Software QA and Testing

**Get ready for an energising evening on Service Design in the Age of AI with some of the region’s most respected design, product, and content leaders.** **Join Henrietta Ward (Content Design Manager @ Jisr) for an opening keynote, followed by a panel discussion with Nora Mokhtar (Digitas Dubai), Hema Mehta (RAK Bank), and Mohnish Bahal (Landmark Group) - leaders who are actively shaping services across finance, platforms, and large-scale ecosystems.** **Real talk. Real examples. No fluff.** **Guests** * **Mohnish Bahal, Associate General Manager (Product, CX & Service Design) @ Landmark Group** * **Henrietta Ward, Content Design Manager @ Jisr** * **Nora Mokhtar, Experience Design Director @ Digitas Dubai** * **Hema Mehta: VP Content Design @ RAK Bank** **What’s on the agenda** * **A fresh take on service design in the age of AI** * **How content, design, and product come together to shape end-to-end services** * **Stories and lessons from building services across finance, platforms, and large organisations** * **A live Q&A with the guests** * **Practical takeaways you can apply to your own work** * **Connect and network with fellow designers, product folks, and tech leaders** **Event Date** **Tuesday, Jan 20, 2026** **Event Schedule** **6:30 PM - Mix, mingle & grab a drink** **7:15 - Keynote** **7:30 PM - Panel discussion** **8:10 PM - Q&A** **8:30 PM - Networking continued** **9:00 PM - End** **Moderator and Host** **Amber J** **Location** **In5 Tech, Multi-Functional Hall** **King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street** **Near Tram Station and Cordoba Residence - Dubai** **Who Should Attend** **This event is tailored for product managers, designers, UX specialists, tech enthusiasts, and anyone keen on understanding the evolving role of AI in product, content, and service design.**

**Are you an Investor or a Founder? Have you invested or raised funding? Yes? This awards ceremony is for you!** This is a paid event and will be deleted from here pls register below https://InvestAward.eventbrite.com/?aff=meetup For any queries [Whats App](https://api.whatsapp.com/send/?phone=971547174965&text&type=phone_number&app_absent=0) \- Ridhi [+971552525078](https://wa.me/971552525078)

This is a Paid event and will be deleted from here. Please register on the link below. https://shecon.eventbrite.com[/?aff=Meetup](https://techbuiss.eventbrite.com/?aff=Meetup) QUESTIONS ? Please Reach out to; Disha - [https://wa.me/971525012234](https://wa.me/971525012234) ( WhatsApp Only)

🏸 **Join Us for an Exciting Evening of Badminton!** Get ready for another fun and competitive session with Shuttle iQ! 📅 **Date:** Every Tuesday 🕗 **Time:** 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM 📍 **Venue:** GEMS Dubai American, Barsha, Dubai 🗺 **Location:** https://maps.app.goo.gl/8XP42s3q4f2HUhePA 💰 **Cost:** AED 40 per person 🎯 **What to Expect:** * Inclusive and friendly games for all skill levels * Smart queuing so everyone gets fair play time * Great opportunity to improve your game & meet fellow badminton lovers. * ✅ **How to Join:** RSVP below on Meetup. Join us on the whats app group - https://chat.whatsapp.com/EPeC5K3IaM2Fa4910p8XpE Let’s bring our energy, rackets, and good vibes to the court! 🤩 ⚠️ **RSVP Policy:** Any changes to your RSVP must be made by **5:00 PM on the same day**. No-shows after this time will be charged the full amount.

**New participants are required to contact WhatsApp at 0501497147 before signing up for the event to confirm their slot.** Join us for an exciting Doubles Badminton Fun Night at Baseline Sports Al Quoz. Whether you are a seasoned player or new to the game, this event is perfect for everyone looking to have a great time on the court. Meet fellow badminton enthusiasts, improve your skills, and enjoy some friendly competition in a social and welcoming environment. Plying every Tuesday at 7-9 pm baseline sports academy Al quoz 4. Cost will be AED 45/- Per person including court rent , premium feather shuttle and average 8 games will get every plyers. **New plyers must confirm your slots through WhatsApp ( Rensin +971 501497147)** **Note: No cancellation on game day and full payment is applicable if any cancellation on game day** **Join WhatsApp Group ; https://chat.whatsapp.com/GUlBTloYtkrGVLb2ljK1ZV** This event is ideal for those who enjoy social sports, staying active, and connecting with like-minded individuals. Whether you are a singles or doubles player, come and experience a fun-filled evening of healthy living through exercise and sports. Don't miss out on this opportunity to mingle with new friends, network, and have a blast playing indoor badminton. Let's make this a memorable night of sports, recreation, and social bonding!

📍 **Venue:** Al Manara Sports Hall, near Onpassive Metro Station *(pick up and drop off available from Onpassive Metro Station) [(Google Maps)](https://maps.app.goo.gl/s3f3BmtB6s3SN4na6).* We play badminton here every Tuesday, 8-10 PM. Join our [Join the Al Qouz/Jumeirah Whatsapp Group Here](https://chat.whatsapp.com/KREbzal9A4899L5OzYYsOP) **👋 First time joining?** [Click here to WhatsApp Sarfaraz (+971551899547)](https://wa.me/971551899547?text=Hey%20Sarfaraz!%20This%20is%20my%20first%20time%20joining%20Badminton%20For%20All%2C%20Dubai.) and confirm your slot. **📝 Key Info** This is a group open for players of all levels, nationalities, genders and races. *Cost per session: 40 AED* *Duration: Each session lasts 2 hours* *Equipment: We use feather shuttlecocks; please bring your own racket* *Slots: Booked on a first-come, first-served basis* *Play: Players will be rotated around multiple courts and will get games similar to their level of play* **Late Backout & No-Show Policy** **We strictly enforce our late backout and no-show rules to ensure smooth operations.** Organising replacements on short notice is difficult and disruptive, especially as our organisers have day jobs. Please be mindful of our policy: * **RSVP Policy:** Please RSVP for sessions exclusively through the Meetup app. WhatsApp is mainly for regular updates on attendance, timings and last-minute changes. Any requests made via WhatsApp might not be considered for session sign-ups. * **Late Backouts:** Backing out within 9 hours of the session is considered a late backout. You will be required to pay the session fee in full, even if a replacement is found. * **No-Shows:** If you fail to show up without notice, you must still pay for the session. * **Respect for the Organisers:** Our organisers finalise the list the night before or early morning. Last-minute changes mean they need to leave their work to arrange replacements. This affects not just the organisers but the overall experience of the players. * **Waitlist Responsibility:** If you're on the waitlist and no longer wish to attend, it’s your responsibility to remove your name. We assume that anyone on the waitlist still wants to join the session if a spot opens up. * **First-Come, First-Serve Basis:** We ensure fairness by adhering to a first-come, first-serve system. Please do not ask for special treatment or last-minute slots outside of this. **Note: Players may cancel without penalty up to 9 hours before the session. After this time, the session fee applies regardless of waitlist status. Please book and cancel responsibly to avoid disruptions for everyone involved.**

2026 is here and we’re stepping into it with intention ✨🚀 Join us for a relaxed, thoughtful session designed to help you reflect on the year behind you and set meaningful goals for the year ahead. This is not about rigid resolutions or pressure to “have it all figured out” — it’s about honest reflection, shared learning, and gentle accountability in a safe, supportive space. Together, we’ll: * Celebrate wins (big *and* small) * Reflect on lessons learned in 2025 * Explore what growth looked like for us * Set intentions and goals for 2026 - professionally, personally, or both Whether your goal is to level up your tech skills, make a career pivot, prioritize self-care, learn to cook lasagna, or train for a marathon - this space is about inspiring each other to stretch, experiment, and grow 💪 To guide the discussion, we’ll use the prompts below - feel free to reflect on them in advance or simply explore them during the session. ✨ **Celebrating Wins** * What professional and personal achievements from 2025 are you most proud of? * What was your proudest moment this year? * Which skills (technical or non-technical) did you develop or improve the most? 🔄 **Growth & Improvement** * What did you try that didn’t work? * What can we try differently in 2026 to improve? * What new skills (technical or non-technical) do you want to focus on next year? 💡 **Lessons Learned** * What surprised you most about the past year? * What did you learn about yourself, your job, or your life that you want to carry into the new year? * What new strategies or habits are you excited to try in 2026? 🌱 **Self-Care Goals** * What does self-care look like for you, and how can we prioritize it in 2025? 🛤 **Looking Ahead** * How does where you are today compare to where you were a year ago? * What do you want to take with you into 2026, and what will you leave behind in 2025? Let’s connect, reflect, and set ourselves up for an incredible 2026! 🌟 See you there!

**Details** This event offers four key talks: **Eslam Awad** on Aws bedrock agent core, **Anitha Senthilnathan** on AWS re:Invent AI/ML Recap, **Saurabh Bhattacharya** on Recap on Databases and **Sabiha Ashik** on AI Inside Amazon Connect. \*\*\* **Staff SRE @talabat, Eslam specializes in building scalable AI solutions on AWS.** **\~Eslam Awad** [Eslam Awad | LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/eslam-awad-19b63a95/) Topic: Aws bedrock agent core. **AI Solutions Architect at Savic INC Headshot** **\~ Anitha Senthilnathan** [Anitha Senthilnathan | LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/anitha-senthilnathan/) Topic: WS re:Invent AI/ML Recap: Bedrock, Nova, Sonic and the Rise of Agentic AI. **Principal AWS Technical Instructor, AWS** **\~ Saurabh Bhattacharya** [Saurabh Bhattacharya | LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/antaragni/) Topic: Recap on Databases **Independent Consultant** **\~ Sabiha Ashik** [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabiha-ashik/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabiha-ashik/) Topic: Meet the Next-Gen Agent: AI Inside Amazon Connect \*\*\* **User Group Leaders** * **Sabiha Ashik, AWS Hero / AWS User Group Leader** [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabiha-ashik/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabiha-ashik/) * **Hameedullah Khan, AWS Community Builder / AWS User Group Leader** [https://www.linkedin.com/in/hameedullahkhan](https://www.linkedin.com/in/hameedullahkhan) * **Saad Zaman, AWS Community Builder/ AWS User Group Leader** [https://www.linkedin.com/in/zamansaad](https://www.linkedin.com/in/zamansaad?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app) * **Mahmoud Khatib, AWS Community Builder / AWS User Group Leader** [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahmoud-khatib-45900052](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahmoud-khatib-45900052)

Join us for our Star Wars Unlimited TCG Community Meetup in Dubai! Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting out, everyone is welcome to come and enjoy casual, friendly gameplay. We provide a fun and relaxed environment for all skill levels, from new players to seasoned veterans. Plus, every attendee who participates will receive a special event pack as a thank you for joining us. Come meet fellow Star Wars fans, learn new strategies, and have a great time connecting over the galaxy’s favorite TCG. May the Force be with you! P.S: The meetup is FREE. Whatsapp +971557798037 (Angelo) for any questions

We will start this spectacular community, with a very interesting talk. Raja Tahir from Emcode goingTto talk about how the engineering departments are now evolving and are becoming in new concept named Platform Engineering, we going to explore how this evolution happens from inside

Let's Step away from screens and step into real conversations. Register and get more details! **[Join WhatsApp group (+971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/wa-coffee)** ​We’re hosting a **special coffee meetup** to meet new people, spark genuine connections, and share laughter in an **elegant café setting** 🌿🎶 **​Imagine this 👇** * ​A cozy evening with soft music playing in the background. * ​An elegant café atmosphere with warm lighting and stylish décor. * ​Coffee, tea, or your favorite drink in hand. * ​A room full of open-minded, amazing people ready to connect. It’s about **meeting new friends**, enjoying great vibes, and discovering the magic of spontaneous connection. Register and get more details! **[Join WhatsApp group (+971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/wa-coffee)** ​Because sometimes, all it takes is a cup of coffee to turn strangers into friends. 💫 **​✨ Expect the unexpected:** * ​Fun conversation starters that keep things flowing. * ​Stories from people you never imagined you’d meet. * ​Surprising laughter that carries long after the night is over. ​So grab your favorite drink, take a seat, and let the conversations flow. **Registration** ✅ RSVP on Meetup. ✅ [Join WhatsApp group (+971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/wa-coffee) *Just like any event, slots are limited. RSVP and complete your registration at the earliest.* Happy Coffee 😊

This is a Dubai meetup group focused on AI/business (with [Shanghai AI](https://www.meetup.com/shanghai-ai) and [Mumbai AI](https://www.meetup.com/mumbai-ai) chapters). We meet every Saturday at 7:30pm at DIFC, **sign up is not required.** Usually there are up to 30 people from different backgrounds, such as AI programmers, rocket engineers, physicists, marketing, designers, investors... But it's also meant for people who have no background in AI and are looking for more insight. This is a very casual group for everyone, you can pitch your AI business idea or discuss your favorite Terminator movie. WhatsApp groups (non-full ones, 4000+ visitors): [https://chat.whatsapp.com/EJv3nAlirgr7IGWxhvqmNV](https://chat.whatsapp.com/EJv3nAlirgr7IGWxhvqmNV) Free :-) [https://chat.whatsapp.com/DNyJtDI2Zu5B6mHR3I8NNd](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DNyJtDI2Zu5B6mHR3I8NNd) (full) [https://chat.whatsapp.com/KHc6bpu1w2p1YNf3FNRRR4](https://chat.whatsapp.com/KHc6bpu1w2p1YNf3FNRRR4) (mod approval) Join DubaiAI.vip — the app built for the Dubai AI Meetup (see how in [demo video](https://youtu.be/poFd_hlqRFY)): * to get paid and funded by fans, local businesses, and sponsors, * to get published by influencers, publishers, and co-creators with sharing of revenue, * to save time by delegating your work to AI agents. Reply there with your co-working discussion topics/projects: [https://dubaiai.vip/profile/dubai-ai-vip@outlook.com](https://dubaiai.vip/profile/dubai-ai-vip@outlook.com) We meet at the DIFC food court and Stage Area (next to S&C Music) and **anywhere nearby**, located above the DIFC Carrefour Market, just look for a group of people... The group is free and there is no requirement to buy anything. There is free Wi-Fi. Telegram: [https://t.me/dubaiAItelegram](https://t.me/dubaiAItelegram) To get there: Metro Station: Financial Centre Metro Station, 5 minutes walk, look for the Financial Centre exit sign. Parking Options: Gate Avenue Parking is unfortunately under construction. Other options: Gate District Building 2: free underground parking from 6 pm onwards. \* Street Parking near Ritz Carlton: This is a paid parking option, conveniently located. \* Gate Avenue Open Parking: Present a purchase receipt for 4 hours of complimentary parking. Dubai AI Meetup & DIFC is for **everyone**; feel free to create and share new AI Jobs & WhatsApp & Meetup groups! [https://www.meetup.com/shanghai-ai](https://www.meetup.com/shanghai-ai) (if you visit Shanghai) [https://www.meetup.com/mumbai-ai](https://www.meetup.com/mumbai-ai) (if you visit Mumbai) [https://www.meetup.com/women-in-tech-dubai](https://www.meetup.com/women-in-tech-dubai) [https://www.meetup.com/dubai%e3%85%a4ai](https://www.meetup.com/dubai%e3%85%a4ai)

### **Where Dubai’s AI Innovators, Operators, and Talent Meet to Build the Future** Are you building in AI? Launching a tech startup? Exploring how AI can transform your business or job? Or looking to join the next big thing in AI? Join **AI Builders & Business Connect**, a **founder-first, operator-focused meetup** for Dubai’s tech and AI community. This isn’t your typical networking mixer—it’s a room full of **people building**, **people hiring**, and **people looking to grow**. *** ## **🗓️ Event Details** **Coffee & Sundries, First Floor** **When: 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM (Sharp) - Every Thursday** **Where:** Coffee & Sundries, First Floor (Above Carrefour), DIFC, Dubai **Entry: FREE**— we just ask that you support the venue by purchasing a coffee or some food. *** ## **🚀 What to Expect** This is for **doers, decision-makers, and tech talent ready to build:** ### **🔹 AI 60-Second Spotlight** Founders, job seekers, and partners get **60 seconds to introduce themselves**—no slides, no fluff. ### **🔹 Speed Collaboration Rounds** Quick, curated connections between **builders, investors, operators, and AI talent**. ### **🔹 Real Conversations, Real Opportunities** Whether you’re hiring, raising, building, or job hunting—this is where partnerships start. ### **🔹 Dubai & UAE Playbook** Hear practical tips from locals on how to **launch, hire, and scale tech ventures in the region.** *** ### 📋 Agenda * **7:30 – 8:00 PM** Introductions * **8:00 – 8:45 PM** Market research using different AI tools * **8:45 – 9:15 PM** Prototyping session on one selected idea * **9:15 PM onward** Networking ## **💡 Who Should Attend?** * **AI Founders & Startup Builders** * **Tech Entrepreneurs & SaaS Leaders** * **Investors scouting AI deals** * **Engineers, Developers & Product Leaders working in AI** * **Job Seekers & Operators looking to join AI and tech startups** * **Enterprise Innovators exploring AI use cases** *** ## **⚠️ Important** * **Your RSVP is a commitment**—let us know 24 hours in advance if plans change * **Doors close at 7:30 PM sharp**—no late entries *** ## **🌍 Hosted by Pradeep Valat** Startup advisor, investor, and AI business strategist helping founders unlock growth. LinkedIn: [linkedin.com/in/ivallat](https://linkedin.com/in/ivallat) WhatsApp: +971 529503315 *** ## **🔥 Why This Event?** Dubai’s AI and tech scene is booming—but it’s still about **who you know and who you build with.** This is where **startups meet talent, investors meet ideas, and builders find partners.** **Spots are limited. If you’re serious about AI, this is your room.** **By participating in AI Builders & Business Connect \| events\, you consent to the use of photos and videos captured during the event for promotional purposes\.**

HYBRID EVENT, VIRTUAL SPEAKER In this talk, Sean Hoar will explore the transformative journey of AI’s role in modern software engineering, from rapid prototyping (“Vibe Coding”) to strategic AI integration by skilled practitioners. It clarifies the distinctions between AI-assisted, AI-enabled, and practitioner-led approaches, offering insights into how developers can effectively adapt to and harness AI tools. The presentation also highlights recent advancements and practical strategies for leveraging AI in daily workflows and long-term development.

**The Test Tribe 2nd Washington Meetup – Designing a Modern QA Organization: Structure, Skills, and Shared Ownership** AI is accelerating software delivery at an unprecedented pace-but speed without structure introduces serious risk. In today’s landscape, the traditional “testing bottleneck” isn’t just a delay-it’s a business liability. This session explores how Quality Engineering must evolve from a siloed function into a strategic, distributed capability-one that balances rapid AI adoption with strong human oversight. Moving beyond basic automation, this talk introduces the concept of Distributed Quality Governance, where quality becomes a shared responsibility across engineering, product, and leadership. Expect a practical, leadership-focused discussion that cuts through AI hype and addresses the real challenges of testing complex, AI-assisted systems-while ensuring accountability, trust, and long-term resilience. **Event Details** * **Date: 21st January 2026 (Wednesday)** * **Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM EDT** * **Location: 1501 Langston Blvd. Arlington, Virginia** **Session: Designing a Modern QA Organization: Structure, Skills, and Shared Ownership** **Speaker: Alekhya Guduri** **About the Session** In an era where AI-generated code is accelerating delivery, quality can no longer be treated as a final checkpoint. Instead, it must be embedded, intentional, and governed. In this session, Alekhya Guduri presents a blueprint for building a modern QA organization that operates as a strategic business function. You’ll learn how to shift from centralized testing teams to shared ownership models, while introducing guardrails that ensure responsible AI use across the delivery pipeline. From defining a Materiality Matrix to identify where AI risks are too high to ignore, to implementing Human-in-the-Loop frameworks, this talk provides actionable guidance for leaders navigating AI-driven engineering environments. **Key Takeaways** * The Materiality Matrix: How to objectively prioritize AI risks based on business impact and technical complexity * Distributed Governance: Transitioning from centralized QA to shared ownership in AI-driven CI/CD pipelines * Responsible AI Guardrails: Practical Human-in-the-Loop frameworks to prevent bias, hallucinations, and silent failures **About the Speaker** Alekhya Guduri is a seasoned technology leader whose career sits at the intersection of engineering execution, operational excellence, and innovation. As Director of Engineering at Indeed, she focuses on building high-performing organizations that treat quality as a strategic advantage, not a last-mile activity. With deep experience scaling complex systems and leading cross-functional teams, Alekhya works at the forefront of shaping how AI and human judgment coexist within modern software delivery. She is a strong advocate for distributed governance, responsible AI practices, and the evolution of Quality Engineering into a trusted business partnership. **Why You Should Attend** * Learn how to design QA organizations for AI-driven delivery * Understand how to balance speed with responsibility in modern pipelines * Gain leadership frameworks for shared ownership of quality * Move beyond AI hype to practical, defensible testing strategies * Connect with Washington-area QA, engineering, and tech leaders **About The Test Tribe** **The Test Tribe** is the world’s largest software testing community, empowering testers globally since 2018. With 7**00+ events** and **150K+ members** across **130+ countries**, we bring testers together to learn, grow, and connect through meetups, conferences, cohorts, masterclasses, and more. By RSVPing, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy and consent to be contacted by The Test Tribe and our event partners.

Dulles Code & Coffee is a collaborative community of software and technology enthusiasts seeking to learn, grow, and help each other. All skill levels are welcome. The concept is simple. Bring a laptop and ideas. We’ll provide coffee, tea, and donuts. Thank you to [BTI360](https://www.bti360.com/) for sponsoring this event. ## **Event Format** 1. At 9:15 everyone introduces themselves and briefly describes what brought them out this morning (project, homework, networking, etc.). 2. For the rest of the day folks work in the communal space, socializing and asking/giving help as desired. ## **Location** BTI360’s Office in Herndon The office is across from Worldgate, looking down on the toll road. ## **Address** 12930 Worldgate Dr, Ste 400, Herndon, VA 20170 [[map](https://goo.gl/maps/pF5ZrPUviX1vtmdSA)] ## **Logistics** * **Must be a U.S. Citizen to attend. Real ID verification is required.** * PARKING: Use the surface lot. All spaces marked MIII are open for parking. Please avoid Management spaces, State Farm and SP+ * ARRIVAL: Follow the signs from the front entrance to the freight elevator located in the parking garage on level P2. Take the elevator to Suite 400 (Floor 4). * How to find us video: [https://youtu.be/ohqFzyqiASE](https://youtu.be/ohqFzyqiASE) ## **Community Guidelines** We value the participation of each member of the community and want all attendees to have an enjoyable and fulfilling experience. To ensure a conducive environment, all participants are required to conform to our [code of conduct](https://github.com/DullesCodeCoffee/.github/blob/main/code-of-conduct.md).

NOVA Code and Coffee is an inclusive, informal, co-working session. People of all skill levels are invited. The concept is simple, bring a laptop and ideas, we'll provide the coffee and donuts! Here's how it works: 1. At 10:15 everyone introduces themselves and briefly describes what brought them to Code & Coffee today (project, homework, networking, etc) 2. For the rest of the day, folks work in the communal space on their projects providing one another help and conversation as needed. Oh and they usually drink coffee and tea too! That's it! Hope to see you there! **Location** Our hosts are the Fairfax City Economic Development Building: [10300 Eaton Pl, Fairfax, VA 22030](https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=d7298231ca2df594df822003f9a93517c788fceefe1fcbb79c8976696e341bc6JmltdHM9MTc1MzIyODgwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=180d0745-3b7f-69a1-23a2-11433a7868e5&u=a1L21hcHM_Jm1lcGk9MTA5fn5Ub3BPZlBhZ2V-QWRkcmVzc19MaW5rJnR5PTE4JnE9RmFpcmZheCUyMENpdHklMjBFY29ub21pYyUyMERldmVsb3BtZW50JnNzPXlwaWQuWU44NzN4ODI4MTk2Mjg0NTk5MDM4MTU0MiZwcG9pcz0zOC44NjE0NDYzODA2MTUyMzRfLTc3LjMwMjE3NzQyOTE5OTIyX0ZhaXJmYXglMjBDaXR5JTIwRWNvbm9taWMlMjBEZXZlbG9wbWVudF9ZTjg3M3g4MjgxOTYyODQ1OTkwMzgxNTQyfiZjcD0zOC44NjE0NDZ-LTc3LjMwMjE3NyZ2PTImc1Y9MSZGT1JNPU1QU1JQTA&ntb=1) Conference Room A- Large, Floor 1 This is a new venue for us, so give us some time to get more details about it. Driving is the best option. There is plenty of free on-site parking. Otherwise, we are a 22 minute bus from the Vienna Metro Station. **Sponsored by:** Thank you [Fairfax City Economic Development](https://gofairfaxcity.com/) and [Mason Enterprise Center](https://enterprise.gmu.edu/) for making this event possible! **Thank you so much to our wonderful sponsors!** Organized by [DMV Petri Dish](https://www.dmvpetridish.com/) **[Code of Conduct](https://github.com/NoVACodeCoffee/admin/blob/master/code-of-conduct.md):** We value the participation of each member of the community and want all attendees to have an enjoyable and fulfilling experience. To make clear what is expected, all delegates/attendees, organizers, and volunteers at any Nova Code & Coffee events are required to conform to our [Code of Conduct](https://github.com/NoVACodeCoffee/admin/blob/master/code-of-conduct.md).

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.

Gaming, AdTech, EdTech, Media Streaming, and FinTech are just a few of the workloads where high-availability cloud infrastructure matters. Whether you’re doing battle daily in one of these spaces or are just curious about ways to improve performance, meet us in Reston for an in-person discussion on bare metal cloud architecture. You’ll meet our product lead, James MacKenzie, who will walk through how modern bare metal serves as a control plane for hybrid and private cloud architectures. **What we will cover** * Ways to leverage bare metal, containers, and orchestration for better performance and predictable economics; * Real-world hybrid, disaster recovery, and data-intensive architectures; * Our approach to eliminating ingress and egress fees. **Who should attend** * Cloud architects and platform engineers; * DevOps professionals and infrastructure leads; * FinOps stakeholders managing data-heavy or hybrid workloads. **Why attend** This is a technical, architecture-first conversation. You will leave with a clearer understanding of high-availability cloud infrastructure and how organizations are scaling cost-effectively. Food and drinks will be provided. Space is limited to keep the discussion interactive.