Product Marketing

Every Wednesday and Saturday! There will be prizes and fun, and even drinks!

Join us for an engaging session focused on mastering the art of referral marketing within the Dupont Business Link community. Whether you are a seasoned network marketer or new to the world of professional networking, this event will provide valuable insights and strategies to help you grow your business through referrals. Our expert speakers will share their tips and tricks for building a strong referral network, maximizing business networking opportunities, and effectively utilizing business referral networking for success. Connect with like-minded professionals in a hybrid chapter setting, combining the benefits of in-person and online interactions. Don't miss this chance to boost your referral marketing skills and take your business to the next level with Dupont Business Link.

Can't make Tabletop Tuesday? Stop by Weird Brothers Coffee at Worldgate Shopping Center after 2pm. We have games, we have tables, you have the will.

**NEW EVENT!!!** Please be sure to RSVP on **[Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lgbtq-happy-hour-meetup-spark-social-tickets-1986882179083?aff=oddtdtcreator)** so we have an accurate guest list. **When you arrive, ask for the owner of Spark Social, Nick Tsusaki and sit with the "Party of Five" group.** Be sure to let Nick know you are there from Go Gay DC. Order on your own from the [menu](https://spark-dc.com/pages/menu-2) if you wish. Come join us for a fun and friendly **in-person** gathering! It’s the perfect chance to meet new people, share stories, and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with the **LGBTQ+ community**. Whether you're looking to make friends or just hang out, everyone’s welcome. Grab your favorite drink and let’s make some great memories together! This fun event is free to attend. We hope to see you there. In addition to coffee selections, the venue offers a good food and drinks [menu](https://spark-dc.com/pages/menu-2). $10 signature cocktails; $7 premium rail; $5 grilled cheese. This event is for ages 21+. **Metro Directions:** Be eco-friendly. U Street Metro (Yellow/Green line) is only a few blocks away. The venue is adjacent to Crush Bar. This event is a safe space for everyone under the rainbow. This event is for ages 21+. Please feel free to invite all your friends to join you there! This event is hosted by **[Go Gay DC](https://www.gogaydc.com)**, Washington DC's inclusive LGBTQ+ community focused on friendship, leadership, and service. It now reaches over 10K fabulous people and is growing fast. Visit [https://www.gogaydc.com](https://www.gogaydc.com) . Go Gay DC's founder is **[TJ Flavell](https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjflavell/)**. Go Gay DC is on social media: Mingle with fabulous LGBTQ+ folk and allies. Bring your friends and meet new people from all over the world. Casual attire is fine. You are welcome regardless of where you live. Guests from DC, Maryland, and Virginia often attend. This event is a safe, inclusive space for everyone under the rainbow. Go Gay DC is on social media: Join the Facebook Group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/GoGayDC](https://www.facebook.com/groups/GoGayDC) Like the Facebook Page [https://www.facebook.com/GoGayDC](https://www.facebook.com/GoGayDC) Follow on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/GoGayDC](https://www.instagram.com/GoGayDC) Follow on Threads [https://www.threads.com/@GoGayDC](https://www.threads.com/@gogaydc) Follow on Bluesky [https://gogaydc.bsky.social/](https://gogaydc.bsky.social/) Follow on X [https://www.x.com/GoGayDC](https://www.x.com/GoGayDC) Watch on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/GoGayDC](https://www.youtube.com/GoGayDC) LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/GoGayDC](https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/GoGayDC?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExZG1DTnM0VnJybG83U3FWcnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR765Xxf5t8wFzbCac74QNX3p0Bs2oT0drXZoOmLV63J8cURMl3ta5b8iP3ztg_aem_nSdndpxd5-hXJ8myNF2_vQ) Search keywords: LGBT LGBTQ LGBTQI LQBTQIA Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Intersex Straight Allies

Enjoy a guided stroll around scenic Old Town Fairfax and Daniels Run Park. Around 9:50 am meet club host Susan Brown in front of the Safeway Grocery Store in Courthouse Plaza, 10350 Willard Way in Fairfax City 22030. Sights along the 10 km route include Blenheim Mansion, other historic buildings, two parks and three moderate hills. Optional lunch afterwards at the popular Ornery Beer Company & Public House, 3950 University Drive, Fairfax VA 22030. Menu: [https://www.ornerybeer.com/menu](https://www.ornerybeer.com/menu). The walk is $2 for non-members and guests to defray expenses for our sport and $4 for AVA walk credit. Please bring correct change in cash (e-payment is not possible). We feature curated walks by experienced members. Dogs and children are welcome but children under 18 must have a guardian present. Questions or issues on the day of the event? Contact Susan Brown at: nicebrowns@verizon.net or 703-407-7681.

Come out to the Reston Community Center and play some games! Party games? Strategy games? Tabletop role-playing games? This massive space can accommodate games for every interest. While the event starts at 5pm, feel free to roll in whenever you are able! If you have games to bring that you'd like to share or run, please do! Food and drink are not provided within the venue, but you are allowed to bring in anything you need from outside locations, just please be considerate of other people's games and the tables when doing so. Park anywhere in the parking lot. The Community Center building is located directly behind Ledo Pizza. Walk straight back to the main room once you enter the building. If you have questions, feel free to reach out to either David Gray or Bill Parker through Meetup, or you can email Bill at william.parker@fairfaxcounty.gov. Hope to see you all there!

Everyone has access to AI. Everyone is creating more content. The real question is **How do you create content that actually performs when everyone is using the same tools?** At this DC Marketing Tech Talks session, we’re going beyond prompts and tools and getting into what actually matters now: * How to build a content strategy that doesn’t fall into the “AI slop” trap * How AI and search engines are actually evaluating and surfacing your content * How to distribute and structure your content so it reaches the right audience and drives results **What This Session Will Cover** This session is designed as a focused, three-part experience, with each speaker taking a different angle on what it really means to create content in an AI-driven world. We’ll start with **[Tara L. Finney](https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarafinney/)**, who brings a strategic lens shaped by over two decades of building content programs across B2B and B2C. Tara will walk through how to build a content strategy that aligns with your business goals, reflects your brand, and resonates with your audience. From there, **[Stephen Hart](https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamstephenahart/)** will shift the focus to what happens after the content is created. Because even strong content fails if it doesn’t reach the right people. He’ll walk through how to structure your content ecosystem so it can be distributed effectively, reused across channels, and scaled without requiring constant output or burnout. We’ll close with **[Alex Lindley](https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-lindley-50823437/)**, who will take the conversation into how content is actually being evaluated today. As AI becomes a gatekeeper for discovery, it’s no longer just about what you publish, but how it’s interpreted. Alex will unpack how AI and search systems read, assess, and surface your content, giving you a clearer understanding of what drives visibility in an AI-influenced search landscape. This is a practical discussion about how to create content that shows up, gets read, and supports real business growth in a world shaped by AI. If you’re a marketer, founder, or content leader trying to figure out how to stay relevant in an AI-saturated world, this is the conversation you need to be in.

Come join us atthe Pickle & International Food Festival in Sterling, VA. There will be pickle inspired foods, international cuisine, craft beer, and live music. THIS IS NOT A TICKET: Tickets can be found on the link below and general admission is $5 + credit card fee Buy ticket here: https://www.crookedrunfermentation.com/pickle-international-food-festival-2026

Learn practical self-defense skills in Herndon, VA using [Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_jiu-jitsu) (BJJ), with beginner-friendly instruction focused on real-world positions and submissions. **Drop-in fee** for non-members is **$20** and can be **paid on-site**. This class is designed for **adults** who want a clear, **structured introduction to self-defense** with a focus on basic takedowns and [ground fighting](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ground_fighting). Training emphasizes **foundational BJJ concepts**, including **positional control**, **escapes**, and **high-percentage submissions**. *No prior experience is required.* Instruction is paced for **beginners**, with an emphasis on **safety**, **understanding**, and building **confidence** on the mat. Classes run **Tuesdays** and **Thursdays** from **6:00–7:30 PM** at [OSMA](https://www.virginiabjj.com/programs/bjj) in [Herndon, VA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herndon,_Virginia) serving students from nearby [Reston](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reston,_Virginia) and surrounding [Northern Virginia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Virginia) areas. Come ready to **learn**, **move**, and **train** in a supportive environment. This [self-defense event in Herndon](https://nvma.group/2026/03/26/intro-to-self-defense-class-at-osma-in-herndon-va/) has been cross-posted on the NVMA website as well as on [Patch](https://patch.com/virginia/reston/calendar/event/20260402/85b3425c-6dfe-4840-b46d-87d129333c4e/introduction-to-self-defense-course-on-april-02nd-2026-at-osma-in-herndon-va).

We've done this event before and it was interesting and fun — and this time we've booked a private group tasting just for us! Tour this small chocolate factory and then taste a spectrum of flavors of (dark) single origin chocolate, with expert guidance very much like a wine tasting! There's also a small chocolate shop of course :) Cost is $25 per person (payable to me, I've reserved for a private group of 4 people and we can add more as we wish). The location is in Chantilly and not convenient to metro (though there is a bus). I am happy to pick up participants at the East Falls Church (if you're riding from downtown) or West Falls Church (if you want to park) metro stations, and it's about a 20-minute drive from there. It's recommended that you bring a bottle of water to cleanse your palate :) Hope you can join!

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 :)

**IMPORTANT! Please register on [Luma page](https://luma.com/klm98cuc)** *Ignore the displayed time — it’s 5:30pm VA time.* AI is making us faster than ever — and at the same time, quietly questioning our place at work. ​We’re all feeling it: tools that boost output in minutes, automate entire workflows, and sometimes… do the job better. So where does that leave the human? ​This conversation dives straight into that tension — no sugarcoating, no generic optimism. Just real perspectives from people working inside the shift. ​ **Speakers:** [Nina Borysova, MBA ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/nborysova/?utm_source=luma)**Director, Product Management Technical (PMT), Data Analytics and AI Solutions, Mastercard** **​**[Dr. Volodymyr Tkach ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/volodymyr-tkach/?utm_source=luma) CEO \| Ph\.D\, Associate Professor \| MIT Research Fellow \| Cybersecurity\, Threat Intelligence\, Anomaly Detection\, Artificial **​We’ll unpack:** ​– where AI actually boosts productivity vs. where it replaces thinking ​– which roles are evolving — and which are quietly disappearing ​– how teams are restructuring around AI (and what that means for individuals) ​– how to stay valuable when execution becomes automated ​– what “creative work” even means when AI can generate ideas on demand ​– the psychological side: anxiety, denial, adaptation ​If you’re feeling both excited *and* uneasy about AI — you’re not alone. And you probably shouldn’t ignore either feeling. ​Come for clarity. Leave with a more honest map of what’s ahead.

## **1 Million Cups Loudoun – Spring Social** **Community, Connections, and Coffee** **Wednesday\, April 22 \| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM** **Venture X Loudoun** Join us for a special **1 Million Cups Loudoun Spring Social** — a morning dedicated to what makes this community so powerful: **connection**. ## **About the Event** This gathering is all about slowing down, stepping away from presentations, and creating space for meaningful conversations. Whether you’re a longtime member or joining us for the first time, this is your opportunity to: * Build new relationships * Reconnect with familiar faces * Share ideas and experiences * Strengthen your network in a relaxed, welcoming environment No presentations. No pressure. Just community, connection, and coffee. ## **What to Expect** * Open networking with fellow entrepreneurs and professionals * Intentional conversations that go beyond surface-level connections * A welcoming environment for both new and returning attendees * A chance to continue relationships beyond the meeting Enjoy a **light breakfast sponsored by E.L. Strategic** as you connect with others who are building, growing, and navigating business alongside you. ## **Why Attend?** At 1 Million Cups, we believe businesses grow through relationships. This Spring Social is designed to strengthen those connections and create space for collaboration, support, and shared momentum. ## **About 1 Million Cups** 1 Million Cups is a national program that brings entrepreneurs and communities together to learn, connect, and grow. Loudoun’s chapter meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays each month. Join us on **April 22** for a morning that reminds us why showing up matters. We look forward to seeing you there.

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Doom and Dinosaurs,”** a look at how mass extinctions shaped the dinosaurs and what research on these events tells us about Earth life’s long-term prospects, with Ian Wilenzik, paleontologist and visiting assistant professor of biology at George Washington University. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-dino-doom](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-dino-doom) .] Pity the poor dinosaurs. They lacked both scientific research to help deal with potential environmental catastrophes and places where they could have a beer and discuss it. You, on the other hand, have the opportunity to come to Profs and Pints to hear a fascinating talk on the impact of mass extinctions on dinosaur evolution and what research on dinosaurs tells us about biodiversity and Earth’s current biodiversity crisis. Dr. Ian Wilenzik, who has studied and taught courses on dinosaur evolution, population spread, and extinction, will leave you with a greater appreciation of the resilience of life on earth and how we’re both the product and source of biologically catastrophic events. Many of us are familiar with how a big meteor impact about 66 million years ago wiped out the Earth’s dinosaur population, leaving us only with their feathered descendants, birds. Less well known is how the Earth actually has undergone five periods of mass extinction that wiped out nearly all life, and how dinosaurs arose from one and endured another—both caused by volcanic activity—before meeting their match in the third. To ground his discussion, Dr. Wilenzik will talk about how we study mass extinctions by looking for geologic evidence of volcanic activity, meteoric blasts, and other catastrophic activity and of gaps in the fossil record after them. He’ll also discuss what makes a dinosaur a dinosaur, describing their distinct anatomical features. He’ll talk about how they and other forms of life evolved over long periods of time and were affected by extinction events. We’ll look at how the meteor-caused mass extinction that wiped out dinosaurs at the end of the Cretaceous paved the way for the rise of mammals and the emergence of primates, and, eventually, us. Looking ahead to future mass extinctions and what might survive them, we’ll talk about how that plant you forget to water might have the last laugh, as well as why crocodiles might be around a while. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: A *Triceratops* mounted skeleton at the Los Angeles Museum of Natural History (Photo by Allie Caulfield / Wikimedia Commons).

This training is designed for real estate agents who want to learn how to play the Agent Investor game. The goal of this training is to help you flip your income into ownership. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ **Inventory is the lifeblood of every market.** **And whoever controls inventory controls the opportunities, the buyers, and the leverage.** How to Generate a Steady Stream of Motivated Sellers teaches you a focused, repeatable system to consistently find and serve motivated sellers—without chasing random lead-gen tactics or relying on luck. Motivated sellers create multiple pathways: traditional listings, cash offers, creative solutions, rental opportunities, and investor deals. When you know how to help people in distress, you create impact and income at the same time. In this session, you’ll learn the core framework for building predictable motivated seller opportunities using ZONE: * Zero in on your target * Own the mindshare * Nurture the list * Expand your influence You’ll also learn the highest-probability seller funnels, including: * Pre-foreclosures (homeowners who need real help and clear options) * Absentee owners / tired landlords (10+ years ownership, deferred maintenance, vacancies, tax pressure) We’ll walk through the exact steps to build your first seller ZONE: get the list, segment it, create messaging, call the list, market weekly, build relationships—and control inventory. You’ll also get a proven seller message that converts because it offers real options: * 24-hour cash offer (speed + convenience) * traditional listing (maximum price) * renovate now, pay at settlement (maximize equity with zero upfront cost) This positions you as a problem solver, not a salesperson—and one strong seller ZONE can feed your business for years. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ **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.

Important: Register on [AICamp website](https://www.aicamp.ai/event/eventdetails/W2026043014) is required for admission. **Description:** Join us for a community-led developer event focused on AI-assisted coding with GitHub Copilot. This event brings together developers to explore practical workflows, real-world use cases, and hands-on experiences using GitHub Copilot. Whether you are new to GitHub Copilot or already using it, this event will help you better understand how to apply AI-assisted coding techniques in everyday development. **Speakers/Topics:** \- Reynald Adolphe\, Microsoft\. Stay tuned as we are updating speakers and schedules. If you have a keen interest in speaking to our community, we invite you to submit topics for consideration: [Submit Topics](https://forms.gle/JkMt91CZRtoJBSFUA) **Sponsors:** We are actively seeking sponsors to support AI developers community. Whether it is by offering venue spaces, providing food, or cash sponsorship. Sponsors will not only speak at the meetups, receive prominent recognition, but also gain exposure to our extensive membership base of 5,000+ AI developers in D.C and 500K+ worldwide.

Join us for a special shopping event at Kendra Scott on Saturday, April 25, from 1–4 PM! As part of the Kendra Scott Gives Back program, 20% of all in-store and online purchases* during the event will benefit the Humane Society of Loudoun County. Be sure to use the code: GIVEBACK-LPPDB if shopping online or mention it during the checkout process in-store. Treat yourself or find the perfect gift while supporting local animals in need—we hope to see you there!