Predictive Analytics

**Um was geht es dieses mal?** Dieses Mal haben wir zwei Talks für euch! **Agentenentwicklung ist wie Kindererziehung, nur mit mehr Logs - Ein Blick hinter die Kulissen bei vaylens - Dennis Lüger (vaylens)** "Was hat die Entwicklung eines KI-Agents mit Kindererziehung zu tun? Mehr als du denkst. In diesem Vortrag zeigt vaylens, wie wir den Service in der eMobility-Branche mit einem intelligenten Agenten neu denken – und warum der klassische Design → Develop-Prozess hier völlig an seine Grenzen stößt. Wir sprechen über die echten Herausforderungen: den Aufbau einer funktionierenden Wissensbasis, die Tücken von RAG, das Testen eines Systems, das sich ständig weiterentwickelt, und den Alltag mit einem Produkt, das selbst noch „in den Kinderschuhen“ steckt. Natürlich teilen wir auch unsere Erfolge, die wachsenden Fähigkeiten unseres Agents und geben einen Ausblick darauf, welche nächsten Schritte anstehen, um den Service der Zukunft zu gestalten." **Give Your AI Superpowers: Warum alles mit dem Model Context Protocol beginnt. - Benjamin Font Pera (codecentric)** "Moderne Sprachmodelle erreichen heute eine beeindruckende Leistungsfähigkeit, bleiben jedoch häufig in isolierten Umgebungen gefangen: Ohne eine einheitliche Schnittstelle können sie nur schwer auf externe Systeme, Datenquellen oder Werkzeuge zugreifen. Genau hier setzt das Model Context Protocol (MCP) an. MCP schafft eine standardisierte Integrationsschicht, über die LLMs transparent, strukturiert und kontrollierbar mit ihrer Umgebung interagieren können. In diesem Talk zeige ich, wie MCP die Grundlage für praktische, handlungsfähige KI-Agenten schafft Im Coding-Bereich demonstriere ich, wie ein Coding-Agent über MCP nicht nur mit Ticketsystemen arbeiten kann, sondern durch den Figma-MCP-Server sogar „sehen” lernt. Im n8n-Ökosystem wird sichtbar, wie MCP echte Agenten-Workflows ermöglicht. Am Beispiel des „Kai Vertriebsassistenten” zeige ich, wie ein LLM über MCP mit n8n Agenten kommuniziert, fehlende Informationen aktiv abfragt, Daten aus HubSpot oder Jira abrufen kann und komplexe Aufgaben wie das Erstellen von Versicherungsangeboten vollständig automatisiert. Der Vortrag verbindet konzeptionelle Grundlagen mit praktischen Demonstrationen und zeigt, wie MCP KI-Modelle aus ihrer Isolation löst und in vollständig integrierte, handlungsfähige Agenten verwandelt." **Hybrides Setup!** Wir freuen uns, euch bei uns in den Räumen der codecentric AG in Dortmund willkommen zu heißen. Vor Ort versorgen wir euch mit Snacks und Getränken und freuen uns gleichzeitig über interessante Diskussionen und einen guten Austausch. Für alle, die es nicht zu uns ins Office schaffen, werden wir das Meetup Hybrid durchführen. Der Stream beginnt ca. 10 Minuten später, damit wir vor Ort ausreichend Möglichkeit für persönliches Kennenlernen haben. Den Live-Stream findet ihr auf dem [YouTube-Channel der codecentric AG](youtube.com/@codecentricag). **Anreise:** Per Zug: Vom Dortmunder HBF sind es ca. 10 Minuten zu Fuß. Mit dem Auto: Rund um das Office gibt es einige Parkflächen, dazu befinden sich in dem Parkhaus der Thier-Galerie weitere Parkplätze.

Hi all, We are excited to bring the Kafka community together once again for a new Kafka meetup. On January 20th, 2026, we will host an in - person evening featuring three strong perspectives on Kafka: MCP in practice - from intent to streaming; Kafka-native Kroxylicious proxies; and the organizational realities of Event-Driven Architecture. **The Speakers:** We are very excited to welcome **Anatoly Zelenin** (Founder @ DataFlow Academy, Kafka book author) introducing Kroxylicious, an emerging open-source early stage Kafka proxy. We are also proud to feature our own **Abhinav Sonkar** (Software Engineer @Axual.com), who will present a hands-on talk on MCP and Kafka in practice. Finally, **Eti (Dahan) Noked** (Head of Engineering @ PX.com) will close the evening with an honest look at Event-Driven Architecture: the dream, the reality, and the organizational cost. **Agenda:** **Doors open: 17:30** **17:30 - 18:30: Networking, food & drinks** **18:30 – 19:00: “From Intent to Streaming Apps: MCP in Practice with Kafka”** by Abhinav Sonkar (Software Engineer @ Axual) **19:05 – 19:50:** **“Kroxylicious, the snappy open-source proxy for Apache Kafka”** by Anatoly Zelenin (Founder @ DataFlow Academy, Kafka book author) **20:00 – 20:30:** **“Kafka & Event-Driven Architecture: The Dream, the Reality, and the Organizational Cost”** by Eti (Dahan) Noked (Head of Engineering @ PX.com) **20:30 - 21:15**: **Drinks & Kafka chit-chat** **Abstracts:** **From Intent to Streaming Apps: MCP in Practice with Kafka** As AI assistants begin interacting with real infrastructure, a key challenge is ensuring those interactions are safe, reliable, and constrained by clear rules. The Model Context Protocol (MCP) addresses this by defining a structured way for AI systems to discover capabilities, understand context, and invoke external tools through explicit contracts. This talk presents MCP through a practical Kafka-focused case study. Using the Axual MCP server, Abhinav will demonstrate how high-level intent expressed in natural language can be translated into governed Kafka operations such as topic management, access control, and application deployment. The session will also show how MCP can be combined with declarative technologies like KSML, a YAML-based DSL for Kafka Streams, to generate and deploy streaming applications without writing Java code. **Kroxylicious, the snappy open-source proxy for Apache Kafka** Proxies are a powerful architectural pattern commonly used in other application-layer protocols like HTTP, but they remain underutilized in the Kafka ecosystem. Kroxylicious is a groundbreaking, early-stage project that aims to change this by making it easier to develop Kafka proxies with minimal effort. While some organizations have built their own Kafka-aware proxies to address specific challenges, these solutions often remain closed-source and highly specialized. Kroxylicious tackles this problem by offering a set of pre-built capabilities and common features out-of-the-box, enabling developers to concentrate on the custom logic their applications need. In this session, Anatoly will introduce Kroxylicious, highlight its potential use cases, and demonstrate how it can simplify Kafka proxy development, reduce complexity, and unlock new possibilities for real-time data processing. **Kafka & Event-Driven Architecture: The Dream, the Reality, and the Organizational Cost** The goal of this talk is to show how to use Kafka effectively to achieve Event-Driven Architecture, and what this means for an organization. Eti will cover when an organization is ready for EDA, when Kafka is the right choice, and when it might not be. The talk completes the picture by exploring what can go wrong, how to avoid common pitfalls, and how architectural decisions around Kafka and EDA affect organizational structure, team ownership, and long-term sustainability. **Location:** Axual HQ Jaarbeursplein 22, Utrecht Please RSVP so we can arrange enough food & drinks. We are looking forward to welcoming you again on **January 20th, 2026**. **Team Kafka Meetup Utrecht**

Are you ready to step fully into the spotlight and deepen your presence on stage? The Intermediate Plus course On Stage! is designed for improvisers who already feel at home performing and want to sharpen their theatrical instincts, storytelling skills, and connection with an audience. In this course, you will move beyond simply playing games and focus on how scenes really work. You will explore how to build stronger characters, clearer relationships, and emotionally grounded moments that feel believable and engaging. Short form games are treated with more intention and depth, allowing you to discover how structure, commitment, and acting choices elevate even the simplest scenes. Over the weeks, you will work with a wide range of formats, including open scenes with no fixed structure. You will learn how to trust yourself and your fellow players when there is no clear roadmap, and how to let stories emerge naturally. There is also strong attention on audience interaction, from confidently asking for suggestions to clearly presenting games and formats so the audience feels included and invested. This course places extra emphasis on stage presence and performance readiness. You will receive more detailed feedback from the trainer, helping you fine-tune your choices and grow as a performer. Together as a group, you will prepare for a public show, with additional performance opportunities where possible. This course is ideal if you want to go beyond quick laughs and create scenes that feel rich, human, and memorable. #### Who should sign up for this? This course is for intermediate and advanced players. Ideally, you have completed two beginner courses and at least one intermediate course, including performing in shows. You feel comfortable on stage and are motivated to challenge yourself further. #### Course details Course start: Tuesday 20 January to Tuesday 14 April 2026 No lesson on 17 February Time: 19:30 to 21:30 Location: [Buurtcentrum De Leeuw](https://maps.app.goo.gl/FYjqR6xQQtdeqJbH6) After class drinks at Hygge or O’Leary’s Thirteen lessons, including one show. Show date to be confirmed. We aim to organise additional performance opportunities where possible. Price €325 including VAT #### About the teacher Rutger Pull specialises in short-form improv and Dutch Theatresports. He has a sharp eye for what a scene needs in order to work and excels at teaching players how to recognise and support that. His feedback style is positive, clear, and precise, helping players grow while staying playful and confident. Rutger began improvising during his university years in Enschede and has been performing for many years with Iets Anders in Utrecht. His classes combine structure, insight, and enjoyment, creating a focused yet relaxed learning environment.

**3D Workshop** * **Ontwerpen met Fusion360** * **Scannen in 3D** * **Het gebruik van 3D printers** **Je bent nu welkom in de nieuwe locatie NewTechPark** Je kunt ook online aan deze fysieke bijeenkomst deelnemen. De bijeenkomst is dan op de locatie te volgen. Als je [hier](w.j.put@hccnet.nl) vooraf een mailtje stuurt kun je dinsdagavond tussen 19.00 en 20.00 uur inloggen met Jitsi voor vragen, of ter kennismaking met hcc!3D. Online neem je deel aan de bijeenkomst met [https://wij.hcc.nl/3D](https://wij.hcc.nl/3D) [(Alleen toegang als je zichtbaar bent met voor- en achternaam. )](https://wij.hcc.nl/3d)

Is public speaking something you’ve always wanted to learn? Then you’ve come to the right place! Experience a safe and playful environment at U-Speak! Toastmasters where you can develop your public speaking, communication, and leadership skills. \#\# 🌟 Special Event: Club Contest Evening Members will compete with their speeches. The winners will represent U-Speak! at the next contest level. Guests are warmly welcome to attend, cheer, and enjoy! * 🗓️ When: 20th of January 2026 * ⏰ Time: 19:15 - 21:30 (7.15pm to 9.30pm) Walkin at 19:15; Start of the meeting at 19:30 * 🌐 Venue: Pub Florin, Utrecht * 🙋🙋‍♂️🙋‍♀️Attendance: Typically, 15-20 people attend each meeting Many of our club members are not on Meetup, so the number of people attending as indicated here is not reflective of the actual number of people attending on a night. * 🙋🙋‍♂️🙋‍♀️ Guests are welcome; rsvp is encouraged

Join us for an evening of good vibes! Whether you’re a local or an expat, Mingle Mania is the perfect place to socialize and make friends or even to practice languages. 🤝🤼‍♂️💬🙋‍♂️🫂 👉 Join [https://chat.whatsapp.com/GopSuzuFKRBKeYVKQrX4pE](https://chat.whatsapp.com/GopSuzuFKRBKeYVKQrX4pE) The group has many regular members, we intend to do various type of events, the goal is to build a strong community for all sorts of activities. If you have an event idea that you would like to see happen, let us know. We generally have about 20 participants, the age is between 20 and 60 averaging somewhere around 30, language exchange is not strictly enforced, culture exchange happens naturally. **mingle** (verb, intransitive): to move among people and talk to them, especially at a social event. 📍 **What We Are:** * A diverse group of locals and expats * ...going out at least every Tuesday 😊 🆓 **Event Details:** * It is free to join and operated on a voluntary basis! * Please honor the bar by ordering at least one drink.

Every Tuesday, the group 024 Waalrunners goes for a run at a distance of between 5km - 10km. Everyone is welcome to join, you just need to turn up at 20:00 on Tuesday in front of Cafe De Hemel. There are different routes every time, and the group welcomes all new people to join them. After the run we usually stay for a drink at De Hemel. https://waalrunners.activedates.nl https://chat.whatsapp.com/CRXG7x9HQUw4Q1qCrNzXn4?mode=ems_copy_t https://www.facebook.com/024waalrunners-710731759317504

⚠️🦖 **IMPORTANT**: You need to be a registered attendee to get access to Bitbash. **Get your free ticket at**: https://www.bitbash.nl/tickets Dutch Azure Meetup is partnering with Info Support to bring you **Bitbash**; an exciting FREE conference that will cover the latest Microsoft technologies and innovations. Whether you're interested in .NET, Azure, Data platforms or AI, Bitbash will let you take your skills to the next level! Inspiring community speakers will present you with insightful sessions, real-world experience, and compelling demonstrations. Check the full agenda at https://www.bitbash.nl/agenda! Bitbash is an in-person event that's held on Saturday January 24 at Info Support in Veenendaal. Additional pre-conference workshops are organized on Friday January 23. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn and network with like-minded professionals. See you at the event!

## Brick the shapes of the New Year! As we step into a new year, we’re welcomed by a fresh landscape of opportunities, ambitions, and challenges waiting to be shaped. It’s the perfect moment to refocus, redefine our goals and re-energize the way we work together. Starting 2026, we’re using **LEGO® SERIOUS GOALS®** @ the **Scrum Facilitators** to help us transform ideas into tangible results. LEGO enables us to visualize our thoughts, explore possibilities with our hands and build shared understanding within yourself. By turning abstract goals into something physical, we create clarity, alignment, and space for creativity. **What can you expect from the event?** * Craft your concrete goal for 2026 * Powerful coaching of yourself done by you and by others * Help keeping yourself accountable of your goals * Metaphors & visualizations * Curiosity & reflection * Lots of fun :-) **Evening Plan:** 17:30 - 17:45 Walk In, Network 17:30 - 18:30 Intro and getting into it 18:30 - 19:00 FOOD 19:00 - 19:50 Goal Building 19:50 - 20:40 Note to Yourself, Make goals concrete 20:40 - 21:00 Walk Out, Network 21:00 Please go home you lovely people :)

Get ready to laugh till you cry with top international comedians at Tierney's Irish Bar - it's going to be a night to remember! Tix available via link below: https://fienta.com/nl/international-stand-up-comedy-at-tierney-s-nijmegen-in-english Fancy some Thursday night laughs? Then come on over to Tierney’s Irish Bar & Restaurant for some top headline acts from the UK and European comedy circuits! See some top headline acts from the UK and European comedy circuits who you won’t normally see in NL. With well-seasoned MCs, strong support acts and emerging talent, this show has it all! We even have a good selection of cheap beers, fun people and a real community vibe. Our headliner in January is Jessie Nixon (UK). A fast-rising Bristolian comedian with a magnetic stage presence, razor-sharp writing, and a brilliantly offbeat charm. Her five-star, award-winning 2025 Edinburgh Fringe show cemented her status as one of the most exciting new voices in UK comedy. “Make no mistake, Nixon is destined for greatness” The Evening Standard ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Undeniably funny” Chortle ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Genuinely outstanding” Broadway Baby Fresh from a five-star, award-winning run at the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe, she’s been nominated for Ish Comedy Awards Best Newcomer and the Chortle Comedians’ Comedian Award. Jessie’s past accolades include winning the chortle hotshots 2025, Funny Women Stage Awards (3rd runner up) BBC New Comedian of the Year Regional Finalist, and Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year She plays top clubs across the UK and has supported Fern Brady, Lou Sanders, Helen Bauer and Kate Butch on tour. Plus awesome support acts! Seats will be reserved based on RSVPs. Please let Sharon know at the door if you are with Meetup and want to be introduced to any other Meetup attendees at the show! An hilarious monthly show featuring some top names, a great night out with friends, a date, you work crew or just come alone and meet other comedy fans.

Offroading ride in Diermen, Meerveld, Lunteren. Our usual easy "get back into riding" route. Meeting at 10am, will ride +-120km of a mixed road and offroad. Should be a 40/60 mix, the route (as usual...) may be a bit outdated and sections may need to be circumvented. The route is relatively easy and flat with moderate hardpacked sand stretches (unless rainy, then expect mud ;) ). Will ride unless there are thunderstorms, so if it's just rain, bring your rain gear... Also bring snacks. We will stop for food if there's a nice place to do so. All skill level riders welcome to join. Our experienced riders have patience to teach and help you get accustomed to adventure riding if you are new to it. ADV tires are required (knobbies, preferably at least 40/60). See you then! 0623215213 PM me for the route gpx.

## 🎨**Activity for EXPATS & English Speakers** ☕ Are you an art enthusiast living in or around **Amersfoort, Hilversum, Utrecht, Nieuwegein, IJsseltein, De Bilt and the rest of cities of the Utrecht's province** who love painting or drawing? Maybe you've felt the joy of creating but struggled to find others who share your passion and speak **ENGLISH**? **You're not alone! 😉** ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ## 🖌️**About this event** You will meet other Art Lovers like you to Draw, Paint and have some drinks Together ! Our events are not just about sketching or creating art—they’re about building connections. Every two weeks, we meet at a café to have a relaxing time drawing a painting. Please keep on mind that **ENGLISH i**s the official language we will use to integrate everyone in our conversations. ⭕⭕⭕➡️ **IMPORTANT ⬅️** ⭕⭕⭕⭕ ### 👩🏻‍🎨**Book formally your Seat 🪑via [WHATSAPP](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f)** **If you want to confirm officially your attendance and separate your seat🪑. Book your seat in meet-up, and contact us via [WHATSAPP HERE](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f) to receive more information on the address of our activities.** **Thanks a lot for your understanding!** 💐🥰 ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### 👩🏻‍🎨**How Does It Work?** This event is simple, this initiative takes 2 Hours. Most of the participants use pencils, water pencils or watercolours. Main aim is to socialize while we draw. There will be plenty of time to talk and get to know each other. We have to mention that this event is suitable for all levels. Many have started to draw in our event actually. Also it is very important that you **[JOIN US AT OUR WHATSAPP COMMUNITY](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f),** to stay up to date on our upcoming events and participate in our Drawing and Painting Contests! **👉: [https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f](https://bit.ly/3BXXE0f)** 🍀 ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### ☕**Where?** We will meet in different cafes mainly in the *center of Amersfoort ( and some occasions in other cities around)*. I will inform you of the exact place some days in advance this event. The place will depend on the number of attendees. ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### **🎟️ What is included?** 🟢 **2 HOURS TO HAVE FUN!** 🟢 **15 mins warming-up creative activity and paper material**🖌️🎨 🟢 New friendships and **conversations in ENGLISH** in a relaxed atmosphere 🟢 **Souvenir picture** with you and the rest of Art Lovers 📷 🟢 Exclusive **access to our Art Lovers Community** on which you will receive: ***\~\~\~ Drawing challenges,*** ***\~\~\~ Training content,*** ***\~\~\~ FREE Entries only to members*** ***\~\~\~ Drawing Competitions*** 🟢 Time to **create alongside fellow artists and amateurs** 🟢 The freedom to **work at your own pace** 💃🕺🎈 ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ### 🖼️**Art Materials?** Bring your own practical art materials to be adaptable to sketch on a coffee table. Like your sketchbook, pencils, watercolor, markets, pencils, your Tablet..etc ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ ## **See you to Paint, Draw, and drink together!🌟☕🍷🍪🍰**

Join us for some focused writing time. All writers and all experience levels are welcome and don’t worry, no one will see what you've written. This session is about getting your writing done and meeting other writers in your area. When you show up, say hello to everyone, grab a drink, and get your writing tools ready. Once you’re all settled, take some time to chat with your fellow writers. Once everyone’s arrived, I will lead quick introductions and then set the timer for our quiet and focused writing session. Afterward, we’ll have time to chat and get to know each other. We often talk about our successes and challenges as writers. If you don’t have time to stick around, no worries! **A note about the format** We don’t host critiques or readings. These events are a safe space for writers of all skill levels and genres to work on their craft, so no one will read or critique your writing. For our full event schedule, visit [https://shutupwrite.com](https://www.shutupwrite.com). **Other Important Details:** WiFi name/password: [PLEASE INCLUDE DETAILS] Travel / Parking info: [PLEASE INCLUDE DETAILS]

De vraag naar data en informatie neemt explosief toe. Het netwerk vormt daarbij het fundament: het verbindt systemen, verplaatst data en bepaalt in toenemende mate prestaties, beschikbaarheid en security. Maar hoe verandert de rol van het netwerk in deze context? Welke technische uitdagingen zien we op het gebied van schaalbaarheid, latency, security en beheer? En welke keuzes bepalen onze route op de digitale ***yellow brick road***? In deze kennissessie kijken we naar de evolutie van netwerken. We analyseren waar we vandaag technisch staan en schetsen een middellange-termijnvisie waarin automatisering, observability en AI een steeds centralere rol spelen. Het programma zal deze avond (ongeveer) als volgt zijn: * Vanaf 17.15 u: inloop * Rond 17.30/18.00 u: eten * 18.30 u: start kennissessie * 20.00 u: afsluiting We zien jullie graag dan!

*theme:* **Casual Group Psychoanalysis - healthy repression?** Psychoanalysis "unlocks the past, informs the present, and expands the future. video clips: **Psychoanalytic theory in 3 minutes** [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucB1b6f750k](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucB1b6f750k) **Psychoanalysis A Curiosity about the mind 6min** [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcmVjQBF4MQ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcmVjQBF4MQ) Psychoanalysis = a theory and practice treating symptoms and personality as **disguised compromises** around unconscious conflicts, using a structured relationship (transference) to make those patterns visible so you can **repeat less blindly** and **choose a bit more freely**. "Until you ***make the unconscious conscious***, it will direct your life and you will call it fate." Carl Jung \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Interpersonal Process Group** **Psychodynamic shared exploration, learning and growth** Interpersonal process groups focus on the interactions and dynamics between group members to facilitate personal growth and learning. These groups provide a courageous space for individuals to explore their interpersonal patterns, receive feedback, and develop more effective social skills. **The core principle is that the group itself becomes a microcosm of a member's real-life relationships, allowing for insights and behavioral changes.** Key aspects of interpersonal process groups: * **Exploration of Interpersonal Dynamics:** Members examine their communication styles, relationship patterns, and how they relate to others within the group. * **Feedback and Self-Awareness:** The group provides a platform for members to receive feedback on their behaviors and develop greater self-awareness. * **Development of Social Skills:** Members practice new ways of relating, communicating, and collaborating within the group, leading to improved social skills. * **Microcosm of Relationships:** The group mirrors real-life relationships, allowing members to observe and analyze their patterns in a safe and controlled setting. * **Personal Growth and Well-being:** Through these processes, individuals can experience significant personal growth and enhanced well-being. Benefits of participating in an interpersonal process group: * **Increased self-awareness:** Understanding one's own behavior and its impact on others. * **Improved communication skills:** Learning to communicate more effectively and assertively. * **Stronger relationships:** Developing more fulfilling and meaningful relationships. * **Reduced anxiety and stress:** Finding support and coping mechanisms for social challenges. * **Enhanced empathy and understanding:** Learning to see situations from others' perspectives. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Join us for an exciting meeting of personal growth as we delve deep into the realm of self-development. This meetup is designed for personal growth addicts like you who are eager to unlock their hidden potential and take charge of their lives. Don't miss this chance to meet fellow personal growth enthusiasts, share experiences, and learn from one another. Step into a journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and transformation. Come prepared to engage in provocative conversations, share your opinions, wrestle with challenging ideas, and leave with a renewed sense of deeper meaning and learning. **Tentative Agenda:** 1:00pm Social, Setup & Introductions, guidelines, terminology; 1:15pm Interactive open dialogue conversation & sharing; 2:45pm debrief, summary, debrief 3:00pm finish **2nd Floor food court dining area** **Whole Foods Boro Tysons Corner** 1635 Boro Place McLean, VA 22102 **Whole Foods** is off Westpark Dr from Leesburg Pike (Rt 7) in Boro Tysons Corner McLean, VA off I-495 beltway exit 47. **The Food Court Dining area** is on the 2nd floor, look for comments for specific table area. Feel free to buy your own snacks or drinks.

We will be meeting at Starbucks to learn together. Come with an online class you're already going through or an interest and we will try to connect you with a course where you can learn it. Already have a skill you want to contribute to a Kaggle Datascience competition? We will work on these too! Laptop required :)

Learn to manage stress and achieve self-growth through simple relaxation and Meditation. Heartfulness Meditation is a simple, modern, methodical approach to meditation. Rather than homing in on your breath or repeating a mantra, you simply focus inward, on your heart, to cultivate inner strength and serenity. Heartfulness meditation is gaining traction in recent years. It focuses on the heart, allowing individuals to connect with themselves on a deeper level, and ultimately achieve peace, relaxation, and clarity. It is a practice that encourages patience, self-compassion, and acceptance, helping cultivate a deeper appreciation for the present moment. This practice is offered with love and at no cost

Join us for another session of our study group as we dive into the fascinating world of Large Language Models (LLMs) using the book **Build a Large Language Model from Scratch** from Manning. In this session, we will finish **Chapter 7: Fine-tuning to follow instructions**. In the last session, we talked about how to prepare the dataset for instruction fine-tuning and in this session we will perform the fine-tuning and evaluate the model afterwards. This isn't just a lecture! Come ready to ask questions, share insights, and code along. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, this is the perfect opportunity to build a strong foundation together. If you plan to work with the code on your own laptop during the session, try and set-up the environment ahead of time (https://github.com/rasbt/LLMs-from-scratch/tree/main/setup). We will be meeting at the North County Governmental Center this time that is across from the Reston public library.

## **1 Million Cups Loudoun Workshop: How AI Can Work for Your Business** **Wednesday\, January 28 \| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM** **Venture X Loudoun – Ashburn** Artificial Intelligence is no longer just a buzzword — it’s a practical tool that businesses of all sizes can begin using today. Join **1 Million Cups Loudoun** for a special **workshop-style presentation** led by **Victor Meer of AI Prime** and **Jay Jay Billings of Band Gap AI**, designed to help entrepreneurs understand how AI can realistically support their business operations. This workshop will provide: * A clear, practical overview of what AI actually is * Real-world examples of how businesses are using AI today * Insight into where automation can save time and reduce friction * Guidance on how to start leveraging AI without needing technical expertise Whether you’re AI-curious, overwhelmed by the noise, or ready to explore automation in your business, this session will help you think clearly about where AI fits — and where it doesn’t. As always, coffee, conversation, and community are at the heart of 1 Million Cups Loudoun. ### What Is 1 Million Cups? 1 Million Cups is a national program powered by the Kauffman Foundation that brings together entrepreneurs and community members for weekly conversations that educate, support, and inspire. Loudoun’s chapter meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month. Join us on **January 14 at 9:00 AM** for coffee, connection, and a meaningful conversation about reimagining after-school education in Loudoun County. **We look forward to seeing you there.**

**What makes one market a goldmine and another a money pit?** Success in real estate starts long before you make an offer. Choosing the right market and knowing how to analyze a deal are what separate confident investors from expensive mistakes. At this month’s meeting, we’ll talk about how to evaluate markets, spot demand drivers, and understand local fundamentals. We’ll also walk through how to analyze properties, run the numbers, and determine whether a deal actually makes sense before you move forward. Come for the training, stay for the networking! ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ **Did you miss it?** [Watch all GRID Reston event playback on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOTh5kxLLJI1G3VH6Pqhlhu0uTA8yrdpi) ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ **Join the GRID Facebook Community** [Join the online GRID community here](https://www.facebook.com/groups/gridinvestor) to post deals, ask questions, and connect with other investors across the globe.