Technology Professionals

At the group's first meetup, we will informally discuss whether self-improvement has an end or is a never-ending process. To inspire the discussion, I selected two short blog posts with opposing perspectives. The [first post](https://markmanson.net/self-improvement#:~:text=There%27s%20a%20paradox%20with,the%20need%20to%20improve%20yourself.) is by Mark Manson, the author of *The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F#ck*. He argues that: “*There’s a paradox with self-improvement (...): the ultimate goal of all self-improvement is to reach the point where you no longer feel the need to improve yourself (…). The whole goal of improving your productivity is to reach the point where you never have to think about how to be more productive. The whole point of pursuing happiness is to reach the point where one no longer has to think about being happy. (…)* *The only way to truly achieve one’s potential, to become fully fulfilled, or to become “self-actualized” (…), is to, at some point, stop trying to be all of those things.”* The [second post](https://maartenvandoorn.medium.com/self-improvement-doesnt-have-an-end-it-is-the-end-6bbb3247ff6f) is by Maarten van Doorn, who wrote it as a reply to Mark Manson’s post. Van Doorn argues that self-improvement doesn’t have an end because it is an end in itself: *“‘The paradox of self-improvement’, as Mark calls it, is not that self-improvement, despite appearances, has as its ultimate goal something that’s ‘in your head’. No, the true paradox of self-improvement is that it’s perhaps the only kind of improvement that is not done for the sake of whatever it is being improved, but for its own sake.* *Self-improvement has intrinsic value and, in contrast to productivity, becoming better and exercising skills are essential components of what makes life worth living (…)* *Personal growth shouldn’t be thought of as a band-aid to fix something. That’s not what it’s for. What it’s for, is to prevent you from settling for eternal boredom — and your life from going by unnoticed*.” What do you think? **Reading the posts beforehand is optional** — Just in case you want to read them, here are the links: * ‘[What is self-improvement’ by Mark Manson](https://markmanson.net/self-improvement#:~:text=There%27s%20a%20paradox%20with,the%20need%20to%20improve%20yourself.). * ‘[Self-improvement doesn’t have an end, it is the end’ by Maarten van Doorn](https://maartenvandoorn.medium.com/self-improvement-doesnt-have-an-end-it-is-the-end-6bbb3247ff6f) We will also have time to talk about ourselves and brainstorm ideas for next meetups. See you soon. Ángel

This group is for anyone who writes - for any reason. Have a thesis or article you need to write? Trying to finish a novel or an academic paper? This group is for you. We are currently meeting in-person at Locus Workspace. If you have any questions, contact Sonya Lano here or on Facebook or Messenger (https://www.facebook.com/sonya.lano). We start at 9:00, introduce ourselves, and share a few words about what we're working on and what we hope to accomplish during the session. At the end of the session, you can give us a brief recap of how it went. We'll break at noon. The afternoon session starts at 2:00 pm. You're welcome to join both sessions or just one. Please come as close to 9:00 as you can if you come for the morning session. If you come to the afternoon session, we are usually back by about a quarter to 2:00.

**The Most Chill Speed Friending Event in Town 😎✨** Expand your social circle like eating tapas: bite-sized, fresh, and absolutely zero pressure. 👋 Tapas Topics is built for people who value smaller social circles, natural connections, and a well-structured evening. Get a feel for up to 6 new people a night without going too deep, too fast. We do the heavy lifting for you so you can simply enjoy the freedom of meeting new people with ease. ✅ **Short Rotations** → You get around 10 minutes per person. It's the perfect amount of time to see if you click, with an automatic escape hatch to keep everything light and fresh. ✅ **300+ Digital Icebreakers**→ You can wing conversations naturally or simply tap into our app's "conversation menu" for a fresh new topic anytime you want. ✅ **Clear Structure** → No awkward standing around wondering how to start. Everyone gets a comfortable seat, a clear rotation, and a guaranteed chat with lovely people. 🔥 **THE BETA TEST** We are perfecting our custom app and rotation flow before transitioning to a paid model. Entry is 100% FREE until the end of June! All we ask in return is your candid feedback afterward. 🙌 🕒 **SCHEDULE** 17:35 - Doors open: Arrive early, grab a drink, and open our web app. (**Walk through the restaurant to the OPEN ATRIUM on the right**) 17:45 - The Clock starts! ⏱️ 19:00 - Wrapping up 19:30 - Afterparty 👉 **The Afterparty**: Once we wrap up, we transition into our famous social mixer, The Bar Nomads, right close by. Grab a drink and dive deeper with the people you clicked with (Free entry!). 🍹 👉 **Contacts:** We keep it organic. No automated matching systems here—just ask for their details directly at the afterparty! 💡 **Good to Know:** The event is hosted in English. It's relaxed, cozy, and open to both expats and locals. Just come as you are! *Note: By attending, you consent to being photographed (casual snapshots during the event and a group selfie at the end).*

**The Easiest room to walk into on a Saturday night** 🤩🌍 We are a welcoming, high-energy tribe of locals, newcomers, and expats alike. Half the room is our stable core, the other is always brand new! We skip the awkward small talk and go straight for REAL connections ✨, naturally transitioning into a great party 🤩 later on. Our rules are simple: No pressure, no city masks, and absolutely no standing alone. Just grab a drink 🍹 and jump right in. You’ll leave feeling energized, connected, and a little bit more like a true Praguer. 😎🤙 👉 If you want to dive deeper, just show up and JOIN our LOCAL WhatsApp community of 250+ Praguers!

NOTE THE TIME CHANGE TO 9AM Hi All, Come and join us for social running and a coffee! We meet at the main gate of Vystaviste - tram stop Vystaviste Holesovice. We will run in Stromovka. Usually we run around 50mins and it is up to everyone how many kilometres. We welcome all levels of runner. We can all run together or, if there is more of us, we can split into groups and at the end of the run we all meet close to the starting point to go for a coffee to a nice local coffee place (where they also sell cakes and great chocolate). If the weather is great, we can also just sit in one of the outside coffee placces in Stromovka and enjoy the sun. This is where we meet: http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/7/7/3/1/600_447930513.jpeg

Welcome! Our Prague event is a melting pot of cultures where Czech beer meets global chatter. [[Click this whatsapp groupchat link to join](https://chat.whatsapp.com/COaDT779p9EEZDtVxb3ukg)] Every Saturday at 7:30 PM, locals, travelers, and expats (mostly in their 20s–30s) gather for fun and language exchange. Whether you're fluent or just learning "hello," you’re invited. It’s casual, cool, and genuinely Prague.

Join us for a movie night at **Kino Atlas** on **Saturday, May 30th.** We’ll meet at **18:45** ***at the Kino Atlas Cafe*** before the film starts at **19:15**. I will be waiting at the cafe, so please look me up (reference my meetup photograph). We'll be watching *[Five Plums (Pět švestek)](https://kinoatlaspraha.cz/?program=8121),* a new drama by Jan Svěrák about a group of old friends revisiting advenures of their younger days. Come enjoy this screening and stay for a drink and a chat about the film afterwards! **NOTE:** Please buy your own tickets (available online: [tickets](https://goout.net/en/tickets/pet-svestek/fpplb/)). (I got row 4, seat 7) **Kind request:** If you register to attend but later cannot make it, please update your RSVP in time — thank you!

🚣‍♂️🌿 Trade the city noise for the rhythm of the river… Step into a hidden gorge carved by the Sázava River and let the current guide your adventure. As you paddle through calm waters and gentle bends, each turn reveals towering rock formations, lush greenery, and moments of pure calm. Whether it’s your first time in a canoe or you’ve paddled before, this journey is all about enjoying the ride. Spend 5–6 hours on the water, soaking in nature at its best, with plenty of breaks to relax, swim, and take it all in. We’ll even stop for lunch in one of the charming riverside villages tucked along the valley. No stress, no rush—your experienced guide will be there every step (and stroke) of the way, making sure you feel confident, safe, and ready to enjoy every moment. ✨ Paddle. Relax. Discover the Sázava. **What is included :** • Professional and friendly guide • Transportation from Prague • Visit Český Šternberk (13th century early Gothic castle) • Canoe rental (Samba) • Paddles, life jackets, waterproof bags or barrels. • See picturesque cabins from communist era • Visit the Sázava Monastery (former Benedictine abbey and a monastery in Bohemia, established by Bretislaus I, Duke of Bohemia around 1032) You can pay for the trip via: • Bank transfer: 7392420507/6363 • Revolut: @augustetqc • Wise: @agustind162 **More information at :** https://www.facebook.com/events/2506704323104972/

⚠️ **IMPORTANT: You must sign up and buy a ticket here to attend:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) **This is a curated, small-group meetup make new friends in Prague.** Each meetup brings together 4–6 like-minded people for casual conversations over brunch. We use the Groupvibe platform to organize and ensure everyone’s a good fit. 👉 **To attend, you’ll need to complete registration via this link:** [https://groupvibe.com](https://groupvibe.com) Once you register, and **buy a ticket or become a Groupvibe member**, we’ll share the exact location and match you with your group. **Why this works:** \* Smaller groups make real conversations easier \* Matching helps avoid awkward dynamics **Note:** RSVPs here on Meetup don’t reflect total attendance. Many attendees register directly via our website. This meetup is organized by **Groupvibe**, a small team passionate about helping people form meaningful friendships offline.

Let's play badminton at Sports Centre Olšanka. We'll meet at 10.40 and play for 60 minutes. If you have a Multisport card please bring it along, as it will make the court free for you and also reduce the cost for others. If you don't have a Multisport card the game will cost you a maximum of 150 crowns, probably much less. I will cover the cost of the court so please bring cash to pay me. There is a small organisation fee of 20 crowns for all players to participate in this event. Racquets can be rented for 50 crowns.

**Teachers: Let’s talk shop, make new professional connections and life long friendships! Please 30CZK to support the cost if the monthly fee and anyone who forgets to pay.**

🚣‍♂️🌿 Trade the city noise for the rhythm of the river… Step into a hidden gorge carved by the Sázava River and let the current guide your adventure. As you paddle through calm waters and gentle bends, each turn reveals towering rock formations, lush greenery, and moments of pure calm. Whether it’s your first time in a canoe or you’ve paddled before, this journey is all about enjoying the ride. Spend 5–6 hours on the water, soaking in nature at its best, with plenty of breaks to relax, swim, and take it all in. We’ll even stop for lunch in one of the charming riverside villages tucked along the valley. No stress, no rush—your experienced guide will be there every step (and stroke) of the way, making sure you feel confident, safe, and ready to enjoy every moment. ✨ Paddle. Relax. Discover the Sázava. **What is included :** • Professional and friendly guide • Transportation from Prague • Visit Český Šternberk (13th century early Gothic castle) • Canoe rental (Samba) • Paddles, life jackets, waterproof bags or barrels. • See picturesque cabins from communist era • Visit the Sázava Monastery (former Benedictine abbey and a monastery in Bohemia, established by Bretislaus I, Duke of Bohemia around 1032) You can pay for the trip via: • Bank transfer: 7392420507/6363 • Revolut: @augustetqc • Wise: @agustind162 **More information at :** [https://www.facebook.com/events/2506704323104972/](https://www.facebook.com/events/2506704323104972/)

Looking to expand your circle, share some laughs, and fuel your day with some good nutrition in the city? **You've found your crew.** We are a community built around good energy, healthy habits, and amazing connections. Whether you're a local entrepreneur, a fitness enthusiast, or just new to Prague looking to meet like-minded people, this group is your new go-to spot for blending socializing with serious flavor. **What We're About:** Premium Fuel: Exclusive meetups centered around the signature protein smoothies, acai bowls, and fresh bites at Superfresh. **Meaningful Connections**: A relaxed, welcoming environment to network, make new friends, and share ideas. **Central Hangouts:** Conveniently meeting up right at Lazarská 5 (Superfresh) easy to get to, and the perfect starting point for the rest of your day. Grab a smoothie, pull up a chair, and let's build a community that feels as good as it tastes. See you at the next meetup!

Put your Badminton shoes on and join Racketmania, we’re hosting a fun, balanced badminton session at **Hector Sports Centrum, Prague** for players of similar skill levels. It's the perfect chance to rally, compete, and meet local players. Also enjoy the amazing garden restaurant. 🗓 Event Details * **Date:** Saturday, May 30, 2026 * **Time:** 11:00 - 13:00 * **Location:** Hector- Sport Centre and restaurant, Malešická 655/59c, 108 00 Praha 10-Malešice * **Spots Available:** 10-12 players 💸 Payment & Costs The court fee will be divided equally among all attending participants at the end of the session. You can pay your share directly at the Hector Sport Centre reception. * *Note: If you need gear, badminton rackets are available to rent at the reception for 50 Kč (with a 200 Kč refundable deposit).* 🏸 What to Expect This event is focused on keeping things fun, engaging, and welcoming! We will organize the games so that participants are matched by similar skill levels, ensuring great rallies and enjoyable matches for everyone. **Important:** Please RSVP to secure your spot. If your plans change, update your RSVP promptly so others on the waitlist can join! We can’t wait to see you on the court!

QA or the Highway is a one-day, affordable, regional, professional conference featuring real-world experience and thought leadership in the QA and testing industry. This is a ticketed event please register here: https://www.qaorthehwy.com/ Featured Keynote Speakers: **Matthew-Hope Eland** **(Wizard at Leading EDJE)** \- An AI Specialist and Wizard at Leading EDJE who is known to teach software engineering\, AI\, and data science concepts in the most ridiculous ways possible\. Matt has used machine learning to settle debates over whether Die Hard is a Christmas movie\, reinforcement learning to drive the behavior of digital squirrels\, data analytics to suggest improvements to his favorite TV show\, and AI agents to play board games and create an AI agent with the personality of a dog\. Matt is the author of "Data Science in \.NET with Polyglot Notebooks" and "Refactoring with C\#" as well as several LinkedIn Learning courses\. Matt helps organize the Central Ohio \.NET Developer Group\, runs several blogs and a YouTube channel\, has a Master’s of Science in Data Analytics\, and is a current Microsoft MVP in AI and \.NET\. **Tatyana Arbouzova** **(CEO at Innovate QA)** \- Tatyana Arbouzova is an engineering and business leader with a strong background in Quality Engineering across multiple industries\, including Big Tech\, Healthcare\, and Entertainment\. She has held leadership roles at world\-class companies such as Microsoft\, VMware\, Disney\, and The Pokémon Company International\, where she focused on building quality\-driven cultures and scaling teams to deliver high\-impact products\. With decades of experience\, Tatyana has helped organizations transform their quality practices so teams can deliver software efficiently\, confidently\, and with measurable business outcomes\. Today\, Tatyana advises software companies on adopting AI to optimize quality practices and improve how software is delivered at scale\. She is also a passionate community builder and the founder of Innovate QA\, a thriving Seattle\-based community and conference for quality professionals\.

**The Behavior Gap: Where Products Win or Lose** Teams today have more data than ever, and yet many still struggle to understand why customers adopt, engage with, or abandon their products. Teams sprint, ship faster, and chase more signals… all while metrics stall and confidence drops. The missing piece isn’t more data. It’s often the behavioral insight between the metrics, explaining why the numbers move in the first place. Dashboards can tell you what customers did, but understanding why they did it (and how to influence what they do next) requires a deeper blend of insights. This session is about closing that gap. Drawing from real-world experience designing and scaling products as [ZoCo Design](https://zocodesign.com/)’s CEO, [Lacey](https://www.linkedin.com/in/laceypicazo/) will share how to cut through the noise and identify the insights that actually change behavior—moving people, and moving metrics. You’ll learn: * Why understanding customer behavior is a quant and qual challenge * How to spot the signals that actually predict behavior change * Where AI accelerates insight, and where it creates distraction * How to get meaningfully closer to customers, without adding more tools This talk reframes how to evaluate performance and identify what levers actually improve it, helping your team to make smarter bets with greater confidence. Every meaningful outcome is driven by behavior change. And when you know how to design for behavior, you stop guessing, and start building things that work. **About Our Speaker** [Lacey Picazo](https://www.linkedin.com/in/laceypicazo/) is the Founder and CEO of ZoCo, a healthcare product studio that turns complex, high-stakes ideas into products that drive real-world adoption. She partners with healthcare organizations to uncover critical care delivery insights, focus product strategy through behavior design, and build solutions that patients and providers actually use. Thanks to our 2026 sponsors: [Clarivoy](https://www.clarivoy.com), [What Box Consulting Group](https://www.whatboxconsultinggroup.com), [Conductrics](https://www.conductrics.com), and [Piwik PRO](https://piwik.pro) More info at [cbusdaw.com](https://cbusdaw.com)

Christians in Tech is a community at the intersection of faith and technology. Our meetups are designed to spark meaningful conversations, promote knowledge sharing, and encourage growth—both in your career and your spiritual walk with God. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting your tech journey, CIT welcomes you. Our Website [https://linktr.ee/citcbus](https://linktr.ee/citcbus) Sponsors and Partners * Improving (Venue Sponsor) * Bethel World Prayer Center (Fiscal Sponsor) * Fruits & Roots (Coffee Partner)

Topic to be announced. **THANK YOU** *Franklin University* for hosting our meetup! To learn more about *Franklin University*, please visit their website: https://www.franklin.edu/ **DIRECTIONS** Franklin University Fisher Hall 300 E. Main St, Columbus, OH 43215 Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jxjBA2hUmS5qrvhq8 Parking is FREE! Please park in Lot C in front of Fisher Hall. See attached map. NOTE: Map the address only. When mapping with Google Maps it may use the Fisher Hall at OSU, which is NOT correct. **Want to sponsor the pizza and/or bar tab?** Please contact me if you would like to sponsor this meetup's pizza and/or bar tab: angelo@mandato.com

Couldn't make Knowledge? Or want to debrief the dancing robots or Autonomous Workforce? Join us for a Knowledge '26 recap, insights sharing, a couple rounds of golf, and fun at Topgolf. As always, drinks and food will be provided. More details to come — mark your calendar, RSVP, and save your spot today!

We have moved to guild.host. Look us up there. https://guild.host/events/buckeye-cocoaheads-rcavwd

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