Meeting & Event Planners

Join us on **Thursday, May 7th** for Kickback & Connect in **Washington, D.C.** From magazines to motion graphics and from newsrooms to nonprofits, if you make things in D.C., you’re invited. This is a low-key happy hour bringing together designers and creatives across disciplines in the DMV to kickback, connect, and share ideas—no panels, no pitches, no pressure. We hope to see you there! **Book launch:** Designer, author, and educator Reginé Gilbert will be signing copies of her book ‘Inclusive Design for a Digital World: Designing with Accessibility in Mind’ (2nd edition.) [https://reginegilbert.com/](https://reginegilbert.com/) **Music by: Friends on Mars** Hosted by Good People DC and **[SPD](https://www.spd.org/)**, a nonprofit design community rooted in publishing and creative excellence. No cover charge = no excuse not to come Must be 21 to enter. Please drink responsibly.

**Please note that Go Gay DC is listing this exciting event as a community service, but is not running the event. Just go and have a fun time!** Important note: This particular dinner is a **casual attire** affair; formal black tie events are scheduled elsewhere. Register for this casual dress dinner on **[Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1988761170196?aff=oddtdtcreator)** so we have an accurate guest count. Do you want to go to fancy places like country clubs? This casual dinner is a chance for you to meet with members of the Washington, DC area chapter of Black Tie Club to learn about upcoming formal events. Dine with other gentlemen. Casual attire is perfectly fine. This dinner is open to gentlemen interested in learning more about Black Tie Club; it's expressly not a members-only event. Black Tie is a club for gay or bisexual men who enjoy gathering periodically for upscale events. **This casual dinner is open to gentlemen interested in learning more about Black Tie Club; it's not a members-only event.** Meet with members of the Washington, DC area chapter of Black Tie Club, as well as with invited guests and friends for our dinner @ Federico Ristorante Italiano (23rd Street Crystal City). Twenty gentlemen are expected. Federico serves authentic Italian cuisine, drinks, and decadent desserts. Separate checks. See the menu: [https://www.federicoristoranteitaliano.com/menu/dinner](https://www.federicoristoranteitaliano.com/menu/dinner) Metro Directions: Be eco-friendly. Crystal City Metro is the closest Metro stop. When you arrive, go out the station, walk towards your left to 18th Street and then veer right and walk under the Route 1 overpass to Eads St. Turn left and walk to 23rd Street. Turn right. Federico is up 23rd Street just a few doors up on the right. Parking is usually available nearby on the residential side streets. There's no need to print out and show your Eventbrite ticket. Remember to bring your ID, as everyone who wishes to drink alcohol is carded of course. Black Tie Club International is a private social club for gay gentlemen. With chapters in over 15 cities, our members enjoy mixing and mingling over cocktails, exquisite dinners, and delicious wines. The events may be formal or casual. Membership is by invitation only although guests are always welcome at events. The Metropolitan Washington, District of Columbia Chapter is celebrating its third decade as the premier social organization for accomplished, professional, and distinguished men in the District of Columbia, the Northern Virginia, and the Annapolis and Baltimore, Maryland areas. The Metropolitan Washington, D.C. Chapter began with 22 Members in 1998 and has now some 40 Members. The peripatetic nature of Black Tie Club International Members is evidenced by the fact that many D.C. Chapter Members are now found in other Chapters such as Atlanta, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, Palm Springs, and Rehoboth Beach-Lewes. The Metropolitan Washington, D.C. Chapter also has been enhanced by Members from other Chapters, notably, Atlanta, Dallas, Palm Beach, Palm Springs, San Antonio, San Francisco, and Toronto. Membership in Black Tie Club is by invitation only. [https://www.dcbtci.org](https://www.dcbtci.org) I [dcbtci.substack.com](https://dcbtci.substack.com) This event is being posted by Go Gay DC as a community service for those who don't know that the Black Tie Club exists. Go Gay DC is Metro Washington DC's inclusive LGBTQ+ community focused on friendship, leadership, and service. It now reaches over 10K fabulous people and is growing fast. Visit [https://www.gogaydc.com](https://www.gogaydc.com) **[TJ Flavell](https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjflavell/)** is Go Gay DC's founder and will be at this dinner. Please be sure to tag any event photos on social with #gogaydc Go Gay DC is also on social media: 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) LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/GoGayDC](https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/GoGayDC?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExZG1DTnM0VnJybG83U3FWcnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR765Xxf5t8wFzbCac74QNX3p0Bs2oT0drXZoOmLV63J8cURMl3ta5b8iP3ztg_aem_nSdndpxd5-hXJ8myNF2_vQ) Search tags: Gay or Bisexual Men

Come play some casual Commander at Crystal City! Bring your favorite decks for some pickup games, and feel free to bring your trade binders if you'd like! **We play at 2100 Crystal Drive** in Arlington, VA, 22202, which is a seating area that is right next to We, the Pizza in Crystal City. Detailed directions on how to get there: **Directions from the Metro:** If you're taking the Metro, exit at Crystal City. When you come up the first set of escalators, turn left to enter the underground shops and then turn left again after a brief walk. Cross the street, enter the next building, and the seating area will be on the left after passing the Minuteman Press Printing and Marketing shop. **Parking:** If you're driving, garage parking is free after 4 pm. Enter the garage on 2144 Crystal Drive. There will be elevators that take you up to the main level. If you have any questions, please join our Discord for the most up-to-date information: https://discord.gg/fBUWvrAVMv

We’re still working to get more people into these Meetups, but our goal is to give PlayYourCourt members a few social tennis outings each week in addition to your practice sessions and Challenge League matches. These Meetups are co-ed, super laid back, and all skill levels are welcome. Post your skill level and a suggested court in the comments section so we can round up as many players as we can for some tennis fun! Also, if you’re looking to meet new practice partners or play some matches and you aren’t already in the PlayYourCourt Community, you can go here to see what we’re all about and sign up: https://www.playyourcourt.com/tennis-community/silver-spring-md/meetup/ If you love tennis, we’d love to have you! Be sure and watch the quick video that explains how everything works. Happy hitting! - Scott

**Welcome to Team Network MoCo Home Team—a high-energy, in-person networking experience built for professionals, entrepreneurs, and Main Street business owners who believe that strong local relationships create outsized business results. Rooted in Montgomery County, the MoCo Home Team brings together community-focused leaders who want to grow together, collaborate intentionally, and win as a group.** **This is not random networking or surface-level conversation. MoCo Home Team meetings are intentional, structured, and process-driven, designed to connect you with your true Power Play Partners—the professionals in complementary industries who can drive referrals, open doors, and create long-term opportunity. Every meeting is engineered to turn introductions into momentum.** **At the center of the experience is Team Network’s proprietary Wolf Pack Connect speed-networking system. This fast-paced, highly engaging format ensures that every attendee meets multiple high-quality professionals in a single morning, with clarity around who they serve, how they add value, and where collaboration makes sense. It’s efficient, energizing, and built to respect your time while multiplying your reach.** **Expect a room filled with prepared business owners, trusted advisors, and local leaders who show up ready to contribute—not just collect cards. Expect meaningful conversations, warm introductions that actually happen, and relationships that extend well beyond the meeting room.** **As we head into 2026, make it the year you Join the Team and Run with a Pack. At Team Network, we believe one thing without hesitation: we are all always one introduction away—from the right client, the right partner, a breakthrough idea, or a powerful collaboration that can change our business, our community, or even the world.** **Let’s Go! 🐺🤝🇺🇸💪🦀** **Thank you,** **Sabrina, Alena, Curt and John**

We’re still working to get more people into these Meetups, but our goal is to give PlayYourCourt members a few social tennis outings each week in addition to your practice sessions and Challenge League matches. These Meetups are co-ed, super laid back, and all skill levels are welcome. Post your skill level and a suggested court in the comments section so we can round up as many players as we can for some tennis fun! Also, if you’re looking to meet new practice partners or play some matches and you aren’t already in the PlayYourCourt Community, you can go here to see what we’re all about and sign up: https://www.playyourcourt.com/tennis-community/arlington-va/meetup/ If you love tennis, we’d love to have you! Be sure and watch the quick video that explains how everything works. Happy hitting! - Scott

We are the Federal Center Toastmasters Club. We meet the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Thursday of each month in Hyattsville, MD, from 12 noon to 1pm. Our meetings are held at the headquarters of the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics of the CDC. Our meetings are open to the public, though visitors must go through building security procedures. For visitors who are not U.S. citizens, we do need to pre-coordinate a first visit with our security team. Contact us at: 1260@toastmastersclubs.org. We have been a Toastmasters Club for 40 years and always welcome new members! Join us, and you will improve your public-speaking and leadership skills in a friendly, supportive atmosphere!

What does it look like when ideas come to life? Join NOVA Scribes and MAFN for a full-day, in-person open house where the public is invited to step inside the world of facilitation. This is a come-and-go experience designed for curiosity, exploration, and conversation. Whether you are new to facilitation groups, you are welcome. The space will be set up as a "theater in the round," (see the image) with facilitators working live around the room. Throughout the day, you will see different techniques, styles, and modalities demonstrated in real time, from visual templates, facilitation tools, and decision-support methods. You can observe, ask questions, and engage directly with the practitioners as the work unfolds. **What you can expect** * Live demonstrations of facilitation techniques * Multiple practitioners working simultaneously, each with their own approach and style * Short, informal demos and tiny teaches that explain how and why specific techniques are used * Opportunities to talk one-on-one with experienced facilitators * A chance to see how facilitation can support sensemaking, alignment, and group dialogue **What you might explore** * Methods and templates for planning, strategy, and reflection * Facilitation methods that support participation and decision making * Tools, materials, and setup considerations for live work This open house is designed to be accessible, hands-on, and inspiring. You do not need to stay all day. Come for 20 minutes or stay for hours. Watch ideas take shape. Notice how facilitation can change the energy in the room. Ask the questions you have always wanted to ask. If you have ever been curious about how facilitation works and supports groups, this is your chance to experience it up close. **Open to the general public. No prior experience required.** We’re not charging for this workshop, but we will be asking for donations!

Wind down and get ready for the week ahead by spending some time reflecting through intentional conversation and watching the sunset. There is free parking, a restroom, and water station at this park. Some example topics of conversation: 1\. Where have you felt the most alive lately? 2\. Is there anything in your work/life that has felt unresolved\, and why? 3\. Who has had the most influence in your life lately\, and what have they contributed? 4\. What was the most memorable moment of the last week? Please bring: \- Snacks and drinks to share \- A blanket \(some will be provided as well\) **To ensure an accurate headcount, you MUST respond to the question in the invite. Those who sign up without answering will be removed from the guest list.** NOTE: Because this event is outside, the date and time is subject to change due to weather. Please check your email and/or the Meetup app for updates!

Advanced Tarot. You need to know how to play. No open hands. Always happy to talk strategy, but these are not teaching sessions. See Tuesday French Tarot for beginners. Beginners will be invited to join as they improve. Goal is maximum 2 tables of 5 players, we can play in multiples of 3,4, or 5. I'll prepare the main, and post here by Monday with a list of what would work with. Please indicate in comments what you will bring. I will be happy to provide address as we get closer. Housekeeping notes: 1. We have just learned that if you are on the wait list and a spot opens up you do not get notified. I will try to notify when I see this happening but will not always catch it...check back. 2. If you cancel after RSVP window, those on wait list will not get a notification, the wait list goes away, nor do I get notification. So if you are canceling after 7pm Thursday night prior to event, reach out to me as well so I can notify a possible wait list player.

This event is being held in partnership with the DMV Spades Meetup Group. Direct questions to the Host, Nne-Nne Abanobi. ><><><><><><><><><><><><><> Hi All! Join us for 2nd Saturday Spades in Greenbelt, MD. Our group is friendly and welcoming. Please give us a try! 📍Hook & Reel Cajun Seafood & Bar 🦐 6002 Greenbelt Road Greenbelt, MD 20770 ⏳️ 6:30pm to 11:30pm 🌟 Join us at this PG County sports bar for food, fun, drinks.....and, of course, Spades. 😀 All skill levels are welcome! Get matched with a partner onsite. 🍷 Happy Hour Specials from 12pm to 7pm: [https://hookreel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/HR_GreenbeltMD_HappyHour_Menu_24x36.pdf](https://hookreel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/HR_GreenbeltMD_HappyHour_Menu_24x36.pdf) Located right off the Beltway. Free parking! Remember to support the business by ordering food/drinks. 🌟 **This event is posted in multiple groups. So, expect a nice crowd.** We look forward to seeing you!

Whether you're attending DynamicsCon in Las Vegas or simply want to get to know fellow users of the Dynamics & Power Platform tools, you are cordially invited to join us on Friday, May 8th for an informal meet & greet! Get to know Lenore & Meron (and other attendees) in an informal and friendly environment. This is a great opportunity for anyone who interested in learning more about the panoply of tools that fall under the Dynamics User Group.

collaborative community for ServiceNow specialists and IT professionals to connect, share knowledge, and grow together. This group focuses on real-world use cases, best practices in ITSM, emerging technologies, and career development. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced professional, join us to exchange ideas, improve communication skills, and build meaningful industry relationships.

We meet to learn and practice American Sign Language and to grow our familiarity with Deaf culture. Facilitated by hearing folks (with a connection to a professional interpreter) using Deaf-created content. People of all ASL skill levels are welcome! As we learn, we hope to connect more with the Deaf community in Central Ohio. Join us as you're able! Come regularly or just once - whatever you're looking for! Each meetup will explore different topics related to ASL/Deaf culture, and will feature time to practice conversation with one another. Just bring yourself and a willingness to learn!

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

**Building a great product is one thing—building momentum behind it is another.** Join **Senior Product Manager Adam Solaiman** and **User Experience Manager Tyson Smith** for a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to turn complex ideas into scalable products inside large organizations. In this session, they’ll share how teams move from ambiguity to execution—navigating organizational complexity, aligning stakeholders, and continuously evolving products after launch. You’ll walk away with insights on how to: * Build and sustain momentum across teams * Adapt to changing priorities without losing direction * Scale products thoughtfully in complex environments Whether you're driving a new initiative or growing an existing product, this conversation will give you practical strategies to keep things moving forward. Come connect, learn, and swap stories with fellow product professionals. \-\-\- Food and drinks will be provided by Switchbox, our generous host. Free parking will be available at the front and back sides of the Switchbox Office.

At Evolve Synergy Sessions, you'll be part of a supportive mastermind where we share challenges, brainstorm solutions, and inspire one another to take bold steps in our businesses. Grow your network, gain fresh perspectives, and build meaningful relationships with like-minded women who are committed to success. Whether you’re looking to move the needle in your business or simply need a space to connect and recharge, this is the perfect place to fuel your entrepreneurial journey. [Add Event to Calendar](https://evolvecolumbus.eventcalendarapp.com/) \*\* Please note, we will be arriving around 8:15a for open networking! Get there early and get connected! Contact Alexis Morley at [alexis.morley@edwardjones.com](mailto:alexis.morley@edwardjones.com) or Terri Lawson at [terri.lawson@e-merge.com](mailto:terri.lawson@e-merge.com) for more information.

Join us for lunch and meet our very successful group. We are each others sales team...always looking for referrals for our members. If you are looking for new clients, let us help you out! Bring your business cards and brochures to share with us. We have a speaker each week so that we can learn about their business. Because we have only one member per business, we have many of the spots filled. However, we are specifically looking for an estate attorney, a handyman/electrician, and an event planner. We have referrals for you! All visitors are welcome. Any questions contact [pmarchio@farmersagent.com](mailto:pmarchio@farmersagent.com)

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!