MBA Applications

**Fabric Direct Lake: When and Why You Should Consider Using It** Direct Lake in Microsoft Fabric allows Power BI to query data directly from OneLake using Delta tables, delivering fast performance without the need for data imports\refreshes. In this session we introduce Direct Lake and how it fits into the Fabric analytics architecture. We’ll look at scenarios where it works well, particularly for simplifying data pipelines and reducing data duplication. The talk will also highlight key advantages such as performance and architectural simplicity. We conclude by looing at some of the limitations and trade-offs to consider when deciding whether Direct Lake is the right approach for your solution. **Logistics:** * Format: Hybrid (remotely and in person) * In Person: Entelect (Boardroom TBC) * Remote: Now on Teams [here](https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_NDBhN2FmYzEtMTNmMi00ZTdhLTkzNWQtNzJiZDZmNjMyNDAw%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22e3183c89-78ae-43e0-b8a3-3eb012e5d9ea%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22d1186f7a-a0f7-4629-a372-0dcbfd79cf85%22%7d) (Meeting ID: 375 463 344 65, Passcode: 26Kz3t9X) * As usual, pizza and refreshments will be served for those attending in person.

**Fabric Direct Lake: When and Why You Should Consider Using It** Direct Lake in Microsoft Fabric allows Power BI to query data directly from OneLake using Delta tables, delivering fast performance without the need for data imports\refreshes. In this session we introduce Direct Lake and how it fits into the Fabric analytics architecture. We’ll look at scenarios where it works well, particularly for simplifying data pipelines and reducing data duplication. The talk will also highlight key advantages such as performance and architectural simplicity. We conclude by looing at some of the limitations and trade-offs to consider when deciding whether Direct Lake is the right approach for your solution. **Logistics:** * Format: Hybrid (remotely and in person) * In Person: Entelect (Boardroom TBC) * Remote: Now on Teams [here](https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_NDBhN2FmYzEtMTNmMi00ZTdhLTkzNWQtNzJiZDZmNjMyNDAw%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22e3183c89-78ae-43e0-b8a3-3eb012e5d9ea%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22d1186f7a-a0f7-4629-a372-0dcbfd79cf85%22%7d) (Meeting ID: 375 463 344 65, Passcode: 26Kz3t9X) * As usual, pizza and refreshments will be served for those attending in person.

**First meetup of the Columbus AI Engineering group.** We’ll kick things off with a practical, beginner-friendly discussion on: **How LLMs like ChatGPT actually work — and how to build real applications with them.** We’ll cover: * what’s actually happening under the hood (at a high level) * why LLMs behave the way they do (hallucinations, prompt sensitivity, etc.) * how people are building real systems with them today * where things break in practice This will be a **short, informal talk (\~15–20 min)** followed by open discussion and Q&A. Whether you’re an engineer, builder, or just curious about how modern AI systems work, you’re welcome to join. No slides, no fluff — just real conversation about real systems. We’ll hang out afterward and get to know each other.

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.

In this local meeting, you will discover knowledge that you can use to get over the past. The key to improving your personal motivation, self-confidence, and happiness is to get over your painful memories. When you become free of your past, you will be free from stress, anger, anxiety and depression. Studies show that negative emotions can affect your health. By being free of negative emotions, believe it or not, you will most likely even look younger, feel more energetic, and become healthier! Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is brought to you by the Dianetics and Scientology life improvement center.

Bring your business cards and network in person with other business professionals! Gold Star Referral Clubs is one of the most established professional networking organizations in the country, with multiple groups in central Ohio. Join us!

Over 50 Happy Hour – Liberty Tavern Polaris Join us for a fun and relaxed Over 50 Happy Hour on Friday, April 10th from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Liberty Tavern Polaris. This is a great opportunity to meet new people in our age group in a casual, comfortable setting. Whether you’re in your fifties, sixties, or seventies, everyone is welcome. Some people who attend are retired, while others are still working, but we all share one thing in common — enjoying good conversation and good company. If you’re new to the group, don’t worry. Many people attend solo and quickly find it easy to strike up conversations. The goal of this happy hour is simple: meet people, socialize, laugh, and enjoy the evening. We’ll be gathering at Liberty Tavern Polaris, a welcoming tavern with a warm atmosphere, great food, and a bar perfect for relaxed conversation. Feel free to come when you can and leave when you want. Some members arrive right at 4:00 PM, while others stop by later after work. There’s no formal agenda — just friendly people getting together to enjoy a Friday evening. Location: Liberty Tavern Polaris 2170 Polaris Parkway Columbus, Ohio Time: Friday, April 10 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM Come join us for a drink, good conversation, and the chance to meet some great people in the 50+ community.