Novel Reading

Let's meet to write! Schedule : 18:00 - 18:30: Arrival & introduction tour. Share briefly with the group your project and the "goal of the day". 18:30 - 20:00 : Let's write! 20:00 : Closing tour. Did you achieve the "goal of the day" ? See you soon !

**Now that Claude Code is writing our software, what are you doing with all that free time?** Here's an idea: come spend it with us at the next Belgium NLP Meetup! Our next event will take us back to **BeCentral**, Brussels' prime digital campus, where we're hosted by our friends at Campfire AI. Go ahead and schedule that long Claude job for the evening of **May 5th**. Doors open at 7pm for pizza, talks are planned between 7.30pm and 9pm, and after that there's more time for networking and drinks. The first two talks of the evening are already confirmed. The final presentation will be added in the coming weeks. **Small, specialized, agentic – One Year of Fine-tuning Local Vision LLMs.** *Adriaan Lemmens & Ilia Breitburg (Klassif.AI)* Local LLMs are getting better each year. The smaller the model, the more impressive. While the big labs' closed models still win as generalists, we've been working on fine-tuning our own specialist for enterprise document processing on top of an open-weights base, adapted for use in our custom agent harness and for visual layout reasoning. Recent iterations come within spitting distance of much larger models at a fraction of the size and token usage. In this talk, we share why and how we did it, as well as what it means for how we build efficient agentic systems at Klassif.ai even with hosted models. **Why NLP is More Alive Than Ever in the Age of LLMs.** *Tomas Staelens & Jean-Charles Nadé (Campfire AI)* The hype surrounding Generative AI has led many to believe that traditional NLP is a thing of the past, but the reality on the ground is different. In this talk, Tomas and Charly dive into why "just prompting it" often fails in enterprise environments where cost and ROI are non-negotiable. They will showcase the synergy between NLP and LLMs and argue that the future belongs to a hybrid architecture. Finally, they will share practical patterns for using NLP as a guardrail and optimizer for AI workflows. **Building AI‑native agentic extraction for commercial leases: the grown‑up path** *Frederik Durant (Reavant)* The art of agentic engineering is transforming the software development life cycle at an unprecedented pace. In this new arms race, AI engineers, software architects, and DevOps practitioners are expected to deliver 10x the impact without compromising quality or accountability. In this talk, Frederik will candidly describe his human experience so far navigating this professional identity shift. Additionally, he will show how his company Reavant built an agentic extraction system for complex tenancy documents, and what this taught him about going truly AI‑native.

This month, we’re peeling back the layers to look at the things polite society usually only whispers about. Let’s confront the uncomfortable together and challenge our moral with the literal fleshly desires of “Portnoy’s Complaint” by Philip Roth. The classic that [shocked the world](https://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2009/sep/07/portnoys-complaint-shocking-49). A frantic, hilarious, deeply controversial and masterfully written monologue that shattered mid-century taboos regarding sexuality, psychoanalysis, and cultural identity. It remains a lightning rod (ha, ha!) for debate decades later.

Do you like keeping your French up to date? Or do you want to help the ones that need some help here? If so, this meet up activity might be something for you :) Let's meet in order to have conversations in French together! * How to find us? - This meetup will take place at an easy to find venue, which is very close to subway station Gare Central and nearly to Grande place Brussels In this venue, it's possible to eat a little something - or to just have some drinks. we are in the hotel there is the big table , If you want speak with a few people you can change your chair or your place. For those who already speak a bit of French - ANYONE that can take part in the Meet up without having to ask "What does this mean?" all the time, is MORE than welcome! (And yes, pretending to understand it all and "Nodd and smile IS allowed :) ) Because reading and listening are very good teachers too... In fact anything that doesn't slow down practicing the language goes :) Or in more strict words: this Meet up is not the best place to go to for absolute beginners If you can not find call please Olivier 0476600552 or Mehrdad 0486652242 [https://www.google.com/maps/place/Rue+du+March%C3%A9+Aux+Herbes+100,+1000+Bruxelles/@50.8466178,4.3551211,3a,28.7y,35.83h,95.4t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1spHFBcXTJGMiNd7y_1PFAgg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!4m5!3m4!1s0x47c3c47f9e11971f:0x7c45bfb50b08362a!8m2!3d50.8467965!4d4.3553835](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Rue+du+March%C3%A9+Aux+Herbes+100,+1000+Bruxelles/@50.8466178,4.3551211,3a,28.7y,35.83h,95.4t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1spHFBcXTJGMiNd7y_1PFAgg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!4m5!3m4!1s0x47c3c47f9e11971f:0x7c45bfb50b08362a!8m2!3d50.8467965!4d4.3553835) Address is Rue du Marché Aux Herbes 100 Enjoy the Meetup!

Would you like to improve your language skills and networking in a casual atmosphere? This event is for you! All languages welcome! Everyone is welcome! The aim is to speak with native/fluent speakers of your target language(s). You'll be around all types of people throughout the whole event. We will be in a private area. A great atmosphere is guaranteed! You'll have to order a drink to attend the event 😀 Don't hesitate to contact us for any further information

Run a smartphone company by planning production, pricing, expansion, and research. Pricing decisions affect turn order and sales, forcing you to predict opponents’ moves. A tight economic game where planning ahead and reading the market is everything. [How to Play](https://youtu.be/OKYnLjdf0gA?si=RPlvSg8DK8uMTBDS) [BGG](https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/246684/smartphone-inc) [Rulebook](https://www.arcanewonders.com/eu/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/06/smartphone-rules-eng-2019.pdf) Everyone is welcome! No previous experience or game knowledge needed — I’ll explain all the rules before we start.

EN (FR en bas): We're still accepting people in our classes. Join us!​ -step 1: Book here! -> [https://www.danceproject.be/reservations.html](https://www.danceproject.be/reservations.html) -step 2: Show up! [Schedule](https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#schedule) Fees : [All info on trials, packs, subscriptions here](https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#fees) Locations: -Rue Brialmont 7, Brussels Metro/Tram: Botanique Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop, Forró Intro - 1: From base to the dancefloor! When you come for the first time we go over the base & rhythm with you. Then you are included in the group and everybody learns the same new steps for which you just need the base. Practice makes perfect: just relax and enjoy Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop and/or Forró! Our group is very welcoming and looking forward to meet new dancers! Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop, Forró Roots I - 2: Ready to go deeper on Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop &/or Forró? Let's go! [https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#improvers](https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#improvers) Salsa, Forró Roots II - 3: Looking for #SalsaChallenge? Already familiar with Forró Root? We've got your back! [https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#intermediates](https://www.danceproject.be/classes.html#intermediates) More info: -Web: [https://www.danceproject.be](https://www.danceproject.be) -Whatsapp: +32 493 16 41 10 -Mail: brussels.salsa.project@gmail.com -[Facebook](https://facebook.com/brussels.salsa.project) -[Instagram](https://instagram.com/brussels.salsa.project) \-\-\-\-\- FR: Nous acceptons encore de nouvelles personnes dans nos cours. Rejoins-nous ! -1ère pas : Fait ta réservation ! -> [https://www.danceproject.be/reservation.html](https://www.danceproject.be/reservation.html) -2ème pas : Vient danser ! [Horaire](https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#horaire) Les prix : [Toutes les infos sur les essais, packs, abonnements ici](https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#prix) Endroits : -Rue Brialmont 7, Bruxelles Metro/Tram: Botanique Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop, Forró Intro - 1 : De la base à la piste de danse ! Lorsque tu nous rejoins on voit la base et le rythme avec toi. Ensuite, tu es inclus dans le groupe et tout le monde apprend les mêmes pas pour lesquelles tu as juste besoin de la base. C'est en forgeant qu'on devient forgeron : détend-toi et profite la Salsa, de la Bachata, du Lindy Hop et/ou du Forró ! Notre groupe est très accueillant et a hâte de rencontrer de nouveaux danseurs ! Salsa, Bachata, Lindy Hop, Forró Roots I - 2 : Prêt à approfondir la Salsa, la Bachata, le Lindy Hop &/ou le Forró ? Allons-y! [https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#inities](https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#inities) Salsa, Forró Roots II - 3 : Tu cherches #DefiSalsa ? Tu connais déjà Forró Roots ? Nous sommes là pour toi ! [https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#intermediaires](https://www.danceproject.be/cours.html#intermediaires) Plus d’info: -Web: [https://www.danceproject.be/fr.html](https://www.danceproject.be/fr.html) -Whatsapp: +32 493 16 41 10 -Mail: brussels.salsa.project@gmail.com -[Facebook](https://facebook.com/brussels.salsa.project) -[Instagram](https://instagram.com/brussels.salsa.project)

In onze volgende uitwisseling van 8 mei, bespreken we twee boeken: *Dood van een soldaat* door **Johanna Spaey,** een historische triller die zich afspeelt in Leuven, 192 pagina's en heel toegankelijk; en een kort filosofisch werkje (104p) *Shanzhai* van **Byung-Chul Han** over plagiaat. Jammer genoeg is het alleen in het Engels en Duits beschikbaar. Erna beslissen we welk boek we voor de volgende en laatste keer (5 juni) zullen lezen. **Waar?** Oudergemlaan 191, 1040 Etterbeek Op de eerste verdieping **Voor wie?** Iedereen welkom vanaf 16 jaar. Dit is een initiatief van de leerkrachten Nederlands van de [Zonnedauw](https://zonnedauw.org/), middelbare Steinerschool Brussel.

Let's read and discuss non-fiction together. In **April** we will be discussing "Zarifa: A Woman's Battle in a Man's World" by Nobel Peace Prize Winner Zarifa Ghafari. For more information about the book check out goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60383049-zarifa How it works: - 10-15min Introduction round - 1 - 1,5h Free discussion around the book - 10min selection of the next book. (We will vote between three possible books. I bring two suggestions and we select a third one from the group. So if there is a book you like to discuss feel free to put it forward.) Don't worry if you cannot finish it in time. Just join us for a coffee or tea and a good conversation. :) Happy reading!

Let's meet to write ! Schedule : 11:00 - 11:30 am : Presentation tour. Share briefly with the group about your project and your "goal of the day". 11:30 - 13:30 : Let's write ! 13:30 : Conclusion tour. Did you achieve your goal of the day ? See you soon !

[This is a paid event and sign-up via the website is obligatory.](https://www.wordcraft-collective.eu/courses/haiku-for-kids) For maximum 10 participants. Children will embark on a creative writing journey inspired by nature and the Japanese art of haiku. Engaging oral activity: Exploring themes of nature and seasons, children will identify the elements of powerful poetry. Writing process exploration: Step-by-step guidance to develop a meaningful poem. Feedback and encouragement tailored to each child. Final creation: Each child will complete a poem and watercolour illustration by the end of the session. Children will enjoy themselves and gain confidence in this project based learning experience. Each child will receive feedback on how they can continue writing.

Dear attendees, the chosen book is "Educated" by Tara Westover. Some rules: 1\. the book discussion takes place in English\. 2\. the number of participants will be limited\, so please keep your RSVP updated\. This is important and respectful for the people that may be on the waiting list\. Participation cost: 1€ to cover Premium membership of the MeetUp platform

Meet and make new Friends after work.

Making new friends in a new city doesn’t need to be a struggle at all.

Join us for lunch/tea at Asterisk Supper Club to discuss our May book "Under the Oak Tree" by Suji Kim Lady Maximilian is the daughter of the powerful Duke Croyso, but she is rarely allowed outside her family’s sprawling castle for fear that her stutter will tarnish their noble name. When she is forced to marry Sir Riftan, a lowborn knight caught in one of her father’s schemes, Maxi doesn’t dare hope for happiness, let alone love. Her stumbling communication and his gruff manner sour their relationship before it can begin, and Riftan leaves without a word the morning after their vows are exchanged. Now, three years after their disastrous wedding night, Riftan has returned as a war hero. To Maxi’s surprise, despite rumors that he was offered marriage to Princess Agnes, a beautiful and renowned sorceress, Riftan still wants Maxi for his wife. And when he comes to claim her, his longing becomes a desire that bewilders Maxi, even as she is overcome by the scorching heat that Riftan’s presence ignites within her. As she learns to navigate the intricacies of her new life, Maxi will find herself and her courage, and discover that she is anything but powerless.

**Our May novel is: *The Quiet Librarian* by Allen Eskens** **This month’s book is set in the 20th century and mixes historical fiction with suspense and thriller elements. It also centers on women’s stories and relationships. The novel is 368 pages in print or 8 hours and 12 minutes on audiobook.** Hana Babic is a quiet, middle-aged librarian in Minnesota who wants nothing more than to be left alone. But when a detective arrives with the news that her best friend has been murdered, Hana knows that something evil has come for her, a dark remnant of the past she and her friend had shared. Thirty years before, Hana was someone else: Nura Divjak, a teenager growing up in the mountains of war-torn Bosnia—until Serbian soldiers arrived to slaughter her entire family before her eyes. The events of that day thrust Nura into the war, leading her to join a band of militia fighters, where she became not only a fierce warrior but a legend—the deadly Night Mora. But a shattering final act forced Nura to flee to the United States with a bounty on her head\*\*.\*\*

This month we’ll be ready Agnes Aubert’s Mystical Cat Shelter by Heather Fawcett. Feel free to come and chat even if you don’t finish the book!

Calling all founders, CEOs, lawyers, doctors, and entrepreneurs to join our special *Founder Edition* of Sip & Read meetup event. Let's sip on fine wine and discuss our first book **The 5AM Club- Own Your Morning Elevate Your Life, by Robin Sharma**. We will pair this book with our favorite wine at **Wine on High** and engage in thought-provoking discussions on startup businesses and entrepreneurship, and network with like-minded individuals in a cozy book club setting. Come prepared to discuss this month's book. At the end of each book club meeting, we will take next book and venue suggestions from the participants for the next meeting. Whether you are a book lover, women entrepreneur, or a content creator, this event is perfect for sharing ideas and insights with other funders and founders in the entrepreneurial world. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to connect, learn, and grow together. Sign up now to reserve your spot! *Fun fact! This meetup was established in 2015 and had over 1,000 members. I had to shut down operations while attending law school, but we're back!!*

Join us for our May Book Club gathering where we will come together to discuss *[Cantoras](https://caroderobertis.com/books/cantoras/)*[ ](https://caroderobertis.com/books/cantoras/)by [Caro de Robertis](https://caroderobertis.com/bio/) in a safe and welcoming environment. Make new friends who share your passion for books and connect with fellow LGBTQ book enthusiasts.