Professional Assistants

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.

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

**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!

**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).*

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.

Volleyball today at 16:00 at Žluté lázně. It’s a casual session, so no pressure on skill level – everyone is welcome, whether you just want to play a bit or meet new people. Just show up, join in, and have fun 💪

🎉 **SATURDAY SOCIAL VIBES – LET’S CONNECT!** 🎉 Ready to kick off your weekend the right way? Join us this **Saturday from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM** for an energizing social gathering where the goal is simple: **meet new people, spark real conversations, and turn strangers into friends.** Whether you come solo or with a crew, this is your space to relax, laugh, and vibe with great company. ✨ Expect: * Easygoing icebreakers & fun interactions * A welcoming, no-pressure atmosphere * Good energy and even better people And when the clock hits 9… we turn it up. 🔥 The night continues with an **open party session** — music, dancing, and pure weekend freedom. Stay as long as you like and let the good times roll. 💬 Because sometimes all you need is a little human connection to make your weekend unforgettable. Bring your smile. Bring your energy. We’ll take care of the rest. 😉 #SaturdayNight #MeetPeople #GoodVibesOnly #WeekendEnergy

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/)

⚠️ **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.

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!

**IMPORTANT NOTICE:** Hi everyone, event listings are moving to the Shut Up & Write! website. You can join the new group and RSVP to upcoming events here: [https://www.shutupwrite.com/series/id2uL39KDN00](https://www.shutupwrite.com/series/id2uL39KDN00) If you don't have a Shut Up & Write! account yet, you can [sign up here](https://www.shutupwrite.com/signup). If you have any questions or would like any help, please [contact us here](https://www.shutupwrite.com/contact). Thank you! The Shut Up & Write! Team \-\-\- Hello, we are starting SU&W at Scouts Institute this Sunday! Please find us at a table across from the cafe. The event starts at 12, and the writing starts at 12:15! We will have 45 minutes of writing, followed by a 15 minute break. Then another 45 minutes of writing. Please purchase something to support the cafe and the space ☺️ Follow us on Whatsapp! https://chat.whatsapp.com/HeZDsZNFD8BKn8JohRlbkI

**The friendliest human pretzel making on a Sunday morning 🥨🥰** We gather at 10:00 AM for a quick warmup (everyone on their own) and then start the timer with 5-minute rounds and 30-60s rests. About 90% of people roll No-Gi. If you want to bring your Gi, make sure to reach out to someone to coordinate before you arrive. ✅ **No experience needed** → Ask someone to show you around. It is up to them if they will (this is not a formal class, but the vibe is always friendly!) 🥋 ✅ **No structure** → Roll every round, drill techniques, or just sit out and watch. 🤼 ✅ **No partner needed** → We rotate! Feel free to ask anyone taking a break. 👋 ✅ **Mat etiquette** → Clean gear, short nails, and flip-flops off the mat.🧼🩴 Wear a mouthguard (or do not complain afterwards!). 🛡️ ✅ **BONUS gym access** → Your entry includes access to the adjacent weight room if you want to pump some iron! 🦾 ✅ **Tickets** → Buy one entry to the GYM (150 CZK or a Multisport card) at the reception. **ASK for the RECEIPT** and have it ready to show before stepping onto the mat. 🎟️ *If you want to make new friends and have some good wrestles, grab your gear and let's make some Sunday pretzels!! 🥨🤼‍♂️🔥* **Pro-tip:** Bring a water bottle! 💧 Note that there is no big hangout afterwards—we warm up, roll, thank everybody, and then go home to enjoy the rest of our Sunday. ✌️

## 🤝 Host Information A co-hosted event by ProductTank Columbus & Women in Product Columbus 💡 About the Workshop AI adoption is stalling across organizations — not because of a lack of motivation or tools, but because it's fundamentally a behavior design challenge. This hands-on workshop applies proven Behavior Design models and methods to help you move from a vague organizational wish to boost AI adoption to 3-5 concrete, testable interventions you can act on starting tomorrow. Whether you're a product manager, on a product team, or just someone trying to get AI to actually stick at work, you'll leave with a clear picture of what's worth focusing on, what to ignore, and how to drive real, sustained adoption — no guesswork required. 🛠️ What to Bring Laptop: Fully charged and ready to go. AI Assistant: Have your favorite AI assistant pulled up. (Dom will be using Claude, but feel free to use whichever assistant you prefer!) 🍕 Logistics & Perks Food & Drink: Pizza and drinks provided! Parking: Plenty of free spaces available on-site. ###

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!

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)

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\.

Monthly working lunch for Columbus business owners. One specific topic, one to three actions you can run this week. You can be the best at what you do and still be invisible. If local buyers cannot find you, the phone does not ring. Marketing Monday Lunch + Learn is a monthly working lunch for Columbus business owners focused on building relationships, local networking, and local marketing. Every kind of local business welcome. No pitch round, no pressure, no upsell. **This month** Most local businesses pick one or two places to be visible and call it good. The result is inconsistent calls and a feeling that marketing is not working. We will walk through the three places every local business needs to show up, plus the fourth place most owners ignore that quietly produces the warmest leads. **What to expect** Doors open at noon. Order lunch and drinks at the cafe counter or bring your own. You get real conversation with other local owners and a focused marketing lesson. You leave knowing people and with one to three actions to run that week. The room is reserved through 1:30 PM. **Who this is for** Any local business owner who wants clearer marketing direction and real local relationships. Service businesses, retail, home services, professional services, online owners building local presence, anyone serious about being part of the Columbus business community. **Not the right fit if** You are here to pitch the room or recruit for an MLM. **Details** * Second Monday of every month * 12:00 to 1:30 PM * Good Cafe Easton, 4400 Easton Commons, Ste 150, Columbus, OH 43219 * Order lunch and drinks at the counter when you arrive * Free to attend, RSVP required, space is limited **About the host** Rita Suzanne is a local marketing strategist and the founder of Local Marketing Method. She runs Visibility is Profitability, the membership where local business owners build the system that keeps their phone ringing. Learn more at learnlocalmarketing.com. Register here: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1989964540509?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1989964540509?aff=oddtdtcreator)

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!