Large Scale Scrum

We zien dat AI inmiddels door veel mensen en organisaties wordt gebruikt, vooral voor tekst, plannen en ideeën. Tegelijkertijd merken we dat dit gebruik vaak onzeker en oppervlakkig blijft. Mensen experimenteren, maar twijfelen: * Klopt dit wel? * Gebruik ik AI “goed”? * Haal ik er echt voordeel uit, of kost het vooral tijd? De kern van het probleem is niet een gebrek aan tools of kennis, maar een gebrek aan grip, overzicht en vertrouwen in het eigen oordeel bij het werken met AI. **Wat houdt deze workshop in?** We willen een kleinschalige pilot-workshop (halve dag) organiseren waarin we professionals helpen om: * AI anders te leren zien (als denkpartner, niet als antwoordmachine) * Bewuster vragen te stellen en context te geven * AI‑output te beoordelen in plaats van blind te volgen Het is nadrukkelijk geen technische training en geen overzicht van tools. Het is een leerervaring die zich richt op denken, beoordelen en professioneel gebruik. **Voor wie is dit bedoeld?** De Training richt zich op: * Niet-technische managers en professionals * Die veel werken met tekst, plannen en besluitvorming * Die AI al gebruiken (bijv. ChatGPT), maar daar nog te weinig zekerheid en rendement uit halen **Wat maakt deze aanpak anders?** * Interactief en herkenbaar: deelnemers werken met hun eigen praktijk en leren van elkaar * Beperkt en scherp: geen overload, maar drie kerninzichten * Veilig en menselijk: twijfel wordt genormaliseerd, niet weggepoetst Deelnemers weten na afloop wat ze “maandag anders doen” **Pilot** Deze workshop is opgezet als pilot. We verwachten dan ook eerlijke feedback om deze workshop nog gerichter in te kunnen zetten om professionals meer bewust te maken van de mogelijkheden en onmogelijkheden van AI. Deze workshop wordt verzorgd door Edgar Stormbroek en Ziryan Salayi 9:00 9:30 Inloop 9:30 - 12:00 AI in praktijk 12:00 - 13:00 Lunch 13:00 - 14:00 Vervolg AI in praktijk 14:00 - 14:30 Afronding en feedback

Ha mannen! Weer een reguliere ManKracht meetup op de vrijdagavond in Amersfoort! Zoals altijd is de intentie voor onze meetups op locatie om een gemakkelijke, veilige en open atmosfeer te ervaren waarin we allemaal kunnen delen of inbrengen wat ons bezig houdt als man. Uiteraard zijn tijdens de ManKracht Avond nieuwe deelnemers welkom, we streven zoals altijd naar een groepsgrootte aan van 6 tot maximaal 10 man. Hier kort wat belangrijke info op een rijtje: * De offline meetup begint stipt om 20:00, vanaf dat moment zijn de 'deuren' gesloten. We vragen je dus om uiterlijk 5 minuten van te voren aan te komen. Je bent vanaf 19:30 welkom. * De avond duurt tot ongeveer 21:30. Voel je vrij om daarna het gesprek met andere deelnemers voort te zetten op een andere locatie (café/bar/kroeg). * Graag op tijd de RSVP in te vullen i.v.m. beperkte plaatsen. Mocht je op tijd weten dat je verhinderd bent, graag je RSVP aanpassen zodat mannen op de wachtlijst op tijd weten dat ze toch kunnen deelnemen. * Voel je vrij om een vriend mee te nemen, geef dit in dat geval ook even aan in de RSVP. Hopelijk zien we elkaar weer en mocht je nog vragen hebben dan hoor ik het graag natuurlijk. P.S. aangepaste locatie is thuis bij Sam

Ben jij gefascineerd door de wereld van hacking en cybersecurity? Goed nieuws! Wat ooit een exclusieve serie workshops was voor studenten van NOVI, is nu toegankelijk voor iedereen met een passie voor hacking. 🚀 **Hack Friday** is jouw wekelijkse dosis cybersecurity praktijk. Elke vrijdagochtend duiken we samen in de diepe, duistere wereld van een nieuwe machine of challenge, onder de deskundige begeleiding van een van de cybersecurity experts van NOVI. Het is de perfecte manier om je skills te testen, te verbeteren en iets nieuws te leren in een vriendelijke en ondersteunende omgeving. 🛠️💻 ### Wat heb je nodig? * **Een werkende Kali Linux installatie**: Zorg dat je klaar bent om de uitdaging aan te gaan met je eigen Kali Linux setup. * **Een nieuwsgierige geest**: Heb je zin om te leren en uitgedaagd te worden? Dan pas je perfect in onze Hack Friday! ### Waarom meedoen? * **Leer van de besten**: Onze cybersecurity experts staan klaar om hun kennis te delen en je door de challenges te begeleiden. * **Wekelijkse uitdagingen**: Elke week bieden we een nieuwe machine of challenge aan, zodat je je vaardigheden kunt blijven ontwikkelen. * **Ontmoet gelijkgestemden**: Sluit je aan bij een community van enthousiaste hackers en cybersecurity professionals. ### Details: * **Wanneer**: Elke vrijdagochtend * **Waar**: op locatie in Utrecht * **Voor wie**: Iedereen met een interesse in hacking en cybersecurity, van beginners tot gevorderden. Ben je klaar om je hacking skills naar een hoger niveau te tillen en deel uit te maken van onze groeiende community? Sluit je dan aan bij Hack Friday en daag jezelf elke week uit met nieuwe en spannende cybersecurity avonturen! 🌟🔒 Registreer nu en laat zien wat je in huis hebt! Wij kunnen niet wachten om je te ontmoeten.

Join us for a fun Friday night of improv theatre in English. Play, laugh, and meet new people in Utrecht during this welcoming drop-in workshop led by Burgert Kirsten, one of Improv Utrecht’s professional trainers. Everyone is welcome. You do not need any acting experience, and you do not need to be fluent in English. Many participants are not native speakers. Each week, several people join for the very first time, alongside regulars who come back again and again. Expect a group of around 12 to 22 people in total. What to expect Meet a mix of international and Dutch players Learn the basics of improvisation, a valuable modern skill Play fun and accessible theatre games Laugh a lot and surprise yourself along the way Practical information Doors open between 19:50 and 20:00. Please enter together with the group. The entrance is on the side of the building, via Troelstralaan. Workshop time is from 20:00 to 22:00. Full details can be found at [https://bit.ly/iudropin](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2Fiudropin%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExYzVUWUpNcUx3Qmxyc0tCNnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6Uacch2zhjkNy6h1oNgRxFH9V9xdWoET38TkCXK39CyqxYEjQmirGViM_qlw_aem_hJkW5L3WHAO-pVZVHN1c3w&h=AT2S7AyQGOOxCA4y6M0NO7B-v3mSsYPTMqxJoyJHW3Wu4TVusm_lz92s5ru9B6DhWOMOy4IwE72y9T569MBRbB3tPDcPKdnsSnjI9Ef1b-7Yp467m71KcHLeJGRXaJI9_bDbaRe4F93uFs00Rds&__tn__=q&c%5B0%5D=AT0toyw-m6q1Kl9A4pude9T05YHtdW_ajvYBWe_MixS8-d0JBdNz089yFCaZxIjsj41oPDYTZr-pLoVp3Nbw6oS2l-b59hWsbjVnOl__PH25Cx3iZDHpMxmtl8_kxDTepak27ZG-3b10bx8fSuh2QAJtRaEuxCrWtVE) After the workshop, people usually head together to the Irish pub O’Leary’s for a drink and a chat. How to sign up Please mark yourself as attending via our website at [https://bit.ly/iudropin](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2Fiudropin%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExYzVUWUpNcUx3Qmxyc0tCNnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR4aOuBKx2VBkJDoGyYCRHQXSTHuVoJHy0WS1bZAftQYuSLPcNgmTQeaBv4hpw_aem_5jJND0IPMoJD8mXqM4l2SA&h=AT2S7AyQGOOxCA4y6M0NO7B-v3mSsYPTMqxJoyJHW3Wu4TVusm_lz92s5ru9B6DhWOMOy4IwE72y9T569MBRbB3tPDcPKdnsSnjI9Ef1b-7Yp467m71KcHLeJGRXaJI9_bDbaRe4F93uFs00Rds&__tn__=q&c%5B0%5D=AT0toyw-m6q1Kl9A4pude9T05YHtdW_ajvYBWe_MixS8-d0JBdNz089yFCaZxIjsj41oPDYTZr-pLoVp3Nbw6oS2l-b59hWsbjVnOl__PH25Cx3iZDHpMxmtl8_kxDTepak27ZG-3b10bx8fSuh2QAJtRaEuxCrWtVE). If you can no longer attend, remember to remove your signup so someone else can take your spot. Please also send your contact details to Marieke at info@theatersportworkshops.nl so we can reach you if there are any changes or issues with the workshop. Price Suggested donation €10 to €20, payable in cash or via Tikkie. If you are not able to pay much, you are still very welcome. Pay what you can or what you felt the workshop was worth. Your contribution helps cover the room rental and the professional trainers. Curious about more? Check out our improv courses at [https://www.improvutrecht.nl](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.improvutrecht.nl%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExYzVUWUpNcUx3Qmxyc0tCNnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR4aOuBKx2VBkJDoGyYCRHQXSTHuVoJHy0WS1bZAftQYuSLPcNgmTQeaBv4hpw_aem_5jJND0IPMoJD8mXqM4l2SA&h=AT0HQGS9N7lDDerT4Jh2s7yQZ3yqXcU3N7DHXcnh_ArhUbPBNnFc1Vs5ILLXJTm8W6M0qWOaOlvHeCdiG9IvYCgONK3G7Mx7YP3_ERn_wSRix-AtI5wPA8WvGq1ijPS5zLOaIIFzJ3kK6yajLPE&__tn__=q&c%5B0%5D=AT0toyw-m6q1Kl9A4pude9T05YHtdW_ajvYBWe_MixS8-d0JBdNz089yFCaZxIjsj41oPDYTZr-pLoVp3Nbw6oS2l-b59hWsbjVnOl__PH25Cx3iZDHpMxmtl8_kxDTepak27ZG-3b10bx8fSuh2QAJtRaEuxCrWtVE) Tickets for courses via [https://improv-utrecht.weticket.com](https://improv-utrecht.weticket.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExYzVUWUpNcUx3Qmxyc0tCNnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7kmRsV6LQrIsZqtZLBNbCbr9_NHgu23lRTafAiyzXQMBjXirebJNUXyW7-Jg_aem_Ps3bRMMWxOjgfL78fqIL8w) Follow Improv Utrecht Meetup [https://www.meetup.com/utrecht-improv-theater](https://www.meetup.com/utrecht-improv-theater?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExYzVUWUpNcUx3Qmxyc0tCNnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR4aOuBKx2VBkJDoGyYCRHQXSTHuVoJHy0WS1bZAftQYuSLPcNgmTQeaBv4hpw_aem_5jJND0IPMoJD8mXqM4l2SA) Instagram @improvutrecht Facebook https://facebook.com/ImprovUtrecht

*Since this evening will be in Dutch, this description is too.* Wil je je drukke week afsluiten en ontspannen aan het weekend beginnen? Dan ben je geheel vrijblijvend welkom bij de vrijdagavond meditatie van [Jewel Heart](https://www.jewelheart.nl/). Deze meditatieavond heeft een licht en open karakter. De meditaties bestaan uit drie delen. We beginnen met het gewaarworden van je lichamelijke sensaties. In een korter deel twee doen we een loopmeditatie en in deel drie is er een eenvoudige, geleide visualisatie meditatie. Het geheel wordt afgesloten met een gesprek onder het genot van een kop thee, voor wie daar zin in heeft. 📍[Jewel Heart, Hatertseveldweg 284, Nijmegen](https://maps.app.goo.gl/D4FzqLbkaqs2JNDG8). Loop de oprit op en dan is de ingang aan je rechterzijde 🕒Zaal open vanaf 19.30 uur, meditatie van 20.00 tot 21.00 Je bent van harte welkom! Aan deze activiteit kun je per keer meedoen. Er zijn geen verplichtingen. Op vrijwillige basis kun je op de avond zelf een donatie doen. Kijk ook naar onze -[Open activiteiten](https://www.jewelheart.nl/nl/open-activiteiten/) -[Cursussen](https://www.jewelheart.nl/nl/cursussen-overzicht/)

**RSVP's at MeetUp.com are limited to a total of 10 and will be ignored. If you would like us to wait for you when we walk, please register for this photowalk at our Clubhouse:** [https://www.heylo.com/events/94898f98-af8d-4b65-b31d-922abfe6568e/-OgH3Ig4CytffW3rcblJ](https://www.heylo.com/events/94898f98-af8d-4b65-b31d-922abfe6568e/-OgH3Ig4CytffW3rcblJ) From January 9 to February 1, 2026, Utrecht’s station area will be illuminated by light artworks again. “Begin januari 2026 is lichtexpositie I Light U terug in het Utrechtse stationsgebied met 12 nieuwe lichtkunstwerken. Dit jaar met het thema “Mirrors, Mirages, Miracles.” I Light U is een expositie van nationale en internationale lichtkunstenaars in en rondom het stationsgebied. Er is geen vaste route en geen toegangsprijs, laat je meevoeren langs de lichtende kunstwerken!” Read all about it here: https://ilightu.nl/ (or https://ilightu.nl/en/ – sorry, still shows old info on English website) We will meet in front of the Albert Heijn/TrainMore at Central Station (Stationsplein 28, @ the ‘Bollendak’) and follow the suggested route. The walk will be in a circle around the station area. After the walk we could stop for a drink at Mariaplaats (optional, not included and at your own expense), talk photography and share our results. Let’s MeetUp and have fun! This walk will be postponed to January 23th if it rains. *Please note:* * The photowalk starts at the posted time. Try to be there early, but if you are running late… just find us. The link to live location of the group (via Google Maps) will be shared in the Event Chat in our Clubhouse. * If you register for this photowalk and you can not make it, please update your RSVP! * The photowalk could be cancelled or postponed in case of really bad weather. * The end time is an estimate only; the length of the actual walk could be different from posted. * Check before you go if all your equipment is working properly; lens cleaned, batteries charged, memory cards empty. * Come prepared: wear comfortable shoes, bring water and a snack, check the weather forecast – and don’t forget your camera * The organisation is not responsible for any personal injury, loss, or damage to personal property during the photowalk. Participants are advised to have appropriate (travel/liability) insurance. * During the walk, pay attention to your surroundings, traffic, curbs and people. * Be respectful of residents, their property and privacy. *And finally:* * Any type of camera is welcome. * If taking pictures or making photos gives you joy, you are more than welcome!

**❄️ It’s snowing outside, and it’s the perfect time to warm up with paint!** **Kick off the year with our first winter workshop in a small group of five only— “Winter Landscape in Watercolours.”** **Join us for our first workshop of the year - “Winter Landscape in Watercolours.” This calm, winter-themed watercolour session is an invitation to slow down and paint simple with limited palette, peaceful winter scenes. We’ll focus on the wet-on-wet technique and a limited colour palette to capture soft light, misty skies, and quiet snowy landscapes.** **Workshop Details** **📅 Sunday, 18 January** **🕚 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM** **📍 Schepenbuurt, Utrecht** **💶 €75 (all artist grade materials included)** **✨ Early booking offer:** **Use the code SAVE15 to receive €15 off your ticket.** **🎟 Reserve your spot:** **[https://eventix.shop/jwj79yxy](https://eventix.shop/jwj79yxy)** **What We’ll Learn & Create** **During this workshop, you’ll create two winter paintings while learning how to:** * **Use wet-on-wet techniques for soft skies and snowy surfaces** * **Mix and pour diluted colours for natural tonal variation** * **Create grainy, foggy textures for a quiet winter mood** * **Work with a limited palette to keep compositions simple and balanced** **I’ll begin with a short demonstration, after which we’ll paint together at a relaxed, easy pace.** **Materials :** **All artist-grade materials are provided - just bring yourself.** **Refreshments** **Tea, coffee, and light snacks will be served. (Feel free to bring your own lunch during 15 min break)** **Parking** **Free street parking is available.** **Stay connected for future workshops:** **[https://www.instagram.com/rangartbypooja/](https://www.instagram.com/rangartbypooja/)** **[https://www.instagram.com/poojavermastudio/](https://www.instagram.com/poojavermastudio/)** **I am looking forward to starting the year creatively with you.** **Warmly,** **Pooja**  **email address - [poojavstudio@gmail.com](mailto:poojavstudio@gmail.com)**

🎶 **La Cumbipeña – Tango Night** 💃🕺 📅 **Saturday\, January 17 \| 20:00–23:00** **📍 Café Averechts, Utrecht** **🎟 Donation-based** This edition invites us into the world of tango - a dance and music tradition rooted in life lived passionately, strong emotions, non-verbal communication and a bit (or lot?) of 'dramita' 😅. ✨ **Live music** by Pablo Mosteiro: an Argentine artist whose relationship with tango deepened after leaving Argentina, first in the US and now in the Netherlands. He shares both his own compositions and tango classics with great sensitivity and quality. 💫 **Tango basics workshop** guided by Yasmín Unfer, expressive dance teacher. This is not about memorizing steps, but about feeling, connecting, improvising and dancing according to each body’s possibilities. No previous experience needed - and if you have it, you may discover tango from a new angle. 😘 🎤 **Open Mic** later in the night to keep sharing music, folklore, cumbia and whatever wants to emerge. Come dance, listen, connect and celebrate together, the Cumbipeña way 🧉🎶 Everyone is welcome 💛 Lxs esperamos! 🔥

Zaterdag, 17 januari 2026 – 10.00 – 17.00 uur AMSTERDAM Kosten: € 130,–, inclusief btw en lunch Facilitator: [Susanne Hazen](https://susannehazen.com/over/) Assistentie: Iris Pinkepank Taal: Nederlands We gaan deze dag werken met ons voorouderveld. We gaan healing **vragen** EN we gaan op zoek naar en ons verbinden met voorouders die ons kracht kunnen geven en ondersteuning kunnen bieden met de strubbelingen die we op ons levenspad tegenkomen. Aanmelden via: https://susannehazen.com/voorouderrituelen/

From the first steps, we enter what is truly my favourite forest in the Netherlands, located on the southern edge of the Veluwe. Unlike most Dutch landscapes, this area has real steep hills, rolling terrain, and a distinctly un-Dutch feeling, even though you are right in the heart of the country. In winter, quiet paths and pale light filtering through tall woodland along the Italian Road make the scenery especially striking. Halfway through the hike, we slow down for a cosy break at Castle Doorwerth. It is the perfect place to warm up with bites and drinks, enjoy the historic surroundings, and take a relaxed pause before continuing our walk. The route also passes the iconic Wodan Oaks. These ancient trees, estimated to be 400 to 600 years old, add a quiet sense of history and continuity to the landscape, which feels particularly powerful in winter when the forest is still, open, and calm. **📍When and where to meet?** We’ll meet at 10:50 at Wolfheze train station. https://maps.app.goo.gl/73ZsY4tHrmhBjF8HA ⏰ We **start walking a few minutes after meeting up** — we don’t wait for latecomers, as the forest calls and daylight is short this time of year. **🚗 Coming by car?** There is plenty and free parking next to the station. https://maps.app.goo.gl/6yR1resGumn1j4jq5 **⏸️ Planned Breaks** After 12 km: Lunch break at Castle Doorwerth https://maps.app.goo.gl/qLe6DfxL8C6mKrmZA **💸 Payment** Please pay as soon as you sign up: To keep things fair for everyone, if we don’t receive your payment within 48 hours, we will need to remove you from the participant list. If there’s a waiting list, this will happen sooner (in less than 48 hours). If that happens, no worries — you’re always welcome to sign up again if there’s space. 🌟 Early Bird Deal! Join now for just €4 — available for 3 days (72h). After that, the price will be €5. The Tikkie link has been removed as the event is now fully booked. If a spot becomes available due to a cancellation and you would like to take it, you can message me directly and I will share the Tikkie link with you. **👟 Good to know** * Refund policy: Cancellations are fully refundable up to 1 week before the event (This is Friday 9 January at 23h59). After this period, the fee becomes non-refundable. * Hike difficulty: Our hikes are moderately challenging. Please only join if you’re confident you can keep up with the group’s pace (5 km/ h)— it’s more fun for everyone when we can walk together without long waits. * If the pace is too challenging: We may kindly suggest you continue at your own pace. We’ll give you clear directions to the nearest bus or train so you can return comfortably. * At your own risk: You participate at your own risk, so please make sure you have appropriate insurance coverage for outdoor activities. * Payment note: With Tikkie we only see initials (e.g., J. Doe instead of John Doe). Please include your Meetup name in the payment note so we can match it easily. * Friends joining: If you bring a friend, make sure they also register and pay. * What to bring: Snacks, lunch, and water/ or hot thee/ coffee (depending on the hike distance). * Stay connected: Join our WhatsApp group to be the first to hear about future hikes — ask for the QR code during the hike. * T-shirts: Fairwear-certified organic cotton, eco-friendly inks — €25. Sustainable, odor-resistant, and perfect for hiking. Let us know your size and we’ll bring one for you.

Another week, another bootcamp! Lets go! All levels welcome. Last details are communicated through the Whatsapp group. Please sign up via the sign up form: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=DQSIkWdsW0yxEjajBLZtrQAAAAAAAAAAAAMAAJ0-AkBUQVdTSUk2SzFGSUxJWlZLVFJDNUI3RTVLVi4u&origin=QRCode

Op 18 januari (ja, een zondag) organiseren de Nederlandse QGIS gebruikersgroep, Openstreetmap gebruikers en OSGeo weer de traditionele nieuwjaarsborrel. We heten iedereen deze middag welkom in de Kargadoor in Utrecht. Aanmelden graag via [onze Pretix aanmeldomgeving](https://pretix.eu/foss4gnl/nieuwjaar/). Toegang is gratis, maar we weten graag met hoeveel personen we rekening moeten houden... ook voor de borrelhappen! We heffen deze middag het glas op het mooie open nieuwe jaar, en geven ook een podium aan mensen die wat over hun open project willen vertellen. Er is een scherm beschikbaar, maar het idee is wel dat we het leuk en luchtig houden. Kort en snel werkt het beste in deze setting. Dus als je iets wil laten zien: super. Mail even aan [bestuur@osgeo.nl](mailto:bestuur@osgeo.nl), dan weten we welke verhalen we kunnen verwachten. Aanvang 14:00 Formele programma 15:00 Einde 17:30. Ter plekke kijken we wie er na afloop mee wil nog iets eten (eigen kosten).

Gaming, AdTech, EdTech, Media Streaming, and FinTech are just a few of the workloads where high-availability cloud infrastructure matters. Whether you’re doing battle daily in one of these spaces or are just curious about ways to improve performance, meet us in Reston for an in-person discussion on bare metal cloud architecture. You’ll meet our product lead, James MacKenzie, who will walk through how modern bare metal serves as a control plane for hybrid and private cloud architectures. **What we will cover** * Ways to leverage bare metal, containers, and orchestration for better performance and predictable economics; * Real-world hybrid, disaster recovery, and data-intensive architectures; * Our approach to eliminating ingress and egress fees. **Who should attend** * Cloud architects and platform engineers; * DevOps professionals and infrastructure leads; * FinOps stakeholders managing data-heavy or hybrid workloads. **Why attend** This is a technical, architecture-first conversation. You will leave with a clearer understanding of high-availability cloud infrastructure and how organizations are scaling cost-effectively. Food and drinks will be provided. Space is limited to keep the discussion interactive.

Join us for another session of our study group as we dive into the fascinating world of Large Language Models (LLMs) using the book **Build a Large Language Model from Scratch** from Manning. In this session, we will finish **Chapter 7: Fine-tuning to follow instructions**. In the last session, we talked about how to prepare the dataset for instruction fine-tuning and in this session we will perform the fine-tuning and evaluate the model afterwards. This isn't just a lecture! Come ready to ask questions, share insights, and code along. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, this is the perfect opportunity to build a strong foundation together. If you plan to work with the code on your own laptop during the session, try and set-up the environment ahead of time (https://github.com/rasbt/LLMs-from-scratch/tree/main/setup). We will be meeting at the North County Governmental Center this time that is across from the Reston public library.

A weekly networking meeting where we have a lot of fun and of course, meet other busy professionals!

We're experimenting and trying a new place! Activities: Writing Sprints (individual time boxed writing time) These writing times can be used to do any writing-related activities like plotting/outlining, and most importantly writing and working on your own writing! Make sure to bring your writing tools (laptop, notebook, your brain). We start the first sprint promptly at 10:15 between every writing sprint we take 5-15 minute breaks We shoot for a total of 3 sprints (45 minutes of writing) Location: Corner Bakery Parking: Is free Food: breakfast until 11:00 Standard lunch menu after that https://cornerbakerycafe.com/

## **1 Million Cups Loudoun Workshop: How AI Can Work for Your Business** **Wednesday\, January 28 \| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM** **Venture X Loudoun – Ashburn** Artificial Intelligence is no longer just a buzzword — it’s a practical tool that businesses of all sizes can begin using today. Join **1 Million Cups Loudoun** for a special **workshop-style presentation** led by **Victor Meer of AI Prime** and **Jay Jay Billings of Band Gap AI**, designed to help entrepreneurs understand how AI can realistically support their business operations. This workshop will provide: * A clear, practical overview of what AI actually is * Real-world examples of how businesses are using AI today * Insight into where automation can save time and reduce friction * Guidance on how to start leveraging AI without needing technical expertise Whether you’re AI-curious, overwhelmed by the noise, or ready to explore automation in your business, this session will help you think clearly about where AI fits — and where it doesn’t. As always, coffee, conversation, and community are at the heart of 1 Million Cups Loudoun. ### What Is 1 Million Cups? 1 Million Cups is a national program powered by the Kauffman Foundation that brings together entrepreneurs and community members for weekly conversations that educate, support, and inspire. Loudoun’s chapter meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month. Join us on **January 14 at 9:00 AM** for coffee, connection, and a meaningful conversation about reimagining after-school education in Loudoun County. **We look forward to seeing you there.**

Join our weekly walking meetup to have fun, maintain a healthy lifestyle, meet new people, and enjoy the weather! We meet Saturdays at 10am, halfway between the Reston *Container Store* and *Not Your Average Joes* (by the metal benches), leaving no later than 10:05. Every week, rain or shine, we start by walking along the Green Trail to reach Lake Anne Community Center. Once there, we pause for water/bio (often staying a few minutes extra from April-November, due to the local Farmer's Market), and then we circle Lake Anne and head back to our starting point. It's roughly 3-4 miles and takes about an hour and a half. Afterwards, some members will often head to *Not Your Average Joes* or another local restaurant for a quick drink/meal before tackling the day. This event is open to all ages and fitness levels. Dogs are welcome, and we recommend dressing for the weather (umbrella, water, snow shoes, hat, etc.) since we'll walk rain or shine. Also, feel free to bring a friend! By signing up, you accept and assume all risks and responsibilities with this activity, and nobody will be held liable.