Product Management

🇷🇴 Romanian Professionals Meet & Greet – Brussels 🇧🇪 **Please note the venue has changed and it is now at To Meli, 2 min walk from the previous location ( please see details below).** Are you a Romanian professional working in Brussels? Would you like to meet like-minded people, exchange experiences, or simply enjoy a good conversation over coffee? Then this event is for you! Join us for the Romanian Professionals Meet & Greet, an informal networking event bringing together Romanian professionals from all sectors and backgrounds. Whether you work in EU affairs, finance, consulting, NGOs, tech, or any other field, this is a great opportunity to connect, share ideas, and grow your professional and social network. 📅 Date: 18 January 📍 Venue: To Meli Delicatessen, Rue Breydel 50, 1040 Bruxelles ☕ Format: relaxed meet-up with good coffee and engaging conversations Whether you’re new to Brussels or have been here for years, you are very welcome. Come as you are, meet new people, and be part of a growing Romanian professional community Looking forward to meeting you! 🇷🇴✨ Please have my numbers in case you have any issues: +32 485 61 11 59 / +40 775 579 469.

Let's meet to write ! Schedule : 11:00 - 11:30 am : Presentation tour. Share briefly with the group about your project and your "goal of the day". 11:30 - 13:30 : Let's write ! 13:30 : Conclusion tour. Did you achieve your goal of the day ? See you soon !

What's up Friends! 👋 Let's meet at Le Pantin for another round of games and laughs. Games: 🎲 The pub has a fair collection of games. Feel free however to bring any of your own favorites. Food & Drinks: Le Pantin serves only drinks🍸🍺🍹, however you’re also welcome to bring your own snacks 🍟🍩🍿 to enjoy during the games. Ordering: 🤑 At least one drink is mandatory - this is how we support cool places like this! Timing: ⏱️ We kick off at 14:00, and you’re welcome to stay for as many games as you like. Joining later? Just let me know in advance in the chat so we don’t slow down the start 😊 🚦If you find yourself on the waiting list but you absolutely want to join or if you have any other question - feel free to contact me directly via the chat. 📢 Further details may be shared via the group chat or via DM 💬. Make sure to check your messages 👀 at least on the day before the event to avoid missing any mega important 🙄 announcements. 🐈‍⬛ The Friends Code: 👉 Which games are played will be agreed by the group 👉Depending on preferences and group size we usually split into several tables 👉 Got a favorite game? Bring it along or drop a suggestion in your reply 👉 Can't make it? Cancel on time so someone on the waitlist can grab your spot 👉 Don't show up (or show up at your own risk:) if you are on the waiting list. There may be no space for extra players and you risk to get disappointed. See you folks 😉

Common Ground Book Club
An in-person reading group exploring critical theory, from the Frankfurt School to contemporary thinkers. We’ll read books and essays, and our discussions will focus on society, power, and modern phenomena: from politics to media and social trends. 
Fourth Meeting
We will discuss the first part of Marcuse’s “One-Dimensional Man”, Introduction and Chapters 1-4 (till p. 123): https://files.libcom.org/files/Marcuse,%20H%20-%20One-Dimensional%20Man,%202nd%20edn.%20(Routledge,%202002).pdf The next meeting(s) will be devoted to Parts II and III :) 
Who is it for?
No prior philosophy or theory background is required, just curiosity and a willingness to engage. I (the organiser) am not an expert; I just seek other kind souls who want to exchange thoughts ✨ 
Format
• Readings may be short essays, selected chapters, or full books.
• Each meeting begins with a short recap/introduction of the text.
• Open, informal discussion.
• Everyone is encouraged to bring a passage or question they found interesting, confusing, or provocative.
• Language of discussion: English.
If you have any questions or suggestions, please reach out on Meet-up or Instagram: @commongroundbe

Join us for a cosy January afternoon of Amarte's Paint & coffee with fellow art enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned painter or just starting out, this event is perfect for anyone looking to unleash their creativity in a beautiful outdoor setting. When everyone has arrived we grab ourselves a good coffee made by the kindest sould of Koul where there will be a little set-up waiting for you to create your own masterpiece. Whats better than you sipping on your favorite beverage and enjoying the fresh air with new people with the same interests! So don't hesitate and come join us for a fun and inspiring morning of painting. You go home with new memories, new friends and a beautiful artpiece to shine in your interior! To make this event possible, I ask a small contribution that covers the canvases, paints, and some basic guidance and help during the session. It’s also a way to secure your spot and ensure we can welcome as many people as possible to enjoy this experience. **Price:** €15 + Meetup cost Want to skip the Meetup cost? Send me a private message and we make it happen!

**Co-work & Co-create together: teamwork makes the dream work**! Join us at the IHL for a fun co-working day! Our goal is to create a space where people can come together and work in a shared environment. Whether you're tackling a professional project, pursuing a personal goal, or diving into a creative venture, we want you here! Enjoy free coffee, tea, water, Wi-Fi and extension cables to keep you connected and productive. Come create and motivate with us! **Agenda:** 20-50 minutes of focused work, followed by a 10-15 minute chat break (tracked by a visual timer), repeat. **What to bring:** Yourself and your work! **What we have:** coffee water and tea for free, an honesty bar for soft drinks (everything is 2€) **Registration:** Required via Meetup so we know how many people to expect! **Maximum capacity:** 20 people **About the volunteers:** Kevin is a self-proclaimed productivity nerd on a mission to work smarter, not harder, while fostering an inclusive community that kicks loneliness to the curb! He knows firsthand how easy it is to turn into a potato and binge-watch cat videos instead of getting things done. That’s why he’s super excited to roll up his sleeves, make real progress on projects, and build connections and friendships along the way—because who says productivity can’t be fun? Having lived in Leuven for five years, he’s ready to share ideas, inspire others, and create a supportive environment where everyone can thrive together. Let’s turn those “meh” moments into “heck yeah!” achievements! Kinga is from Poland, but has lived in Leuven for almost 5 years at this point. She knows the city from the perspective of both the student and the professional. She enjoys learning and exploring new topics, and her list of “Oh, I’d like to know more about that” keeps getting longer. The biggest challenge, however, is actually sitting down and getting things done. It’s just way too easy to postpone it until tomorrow. She says, "Since I can’t rely on my motivation, I choose to create an environment that inspires me not to procrastinate." Georgi, who has lived in Belgium for more than 4 years, is originally from Bulgaria, but has been traveled and lived abroad in the last years, before settling down in Leuven. Georgi's passion is people and creating unique and meaningful interactions that leave a mark.

**About the session** This is a curated mixed doubles of Intermediate and Advanced levels. It’s an invitational group, no beginners or casual/amateur play. We balance courts for pace and quality. New and Interested in being part of our group? Join here, https://chat.whatsapp.com/KqdVhyuBhFz1d56lv4WVVi Please Direct Message the Organizer with your level. Approval is required before your first RSVP. **Format & level** * Competitive mixed doubles match play with quick rotations * Self-umpired with rally scoring to 21. * We may adjust pairings to keep games balanced. **Shuttles** We provide Yonex Mavis 2000 (Medium, Yellow) match-grade nylon shuttles. Please don’t mix in other shuttles during games. **Other Info** * We’ll post exact court numbers in the WhatsApp group before each session. Check on the day. * To secure your spot, RSVP on Meetup and complete payment by thursday evening (RSVP deadline). Unpaid RSVPs may be moved to the Waitlist so we can release/adjust courts fairly. * Waitlist: If enabled, members may be promoted automatically as spots open. So check regularly for the latest update. **House rules** * Shoes: Clean, non-marking indoor shoes only. * Timing: Arrive 10 minutes early for warm-up and court assignment. Running late? DM the Organizer. * Etiquette: Call lines fairly, rotate quickly, and mind court boundaries. No Aggressive language. * Gear: Bring your racket, water, and a towel. shuttles are provided. **Contact** Questions or first-time approval requests? DM the Organizer with your playing level and availability.

This Sunday let's go back to the Flemish Ardennes, with a hike that is a direct continuation of one we did in November (from Ede to Ninove). We start at the train station of Ninove and cross some small wetlands (probably rather muddy after the last weeks' snow and rain) before we reach the Dender, which we follow for some kilometers. After turning away from the river we walk through the Rappaillebos and enter Geraardsbergen via the Oudenberg and its famous chapel before descending into town for a final drink. As the number of participants is limited, it is important that you manage your registration responsibly: only sign up if you really intend to come and cancel as soon as you know you can’t (this also goes for people on the waiting list!). We will try to keep close to an average speed of about 4.5 km/h. We will walk mainly on unpaved roads. I’ve not tested this track beforehand, so it’s possible that there are some mistakes in the planning (i.e. it may become longer ;-). ●●You can find the gpx track here: **Wikilocs:** https://www.wikiloc.com/hiking-trails/von-ninove-nach-geraardsbergen-247100040 **Komoot**: https://www.komoot.com/de-de/tour/2678108792?share_token=aNZK7ki12VaQOwZvBkWxpd1wcmr8EK9LlHzfDCV13MtnJFYbTv&ref=wtd ●●Meeting point: We meet at 8h30 in the main hall of Gare Central, in front of Starbucks (sorry for the early start, I need to be back in town for a concert) and take the train at 8.45 (IC3631 to Gent). We change in Denderleeuw and arrive in Ninove at 9.32 ●● Train tickets: BXL-Ninove 5.00€ or 3.00€ with Train+, Geraardsbergen-BXL 6.40€ or 3.90€ with Train+ ●● Back to Brussels: From Geraardsbergen there are two trains back every hour, at XX.55 direct (52 min to Gare Central) and at XX.07 via Denderleeuw (1h 08 min to Gare Central). ●● Specifics: Distance: ca 24 km Elevation gain: 150 - 200m Net walking time: ca 5.5 h Weather forecast: fresh, fairly dry In the unlikely case of too bad weather, we may cancel a hike, even few hours before the event. If this must happen, we will of course update the Meetup website and send out an email to those registered. So it is important to have access to either the Meetup.com website and/or your emails. ●● What to bring: * Comfortable hiking clothes &shoes * rain gear (just in case) * water and drink for the breaks * Compeed for blisters * some small money for drinks ●● Basic rules: Please RSVP only if you really intend to come. And if your plans change, update your RSVP asap, even hours before the walk. This is basic courtesy towards others. Repeated late cancellations are not well considered (at all). No-shows are even worse. Do not show up for a hike unless you are on the “going” list. ●● Acknowledgement of member responsibility and release of liability: You are responsible for yourself and should be fit enough if you want to take part. As the participation in the events is strictly voluntary and you freely choose to join, it is the responsibility of individuals participating to ensure that they are fit enough and have adequate coverage to protect themselves. By signing up for this event, you agree to release the organisers from any responsibility and liability.

Welcome to our weekly event in the upstairs room of The Sister Café, rue Chair et Pain 3, one block from the Grand Place. Please get there early enough to order your drink at the bar first. Thank you! After introductions we will collect questions from the group participants, choose one by voting then discuss it for an hour. Then most of us stay for drinks and bizarre conversations. Past questions have been wide and not confined to academic philosophy: What is a genuine friend? Is social media turning us into emotional zombies? Do we lose some of the experience of things by defining them? Are we driven by sex? Is loneliness a personal failure? Is morality relative? **Crucially, be kind and respectful and generous** in your disagreements; remember how much you personally enjoy someone else proving you wrong before celebrating your cutting counterexamples.

Purchase your ticket via this [link ](https://www.billetweb.fr/new-moon-gong-bath-en-fr1)\- achetez vos billets[ ici](https://www.billetweb.fr/new-moon-gong-bath-en-fr1) FR Plus bas 🌑 **New Moon Gong Bath** 🗓 Sunday, January 18 · 4:00 PM 📍 Yoga Studio Brussels The New Moon on **January 18, 2026** falls in the sign of **Capricorn** — an earth sign known for clarity, commitment, and long-term vision. As the first New Moon of the year, it offers a meaningful opportunity to **reset**, **release what is no longer aligned**, and **plant intentions** that feel clear, grounded, and true. This gong bath is offered as a **gentle reset**. Through sound, silence, and vibration, we create space to return to yourself, calm the nervous system, and open to what wants to emerge. ✨ This session supports: • Subtle release of tension, patterns, and mental fatigue • Rest and nervous system regulation • A clear space for intention-setting and quiet renewal 💶 Pricing • 35 € (one person) • 32 € per person when booking for two or more ⚠️ Early booking recommended — space is limited and sessions often fill up. 📩 Bookings & info: [bookings@nirmalkaram.com](mailto:bookings@nirmalkaram.com) 🌱 A space to release, reset, and welcome the energy of the **New Moon in Capricorn** with calm, clarity, and inner alignment. *** 🌑 **Bain de Gong de Nouvelle Lune** 🗓 Dimanche 18 janvier · 16h00 📍 Yoga Studio Brussels La **Nouvelle Lune du 18 janvier 2026** se tient dans le signe du **Capricorne**, porteur d’une énergie de clarté, d’engagement et de vision à long terme. Première Nouvelle Lune de l’année, elle nous invite à **nous recentrer**, **laisser partir ce qui ne résonne plus**, et **poser des intentions** solides, ancrées et sincères. Ce bain de gongs est proposé comme un **réajustement en douceur**. À travers le son, le silence et la vibration, nous offrons un espace pour revenir à soi, apaiser le système nerveux et accueillir ce qui souhaite émerger. ✨ Cette séance propose : • Le relâchement subtil des tensions, schémas et fatigues mentales • Le repos et la régulation du système nerveux • Un espace clair pour poser des intentions et se renouveler en douceur 💶 Tarif • 35 € (une personne) • 32 € par personne à partir de deux ⚠️ Réservation recommandée — places limitées, les sessions se remplissent vite. 📩 Réservations & infos : [bookings@nirmalkaram.com](mailto:bookings@nirmalkaram.com) 🌱 Un espace pour libérer, se réinitialiser, et accueillir l’énergie de la **Nouvelle Lune en Capricorne** avec calme, clarté et alignement intérieur.

🌟 Hello Yogis and Future Yogis! 🌟 -> New Year = Time to get back on the mat ! :) 🧘‍♀️🧘‍♂️ Whether you're a seasoned Yogi or a complete beginner, come and join us every **SUNDAY MORNING - from 11:00 to 12:15 - for Queer Yoga in Brussels :)** No need to worry if you've never tried Yoga before – everyone is welcome! 🌈 Just bring yourself in some comfy clothes (mats are provided) and let the magic happen :-). 🌿 **Class Details:** * This is an "open event" - for everyone, LGBTQ people and their friends no matter their **gender, age, race, sexual orientation or level of fitness / practice**. * Classes take place [Merci Wellness - Place Dillens 1, 1060 Saint-Gilles](https://www.merci-wellness.be/plan-acces.php). Very easy to get there, either by bike or metro (Hotel des Monnaies). * Ring bell "MERCI WELLNESS" - third floor ! * ⏰ 11:00 to 12:15 (doors close at 10:55 as **class starts at 11:00 sharp** \- it is not possible to join late\)\. 💸 **Cost:** * First class: 10 euros 🌟 * Single class: 15 euros 🧘‍♂️ * 5-class pass: 65 euros (valid for 3 months - a great deal for regular yogis! 🎉) You can pay your class on site either in CASH or through PAYCONIC. **Come and this great group of Sunday Morning Yogis** \- to spend a moment in a nice atmosphere and discover the benefits of Yoga\, from increased flexibility\, better posture\, a stronger body to a calmer mind\. See you on the mat! 🧘‍♀️🧘‍♂️✨ Edson P.S. Also, make sure to check out our new class **"Yoga for Men"** \- every Wednesday at 18:30 in the same location \- you can find the class list on our Meetup main page \!

Hello, readers ! In January we are reading The Vulnerables by Sigrid Nunez. ***Please note our new venue - Maison de Quartier Malibran, Rue de la Digue 10, 1050 Ixelles - and our new start time of 11am.*** More details on this change of venue will be sent soon in a separate message. **Please keep your RSVP up to date** and happy reading!

Gaming, AdTech, EdTech, Media Streaming, and FinTech are just a few of the workloads where high-availability cloud infrastructure matters. Whether you’re doing battle daily in one of these spaces or are just curious about ways to improve performance, meet us in Reston for an in-person discussion on bare metal cloud architecture. You’ll meet our product lead, James MacKenzie, who will walk through how modern bare metal serves as a control plane for hybrid and private cloud architectures. **What we will cover** * Ways to leverage bare metal, containers, and orchestration for better performance and predictable economics; * Real-world hybrid, disaster recovery, and data-intensive architectures; * Our approach to eliminating ingress and egress fees. **Who should attend** * Cloud architects and platform engineers; * DevOps professionals and infrastructure leads; * FinOps stakeholders managing data-heavy or hybrid workloads. **Why attend** This is a technical, architecture-first conversation. You will leave with a clearer understanding of high-availability cloud infrastructure and how organizations are scaling cost-effectively. Food and drinks will be provided. Space is limited to keep the discussion interactive.

**Important! Please register on [Luma Page](https://luma.com/n7h7ynr4)** This event is organised by Projector Institute community and Ukrainian Tech Space DC MD VA Join us for an exclusive evening dedicated to exploring what it truly means to be a Product Designer — and how to manage this role more effectively in today’s fast-changing digital landscape. ​ During this session, we’ll dive into: • The pros and cons of working in product vs. non-product companies • Communication as one of the main design tools • Business-oriented approaches to product design • Practical insights for both junior and senior designers • The use of AI tools and workflows — backed by real-world examples ​ Speaker: [Misha Rybachuk](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-rybachuk/) — Co-founder of [Projector Institute](https://prjctr.com/en/about), Art Director at [Lezo.io](https://lezo.io/en), and former designer at Accenture. With over 10 years of experience in interface design, Mike has helped build impactful digital products by merging creativity, strategy, and technology. ​ This event is your opportunity to connect with fellow professionals, gain hands-on insights, and see how design bridges creativity, communication, and business success.

HYBRID EVENT, VIRTUAL SPEAKER In this talk, Sean Hoar will explore the transformative journey of AI’s role in modern software engineering, from rapid prototyping (“Vibe Coding”) to strategic AI integration by skilled practitioners. It clarifies the distinctions between AI-assisted, AI-enabled, and practitioner-led approaches, offering insights into how developers can effectively adapt to and harness AI tools. The presentation also highlights recent advancements and practical strategies for leveraging AI in daily workflows and long-term development.

## **1 Million Cups Loudoun Workshop: How AI Can Work for Your Business** **Wednesday\, January 28 \| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM** **Venture X Loudoun – Ashburn** Artificial Intelligence is no longer just a buzzword — it’s a practical tool that businesses of all sizes can begin using today. Join **1 Million Cups Loudoun** for a special **workshop-style presentation** led by **Victor Meer of AI Prime** and **Jay Jay Billings of Band Gap AI**, designed to help entrepreneurs understand how AI can realistically support their business operations. This workshop will provide: * A clear, practical overview of what AI actually is * Real-world examples of how businesses are using AI today * Insight into where automation can save time and reduce friction * Guidance on how to start leveraging AI without needing technical expertise Whether you’re AI-curious, overwhelmed by the noise, or ready to explore automation in your business, this session will help you think clearly about where AI fits — and where it doesn’t. As always, coffee, conversation, and community are at the heart of 1 Million Cups Loudoun. ### What Is 1 Million Cups? 1 Million Cups is a national program powered by the Kauffman Foundation that brings together entrepreneurs and community members for weekly conversations that educate, support, and inspire. Loudoun’s chapter meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month. Join us on **January 14 at 9:00 AM** for coffee, connection, and a meaningful conversation about reimagining after-school education in Loudoun County. **We look forward to seeing you there.**

**Cabell Harris** is always thinking, It’s what he does... Ad Man. Designer. Professor. Entrepreneur. Futurist. Cabell’s career began in Richmond, Virginia. Fortunately, he was in the right place at the right time. Richmond was getting national attention as being one of the few creative hot spots outside New York. He continued building his reputation and portfolio by working for many distinguished companies in New York, Boston, and Los Angeles. In Los Angeles, Cabell founded WORK Inc. as an agency for agencies. He returned to his roots and relocated the agency to Richmond in 1995. Few individuals have worked for more agencies or brands than Cabell. Along with managing WORK, creating ad campaigns, corporate identities, packaging products, publishing books, building apps, and taking his own brands and products to market, Cabell was a professor for over 10 years at the VCU BrandCenter. Today, WORK has evolved into a brand consultancy working directly with clients who need innovative thinking. Cabell has been recognized, multiple times, in every major industry award show including Cannes, the Clios, the One Show, New York Addys, Art Directors Club, Graphis, Athena, Andy’s, British Design & Art Direction, Effie’s, Communication Arts, and over 10 Best of Shows for the local Richmond Addy’s. Various publications have also declared him one of the top creatives in the country. March of 2020 Cabell was inducted into the Virginia Communications Hall of Fame. **WORK Labs** is a creative branding agency located in Richmond, Virginia. Whether we’re creating an advertising campaign that will break through the clutter or bringing our own products to market, we know we are ultimately in the idea business. We publish books. We brew our own beer. We’re designers, writers, strategists, professors and students. And we’re all brought together by one common belief: nothing is more compelling than a smart idea, executed well. **Thnk Collecive** is a lifestyle brand and retail store with curated, unique and consciously sourced products for home, gifts, and self-care: * Home & Living * Wellness & Self Care * Apparel & Accessories * Family & Fun Thnk Collective is located at 4913 Grove Ave, Richmond, VA **The Discussion.** This series of hybrid events is perfect for budding entrepreneurs, experienced executive mentors cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset, early-stage investors, and students exploring innovative product design. At each session, business founders serve as guest speakers share about their career, their firm's business model, as well as the successes and challenges in the product development process. Participants learn from the speakers’ experiences, discuss valuable insights, and connect with other entrepreneurs, students, faculty, and investors. **Logistics.** A light lunch is served, as entrepreneurs connect with one another, learn from peers, and contribute to the conversation: * Friday, January 23, 2026 * 11:30am EST - Coffee & Connection * 12:00pm - 1:00pm EST - Presentation & Discussion No pre-registration is required. Join us: Robins School of Business 102 UR Drive, iLab Room 123 University of Richmond, VA 23173 **Parking.** Free parking is available in the U5 and U6 lots immediately adjacent to the Robins School. Please enter the main foyer, turn to the left and proceed to room 123 (EY Innovation Lab) on the ground floor. Please note that visitors have a two-hour parking window. Please sign in when you enter the room, providing your license plate number. **On Zoom Webinar:** https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89608419334?pwd=am0F9r85xPfh7aBaxtdUDILYsvNAwJ.1

We will be meeting at Starbucks to learn together. Come with an online class you're already going through or an interest and we will try to connect you with a course where you can learn it. Already have a skill you want to contribute to a Kaggle Datascience competition? We will work on these too! Laptop required :)