Presentations

Ever been asked to give a talk or presentation and dreaded the thought of standing up in front of a group of people to speak? Feel like you need to improve your **self-confidence** and communication skills to **unlock your full potential**? Come to **London Toastmasters** and begin your journey to become a more confident communicator and individual. Want to know what to expect from the meeting? Watch the short video below to find out more... [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRhwfoteyns](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRhwfoteyns) Learn about **public speaking, impactful communication** and **giving and receiving feedback** in a supportive, friendly environment of likeminded individuals. When you join our club, you follow an education programme that gives you a variety of public speaking projects to develop your skills. **Progress at your own pace** and get **peer feedback** to help you on your journey. Attend **twice** as a guest, free of charge. Join the club only when you feel ready. Feedback from recent guests includes: ***‘I will definitely visit again. I learnt so much in one meeting.’*** ***‘I liked getting involved in the meeting through guest introductions. The meeting was a lot of fun.’*** ***‘Everyone is so welcoming and supportive. I will be back.’*** We meet every **2nd** and **4th Tuesday** of each month. Arrive by **6.15pm** for a **6.30pm start.** **Address: Haddon Hall Baptist Church, 22 Tower Bridge Road, London SE1 4TR** Nearest station: London Bridge See you soon!

🎤 **Join Our Free Public Speaking Class in Central London** * 🌟 Are you struggling with public speaking or experiencing anxiety about it? * 👉 Attend our in-person public speaking class, suitable for beginners to advanced speakers, absolutely FREE as a guest! *You don't need to speak - just observe and learn, or participate if you feel ready.* **Why Attend Our Public Speaking Class?** * 💪 **Overcome Public Speaking Fear** Central London Toastmasters is the premier weekly public speaking club, offering a relaxed and supportive environment. Practice in a safe space where no one judges you, and start your journey to becoming a confident speaker. * ✨ **Become a Charismatic Speaker** Enhance your public speaking skills and develop the charisma you've always wanted. Impress your colleagues with smooth, polished presentations and wow your friends with newfound confidence and storytelling abilities. * 💼 **Improve Business Speaking Skills** Our meetings are friendly and informal, making them the perfect starting point for building confidence in public speaking. Many of our members began with anxiety, but now speak with total confidence. As a guest, you’ll see firsthand how warm and welcoming our club is, and you can chat with members about their experiences. * 🏆 **Develop Leadership Skills** Public speaking is not just about presenting; it's also about leading. Our club provides opportunities to take on leadership roles, helping you to develop crucial skills like team management, decision-making, and strategic thinking that can benefit your personal and professional life. 📅 **Location and Time** * 📍 Location: Cittie of Yorke pub, Holborn * ⏰ Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM (Feel free to arrive late and quietly take a seat) 🔄 **What to Expect at Our Meetings** * The meeting is divided into two halves, each lasting approximately 50 minutes, with a 10-minute break. * 🎯 First Half: Members participate in impromptu speeches, and guests are invited to introduce themselves by name. * 📈 Second Half: Members deliver prepared speeches followed by evaluations. * After the meeting, we enjoy drinks and informal chats, providing a great opportunity to network and learn more about the club. 🎟️ **Interested in Becoming a Member?** Membership includes access to our online course, Pathways, guiding you step-by-step through your public speaking journey. A full year’s membership, covering 50 weekly meetings, is just £168, plus a one-time £30 registration fee. **💬 Testimonials from Our Members** * **“Toastmasters transformed my life!”** "I went from fearing public speaking to leading meetings at work. This newfound confidence even earned me a promotion!" – **Alexander** * **"A warm and supportive club!"** "From the first meeting, I felt welcomed. The constructive feedback boosted my confidence both in public speaking and daily life." – **Sarah** * **"Overcoming my fear was easier than I thought."** "The support here made my sales presentations more impactful and less stressful. It's been a game-changer for me professionally." – **David** * **"A fun and rewarding experience."** "I look forward to every meeting. The sessions are engaging, and I love the socializing afterward." – **Lucy** * **"I've grown as a speaker and leader."** "Taking on roles in the club has sharpened my leadership skills, making me more effective at work." – **James**

**We are holding an Agile Standup dinner at the Mercato Metropolitano food court in Mayfair.** [https://mercatometropolitano.com/locations/mayfair/](https://mercatometropolitano.com/locations/mayfair/) The focus of the evening is to enjoy amazing food while networking, learning and discussing using agility to create better software, products, teams and organisations. **The evening will take the form of a round table discussion** \- Bring a great question or describe a problem which you'd like to share\, we will then discuss it at the table\. **Who might come along?** Whether you're a seasoned agilest or completely new to it, you are most welcome. **The Dinner** \- Be prepared to pay for your own food and drinks\, what you choose is up to you\. **On the night:** The event starts at 6:00pm, hopefully we'll not be that hard to find, message the organisers on the meetup chat if you can't find us or if you are running late. When you arrive, join us and order a drink. We'll aim to eat at around 7pm. Afterwards there will be an opportunity to meet, mingle, discuss and maybe even find mentors or future work colleagues. If you have any questions, just drop us a line. We will finish at around 9:00pm, but you can leave earlier, if you need to. *Photographs may be taken throughout the evening, please let the organisers know if you would prefer not to be featured in them.* Looking forwards to seeing you there.

**Looking for a business networking event in London?** Join us in Covent Garden, central London at this event by tech startup **GMax Card** and **Getshop Today**. **What to Expect** A focused mix of founders, business owners, and professionals across tech and finance - the kind of room that feels both high-quality and easy to be in. The setting is lively but designed for real conversations, with space to connect naturally rather than forced networking. Our hosts are available from the start to help with introductions if needed. **Meet and Connect with:** * Startup founders & entrepreneurs * Business owners * IT, tech & product professionals * Finance, banking & investment specialists * Local and international professionals based in London **How the Evening Runs** 18:30 - Arrival & welcome 19:00 - Optional introductions 19:30 - Open networking 21:30 - Close **Venue: Olea Social, Covent Garden** Olea Social is a stylish Mediterranean bar in the heart of Covent Garden, offering a warm, high-quality setting for relaxed, meaningful networking. Just a short walk from both Covent Garden and Leicester Square stations, it is easily accessible from multiple tube lines. The event will be held in a reserved area within the venue. **Entry & GMax Cards** Free RSVP: Includes full access to the networking event Upgrade your networking: Paid tickets include a contactless GMax Card (when available) **Dress Code:** Smart casual. As this is a business networking event, we recommend dressing as you would for a client or professional meeting. ⚙️ **Co-organised by tech startups:** * [GMax Card - Digital and contactless business cards](http://www.gmaxcard.com/) designed for modern networking. * [Ciitab - AI-powered LinkedIn networking tool](http://www.ciitab.com/) to help you build and nurture professional connections at scale. * [Getshop Today - Create your own independent online store on a UK-built platform](http://www.getshop.today/), so you’re not dependent solely on global marketplaces like Amazon or eBay. **Important Details:** * Age & ID: 18+. ID may be required for alcohol purchases. * Photos & Video: Filming and photography by [CineEye - video production and commercial photography in London](http://www.cineeye.co.uk/). Images may be used for promotion - inform organisers on arrival if you do not consent. * Liability: Attendance is at your own risk. Organisers and venue accept no responsibility for loss, injury, or damage to you or your property. **Register Early!** And join our [WhatsApp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/FJdEP809H5U8WQ4y4BLLS5?mode=hqctcli) to stay connected between events, and follow us on [LinkedIn](http://linkedin.com/company/gmax-card) for upcoming dates.

Hiya Women in UX! We’re so excited to host our next informal networking drinks of this year, on 12 May! Join us to talk about all things UX design, research, content and... probably AI, let's be honest. 📍We'll meet at Two Floors on Kingly street, right next to Cahoots. When in doubt, ask for Andrea. 🌟If there are no more available spots left here, you can also RSVP ON [EVENTBRITE](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/women-in-ux-may-informal-networking-drinks-tickets-1986946270783?aff=oddtdtcreator). Spaces are limited so book sooner rather than later as it's first come first served. 🍸 Please note that this event isn’t sponsored, so any drinks you order will need to be paid for at the bar. 💌 Stay connected with us by following our [LinkedIn](http://linkedin.com/company/women-in-ux). See you there xx Women in UX

**Looking for a business networking event in London for finance, banking and fintech professionals** \- while also connecting with founders\, tech pros and the wider business ecosystem? Join us in **Covent Garden** for a **founder-led networking evening** co-organised by London tech startups **GMax Card**, **Ciitab and Getshop Today**. **What to Expect** * Connect with professionals in **finance, FinTech, investment banking, B2B and tech** * Build valuable business relationships across the **finance, business and startup ecosystem** * Exchange ideas, spot trends, and uncover opportunities * A lightly structured event - not a random mingle, not an overcrowded conference An atmosphere that feels **high-quality yet relaxed**, with space for real conversations. Hosts are there from the start to help with introductions. **Meet and Connect With:** * Finance, banking & investment professionals * FinTech & B2B professionals * Startup founders & entrepreneurs * Tech, product & digital professionals * Business owners & decision-makers **How the Evening Flows:** **18:30** \- Arrival **19:00** \- Short introductions **19:30** \- Open networking **21:30** \- Close Hosts are there from the start to help with introductions. **Venue: Olea Social, Covent Garden** Olea Social is a stylish Mediterranean bar in the heart of **Covent Garden**, offering a warm, high-quality setting for relaxed, meaningful networking. Just a short walk from both Covent Garden and Leicester Square stations, it is easily accessible from multiple tube lines. The event will be held in a reserved area within the venue. **Entry & GMax Cards** * **Free RSVP**: Event access * **Paid ticket (when available)**: Includes a contactless **GMax Card** (ask host to claim; not distributed automatically) **Co-organised by tech startups:** * **[Getshop Today](http://www.getshop.today/)**[ - Create your own independent online store on a UK-built platform](http://www.getshop.today/) * **[GMax Card](http://www.gmaxcard.com/)**[ - Digital and contactless business cards](http://www.gmaxcard.com/) * **[Ciitab](http://www.ciitab.com/)**[ - AI-powered LinkedIn networking tool](http://www.ciitab.com/) **Dress Code** Business / smart **Important Info** * 18+ (ID may be required) * Photos/video by [CineEye Audiovisual Production Studio](www.cineeye.co.uk) (inform us if you prefer not to appear) * Attendance is at your own risk. Organisers and the venue are not liable for any injury, loss, or damage. **Limited spaces available - early booking recommended.** Join our [WhatsApp group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/FJdEP809H5U8WQ4y4BLLS5?mode=hqctcli) to stay connected between events, and follow us on [LinkedIn](http://linkedin.com/company/gmax-card) for upcoming dates.

Toastmasters Polish Your Polish zaprasza na wyjątkowe spotkanie pod hasłem: “The Grand Theatre of Attention” „Od Szekspira do TikToka: Wielki Teatr Atencji” Przez wieki chodziliśmy do teatru, by celebrować chwilę. Potem kino nauczyło nas kochać perfekcyjne cięcia. Dziś naszą sceną jest 15-sekundowy Reels, a reżyserem — algorytm Netflixa. Czy w dobie niekończącego się scrollowania wciąż potrafimy słuchać historii, które trwają dłużej niż minuta? Czy teatr i kino nadal są awangardą rozrywki, czy może zostały wyparte przez kulturę natychmiastowej uwagi? Na najbliższym spotkaniu Toastmasters będziemy mówić o sile opowieści, uwadze, współczesnej komunikacji i o tym, jak zmienia się sposób, w jaki odbieramy świat. 🎬 Kurtyna w górę! 📅 Data: Wtorek 12 maja 🕖 Godzina: 19:15 📍 Miejsce: Ognisko Polskie Spotkanie odbędzie się w języku angielskim. Serdecznie zapraszamy Do zobaczenia 🎤 Jeśli jednak wolisz uczestniczyć online, to będzie też możliwość uczestniczenia przez Google Meet https://meet.google.com/sxz-jkqp-ihp Więcej informacji o klubie na naszej stronie: http://www.polishyourpolish.org.uk/ www.facebook.com/pyplondon www.instagram.com/polishyourpolishlondon www.linkedin.com/company/polish-your-polish-toastmasters Strona Ogniska Polskiego: www.ogniskopolskie.org.uk

***[We're leaving Meetup! Going forward, tickets on Meetup will be limited. We encourage you to register via our Luma calendar instead, where the full number of tickets will be available.](https://luma.com/ck2etymg)*** **Agenda** 06:00pm - Doors open 06:30pm - Welcome 06:35pm - [Mariia Borysova](https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-borysova/), Senior Product Designer at Amazon, "Storytelling in AI" 07:00pm - Break 07:15pm - [Celeste Horgan](https://www.linkedin.com/in/celeste-horgan/), Senior OSS Developer Advocate at Snowflake, "Apache Spark Pipelines: Adventures in Raccoon detection" ​07:45pm - Lightning Talk: [Sneha Kalaivanan](https://www.linkedin.com/in/snehakalai/), Senior Product Manager at Tesco, TBD **Please note you will be unable to enter the venue before 6.00pm.** RSVPs will close 24 hours before the event, you may be unable to register after this time but you can still watch online. If you can't join us in person you can watch remotely via [our YouTube channel](https://youtube.com/@ai-signals-community). **Our hosts may require that we provide a list of all attendees, please ensure that you register with a name that matches your government issued ID or bank card: if you do not we cannot guarantee you entry to the building.** Please RSVP for the event well in advance if you plan to attend in person and unRSVP if you can no longer attend as limited spaces are available.

🎉 Come along to the London Scala Talks! 🎉 In this event you'll hear from Caroline Morton and Katrina Petrevice. **Agenda** 6:00pm - 🥤 Doors open. Come along and grab a drink! 6:35pm - 🗣️ Introduction 6:40pm - 🗣️ Katrina Petrevice: Caching in Scala using Ref 7:20pm - 🍕 Intermission: Join us for some free food and drinks! Vegan and vegetarian options are provided. Let us know if you'd like something special - we'd be happy to accommodate. 7:50pm - 🗣️ Caroline Morton: Accidental Functional Programming in Rust (From an Epidemiologist's Perspective) 8:30pm - 🥤 Socialising: Grab a drink and let's discuss the talks. 9:00pm - 🍻 Join us in a pub to discuss the talks! 🌐 **This event may have a live stream** Watch this space for more details. **🗣️ Katrina Petrevice: Caching in Scala using Ref** Caching in memory is often one of the first strategies used to improve system performances. However, implementing caching in a purely functional way introduces unique challenges, specifically around state management and testability. In this talk, we will look at how to utilise functional programming principles with [Ref](https://typelevel.org/cats-effect/docs/std/ref), while maintaining clarity and composability. We will also deep dive into some common pitfalls and look into practical ways to test Ref effectively. ⭐ Katrina Petrevice ⭐ Katrina comes from a non–computer science background and was first introduced to Scala while working at JPMorgan. She credits much of her Scala knowledge to hands-on experience within her team, where she works on building and maintaining data pipelines and managing data systems. Since then, she has developed a strong interest in functional programming and now co-leads the Functional Programming Group at JPMorgan, where she helps share knowledge and foster a community around these ideas. **🗣️ Caroline Morton: Accidental Functional Programming in Rust (From an Epidemiologist's Perspective)** I don't have a background in functional programming - and I never set out to write it. But somewhere between writing trait-based epidemiological pipelines, composing data transformations, and leaning hard on Result, enums, and pattern matching, I started hearing from others: “That's pretty functional.” In this talk, I'll explore what it means to write “functional-ish” Rust as someone solving real-world scientific problems. I'll walk through the patterns I reach for - like chaining iterators, avoiding shared state, and embracing expressive types - and reflect on which functional programming ideas emerge naturally in Rust, even if you're not trying. I'll also share how designing for epidemiologists - most of whom are used to chaining functions in Python (like Pandas) or R - has pushed me toward creating ergonomic Rust APIs with Python and R bindings. These tools aim to feel familiar to scientists while leveraging Rust's power and safety under the hood. This is a talk for functional programmers curious about Rust, and for Rustaceans wondering if they've been functional all along. No formal theory required - just real code, real use cases, and a pragmatic perspective from someone building public health tools in Rust. ⭐ Caroline Morton ⭐ Dr. Caroline Morton is a medical doctor, epidemiologist, software engineer, and PhD candidate specialising in synthetic data, epidemiology, and Rust. With 60 peer-reviewed papers and two books on software, she combines deep technical expertise with a commitment to improving scientific workflows. Caroline co-founded the first [Women in Rust](https://www.meetup.com/women-in-rust/) group, fostering diversity and encouraging more women to explore opportunities in systems programming. She leads an open-source project improving codelist management in epidemiology using Rust, creating efficient, reliable tools for health data research. Her PhD focuses on synthetic data methods for epidemiology, particularly using Rust to generate large, realistic datasets. A strong advocate for open science and reproducibility, she contributes extensively to improving software practices through publications, workshops, and open-source projects. ———————————————————— 🗣️ Would you like to present, but are not sure how to start? Give a talk with us and you'll receive mentorship from a trained toastmaster! Get in touch through [this form](https://forms.gle/zv5i9eeto1BsnSwe8) and we'll get you started 🏡 Interested in hosting or supporting us? Please get in touch through [this form](https://forms.gle/3SX3Bm6zHqVodBaMA) and we can discuss how you can get involved. 📜 All London Scala User Group events operate under the [Scala Community Code of Conduct](https://www.scala-lang.org/conduct/). We encourage each of you to report the breach of the conduct, either anonymously through [this form](https://forms.gle/9PMMorUWgBnbk1mm6) or by contacting one of our team members. We guarantee privacy and confidentiality, as well as that we will take your report seriously and react quickly.

**Kindly note that this is a paid event and the average number of attendees for our events is 60-70 people. You can register on [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/african-connector-london-africa-focused-networking-event-tickets-1988226075714?aff=meetup](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/african-connector-london-africa-focused-networking-event-tickets-1988226075714?aff=meetup)** African Connector® London: curated networking for Africa-focused professionals, founders & investors. Build partnerships and opportunities. ### **What is African Connector®?** African Connector® is a **carefully designed business networking experience** in London for professionals, founders, investors, and advisors connected to African markets. It brings together a **relevant mix of people with aligned interests**, creating an environment where conversations are more meaningful and introductions more valuable. The focus is on quality over quantity—encouraging discussions that can lead to partnerships, investments, and long-term opportunities. There are no panels or presentations—just a **natural, professional setting** where conversations flow and connections develop organically. **Who should attend?** * Founders and entrepreneurs working in or with Africa * Investors (Angel, VC, Family Offices) exploring African opportunities * Corporate professionals, consultants, and advisors * Anyone interested in Africa-focused business, trade, and innovation **Why attend?** In London, the best opportunities come through the right introductions—not chance encounters. African Connector® creates a space where conversations are intentional, relevant, and commercially valuable. ## **Event Details 🕒** 📅 **Date:** 13th May ⏰ **Time:** 17:00 – Event Start 📍 **Location:** 2 Chesham Hotel, Belgravia, London ✔️ Fully hosted ✔️ Free-format networking (no panels or presentations) ✔️ Curated guest list for quality connections ## **What to expect** * High-level networking with like-minded professionals * A relaxed but purposeful atmosphere * Conversations that can lead to partnerships, investments, and new opportunities ## **Bonus Access** Your ticket also includes entry to **London Connector®**, taking place later the same evening—expanding your network across a broader professional audience. ## **📲 WhatsApp Group** On the day of the event, attendees will receive an email invitation to join the exclusive Ukrainian Connector® WhatsApp group to continue conversations before and after the event. ## **👔 Dress Code** Business attire or smart casual. No T-shirts or trainers. ## **ℹ️ Refund Policy** Advance tickets are discounted and non-refundable but may be reassigned to another person if you are unable to attend. ### **Event Disclaimer 📸** Photos and videos may be taken during the event for use across social media and promotional materials. * [United Kingdom Events](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/d/united-kingdom/events) * [Greater London Events](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/d/united-kingdom--greater-london/events) * [Things to do in London](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/ttd/united-kingdom--london) * [London networking](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/d/united-kingdom--london/networking) * [London Business networking](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/d/united-kingdom--london/business--networking)

**The London AI Agents Showcase: Real-World Agents @ Databricks** **Please Note, We are only taking registration from the [Luma](https://luma.com/rduuz4od) for this event. Please RSVP On** [Luma ](https://luma.com/rduuz4od) ***👉 RSVP Link : [https://luma.com/rduuz4od](https://luma.com/rduuz4od)*** ***🙏 Luma badge needed for entry.*** **The Meetup RSVP might be opened on last moment.** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **2026 is the year of working agents not just demos.** Databricks and London Agentic AI are hosting the real world AI Agent Showcase which brings together teams from **[Databricks](https://www.databricks.com/?utm_source=luma), [PEI](https://www.pei.group/?utm_source=luma) Group, [Mondra](https://www.mondra.com/?utm_source=luma), [Thomas](https://www.thomas.co/?utm_source=luma) International, and [E.ON Next](https://www.eonnext.com/?utm_source=luma)** to showcase **real-world AI agents**systems being being built and deployed in enterprise. **🎤 London AI Agent Showcase** ​We will have 5 sessions of the AI Agent showcase. 💻 Ask PEI: Speed to Insight for Private Markets Professionals, Powered by Databricks Company: **[PEI](https://www.pei.group/?utm_source=luma) Group** [Donal Simmie](https://www.linkedin.com/in/donal-simmie-29924714/?utm_source=luma) : Head of Data Science & AI, PEI Group ​**💻 From Assessment to Action: Architecting an AI Coaching Agent on Databricks** Company: **[Thomas](https://www.thomas.co/?utm_source=luma) International** [Samantha Fernandez](https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthakfernandez/?utm_source=luma) : Senior Data Scientist - Applied AI at Thomas ​**💻Wiki Whisperer: Reducing ‘Dead Air’ by Empowering Live Supports Reps with Agentic RAG** Company: **[E.ON Next](https://www.eonnext.com/?utm_source=luma)** [Christian Creenan](https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-creenan/?utm_source=luma) : Lead GenAI Architect at E.ON **💻 Ingredients digital twin classification. Modelling retailers carbon footprint.** Company: **[Mondra](https://www.mondra.com/?utm_source=luma)** [Antonio Velasco Fernandez ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonio-velasco-fernandez-9b662b192/?utm_source=luma): Senior Data Scientist at Mondra 💻 **Databricks Lightning Demos: Genie Code, Agents Bricks, and Lakebase** Company: **[Databricks](https://www.databricks.com/?utm_source=luma)** Presented by: ​[Sultan Al Awar](https://www.linkedin.com/in/sultan-al-awar/?utm_source=luma) : Solutions Architect, Databricks (Host) ​[Som Natarajan](https://www.linkedin.com/in/somasekar-natarajan/?utm_source=luma) : Snr. Solutions Architect, Databricks ​[Sanjay Ashok](https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjaynatrajashok/?utm_source=luma) : Solutions Architect, Databricks ​ **👥 Who should attend** ​This event is for people actively building or exploring Agentic AI: ​**Builders** * ​AI / ML Engineers * ​LLM & Agent Developers * ​Data Scientists ​**Product & Design** * ​Product Managers working on AI systems * ​Product Designers shaping AI experiences ​**Leadership** * ​CTOs / CEOs exploring Agentic AI * ​Engineering & Data Leaders *** ​👉 If you are building agents, planning to build them, or trying to understand what actually works, this is the room to be in. **🗓️ Agenda** ​**5:45 – 6:15** Arrival & refreshments ​**6:15 – 6:20** Welcome and Opening Remarks ​**6:20 – 6:45** Databricks Lightning Demos: Genie Code, Agents Bricks, and Lakebase ​**6:45 – 7:00 pm** Ask PEI: Speed to Insight for Private Markets Professionals, Powered by Databricks ​**7:00 – 7:15 pm** From Assessment to Action: Architecting an AI Coaching Agent on Databricks ​**7:15 – 7:30 pm** Break ​**7:30 – 7:45 pm** Wiki Whisperer: Reducing ‘Dead Air’ byEmpowering Live Supports Reps with Agentic RAG ​**7:45 – 8:00 pm** From Back-of-Pack to Recipes: Modelling Retail Carbon Footprints ​**8:00 pm+** 🍻 Networking at [Rising Sun Pub](https://www.greeneking.co.uk/pubs/greater-london/rising-sun?utm_source=luma)

**The Unscented Transform: theory, extensions and practical application to Bayesian inference** We are delighted to have John Whitamore back at the Bayesian Mixer. Please register here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/bayesianmixer/2154878 **Abstract:** How can we perform Bayesian inference without resorting to slow random sampling methods? Isn't there a nice, pragmatic way to use the geometry of a problem to use only a very small number of samples, placed deterministically? Isn't there a good, straightforward way to implement Bayesian models in practical settings? This talk explains the real-world problems that can be solved by the Unscented Transform. It begins with an intuitive introduction to Bayesian methods, discusses the Unscented Transform and connects the ideas to geometry, finite elements analysis and deep learning. **Bio:** John Whitamore is a Senior Data Scientist at Simply Business, a leading UK InsureTech firm. He has previously served as Head of Data Science for a leading food retailer, as Head of Trading and Systems for an investment management company and as Global Head of Convertible Bond Trading for a European investment bank.

We have three great talks lined up, plus time to chat and meet others in the community. We can’t wait to see you there! We want NSLondon to be welcoming to everyone and support a broad range of voices. To help address existing imbalances in attendance, we’re offering a limited number of **early-access spots to women, non-binary people, and others who are currently underrepresented** in the iOS developer community. You can request one of these spaces by filling in [this form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfkWvVomYXUwESWHet2HDxTia4euvYcP2WKtkVQLXCzjmtbvA/viewform) before RSVPs open for general availability. (**Update:** This form is now closed.) **💬 Talks:** **Raphael Velasqua** — “Claude as Your iOS Pair Programmer” *What if your codebase could teach Claude how your team codes — not just generic Swift? A glimpse of scaffolding, writing reliable tests and more with Claude.* **Paul Shone** — “Turning Applications in to Apps: Tips on getting hired in a changing marketplace” *Join Paul Shone, Co-Founder of Pixelated People, a recruitment leader with over 15 years of experience in building world-class mobile engineering teams. Paul shares invaluable insights on how to standout and secure your dream job in this changing and competitive job market. If you are a job seeker aiming to land the perfect role this session is packed with actionable advice that will set you apart from the competition.* **Vadim Popov** — “From ARKit to Vision – How Far Can You Push the iOS Camera” *This talk explores how far you can push the iOS camera by rebuilding core camera features using AVCaptureSession, comparing real-time face and skeleton detection across ARKit, Vision, and MediaPipe, and diving into live image analysis like sharpness, brightness, and composition scoring with Vision and Accelerate. It also reflects on what users actually value in a camera app, sharing practical lessons and missteps from the journey.* **🕓 Schedule:** 6:30 PM Arrival and check-in at JustPark reception 7:00 PM Presentations start 9:00 PM Continue the conversation at the pub (TBA) * **Arrival Time:** Arrive at 6:30 PM to complete the check-in process. If you need mobility assistance, let us know at least one day in advance. * **Check-in Process:** Go to JustPark reception. Provide your full name and mention the NSLondon event to receive your badge. * **Full Names Required:** Ensure your Meetup profile has your full name or send it to us in a private message at least 48 hours before the event. * **Late Arrival:** A JustPark staff member will guide us to the event space. If you arrive late, you may need to wait. 💎 **Acknowledgments:** We'd like to thank JustPark for their generous support in hosting this event. NSLondon is a community-driven group and needs your support! Contact us for information about venues, speakers, or sponsorships. Feel free to reach out with any questions. See you there! Please read our [Code of Conduct](https://nslondon.com/coc). MC: Aled Samuel

**Dead Product Society \| After Work Drinks** Come along, bring a friend/colleague or two and join us for a relaxed evening of informal product and tech chats over a few drinks and doughnuts. We aim to connect everyone without awkwardness or LinkedIn spiel, and value good conversation over boring presentations. **Who is welcome?** Product Managers, CEOs, UX/UI Designers, Developers, Scrum Masters etc. We welcome anyone who works in, with or wants to break into product. *Note: We intentionally keep our After Work Drinks on the smaller side to allow for more in-depth conversations.* **The Bike Shed** We'll be hanging out in the lounge area (behind the area with all the tables, next to the store). \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Dead Product Society** Dead Product Society is a collective of like-minded professionals sharing real-talk and joining forces to navigate the twists and turns of the product world. Our down-to-earth community is for anyone who works in, with or wants to break into product teams regardless of their background or experience. **Our Sponsors** Shout out to our generous sponsors at Waggel Pet Insurance; Lifetime pet insurance, simplified. With their support we are able to host these events for you and create a space for those important, honest conversations.

The **Reston-Herndon Toastmasters club** is the place to be if you want to improve your public speaking, communication, listening, and leadership skills in a friendly, supportive environment. By joining Toastmasters, you'll learn to relax, plan, and present great speeches, whether you have ten days to prepare or just 10 seconds. Our club meetings are held every **2nd and 4th Wednesday from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM** at Herndon Fortnightly Library located at 768 Center St, Herndon, VA 20170. The library is closed, so please contact us for directions. Guests are always welcome at our club meetings! If you are interested in joining the club or would like to attend as a visitor, please fill out the form at [https://3550.toastmastersclubs.org/?contactus](https://3550.toastmastersclubs.org/?contactus). We will reply with directions.

Styled after a 'pitch competition', this event is for entrepreneurs, and the entrepreneurial-curious. Learn about on-going initiatives from local area founders, and there will be ample time for networking. This event will bring together start-up founders and enthusiasts in the DMV area for an exciting opportunity to hear about a fellow founder, and give feedback on their pitch and product, and get to network around founders from the area. ## Details **Location:** Find is the Large Conference Room, on the ground floor of 10300 Eaton Pl, Fairfax, VA 22030 **Our Agenda:** 1\. Basic group introductions 2\. First "Pitch" Presentation \(\~15 minutes\) 3\. Community Q&A 4\. Second "Pitch" Presentation \(\~15 minutes\) 5\. Community Q&A 6\. Break out sessions & general networking More information will be provided as we get closer to the meetup. **Speakers** Giulia Cajati will present on MiFido - a science-backed wellness app that helps you regulate your nervous system and build intentional, aligned habits while learning to let go of control so you can feel calmer and clearer. Other speakers will be announced shortly! Check back shortly, speakers will be announced soon! Join us for our monthly Pitch Labs meetup! This event will bring together start-up founders and enthusiasts in the DMV area for an exciting opportunity to hear about a fellow founder, and give feedback on their pitch and product, and get to network around founders from the area. Pitch Labs is a member of the [DMV Petri Dish Network](https://www.dmvpetridish.com/ "https://www.dmvpetridish.com/"). During the event, our volunteer team will be capturing photos and video footage for use in promotional materials and on social media. If you prefer not to appear in any photographs or recordings, please let us know in advance, and we will be happy to accommodate your request.

**ProductTank NoVA is back!** After a brief hiatus, we are relaunching the chapter with a format that cuts out the fluff and gets straight to the reality of building. Every product feed is flooded with AI hype right now, but what does it actually look like on the ground? Instead of a polished keynote, we are hosting **0 to 1 with AI: Real Product Talks**—a "Show & Tell" featuring 3–4 lightning talks focused on the intersection of AI and product. The framing for the talks is simple: *"Here is what I'm building, and here is what I'm stuck on."* We want to look at the messy, 0-to-1 reality of integrating AI into your workflows and products. *(Want to share what you are working on? Reach out! The bar is low-pressure, just 10–12 minutes to talk about a real AI problem you are trying to solve.)* **Agenda:** * **5:30 PM - 6:00 PM:** Doors open, networking, & name tags * **6:00 PM - 6:10 PM:** Welcome + Chapter Relaunch Intro * **6:10 PM - 7:30 PM:** Lightning Talks (Three 12-min talks + 5 mins Q&A each, with a 5-min stretch break) * **7:30 PM - 8:00 PM:** Open networking * **8:00 PM:** Soft close **Location & Logistics:** Herndon Fortnightly Library (Extended Hours Meeting Room) 768 Center St, Herndon, VA 20170 * **Parking:** We'll meet at the library, located just behind the Herndon Municipal Center. There is plenty of free public parking available around the municipal center. * **Metro & Bus:** Take the Silver Line to Herndon Metro Station, then connect via Fairfax Connector Route 921 or 950 to Historic Downtown Herndon. * **Driving (via VA-267/Dulles Toll Rd):** Take Exit 10 North (Centreville Rd, which becomes Elden St). Turn left onto Station St or Lynn St. * **Driving (via VA-286/Fairfax Co Pkwy):** Take the Elden St West exit. Turn right onto Lynn St. Looking forward to seeing everyone again and getting back to building!

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“The Physics of Baseball,”** with Scott Paulson, professor of physics and interdisciplinary liberal studies at James Madison University. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-physics-of-baseball](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-physics-of-baseball) .] Profs and Pints is offering baseball fans an even bigger treat than Cracker Jack, an exploration of the physics underlying their beloved sport. Professor Scott Paulson, who regularly teaches introductory physics classes that make the physics behind real-world phenomena accessible to all, will discuss the forces and phenomena that come into play in baseball during pitching, batting, and fielding. He’ll toss you basic physics concepts that help explain how baseball’s routine plays got to be that way, and he’ll explain what’s going on in some situations where the laws of physics seem to be violated by what’s happening on the field. Ever wondered why curveballs curve or knuckleballs behave so strangely? You’ll learn how Newton’s laws and the Magnus force explain how pitchers get drastically different results from subtle differences in their releases. Curious about what exactly the “sweet spot” of the bat is? Ever wondered how big an advantage batters get from the thin air of Mile High Stadium? We’ll explore the physics of the batted ball, examining the phenomena of waves and analyzing the interaction of ball, bat and batter with the help of high-speed video. During one of the more exciting scenarios in a baseball game—the close play at the plate—fans often see outfielders throw to an infielder rather than directly to home. We’ll look at the pros and cons of this relay play, known as a “cut-off,” in the context of the physics of projectile motion. Finally, we will also look into high-profile cheating scandals involving corked bats and doctored balls. Dr. Paulson will present models to explain how these alterations to the equipment can benefit the batter and pitcher respectively, and he’ll discuss how much these models are backed up by data. These few hours in a brewpub will forever enhance your enjoyment of time at the ballpark. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: Photo by Tage Olsin / Wikimedia Commons

This is an opportunity to practice and hone your presentation skills for a friendly audience! Come ready to give a 5-minute presentation on a topic of your choice - whether it's a pitch to potential clients for your job, a niche hobby, or a special interest, all topics are welcome. Guests are encouraged to bring their own laptops. We will have access to a projector and HDMI cable to connect.

## **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.

**Title**: Amplifying Engineering Skills with Claude Code In this session we will dive into how Claude Code can augment modern engineering practices, from rapid prototyping and refactoring to test generation and documentation. We’ll cover real-world use cases, integration patterns, and tips for getting the most out of AI in your development lifecycle. 6-6:30p.m. - food & drinks 6:30-7:30p.m. - Presentation 7:30-8:00p.m. - Q&A and Possible concept presentation for feedback