Business Strategy

We are adding a few sing along songs to our Wednesdays session. You will still get the opportunity to sing as usual we are just adding some sing along songs to add something new to the session. Cotton fields back home G I'm a believer G Doesn't matter anymore G Join us for a lovely evening of music and song in a relaxed, supportive space. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, all levels of musicians and singers are very welcome. ​Performers: Space is limited to 10 performers to ensure everyone gets their time in the spotlight. Please secure your spot by booking through the app! ​Listeners: If performance spots are full, we’d still love for you to come along, listen, and soak up the atmosphere. It’s a wonderful way to build confidence and get a feel for the session. ​The Details: There is a small €2 kitty fee. As the venue hosts us for free, we kindly ask that you support the bar by purchasing a drink or two. ​A Note on Parking: The car park directly outside is convenient but strictly monitored, so please double-check the rates to avoid a €125 unclamping fee! For a stress-free evening, there are several other parking options within a 5-minute walk, including the Tesco car park (which is usually free after 6:30 PM, but do check the signs!).

**Overview** === He's back! For our February event, we are thrilled to welcome a special guest out of semi-retirement: John Ryan. As a former Snowflake employee and current Data Superhero, John has been there since the beginning. In fact, he and I co-hosted Ireland’s first-ever Snowflake event. Since the venue was a converted church, we called it the **"Church of Data."** It was the perfect setting to kick off our Snowflake evangelism. **Abstract** === Moving from on-premises data platforms to cloud isn’t just a technology change — it’s a cost and operating model shift. Many teams underestimate this and end up with performance issues, spiralling spend, or both. This session explains why traditional on-prem thinking breaks down in Snowflake, how Snowflake is designed to scale, and where customers commonly go wrong. Using real lessons from three large Snowflake customers, we’ll walk through: What “scale up” really means in Snowflake (and when not to use it) Three common mistakes that quietly drive cost and poor performance What actually worked in production — not theory, not marketing slides This is a practical, experience-based session aimed at engineers, architects, and technical leaders who want Snowflake to run faster without wasting money.

Join us for an Apache Kafka® x Apache Flink® meetup on Wednesday February 25th from 6:00pm in Dublin hosted by Autodesk! **Venue:** Autodesk 1 Windmill Lane, 2nd Floor, Dublin D02 F206 **PLEASE BRING A FORM OF VALID ID AND REGISTER WITH YOUR DETAILS FOR SECURITY PURPOSES/BUILDING ACCESS. THANK YOU!** **Agenda:** * 6:00pm: Doors open * 6:00pm – 6:30pm: Food, Drinks & Networking * 6:30pm - 7:15pm: John Byrne, Sr. Manager, Partner Applied Solutions, Confluent * 7:15pm - 8:00pm: Rishayah Kumar Trivedi, Senior DevOps/SRE Engineer, Autodesk & Douglas Hobson, Principal DevOps/SRE Engineer, Autodesk * 8:00pm - 9:00pm: Additional Q&A and Networking **First Speaker:** John Byrne, Sr. Manager, Partner Applied Solutions, Confluent **Title of Talk:** Flink State: Design Choices You Can’t Undo *(on Confluent Cloud)* **Abstract:** A practical look at how state behaves when running Flink on Confluent Cloud, the early design decisions teams often underestimate (keyed state, TTLs, upgrades, reprocessing), and the kinds of problems that only show up months later. **Bio:** John Byrne is a Sr. Manager, Partner Applied Solutions at Confluent, the company founded by the original creators of Apache Kafka®. With a strong background in data engineering, John previously worked for Slice, Registers of Scotland, and Sopra Steria, where he specialized in event streaming, ETLs, and data governance. Passionate about GIS, mapping, and ETL processes, he has delivered talks at FOSS4G and developed production-grade ETL projects incorporating spatial data and mapping technologies. In his spare time, John enjoys playing golf and coaching his local youth rugby team. **Second Speakers:** Rishayah Kumar Trivedi, Senior DevOps/SRE Engineer, Autodesk & Douglas Hobson, Principal DevOps/SRE Engineer, Autodesk **Title of Talk:** To Production and Platform: Our Kafka Journey, DR Strategy, and Kafka-as-a-Service **Abstract:** In various organisations, multiple teams have historically had to build Kafka the hard way, spending months on security hardening, compliance validation, observability, and disaster recovery, often repeating the same work with inconsistent outcomes. The result is slow onboarding, duplicated effort, and operational silos that don’t scale as more streaming use cases come online. In this talk, we walk through our Kafka production journey on AWS MSK: how we began with a POC, what it really takes to make Kafka production-ready, and the key platform decisions we had to take to standardise the architecture and operations. We’ll then dive into disaster recovery for streaming applications where the hard problems aren’t just infrastructure failover, but event continuity and restoring pipelines under pressure. We’ll share our HA DR approach for Kafka-backed systems, including an active/passive regional strategy, and practical failover/failback considerations to minimise RPO/RTO. Finally, we’ll close with our Kafka-as-a-Service (KaaS) vision for Autodesk teams: self-service, policy-driven deployments and service tiers that let internal teams onboard in hours instead of months so the product teams can focus on building streaming features, while the platform provides consistent guardrails for security, reliability, and recoverability. Attendees will leave with a checklist of production-ready requirements for Kafka, a clear mental model for DR in streaming systems and a set of platform patterns for evolving towards Kafka-as-a-Service. **Bios:** **Rishayah Kumar Trivedi (Senior DevOps/SRE Engineer, Autodesk)** Rishayah is a Senior DevOps/SRE engineer at Autodesk's data streaming and processing platform team with 9+ years of experience building scalable cloud infrastructure and automating enterprise deployments. He holds industry-recognised credentials in AWS, Kubernetes, and DevOps, and has led many initiatives improving reliability, performance, and security through Shift-left approach, IaC and CI/CD best practices. **Douglas Hobson (Principal DevOps/SRE Engineer, Autodesk)** Douglas is an accomplished Principal Devops/SRE engineer in Autodesk's data streaming and processing platform team with extensive experience in cloud architecture, infrastructure automation, and systems reliability. With a proven track record at various firms, he has led global teams in building scalable, secure, and high-performing cloud environments. Skilled in AWS, IaC, and distributed systems, Douglas is recognised for his technical leadership, problem-solving expertise, and commitment to operational excellence. \*\*\* DISCLAIMER We are unable to cater for any attendees under the age of 18. If you would like to speak or host our next event please let us know! [community@confluent.io](http://community@confluent.io/)

Details: SPACE: Four participant sewing class, plus the host, held in a comfortable, spacious living room , with double doors beside us, as we work. CLASS CONTENT: Learn to use a sewing machine (maybe bring your own along if you wish to gain confidence in using it) Make a cute cotton tote bag (or your own project) / have some fun / meet like minded new friends and learn a new skill / craft. Progress to make a simple piece of clothing! What’s available: * Complimentary glass of juice if you wish. * Bring your own machine or if you wish you’re welcome to use mine. * Hand sanitiser/wipes available. * Plenty of space. * Warm room. * Professional teacher. MATERIALS: I supply large selection of threads / pins / needles and rippers! You may wish to bring your own fabric and extras eg. ribbon, lace etc for your individual item (happy to help you choose/source fabrics) Also up-cycling of an old crisp cotton dress or shirt is encouraged.

The next Dub\|Sec meetup will take place in the Dublin Workday offices on February 25\, 2026\. Workday are delighted to be hosting this Infosec event in conjunction with Dub\|Sec and the Women in Cybersecurity Community Association \(WICCA\)\. In order to ensure your place on the evening, please sign up through [this link](https://invites.envoy.com/group-invite/TQWwzJ2WyL5lED4D). We'll be there from 6.00pm. Our first speaker will start at around 7pm. **19:00 - Building a digital beehive: The cluster that wasn't real, but the attacks were** by Arnav Tripathy Kubernetes is everywhere now—and so are attacks against it. Misconfigurations, exposed APIs, and overly permissive RBAC have made clusters a prime target, while most security tools stop at scanning images and YAML instead of showing what attackers do after they get in. This talk introduces KubeDecoy – a lightweight, open-source Kubernetes honeypot built from familiar components: vcluster, Falco, Falcosidekick, and NGINX. The goal is simple: stand up a convincing fake cluster, expose realistic attack surfaces, and quietly observe how real adversaries interact with them. **19:40 - OffSec x AI : The Rise of Autonomous Pen-testing Agents** by Manav Bankatwala. As we are witnessing a shift from static security scanners to "Agentic AI", tools that don't just find signatures, but actively reason, plan, and exploit like a human hacker. This talk will explore the current state of AI in offensive security, using the open-source tool Strix as a live case study. If you would like to speak at any future Dub\|Sec\, please email us at [info@dubsec.ie](http://info@dubsec.ie/)! Join us for some drinks, food and general chat about infosec. Everyone is welcome whether you’re a pro, an amateur or just curious about the field!

Watercolour And Ink Workshop Board and Brewed, Dún Laoghaire Every Wednesday at 7:30pm €15 per session Join us for a cozy, beginner-friendly watercolour illustration class where you’ll create two beautiful mini paintings in a relaxing, supportive environment. In this 2-hour session, we’ll: • Create two quick practice paintings to warm up and learn techniques • Finish with a more detailed final illustration • Use pencil sketching, watercolour techniques, and fine liner inking once dry I’ll guide you through: • Understanding puddle strength and water-to-paint ratios • Blending and layering techniques • Using linework to elevate your final piece To make it accessible for all skill levels, I’ll provide: • Step-by-step “how to draw” guides All materials are included — just bring yourself and a creative spirit! ✨ Come solo or bring a friend. A perfect way to unwind, learn a new skill, and make something you’re proud of.

Please PREPAY for this game either by https://revolut.me/davidandl or Paypal ([kenna.david@gmail.com](http://kenna.david@gmail.com/)) √ We have just 60 minutes to play, so please come along a few minutes early to ensure we can start on time. √ The maximum number of players is 14. If you are not among the 14, please do not attend the pitch. If you are one of the 14, please be sure you show up. Places are in high demand, so unfortunately, failure to show will result in your immediate removal from the group. √ As always, you participate in these games at your own risk and agree to indemnify the organisers from any injury, loss, claim, or infection.

Let's improve our self-awareness, by getting into the habit of writing our thoughts and emotions. & Let's enhance our curiosity and compassion in others, by giving others and ourselves an insight into the unknown lives of strangers. Join us for our 1.5 hours writing event. We will have some exercises prepared that give us the opportunity to write and share about our thoughts/emotions/experiences and use a variety of prompts. HOMEWORK: Before the event, we ask participants to reflect and write +/- 10 minutes about a time they felt jealous of someone (e.g., a friend, a romantic partner, or a family member). Participants can choose which parts of their writing they feel comfortable sharing. **FEE:** €5 to support the group. Please pay the organiser at the event. We accept cash/revolut/paypal. **NOTE 1:** No writing experience is required to attend this event. Only a curiosity in ourselves and others. **NOTE 2:** Please provide your own notebook/paper and pen.

**Disrupt Dublin returns on 26 February 2026, bringing sharp ideas and real conversations about the future of work.** Expect big bold ideas, brilliant conversations, and a room full of people who do not just talk about change, they build it. **[REGISTER THROUGH EVENTBRITE HERE](https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/disrupt-dublin-returns-february-26-2026-tickets-1976595846385)** What happens when you mix TED, Ignite, and a truth serum that removes all corporate gloss? You get Disrupt Dublin, a rapid-fire, idea-packed, community-powered evening. Speakers have five minutes. Twenty slides that automatically advance. Straightforward insights that challenge how we design work, lead teams, and shape talent in 2026 and beyond. If TED talks finally cut to the point and said what everyone is really thinking, this would be it. ### Why Attend **Get Energised** Ten big ideas delivered in a single evening. Hear from HR leaders, founders, researchers, and workplace innovators redefining the world of work. **Stay Ahead of the Curve** Discover how organisations are rewriting playbooks on culture, AI, talent, leadership, skills, and employee experience. **Expand Your Circle** This is the first Disrupt summit in Dublin since the Pandemic! Join us to celebrate the relaunch and rub shoulders (gently) with forward-thinkers from HR, Talent, Tech, People Ops, L&D, Consulting, and Leadership. These are the conversations that spark partnerships, job offers, and fresh opportunities. ### Agenda for 26 February 2026 5:00 to 6:00 Registration and Networking Drinks, canapés, and first connections. 6:00 to 6:15 Welcome and Opening Remarks Settle in. Things are about to get lively. 6:15 to 7:00 Lightning Talks Round One Fast, fearless five-minute sessions from inspiring voices in the workplace space. 7:00 to 7:15 Break Refresh. Decompress. Debate. 7:15 to 8:00 Lightning Talks Round Two More ideas. More energy. More “I am stealing that for Monday.” 8:00 to 8:30 Wrap Up and Final Networking Because the best conversations usually happen after the talks end. ### Speakers Speakers will be announced soon. ### Ready to Disrupt Dublin? If you are hungry for fresh thinking, curious about new possibilities, or tired of the same old workplace conversations, this event is for you. Join us for an evening that sparks action, connection, and meaningful change across the world of work.

Is the recession really coming — or is it just ghosting us? Is it slowly creeping in, or will it never fully arrive? And where is the drop in housing prices we’ve all been waiting for? In this session, we’ll explore these questions and more as we try to make sense of the post-COVID economic landscape: uncertainty, resilience, inflation fatigue, and what might actually lie ahead. This event will be co-hosted by Cillian, who will help guide the discussion and bring expert perspective to a topic that affects all of us, whether we like it or not. Looking forward to having you join us for what promises to be a thoughtful and lively conversation.

Learn and play Japanese mahjong! Friendly meetup open to everyone, beginners very welcome ️. Note: while the meetup is free, we would ask that you order something as courtesy for the venue :). We now have a donation box, ask the host if you feel like supporting. RSVP recommended so that we can make sure there is room for you. Beginners please come early for the introduction in the beginning (roughly 2 - 2.30 pm). After this time we may not have spaces left for beginners.

While Organizer does this for free, entry to the gym is needed. Day pass and shoe rental. Get ready to reach new heights and forge lasting connections doing Indoor Bouldering Adventure this Sunday at 12:00! Whether you're a seasoned climber or brand new to the sport, this event is the perfect opportunity to challenge yourself, have fun, and meet fellow enthusiasts in a supportive and social setting. Located at the Bloc Climbing Gym in Ballymount, indoor bouldering social event is suitable for climbers of all levels. No climbing experience? No problem! Our friendly group will provide guidance, tips, and encouragement every step of the way. Whether you're learning or honing your skills, you'll find plenty of support and encouragement from your fellow climbers. After our exhilarating climb, we'll gather for some well-deserved refreshments and socializing, where you can swap climbing stories, share tips, and make new friends with fellow adventure-seekers. So lace up your climbing shoes, chalk up your hands, and get ready for an afternoon of adrenaline-pumping fun and friendship at our Indoor Bouldering Adventure this Sunday! Let's climb, connect, and conquer together. See you there! ‍♀️‍♂️ If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the event organizer.

* The current plan is meetup every two weeks going forward. * If you don't have a board still feel free to rock up, however if you do have one please bring it in. Every bit helps a ton. * Even if you don't know how to play you're welcome here, we're happy to help teach. * Thanks to all the beginners who came, please come again!! Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.

**Hey hey! ** Excited to see you at our next meetup! Here's what you can look forward to: **Great chats with lovely people**! whether you're a local or from the other side of the world, you’re very welcome here! **Not a native English speaker?** Awesome, you’ll get to practice with native speakers in a relaxed, no-pressure setting. **Are you a native English speaker?** Cool! Chat in English or find someone to practice another language with. Why not mix it up? ✨ We’re a **diverse, super-friendly, and inclusive bunch**, open to everyone, whether you’re shy, outgoing, or somewhere in between. Our awesome organizers are always around to make sure things run smoothly and everyone feels included. One of the nicest things we hear again and again: even introverts feel at ease here. That’s something we’re really proud of. **Instant connections!** You might walk in alone, but you'll probably leave with new friends. **This Saturday at 2:30pm!** We’ll be downstairs around the big oval table at a much-loved venue that's perfect for easy-going conversations and real connection. **Theme: “International Mishmash”**: A chill space for people from all over (including Ireland!) to swap stories, share laughs, and practice languages if you fancy. (Shout-out to our lovely Irish regulars!) **And after?** At 5pm, we’ll head over to the nearby **RIOT Pub** for tasty burgers and proper pints. Always a good time!!! *** **Want to support the group? ** Running this thing costs over €200 a year (yep, all out of pocket for now ). If you’d like to chip in, we’d really appreciate it: * [PayPal](https://paypal.me/meetuppay) * [Revolut](https://revolut.me/michelf9a) (you can pay with your card, no need to be on Revolut!). Your help keeps the group going and opens the door for even more cool events (like day trips and gigs!). Cheers and see you soon! **– Michele & the Meetup Crew**

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!

Join other experienced and aspiring agile coaches and professionals to: * develop and practice your coaching skills in a peer-to-peer environment * share current successes and challenges in your work environment and get support from each other * learn from each other, build better relationships and experiment with new ideas

Come and grow your business by meeting these other business professionals. We can help you expand your customers.

Connected Westerville Night of Networking flips the script on networking, with surprises and connections that'll make you say, "Who knew networking could be this much fun?!"

Have a small business? Ever wish you could just ask some questions around how to grow your business, get more customers or just know what the freak you are doing with sales? Now is your chance!! Every month we are hosting the "Ask an Expert" at the Columbus Metro Library, Main campus. I will be there to answer your Sales related questions. Drop-in for sales coaching designed to help small business owners, entrepreneurs, and sales professionals sharpen their sales approach. Whether you have questions on how to refine your pitch, are looking to close deals more quickly, or are working on building better client relationships, Smashing Your Sales Goals Coaches are here to help. Drop-in to get expert insights, actionable strategies and real-time solutions to grow your business and generate higher profits. Drop-In Sales Coaching is FREE + OPEN to the public. No appointment needed. First come, first served. EPIC Learning created. Accelerate Columbus supported.