Meeting & Event Planners

*Join a friendly community of language exchangers from all over the world and practice your English/Portuguese — maybe even pick up a new language too! 🌍* All language levels are welcome — even if you're a total beginner. We believe the best way to learn is by actually speaking in real life! ***A midweek night to decompress, relax, make new friends, slow down a little and enjoy some drinks 🍹🍹🍹*** We meet every Wednesday at our new location: 📍 **Che Bárbaro Restaurante & Bar/ Perto do Beco do Batman** Rua Harmonia, 277 – Sumarezinho São Paulo – SP, 05435-000 It’s a big venue, so don’t worry — the **Rooftop** is just for us! When you arrive, just let the staff know you’re there for **O Rolè** and they’ll point you in the right direction 😉 We usually have around 8–12people per night. Come represent your language! Take a minute to fill out this short form to help us improve the event. The WhatsApp group link is at the end. https://forms.gle/oSjiFVrTJdPboNUj9 See you on Wednesday! 🗣️🍻🌎

**ProductTank São Paulo apresenta:** **Product Builders: Do Zero ao App com Lovable!** Produteiros, Estamos de volta para celebrar o World Product Day 2026. O tema desse ano é a resiliência. Em um mundo cada vez mais imprevisível, vivemos mudanças profundas na nossa profissão e a pressão constante de fazer mais com menos, com a IA. Por isso, é cada vez mais importante contar com a comunidade e aprender juntos a construir o que vem por aí. Terminamos o ano passado com um painel que discutiu como as empresas de maior sucesso do mundo estão, de fato, incorporando a IA em produtos de excelência. Agora, que tal colocar esses insights em prática e criar um app funcional do zero em pouco mais de uma hora? Junte-se a nós em um hackathon de IA, onde você vai construir um app usando o Lovable – a plataforma no-code que transforma prompts em português em produtos reais. Para isso, vamos contar com dois líderes de produto para compartilhar os aprendizados de quem deixou de pedir ao time de engenharia e passou a construir. **Nossos speakers da noite:** **João Paulo Alqueres:** Especialista em IA Conversacional e Agentes, com experiência em liderança de produtos, tecnologia e inovação. Atuou como fundador e executivo em projetos de IA para grandes marcas globais, desenvolvendo experiências conversacionais, voice assistants e soluções baseadas em GenAI. Atualmente, lidera iniciativas de transformação em IA aplicada à customer experience e à automação, conectando estratégia de produto, tecnologia e execução. **Leonardo Pabon:** CPTO da Naturita, onde criou a GaIA, uma experiência conversacional via WhatsApp que aplica IA Generativa para endereçar o maior desafio da nutrição: a aderência. Organizador do ProductTank São Paulo desde 2019, conecta o ecossistema brasileiro de produto e inovação há quase uma década. Antes, escalou produtos na Quero Educação e no QuintoAndar, passou pela Concrete (Accenture) e fundou a Corcovado AI, uma consultoria em IA Generativa para startups. Mais de 15 anos na interseção entre estratégia de produto, tecnologia e negócio. **Como vai funcionar** * Vamos formar pequenos grupos de construção com IA — você não precisa vir com um time. * Cada grupo vai colaborar para construir um app e apresentá-lo no final. * O desafio será revelado no início do evento — sem necessidade de preparação prévia. * Você pode participar como builder (criando com Lovable) ou como espectador (influenciando as ideias com feedback). * Todos os créditos do Lovable estarão incluídos — sem custo. Se você trabalha com produto e quer entender, na prática, como o vibe coding está mudando o processo de descoberta e prototipação, essa é a sua chance de vivenciar o futuro da criação de produtos. **Detalhes do evento:** **Quando:** 20 de maio de 2026 **Horário:** 19h às 21h **Onde:** Reclame Aqui - Praça Gen. Gentil Falcão, 108 - Cidade Monções, São Paulo - SP, 04571-150 (16º andar) **Valor:** Grátis! **Modelo:** Somente presencial **Idioma:** Português **Estacionamento:** disponível no local, pago à parte. Fecha às 22h. **Nossos patrocinadores:** **Lovable:** A plataforma líder global em vibe coding. **Reclame AQUI:** A maior plataforma brasileira de reputação, anfitriã do evento, que utiliza IA para escalar as jornadas do consumidor em produtos digitais. Após o hackathon, teremos o famoso Happy Hour. É a oportunidade perfeita para você fazer networking de altíssima qualidade e trocar ideias valiosas com os speakers e com a comunidade. **Importante** Como as vagas nos grupos são limitadas, confirme presença apenas se tiver certeza de que poderá comparecer. Se você se comprometer a levar um laptop, contamos com isso. Este será um evento dinâmico e interativo — não é uma palestra tradicional. Os builders vão colocar a mão na massa e os espectadores também vão participar ativamente, influenciando os resultados. **Avisos** * Faremos fotos do evento para divulgação no LinkedIn. Esperamos você!

\*Convite Networking\* É com satisfação que convido você para um \*encontro estratégico de networking profissional\*, com foco em temas relacionados a posicionamento no Linkedin com \*Raiza Provana Bertoncini\* e mapa geral do mercado financeiro com \*Tonia Ventura\*. O evento terá somente \*15 vagas\*. Interessados, entrar em contato pelo Whatsapp (11) 97519-4584. Valor da reserva R$15,00. Detalhes do Encontro: • Data: 20 de Maio • Local: Casa D´Ali (antiga Casa de Antonia, no conjunto nacional da Paulista) • \*Pauta Principal:\* 1. LinkedIn Strategy: Expertise de Raiza Provana Bertoncini sobre posicionamento no Linkedin. 2. Cenário Financeiro: Insights exclusivos com Tonia Ventura sobre mercado financeiro. Nos vemos! Taty

O CocoaHeads SP é um evento gratuito sobre desenvolvimento e design de tecnologias Apple (visionOS, macOS, iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, watchOS, Swift e tudo que envolve essas plataformas) e dessa vez em formato novo vamos nos encontrar mais uma vez para trocar conhecimentos e experiências! Nos CocoaHeads SP Workshops você irá botar as mãos no código e aprender e compartilhar sobre diversos assuntos no mundo do desenvolvimento nas plataformas Apple. Nesta edição contaremos com: **Primeiros passos com Image Playgrounds** com Erick Yamato Este workshop é um workshop de Swift e é indicado para quem quer aprender mais sobre Image Playgrounds e Apple Intelligence e já sabe um pouco de Swift. Você irá começar do zero e o objetivo final é sair com Image Playgrounds integrados ao seu app. **• Preciso levar alguma coisa?** Para os workshops é necessário que você traga o seu Mac. Se você não tem acesso a um, manda uma mensagem pra gente nas nossas mídias sociais que a gente tenta arranjar um pra você usar :) Pair programming com um amigo também é encorajado! **• Precisa conversar com a gente ou quer ficar por dentro de tudo que tá rolando no CocoaHeads? Segue a gente nas redes sociais!:** LinkedIn: [CocoaHeads Brasil](https://www.linkedin.com/company/cocoaheads-brasil) Instagram: [@CocoaHeadsBr](https://www.instagram.com/cocoaheadsbr/) **• Como chego lá?** A Thoughtworks fica na Avenida Paulista, 2300, próxima ao metrô Consolação. Também existe um estacionamento (pago) no local do evento. Por favor, identifique-se corretamente na pergunta ao se inscrever, com o nome como consta no documento. **• Vai ter comida?** O 3º CocoaHeads SP Workshop @ Thoughtworks é um oferecimento dos apps AmarganA e Joguei, que fornecerão um coffee break de respeito para os participantes do workshop. AmarganA é um jogo inclusivo para alfabetização onde aprender vira brincadeira e brincar vira aprender. **Baixe AmarganA para iPhone, iPad e macOS na App Store**: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/amargana/id923464810 Joguei é um aplicativo para catalogar seus jogos - compartilhe seus favoritos, organize o seu backlog e mostre suas conquistas! **Baixe Joguei para iPhone, iPad e macOS na App Store**: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/joguei/id6759177147 **Inscrições sem os dados preenchidos vão ser removidas em favor daquelas que foram preenchidas corretamente!**

Link ingresso: https://bondbr.short.gy/Maio40 Experiência exclusiva Solteiros 40+ Noite de vinhos, ambiente intimista e público selecionado por curadoria. Para quem valoriza boas conversas e conexões com mais profundidade. Nessa noite, o Notre Vin abre com dose dupla cada taça de vinho pedida vem em dobro, pelo mesmo preço.

Ingressos esgotados! Mulheres em Chamas - Comédia - Teatro UOL - Host das 20h às 21h30 Presas em um elevador, três mulheres 40+ enfrentam dezessete minutos sem filtro e sem fugir de si mesmas. Em Mulheres em Chamas, Miá Mello, Juliana Araripe e Camila Raffanti transformam esse encontro inesperado em um mergulho bem-humorado e sincero sobre a menopausa, abordando um tema ainda cercado de tabus com leveza, franqueza e identificação. Com direção de Paula Cohen, o espetáculo equilibra comédia e emoção ao retratar as transformações do corpo e da vida, transitando entre o real e o imaginário. Entre risos e reflexões, a peça convida o público a olhar para essa fase com mais informação, empatia e, sobretudo, humor. Informações adicionais: * Duração: 80 minutos * Classificação: 14 anos * Acessibilidade: Acesso para pessoas com deficiência, lugares reservados para PCD/mobilidade reduzida (4 assentos dedicados) e atendimento prioritário, além de estrutura acessível no espaço. * HOST: Silvio *xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx* *É novo no grupo? Quer saber mais sobre o evento (local de encontro, quem será o anfitrião, entre outros detalhes)?* *👉 Entre no nosso grupo do WhatsApp para receber todas as informações !!!:* [WHATSAPP SOCIALIZANDO](https://chat.whatsapp.com/KNU4HX38Blt8HnWKw7kzQv) *ou* [INSTAGRAM SOCIALIZANDO](https://www.instagram.com/socializandoemsp/) *xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx*

🎉 **Your Thursday Night Just Got Way More Exciting!** 🎉 Join our **International Language Exchange**, happening every **Thursday night** since **June 2017**! 🌍🗣️We gather weekly around **Vila Madalena/Pinheiros** to connect, chat, and practice as many languages as possible, while meeting awesome people from all over the world. 🍻😉🍗 📍 The venue? The vibrant and welcoming **@BaixoPinheirosBar**, ready to host us with great vibes from **7:30 PM until 4am**. 🆓 *FREE admission until 10:00 PM!* **What are you waiting for?** ✅ *RSVP now* and come be part of this incredible community — Let’s make memories together! 😊🔥🙃 \*\*\ *HOW TO FIND US \*\*\* [WhatsApp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/CRK9Pjma0YM3XG9bo42k8k) \| [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/MultiLingoSP/) \| [Facebook group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/MultiLingoSP) Everyone is welcome, even if you're coming solo! Don’t be shy, just grab your language stickers, introduce yourself, and start chatting! 🎉🫶🌐 💡 Got an idea to improve the event? Want to help out or organize a special activity through the group? We’d *love* to hear from you — just send us a message! **See you there... Cheers! 🥂**

-networking event / language: Japanese / CCSP -for persons who learn / use Japanese language -topics: culture , Japan , food , music , Brazil , .. 日本語習得や日本の「食」「音楽」などをキーワードに文化を学ぶ夜のオンライン交流イベントです。ミニ講演をすることもありますし、まずはカフェ／ビールを片手に語り合い日本語でコミュニケーションしましょう。 「知識」＋「体験」＋「人脈」を融合させた学びの場、としたいと思ってます。 主催者はサンパウロ7年の日本人です。会のほとんどは日本語で行われます。 日本語習得したい人をまず対象とします。 知的で落ち着いた夜のオンラインイベントです。 ヒロ: [https://wa.me/5511982562567](https://wa.me/5511982562567) [mtzhiro@gmail.com](mailto;mtzhiro@gmail.com) [https://langag.cc/ja/meetup](https://langag.cc/ja/meetup) (将棋もちょっと関連します)

O **Datadog User Group Meetup** volta a **São Paulo** para reunir profissionais apaixonados por **observabilidade**, **performance** e **tecnologia**! 🎉 A **Anima Educação** abre suas portas para nos receber em grande estilo. Este encontro é uma oportunidade única para trocar experiências, aprender com especialistas e descobrir como o **Datadog** tem impulsionado a transformação digital de empresas ao redor do mundo. ### 🚀 O que esperar: * **Palestras relevantes** sobre tendências e boas práticas de **observabilidade moderna**, **monitoramento de aplicações** e **otimização de performance**. * **Convidados especiais**, profissionais que são referência no mercado e que vão compartilhar suas experiências práticas utilizando o Datadog. * **Painel com especialistas** discutindo os desafios e o futuro da observabilidade no Brasil. ### 🎯 Por que participar: Se você trabalha, conhece ou quer conhecer mais sobre a Datadog, seja DevOps, Infraestrutura, Operações, SRE, Engenharia de Software, Cloud, Data, Segurança..., esse evento é feito para você! Venha aprender, se inspirar e se conectar com uma comunidade vibrante que está moldando o futuro da observabilidade.

🌅 Vem ai a 9° edição do evento que você ama: Pamplona Sessions, com grandes shows de jazz, clássicos do blues e soul, bons vinhos e gastronomia no Rooftop mais charmoso de São Paulo. Um evento com direito a um pôr do sol incrível e uma vista encantadora te espera aqui. ✨ Evento Gratuito: https://www.instagram.com/jardimpamplonashopping?igsh=MWQ1bTRsbGs3OGs0aw== Host às 13h *xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx* *É novo no grupo? Quer saber mais sobre o evento (local de encontro, quem será o anfitrião, entre outros detalhes)?* Entre no nosso grupo do WhatsApp para receber todas as informações !!!: [WHATSAPP SOCIALIZANDO](https://chat.whatsapp.com/KNU4HX38Blt8HnWKw7kzQv) *ou* [INSTAGRAM SOCIALIZANDO](https://www.instagram.com/socializandoemsp/) *xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx*

**What’s Walk and Talk?** Walk and Talk is a structured English conversation morning walk where ESL students **practice English outside the classroom**, meet new people, and explore real-life conversations—while walking through beautiful Ibirapuera Park! What to Expect 1. Once you arrive, everyone picks their own bracelet. Red for advanced, Yellow for intermediate and White for beginners. 3. **Pick &** Go: Pick **a question c**ard and a partner. 4. **Walk & Tal**k: Get to know each other using the question as a conversation start 5. **Switch Pai**rs: We'll switch conversation partners once we arrive at the lake near Gate 10. 6. **Post-walk Hydration at Kiosk do Hu**lk: After every walk and talk we stop at Kiosk do Hulk and have some coconut water and have free open conversation. **✅ Do** *** Be curi**ous: Ask questions you genuinely care abo* *** Listen activ*ely: Your partner’s stories become muchmore interesting when you're paying attenti * ** Respect boundaries**: Comfort is key. If you don't feel comfortably talking about a specific topic let your partner know. No pressu *** Go off-scr*ipt*: The card is just a starter—follow the conversation wherever it leads. **🌟 Pro T** The best convos mix the question + your own twists! *“That’s fascinating—why do you think you feel that way?"* **🎯 Go** Practice English, challenge yourself and leave with **new connections**, and who knows, maybe s**ome fresh perspectives.** **That's it! Send me a message if you have any questions.** Big hug! Miguel Torres

Faremos o 1o encontro de Psi (psicólogos(as), psiquiatras, psicanalistas) do Fun Friends. Caso tenha interesse de participar, trocar ideias sobre o comportamento humano e ainda fazer novas amizades. Interessadas, entrar em contato pelo whatsapp (11) 97519-4584. Será no consultório de uma amiga do grupo, no bairro Morumbi. Seja bem-vindo(a)!

Verona - Edifício Martinelli - 23/05 - 23h Da cidade do amor, Verona, na Itália, para o centenário e histórico terraço do Edifício Martinelli. Nosso novo encontro em São Paulo é em clima de romance nas alturas, regado a House & Disco a noite inteira. * A locação é histórica e concorrida e os ingressos são limitados! A line-up será divulgada em breve e eu atualizarei a descrição do evento com a informação. INGRESSOS PROMOCIONAIS: * O Lote Promocional tem entrada obrigatória até às 00h00. * Após esse horário (com tolerância de 10 minutos ou algum atraso do organizador), será cobrada a diferença para o valor dos ingressos de Porta. Ingressos (Promocional - R$ 80): https://www.sympla.com.br/evento/verona-no-edificio-martinelli-23-05/3367571 O EDIFÍCIO MARTINELLI: Os andares disponíveis no projeto são o 25 (coberto e climatizado) e o 26 (o famoso terraço a céu aberto). Saiba tudo no link: instagram.com/edificiomartinelli Localização: 150m da estação São Bento. HOST: Silvio *xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx* *É novo no grupo? Quer saber mais sobre o evento (local de encontro, quem será o anfitrião, entre outros detalhes)?* *👉 Entre no nosso grupo do WhatsApp para receber todas as informações !!!:* [WHATSAPP SOCIALIZANDO](https://chat.whatsapp.com/KNU4HX38Blt8HnWKw7kzQv) *ou* [INSTAGRAM SOCIALIZANDO](https://www.instagram.com/socializandoemsp/) *xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx*

**ProductTank NoVA is back!** After a brief hiatus, we are relaunching the chapter with a format that cuts out the fluff and gets straight to the reality of building. Every product feed is flooded with AI hype right now, but what does it actually look like on the ground? Instead of a polished keynote, we are hosting **0 to 1 with AI: Real Product Talks**—a "Show & Tell" featuring 3–4 lightning talks focused on the intersection of AI and product. The framing for the talks is simple: *"Here is what I'm building, and here is what I'm stuck on."* We want to look at the messy, 0-to-1 reality of integrating AI into your workflows and products. *(Want to share what you are working on? Reach out! The bar is low-pressure, just 10–12 minutes to talk about a real AI problem you are trying to solve.)* **Agenda:** * **5:30 PM - 6:00 PM:** Doors open, networking, & name tags * **6:00 PM - 6:10 PM:** Welcome + Chapter Relaunch Intro * **6:10 PM - 7:30 PM:** Lightning Talks (Three 12-min talks + 5 mins Q&A each, with a 5-min stretch break) * **7:30 PM - 8:00 PM:** Open networking * **8:00 PM:** Soft close **Location & Logistics:** Herndon Fortnightly Library (Extended Hours Meeting Room) 768 Center St, Herndon, VA 20170 * **Parking:** We'll meet at the library, located just behind the Herndon Municipal Center. There is plenty of free public parking available around the municipal center. * **Metro & Bus:** Take the Silver Line to Herndon Metro Station, then connect via Fairfax Connector Route 921 or 950 to Historic Downtown Herndon. * **Driving (via VA-267/Dulles Toll Rd):** Take Exit 10 North (Centreville Rd, which becomes Elden St). Turn left onto Station St or Lynn St. * **Driving (via VA-286/Fairfax Co Pkwy):** Take the Elden St West exit. Turn right onto Lynn St. Looking forward to seeing everyone again and getting back to building!

Are you looking to make new friends in the DC area? This is it! Reserve your spot for free on **[Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/first-friday-lgbtq-community-social-silver-diner-ballston-tickets-1986965167303?aff=oddtdtcreator)**. We will gather for an extended happy hour at the **[Silver Diner Ballston](https://www.silverdiner.com/ballston)** in Arlington, Virginia! This exciting venue offers a vibrant atmosphere and a [happy hour menu](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5e9852ea88b473135ac2bbb7/t/6800f1c4fb26281900437105/1744892356612/CSD.MV.HH_Menu_03_2025.pdf). There's something for everyone to enjoy. Be the life of the party! We will gather inside by the bar. Name tags will be available. Enjoy the great food. See the dining [menu](https://www.silverdiner.com/menus). This LGBTQ+ community-wide social provides everyone a chance to mingle, socialize and share community spirit in a fun setting. All your friends are welcome. Fabulous people from all over the world are expected. It's FREE to attend. Casual attire is fine; this will be a relaxing and fun time. Simply pay for drinks using your own credit card or cash; there is no group tab. This is a 21+ establishment, so bring your ID with you. You are welcome regardless of where you live. This is **the place** to be. This event is hosted by **[Go Gay DC](https://www.gogaydc.com/)**[,](https://www.gogaydc.com/) Metro Washington DC's inclusive LGBTQ+ community focused on friendship, leadership, and service. It reaches over 10K fabulous people and is growing fast. Visit [https://www.gogaydc.com](https://www.gogaydc.com/) You are welcome regardless of where you live. Guests from DC, Maryland, and Virginia often attend. This event is ideal for meeting new folks, making new friends, community-building, or just to unwind & enjoy the atmosphere. Casual attire is fine. You may arrive at any time during the event. This event is for ages 21+ and will be a safe, inclusive space for everyone under the rainbow. **Be Eco-friendly:** You are encouraged to take Metro.The Ballston stop is within a 10-minute walking distance. Ballston is served by the Orange/Silver lines. Ballston is also a major bus hub. The Silver Diner Ballston is located across Glebe Road on the left. Go to Metro Trip Planner: [https://www.wmata.com/schedules/trip-planner/](https://www.wmata.com/schedules/trip-planner/) **Parking Garage:** Corner of Wilson Boulevard and N Glebe Road next to Target.**Complimentary 2-hour validated parking in the underground Target garage. Simply ask the Silver Diner host to validate.** Go Gay DC is on social media: Join the Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/GoGayDC](https://www.facebook.com/groups/GoGayDC) Like the Facebook Page [https://www.facebook.com/GoGayDC](https://www.facebook.com/GoGayDC) Follow on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/GoGayDC](https://www.instagram.com/GoGayDC) Follow on Threads [https://www.threads.com/@GoGayDC](https://www.threads.com/@gogaydc) Follow on Bluesky [https://gogaydc.bsky.social/](https://gogaydc.bsky.social/) Follow on X [https://www.x.com/GoGayDC](https://www.x.com/GoGayDC) Watch on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/GoGayDC](https://www.youtube.com/GoGayDC) Search keywords: LGBT LGBTQ LGBTQI LQBTQIA Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Intersex Straight Allies Non-binary

**🐺🤝🇺🇸💼Team Network’s Asburn Growth Hub** **Weekly Professional Business Networking In-Person** **Thursdays \| 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM \| In\-Person \- Silver Diner\, Ashburn\, VA** **Start your Thursday morning with energy, momentum, and meaningful professional connections.** **A monthly dynamic multi-team professional networking In-person meeting is designed to help serious professionals build relationships, exchange introductions, and grow their businesses.** **At Team Network, we believe that business grows through relationships built on Know–Like–Trust. Our meetings are structured, engaging, and focused on helping members become the answer when someone asks: “Do you know a great professional who can help with this?”** **These meetings bring together entrepreneurs, professionals, and business leaders who understand that:** **• If you have time to breathe, you have time to network** **• Quantity has a quality of its own** **• Consistent weekly engagement creates powerful referral relationships** **During the meeting you will experience:** **✅ Structured professional introductions** **✅ Referral opportunities and warm introductions** **✅ Insight from high-level professionals across industries** **✅ Accountability and business development momentum** **✅ A welcoming but serious environment for professionals who want to grow** **Our multi-team format increases the energy and opportunity in the room by bringing together members from multiple Team Network teams—creating more connections, more introductions, and more opportunity for everyone involved.** **👥 Visitors Welcome** **Professionals who are not yet members of Team Network are invited to attend up to two meetings as a guest. After that, those who wish to continue are encouraged to apply for membership and claim their professional seat.** **Team Network is designed for professionals seeking a long-term marketing and business development cornerstone for their business.** **Make this the year you Join the Team and Run with a Pack! 🐺🤝🇺🇸💪** **Thursdays \| 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM \| In\-Person** **Team Network’s Asburn Growth Hub** **Bring your energy, bring your introductions, and come ready to grow.**

Γειά σας! I Hope folks are hanging in there as we all bide our time between our next trip to Greece (September in my case…). We can make that wait feel shorter at our next Greek Language MeetUp on Thursday, May 28th at 7 pm at a new sport, at least for me: Mylos Grill in McLean, VA. We are also approaching Greek Festival Season. Saint Sophia’s GreekFest is this weekend, May 15-17. I’m out of town that week but will be back in time to attend on Sunday, May 17th. And Saint George’s Greek Festival is June 6th and 7th. A festival of events, highlighted as usual by our MeetUp on May 28th at Mylos. Να τα πούμε! - Athan

***¡¡¡ Pura Vida !!!*** Come alone, leave with friends! This is what Meetup is all about. Being able to join and do what you wanted to do . . just not alone. We are going to Costa Rica for 9 nights/10 days of exploration and tropical adventures. . . . **Best Meetup ever!**! To see how fun it is . . . Here are photos from when we did go before [https://photos.app.goo.gl/cswRyeNZp1r6WW9t9](https://photos.app.goo.gl/cswRyeNZp1r6WW9t9) Costa Rica is a playground for the adventurous and an eco-tourist's dream! It is an unspoiled tropical paradise. * Beautiful beaches * Rainforest biodiversity * Misty volcanoes * Roaring rivers * Lush jungles * Exotic flora and fauna * And more!! **And we are going there to enjoy it, learn about it and make memories of a lifetime!** This event is a true Meetup. We are creating it from scratch, and bringing like-minded people together on this adventure. Along the way making lifelong memories and friendships. Together . . . let’s make a Meetup to remember! * Hike around the base of the Arenal Volcano * Selvatura Zip Line Canopy Tour * Guided visit to Finca Luna Nueva Farm * Caño Negro Refuge Tour/Visit * Rio Frio Wildlife Refuge Boat Tour * Hanging Bridges Walking Tour * Ecotermales Hot Springs * Monteverde Night Walk Tour * Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve Tour (daytime) * River Floating Tour * Tamarindo Beach * Sunset Sailing * Snorkeling Tour * And more! For a detailed Day By Day itinerary **[Click Here](https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8)**[ to fill out our info request form](https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8) **Land Tour cost $3350 per person, double occupancy** (we match roommates for those traveling solo, and most of us are doing just that). If you want your own room: **Solo occupancy additional $950** The only way to secure your spot for this meetup is a $300 deposit that is refundable up to 90 days before departure. **[Click here for secure deposit link](https://www.paypal.com/instantcommerce/checkout/24X2UREP9XPKC)** When you make a deposit be sure to fill out this [ATTENDEES FORM](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/11uywUNCIB5ONrpZ-gU_4mk3bvpc4p_nhhL3ewsbkC5A/edit)**.** As we mentioned, . . . the cost is $3350. This is for the "Land" portion only. Airfare is not included. This gives you the flexibility to have a flight with timing that works best for you. Or to use points/miles. I can also help arranging your airfare. To receive an offer, **[CLICK HERE and send me a message.](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=14363992)** **What is Included in this trip:** * **9 Nights hotel accommodation** * **9 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 dinners.** * **Meet & Greet at the airport.** * **Pick-up from airport to our hotel, and hotel to airport at the end of the trip** * **Transportation throughout the trip** * **Private naturalist English speaking tour guide** * **All entrance fees and tours mentioned in the itinerary day-by-day description** * **Daily water bottles for the group** * **Hotel and Added Value Tax** Does not include: ***x*** *International Airfare* ***x*** *Meals other than specified* ***x*** *Optional Tours* ***x*** *All items of personal nature (telephone calls, Laundry, room service, etc.)* ***x*** *Tipping for tour guides and drivers* **Want more info?** **[Click Here to fill out our info request form](https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8)** **OR** **RSVP to the event with your email to receive additional info.** **OR** **[CLICK HERE to send me a message](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=14363992)** Whatever is easiest for you! *Still have questions?* **We do a Q & A Zoom once a month.** **[CLICK HERE](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/296044209/)** for our Q & A Zoom. RSVP on that event to get a reminder for the zoom. [Click here for the ](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/305233138/)**[MAIN ](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/288444641/)[location of this event on Meetup](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/305233138/)** RSVP there to post any discussion and to get notice of any comments and discussions. As well as any updates and reminders **We believe in good decent social.** **SOT 2000318-10** **[Click Here to see all our other events](https://www.meetup.com/CulturalArts/Events)**

## **1 Million Cups Loudoun – Resource Presentation** **What You Really Need to Know from an HR Professional** **Presented by Donna Giarratana** **Wednesday\, May 27 \| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM** **Venture X Loudoun** Join us for a practical and insightful resource presentation designed to help small business owners navigate one of the most critical — and often overlooked — areas of growth: **Human Resources**. *** ## **About the Session** As your business grows, so do the complexities of managing people, processes, and compliance. Many entrepreneurs wait too long to think about HR — and by the time they do, they’re already reacting instead of planning. In this session, **Donna Giarratana** will break down what small business owners *really* need to know about HR — in a way that is clear, actionable, and relevant to your stage of growth. This conversation is designed to help you move from uncertainty to confidence when it comes to building and managing your team. *** ## **What You’ll Learn** * When it’s the right time to hire * How to set your business up for success before bringing on employees * Why HR matters — even for small businesses * Common pitfalls and how to avoid them * The foundational HR knowledge every business owner should have *** ## **Who Should Attend** * Entrepreneurs preparing to hire their first employee * Small business owners currently managing a team * Founders looking to strengthen operations and compliance * Anyone who wants to build a business with a strong, scalable foundation *** ## **Why Attend?** * Gain clarity on one of the most important aspects of business growth * Learn how to avoid costly mistakes before they happen * Ask questions and get real-world insight from an HR professional * Walk away with practical knowledge you can apply immediately *** ## **About 1 Million Cups** 1 Million Cups is a national program that brings entrepreneurs and communities together to learn, connect, and grow through presentations and discussion. Loudoun’s chapter meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays each month. Join us on **May 27** for coffee, connection, and a conversation that will help you build your business the right way from the inside out. We look forward to seeing you there.