Robotics
Meet other local Robotics Enthusiasts to discuss ideas, building techniques, and have fun!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Check out robotics events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.
Discover all the robotics events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
Absolutely! Find robotics events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.
Robotics Events Today
Join in-person Robotics events happening right now
MP(FRI)-Sand Volleyball: BB - Crystal City
***Please read all and make sure you agree before you sign up.***
**Court Type:** Outdoor Sand
**Level:** intermediate (BB)
**Transportation:** Parking will be right by the sand courts, behind the courts, and there is garage parking close to the courts. Metro is the Blue and Yellow line.
**What to bring:** at least 3 bottles of water and a ball if you have one.
**MAX:** 10 players per net. (1 Net-small court)
**Restroom:** Restrooms are across the street in the restaurants.
**Host's Philosophy on This Event:**
The purpose of this meetup is to create a fun and supportive environment where we can improve our skills, enjoy competitive games, and connect socially. While we do aim to play seriously and challenge ourselves, the focus is more on growth and enjoyment than simply winning at all costs. That’s why the title doesn’t include “competitive” or “social”—we want a healthy mix of both. This is a space where you won’t be judged for making mistakes, ***but we do expect you to listen to the organizer if they make suggestions or adjustments***. We also expect a mindset geared toward learning and getting better over time. That said, this event isn’t intended for beginners; an understanding of the game is expected so that everyone can contribute to meaningful and engaging matches. The host holds the right to remove you from the game if they believe that you are at a C level.
**Skill Level:**
1. **If you want to know your level, please see the link below:**
[Smiley Social Volleyball Levels](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/edit)
**YouTube:**
The games may be recorded and uploaded to our channel here:
Let the host know if you have issues with this ahead of the event.
[https://www.youtube.com/@mp02626](https://www.youtube.com/@mp02626)
**ATTENDANCE:**
**Player Selection:** Regulars > Your Vibe > Smiley Flaky Ratio\* > Skills > New Members > New Member with a +1.
The host takes attendance very seriously. Please remove yourself from the event (if you can't make it) as early as possible to allow others to join. You will be marked as a ***no-show*** if you don't show up to the event.
One no-show means you will be removed from the group. See the rules below.
**\*The organizers can see the number of times you have attended events vs the times you have dropped out. If your drop rate is more than 50%, you may not be accepted to the going list.**
[Smiley Social Rules](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HrG35p_0M08leRvCp8XWG3CMkr_GL928XFabl5T6Dvg/edit)
**Q&A**
* Bringing your **dog** is welcome and encouraged.
* *Can I come if I don't know how to play?* No, you may not.
* *Can I be late or leave early?* The host expects you to be there **on time** and leave on time. If you need to arrive late or leave early, please let the host know in advance.
* *Can I come even if I am not on the going list?* No, sorry
* Why max the players at 10 when you can do 6v6? This court is already for 2v2; getting 6 players on each side is overkill.
* How can I become a regular if I don't ever get to attend? You can attend my other events. Show me you have good skills and bring good vibes!
**Smiley Social documents:**
1. [Group Rules](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HrG35p_0M08leRvCp8XWG3CMkr_GL928XFabl5T6Dvg)
2. [Liability Waiver](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1W2mq-7m99lmvd7gdWYaSUFtvVg4UGnzV6koafAbHmco)
3. [Smiley Social Volleyball Levels](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/edit)
blue
Advanced Expression (Level 2 American Rhythm)
[Book Your Classes by Clicking This Link! ](https://crowndancestudio.com/group-classes/)
Friday: Advanced Expression
End the work week with high-energy **Advanced Rhythm** from **7:00 PM to 8:30 PM**. This session dives deep into the technicalities of Latin and Ballroom styles like Rumba, Samba, or Mambo, designed for dancers who value precision and artistic expression. For $25, you'll receive intensive instruction that pushes your physical boundaries and refines your competitive or performance edge in a high-vibe atmosphere.
**When: Every Friday**
**Time: 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm.**
**1 Dances per month:**
**\*Please check the flyer on the group class page for the dance of the month. Or contact us to find out.**
**Cost:$25 per person for 90 min.**
Rhythmic Dance Fitness – Virginia: A Vibrant & Engaging Dance Experience!
Enjoy a vibrant and engaging dance experience that blends global rhythms and diverse styles. This class combines elements of Bollywood, Latin, and other dance forms into a smooth, easy-to-follow flow designed to get you moving and grooving at a comfortable pace. Perfect for all levels, this class focuses on fun, relaxation, and connection with the music while giving you a gentle workout.
Join us for a refreshing and enjoyable dance session! (Please wear socks).
Friday, April 10th from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm.
Held at the Brahma Kumaris Meditation Museum – Virginia, 14020 Thunderbolt Place, Suite 200, Chantilly, VA.
**FREE EVENT - Registration Required at [https://shorturl.at/KJoXv](https://shorturl.at/KJoXv)**
*Support the Brahma Kumaris Meditation Museum with your tax-deductible*
*contribution.*
**[CONTRIBUTE](https://www.meditationmuseum.org/contribute.html "https://www.meditationmuseum.org/contribute.html")**
Embassy Row Rooftop Havana Under the Stars with Latin Band & Salsa Lessons
**Advance ticket reservations required. Tickets/Info:**
[https://www.internationalclubdc.com/Events/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=DD620D86-02C6-4A7E-9A59-697506EA7E47](https://www.internationalclubdc.com/Events/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=DD620D86-02C6-4A7E-9A59-697506EA7E47)
Join us for a spectacular rooftop soirée under the stars with a live Latin band, salsa lessons, and sweeping views of the DC skyline at The Ven at Embassy Row!
Whether you’re new to the area or a longtime member, don't miss this wonderful opportunity to meet International Club of DC members, make new friends, and enjoy an evening filled with music and dancing amidst the spectacular backdrop of the DC skyline.
**Advance ticket reservations required. Tickets/Info:**
[https://www.internationalclubdc.com/Events/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=DD620D86-02C6-4A7E-9A59-697506EA7E47](https://www.internationalclubdc.com/Events/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=DD620D86-02C6-4A7E-9A59-697506EA7E47)
Enjoy cocktails and other drinks available for purchase as you enjoy a night of dancing and socializing under the stars. The evening starts with salsa lessons followed by dancing to a Latin band performing sounds of Havana. Reserve your tickets now, as space is limited.
A partner or prior dance experience are not needed to attend!
**Advance ticket reservations required. Tickets/Info:**
[https://www.internationalclubdc.com/Events/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=DD620D86-02C6-4A7E-9A59-697506EA7E47](https://www.internationalclubdc.com/Events/EventDetails.aspx?EventID=DD620D86-02C6-4A7E-9A59-697506EA7E47)
Carving Room (M Street Location)
The Craft Cocktail Club ventures to Carving Room to partake in their selection of fine craft cocktails and cuisine. Bring your appetite.
https://www.carvingroom.com/location/cr-noma/
Friday Night Skate
Bring your lights for the “Friday Night” Skate!
**Join us for the Friday Night Skate!** See the monuments of DC all lit up at night!
We will meet at the National World War I Memorial “Pershing Park” at 7pm. We’ll warm up with a nice easy skate to the Capital and skate along the mall and museums to the National Monument. We will then head to the Lincoln Memorial through the World War II Memorial.
Those interested in just a 5.5 mile skate can backtrack to Pershing Park.
The group will then proceed from the Lincoln to Haynes Point via Ohio Drive with the option to take the 3 mile loop (12 mile total skate) or sit by the water and enjoy the crisp air (8.5 mile total skate.)
There are three options to loop back to the Pershing Park WWI Memorial and our path back will depend on the preferences / skill of the group.
The skate is mostly flat on good pavement with a small slope coming down from the Washington Monument and a 40 yard small slop from the Lincoln to Ohio Drive. If skaters are more advanced we will cross the 14th St bridge, enjoy a few up and down hills and finish with a downhill through the 12th St. tunnel.
Please feel free to jazz it up with lights, I wear a helmet bike light, a fun set of lights and lighted wheels! Wear your lights so you have fun, can see and be seen!
In case of bad weather, I will cancel the skate by 6pm on this post.
**Of course, all skating is at your own risk.**
FRIDAY Asian Language Exchange [PLEASE READ🙏]
Come exchange Asian Languages that you speak!
***GRAB A DRINK AND YOU WILL BE ALL SET TO FLEX YOUR LANGUAGE CAPACITY. YOU NEED TO GET AT LEAST A DRINK OR FOOD :) To get the event going and show support. We know that you like our events. P.S. : We have non-alcoholic drinks as well.***
We have a tiny venue and we hit capacity often and early arrival is suggested.
We have the discretion to decide entry.
We will assign tables for represented languages. All languages are welcome! However we don't guarantee the availability of a partner in that particular language, you would like to exchange.
As you all remember well, this event used to bring out hundreds of people every week. However, it was discontinued last year for obvious reasons and we couldn't gather that many people now, because of restrictions. Hence, we are downsizing and caping the number of attendees. We have super limited spots and advance ticket purchase is required.
***AFTER THE HAPPY HOUR, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!***
HOW IT WORKS : We will try to assign tables for each represented languages and will direct attendees to their respective tables accordingly. All languages are welcome! However we don't guarantee the availability of a partner in that particular language, you would like to exchange.
Rules to abide :
1. Event is free and 21+ (bring ID).
2. Be respectful to your counterparts and give them a chance to exchange with others as well.
3. We all are native speakers of one or two languages and be willing to help others and try to accommodate as much as possible.
4. If you don't speak the other person's required language, LEAVE THEM ALONE.
5. Rude or aggressive members are removed from the group at an organizers discretion.
6. This is a face-to-face language exchange event. DO NOT try to arrange an online meeting, by using the comment box or direct message.
7. Most of our members complained about people writing in the comment box. Since it sends notification to all attendees. If you have any questions, send a message to the organizers. Don't write in the comment box.
8. We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via (info@merevents.com).
9. When you get there, we will greet you and take you to your respective group.
10. Don't be shy of your local languages. We have diplomates assigned to different countries, who would love to practice your languages.
11\. Be patient for the first 30 minutes\, up until we form your respective language group\.
12\. We will have a registration station and check you in\. You ought to have register on Meetup for a free entry\. Otherwise\, you will be subject to a cover charge\.
11. 13\. This is mainly a social for Intermediate/Advanced/Native Speaker\. It is not as such to learn a language\. Beginners\, if you want to learn a language\, reach out to us \(info@merevents\.com\)\. We have a school and will arrange you a class\.
12.
Robotics Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
Photograph Sails on the Potomac - Sat. June 13
June 12-14 is Sails on the Potomac in Alexandria. ([https://www.va250.org/event-detail/?id=24316](https://www.va250.org/event-detail/?id=24316)).
Fireworks at the Alexandria Waterfront at 9:00 PM on Saturday, June 13th.
From the website:
As a Sail 250 Virginia 2026 Affiliate Harbor, Alexandria will be hosting the largest tall ship event in the DC Metro region - Sails on the Potomac! This three-day event June 12-14, 2026 will highlight Alexandria's unique role in the birth of our new nation and its impact on today. Join us as we commemorate America's Story with music, family activities, exhibits, tours, public art, educational programs, and more!
Share only your very best, most interesting shots after the field trip, and keep it down to between 5 and 10 photos.
By sending in an RSVP and joining this meetup event hosted by the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I am also agreeing to the terms of the following release and waiver of liability, which shall be binding on my heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns. In consideration of my (and my child’s) participation in the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I do hereby release, discharge, and hold harmless the Organizer, its members, officers, directors, employees, and the leader(s) of this event from any and all liability by reason of any damage, loss, expenses, or injury arising from my (and my child’s) participation in this event, including that caused solely or in part by the fault of any and all of the above-named parties.
Dark Party Games for Terrible People
Do you want to sacrifice little children/pets in order to summon your favorite demons? Are you interested in creating monstrosities/crimes against nature and passing them off as "dates" for sexy singles? Do you want to pretend to be a human while actually being a robot bent on the destruction of humanity?
Join me in playing hilariously dark party games including but not limited to Let's Summon Demons, Master Dater (yes, that name is on purpose 😅), Human Punishment, and many more!
I will also have Mortal Kombat 11 available.
Free Self-Defense Class – Maryland Systema (Takoma Park)
Have you been thinking about trying self-defense training, but do not want a loud, aggressive, or overly competitive environment?
This free intro class is a simple way to get started.
Maryland Systema offers practical self-defense training for adults in Takoma Park with a focus on movement, awareness, breathing, posture, and calm under pressure. This class is designed for beginners and first-timers who want real-world self-defense training in a welcoming setting.
You do not need experience. You do not need to be in top shape. You do not need a martial arts background. You just need to show up ready to learn.
This is not a sport-based class built around winning points, memorizing routines, or trying to look impressive. It is a more practical approach to adult self-defense training that helps you stay balanced, aware, and functional when things feel uncertain.
If you have been searching for self-defense classes in Takoma Park, beginner self-defense near you, or practical self-defense training for adults, this class is a good place to start.
**What you will work on**
* Breathing and staying calm under pressure
* Movement that improves balance and mobility
* Awareness and posture
* Simple partner drills
* Practical self-defense training for beginners
**Who this class is for**
* Adults new to self-defense training
* Beginners looking for a low-pressure class
* People who want practical self-defense instead of sport martial arts
* Adults in Takoma Park, Silver Spring, Rockville, and nearby areas looking for realistic self-defense classes
**What to wear**
Please wear comfortable workout clothes. No uniform is required.
**Why start with this class**
This free intro class gives you a chance to experience the training, meet the group, and see whether Maryland Systema is the right fit for you before joining regular weekly classes.
**RSVP**
Reserve your spot and come try a beginner-friendly self-defense class in Takoma Park.
MEDITATION RETREAT: No Self, No Problem - Exploring Anatta
***\*Both In-Person & Private Live-Streaming***
**The word anatta** – which means no permanently abiding self – is at the very heart and core of Buddhist meditation practice, yet it is one of its most misunderstood concepts.
**When we explore anatta** through our meditation practice, it doesn’t mean we’re trying to get rid of who we are; it means we’re becoming more and more willing to see through the small, false, often negative ideas or beliefs of what we call “self.”
**In actuality,** we are so much bigger than who or what we think we are. In fact, we are not only vast, but constantly fluid and changing: new in each moment, and dying in each moment … much like waves on the ocean.
**During this silent meditation retreat,** we’ll be exploring anatta through various teachings, along with meditations designed to help us loosen our tenacious grip on the ego and sense of “self,” so that we can experience more freedom, peace, and ease in our lives.
**The format will include** both guided and silent meditation, a dharma talk, and walking meditation both inside and on the lovely, spacious church grounds. Lunch will be in silence, and participants are asked to bring their own.
**We’ll be gathering for our retreat on Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5:00 p.m** in the beautiful St. Francis Episcopal Church in Great Falls, VA. The peaceful interior is filled with large bright windows overlooking the great lawn and a canopy of trees. The expansive grounds include a special labyrinth, and many natural places to sit and walk.
**The format will include both guided and silent meditation**, a dharma talk, and walking meditation both inside and on the lovely, spacious church grounds. Lunch will be in silence, and participants are asked to bring their own.
**THE TEACHER:** Shell Fischer, founder and guiding teacher of Mindful Shenandoah (**[www.mindfulvalley.com](http://www.mindfulvalley.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExVFptRkN5cmpUVW9NWnlUaQEe04iYiwuuRDHGb8miRSO1_bG8Pdo-W2qefvsF41ER-Wr-PKZ7WKNnD_q03mg_aem_Hqz8SeHgbqFCh-0cegrr6Q)**) offers more than 30 years of extensive mindfulness training, study, and teaching. She is a Buddhist teacher, trained in the Tibetan Vajrayana tradition at Naropa University – the nation’s leading contemplative university – and in the Theravadan Vipassana (Insight) tradition by Dr. Tara Brach – one of the world’s foremost Insight teachers. She is a graduate of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction teacher-training program led by Jon Kabat-Zinn, founder of MBSR and the Stress Clinic at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. Prior to teaching, Shell wrote about mindfulness and yoga for national magazines.
**While offering the teachings of Insight Meditation**, Shell places great emphasis on the metta (loving-kindness) practices. Her hope is to guide you in nurturing even more kindness and compassion for yourself, others, and for all the situations you find yourself in throughout your life, through the heart-teachings and practices of mindfulness meditation.
**Shell warmly welcomes the inclusion and participation** of people of diverse identities, including those of all races, ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations, gender identities, classes, religions, abilities, and ages … with the aspiration that all feel welcome, safe, and respected as we practice together in community.
**When:** Sat., June 13, 2026, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. (also available online)
**Where:** St. Francis Episcopal Church, 9220 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA 22066
**Fee:** $85 in-person/$40 online
**[LEARN MORE HERE](https://www.mindfulvalley.com/retreats/june-13-2026-meditation-retreat-no-self-no-problem-exploring-anatta/)**
## Attendees
2
[Host](https://www.meetup.com/members/3560274)
[Shell Fischer](https://www.meetup.com/members/3560274)
[Organizer](https://www.meetup.com/members/3560274)
[Chloe](https://www.meetup.com/members/6537118)
[Member](https://www.meetup.com/members/6537118)
## Photos
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[See more events by Mindful Shenandoah Valley - Meditation Community](https://www.meetup.com/winchester-insight-meditation/events/)
## Related topics
[Events in Great Falls, VA](/find/us--va--great-falls/)
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Nemesis: Retaliation
We will be playing two games of **Nemesis:** **Retaliation** with up to 4 players per game. All experience levels welcome. Expect the game teach to start promptly within the first 10 minutes.
In **Nemesis: Retaliation** players take on the roles of highly trained marines, entering the alien nest with strict orders and the most advanced tools available. But will they be well-prepared enough to face the unrelenting horde that awaits them? Players must survive against overwhelming odds and the possibility of betrayal at every step. This is a semi-cooperative game in which you and your crewmates must survive on a ship infested with hostile organisms. To win the game, you have to complete one of the two objectives dealt to you at the start of the game and survive. You will find many obstacles on your way: swarms of Intruders, the poor physical condition of the ship, agendas held by your fellow players, and sometimes just cruel fate.
Find [here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXRMfvCweLI&pp=ygUfaG93IHRvIHBsYXkgbmVtZXNpcyByZXRhbGlhdGlvbg%3D%3D) a how to play video on youtube.
Find [here](https://awakenrealms.com/download) the rulebook.
Note: Please remember to update your RSVP if you can not attend the event. By updating your RSVP when you can't make it other players on the waitlist will have a chance to attend. No-shows may make it harder to attend future meetups. Also, all library rules apply to this meetup event. Mainly that no food is allowed in the library. Covered drinks are allowed.
Nature Walk in Columbia at Robinson Nature Center
Lets go for a nature walk of approximately 1 mile at Robinson Nature Center in Columbia ([map link](https://www.howardcountymd.gov/sites/default/files/2021-03/RobinsonTrailMap.pdf)). Afterwards we can explore the indoor exhibits. Unfortunately, Robinson doesn't allow dogs (since they can scare away the wildlife). See below for a full description from Robinson's website.
Prior to the walk, a few of us are meeting at Freetown Farm for the [Repair Cafe](https://sites.google.com/view/transitionhowardcounty/events/repair-cafe) which starts at 2pm. This is a place where you can bring your broken items to be fixed for free (please note: this is not an *actual* cafe, just a cute name for a place to meet and get your stuff fixed). If you have something to be fixed, I recommend signing up in advance (see link above) and showing up early. You can also mention in the comments if you plan to be there so we can look for you.
Afterwards we can plan to get something to eat if anyone's interested. Great Sage and other restaurants with vegan options are nearby.
Details from [Robinson website](https://www.howardcountymd.gov/recreation-parks/robinson-nature-center):
### **"Trail System**
Robinson Nature Center has approximately one mile of trails. Portions of the trail are paved, while the majority of the trails traverse rugged, wooded terrain. The paved portions of the trail are wheelchair- and stroller-accessible. Download or browse Robinson's Walking Trails brochure and a [map of the trails](https://www.howardcountymd.gov/sites/default/files/2021-03/RobinsonTrailMap.pdf).
**Accessing the Trails**
Our trails are accessible to pedestrian traffic when the building is closed. However, if you are driving to the Center, please note that the parking lot gates are only open during the building's hours of operation (Weds - Sat from 9AM to 5 PM, and Sun from Noon to 5 PM). For safety reasons, the trail may be closed if there is maintenance scheduled or if there are high winds.
**What You Can Expect**
Along our trails, you will encounter a stream crossing and views of the Middle Patuxent River. The trails are non-surfaced and take approximately 20-30 minutes to hike. Along the trails, you can enjoy a variety of trees marked by arboretum signage generously donated by the Howard County Forestry Board.
Please pay admission or purchase an annual pass if you plan to use our trail so that we may continue to maintain the trail.
**Trail Rules**
Please stay on our trail, marked with the yellow trail hiker symbol. Do not make your own trail. Bikes are not allowed on our trails as the trails are narrow and we do not want our walking patrons to be disturbed.
**Dog Policy**
Keep the Nature Center wild! We request that you refrain from bringing a dog to the Nature Center or the Nature Center trail. Many visitors come to the Nature Center to see birds and other wildlife that dogs scare away. Additionally, the Nature Center serves a large number of children who may be scared of dogs. We want children to feel safe and to have the chance to enjoy the wildlife. Please note that the Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks maintains numerous trails on which leashed dogs are welcome. Service animals trained to assist patrons with disabilities are welcome in the building and on the trails when harnessed."
Quads & Doubles Volleyball - Competitive intermediate/A
Let's get together to play some competitive quads and doubles volleyball.
**COST**: FREE
**Court Type**: Outdoor grass
**Minimum Skill Requirements**: Intermediate (click [here](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/mobilebasic) for details)
Attention:
1. This event is **NOT on a first come-first serve** basis and players with higher skill level and players who can bring a net/ball will get priority over others on the wait list.
2. Since skill levels are **self-reported**, some new attendees may not meet the expected level. For doubles, we encourage you to choose a partner you can enjoy the game with, and since this a competitive event, it is okay if you make a strong team and win all the games.
3. Each person must help set up and take down one net, leaving some nets unset for latecomers.
4. Please answer all questions, so it's helpful for us to organize the event.
**Smiley Social documents:**
1. [Group Rules](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HrG35p_0M08leRvCp8XWG3CMkr_GL928XFabl5T6Dvg)
2. [Smiley Social Volleyball Levels](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/edit)
3. [Good doubles partner](https://docs.google.com/document/d/14weEw-P52XKx0P8K2l-ZOFtYU61wmfdkSkopbG5avro/)
4. [Liability Waiver](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1W2mq-7m99lmvd7gdWYaSUFtvVg4UGnzV6koafAbHmco)
Robotics Events Near You
Connect with your local Robotics community
Battle of the personal agents
Join the Columbus AI community for a special event.
**Battle of the Personal Agents** is your chance to see what people are actually building with AI agents and personal automation systems. Whether you’re running OpenClaw, Hermes, or a completely custom solution, bring your agent and show the community how it works.
We’re interested in real-world implementations: the problems your agent solves, how you use it day-to-day, how it’s hosted and managed, how you built it, and why you’ve chosen to keep using it. Live demonstrations are encouraged, so be prepared to show your code, architecture, workflows, and your agent performing real tasks.
This is less about polished presentations and more about sharing practical experience, comparing approaches, and learning from one another. If you’d like to present, please contact Chris Slee (via meetup) before the event so we can allocate enough time for everyone’s demonstrations.
Come ready to show what you’ve built, discover what others are doing, and maybe find a few ideas worth taking home.
Whether you’re deep in the field or just getting curious, come connect with others building and exploring AI in Columbus.
Sponsored by [Transform Labs](https://www.linkedin.com/company/transformlabs/)
Sign up also accessible via [Transform Labs Luma](https://luma.com/transformlabshq)
Discount Tuesday: DEATH OF ROBIN HOOD vs TOY STORY 5 at Marcus Crosswoods!
Join us for a Discount Tuesday / Choose Your Movie event to see your choice of the A24 thriller THE DEATH OF ROBIN HOOD or the latest animated adventure in the always great series, TOY STORY 5! Should be a winner either way! Here are details, trailers and our plan for this event:
THE DEATH OF ROBIN HOOD: This thriller from A24 is being called a dark adaptation of the 17th-century ballad Robin Hood's Death. It follows an aged Robin Hood in the hands of a mysterious woman after being critically injured as he grapples with his past life of crime and murder. The film is written / directed by Michael Sarnoski and stars Hugh Jackman, Jodie Comer, Bill Skarsgård, Murray Bartlett and Noah Jupe. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlSDDuWxO_0&t=1s
TOY STORY 5: The fifth installment of what is quite possibly the best animated series ever! With something for everyone, this animated adventure faceS a new crisis as 8-year old Bonnie has become enamored with the new favorite plaything, a frog-like tablet named Lilypad! The film stars returning cast members Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Tony Hale, John Ratzenberger, Wallace Shawn, Annie Potts, Bonnie Hunt, Keanu Reeves, and Melissa Villaseñor, along with newcomers Greta Lee, Conan O'Brien, Craig Robinson, Matty Matheson, Jeff Bergman, Anna Vocino and Ernie Hudson. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c51ND9Hdbw0
PLAN: We’ll plan for 7pm-ish showings of both films and will meet in the bar area about 30 minutes before the movies. Once showtimes are announced, advance ticket purchase is advised. Once you have yours, please list your movie of choice and seat number in the Comments below. Discount Tuesday prices just $7 or $6 for Marcus Movie Rewards members (which is free to join and includes a free popcorn on Tuesdays)!
Look forward to seeing you there, Dan
AI Agents 101: How to Make ChatGPT Do Actual Work
Most people still use AI like a search box: type one question, get one answer, repeat.
But the next step is AI agents: systems that can take a goal, break it into steps, use tools, remember context, and produce useful work for a human to review.
In this beginner-friendly session, we’ll demystify what AI agents actually are — without hype or jargon. We’ll walk through practical examples of how agents can help with research, planning, writing, coding, operations, and personal productivity.
We’ll cover:
* What makes an AI “agent” instead of just a chatbot
* How agents break tasks into steps
* Where agents are genuinely useful today
* Where they fail, hallucinate, or need human review
* How to design simple AI workflows for your own work
* A live demo of an AI agent-style workflow from start to finish
No coding experience required. This is for anyone who wants to understand where AI tools are going and how to use them more effectively right now.
LOGISTICS AND PARKING:
The talk starts at 7:00 PM. The first half hour is reserved for everyone to get set up and mingle. Free pizza and drinks!
The cheapest parking option is to find street parking, which will only cost you a few bucks. Otherwise, park in the nearby veteran's museum lot for $8. It's highly recommended you avoid the nearby $15 garage parking.
Smart Search + AI: An Outcome-Driven Journey from IDP to a Suite of AI
Over a billion documents processed. Millions of Veterans impacted. Hundreds of thousands of employee hours saved. Faster decisions. Greater accuracy. More benefits in the hands of our disabled Veterans.
We created Smart Search, the world’s largest consumer of Amazon Textract, right when GenAI began reshaping what’s possible. Since then, we’ve built a suite of AI‑driven solutions that transform this data into real, measurable outcomes—accelerating benefits decisions for our Nation’s Veterans.
Join us for a focused conversation on how an outcome‑driven approach to AI is helping us boost accuracy, streamline workflows, and deliver faster results for those who have served.
This is a follow up to the AWS re:Invent 2023 "Intelligent Document Processing with Gen AI for Public Sector" presentation.
About Speaker: Cameron Williams is a Senior Technical Project Manager and cross-functional technical leader at Booz Allen Hamilton with 15+ years of experience architecting and evolving scalable, cloud-native systems, from greenfield development to complex enterprise modernization. https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameronw711/
**THANK YOU** *Franklin University* for hosting our meetup! To learn more about *Franklin University*, please visit their website: https://www.franklin.edu/
**DIRECTIONS**
Franklin University
Fisher Hall
300 E. Main St, Columbus, OH 43215
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jxjBA2hUmS5qrvhq8
Parking is FREE! Please park in Lot C in front of Fisher Hall. See attached map.
NOTE: Map the address only. When mapping with Google Maps it may use the Fisher Hall at OSU, which is NOT correct.
**Want to sponsor the pizza and/or bar tab?**
Please contact me if you would like to sponsor this meetup's pizza and/or bar tab: angelo@mandato.com
Stop Guessing: A Product Person's Guide to AI Adoption
## 🤝 Host Information
A co-hosted event by ProductTank Columbus & Women in Product Columbus
💡 About the Workshop
AI adoption is stalling across organizations — not because of a lack of motivation or tools, but because it's fundamentally a behavior design challenge.
This hands-on workshop applies proven Behavior Design models and methods to help you move from a vague organizational wish to boost AI adoption to 3-5 concrete, testable interventions you can act on starting tomorrow.
Whether you're a product manager, on a product team, or just someone trying to get AI to actually stick at work, you'll leave with a clear picture of what's worth focusing on, what to ignore, and how to drive real, sustained adoption — no guesswork required.
🛠️ What to Bring
Laptop: Fully charged and ready to go.
AI Assistant: Have your favorite AI assistant pulled up. (Dom will be using Claude, but feel free to use whichever assistant you prefer!)
🍕 Logistics & Perks
Food & Drink: Pizza and drinks provided!
Parking: Plenty of free spaces available on-site.
###
Claude Code with Unity
A session on using Claude Code, Anthropic's AI coding agent, in real Unity development. We'll cover what coding agents are, where Claude Code fits, and how to apply it to an actual game project.
The format is presentation-style, with live demos and time for questions throughout. After brief scene-setting on coding agents and what makes Claude Code distinct, we'll go problem-driven: demoing it live on a released Unity game and introducing each feature as a solution to a problem we hit.
What to Expect:
* An intro to coding agents and where Claude Code fits
* A live demo on a real Unity project
* Key features as solutions to real problems: 𝖢𝖫𝖠𝖴𝖣𝖤.𝗆𝖽, context management, hooks, skills, subagents, and MCP
* Unity-specific pain points, including Domain Reload and MCP caveats
* Putting it together
All experience levels welcome. Food and drinks provided.
*Note: meetup topics may change — check back for the latest details.*
Columbus Arduino Raspberry Pi Enthusiasts (CARPE) (Check Location)
Bring your Raspberry Pi, Arduino, microcontroller, or any other electronic project and join fellow electronics makers for a night of creativity and collaboration!
This session is open forum to share your current projects—whether complete or in progress, it’s all interesting! Whether you’re deep into embedded systems, exploring new ideas, or just getting started, you’ll find a welcoming space to collaborate, share, and get inspired.
**New to electronics or curious about tinkering?**
You’re absolutely welcome. If you’re a beginner and want to experiment, I’ll have a couple of starter kits available so you can try things out—whether that’s blinking your first LED, putting something on a display, or experimenting with simple sensors. No pressure and no experience required—just an interest in learning and building.
While we continue to pursue a more permanent venue for this Meetup, we’ll be using public library facilities based on availability. This session will be at the Worthington Park Library in the Olentangy Meeting Room.
















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