Lean Startup

Pitch your idea, get feedback, give feedback, meet with a mentor and most importantly, take action. Come to the meetup with a specific issue you are stuck with. **10:30 am Introductions:** 2-minute pitches tell us who you are? What you're working on? and what you need help with? **11:00 am Problem Solving:** Let's figure out how we can help, and what action you can take today to move forward. **12:00 pm** Open Networking: Keep the discussion going and connect with other attendees. Bring yourself, notebooks, laptops and anything else you need to pitch your idea and get work done. Interested in joining the Studio? [APPLY NOW](https://unstucklabs.com)

Spring is almost here and we're getting ready. The blossoms might be out, the Nats Home Opener is Friday (4/3), and your tech drawer still looks like 2019 😕 Reboot Hour is your monthly Tuesday reset — a casual hangout at Carpool in Ballston where you can play pool, pinball, shuffleboard, or darts, grab a drink, and meet other tech, startup, and climate folks in the DMV. No agenda, no presentations, no speeches. Just a good excuse to get out on a Tuesday and kick off the week before Opening Day. Got old phones, tablets, or laptops collecting dust? Spring cleaning season is the perfect time to bring them in. We professionally wipe all data and get devices to people who actually need them. But bringing a device is totally optional — showing up is the whole point. Think of it as your warmup for the Nats Home Opener. Shake off winter, clear some space, and start the season right. **Details:** Tuesday, March 31st 6:00 – 8:00 PM (drop in anytime) Carpool — 900 N Glebe Rd, Arlington, VA Right off the Ballston Metro **What to bring:** Just yourself. Old devices welcome but not required. A friend, or meet a new one! **What to expect:** Pool, pinball, shuffleboard, darts, drinks, zero pressure — and a baseball game at the end of the week.

**\* This is an in-person event** Most people only experience finished products. Very few get the opportunity to work on something before it's finished when it can still be shaped. This is one of those opportunities. Karen Hold, Director of DT:DC, is currently developing a new innovation skills workbook with Jeanne Liedtka, based on over a decade of teaching and working with leaders across organizations, universities, and the DT:DC community. Her work focuses on the five statistically validated skills that help people develop as innovation leaders. This workbook builds on her work in design thinking and innovation education, including programs at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business, École des Ponts Business School (Paris and Casablanca), and Boston College. For this session, Karen will share a draft chapter of her new workbook for live testing. This is not a polished workshop. It's a working lab. You won't just participate. You will help shape the material itself. What We’ll Be Testing: * Whether the exercises actually help people think differently * Where the material is clear and where it breaks * What feels useful vs. what needs to be reworked This is the kind of work that typically happens behind closed doors. **What You'll Do** Working in small groups, you will: * Work through exercises from a draft chapter of the workbook * Apply them to real situations and ideas * Share feedback on what is clear, confusing, or missing * Help identify how the material can be improved You’ll get: * Early access to work that is still being developed * A chance to influence how this material evolves * Practical tools you can immediately apply * A behind-the-scenes look at how skill-building experiences are designed This is a rare opportunity to be part of the process, not just the outcome. Join us if you want to be part of something early, unfinished and actively evolving. No prior experience is required. **About Karen Hold** Karen Hold is the founder of Experience Labs and Director of DT:DC, one of the world's largest innovation communities connecting founders, designers, policymakers, and changemakers. Her work sits at the intersection of teaching and real-world application. She works with Fortune 500 corporations, federal government agencies and non-profit organizations, helping teams strengthen how they think, make decisions, and move ideas forward. She teaches in graduate and executive education programs, including at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business, École des Ponts Business School (Paris and Casablanca), and Boston College. Karen is a co-author of *Experiencing Design – The Innovator’s Journey*, and her work focuses on developing the skills that enable individuals and organizations to navigate complexity and create meaningful change.

🍻 What: ProductTank Happy Hour -- Join your fellow DC product people for a casual opportunity to connect and learn more about all things product from our ProductTank members. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or interested in diving into product management, all are welcome! 🏢 Where: The Admiral in Dupont (1 block from Dupont Metro) -- Guests will be asked to open their own tab. There is no minimum required. 🕒 When: 3/31/26 6:00-8:00 PM 👋We hope to see you there!

Please join us every week for power networking! Our Chapter Passed $1,666,736 USD in the past 12 months! BNI members, on average, increase their business 20% the first year. Our chapter is a dynamic, committed group of business people who know how to refer business to each other. Come for our meeting -- stay for the referrals!!! We have open categories for individuals who will bring enthusiasm and integrity to our meeting. Just one person per professional specialty is allowed in each chapter. Visit a meeting to find out more and lock out your competition! Register Here: https://bninovanorth.com/va-nova-north-bni-mclean-business-connection--n136/en-US/visitorregistration?chapterId=16988

We run 45 min, goal is 4-5 miles easy at run, everybody welcome

Welcome to Pickup Sports (Adult League)! Join our community! To register for this game, download our app on the App Store or Play Store and sign up. More players signed up on the app. App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/pickup-sports-adult-league/id6739766176 Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pickup.sports We host games for all sports in every city. Please check our app for complete game details and availability. Keywords: Soccer Basketball Tennis Volleyball Baseball Softball Football Rugby Hockey Golf Swimming Track and Field Cycling Wrestling Boxing Karate Judo Table Tennis Badminton Cricket Lacrosse Pickleball Rowing Sailing Skateboarding Surfing Snowboarding Skiing Spikeball Rock Climbing Martial Arts Dance \*\*\*Important: Do not rely on this Meetup event for final game details. All game information, including exact locations, start times, player counts, live status updates, etc. are available exclusively in the Pickup Sports App.\*\*\*\*

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

UXDX, Refresh DC, Friends of Figma, and User Experience University are joining forces for a night of good drinks, great convos, and even better connections. Whether you're a UX designer, researcher, product manager, or engineer, if you work in the product space, this night is for you. Come connect with the people shaping DC's design and tech scene. What to expect: — Network with DC's UX, product, and engineering community — A chance to WIN a free ticket to UXDX during our giveaway — Score 25% off tickets to UXDX just for attending! Bring a friend (or two) and we’ll see you there!

**AI-Supported Creative Exploration** *For Unassuming Intuitives & Practicing Creatives* (Please note that this event has not been organized or endorsed by The Writer's Center.) This meetup is part of AI as Creative Partner — A Practice Group, a set of open, non-sequential creative labs you can join at any point. We use AI as a thinking partner—not to replace your ideas, but to help surface and shape them without overthinking or pressure. You bring fragments—ideas, impulses, unfinished concepts. With AI as a supportive collaborator, we explore how those fragments can become clearer, more coherent, and ready to share if and when you want to. No technical background is required. If you can talk or type, that's enough to work with AI here. This session is intentionally low-commitment and flexible: * Arrive late or leave early * Work quietly or observe * Ask questions, or simply watch the process unfold There's no presentation and no expectation to finish anything. Showing up as you are is enough. **CREATIVE WORK, GENTLY - AN OPEN PRACTICE NIGHT** This is not a workshop or a class. It's a calm room where people show up to work creatively—without urgency, performance, or pressure—using AI as a thinking partner. Come for 20 minutes or stay the whole time. Work quietly, observe, or ask questions. This space adapts to how you arrive. **HOW TO FIND US** Look for the room with the door open on the lower level. Look for the guy with the screen projector and ambient light and sound. Feel free to just walk in and settle. **(*This is an independent meetup using rental space at The Writer's Center. The Writer's Center has not organized or endorsed this event.*)**

• What we'll do Economist William Michael Cunningham on Podbeam Thursdays at 6 pm. https://www.podbean.com/

Join us on **Thursday, April 2nd** for **Kickback & Connect** in **Washington, D.C.** From magazines to motion design and from newsrooms to nonprofits, if you make things in D.C., you’re invited. This is a low-key happy hour bringing together designers and creatives across disciplines in the DMV to kickback, connect, and share ideas—no panels, no pitches, no pressure. We hope to see you there! **Music by: Friends on Mars** Hosted by Good People DC and **[SPD](https://www.spd.org/)**, a nonprofit design community rooted in publishing and creative excellence. No cover charge = no excuse not to come Must be 21 to enter. Please drink responsibly.

On https://blackecon101.podbean.com/ Thursdays at 6 pm. discussing the economy...and Black people.

Serving our community by teaching financial literacy is paramount towards long term success. You will learn three main concepts towards building generational wealth. The five engines of revenu that will forever impact your. Lastly, be introduced a path to entrepreneurship that can transform your life and exceed expectations beyond your imagination Come and acquire this free education and walk out with a new drive! Dress code: Business Casual

Pay attention! We’re delaying a week for those of you who may be on Spring break and/or celebrating the holiday. Ok, no pancakes, but waffles-a-plenty. Join the local UX and Digital Design community for a casual monthly breakfast. Look for us upstairs!

We are recruiting new group leaders for virtual men's groups! Our primary groups are outdoor movement groups, but we are launching virtual groups for the state of Ohio and beyond and the groups will move outside in the spring, creating room for men's groups, women's groups and coed groups all over the country. Read below to learn about our groups and click the links at the bottom to apply. ### **What is an Outdoor Empowerment Group?** Our Outdoor Movement & Community Empowerment Groups are simple, guided experiences designed to help people reconnect with nature, themselves, and others. We combine some form of movement (hike, walk, run, bike, yoga, workout) and meaningful conversation within a simple community circle to create a space where individuals can support each other while prioritizing mental and physical well-being. Whether you’re seeking stress relief, personal growth, or community, our groups offer everyone a unique and welcoming environment. ## **Why Join?** * **Improve Mental & Physical Well-Being** – Movement, nature, and supportive conversations reduce stress and promote balance. * **Feel Less Alone** – Build genuine connections with like-minded people in a safe, welcoming space. * **Gain Clarity & Perspective** – Step outside daily routines and into a space designed for personal growth and reflection. ## **The Ideal Group Leader** The ideal group leader * Has a born-in passion for mental health, movement, connecting with nature and building community. * Has 5 extra hours per week to dedicate to a meaningful cause for at least one year. Yes, you can leave any organization at any time and we can also ask you to leave, but we are building with legacy in mind and we need people who can commit and be ALL IN on this mission to build with us. * Is independently financially stable with the ability to volunteer with no expectation of pay. This is a deeply beautiful journey of service that all participants commit to at Speak Your Mind. * An ability to manage groups with high emotional intelligence and desire for human connection. * An ability to self-motivate and market/promote their group on Facebook and other social platforms. * Nature informed therapy or clinical therapists/psychologists a plus. ## **Our Impact**  Since launching, we have helped thousands find support, connection, and healing through our Outdoor Movement Groups. 100% of participants surveyed have reported: * A noticeable improvement in mental clarity and emotional well-being. * An increase in social connection and a sense of belonging. * Said they would return again. We believe mental health should be accessible, community-driven, and rooted in nature. Join us and take the first step toward a more connected, grounded, and supported version of yourself. ### **Why Our Groups are Donation-Based** Our Outdoor Movement Groups are made possible through a donation-based model. This approach allows us to keep our events accessible to everyone, regardless of financial circumstances, while also ensuring that we can continue expanding our reach. It’s a great way to pay it forward and support the growth of this beautiful mission! Every contribution helps us: * **Cover Essential Costs** – Donations allow us to pay essential legal, marketing, insurance, and admin costs as well as nourish the important people who run the organization. * **Grow Our Mission** – With your support, we can bring these healing experiences to thousands more people in the future and execute our long term plan to expand across the USA, affecting up to 500,000 people per year. By choosing to contribute, you’re not just leading an event—you’re helping build a mental health movement that supports long-term well-being and connection for all during a severe mental health epidemic. ## **Come Join Us!** We’d love to have you be part of this growing community of people prioritizing their mental health, movement, and connection. 🔹 **Visit Our Website to Learn More:** https://speakyourmind.men/joinusoutside 🔹 **Apply Here to Lead Your Own Group!** – https://form.jotform.com/taketimespeakyourmind/sym-group-leader-application 🔹 **Support the mission**: If you resonate with the mission and want to support, feel free to join a group before applying or donate to help us reach our goals to help more people! You can donate here: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/angels-for-angels/speak-your-mind Please text Mario with any questions: (808) 855-8831

**The Data-Driven Brand: Using Analytics to Shape Perception** Can you use analytics to improve tacos? This being CBUSDAW, we think the answer is probably “yes”, but we’re not sure how to implement or test this theory. For our April meetup we’ve got Sara Kear, CMO of Condado Tacos, to investigate this delicious question. Sara will explore how she blends quantitative data and qualitative customer feedback to shape brand positioning and drive business decisions. We all know that marketing and analytics go way beyond attribution. Sara will show how Condado uses customer insights to inform product and pricing strategy. She’ll also highlight how Condado leverages customer feedback at scale to influence operational priorities, positioning marketing as the voice of the customer across the organization. In the last 12 years Condado has gone from one location in Columbus to 52 locations across 10 states, so we’re guessing there’s more to that growth than really good guac (though the guac probably helps). Ultimately, this talk focuses on the intersection of art and science—using data to inform creativity and build a brand that resonates with customers in a measurable way. **About Our Speaker** Sara Kear is Chief Marketing Officer at Condado Tacos, where she oversees brand, restaurant design, menu and pricing strategy, off-premise including catering, and customer data strategy. Since joining in 2021, she has helped grow the brand from 19 to 52 locations while building a data-driven marketing organization focused on loyalty and customer insights. Condado has since been named to the Inc. 5000, recognized as Breakout Retailer by Chain Store Age, and consistently ranked among FastCasual’s Top 100 Movers & Shakers. Thanks to our 2026 sponsors: [Clarivoy](https://www.clarivoy.com), [What Box Consulting Group](https://www.whatboxconsultinggroup.com), [Conductrics](https://www.conductrics.com), and [Piwik PRO](https://piwik.pro) More info at [cbusdaw.com](https://cbusdaw.com)

Are you passionate about supporting other men on their mental health journey? We’re building a movement of virtual and in-person men’s groups across Ohio — and we’re looking for group leaders who want to make a real difference with us. As a group leader, you’ll create a safe space where men can connect, reflect, and grow together. Training and support are provided — you just need heart, presence, and a willingness to lead. **Apply now to lead a group in your area:** 👉 https://form.jotform.com/taketimespeakyourmind/sym-group-leader-application Speak Your Mind is a mental health non profit dedicated to bringing our community together to end the isolation that leads to mental struggle and suicide. Learn more about them here: https://linktr.ee/taketimespeakyourmind

**PLEASE BUY TICKETS THROUGH EVENTBRITE. RSVP THROUGH MEETUP IS NOT A TICKET PURCHASE CONFIRMATION.** Strive welcomes you to 'General Business Networking', Columbus' hottest networking event! We are set in the perfect central location in Downtown for all to join. Are you interested in business? Want to elevate your career? Meet Consultants, Analysts of all types, Bankers, Software Engineers, Entrepreneurs, and more who are active in the space or are eager to get started. **\*\*This will be a multi-vertical event\*\*** **There will be professionals with backgrounds in the arts, finance, tech, real estate, healthcare, and more. Come with an open mind, and leave with connections that wouldn't be possible otherwise!** Pack some business cards and come with an open mind! Meet your future business partners, employers, coworkers, investors, and friends. You don't want to miss this opportunity to expand your network and create a brighter future. We will have a space for our event to check-in. The event will go from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (feel free to come at any point in this timeframe). Name tags will be provided. Business casual dress code. Job fair attire. **Remember, it's not who you know, it's who you meet tomorrow!** We look forward to meeting you at the event! Sincerely, Strive Networking Team *Refund requests are permitted up to 24 hours after purchase, so long as we are not within 48 hours before the event start time. Refunds will be made in full and repaid to your method of payment. Note that we are unable to reimburse PayPal fees.* *Disclaimer: By attending Strive Networking events you agree to photos/videos taken during the event being used to promote future events.*

Calling all founders, CEOs, lawyers, doctors, and entrepreneurs to join our special *Founder Edition* of Sip & Read meetup event. Let's sip on fine wine and discuss our first book **The 5AM Club- Own Your Morning Elevate Your Life, by Robin Sharma**. We will pair this book with our favorite wine at **Wine on High** and engage in thought-provoking discussions on startup businesses and entrepreneurship, and network with like-minded individuals in a cozy book club setting. Come prepared to discuss this month's book. At the end of each book club meeting, we will take next book and venue suggestions from the participants for the next meeting. Whether you are a book lover, women entrepreneur, or a content creator, this event is perfect for sharing ideas and insights with other funders and founders in the entrepreneurial world. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to connect, learn, and grow together. Sign up now to reserve your spot! *Fun fact! This meetup was established in 2015 and had over 1,000 members. I had to shut down operations while attending law school, but we're back!!*

Central Ohio Radio Enthusiasts—CORE—is an informal community for anyone enthusiastic or curious about radio—whether you're new to radio and want to learn or you've been tinkering for years and want to share. Ham radio operators, GMRS users, Meshtastic fans, software-defined radio nerds, makers, and technical and non-technical folks are all welcome. No experience required or expected. This month we have **WiFi HaLow: Introduction and Practical Use** with **Alex Barbur**. Details are are [core.radio](https://core.radio).