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If you have a travel chess set and/or clock, please bring them so we can be sure to accommodate everyone. If not, feel free to come anyway!

Thene for this coffee talk is: Two Truths & a Lie – A classic icebreaker that sparks stories Join us at Lily’s Chocolate & Coffee in charming Old Town Alexandria for a relaxed, midweek hangout! Whether you’re a chocolate lover, a coffee enthusiast, or just looking for a cozy spot to meet new people, this café is the perfect place to unwind. Enjoy rich, hand-crafted chocolates, warm lattes, and sweet treats while chatting, laughing, and connecting with fellow Meetup-goers. Bring your curiosity, your favorite conversation topics, and your love for good coffee — this is all about relaxed socializing, new friendships, and enjoying the cozy vibes of one of Alexandria’s most inviting cafés.

[Profs and Pints DC](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Understanding the Sports Betting Industry,”** an exploration of how legalized gambling on sports is affecting March Madness and athletics as a whole, with Matt Winkler, founder of American University’s online master’s program in sports analytics and management, adjunct professor at AU’s Kogod School of Business, former sports executive, and scholar and teacher of sports management, business, analytics, and technology. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/dc-sports-betting](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/dc-sports-betting) .] Sports betting has undergone explosive growth in the United States in the wake of a 2018 Supreme Court decision lifting the federal ban on it. Its widespread legalization by the states, combined with increased integration of sports and technology, has given rise to an industry with billions in annual revenue. This growth is not only reshaping the landscape for major sports leagues like the NFL and NBA but is also profoundly impacting global events such as the NCAA Tournament and FIFA World Cup. As more fans engage with sports through betting platforms, the dynamics of fan engagement, sports marketing, and even match and game governance are changing. Serious questions are being raised about sports betting’s integrity, regulation, and economic impact. Gain insights into the rapidly evolving global sports betting industry and its profound impact on March Madness, other athletic contests, and professional and collegiate sports. Professor Matt Winkler’s extensive knowledge of the sports economy and betting practices, combined with his years of industry experience—with the NCAA, Major League Soccer, the NHL, WNBA, the Olympics, and the World Cup—make coming to hear him speak an experience sure to pay off. He’ll share insight into trends such as the rise of mobile betting and the emergence of prediction markets. He’ll discuss the significance of sports integrity in gaming markets, the ethical considerations surrounding sports betting, and the various safeguards and regulatory approaches used to protect consumers, reduce problem gambling, and ensure the integrity of sports. Among the areas we’ll explore: The economic impact of legalized sports betting and how it affects local economies, advertising, and media rights. Why major leagues and the NCAA are partnering with betting companies and what they stand to gain from it. How betting is influencing the governance and commercial strategies of major international competitions such the Olympics and FIFA’s World Cup. Using March Madness as a case study, Professor Winkler will discuss how sports betting has altered the tournament’s viewership patterns, bracket culture, and revenue. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image by Canva.

This event is NOT for beginners please. If you can't make it, please try to sign out at least 5 hours before the event starts. Thank you!

Welcome to the JGOOT Travel Hacking Enthusiasts Meetup Group! Whether you're a seasoned traveler or just starting to explore the world of points and miles, this group is perfect for anyone looking to travel more luxuriously for less. Don't let the name fool you. Caruso's Italian Grocery is a fun restaurant/bar. We'll have fantastic food, drinks and conversation! Come hang out with fellow travel enthusiasts and swap stories, tips, and tricks about travel hacking! Whether it’s maximizing rewards programs or finding the best ways to use points for flights and hotels, this is a casual, laid-back space to share ideas and pick up new strategies. Connect with experienced travelers and get inspired to level up your adventures. Located in the Washington DC area, we host engaging, interactive events where you can ask questions, share experiences, and find inspiration for your next adventure. Ready to turn your travel dreams into reality? Come join us and learn how to travel smarter, better, and for nearly free! 🌍✈️ \*RSVP fee: $25 in advance. Fee covers the location, light appetizers, and ensures accuracy of number of attendees. Caruso's Italian Grocery has a full menu of food and beverages for purchase.

Incontro Italiano a Pizzeria Da Marco per abitanti di Montgomery County e DC per parlare insieme mangiando una pizza. La fermata della Metro é molto vicina, quindi e' molto conveniente per tutta la zona. Please consider donating to us via the Pledge widget on this page to help us defray the costs of running a Meetup group. **Note: This event occurs on the fourth Wednesday of every month at Pizzeria da Marco in Bethesda.** **Note 2: This restaurant charges higher prices for each item when paying by card vs. when paying by cash. They also limit the number of credit cards per table, so it is helpful to have either cash or use of money transfer app.**

This is a unique event. More than 20 embassies from countries that have French speakers will have booths with incredible home-made food and interesting wines and beer. The catch is that it's always packed, but there is always plenty of food. So if you like to sample all kinds of foods, enjoy dancing, and don't mind the crowds and the splurge (around $60 including food, and drinks for the first two hours), it is a yummy, fun-filled party with a distinct French accent! I waited a couple days to post to make sure tickets are still available. It usually sells out pretty quickly. **\*\*Here is [the link](https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/2026lgf?utm_source=wordfly&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MAR26eMLaGrandeFete3.2.26&utm_content=version_A&promo=287221) to buy the tickets.\*\*** Also it's not a walk-around-with-the-group kind of event, though we will try to meet up later in the evening when the live musical entertainment starts. Just too crowded. The key is to get in line outside as early as possible - by 6 pm if you can. That will give you about 30 minutes of access to all the food booths before it gets nuts. The annual month-long Francophonie Cultural Festival spotlights the music, art, literature, film, cuisine, and customs of French-speaking countries and regions from across the globe. One of the celebration’s highlights, La Grande Fête is always *magnifique*, and this year’s bash is no exception. The don’t-miss event is your passport for a world tour of francophone cultures. Starting at 7 p.m., sample food and drink from more than 20 embassies as you explore each nation’s unique attractions and traditions. Participating organizations and countries include France, Belgium, Guinea, Canada, Gabon, Kosovo, Côte d’Ivoire, Morocco, French-American Chamber of Commerce, Tunisia, Québec, Central African Republic, Alliance Française of Washington, DC, Democratic Republic of the Congo—and that’s just the start of the growing list. This year’s live entertainment features TBD.

Join us at the Chess Center offices (Suite 118, entrance on 2nd Avenue) on Saturday afternoons from 1:00 – 5:00pm ET for open play. Players of all abilities and ages are welcome. * Non-Members: $5.00/player table fee for the day. * Chess Center [Members](https://chessctr.org/membership/) always play for FREE ($0.00). Check our social media ([Twitter](https://twitter.com/uschess) / [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/USChessCenter)) for closure announcements: The Chess Center is closed on major holidays. We also have chess sets, clocks, and [used chess books](https://chessctr.org/usedbooks/) for sale.

To secure your spot, purchase your ticket from the Eventbrite link ([https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rooftop-language-exchange-and-friending-sunday-edition-tickets-419669953127](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rooftop-language-exchange-and-friending-sunday-edition-tickets-419669953127)). RSVPing only on the Meetup Page doesn't allow you to attend the Event. ADVANCE TICKET PURCHASE IS REQUIRED TO RESERVE YOUR SEAT. If the link doesn't work please Copy and Paste the Ticket link in Google to see it. ABOUT THE EVENT All languages (French, Italian, Creole, Patwah,...) are welcome! However we don't guarantee the availability of a partner in that particular language, you would like to exchange. Rules to abide : 1. Event is 21+ (bring ID). 2. Be respectful to your counterparts and give them a chance to exchange with others as well. 3. We all are native speakers of one or two languages and be willing to help others and try to accommodate as much as possible. 4. If you don't speak the other person's required language, LEAVE THEM ALONE. 5. Rude or aggressive members are removed from the group at an organizers discretion. 6. This is a face-to-face language exchange event. DO NOT try to arrange an online meeting, by using the comment box or direct message. 7. Most of our members complained about people writing in the comment box. Since it sends notification to all attendees. If you have any questions, send a message to the organizers. Don't write in the comment box. 8. We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via (info@merevents.com). 9. When you get there, we will greet you and take you to your respective group. 10. Don't be shy of your local languages. We have diplomates assigned to different countries, who would love to practice your languages.

To secure your spot, purchase your ticket from the Eventbrite link ([https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rooftop-language-exchange-and-friending-sunday-edition-tickets-415512869177](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rooftop-language-exchange-and-friending-sunday-edition-tickets-415512869177)). RSVPing only on the Meetup Page doesn't allow you to attend the Event. ADVANCE TICKET PURCHASE IS REQUIRED TO RESERVE YOUR SEAT. If the link doesn't work please Copy and Paste the Ticket link in Google to see it. ABOUT THE EVENT Let us meet up for a language exchange. We will give out name tags. You write your name and what language you speak and what language you would like to exchange. All languages (French, Italian, Creole, Patwah,...) are welcome! However we don't guarantee the availability of a partner in that particular language, you would like to exchange. Rules to abide : 1. Event is free and 21+ (bring ID). 2. Be respectful to your counterparts and give them a chance to exchange with others as well. 3. We all are native speakers of one or two languages and be willing to help others and try to accommodate as much as possible. 4. If you don't speak the other person's required language, LEAVE THEM ALONE. 5. Rude or aggressive members are removed from the group at an organizers discretion. 6. This is a face-to-face language exchange event. DO NOT try to arrange an online meeting, by using the comment box or direct message. 7. Most of our members complained about people writing in the comment box. Since it sends notification to all attendees. If you have any questions, send a message to the organizers. Don't write in the comment box. 8. We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via (info@merevents.com). 9. When you get there, we will greet you and take you to your respective group. 10. Don't be shy of your local languages. We have diplomates assigned to different countries, who would love to practice your languages.

Venez apprécier l'ambiance chaleureuse d'une conversation en français autour d'un verre de vin et d'apéritifs à moitié prix. C'est ouvert à tous quelque soit votre niveau, que vous soyez débutant ou bien que le Français soit votre langue maternelle. It is irresistible, to enjoy French convo with half-priced appetizers, glass of wine and rail drinks. The Event is open to all levels of French language, from beginners to native fluency. METRO & PARKING INFO : Closest metro stations are Farragut North (take K St. exit) and Farragut West (take 17th St. exit). Street Parking might be a challenge and the event involves drinking. We highly recommend a shared ride or taxi service.

We thought of one of the interesting things that can be enjoyed at this time of the year. We will be meeting at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church for a "Fish Fry" in Marian Hall on Friday, March 27th at 5:00 PM. It might be fun for you to experience what has become a tradition on the Fridays before Easter. They will have fried fish or baked fish, French fries and Cole slaw, as well as beverages, all for $16.00 for adults. They will have other beverages and desserts available for sale, as well. We have never tried this, and sometimes there are quite a few people at these events so we hope that we will be able to find each other easily. I'll try to have signs outside Marian Hall that Identify our group. We hope to have you join us!

WQC has weekly Thursday night social nights at the Westerville Java Central. Come and grab a coffee and connect with the community: low stakes, chill environment, and tasty drinks. No registration is required; come as you are.

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. If the weather cooperates we will be meeting in the patio. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Crimson Cup Coffee Shop - Clintonville](https://www.crimsoncup.com/about/location/clintonville)!

Join us for lunch and meet our very successful group. We are each others sales team...always looking for referrals for our members. If you are looking for new clients, let us help you out! Bring your business cards and brochures to share with us. We have a speaker each week so that we can learn about their business. Because we have only one member per business, we have many of the spots filled. However, we are specifically looking for an estate attorney, a handyman/electrician, and an event planner. We have referrals for you! All visitors are welcome. Any questions contact [pmarchio@farmersagent.com](mailto:pmarchio@farmersagent.com)

Enjoy a bit of Columbus culinary history at Carfagna's market, wine bar and ristorante. We will gather for a glass of wine or two in the wine bar at 6:30 with dinner at 7pm. Arrive early if you like, shop and place your items in a cooler in your car. This is a pay-on-your-own event. I will have a reservation for eight, and you are encouraged to get your own reservation at 7pm. Message me if you want to be on my table. Keep your reservation up to date as the Attendance and Release of Liability provisions are enforced, including the 48 hour No-Show Rule. See the first page of Group Page for details. Read about the history of Carfagna's here and also see their weekly specials. https://carfagnas.com/about-carfagnas/