PaaS (Platform as a Service)

**Agenda :** * 4.30 to 4.45 PM ET: Food and Networking * 4.45 to 5.30 PM ET: "Practical Applications of Model Context Protocol (MCP) (Feb 2026 Edition)" Hello Everyone! Please join us for our Feb 10th edition of the AI-ML MeetUp. **Please note this is an in-person meeting and light refreshments/food will be provided.** **Title:** Practical Applications of Model Context Protocol (MCP) (Feb 2026 Edition) **Description:** This session explores how the Model Context Protocol (MCP) can be used to connect AI models with real-world tools and data. Attendees will learn practical patterns for implementing MCP in production workflows and applications. Through examples and use cases, the session highlights how MCP enables more capable, context-aware AI systems. **Location:** The meeting will be hosted in the Applied Information Sciences ( AIS ) office in Reston, at 11440 Commerce Park Dr # 600 · Reston, VA. The location is also right off the Silver Line metro's Wiehle-Reston Metro Station. **Parking:** Parking is paid and can be validated at the AIS office reception. We will meet in Room Lake Anne. We hope to see you all there!!!!

**Title**: Powering AI Through Data Modernization: Modernizing ETL with Databricks & Unity Catalog In this session, we will discuss how enterprises are modernizing their data platforms by migrating from legacy ETL tools (such as Informatica and traditional data warehouses) to Databricks Lakehouse architecture, and how Unity Catalog enables enterprise-grade governance, security, and discoverability across data and AI assets. We will start with food and drinks at 6pm and then move into the presentation at 6:30pm. The session will cover: * Why traditional ETL platforms are becoming a bottleneck for scale, cost, and AI adoption * How Databricks changes the data engineering and analytics operating mode * The role of Unity Catalog in centralized governance * How this foundation enables AI and Gene.AI use cases on trusted data * Q&A Our speaker for this event is **Hirenkumar Dholariya**. Hirenkumar Dholariya is a Senior Data Engineering Architect with 18+ years of experience modernizing enterprise data platforms for global Fortune 500 organizations, delivering up to 40% system performance improvement and 20–35% infrastructure cost reduction through large-scale migration from legacy ETL platforms to cloud-native Lakehouse architectures. He specializes in Databricks-based data engineering, Unity Catalog–driven governance, and building scalable, secure, and real-time analytics platforms. He has led multiple enterprise-wide transformations from tools such as Informatica and traditional data warehouses to Databricks, establishing governed data foundations using Unity Catalog and enabling advanced analytics and AI use cases on top of trusted data platforms. His leadership focuses on architecting durable data platforms, enabling teams to move faster with confidence, and translating data and AI investments into measurable business outcomes. *

**Event overview:** **RSVP/ REGISTER HERE: [Migrate and Modernize: A Blueprint for Virtualization Success](https://reg.experiences.redhat.com/flow/redhat/3259361/redhatfieldeventspreregnoappform/page/landingregistrationpage?sc_cid=RHCTN1260000471156)** The era of static, on-premises infrastructure is over. As organizations accelerate their digital transformation, the strategic migration and modernization of virtual environments has become a critical imperative for achieving long-term agility, security, and cost-efficiency. The **[Migrate and Modernize: A Blueprint for Virtualization Success](https://reg.experiences.redhat.com/flow/redhat/3259361/redhatfieldeventspreregnoappform/page/landingregistrationpage)** event will provide a pragmatic and forward-looking roadmap in navigating this transition. In 2026, the virtualization landscape is defined by the convergence of containers, hybrid/multi-cloud strategies, and the integration of AI-powered automation. We will move beyond the simple "lift-and-shift" to explore the modernization pathways—from replatforming databases to refactoring monolithic applications into cloud-native microservices. The event features **thought leadership talks** on the future of hybrid infrastructure and a tailored, **hands-on lab** that takes a comprehensive look at OpenShift Virtualization. Attendees will gain actionable insights on: * Strategic Planning: Defining a virtualization strategy that aligns with business outcomes and the future of hypervisor alternatives, including leveraging open-source virtualization like KubeVirt/OpenShift Virtualization to avoid vendor lock-in. * Next-Generation Infrastructure: Integrating containers (Kubernetes/OpenShift) and virtual machines (VMs) for a unified hybrid cloud platform. * Operational Excellence: Leveraging AI and automation to streamline migration, ensure day-two operational efficiency, and build real-time resilience. * Security and Compliance: Implementing advanced, built-in security features like micro-segmentation and ensuring compliance across complex, multi-cloud virtual footprints. **Choose your learning path** Participants will select between talking through guided challenges or taking a practical deep dive into OpenShift virtualization in a hands-on lab. **Hands-on lab: OpenShift Virtualization deep dive** The hands-on session will provide practical experience with the core components of OpenShift Virtualization: * Fundamentals and Deployment: Installing and configuring the OpenShift Virtualization operator. * VM Lifecycle Management: Creating, cloning, snapshotting, and managing VMs using both the web console and CLI tools. * Networking and Storage: Configuring complex VM networking (e.g., external VLANs) and provisioning storage using Kubernetes storage classes. * Migration Toolkit: Importing and migrating existing virtual machines from traditional hypervisors (like VMware or RHV) into OpenShift Virtualization. Join us to uncover the essential blueprint for a seamless, low-risk migration, and walk away with the knowledge to future-proof your virtual environment for sustained business success. *We are pleased to offer 4.6 continuing professional education (CPE) credits to those that attend the event. CPE certification at Migrate and Modernize: A Blueprint for Virtualization Success is being administered by Carahsoft Technology Corp. Carahsoft is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. For more information on the CPE credit we are offering, Carahsoft’s CPE sponsor (NASBA), and the submission process, please click the link [here](https://carahevents.carahsoft.com/Event/Details/710136-CPE).*

We will conduct an in-depth exploration of AWS serverless technology. This session will cover its fundamental architecture, established best practices for implementation, and strategies for developing applications with significantly reduced code. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to leverage serverless for efficient and scalable solutions. Our focus will be on practical application and efficient development methodologies.

**AI-Supported Creative Exploration** *For Unassuming Intuitives & Practicing Creatives* (Please note that this event has not been organized or endorsed by The Writer's Center.) This meetup is part of AI as Creative Partner — A Practice Group, a set of open, non-sequential creative labs you can join at any point. We use AI as a thinking partner—not to replace your ideas, but to help surface and shape them without overthinking or pressure. You bring fragments—ideas, impulses, unfinished concepts. With AI as a supportive collaborator, we explore how those fragments can become clearer, more coherent, and ready to share if and when you want to. No technical background is required. If you can talk or type, that's enough to work with AI here. This session is intentionally low-commitment and flexible: * Arrive late or leave early * Work quietly or observe * Ask questions, or simply watch the process unfold There's no presentation and no expectation to finish anything. Showing up as you are is enough. **FROM FRAGMENT TO FORM - AN OPEN AI STUDIO** Many creative ideas don't arrive as "projects." They arrive as fragments, moods, or something that won't leave you alone. This open studio is a place to gently explore those fragments using AI as a thinking partner—without forcing clarity too soon. You're welcome to work, observe, arrive late, or leave early. This is a calm room for unfinished ideas. **HOW TO FIND US** Look for the room with the door open on the lower level. Look for the guy with the screen projector and ambient light and sound. Feel free to just walk in and settle. **(*This is an independent meetup using rental space at The Writer's Center. The Writer's Center has not organized or endorsed this event.*)**

**Inflow 6:00 PM - Talks Start \~6:30 PM** **Reston Community Center - 2310 Colts Neck Rd, Reston, VA 20191** NoVA Hackers is a group located in the Northern Virginia area and is made up of Information Security Professionals from all walks of life, from government and private sector, to students and beginners. The monthly meetings are held much like a mini-conference with 4-8 speakers and only a few basic but strict rules. Participation and Permission Active Participation is required for continued membership and is the only due required. Permission is required to be obtained from anyone providing information to the group from the person providing it to be made public by anyone other than the provider. Historically our talks generally run a bit late and we have a hard stop at 9:30pm for the room. If you want to socialize we recommend you arrive at 6 to meet and greet before the talks. Agendas and remote meeting option available after you join the group.

Join us on **Tuesday, February 10, 2026,** for our next **Loudoun CyberTech Event** at **Honor Brewing Company** at **42604 Trade West Dr, Sterling, VA 20166**! Want a custom name tag to enhance your networking opportunities? Register here and yours will be ready at the door: https://share.hsforms.com/1nxjC-D1RQISSo6DBxjhJ4wdwxz1 Please join us for an evening with **David Beabou**t to explore what success actually looks like in a cyber community! Expect a lively, interactive conversation grounded in real world experience, shared learning, and practical insights. With over 17 years in cybersecurity and national security, **David Beabout** brings a rare blend of operational depth and executive leadership, currently serving as **Deputy Global CISO at NTT Security Holding**s, with prior experience at **Deloitte, Booz Allen**, and **U.S. Army Counterintelligence.** He has advised C-Suite leaders and government partners to rearchitect threat intelligence across 900+ companies worldwide and actively gives back through board service with **NightDragon** and as an advisor to **The Cyber Guild.** Bring your ideas, your perspective, and your energy for an engaging February session! **Agenda** 5:30 Social hour and networking begins 6:00 Welcome 6:15 Conversation with **David Beabout** 7:00 Open Mic & Networking Continues 7:30 Adjourn