Load Testing and Performance

Observability is supposed to help us understand our systems but for many teams it has quietly become one of the most expensive and least flexible parts of the stack. Plenty of organizations take polished SaaS platforms like Datadog to get real value quickly early on, only to hit the same wall later: runaway costs, pricing tied to architectural decisions, and vendor lock-in so strong it makes Rogers and Bell both blush. In this talk, I’ll walk through a real-world case study of a JVM-based production system that migrated away from a Datadog-centric observability setup to an open-source, OpenTelemetry-based platform. We’ll dig into the why behind the move, the architectural decisions that mattered, the mistakes along the way, and how the team ended up with pragmatic visibility into latency, errors, and resource usage at a fraction of the cost. The second half of the talk is practical and forward-looking. I’ll show how OpenTelemetry unlocks real choice by acting as a neutral data plane for your telemetry. From there, we’ll look at modern, off-the-shelf observability backends you can plug in within minutes without rewriting applications or installing new agents. Want to dual-write, swap vendors, or route data somewhere new? This is how you do it without a big-bang rewrite or another long-term commitment with a new vendor. This session is for engineers and CEOs who are feeling the observability cost squeeze, want leverage back from vendors, and are looking for realistic ways to modernize monitoring without lighting their entire stack on fire each time they decide to change their tools of choice. **About the venue** Free Times Cafe has bistro-style seating and a full food and drink menu. Please consider helping to support the venue by planning to have supper during the talk. **Speaker Bio** Alexei Zenin is a Platform Engineering Consultant based out of Toronto, Canada. Over the course of his career he has worked across the Healthcare, Marketing, Video Games, and Banking industries. He loves to tackle hard problems in the distributed systems space with a focus on scaling platforms both from a technical and process perspective. He is a strong advocate for highly maintainable and well tested code while at the same time pragmatically delivering value to the end user. He has contributed to the broader tech community, namely to Confluent’s blogs on Apache Kafka, spoken at Current 2022 in Austin, Texas, and spoken at XP Game Summit 2025 in Toronto, Canada. During his 5 years at Uken Games he contributed to several games like Who Wants to Be a Millionaire and Jeopardy. One title of note he saw from inception to completion was a game for Tim Hortons built right into the official app, Tim’s Word Challenge. Millions of Canadians have played it along with their morning coffee. He also got to work with Netflix on several unannounced games during his time at the studio. Currently, Alexei is working with various clients, both large and small to modernize and streamline their platforms with the most appropriate tools and practices. Outside of his professional life, he gives back to his community by volunteering at UofT. He also enjoys paddleboarding and attending live rock concerts to reset after long coding sessions.

**We will discuss day trading, swing trading strategies and tools.** This will not be a presentation format. We will discuss options trading and investing strategies, as well as the skills needed to start. It is a **casual meetup to meet people who are interested in trading or building a career around it, especially algorithmically. No "financial gurus" are welcome.** Join us for a meetup where we share trading ideas, and connect with others who share a common interest in investing. Algorithmic trading is commonly used by large institutional investors and market makers, but it is also accessible to retail traders. It offers several advantages over manual or discretionary approaches—particularly in minimizing psychological errors that often impact human traders. Some of the topics we usually discuss: \- Reasons for investing \- Limitations of being a retail trader \- Practical tools: brokers\, APIs\, data sources\, real\-time implementation \- Brainstorming ideas: strategies that may be working today **Note this even is not sponsored or endorsed by any business where we are meeting. We are just using their space for casual meetup event.** **Please no promotion of MLM, pyramid schemes, self promotion to paid services, affiliate promotion, paid subscriptions or similar stuff.** **Useful Links** * Notion page of [Algo Trading Resources](https://systemetic.notion.site/Algorithmic-Trading-Resources-fe400c5258e440fd8a4d63770d08bc13) **Telegram group for quicker communication:** [https://t.me/+m8BMRABGX74xNmZh](https://t.me/+m8BMRABGX74xNmZh) **Disclaimer:** This meetup is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional financial advice. The discussions and materials presented at this meetup are provided as general information and are not intended to be a substitute for professional financial, legal, or tax advice. All participants are encouraged to consult their financial advisor or qualified professionals regarding specific financial issues. None of the organizers, speakers, or participants at this meetup are liable for any financial loss or damage incurred as a result of trading activities or decisions based on the information shared during this event. Trading stocks and other financial instruments involves risk and may not be suitable for all individuals. **CFTC Rule 4.41:** Futures, foreign currency and options trading contains substantial risk and is not for every investor. An investor could potentially lose all or more than the initial investment. Risk capital is money that can be lost without jeopardizing one’s financial security or lifestyle. Only risk capital should be used for trading and only those with sufficient risk capital should consider trading. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. **Non-Endorsement**: References to specific securities, investment strategies, or any financial instruments during the meetup are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute a recommendation, endorsement, or investment advice by the organizers or speakers. **No Guarantees**: There is no guarantee that the investment strategies discussed will be profitable or protect against loss. All investments involve the risk of loss. **Conflict of Interest**: Presenters or organizers may hold or intend to acquire positions in securities discussed during the meetup, which may create a conflict of interest.

Join us on March 26th for an exciting **AWS User Group Toronto meetup** focused on **AI-driven development with Kiro**! The evening kicks off with a presentation and live demoes showcasing how Kiro transforms the development workflow, followed by AWS experts sharing the best practices and approaches to get most out of AI-driven development. We'll wrap up with a hands-on workshop and Q&A session — Kiro credits will be provided for participants who want to explore at their own pace. As a bonus, enjoy pizza on us and take home some exclusive Kiro-themed swag! To make the most of the workshop, please come with Kiro pre-installed on your own computer and/or AWS account ready to go. **Agenda:** 6:00-6:15: Welcome Introductions, and community update 6:15-7:00: AI-driven development with Kiro - Presentation and Demo 7:00-7:30: Lessons from field - Best practices and accelerators 7:30-8:00: Workshop set and Q&A **Details:** Address: **18 York St., 7th Floor, Toronto, ON, M5J 2T8** Date: **March 26, 2026** Time: **6:00 pm to 8:00 pm EST** **Speaker:** * **Simran Singh** \- Sr\. Solutions Architect @ AWS * **Divya Jadav** \- Solutions Architect @ AWS * **Abhijith Ramesh Chandra** \- Solutions Architect @ AWS Please plan to arrive between 05:30 PM and 06:00 PM to ensure time to check-in, before the event begins at 06:00 PM. Visitors will need to present a government-issued photo ID to verify their identity and will have their picture taken to receive a visitor badge. Please wear your badge and remember to return all visitor badges to reception at the end of the visit. Parking is available onsite. There is a parking garage located beneath the building. You can pull an access ticket at the garage entrance off 120 Bremner Boulevard or Lower Simcoe Street. If you are arriving via the Union station, the building is conveniently located next to the Union station. Please enter through the main entrance on Bremner Boulevard or via the PATH Network and proceed to the elevators.

IMPORTANT: You must also register at this Eventbrite link: [Sony Presents: Forever in Focus Wedding and Portraiture Event Tickets, Thursday, Mar 26 from 1 pm to 6 pm | Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/sony-presents-forever-in-focus-wedding-and-portraiture-event-tickets-1983966356780?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true) Forever In Focus: A Sony Alpha Community Event for Wedding & Portraiture Photography and Videography Professionals *We invite you to join us at Forever in Focus, an immersive experience that blends realistic hands-on experiences with expert teachings. With a focus on both photography and videography, capture content via models in cultural wedding apparel, as they walk down the aisle, enjoy their first dance and cut the cake.* *Discover tips and tricks for capturing once-in-a-lifetime photos and videos with seasoned industry experts who are ready to interact with you.* *Check out Sony's latest and greatest gear, with an emphasis on premium G Master lens technology. Experience how G Master lenses give you the edge to capture moments with confidence, speed, and creative freedom.* *Explore hybrid photo and video workflows, low-light performance, advanced autofocus capabilities, and efficient production techniques.* *Whether you’re refining your workflow, expanding into hybrid storytelling, or considering your next system upgrade, this is your opportunity to test gear in realistic conditions, connect with fellow professionals, and discover tools designed to help you deliver exceptional results for your clients*.

Eventbrite Link: **[https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/448735799857?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/448735799857?aff=oddtdtcreator)** **Indulge in Wednesday wonders! Toronto's comedy sensation unfolds at 8 PM. Unwind with laughter in the heart of the week.** Step into a world of Wednesday wonders at 8 PM! Backroom Comedy Club invites you to a midweek escape filled with uproarious laughter and top-tier stand-up comedy. Join Toronto's finest comedians for an unforgettable evening of entertainment. Reserve your seat now and make your Wednesday delightful with humor, wit, and the best of the city's comedy scene!

Ticket Link: [https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/2020-perspective-comedy-show-series-tickets-1981806652045?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/2020-perspective-comedy-show-series-tickets-1981806652045?aff=oddtdtcreator) Two comedians, co-headlining. Both do 20 minutes. These are local Toronto comedians who hustle, grind and deserve the shot! ## Welcome to the 20/20 Perspective Comedy Show Series! Come join us at the **Backroom Comedy Club** Thursday nights filled with laughter and fun starting **February 26th, 2026 until end of May . Every THURSDAY @ 10PM(Eastern Time)**. Get ready to enjoy hilarious stand-up acts and witty performances that will leave you rolling in your seats! Don't miss out on this opportunity to unwind and relax with some top-notch comedy. Grab your friends and family for a night of entertainment that you won't forget! Mark your calendars and get ready to laugh your heart out at the 20/20 Perspective Comedy Show Series!

Eventbrite Link: **[https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/436240616427?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/436240616427?aff=oddtdtcreator)** **Savor the laughter at Sizzling Saturdays! Toronto's comedy spectacle starts at 8 PM. A night of uproarious fun awaits!** Join us for a sizzling Saturday night at 8 PM! Backroom Comedy Club presents a comedy extravaganza featuring Toronto's top comedians. Immerse yourself in an evening of wit, humor, and uproarious laughter. Make your Saturday memorable—reserve your seat now for an unforgettable entertainment experience!

Join us for an exciting ServiceNow Toronto Developer Meetup - Spring 2026 Edition! 📅 **Date**: Thursday, March 26th, 2026 🕕 **Time**: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM EST 📍 **Location**: Scotland Yard, 56 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON **Agenda**: * **Networking -** Get to know your fellow ServiceNow Developers * **Knowledge Sharing** \- Share your insights and learn from others * **Additional details will be announced closer to the event!** Refreshments will be served at the event - Send us a private message to let us know if you have any allergies! **Note**: The event details are subject to change, so please stay tuned for any updates. This event is sponsored by Pentio Inc.

This group is for badminton enthusiasts who are passionate about exploring the connections between metabolism, energy, and exercise. We are welcome beginner plus, intermediate and advance level players looking to improve your skill or a seasoned player seeking to optimize your performance on the court, this group is for you! Join us for friendly games. This badminton session is a weekly event and it is followed with dinner together but it is optional. Since we have 3 courts and allowed the maximum of 24 players so that everyone signs up for this event will be placed on waiting list FIRST then will be moved to the joining list on WEDNESDAY MORNING. Court fee: It will be informed at the comment section by 4pm. Cost per person is either $162 (for 3 courts) divided by the number of players attended OR $108 (for 2 courts) divided by the number of players attended. My email address will be provided at that time for etransfer.

🍪👑 **ULTIMATE COOKIE CRAWL: TORONTO’S SWEETEST SHOWDOWN** 👑🍪 We’re Finding the Best Cookie in the City. For Research. Obviously. I’ve done the hard work (you’re welcome) and curated some of the top cookie spots and bakeries in Toronto so we can settle the ultimate question: Who makes the best cookie in the city? Is it gooey and underbaked? Crisp and golden? Thick and dramatic? Stuffed, dipped, or classic chocolate chip perfection? Join me for a sugar-fueled city walk as we explore some of Toronto’s most talked-about cookie destinations. And no — you don’t have to love cookies to join. You don’t even have to order one. You can simply come for the walk, the social energy, and the joy of watching the rest of us debate texture like it’s a competitive sport. 👉 **Don’t forget to join our WhatsApp group** – [CLICK HERE!](https://chat.whatsapp.com/H59mSCbsAi018gYANrKAnc?mode=ac_t) \*\*\* 🍪 The Cookie Lineup Here’s where we’re heading: • **Bakery Pompette** (Meetup Spot) • **The Night Baker** • **Andrea’s Cookies** • **Dear Grain** • **Midnight Cookie** • **Crumbl Cookies** • **The Well** – including Big Fat Cookies Yes. We’re committed. Lunch will be at the food court at The Well — because after multiple cookie stops, you may decide you need something… not round and sweet. \*\*\* 🚶‍♂️ The Walk This will likely be a 2-hour walk (possibly longer depending on lines and cookie enthusiasm levels). We’ll move at a steady pace, but please be comfortable walking and standing in line. You’re always welcome to leave at any time if you need to peel off early. This is part food crawl, part city walk, part social adventure. \*\*\* 💰 Important Notes Members are responsible for purchasing their own cookies. Many cookies are large — sharing is encouraged! Split with a new friend. Build community through butter and sugar. Bring cash, as some spots may prefer it. \*\*\* 🧢 Meetup Details 📍 Meetup Location: Outside The Night Baker 🫎 I’ll be wearing my Moose Hat ⏰ Meetup Time: 1:00 PM ❗ I will only wait 5 minutes End Point: The Well \*\*\* 👟 What to Bring • Water • Good walking shoes • Weather-appropriate clothing • Possibly a snack (if you want something non-sweet along the way) Comfort is key — this is a marathon, not a sprint. \*\*\* 🎟️ **Meetup Fee:** $5 cash in person **or** e-transfer to 📧 \*\*[mathewmaclean@hotmail.com**](http://mathewmaclean@hotmail.com%2A%2A/) This fee helps support the group and allows us to keep hosting events like this. Thank you for supporting community! 💖 \*\*\* 🌈 Who Is This For? This group is open to anyone who wants to be social and make friends — whether single or not. We also host: 🎬 Movies 🚶 Walks & hikes 🎭 Arts & culture outings 🍽️ Restaurant socials But today? Today is about cookies. \*\*\* ⚠️ A Gentle Reminder Sometimes life happens and plans may shift — please keep an eye out for updates. \*\*\* 👤 Organizer: Mathew Questions? Post on the event wall or email 📧 [torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com](mailto:torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com) Come for the cookies. Stay for the debates. Leave with a favourite — and possibly crumbs in your pocket. Toronto has opinions about everything. Let’s see who earns the cookie crown. 🍪✨

This is a ticketed event. Please register at [this link](https://luma.com/lpikw708). ​Ryan Faulkner explores various papers that address cooperation and safety in multi-agent LLM simulations. Some of the core topics will include: * ​Moral behaviour of agents in high-stakes, zero-sum, and morally charged social dilemmas * ​Governance and sanctioning dynamics and the ways that LLM agents often fail to cooperate and free-ride in common-pool resource game * ​Mechanism design interventions like mediation, contracts, and elected leadership are explored to steer agents toward safer outcomes. ​This research also reveals that LLMs adapt their behavior based on awareness of their conversational partner's identity. ​​​**Event Schedule** 6:00 to 6:30 - Food and introductions 6:30 to 7:30 - Presentation and Q&A 7:30 to 9:00 - Open Discussions ​​​​​​If you can't make it in person, feel free to join the live stream starting at 6:30 pm, via [this link](https://www.youtube.com/@Trajectory-Labs/live).

Interested in seeing what The Alliance has been working on in 2026? Come be our practice audience as we prepare to sing at JAD/CAR Preliminary Contest! We will be debuting our brand new contest set, and you won't want to miss it! Our chapter quartets, Intermission Quartet and Coffee Talk will also be performing! This is a free event!

Builders, creators, architects, admins, consultants - come one, come all. This one's for you. We're bringing a little friendly competition to the Columbus ServiceNow community while highlighting the cool things people have built on the platform. Five presenters will take the stage to showcase something they've built, solved, designed, or imagined on the ServiceNow platform - and a panel of judges (plus YOU, our amazing audience) will score them live. So basically, America's Got Talent but make it ServiceNow's Got Talent. Bring a notepad if you'd like 'cause you'll definitely be learning something new. Each presenter gets 10 minutes max to wow the crowd with: • A demo • A real-world business solution • A bold idea • A UX transformation • Or a creative use of the platform Judging Criteria: 🏆 Business Value 🚀 Innovation ✨ User Experience This event is about celebrating ideas, sharing knowledge, and showing how ServiceNow can drive both business impact and meaningful user value. Come learn. Come support. Come get inspired. Refreshments and bites will be provided. And maybe next time… you’ll be on stage.

If you are interested in selecting investment choices for your 401(k) or other workplace savings plan, minimizing your income tax liability, or identifying the most effective investments for your brokerage account, we are the group for you. We are a local chapter of Bogleheads**®**, whose investment strategy can be found here: https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy Or you can peruse the Boglehead forum here: https://www.bogleheads.org/index.php I look forward to seeing you there. Mark Vonder Haar

Our monthly PHP meetup. A virtual shindig courtesy of Zoom. Check back here for the details around 6:15 pm

**Welcome to the Women’s Columbus Bogleheads® Sub-Group** This sub-group is for **women who want to learn and discuss finances in a safe, supportive space**. For those interested in moving towards financial independence and retirement by learning investment basics, choosing your 401(k) investments, minimizing taxes, and more. We’re a local chapter of **Bogleheads®**, following a long-term, practical investment philosophy: [Investment Philosophy](https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy): https://www.bogleheads.org/wiki/Bogleheads%C2%AE_investment_philosophy [Bogleheads Forum](https://www.bogleheads.org/index.php): https://www.bogleheads.org/index.php No question is too small, and no experience is too simple. Share, ask, and learn — at your own pace, without judgment, in a group of like-minded women. Let’s build confidence and knowledge **together**!

**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 **Abstract** Web Forms gave .NET developers a powerful abstraction for building reusable UI controls long before design systems were a thing. Web Components finally bring that same idea to the browser natively. This session explores how the Web Forms mindset translates into Custom Elements, Shadow DOM, and HTML templates. We’ll examine how Web Components enable design systems that work across frameworks, how they differ from server‑driven controls, and why they’re becoming a foundational layer for modern UI. Whether you’re maintaining legacy apps or building greenfield projects, you’ll leave with a practical understanding of how to apply familiar patterns in a modern, standards‑based way. **YouTube Link** TBA

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