234212?aff=oddtdtcreator) **A SINGLES DINNER NIGHT TO REMEMBER** 📍 **Gilberts — Bentleigh Private Function Room (Upstairs)** 282 Centre Road, Bentleigh 3204 📅 **Friday, 15 May 2026** 🕖 **7:00 PM** **🍽 Shared feast menu included** **🥂 Welcome drink on arrival** **🎫 Age groups: 28–42 · 38–52 · 48–65** \-\-\- AN EVENING OF FOOD, CONNECTION & GENUINE CONVERSATION Some evenings are made for slowing down. For sitting across from someone new, sharing a beautiful meal, and letting conversation unfold naturally — no scripts, no pressure, no swiping. This is Kismetrix Singles Dinner Night — an intimate, hosted dining experience at Gilberts in Bentleigh, where great food meets genuine connection. \-\-\- 🍽 **THE FEAST** Your ticket includes a shared banquet menu designed to bring people together around the table: * Renkon chips with green chilli & soy dipper * Roti bread with peanut sambal & cucumber relish * Steamed wagyu beef & chive dumplings with peanut chilli soy * Chicken & vegetable spring rolls with vermicelli noodles & nuoc cham * Cauliflower fritters with black vinegar & green chilli * Crispy pork bao buns with kimchi, hoisin, sriracha & coriander * Chilli salt chicken ribs with kewpie & hot tamarind dipper * Stir fried hokkien noodles with broccolini, Thai basil & chilli * Green chicken curry with baby corn, asparagus, oyster mushroom & lime leaf Please note: menu items may be subject to change based on seasonal availability. \-\-\- 🥂 **WHAT'S INCLUDED** ✅ Entry to the Kismetrix Singles Dinner Night ✅ Welcome drink on arrival ✅ Full shared banquet feast ✅ Hosted support throughout the evening ✅ A thoughtfully balanced and intimate dining experience Additional drinks available for purchase at the bar. \-\-\- **👥 AGE GROUPS & FLOW** This event is designed for three overlapping age groups: • 28–42 • 38–52 • 48–65 Overlapping ranges allow for natural flexibility and a warm, mixed atmosphere. The evening flows naturally — no rigid rotations, no forced formats. Just genuine connection over a shared meal. \-\-\- 🎯 **WHO THIS NIGHT IS FOR** This event is for singles who: * Appreciate quality food and good company * Want real conversation in a relaxed, intimate setting * Are ready to show up in real life — not behind a screen * Value depth, warmth and genuine human connection Come solo — most people do, and that's exactly the point. \-\-\- [🎟 ](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/may15-singles-dinner-night-feast-drinks-connection-gilberts-bentleigh-tickets-1987889234212?aff=oddtdtcreator)**[TICKETS & PRICING](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/may15-singles-dinner-night-feast-drinks-connection-gilberts-bentleigh-tickets-1987889234212?aff=oddtdtcreator)** 🌟 Early Bird: $90 per person 🎫 General: $99 per person ⏰ Last Minute: $109 per person Tickets are limited to maintain an intimate and balanced experience. Early booking is strongly recommended. Your ticket includes entry, welcome drink on arrival, and the full shared feast. Additional drinks available at the bar. \-\-\- ## 🔔 IMPORTANT NOTES * This is a hosted social dining experience — not speed dating * Shared banquet style — dishes are placed at the table for everyone to enjoy together * Dietary requirements: please contact us at social@kismetrix.com.au before booking * Tickets are non-refundable but transferable * Respect, warmth and good energy are essential \-\-\- **🔗 Stay Connected** 📧 **social@kismetrix.com.au** 🌐[ ](http://www.kismetrix.com.au "http://www.kismetrix.com.au")**[www.kismetrix.com.au](http://www.kismetrix.com.au "http://www.kismetrix.com.au")** 📱 @kismetrix_ on **[Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/kismetrix_/ "https://www.instagram.com/kismetrix_/") & [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559826808523 "https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559826808523")** By registering you confirm you have read and agree to Kismetrix \| True Connection's Terms & Conditions\, Privacy Policy\, Disclaimer and Code of Conduct\.

Hello and welcome back to all our past members and welcome to our new members! This is going to be our **last meetup on Meetup.com**, as some of you know we are moving away from the platform. It has become quite expensive **(around $600 per year!)**, and we’ve also had issues with the software with members being removed, which made it hard to stay in touch with everyone, which is why for most of you this would be first time in a while that you've heard from us. Nevertheless, 12 years of minimalist meetups are not going to come to stop - we will still keep going but via the simple and free email list! So if you are still interested in Melbourne Minimalist Meetups please reply with your best email address or email me on **nyamkab@protonmail.com** *(Sorry for those who I have already messaged about this, we've been having some issues with this platform).* So for one last time this month we'll come together to discuss minimalism, with a focus on **frugal winter hobbies** given the increase in costs and decrease in temperature. It would be great to share and learn from each other about what gives us joy and meaning during fall and winter. As usual we will also have a **swap & declutter,** so bring anything you no longer need/want that is still in good condition. Anything that is not wanted will be donated at the opshop at the end of the event. Looking forward to seeing you! Nyamka & Aidan

🌟 **A new one-on-one, personality-based connection experience** Many of you have been asking about structured events and if I’d ever bring them back. Well… here it is - a new version, more intentional, and built around something I care about : **matching people based on personality.** Over the years, I’ve seen how hard it can be to find people you truly click with as adults. Small talk goes nowhere, and most events don’t give you the space for real conversation. 💫 **What to Expect** This is not speed dating, and it’s not a big mixer. It’s a curated, one-on-one connection experience where you’ll meet a few people who’ve been matched to you based on personality and vibe. Expect: * A cosy, comfortable venue * A hosted structure so you’re never left awkwardly standing around * A series of guided one-on-one conversations * A relaxed atmosphere where you can genuinely be yourself * This is not dating focused event, there will be a seperate one for dating Each conversation is designed to feel natural — because the match is based on compatibility Get your tickets here - https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/1988143914969?aff=oddtdtcreator 🧭 **Before the Event** Once you get your Eventbrite ticket, you’ll receive a **short personality test (If you have already taken the test at a previous event you don't need to do it again)**. It takes only a few minutes but helps us understand your communication style, energy, and compatibility factors. This is how we curate meaningful one-on-one pairings for the event. 🌿 **Come Join Us** If you’re tired of small talk and ready to meet people who truly fit your personality, this is for you. A warm, intentional space created for deeper conversations and genuine chemistry - whether it becomes friendship, something romantic, or just a surprisingly great chat. RSVP now — spots are kept limited to ensure quality one-on-one time.

**—— Details ——** We will meet at the starting point, take round trip around the Tan and a short stroll inside the botanical garden. BYO coffee/ water bottle. Dress for outdoor walk. Come along & simply say, "Hi, it's my first time joining the group event." or ask the organiser to introduce you. You can take it slow and start from there. If you enjoy the conversations, take the initative to invite others to hang out over a bite/ drink after. **\-\-\- Running Late \-\-\-** If you are running late, please message at least 30 mins in advance. We will wait up to 15 mins before heading off. We won't be able to keep track of messages once we start. **\-\-\- RSVP / Change of Plan \-\-\-** Change of plan or decide not to attend is absolutely okay. Please do update your RSVP to "NO", so others can have the opportunity to attend. **\-\-\- Intro \-\-\-** Kudos 2 Friends is a Melbourne based community created for individuals who are looking to expand their social circle and form long term friendship overtime. Join us on a fun journey as we explore cafes, restaurants and bars, including drinks, meals, outings, hiking, sporting, chilling, etc. Above all, we’d like to celebrate the importance of friendships. So if you are looking to expand your social circle and explore new adventures and venues in Melbourne, come join us! **\-\-\- Heylo App \-\-\-** We use Heylo App for more fluid communication, including ideas, interest groups, questions etc. Please download the Heylo app from the App store and let the organizer know if you would like to be added to the Heylo Group at the event. We will send an invite to attendees to the group. (give us some time) **\-\-\- Rules \-\-\-** Admin will only add members to the group with a clear profile picture. (No hidden behind sunglasses, masks, drawings) **You might be removed from the group in the case of…** * no show * without a clear profile picture * anti-social behaviour (i.e. acts rude / disrespectful regularly) * take advantage of individuals for personal gain(s) **\-\-\- Privacy \-\-\-** Do not disclose your contact number in this post comment. We will delete your comment/info as soon as we see it to protect your privacy.

There have been some requests in the group for an afternoon tea, so here’s a really unique one! Oxi Tea Room was awarded one Hat this year and delivers an incredible afternoon tea experience. Here’s an example video of one of their previous menus: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIA3AtEh4bf/?igsh=MW5lN3ZmaGxkeHFwag== The new menu titled ‘Hatched - The Loop’ has just been released (menu here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cO4e2-mPF2ZE_C6Pce3FTallVZGlP1nJ/view) and I have booked this for 6 Fine Diners to enjoy from 12pm on Sunday 17 May. The price is $128 per person and includes a tea and a welcome drink. You can purchase additional teas/drinks on the day if you wish. 

Join the waitlist to express interest. Once I have names in the waitlist, I’ll send you a ‘Meetup Message’ to confirm you have a spot and how to pay. You’ll need to send me the full cost of $128 to secure your place as this is charged for cancellations. Once paid I’ll move you from the waitlist to going. Please check that you don’t have your settings blocking messages; if I can’t contact you I’ll have to move on to the next person. Also if you don’t respond to my message within 3 days, I’ll let you know that I’m offering the seat to the next person on the waitlist. 

Thanks and I’m looking forward to trying this beautiful-looking afternoon tea with you!

**💖 Real Rounds Real People connecting North Melbourne People — Age Grouped** As a participant, you'll go through rapid one-on-one Zoom dates with North Melbourne people compatibility-matched and age-grouped, while the host manages transitions so you can focus on the person in front of you. Prior to the event, you complete a brief compatibility form — your personality data from the quiz to ensure your North Melbourne rounds are more than just random, which makes every round worth having. Once the event finishes, your mutual matches are disclosed — only when both of you selected each other — and you are in control of what happens next. **Choose your age range and claim your spot:** - **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=500.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=North%20Melbourne&groupurlname=the-sociable-singles-meaningful-adventure-network&ar=18-32&face_v=4.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=500.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=North%20Melbourne&groupurlname=the-sociable-singles-meaningful-adventure-network&ar=30-46&face_v=4.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=500.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=North%20Melbourne&groupurlname=the-sociable-singles-meaningful-adventure-network&ar=40-58&face_v=4.0) - **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=500.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=North%20Melbourne&groupurlname=the-sociable-singles-meaningful-adventure-network&ar=55+&face_v=4.0) **⚠️ Your seat is not locked yet:** Clicking rsvp is only the first step not the whole process, so select your bracket link, complete the registration form, and finish the personality quiz — places are finite so do not leave it to the last minute, and both steps together are what confirm your place. --- **You will love this if:** - Anyone at all from the North Melbourne area finished with matches that ghost after two messages and are after something more than a swipe can offer. - Professionals within North Melbourne bored of shallow connections that never lead anywhere and want to try something that actually works. - Women and men who live in North Melbourne who have had enough of swiping with nothing to show for it and are ready for a genuine first impression. **Here is how the evening goes** 1. **Select your age range** – via the link for your age group above, then complete the matching quiz, because registration and quiz together hold your seat. 2. **Show up on Zoom** – via your Zoom registration link at the right time, phone tablet or laptop all work equally well, and everything runs on the host's schedule from that point. 3. **Date** – focused private rounds with North Melbourne locals selected for your age group, as the host signals round starts and ends, because no round here is random — everyone was selected. 4. **Collect your mutual matches** – once it wraps we notify both sides of any mutual selection, with non-mutual picks remaining completely private, and the follow-up is yours to manage however feels right. **At a Glance** - **Format:** Structured over Zoom structured around guided private rounds, matched thoughtfully by age and personality data throughout. - **Where:** Fully remote — from whatever device you have handy, the only requirement is a device with a camera and internet, and at home or wherever you are most relaxed is fine. - **Host:** A dedicated host takes care of all the logistics from beginning to end, which makes the whole thing feel effortless — from opening to close everything is taken care of. - **Vibe:** Warm personal date rounds with locals from North Melbourne who skipped the apps, and the rounds go faster than you would think. - **Duration:** Somewhere around 75 minutes or so from opening to close, with most rounds feeling short. 💡 **Useful tip:** grab a glass of water before you start, which takes the pressure off in the early rounds, since everything else is taken care of by the host. --- ✨ Your next match could be one Zoom call away — lock in your spot above and you are in tonight. First round nerves always fade fast. 🎯 ✨

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 :)

THE TIME IS NOW. While we celebrate the 1500 beagles getting released from Ridglan, there is still work to be done! To gather more participants and momentum, we are transitioning the rally to May 23rd to fight for the approximately 23,000 dogs trapped in Marshall BioResources in NY. We are also targeting NIH who funds institutions who buy beagles for testing. **Attend the Rally: We will peacefully gather with signs, posters, and positive energy. Bring your friends and share widely!** **Location: Bethesda, MD on 355 near the NIH Metro, any changes will be noted. 1 pm-3 pm**

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

To Celebrate DC Anime Club’s 23rd Anniversary DC Anime Club members will meet up at Okaeri Japanese Cafe & Anime1701 Rockville Pike # B1, Rockville, MD 20852. on Saturday June 6. 2026 from 2pm-5pm. Members are encourage to wear family friendly cosplay but no weapons ,DC Anime Club Jackets and or DC Anime Club T Shirts. We hope to see you there.

**We're celebrating Andrew Reed's birthday!!! It's the big 6-0!!! We're heading to Jimmy's after to continue the celebration.** **Pop, Rock, Dance and Top - UTC has it COVERED!** **Hailing from Baltimore, these 5 young gents will turn up any audience with their top hits coupled with the most explosive stage performance in the Mid-Atlantic Region. Charismatic frontman, Brian Bourne, finds the pulse of the crowd early and engages them often for truly interactive, unique and personal experience. Come find out what the hype is all about.** **We will meet by the beer tent.**

Speaker: Dr. Priya Parrotta is an environmental historian, composer, singer, and author. She is the founder and director of Music & the Earth International, an academic and artistic initiative that explores and celebrates the role of music in fostering cross-border environmental dialogue. She is a Senior Fellow at the Safina Center, a nominee for the United States Artists Fellowship, and an elected Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. How are living beings transformed into sources of profit? What can we, as humans, do to reverse this process? Priya Parrotta, PhD, will explore these questions in a presentation which weaves together historical research on beach tourism and original music dedicated to the well-being of all life. She will present lessons and inspiration for the vegan movement from the fight for life on the world’s tropical coastlines. Join your fellow animal lovers and DC Animal Protection to discuss what’s happening in the animal advocacy scene in DC! This series is a weekly meetup, with guest speakers from all of the major animals rights orgs. We’ll host non-profits such as Pro-Animal Future, International Council for Animal Welfare, DC Voters for Animals, The Humane League, Mercy for Animals and Direct Action Everywhere as well as local grassroots groups like the DC Coalition Against Foie Gras and sanctuaries. We’ll also have special sessions related to health, nutrition and mindfulness! We encourage anyone who is interested in helping animals to attend- no need to be vegan! Come learn about our rich variety of local activism. With protests, outreach, wheat-pasting, signature collecting, leafletting, lobbying, tabling etc. there’s something to match everyone’s comfort level and skill set. Coffee, bagels and community will be provided! Feel free to bring any extra treats to share (no animal products please.) Hope to see you soon! :) Note: Unfortunately, animals are not allowed at our venue. Please leave your furry friends at home.

Come join us at Nova Labs for our monthly lockpicking meeting! We meet every third Wednesday at the Nova Labs Fairfax location at 3850 Jermantown Road. Learn about locks, lockpicking, lock modifications, and even lock smithing in our classroom environment. No tools, skills, or knowledge required, but feel free to bring any of those things with you! Our meetings are overseen by one or more locksmiths.