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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Check out kong events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.
Discover all the kong events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
Absolutely! Find kong events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.
Kong Events Today
Join in-person Kong events happening right now
7km hike from Utrecht Lunetten to Amelisweerd-Rhijnauwen and back
🌿 Join us for a beautiful 7km hike through Amelisweerd-Rhijnauwen on Saturday 14th of March! ✨
Starting from Utrecht Lunetten station, we’ll explore forest paths, cross charming bridges, and follow the scenic Kromme Rijn river. Along the way, we'll pass the stunning Landhuis Nieuw-Amelisweerd, historic Oud-Amelisweerd, and the famous pancake spot Theehuis Rhijnauwen, before making our way back via a picturesque towpath.
Utrecht Hiking Community is not about fast hiking, but about social hiking. Everyone can join: beginners, more advanced hikers, students, professionals, locals, expats, etc. Every month we organise one hike in a different location each month, so you may explore places where you haven't been before. And if you have been somewhere before already, it's still a good opportunity to be active and to get to know some fellow hiking enthusiasts.🚶♂️
🔔 Tips: Wear comfy walking shoes, bring water, and check the weather. In case of bad weather, the hike may be postponed, so please look for any latest updates on the day before the hike.
Please try to arrive to Utrecht Lunetten train station in time. We want to depart around 10.30AM, so try to be there before that time. Are unforeseen circumstances causing you to arrive later? Then please contact us via WhatsApp on +31621177691. We won't make the whole group wait for you, but we can share our location with you so you can come after us.
There are no toilets at Utrecht Lunetten train station. Therefore please visit a restroom before arrival.
For those coming by car, there's a small free parking lot directly next to Utrecht Lunetten train station, address: Furkaplateau 2.
Dogs are allowed on this route, but need to be kept on a leash during parts of the route. The route is not suitable for people with strollers.
For those who like to, there is the option to go for drinks/lunch in the shopping center of Lunetten afterwards.
Organising our monthly hikes comes with some costs (travel costs, yearly MeetUp subscription). Therefore we would be very glad for any donations to support us via this link: [https://www.ing.nl/payreq/m/?trxid=zXP3ACEFu2KEgnjtqUPIb7BeSr44EGBL](https://www.ing.nl/payreq/m/?trxid=zXP3ACEFu2KEgnjtqUPIb7BeSr44EGBL)
For an impression of this and previous hike, find us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/utrecht.hiking.community
See you on Saturday 14th of March!
NS‑Wandeling Utrechtse Heuvelrug route
🌸🥾 Hello Hikers! Spring has officially sprung—let’s get back to nature and shake off the winter blues!
We’re hiking the **NS‑Wandeling Utrechtse Heuvelrug route**, a stunning **15.5 km point-to-point trail** from Driebergen-Zeist → Maarn. 🌿✨
📍 **Start:** Driebergen-Zeist train Station
⏰ **When:** Saturday\, 14 March \| Hike starts **11:00 AM** (please arrive 10–15 min early to gear up!) We’ll wait 15 minutes for everyone (11:15 AM) and then share our **live location** in the WhatsApp group for anyone joining late.
🥾 **Distance:** 15.5 km
☕ **After-hike plan:** We’ll finish at Maarn train station, where we can grab a celebratory drink or snack before heading home.
👀 **What to Expect**
* Beautiful estates: Groot Heidestein and Bornia
* The iconic Pyramide van Austerlitz
* Rolling forest paths and open heathlands
* A classic, popular Dutch trail perfect for a weekend escape
* Optional photo stops at scenic viewpoints
*
**Getting there:**
* Train to Driebergen-Zeist Station (excellent connections)
* Limited parking at the station area; public transport is highly recommended
🎒 **What to Bring**
* Hiking shoes with good traction (note: some paths may be muddy!)
* Plenty of water
* Snacks and lunch for a midway break
* Layered clothing and a waterproof jacket
⚠️ **Disclaimers**
* Everyone is responsible for their own safety
* The organizer is not responsible for personal injuries, transportation issues, health problems, loss, or damage
* Hike at your own pace; the trail can be slippery after rain – wear proper footwear
📲 **WhatsApp group** for hike updates & carpool coordination: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/EmzXm6TxZ9lJfwdQZ20x4T](https://chat.whatsapp.com/EmzXm6TxZ9lJfwdQZ20x4T)
🔗 **Join our WhatsApp group** for future events: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/FMIoNQ1ovkO4sYEkWPZP92](https://chat.whatsapp.com/FMIoNQ1ovkO4sYEkWPZP92)
📸 **Instagram** to share photos: [https://www.instagram.com/arezoo_hike?igsh=cWFrb2xkanR1cXFh&utm_source=qr](https://www.instagram.com/arezoo_hike?igsh=cWFrb2xkanR1cXFh&utm_source=qr)
Let’s hike, celebrate the arrival of spring, and enjoy nature together! 🌲✨
💦🥾 Walk Through Water Hike 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Gather, water-walking wonders and anti-monarchs! 💧✨
This time we’re trading sandy drama for liquid realness with the fabulous Walk Through Water Hike at Fort de Roovere - because nothing says queer confidence like literally strutting through water without ruining your eyeliner.
Inspired by the iconic sunken pathway of the Mozesbrug (yes babes, we are parting waters now), this 18 km adventure serves forests, historic fortifications, dreamy polder views, and enough reflective surfaces to contemplate your life choices.
Come prepared to walk on water, spill tea responsibly, and prove once again that queer joy flows in every direction. 🌈🚶♀️💦
**Practical info**
📏 **Distance:** \ 18km (5h)
📍 **Start & end:** Station Bergen op Zoom (circular-ish route)
🥾 **Difficulty:** moderate to hard - quite a long distance!
*🤝🏼 Meeting point*: **Utrecht Centraal** (underneath the light cloud)
*🕙 Gathering time*: **10:15**
*🚆 Travel schedule*: Train to **Den Bosch** (direction Maastricht) at **10:39** (platform 18) ➡️ arrival at **Den Bosch** station at **11:06** ➡️Train to **Bergen op Zoom** (direction Vlissingen) at **11:11** ➡️ arrival in Bergen op Zoom at **12:15**
❗You can also travel on your own from another direction and meet us along the way or in Den Bosch or Bergen op Zoom.
🚗 If you come by car, you can park around Bergen op Zoom station.
🚶🏾After a round of introductions, we start walking around **12:20**
🏁 We expect to arrive back in Bergen op Zoom around 17:00, from where we will take the train back. We might head for dinner or drinks first if there’s interest.
Pack your:
🥾 sturdy shoes
🍱 lunch box & snacks
🚰 water
🧥 rain coat/umbrella
☀️ sun screen
🏳️🌈 anything else you might need
❌ If you signed up and cannot make it in the end, please cancel your RSVP attendance so we know how many people will show up and someone else can take your place instead.
💗 A voluntary donation helps us to keep the Meetup group up and running :) you can either pay via a Tikkie or in cash after we finish the hike.
*Hiking Queers Netherlands*
March Bowling!
A fun evening full of oooohh's and aaahhh’s and this is why: https://youtu.be/9Usnkt4mEvM
It’s all about having fun, so don’t worry if this is your first or second time playing. We will help you and we always cheer every player to victory so everyone has a great experience.
Pls be aware - paid event - read all information!
I reserved 4 lanes for 1,5 hrs, so we play from 20.00 - 21.30
Since I have to pay in advance I ask anyone that joins to pay their part as well in advance.
If you join the list for this event, please transfer 15 euros immediately or make someone on the waiting list happy by giving your spot to him or her.
I will sent a tikkie or publish it in the comments. Your spot is only confirmed after payment. No pay. No play.
Please note that there is no refund for cancellation, since I have reserved bowlinglanes and have to pay full price wheter we are with 10 people or 3 people.
In case you can't make it, I suggest you find someone to take your spot and he or she pays you the money back. If someone on the waiting list takes your spot then a refund is possible. If someone takes your place, pls let me know in advance.
Pls be on time. We start bowling at 8 pm sharp. So be there at least 15 minutes early since u need to change shoes and maybe want to get a drink at the bar.
After the bowling we usually go to a café in the city for drinks but if u feel like going home this is ofcourse also okay.
Bootcamp session for all levels!
Please bring a towel and wear comfortable sports clothing! See you on saturday for a good session!
La Cumbipeña - Latin and Argentinean cultural event
💃 Southern winds arrive at La Cumbipeña 💫
On Saturday, March 14, we welcome Juani & Friends from Andalucía, bringing flute, voice and special guests ✨🪈🪇
[@juana_justicia_flute](https://www.instagram.com/juana_justicia_flute/)
An evening inspired by shared roots and music that moves both heart and body. 😉
💃 Sevillanas Dance Workshop by [@yasminunfer](https://www.instagram.com/yasminunfer/)
Simple, joyful and open to everyone. No experience needed.
🎶 Live music
🎤 Open Mic
📍 Café Averechts, Utrecht
🕗 20:00 to 23:00
💰 Donations welcome
Come dance, connect and share community love 💙
Everyone is welcome.
Lxs esperamos! 🙂
Kong Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
Real Estate #3: Kasteel Broekhuizen — A Country Estate of Ruins & Hidden Stories
**Sunday, March 15th – 13:00**
**Meeting point:** Bus stop *Donderberg*, Leersum
For the third edition of **Real Estate**, our series dedicated to exploring some of the most fascinating villas, estates and historic residences in the Netherlands, we head to the green heart of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug to discover **Kasteel Broekhuizen**.
Hidden among forests and rolling landscapes near Leersum, Broekhuizen is a country estate with **medieval roots and a turbulent history**. Over the centuries, it has known periods of prosperity, destruction and reconstruction — and today it stands as a quiet witness to how history, landscape and architecture continuously reshape each other.
During our walk, we’ll explore the **estate and its surrounding park**, uncovering stories about:
* the rise and fall of the estate
* its phases of destruction and rebuilding
* hidden corners and forgotten traces in the landscape
* and the role of the **Van Nellesteyn family** in shaping its history
This is not just a visit to a beautiful country house, but a journey through **layers of time**, where nature and history are deeply intertwined.
### Practical information
* **Walk length:** approx. 3.4 km
* The route goes through parkland and forest paths, so comfortable shoes are recommended.
### After the walk
We’ll finish at **Bistro LOF**, the café/restaurant located within the castle estate itself, where we can enjoy a drink together — and for those who wish, also stay for something to eat — in a setting that perfectly complements the atmosphere of the place.
A hidden estate.
A story of loss and renewal.
A walk through history in the landscape.
🌸 Online Women’s Circle | Meditation & Journaling – Relax the Belly
🌸 **Free online gathering**
**Next circle: March 15**
After this, we will continue meeting on the **first Sunday of each month**.
A space to begin the month by returning to yourself.
This women’s circle is an invitation to give yourself one hour to pause, slow down, and reconnect with your body, your inner voice, and other women. A simple and caring commitment: beginning the month with meditation and journaling in community.
You can think of it as a small personal ritual, creating the habit of listening to yourself, writing, and setting intentions for the month ahead.
We meet online on Sunday afternoons to gently transition into a new week and a new month, creating a moment of presence, reflection, and intention.
During this 1-hour session we will explore:
✨ a guided meditation to arrive in the body
✨ a journaling practice to connect with what is alive in you
✨ a space for sharing, where you are welcome to speak or simply listen
No previous experience is needed. You are welcome just as you are.
Please have a notebook and a pen nearby, and join from a quiet space where you won’t be interrupted during the session.
You are welcome to join once, or come back each month. The choice is yours.
The first circles are offered for free in order to create community and open this space to more women.
Participants who register for the event will receive the **Google Meet link** before the circle begins.
It will be lovely to welcome you into this space 🌿
Offline Hangout
**Zin om even helemaal offline te gaan voor een avond?**
Doe mee met onze offline hangout. Of je nu alleen komt of samen, je maakt gegarandeerd nieuwe connecties!
**Wat kan je verwachten:**
🎨 Speel (bord)spelletjes, knutsel of relax met een goed boek
📚 Een nostalgische avond in een gezellig café
🎈 Ontmoet nieuwe mensen op de ouderwetse manier
📰 Schrijf met onze vintage typemachines
Gratis entree!
**Waar?**
LE:EN (Heuveloord 140, Utrecht)
**Wanneer?**
Zondag, 15 maart (vanaf 18:00)
*PS: vóór onze Offline Hangout is er live muziek, dus voel je vrij om al wat eerder te komen!*
Brunch Social Utrecht: Make New Friends
⚠️ **IMPORTANT: You must sign up and buy a ticket here to attend:**
[https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/)
**Join the Utrecht** **Brunch Club and make new friends!**
Each meetup brings together 4–6 people for casual conversations over Brunch. We use the Groupvibe platform to facilitate the meetup and ensure everyone’s a good fit.
**To attend, you’ll need to complete registration via this link:**
[https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/)
We’ll share the exact location of the upcoming meetup the night before only if you have bought a ticket or membership plan.
**Why this works:**
\* Smaller groups make real conversations easier.
\* Discover new restaurants in your city, together.
\* Curated Brunch venues with good food and vibe.
\* If you hit it off with your group, there’s plenty of time to hang out afterwards.
**Note:**
RSVPs on Meetup don’t reflect total attendance. Many attendees register directly via our website. The event on [Meetup.com](http://meetup.com/) is only a placeholder.
This meetup is organized by Groupvibe, a small team passionate about helping people form meaningful friendships offline.
Weekly Anime Night - Winter Session #5
**☃️ Weekly Anime Night - Winter Season ☃️**
Your friendly neighbourhood anime club is there to get you through those cold days. We are continuing with **Frieren: Beyond Journey's End Season 2**!
📅 **Event Series Details**
**Dates: March 15th**
**Time: 19:00–21:00**
**Location:** Buurtcentrum De Speler, Thorbeckelaan 18, 3551 BR, Utrecht
🎬 **What’s the Plan This Week?**
1. Before we start watching, enjoy chats with other joiners, meet new people and get comfortable to start the show!
2. **Frieren: Beyond Journey's End Season 2 - episode 7**
3. Break – Grab a drink, chat, and stretch those legs.
4. **Frieren: Beyond Journey's End Season 2 - episode 8**
5. Closing & Hangout – Let’s talk reactions, highlights, opinions, hot takes, and everything in between!
**🎒 What Should You Bring?**
Your favorite snacks and drinks (not provided)
Your love for anime
Friends, or just your awesome self – all are welcome!
🎟️ **Free & Open to All!**
This is a non-commercial, community-driven event created by fans, for fans. Whether you’re new to anime or a seasoned otaku, there’s a seat on the couch for you.
🎌 **About Utrecht Anime Club**
U.A.C. is an ever-growing group of collaborative and diverse people. Our goal is to bring people together from all across Utrecht (and beyond!), to create cozy and inclusive events in which we share our love of anime.
🔍 **Questions?**
Drop them in the event chat – we’re happy to help!
Come for the anime, stay for the laughs, finale vibes, and great people.
See you there! ✨🎥🍿
☕️ Chat & Craft 🧶
Join in for a morning of crafting & chatting over a drink. Just bring your own project and payment for drinks.
Meet fellow crafting enthusiasts, whether it's knitting, crocheting, stitching, origami, or something more unique!
We talk about our projects, exchange tipps, but also just get to know each other and enjoy a relaxed Sunday morning in good company.
All ages, levels and crafts welcome! And don't be shy, we have newcomers most weeks!
**We have limited space at the café, so if you've RSVPd and can't make it, please cancel as early as possible so another person can join!**
We now also have a WhatsApp group, where we want to organise get-togethers and other events. Ask one of the organisers at the next Meetup you join for more information and access.
Kong Events Near You
Connect with your local Kong community
Indianapolis Online Speed Dating for Long-Term Relations
**💕 Indianapolis Virtual Speed Dating – A Hosted, Newcomer-Friendly Experience!**
**🔴 KEY NOTICE: RSVP ≠ Guaranteed Entry!**
You must sign up via your age group link below AND finish the personality quiz. This is required to take part. **Limited places** – register right away to avoid missing out!
**🎯 Pick Your Age Group & Sign Up Now:**
- **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=390&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Indianapolis&groupurlname=alpine-frost-love-thaw&ar=18-32&face_v=3.0)
- **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=390&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Indianapolis&groupurlname=alpine-frost-love-thaw&ar=30-46&face_v=3.0)
- **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=390&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Indianapolis&groupurlname=alpine-frost-love-thaw&ar=40-58&face_v=3.0)
- **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=390&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Indianapolis&groupurlname=alpine-frost-love-thaw&ar=55+&face_v=3.0)
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🙌 **Brand new to speed dating?** You've found the perfect starting point! Think of it as the most relaxed first date you'll ever have – from your sofa, with a host keeping things lively, and a room of Indianapolis singles who are just as eager (and perhaps just as nervous) as you.
🎯 **Perfect for:**
- Singles who feel uneasy about meeting in person and prefer starting from home
- Working professionals who prioritise their time and comfort
- Singles who feel most at ease connecting from home first
- First-time speed daters excited to try something different
- Remote workers who enjoy the flexibility of virtual meetups
**Event Details**
- **Format:** Zoom video session – interactive, personal, and inviting
- **Location:** Anywhere you have Wi-Fi – your sofa, your café, your pick
- **Host:** Encouraging facilitator experienced in helping first-timers enjoy speed dating
- **Vibe:** Welcoming, judgement-free conversations with singles from the Indianapolis area
**How It Works**
1. **Select Your Session** – Pick the age group that suits you and claim your spot.
2. **Answer a Few Quick Questions** – Our quiz helps pair you with compatible Indianapolis singles.
3. **Join the Zoom Session** – Log in from home and greet your host. We’ll take care of the rest!
4. **Start Chatting** – Short, timed conversations with compatible Indianapolis singles. No awkward pauses!
5. **Connect After the Event** – Mutual matches are shared so you can keep the conversation going.
⭐ *"I nearly didn't sign up because I was anxious. So happy I did – best choice I've made!"* – First-time speed dater
**Frequently Asked Questions**
**What if I'm shy or introverted?**
You're in exactly the right place! The virtual format and hosted conversations make it comfortable and easy for everyone.
**What's the personality quiz for?**
It helps us pair you with compatible people so your conversations are more likely to hit it off!
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✨ Stop waiting for the ideal moment. This is it. Meet Indianapolis singles this evening! 💘 ✨
Dinner After the Movie: Dinner at FUGU SUSHI After Project Hail Mary!
A great movie deserves a great dinner! Join us after PROJECT HAIL MARY for another fun and tasty dinner at a CMG-favorite restaurant, FUGU SUSHI! RSVPs are limited for the dinner portion of this event! Here are complete details:
FUGU SUSHI: Fugu Sushi offers a truly authentic experience that keeps customers (and the Movie Group) coming back for more. They offer an extensive menu with a delightful array of options and something for everyone! From their top-rated sushi, to tasty appetizers, soups, salads, bento boxes, tempura, delicious teriyaki dishes (including chicken, shrimp, salmon, tofu, vegetable and more), and vegetarian and vegan options, you’ll be certain to find something you love!
MENU: https://www.fugusushicolumbus.com/menus
RSVP: An RSVP here means you're signed up for the DINNER portion of this event. Seating is limited. If you also plan to join for the movie, please also RSVP in the separate event listing for the movie portion of this event. For the movie, we'll meet in the theater lobby at 2:10pm for the 2:30pm SuperScreen DLX showing. Advance ticket purchase for the movie is advised. Please RSVP in both events, if you plan to attend the movie and dinner.
Look forward to seeing you there, Dan
Detroit Online Speed Dating for Long-Term Relations
**💘 Speed Dating at Home – A Friendly, Inclusive Space for First Timers!**
**⚠️ HEADS UP: Clicking RSVP Isn't Enough!**
You **must** sign up through one of the links below and finish the short personality quiz to confirm your place. Choose your age range and register now – **places are limited and fill quickly!**
**👇 Select Your Age Group & Claim Your Place:**
- **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=390&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Detroit&groupurlname=alpine-frost-love-thaw&ar=18-32&face_v=3.0)
- **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=390&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Detroit&groupurlname=alpine-frost-love-thaw&ar=30-46&face_v=3.0)
- **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=390&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Detroit&groupurlname=alpine-frost-love-thaw&ar=40-58&face_v=3.0)
- **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=390&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Detroit&groupurlname=alpine-frost-love-thaw&ar=55+&face_v=3.0)
---
🌈 **Searching for real, genuine connections?** This event was built for you! This Zoom-hosted speed dating experience takes the anxiety out of meeting someone new. You'll have short, structured rounds with friendly Detroit singles – all from wherever you're most at ease.
🎯 **Perfect for:**
- Singles who value a guided, hosted dating format
- Singles searching for authentic connections beyond the apps
- Curious newcomers eager to give speed dating a shot
- Introverts who thrive in one-on-one conversations
- Remote workers who enjoy the flexibility of virtual meetups
**Event Details**
- **Format:** Zoom gathering – real-time chats in a chill online space
- **Location:** Your own space – the comfiest date venue you could ask for
- **Host:** Friendly, professional host focused on making everyone comfortable
- **Vibe:** Warm, authentic conversations with Detroit locals searching for real connection
- **Matching:** Driven by our personality quiz for stronger compatibility
- **Rounds:** Several short rounds so you can meet plenty of people
- **Dress code:** Smart casual – look sharp, feel great!
- **Tech:** All you need is Zoom, a webcam, and a friendly smile
**How It Works**
1. **Register** – Click the sign-up link for your age bracket above.
2. **Take the Personality Quiz** – We’ll pair you with compatible Detroit singles for the best evening possible.
3. **Connect via Zoom** – No setup required. Just click the link and you’re good to go!
4. **Enjoy the Conversations** – Every round is timed and hosted so each chat feels easy and fun.
5. **Your Results** – Check your matches and take the next step with someone special.
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✨ Real people, real conversations, real connections – all from your living room. 💓 ✨
From Idea to Working App in Minutes: The Agentic Development with Amazon Kiro
Discover Kiro, AWS’s innovative development environment that adapts to your workflow. Whether you prefer specification-driven development or a more intuitive, vibe-based approach, Kiro empowers you to build applications your way.
In this session, speakers will explore Kiro’s core functionality and its evolution through re:Invent 2025, along with demonstrations of prompts used to create APIs, hooks, and steering documents.
In the latter part of the session, watch as we build a complete example from scratch, showcasing Kiro’s agentic AI workflow in action for spec-driven development and vibe coding.
What You'll Learn - Core Kiro concepts and development philosophy
Feature evolution: pre and post re:Invent 2025
Practical examples: API creation, hooks, and steering docs
Live coding demonstration with real-time problem solving
Who Should Attend - Developers, solutions architects, and technical leaders interested in modern AWS development tools and AI-assisted coding workflows.
**Speakers Bio:**
Matthew Jorat: Matthew Jorat is a Customer Solutions Manager at AWS with nearly three decades of expertise in AI, cloud transformation, migration, modernization, IT, technology, and business. His career spans infrastructure engineer, solutions architect, security auditor, customer success director, support and services director, and operations officer. He was an early adopter of AWS services as a customer, and his current role at AWS uniquely blends his technical and business skills as he partners with executive teams to translate strategic priorities into measurable business outcomes through cloud adoption, AI implementation, and operational excellence. Matt leads end-to-end AI initiatives for enterprise customers, identifying high-impact use cases and maintaining relentless focus on measurable ROI. He holds eight AWS certifications and serves as Adjunct Professor at Franklin University teaching cloud computing and AWS architecture. His expertise encompasses GenAI, agentic AI systems, migration, modernization, and optimization strategies that drive transformation at scale.
[https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattjorat/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattjorat/)
Girish Bhatia: Girish Bhatia is a seasoned technology delivery leader with deep expertise in cross-domain program management. He holds multiple AWS certifications, including AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate, AWS Certified Developer – Associate, and AWS Generative AI Practitioner, and is also an AWS Community Builder. Girish brings over two decades of experience in the information technology industry.
Throughout his career, Girish has led major technology-driven business transformation from modernizing on-premises applications to driving large-scale cloud migrations. His work includes API-based integration platforms, data-center and mainframe modernization, and enterprise cloud adoption initiatives.
Based in Columbus, Ohio, Girish works at a tech-forward fintech company. He is passionate about AWS serverless architectures, Generative AI and emerging cloud technologies. An avid learner and builder, he continues to explore and apply the latest innovations in AWS to help organizations accelerate their digital transformation.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/girishbhatia/[https://www.linkedin.com/in/girishbhatia/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/girishbhatia/)
**THANK YOU** *Franklin University* for hosting our meetup! To learn more about *Franklin University*, please visit their website: https://www.franklin.edu/
**DIRECTIONS**
Franklin University
Fisher Hall
300 E. Main St, Columbus, OH 43215
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jxjBA2hUmS5qrvhq8
Parking is FREE! Please park in Lot C in front of Fisher Hall. See attached map.
NOTE: Map the address only. When mapping with Google Maps it may use the Fisher Hall at OSU, which is NOT correct.
**Want to sponsor the pizza and/or bar tab?**
Please contact me if you would like to sponsor this meetup's pizza and/or bar tab: angelo@mandato.com
Cleveland Online Speed Dating for Long-Term Relations
**💝 Speed Dating at Home – A Friendly, Inclusive Space for First Timers!**
**🚨 NOTE: RSVPing Here Will NOT Hold Your Spot!**
You need to click the sign-up link for your age group below, register, and finish the personality quiz to qualify. **Places fill up fast** – act now to lock in yours!
**👇 Select Your Age Group & Claim Your Place:**
- **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=390&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cleveland&groupurlname=alpine-frost-love-thaw&ar=18-32&face_v=3.0)
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Disc Tues / Choose Your Movie: TOW vs THEY WILL KILL YOU at the Gateway!
Join us as we get together for a Discount Tuesday / Choose Your Movie event to see your choice of the top-reviewed indie drama TOW or the action-comedy-horror THEY WILL KILL YOU! A winner either way! Here are details, trailer and plan for this event:
TOW: This drama follows a homeless Seattle woman who fights her way out of tow-company hell to reclaim her life and the car that held it all together after receiving a tow bill for $21,634. The film is directed by Stephanie Laing and stars Rose Byrne, Dominic Sessa, Demi Lovato, Ariana DeBose, Octavia Spencer, Simon Rex, Elsie Fisher and Corbin Bernsen. Tow premiered to rave reviews at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival where critics declared, “Tow is a winner” and called the film “a story of perseverance, heart, and real fight, the kind of small human story we see less frequently these days, but need now more than ever!” TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiUtqgeDVI8
THEY WILL KILL YOU: A woman takes a job as a housekeeper in a NYC high-rise, unaware of the building's history of disappearances. She soon realizes the community is shrouded in mystery. The film is directed by Kirill Sokolov and Zadie Beetz, Myha'la, Paterson Joseph, Tom Felton, Heather Graham, and Patricia Arquette. The film is being released immediately following its premiere at this year’s SXSW Festival earlier this month. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYqQPiXpi4w
PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing of both films and will meet in the upstairs lobby area about 30 minutes before showtime! Once showtimes are announced, advance ticket purchase via the GFC website is advised! Once you have yours, please list your movie of choice and seat number in the Comments section of this event. Complete details will be confirmed/announced as the date gets closer.
PARKING: Close, convenient parking is available in the nearby garage (located between 9th and 11th, just off High St). Bring your ticket with you and have it validated at the theater and for $2, you’re covered for the night!
Look forward to seeing you there, Dan





















