Organizational Culture

Are you ready to enjoy warmer spring evenings together again? We are, and that’s why we’re inviting you to our next Data & AI Engineering [applydata](https://applydata.io) Meetup, taking place at our Bucharest office on the 14th May. **Bogdan Beda:** ***"Beyond Syntax: The Evolving Role of the Software Engineer in the AI Era"*** [Bogdan Beda](https://www.linkedin.com/in/bogdan-beda/) is a Principal Software Engineer at [Microsoft](https://www.linkedin.com/company/microsoft/), working on \*Copilot for Work\* backend, on a non-deterministic product using a codebase that is increasingly being generated by AI. In his presentation, Bogdan will explore the new essential toolkit for the AI era – moving beyond basic prompt engineering to mastering product development, from system design decisions to validating outputs. **Costin Vilcu: *"SOC Transformation in the AI Era"*** [Costin Vilcu](https://www.linkedin.com/in/costin-vilcu-oscp-pentester/) is an Information and Network Security Professional with 20+ years of experience, passionate about Penetration Testing, Security Consulting, Teaching and Social Communication. Costin's presentation explores how Security Operations Centers (SOCs) must evolve in the age of AI, from reactive monitoring to intelligent, autonomous threat detection and response. **Dana Juncu: *"The Invisible Threat: How a Sticker on a Traffic Sign Could Compromise Autonomous Vehicles"*** [Dana Juncu](https://www.linkedin.com/in/danajuncu/) is a Senior Product Manager at [Diconium](https://www.linkedin.com/company/diconium/posts/?feedView=all), working at the intersection of data, engineering, and product, owning end-to-end delivery of labeled datasets for ADAS & autonomous driving systems. In her presentation, Dana will cover why AI security is fundamentally different from traditional software security and what it actually takes to build robust, trustworthy AI in safety-critical domains. If you're curious, you can read more about the importance of Data Labeling in her previous blog articles: [Data Labeling as Continuous Service](https://applydata.io/data-labeling-as-a-continuous-service/) & [Traffic Sign Recognition at Scale](https://applydata.io/traffic-sign-recognition-at-scale-why-the-dataset-is-the-hard-part/) **What to expect:** * Three expert talks * Networking opportunities in our historical villa office * Some snacks & drinks **Timetable:** * 18:30 - Event admission * 19:00 - Welcome & introduction * 19:05 - First speaker * 19:30 - Second speaker * 20:00 - Third speaker * 20:30 - Connect & chat ✧ ✧ ✧ **Our goal is to form a local data-loving community, so join us and let's talk data together!** ✧ ✧ ✧ *At the event, sound, image and video recordings are created and published for documentation purposes as well as for the presentation of the event in publicly accessible media, on websites and blogs and for presentation on social media. By participating the event, the participant implicitly consents to the aforementioned photo and/or video recordings. Find [more information on data protection here](https://applydata.io/events/information-on-data-protection/).*

[ENGLISH BELOW ] 16\. maja '26 v Ljubljani 👉 prvi WordCamp Slovenia ♥️ En dan, v celoti posvečen WordPressu, en dan različnih talkov in delavnic, en dan druženja s somišljeniki, poslovnimi partnerji, potencialnimi delodajalci, en da spoznavanja ljudi, ki počnejo iste stvari kot ti! In še kaj se bo našlo za ta en dan. Kako se to sliši? 🤩 Dogodek bo potekal na čudovitem gradu Fužine, kjer bo poskrbljeno za vse: od prve jutranje kavice, kosila in seveda after-partya 🙌 **VABLJENI!** Kot obiskovalci, kot prostovoljci, sponzorji, govorci. 🫶 Več info o dogodku&vstopnice: https://slovenia.wordcamp.org/2026/ 📆16. maj 2026, ob 10. uri 📍Grad Fužine, Ljubljana Program je objavljen spodaj. ENGLISH: 16 May 2026 in Ljubljana 👉 the very first WordCamp Slovenia ♥️ One day entirely dedicated to WordPress, one day filled with talks and workshops, one day of connecting with like-minded people, business partners, and potential employers, one day of meeting people who do the same kind of work you do! And there’ll be plenty more packed into that one day. How does that sound? 🤩 The event will take place at the beautiful Fužine Castle, where everything will be taken care of: from your first morning coffee and lunch to, of course, the after-party 🙌 YOU’RE INVITED! As attendees, volunteers, sponsors, or speakers. 🫶 More info about the event & tickets: [https://slovenia.wordcamp.org/2026/](https://slovenia.wordcamp.org/2026/) 📆 16 May 2026 at 10:00 AM 📍 Fužine Castle, Ljubljana 10:00 – 10:10 Main hall Opening remarks **10:10 – 11:00** Main hall **Davor Jovanović:** *From Constraints to Potential: Engineering Creative Freedom in WordPress* Workshop (Tower) **Dario Jazbec Hrvatin:** *Stop Pasting Translations from ChatGPT* **11:00 – 11:50** Main hall **Bor Jemec:** *WordPress in Slovenia: Current state and security from a hosting provider’s perspective* **11:00 - 11:50** Tower **Haim Michael:** S*oftware Developers’ Evolution in the Era of Artificial Intelligence* **11:50 – 12:40** Main hall **Aleksandar Pasku:** *Storytelling: From Blah-Blah to A-ha!* Workshop (Tower) **Berislav Grgičak:** *Discover How WordPress Playground is Transforming the WordPress Ecosystem* 12:40 – 13:30 Main hall **Bruno Zagorščak:** *Podcast to hire: Turn your show into talent magnet* Workshop (Tower) **Isotta Peira:** *From Classroom to Core: Bridging the Gap Between Education and Open Source* 13:30 – 14:25 Lunch 14:25 – 15:20 Main hal **Remkus de Vries:** *WordPress Performance: What You’re Still Getting Wrong* 15:20 – 16:10 Main hall **Ivana Čirkovič:** *Human first: Content in the age of AI* Workshop (Tower) **Gregor Grešak:** *Fixing Accessibility: From Broken UI to WCAG compliant* 16:10 – 17:00 Main hall **Rade Jekić:** *Scaling Intelligence: Applying AI in WordPress Multisite Environments* Workshop (Tower) **Neven Jevtić:** *How to optimize WordPress: tips and tricks from practice* 17:00 – 17:50 Main hall TBA **Tomaž Zaman** 17:50 – 18:40 Main hall Round table 18:40 – 19:00 Main hall Closing remarks **19:00 – 00:00** After party **SPONSORS** **Global sponsors** [WooCommerce](https://woocommerce.com/) **Golden sponsors** [Bunny.net](https://slovenia.wordcamp.org/2026/sponsor/bunny-net/) **Bronze sponsor** [Domenca](https://www.domenca.com/) **Bronze sponsor** [Metakocka](https://metakocka.si/)

## **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.

## **1 Million Cups Loudoun – Business Presentation** **Featuring James Norris, Founder of Squeegee Samurai** **Wednesday\, May 13 \| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM** **Venture X Loudoun** Join us as we welcome **James Norris**, founder of **Squeegee Samurai**, to the 1 Million Cups Loudoun stage for a conversation on building a service-based business from the ground up. *** ## **About the Presenter** James Norris transitioned from a career in **cybersecurity compliance** into entrepreneurship, taking a hands-on approach to building a business from scratch. Initially exploring the acquisition of an existing company, he ultimately chose to **build his own window cleaning business** after recognizing the simplicity, consistency, and opportunity within the industry. His journey reflects a growing trend of entrepreneurs moving from corporate roles into tangible, service-based businesses with clear demand and scalable potential. *** ## **About the Business** Squeegee Samurai provides **professional window cleaning services for residential and commercial clients**, delivering immediate, visible results — what James calls *“clarity through pane.”* In an industry where the fundamentals haven’t changed, Squeegee Samurai focuses on **high-quality, traditional techniques** paired with strong customer experience and operational discipline. As a solo operator, James currently manages every aspect of the business — from marketing and pricing to service delivery, quality control, and operations — while laying the groundwork for future growth. *** ## **Who James Is Looking to Hear From** James would especially value feedback from: * Business owners who have scaled service-based businesses * Operators of route-based or recurring revenue businesses * Entrepreneurs who have transitioned from corporate roles to hands-on work * Founders who have built teams from a solo operation * Anyone with experience in pricing, local marketing, or service scaling *** ## **Current Business Focus & Challenge** James is in the **early growth stage**, focused on building a foundation for scale through recurring storefront contracts and refining his pricing model. He is seeking feedback on: * Pricing strategy in a competitive, price-sensitive market * Whether to display pricing publicly or use promotional strategies * When and how to invest in advertising (where, how much, and when) * Timing and approach to hiring and team building * Balancing market penetration with long-term profitability This is a critical stage where the right decisions can significantly impact long-term growth and scalability. *** ## **Why Attend?** * Gain insight into building a service business from the ground up * Provide feedback on pricing, marketing, and scaling strategy * Connect with entrepreneurs navigating similar growth stages * Be part of a practical, real-world business conversation *** ## **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 13** for coffee, connection, and a conversation around building, pricing, and scaling a service-based business. We look forward to seeing you there.

When: Thursday, May 14, 2026, 5:30 – 8:30 Location: Lost Rhino, 21730 Red Rum Dr, Ste 142, Ashburn, VA 20147 Come network with other local GovCon Executives and enjoy a few free beers on us and engage with our sponsors and Industry speakers. Speaker: Advanced Technology International (ATI), Tom Bailey – Director of Strategic Engagements. Largest Consortium Management firm, will discuss collaborations and Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs) – allows agencies to enter into agreements for research, development, prototyping, and sometimes production of new technologies or capabilities. Will provide overview of these collaborations with discussions and Q&A. Please register here for your spot and please enter full name and company so a badge will be waiting for you. If you would like your company logo to appear on the digital board, please message the logo to me. Feel free to pass along to another colleague or GovCon Executive in your network. Co-Sponsorships: Insperity, Pinnacle Financial Partners

Are you ready to supercharge your professional circle? Join BNI Central Maryland, the Maryland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and Team Network for a high-energy, multi-organizational networking event designed to spark new opportunities and lasting partnerships. Hosted at the beautiful Aladdin Carpet & Floors in the Gaithersburg Airpark, this isn't your average "business card exchange." It’s a strategic gathering of the region’s most motivated business owners and professionals. Event Details \- When: Thursday\, May 14th \- Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM \- Where: Aladdin Carpet & Floors \(Gaithersburg Airpark\) \- Registration: Secure Your Spot Here What’s in it for you? \- Exponential Reach: Meet members from three premier business organizations in one room\. \- High\-Impact Connections: Forge relationships with fellow decision\-makers across the region\. \- Great Vibes: Enjoy delicious food\, refreshments\, and a vibrant atmosphere\. \- Giveaways: Enter to win door prizes and professional perks\. Sponsorship Opportunities: Want to put your brand center stage? We have room for 2 or 3 more sponsors to showcase their business to this diverse group of professionals. If you’re ready to stand out, reach out today for details before the spots are gone! Spaces are limited. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to grow your business in a relaxed, productive, and high-energy environment. [Register now to secure your spot!](https://teamnetwork.affnetz.com/event/10666/register)

Join us for conversations that go beyond small talk, diving into topics like the shifting nature of spirituality, the challenges and joys of midlife transitions, the impact of culture and capitalism, and the search for meaning in art, travel, and daily life. Our gatherings are about genuine, thought-provoking dialogue, with no set leader or strict agenda—just an open space to share ideas, perspectives, and experiences that matter to us. The direction of the discussion is shaped by everyone who shows up, making each event unique and enriching. Come ready to share, reflect, and connect with others who are also seeking deeper conversations. Let the conversation flow from topic to topic. Optional questions are listed below.

Optional Questions: Life Stages & Transitions

1. What did you think you'd have figured out by now that you're still completely winging?
2. When did you realize your parents' advice was for a world that no longer exists?
3. What are you finally old enough to stop pretending to care about?

Optional Questions: Identity After the Roles

4. Who are you when nobody needs anything from you?
5. What dream keeps resurfacing even though the "practical" time has passed?
6. How do you handle having the freedom you always said you wanted?

Optional Questions: AI & Being Human

7. What human experiences will AI never truly understand?
8. If machines handled all your have-to's, what would you actually do?
9. What becomes more precious as everything becomes automated?

Optional Questions: Belief & Meaning

10. What certainties have you given up, and what rushed in to fill that space?
11. How has knowing someone who died changed how you live?
12. What do you believe now that would shock your younger self?

Optional Questions: The Modern Psyche

13. What anxiety do you carry that previous generations didn't have?
14. Which of your survival strategies are you ready to retire?
15. What uncomfortable truth about happiness did it take you years to accept?

Optional Questions: Work & Purpose

16. When did you stop believing that your job would complete you?
17. What would you do for work if money and status weren't factors?
18. How has your definition of "making it" changed over the years?

Optional Questions: Relationships & Connection

19. What relationship dynamic do you keep recreating, and why?
20. When did you realize your parents were just people trying their best?
21. What kind of loneliness doesn't go away even when you're with others?

Optional Questions: Time & Mortality

22. What are you running out of time to say or do?
23. How differently do you spend your time knowing it's finite?
24. What will you regret not trying, even if you fail?

Optional Questions: Society & Culture

25. What social convention do you follow even though it makes no sense?
26. Which generation do you understand least, and what might you be missing?
27. What aspect of how we live now will seem insane in 20 years?

Optional Questions: Personal Philosophy

28. What rule for life did you create after learning something the hard way?
29. When did you stop believing that everyone else had it figured out
30. What paradox about life have you learned to live with?