Computer Programming

Hear 4 expert talks, take the mic for an AI / hardware demo or announcement, and connect over pizza & drinks. **Important: Please grab your** **[FREE Eventbrite ticket](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/physical-ai-meetup-tickets-1988533123101?aff=oddtdtcreator) here** **to attend. Registration is required, and tickets will be checked at the door.** A special thanks to the **University of Melbourne** for hosting us, in collaboration with the **Melbourne University Electrical Engineering Club (MUEEC)** — a student-run club enriching the student experience through social events, professional development, and industry networking that connects engineering students with peers and professionals. Pizza and drinks for this session are kindly provided by **Advantech** — a global leader in IoT intelligent systems and embedded platforms, with the corporate vision of **“Enabling an Intelligent Planet.”** Take the mic at our **Community Open Mic**! Bring your demo, prototype, or announcement — whether it is AI, hardware, robotics, embedded systems, sensing, or edge computing. All welcome. *** ## Agenda ### 5:30 – 6:00 pm \| Check\-in\, Welcome & Introduction Hear a short welcome from the event hosts and an introduction to the Physical AI Meetup community. *** ### 6:00 – 6:20 pm \| Talk 1 –Integrating External Conditioning into Large Pretrained Deep Learning Models **Overview:** Off-the-shelf AI models are impressively capable — until they are used in highly specific real-world domains. A model trained on broad internet-scale data may struggle with cancer biopsy analysis, flood prediction, recognising unfamiliar objects, or following complex multi-step instructions. In this talk, Dr Sachith Seneviratne argues that the answer is not simply to retrain models from scratch or add more data. Instead, he introduces the idea of **external conditioning**: injecting domain knowledge into large pretrained models at the right point, with minimal engineering overhead. Drawing on recent work across medicine, climate, safety-critical AI, and creative tools, Sachith will show how external knowledge can help pretrained models become more reliable, efficient, and useful in real applications. Attendees will leave with practical strategies for making large AI models work in their own engineering and applied AI contexts.world systems. **Speaker:** **Dr Sachith Seneviratne, University of Melbourne** **Bio:** Dr Sachith Seneviratne is a Research Fellow in AI at the University of Melbourne. He brings over a decade of AI research experience alongside four years of applied consulting work for organisations including NASA and Harvard University. His research centres on representation learning, applied AI, and the efficiency of deep learning systems. His work asks how large AI models can be made to operate reliably in specific real-world domains — from clinical pathology and flood emergency response to cybersecurity and urban design — without sacrificing the generality that makes them powerful. His research has appeared at leading venues including CVPR, ICCV, and AAAI. Sachith has developed AI tools for earthquake prediction, malware detection, wearable health monitoring, and automated urban design generation. His PhD from Monash University investigated the automation of machine learning itself, including generating parallelised inference algorithms directly from model specifications. As a consultant, he has advised global organisations on deploying machine learning in production, with a focus on building systems that are efficient, robust, and grounded in domain knowledge. *** ### 6:20 – 6:40 pm \| Talk 2 – Harnessing Intelligence from the Source: Living Biological Neurons as a Material for Physical AI **Overview:** What happens when intelligence is no longer built only in silicon? In this talk, Dr Brett J. Kagan will explore the frontier of biological computing and synthetic biological intelligence, where living neural systems are integrated with hardware and software to create new forms of adaptive computation. Drawing on Cortical Labs’ work with neurons on a chip, closed-loop learning systems, and the CL-1 platform, Brett will discuss how biological neural systems can learn, adapt, and interact with their environment — and what this could mean for the future of AI, robotics, embodied intelligence, and physical AI. **Speaker:** **Dr Brett J. Kagan, Chief Scientific Officer / Chief Operations Officer, Cortical Labs** **Bio:** Dr Brett J. Kagan is the Chief Scientific Officer and Chief Operations Officer at Cortical Labs, a multidisciplinary deep-tech startup integrating hardware, software, and synthetic biology to explore how intelligence can be harnessed from neurons on a chip. Dr Kagan has a PhD in neuroscience focusing on stem cell therapy and completed post-doctoral work in bioinformatics and regenerative medicine. His recent work includes developing the first real-time closed-loop demonstration of in-vitro intelligence in a simplified Pong-game environment, along with work to better test and understand these systems. He has led the scientific development of the first commercialisable device for harnessing the information processing capabilities of biological neurons, called the CL-1. He also explores the neurocomputational, philosophical, and ethical implications of this emerging technology. ### 6:40 – 7:00 pm \| Pizza & Networking Enjoy pizza, drinks, and time to connect with other attendees. *** ### 7:00 – 7:20 pm \| Talk 3 – Physical AI in Practice: Connecting Edge Intelligence to Industrial Outcomes **Overview:** Physical AI becomes truly valuable when intelligence can be deployed close to machines, sensors, factories, and real industrial operations. In this talk, Susie Chen will share how edge AI, industrial IoT, and data-driven decision-making are being applied in real manufacturing and industrial environments. She will discuss how organisations can connect intelligent edge systems to practical outcomes, including operational efficiency, automation, smarter monitoring, and improved decision-making. The session will provide an industry perspective on how Physical AI moves from concept to deployment — and how edge intelligence can help bridge the gap between AI innovation and measurable business value. **Speaker:** **Chen Susie** **Bio:** Susie Chen is the EIoT Head of Sales at Advantech Australia, specialising in edge AI and smart manufacturing. With global experience across Taiwan, Brazil, and Australia, she helps organisations transform industrial operations through AI-driven IoT and data-powered decision-making. ### 7:20 – 7:40 pm \| Talk 4 – Why AGI Needs a Body: The Case for Proprioceptive Data in Embodied Intelligence **Overview:** Vision-based AI has transformed perception, but real-world intelligence requires more than seeing. For robots and embodied systems to operate reliably in the physical world, they need access to ground-truth data about movement, force, position, and physical interaction. In this talk, Anantyash Dixit will argue that proprioceptive data — the body’s sense of movement and position — is a missing ingredient in the path toward embodied intelligence. He will discuss why specialised sensing hardware is needed to capture this data, how human movement datasets can support robotic deployment, and why physical AI may require a deeper connection between hardware, biomechanics, and intelligence. Drawing from Melbourne Bionics’ work across wearable sensing, athlete performance analytics, and robotics datasets, this talk will explore how real-world proprioceptive data could shape the next generation of embodied AI systems. **Speaker:** **Anantyash Dixit, Founding Engineer, Melbourne Bionics** **Bio:** Anantyash Dixit is a Founding Engineer at Melbourne Bionics, a medtech startup where he leads the full hardware pipeline, including electronics design, embedded systems, and sensor integration. Melbourne Bionics is developing three connected products: **Ares**, a calf sensor sleeve that captures real-time proprioceptive data from elite athletes; **Athena**, an analytics platform that turns that data into actionable insights for coaches and medical staff; and **Richter**, a robotics platform that uses the same dataset as a proprietary benchmark for humanoid robot locomotion. Anantyash’s background spans FPGA and RTL design, embedded firmware, PCB layout, EMI/EMC verification, wearable biosignals, and medical device development. He holds a degree in Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering from Monash University, where he was awarded the International Excellence Scholarship and served as President of the Society of Monash Electrical Engineers. Beyond hardware, he thinks deeply about the ethics of AI, the implications of physical intelligence, and what embodied systems mean for humanity’s long-term trajectory. *** ### 7:40 – 8:00 pm \| Community Open Mic Take the mic and share with the group — from hardware demos and embedded prototypes to quick AI-at-the-edge announcements, project showcases, calls for collaboration, and more. *** ### Wrap-up & Social Any further Q&As and chats will happen here. **Last reminder:** Please make sure to register on Eventbrite for your free ticket — it is required for entry.

Your ability to work and live with others is crucial to your survival. To survive well one needs ability. Today meetup topic: Creating and Improving Ability And if you think you already have all the ability one needs to survive well then it is important for you to learn how to KEEP IT FROM GOING AWAY. Attend our Free Meetup! Definition for Ability: One's power to observe, to make decisions and to act. A man is as free, as well-off, as he is able. A family is as happy as it has ability. A business is as well-off as it has able people in it. A country is as well-off as it has able workers, foremen and executives. At today's meetup learn what constitutes ability and more importantly how to develop and improve it so that it does not go away. Fact's are that one's ability is never the same. It either goes up or it will go down. Your natural as well as learned abilities are constantly subject to many of life's pressures. One can therefore simply not rest on one's laurels regarding your current abilities and simply assume they will always be available for use. The time to protect and enhance ability is when you are still able. Any loss of ability will result in less confidence followed by problems resulting in unhappiness. This is called the dwindling spiral. Not just for you, it will impact all others you associate with as well. Today's topic applies to all aspects of life but will focus on how your abilities or lack of abilities or a sudden or gradual lowering of ability relates to work and family life. On your arrival you will be asked to complete a Oxford Personality Test. From this you will learn what ability it is that needs attention and improving. Whilst at our meetup you will also learn about some of the different technologies are that you find here which actively create, protect or enhance ability in key areas of life. The world cries out for better people (More Able People) that will lead happier life's with better better jobs, stronger families as well as community and businesses groups. Get The Know-How for life, attend our meetup or ask me for a time that is better suited to your schedule.

**🙋‍♀️**Welcome to FREE FRIDAY Social + language ​exchange meetup. Meet people from many countries and make new friends. 👉We always have MANY people attending our Friday event since this event is listed in 3 different meetup groups. Some people come early some come late, best time is between 6:30pm to 9:30pm. 👉This is a great opportunity to learn to speak English with native and non-native speakers. Many English speakers, Europeans, Chinese, Japanese, Koreans, and other Asians attend our fun and friendly party. 👉It is suitable for international students, working holiday people, professional ex-pats, and local Australians.

**Social Pickleball - All Levels Welcome!** \*\* [Instagram: @rmit_pickleball](https://www.instagram.com/rmit_pickleball/) [WhatsApp: RMIT Pickleball Club](https://chat.whatsapp.com/G7VE0NcThWWIgLnnJBVQBq)\*\* \*\* Paddles and balls provided! Beginner friendly - simply show up and we’ll teach you the basics \*\* Grab a paddle, play pickleball, and meet new people! \*\* Who is it for?\*\* * Members of public and RMIT students * Complete beginners * Intermediate players * Advanced players (up to DUPR 4.5 expected) **✅ How to join?** 1. **Become a club member** [at the RMIT Store](https://store.rmit.edu.au/pages/club/pickleball) (one-off payment) 2. **RSVP** on Meetup to join the session 3. When marked as **“Going”**, pay for the session: **\- Payment link** is in the **comment section below** (posted 1-3 days before) \- Use your RMIT Store account with a club membership \(from step 1\) 4. Can’t attend? Update your RSVP to “Not Going” **⏳ Priority on waitlist** 1. Clear Meetup profile with name and photo 2. RMIT students 3. Regular attendees \*\* On the day\*\* * New players, please **introduce yourself to the host** * New players wanting a **rules intro**, please arrive on-time and ask a host * Have your **emailed ticket receipt ready** \- it will be checked on the day \*\* Cancellations and Refunds\*\* * No refunds for change of mind, non-attendance, or no-shows * Refunds only if the event is cancelled (weather or court availability) * Credit for a later session may be offered by agreement in case of event cancellation * Pay only when we share the payment link in Meetup - using old links is at your own risk Whether you are new to pickleball or a regular player, this is a great way to get some games in and connect with the community. Come solo or bring a friend - everyone is welcome! \*\* Spots are limited, so RSVP early! \*\*

Let's drink to **Internet Money and the quiet revolution**! Come and meet like-minded people and learn about bitcoin. This night is for newbies and regulars alike (don't worry, we don't bite!). Note that this is a very informal event, so you may need to ask the bar staff to find where the group is. There are no speakers or activities, just a casual pub session. \*NOTE: The Fox Hotel accepts Bitcoin via the lightning network, so come with sats! An easy way to get started is to download a compatible wallet, for example Wallet of Satoshi. This is the regular monthly pub session for the Melbourne Bitcoin community. We recommend new comers check out https://bitcoin.rocks/ and https://bitcoin-intro.com Find out more by visiting our telegram chat channel: https://t.me/btcmelbourne *(yes, telegram is not our favourite solution, but it's stuck so far)*

Hi Radiant Ladies, Join us for a refreshing Saturday walk at Ruffey Lake Park. 👭 Walk at your own pace 🐕 Dogs welcome ☕ Coffee after 🌦️ We walk every Saturday (unless it’s pouring) New ladies welcome. See you! 

Leanne & Lyn 💕

***Vibe out with your tribe, out. (No coding experience required or expected!)*** Join us for **Vibe Code & Chill: October Edition** on Sunday, October 5th, 2025. This isn’t your average meetup: no stuffy panels, no boring lectures. We’re here to vibe, imbibe, and make progress on our *projects-de-jour*: from AI experiments to Web3 hacks, AR side projects, or just messing around with next-gen tools. ***New to the crew?*** Expect a warm welcome and friendly face to greet you before introducing you around and helping you find your people. We keep it friendly, fun, and inclusive and with free snacks and drinks, you’re covered. Bring your laptop and your best coding mojo. **What to expect:** * **Chill coding & collaboration:** Bring your laptop and your current coding project. Find a spot in our comfortable booths or at tables with fellow coders. This is a space for hands-on work, casual discussions on the latest gizmos, and helping each other out. * **Free refreshments:** Stay fueled and hydrated with non-alcoholic drinks and a selection of snacks provided by the club. The pub has a great range of meals and drinks if you're looking for something more. * **Headphone-free zone (official hours):** You can code in your own world at home! We have a no-headphone policy for the first hour of the meetup. * **Flexible timing:** You're welcome to arrive early and get started before the official event kicks off at 2PM. and you're welcome to stay and vibe on as long as you like. No sweat if you can't stay the whole time, just pop in and join the fun for as long as you can! Come ready to laugh, learn, and grow with a community that's excited by design, tech, and innovation. This is your chance to make new friends, share ideas, and be inspired by fellow driven and generous minds.

## 🇯🇵 Progressi部: Japanese-English Language & Culture Exchange 🇦🇺 **"Serious Study, Authentic Community" — 本気で学び、本気で交流する。** Join us for our weekly exchange designed for those dedicated to practicing Japanese and English. This is a space to improve your language skills, share cultural insights, and make new, like-minded friends in a respectful environment. ### 🎯 Who This Group Is For We welcome individuals who are here to **actively practice their Japanese or English**. Whether you are looking for a study partner or want to learn more about culture, this is a community for focused and meaningful interaction. **✅ 受付方法 / Event Check-in (Strictly Required)** 到着の際、必ず主催者に以下の提示をお願いします / Upon arrival, please present the following to the organizer: * **Meetupの参加申し込み（RSVP）画面をご提示ください。** / Show your Meetup RSVP confirmation screen. * **予約なし（No RSVP）での参加はお断りしております。** / No walk-ins permitted without a confirmed RSVP. * **Participation Fee: $3 CASH** Non-Japanese citizens. ### 🚫 Conduct & Safety Policy To ensure a high-quality experience for all members, we maintain a strict standard of behavior: * **Immediate Ban:** Any individual found guilty of misconduct or creating "trouble" will be banned from the group immediately.**.** * **Organizer Authority:** The Organizer reserves the right to remove any member at their sole discretion to maintain the safety and integrity of the community. * **Respectful Interaction:** All members are expected to be polite and mindful of others. Do not make fellow participants feel uncomfortable or pressured. * **Privacy:** Please respect the personal boundaries of others. Do not pressure members for private contact information. **If any member makes you feel uncomfortable, please report it immediately to the organizers: Shin, David, or Ray.** *** ### 📝 Event Details * **Time:** Saturday, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM * **Arrival:** Please arrive **10–15 minutes early** due to limited seating. * **Entry Fee:** **$3 CASH** (Non-Japanese citizens). This contribution covers monthly meetup hosting fees. * **Photography:** Photos will be taken during the event for our community archives. ### 🇯🇵 日本語でのご案内 メルボルン市内のカフェで、本気で学べる日英言語文化交流会を主催しています。 * **目的:** 日本語・英語の練習、そして同じ目標を持つ友人作りを目的としています。 * **参加費:** 日本国籍以外の方は $3ドル（現金のみ）。 * **ルール:** 迷惑行為やトラブルを起こす方の参加は一切禁止です。主催者の判断により、即座に退会・出入り禁止の措置を取らせていただきます。 * 困ったことがあれば、すぐにオーガナイザー（Shin, David, Ray）までお知らせください。 ### 🔗 Connect With Us * **Facebook:** [facebook.com/groups/progressibu](https://www.google.com/search?q=http://www.facebook.com/groups/progressibu) * **X (Twitter):** [twitter.com/progressibu](https://www.google.com/search?q=http://twitter.com/progressibu)

Join us for a friendly and relaxed English meetup in South Melbourne! This gathering is perfect for anyone who wants to practise English, meet new friends, and feel part of a welcoming community. Whether you’re an international student, new to Melbourne, or simply looking to connect with others, you’ll find a supportive space to learn and grow. Each week, we run **two simple sessions**: **Daily English**, where you learn useful everyday vocabulary, and **Learning English from the Bible**, where we explore short passages in clear, beginner-friendly English. You’ll also meet people from different cultures and enjoy meaningful conversations in a warm, inclusive environment. Come along, make new friends, and enjoy learning English in a place where everyone is welcome. We’d love to meet you!

It's Jugger time! Get on down to Hawthorn for fun, sun, exercise, and silly shenanigans! * ✅ Free to attend * ⚔️ Jugger Equipment is supplied * 🍜 Post-training social lunch - all welcome * ➡️ [Find us on Discord](https://discord.gg/WHnMyk56Cu) Jugger is an exciting, mixed-gender soft combat sport. Two teams use a selection of padded foam spars to tag opponents as they aim to put the jugg (the game ball) into their opponent's goal. **Watch Jugger being played in [this excellent short demo video](https://vimeo.com/28592980).** Jugger Melbourne training sessions include both full games of jugger, as well as a variety of training drills designed to promote **teamwork, communication, exercise, health and fitness, and teach core game skills.** After training we head across to Glenferrie Rd for lunch and socializing, which you are welcome (and encouraged!) to join. **‍🏃‍♀️‍➡️ New Player Info / Who Can Join** New players are always welcome! Our experienced coaches will teach you basics to get you and and swinging in no time Jugger is easy to pickup the basics while deep to master. We have a minimum age policy of 16 years (please note, anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian), but other than that we welcome anyone of all fitness levels. Jugger is a great way to keep active, and a fun way to meet new people in a friendly and inclusive community! **👟 How to Join a Session and What to Bring** Joining is simple - just show up! RSVPing on Meetup or Discord is a big help as it helps us plan around expected numbers. You are also welcome to bring along any interested friends and family. **⚔️ Jugger equipment is supplied.** We have a collection of gear to loan out to new players. Bring a water bottle (there is a tap nearby), sunscreen, and wear comfortable clothes and shoes for running around in - and that you don't mind getting a bit dirty! Recommend but not required items include: sunglasses, football boots, kneepads, and gloves if you have them. You don't need any of these to get started, but you may find you want them if you become a regular. **✅ Are there any costs are involved?** Our training sessions are **free to attend** as often as you like, we are essentially just a group of friends that meet for training and socializing on the weekend. The Australian Jugger League has a voluntary annual membership that helps to support the sport (including maintaining equipment and paying for Meetup), and we encourage people to join once they become a regular attendee or begin attending tournaments. However there's no obligation so spend any money when you're first trying it out or just attending casually. **➡️ External Links** We organise our regular players through our Discord group and their attendance is not often represented in the Meetup attendance numbers (we use Meetup to reach out to new people). Events are also (though less regularly) posted to Facebook, while event photos and videos are shared on our Instagram. * [Join our Discord](https://discord.gg/WHnMyk56Cu) * [Jugger Melbourne on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/groups/JuggerMelbourne) * [Follow us on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/jugger_melbourne/) * [Australian Jugger League website](https://www.jugger.au/) \*\* See you on Sunday \*\*

**Welcome to Badminton Social (羽球匯友) Meetup!** Join us for regular badminton, social meetups, and a great time on the court around Caulfield. Let's build a welcoming badminton community and make some amazing memories together! Whether you are a beginner or a pro, this event is perfect for anyone looking to stay active, make new friends, and enjoy some friendly plays. Our group is made up of both local and international members, creating a diverse and welcoming atmosphere for everyone to join in. Not only will you have the chance to improve your Badminton skills and stay fit, but you'll also have the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for healthy living and staying active. Come and be a part of our community in Melbourne, where friendships are made on and off the court. **Details as below:** When: 9 May, this Saturday Time: 5pm - 6.30pm Where: Monash Sport Caulfield (1-min walk from Caulfield Station / free parking around the Station) Fee: $12 per head (PayID to the organizer) *#Limited spots - first come first served (RSVP)* *#Please bring your own racket(s); or you can rent it from the Centre (if needed)* ***#Please kindly update your RSVP as soon as possible if you need to cancel, so hopefully others can still get a spot to join. Cancellations within 24 hours or no-shows will be charged the full rate - Many thanks for your understanding and cooperation.*** *#Please let the organizer know after the first play, if you'd like to play regularly with the group ongoing and enjoy exclusive offer - Organizer will add you to our Whatsapp group for the regulars :)* *DISCLAIMER:* *By* *attending any event hosted by this Meetup group, you acknowledge and accept that participation involves inherent risks, including injury or loss of property, and you assume full responsibility for your safety. The organizers are not liable for any damages, injuries, or losses that occur, regardless of cause. You agree to follow any event guidelines, act responsibly, and understand that you are responsible for your own well-being. By attending, you accept these terms. 3*

**Social Pickleball - All Levels Welcome!** \*\* [Instagram: @rmit_pickleball](https://www.instagram.com/rmit_pickleball/) [WhatsApp: RMIT Pickleball Club](https://chat.whatsapp.com/G7VE0NcThWWIgLnnJBVQBq)\*\* \*\* Paddles and balls provided! Beginner friendly - simply show up and we’ll teach you the basics \*\* Grab a paddle, play pickleball, and meet new people! \*\* Who is it for?\*\* * Members of public and RMIT students * Complete beginners * Intermediate players * Advanced players (up to DUPR 4.5 expected) **✅ How to join?** 1. **Become a club member** [at the RMIT Store](https://store.rmit.edu.au/pages/club/pickleball) (one-off payment) 2. **RSVP** on Meetup to join the session 3. When marked as **“Going”**, pay for the session: **\- Payment link** is in the **comment section below** (posted 1-3 days before) \- Use your RMIT Store account with a club membership \(from step 1\) 4. Can’t attend? Update your RSVP to “Not Going” **⏳ Priority on waitlist** 1. Clear Meetup profile with name and photo 2. RMIT students 3. Regular attendees \*\* On the day\*\* * New players, please **introduce yourself to the host** * New players wanting a **rules intro**, please arrive on-time and ask a host * Have your **emailed ticket receipt ready** \- it will be checked on the day \*\* Cancellations and Refunds\*\* * No refunds for change of mind, non-attendance, or no-shows * Refunds only if the event is cancelled (weather or court availability) * Credit for a later session may be offered by agreement in case of event cancellation * Pay only when we share the payment link in Meetup - using old links is at your own risk Whether you are new to pickleball or a regular player, this is a great way to get some games in and connect with the community. Come solo or bring a friend - everyone is welcome! \*\* Spots are limited, so RSVP early! \*\*

EVERY FRIDAY! FREE dance classes & social dancing and Reggaeton every week with Obsesión Latina - Salsa & Bachata & OYE Latino at The Albion Rooftop - South Melbourne! Main room: 6:45pm Doors open. Come in for a drink! 7:00pm 2 levels of Salsa classes 8:00pm 2 levels of Bachata classes 9:00pm Non-stop Bachata & Salsa 11:00pm Reggaeton all night! Rooftop: 11:00pm After the Bachata & Salsa in the main room, we can head upstairs to the rooftop for some more Bachata & Salsa until late. FREE entry all night every Friday! Book your class spots to helps us manage the class ratios and also because we may need to start capping numbers as we sometimes have over 140 students! First-timers welcome! No need to bring a partner, but the more the merrier! Dress as you would usually going to a bar or club. Guys smart casual, no trackies! https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/free-salsa-bachata-classes-social-every-friday-in-south-melbourne-tickets-1978557074471?aff=oddtdtcreator

**Important time note:** Please plan on arriving between 5:30 and 6:00 as the elevators lock after 6 and you'll need to message us and we'll need to come get you. The building address is 4450 Bridge Park The entrance is 6620 Mooney St, Suite 400 You will need to scan your ID at the door to get a visitor badge. **Abstract** TBD **YouTube Link** TBD

Join us for a practical, beginner-friendly guide to choosing the right large language model. We’ll compare major models like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Llama, talk about when to use hosted APIs versus local models, and break down the tradeoffs around cost, speed, quality, privacy, context windows, coding ability, and reliability. You’ll leave with a clearer mental model for picking an LLM based on your actual use case instead of hype, benchmarks, or brand names. No deep AI background required. LOGISTICS AND PARKING: The talk starts at 7:00 PM. The first half hour is reserved for everyone to get set up and mingle. Free pizza and drinks! The cheapest parking option is to find street parking, which will only cost you a few bucks. Otherwise, park in the nearby veteran's museum lot for $8. It's highly recommended you avoid the nearby $15 garage parking.

**Important time note:** Please plan on arriving between 5:30 and 6:00 as the elevators lock after 6 and you'll need to message us and we'll need to come get you. The building address is 4450 Bridge Park The entrance is 6620 Mooney St, Suite 400 You will need to scan your ID at the door to get a visitor badge. **Abstract** *Customize the IDE: Building Extensions for Visual Studio Code* Visual Studio Code is one of the most widely used development environments today, and much of its flexibility comes from its extension ecosystem. Extensions allow developers to customize the editor with new features, integrations, and workflow improvements tailored to their needs. In this session, we’ll cover what extensions are and the different types available, including full extensions written in TypeScript or JavaScript, along with lighter-weight extensions such as color themes, language packs, language support, code snippets, and keymaps. We’ll also look at practical reasons a developer might create an extension, from automating repetitive tasks to adding custom tooling. The session includes a hands-on walkthrough of creating a new extension, testing it locally, and understanding the basic project structure. We’ll close with a brief overview of how extensions are packaged and published to the Visual Studio Marketplace and other distribution options. **YouTube Link** TBD

Come out to Improving for our monthly iOS and Mac meetings. This Month's Presentation: Nothing yet. (You should volunteer). What is Cocoaheads (http://cocoaheads.org/)? CocoaHeads is a group devoted to discussion of Apple Computer's Cocoa Framework for programming on MacOS X and iOS (including the iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch). During monthly meetings, members present on their projects and offer tutorials on various programming topics. What is BuckeyeCocoa (http://buckeyecocoa.org/)? BuckeyeCocoa is a group of Objective-C/Swift developers/enthusiasts. We host monthly Cocoaheads and near-weekly NSCoder meetings in Columbus, Ohio. The meetings are free to attend. Presentations! Presenters welcome! We are always in need of people willing to present material. Any Swift and/or Objective-C related topic is welcome. Times can be 5 minutes (i.e. lightning talks) to a maximum of 2 hours. Interested? Contact info is on the BuckeyeCocoa website. To volunteer for a presentation contact us at @BuckeyeCocoa on Twitter. Follow us on Twitter! @BuckeyeCocoa (https://twitter.com/#!/Buckeyecocoa/) For more information: http://buckeyecocoa.org/

**Improving Office in Franklinton** Physical location: Improving Office 330 Rush Alley Suite #150 Columbus, OH 43215 Schedule: 6:00 p.m.: Socialize, eat, and drink. Improving will be providing pizza and beverages. 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Main meeting and presentation(s). Topic: This month John Lairson will share a notebook describing the Alpaca (Paper) Trading API and discuss different algorithms for evaluating stock trades. We meet on the last Monday of each Month. Presentations are given by members and friends of this group. If you would like to do a presentation (small or large) on a python topic, please contact Central OH Python at centralohpython@gmail.com

We connect you with up to 30 Men or Women tennis partners close to your PLAYING REGION and skill level. This program is less competitive, no champions crowned, no league standings just dedicated tennis partners who want to meet up with you on the courts. Players will meet up to play a tennis match or just to hit around. Just go through the [Join Page](https://www.tenniscolumbus.com/partner-program) to enter this program. [https://www.tenniscolumbus.com/partner-program](https://www.tenniscolumbus.com/partner-program)

**Latest Dojo Location!** **Knotty Pine Brewing** 1765 W 3rd Ave, Columbus, OH 43212 We're going to try a new dojo location for a few weeks and see how it works Dojos are informal Python group study sessions where everyone interested in Python gathers to learn about Python, help others with Python, or just hang out. Everyone is welcome from Python beginners to experts. Bringing a laptop is encouraged (we'll have extension cords and power strips). If there's something you want to learn leave a comment on this invite so we can plan ahead. We're looking for speakers for our Monthly Meetups! Fill out the form if you are interested in presenting to the Python Community. https://forms.gle/ehSfUAC2WgR34Crq9