SAS

We’re very happy to announce the 14th **Python User Group** meetup! 🐍 This time the event will take place in **Mechelen**. Big thanks to [Datashift](https://www.datashift.eu) for kindly hosting us 🫶 **🗓️ Agenda** You're welcome from 18:30 onwards. **⭐️ Session 1 \| A modern data stack demo across engineering\, quality\, governance** \- by [Arnaud Gueulette](https://www.linkedin.com/in/arnaud-gueulette/) A hands-on demonstration of how to integrate leading DataOps and Data Governance tools to automate data quality checks, orchestrate transformations, enforce governance policies, and deliver trusted analytics across the full data lifecycle. **⭐️ Session 2 \| A modern template for Python projects** \- by [Lode Nachtergaele](https://www.linkedin.com/in/lodenachtergaele/) A demo and discussion of the rationale behind the template publicly available at [https://github.com/cast42/python-minimal-boilerplate](https://github.com/cast42/python-minimal-boilerplate). It's a modern minimal boilerplate for a Python project, based on uv and ruff, with a focus on the new kids on the block: ty, logfire, and zensical. **⭐️ Session 3 \| From venv to isolated application directory: why virtualenvs are not enough** \- by [Wouter Vanden Hove](https://www.linkedin.com/in/woutervh/) A talk packed with tips & tricks from 20 years of real-world experience to set up and maintain robust Python applications. Food and drinks will be provided by Datashift🍴🥃 Hope to see you there! 🚀 Don't forget to RSVP 😇

Unisciti a noi a **Roma** il **22 gennaio 2026** per un evento serale esclusivo dedicato a **imprenditori**, **manager** e **professionisti** che vogliono scoprire come digitalizzare la propria azienda e ottimizzarne la gestione. Ti presenteremo Odoo, il **software all-in-one** che semplifica la gestione della tua azienda: dalle vendite alla logistica, dal marketing alla contabilità, tutto in un’unica piattaforma integrata. Una suite completa di strumenti progettati **per le PMI e per chi ogni giorno deve far funzionare e crescere il proprio business**. **Programma dell’evento 🔎** **19:00** \- Accoglienza e benvenuto **19:15 – 21:00** \- Presentazione di Odoo con demo interattiva\, consigli e best practice per digitalizzare la tua azienda **21:00 – 22:00** \- Aperitivo di networking **Ti aspettiamo! Iscriviti gratuitamente qui ➡️** https://www.odoo.com/r/YFzW **La partecipazione è gratuita, ma la registrazione è obbligatoria.** **—** ### **Informazioni utili** **📍 Dove?** The Building Hotel, Via Montebello, 126, 00185 **📅 Quando?** 22 gennaio 2026 **📝 Iscrizione:** https://www.odoo.com/r/YFzW **💰 Evento gratuito** Non vediamo l’ora di incontrarti e mostrarti come Odoo può trasformare la gestione della tua azienda! L’evento sarà presentato in italiano.

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: [Monday to Thursday](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 : [lundi à jeudi](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)

# 🔥 Apache Spark Belgium Meetup - January 2026 Edition **📅 Thursday, January 22, 2026** **📍 Dataminded HQ, Vismarkt 17, Leuven** **🕠 17:30 – 20:00 CET** Join us for the first **Apache Spark Belgium** Meetup of 2026! This edition focuses on **practical challenges and optimisations in Spark** \- from understanding distributed execution to reducing your compute bill\. Whether you're a data engineer, platform architect, or someone wrangling costs and performance in large-scale data pipelines - this one’s for you. *** ## 🎤 Talks & Speakers ### 1. **Distributed Computing Unpacked** **🗣️ Meni Shmueli** - *Co-founder & CEO at DataFlint* Distributed computing especially with Apache Spark can feel unnecessarily complex, but under the hood it's a beautiful system of trade-offs. In this talk, Meni walks through how distributed engines optimize for speed, fault tolerance, and scalability and how understanding these mechanics can help you fix real-world performance issues in your Spark jobs. *** ### 2. **A Practical Guide to Tame Your Spark Costs** **🗣️ Niels Claeys** - *Lead Data Engineer & Partner at Dataminded* Running Spark jobs at scale? You’ve probably seen the bills. In this session, Niels shares practical techniques for diagnosing costly jobs, reducing waste, and write efficient Spark pipelines. *** ## 🗓️ Agenda * **17:30 – 18:00** \| Welcome\, 🍕 pizza & drinks * **18:00 – 18:05** \| Intro * **18:05 – 18:40** \| Talk 1 \+ Q&A: *Distributed Computing Unpacked* * **18:40 – 19:10** \| Talk 2 \+ Q&A: *Taming Your Spark Costs* * **19:10 – 20:00** \| Networking\, drinks & hallway chats *** ## 🎟️ RSVP This is a free, in-person event — just make sure to RSVP as spots are limited.

Already some experience in Salsa On 1 or Salsa On 2? Join Oscar & Joke each Thursday and / or Sunday for their intermediate 1 class. Our classes are inclusive. We take the time you need to learn the style and take you step-by-step with us into the world of Salsa. We teach mainly in English and speak also Dutch, French and Spanish. Come and give it a go! Thursday schedule 7-8:15 pm intermediate 1 8:15-8:45 pm open footwork level 2 (int 1 & 2) 8:45-10 pm intermediate 2 (only for students that come out of the intermediate 1 class) Term dates Thursdays: **15/1, 22/1, 29/1, 5/2, 12/2, 26/2, 5/3, 12/3, 19/3, 26/3** We teach the same intermediate 1 class also on Sundays - you can always switch a Thursday for a Sunday if you like or compensate a week of travel with a week where you take both classes. 10 classes are 110 euro ( classes of 1h15 + 30min of solo footwork for free) Additional information about prices and more: studionysalsa.be

Socializing and Networking 🛜🆕 at PLUX on Thursday. Making new friends and drinking 🚰🎈🎉🚿🌊. Everybody Welocme, locals, expats or new 🆕 in town.

🇬🇧 EN 🇬🇧 🔥 SALSA CUBANA CLASSES ARE BACK 🔥 We are delighted to see you again for the start of the 2025/26 academic year 👉 Find all the needed information on our website : **[https://danzamania.be/](https://danzamania.be/horaires/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExUjNGU3gzRWdsUFlWMGJMQgEeCHgiKV40mum5hOp5szt0Lxx3U-5DyHO_wR_ZJekcr_m7EFRdpcRthKRV9EU_aem_W6hFXCri8O6Kd9el-RIuIQ)** ✅ PROGRAMME ✅ 👉 TUESDAY 16/09 7:00-8:00 pm - Salsa Level 1A @ Salle Oxygène - Angie, Octavia & Raffa 8:15-9:15 pm - Salsa Niveau 1B\* @ Salle Ste Suzanne - Tine & Sam 8:00-9:00 pm - Salsa Cubana Level 2 @ Salle Oxygène - Angie, Octavia & Raffa \*The Level 1B course is the same as the Level 1A course. It will be taught by Tine & Samuel and starts at 8.15 p.m. It allows those who wish to arrive one hour later and have a group of about 10 people. 👉 WEDNESDAY 17/09 7:00-7:30 pm - Body Expression @ Salle Oxygène - Yusnay, Tine & Raffa 7:30-8:30 pm - Salsa Level 3 @ Salle Oxygène - Yusnay, Tine & Raffa 8:30-9:30 pm - Salsa Level 4 @ Salle Oxygène - Yusnay, Tine & Raffa 👉 THURSDAY 18/09 8:00-9:00 pm - Cuban Salsa Partnerwork - Level 1 + @ Studio Empain - Zoli 9:00-10:00 pm - Cuban Salsa Partnerwork - Level 2 + @ Studio Empain - Zoli 👉 FRIDAY 19/09 8:30-9:30 pm - Rueda de Casino @ Vibrato - Team Danza Mania 9:30-12:30 am - Practica & Entertainment with DJ Joel 💃 Dale Mambo🕺

**Whether you’re an avid knitter, crocheter, embroiderer, or simply curious to try something creative, join us for a cozy** **crafting meetup at** **Malina More Studio** **in Brussels 😊** Bring any ongoing fiber‑craft projects and enjoy creating together while chatting over tea or coffee. This event is free and open to all levels, but please note it is ***not* a formal lesson.** **Spots are limited, registration is required!** **Please register here:** https://luma.com/5o86e5ls 🧶 **What to bring** Your own materials: knitting needles, yarn, threads, hoops, etc. This is a self‑led social crafting meetup. 😊 **WHO** Friendly English‑speaking crafters of all genders and ages; open to all experience levels. ☕ **Food & Drinks** To make our gathering even cozier, to create a warm, shared atmosphere, you’re invited to bring something for the tea table : tea bags or loose tea, coffee capsules for a Nespresso machine, pads for a Senseo machine, snacks, sweets, or any small bites to share with others. 💗 **Contributions** If you prefer, you can contribute to the studio rent instead. Any amount starting from €5. Your support truly makes this event possible and helps us continue hosting such creative community gatherings in the future! Every little bit helps! 🧵 **Volunteers needed** This event will take place only if we have at least 3 volunteers to help beginners with knitting or embroidery. If you’d like to volunteer, please send a private message or email at **contact@malinamore.studio**. **IMPORTANT:** **✨** **Spots are limited.** Registration is required! If you register for the event, please make sure you attend! **If your plans change, update your status to “Not Going” as early as possible so we can offer your spot to someone else.** **✨** Please, don't be late! **✨** Follow the Malina More Studio on INSTAGRAM ☺️ [https://www.instagram.com/malinamore.studio/](https://www.instagram.com/malinamore.studio/) 🌷 Let’s have a ball (of yarn)! 💛

Hi everyone, This coffee morning event is @ KAWA - Galerie Bortier! Saturday, 24 January 2026, from 10:00 - 13:00. It's limited to 65 attendees. Therefore, please, cancel if you can't join anymore. **Galerie Bortier opened its doors about a year ago, and KAWA café is inside the gallery.** **The bar, however, is at the entrance of the gallery. Get your drink there, and then walk into the gallery to the café/sitting area.** Its Instagram channel: https://www.instagram.com/gallery.bortier/ https://www.instagram.com/kawaclub.bxl/ **The address is:** KAWA - Galerie Bortier Rue de la Madeleine 55 1000 Bruxelles *** 1. The **prime time** of the event is **10:30 - 12:30**. That's when most people will be there. 2. When you enter the gallery, it's either on the right-hand side or left-hand side of its hallway, depending which entrance you take. 3. If you intend **to join past 12:00** (high noon), then there is no need to register. Just come and join! 4. **DON'T forget to cancel** if you can't join! 5. **Please, be respectful towards each other during the event. (And after ;))** **As always, feel free to follow us on INSTAGRAM!** [https://instagram.com/weekendmorningcoffee?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==](https://instagram.com/weekendmorningcoffee?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==) **THE STRUCTURE of THE EVENT:** * I will post the event on Saturday/Sunday evening for the following Saturday. * I send out a reminder to everyone on Friday. * There is sometimes a waiting list. * In case RSVP is closed (once there are 10-15 people on the waiting list), I might reopen it on Friday, depending on the number of cancellations in the meantime. * **For everyone on the waiting,** please check your status and messages on Friday evening the latest. I message everyone on the waiting list on Friday. * **Please, move to "not going" AS SOON AS you know that you can't come anymore, that includes everyone who is on the waiting list.** **IMPORTANT:** * **Please, be respectful towards each other during the event. (And after ;))** * When you register yourself, be careful not to register accidentally a +1 guest (unless you bring a guest). It happens very often. * If you have any questions then, message me. *** **A MESSAGE FOR NEWCOMERS:** *In the three years of hosting this coffee group, I have met many people who struggle with anxieties when coming to an event for the first time. Sometimes, it took them more than one attempt before being able to join.* *Occasionally, people reach out to me before the event, and I have always been grateful for that as it offers the opportunity to communicate with each other and to find the best and most gentle way for that person to join the group.* *I would like to encourage everyone who struggles with this to contact me before. It would really be too bad if you can't join us, as it mostly gets better the second or third time you come.* *In addition to that, if you arrive and notice any signs of nervousness or fear, you can always let me know right then.* **THANK YOU AND SEE YOU ALL ON Saturday!**

Hi everyone, This coffee morning event is @ Café de Voyageurs! Sunday, 25 January 2026, from 10:00 - 12:30. It's limited to 25 attendees. Therefore, please, cancel if you can't join anymore. Café de Voyageurs opened its doors about 7 months ago. Dalila the owner is one of the most friendly hosts that I have met in Brussels in the past 5 years. She has give her café an African feeling & atmosphere as she is Algerian herself. The Instagram channel: https://www.instagram.com/cafe.des.voyageurs/ **The address is:** Café de Voyageurs 274 Chaussee de Wavre 1050 Ixelles *** 1. The **prime time** of the event is **10:30 - 12:30**. That's when most people will be there. 2. When you enter the gallery, it's either on the right-hand side or left-hand side of its hallway, depending which entrance you take. 3. If you intend **to join past 12:00** (high noon), then there is no need to register. Just come and join! 4. **DON'T forget to cancel** if you can't join! 5. **Please, be respectful towards each other during the event. (And after ;))** **As always, feel free to follow us on INSTAGRAM!** [https://instagram.com/weekendmorningcoffee?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==](https://instagram.com/weekendmorningcoffee?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==) **THE STRUCTURE of THE EVENT:** * I will post the event on Saturday/Sunday evening for the following Saturday. * I send out a reminder to everyone on Friday. * There is sometimes a waiting list. * In case RSVP is closed (once there are 10-15 people on the waiting list), I might reopen it on Friday, depending on the number of cancellations in the meantime. * **For everyone on the waiting,** please check your status and messages on Friday evening the latest. I message everyone on the waiting list on Friday. * **Please, move to "not going" AS SOON AS you know that you can't come anymore, that includes everyone who is on the waiting list.** **IMPORTANT:** * **Please, be respectful towards each other during the event. (And after ;))** * When you register yourself, be careful not to register accidentally a +1 guest (unless you bring a guest). It happens very often. * If you have any questions then, message me. *** **A MESSAGE FOR NEWCOMERS:** *In the three years of hosting this coffee group, I have met many people who struggle with anxieties when coming to an event for the first time. Sometimes, it took them more than one attempt before being able to join.* *Occasionally, people reach out to me before the event, and I have always been grateful for that as it offers the opportunity to communicate with each other and to find the best and most gentle way for that person to join the group.* *I would like to encourage everyone who struggles with this to contact me before. It would really be too bad if you can't join us, as it mostly gets better the second or third time you come.* *In addition to that, if you arrive and notice any signs of nervousness or fear, you can always let me know right then.* **THANK YOU AND SEE YOU ALL ON Saturday!**

Hi, Brussels Runners is also accessible as a club on Strava where you can sign up for the same events. ([Strava Event](https://www.strava.com/clubs/1211350/group_events/2021351)) Join us for our weekly Saturday run at 10 am at Bois de la Cambre ! We run 5 kms around Bois de la Cambre divided in one bigger lap of 3,5 kms and a smaller one of 1,5 kms. Both start and end at the Woodpecker so, if needed, you can stop there after the first lap. Our goal is to make running more accessible, for that, the pace is very beginner friendly which is around 06:30-07:00 min/km. Let's all have a drink after and chat at the Woodpecker of Bois de la Cambre. Excited to see you there, Rouge Run Club Acknowledgement of member responsibility and release of liability By signing up for this event, you agree to release the organizers from any responsibility and liability in all claims. As the participation is strictly voluntary and you freely choose to join, it is the responsibility of individuals participating to ensure that they are fit enough and have adequate coverage to protect themselves.

Run a national space agency competing and cooperating to build the International Space Station. You’ll train astronauts, launch missions, install modules, and run experiments while sharing limited station resources. It’s a smart mix of cooperation and competition, with constant tension between helping the ISS survive and maximizing your own scientific achievements. [How to Play](https://youtu.be/XqUFCCjzc5c?si=-_fVO3rXnT-XK_RQ) [BGG](https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/367280/1998-iss) [Rulebook](https://gamers-hq.de/media/pdf/86/31/5e/1998-Rules.pdf) Everyone is welcome! No previous experience or game knowledge needed — I’ll explain all the rules before we start.

You are looking for a change of scene, want something that move's you and wonder if dancing Salsa might be a good option. You're right – Salsa will lift your spirit and introduce you to a whole new group of people and an exciting scene. Join Oscar & Joke each Tuesday and/or Sunday as they guide you through Salsa from the basics, through to the advanced. Our classes are inclusive. We take the time you need to learn the style and take you step-by-step with us into the world of Salsa. We teach mainly in English and speak also Dutch, French and Spanish. Come and give it a go! Salsa is a good way to move your body, have fun and give your mind some mental sorbet after a turbulent day. Everyone welcome! Sundayschedule 13h45 to 15h Beginners 15h to 15h30 Footwork (shines) beginners & adv beginners 15h30 to 16h45 Advanced Beginners 16h45 to 17h15 Footwork Intermediate 1 & 2 17h15 to 18h30 Intermediate 1 Term dates Sundays: **18/1, 25/1, 1/2, 8/2, 15/2, 1/3, 8/3, 15/3, 22/3, 29/3** New students are accepted up to the 3rd class (latest start 1/2), after that please contact us for a private so we can get you up to speed with the material before joining the rest of the group. We teach the same class also on Tuesdays - so you can compensate a week of travel with a week where you take both classes. 10 classes are 120 euro ( classes of 1h15 + 30min of solo footwork for free) Additional information about prices and more: studionysalsa.be

Let's continue the tradition and play UNO, everybody is welcome :) If you're on the waitlist please check your messages, especially on Sunday. If people drop off last minute I tend to message people on the waitlist to see who can come. We'll be playing at the lobby of Radisson RED, Brussels. The address of the hotel is: Rue d'Idalie 35, 1050 Bruxelles My number is 0471 45 55 02. Feel free to call if you cannot solve a physics question, cannot find the place or simply need a hug. I have quickly written a set of rules on how we play. It is assumed that the reader has a basic concept of the game. *** Setup: * Each player starts with 6 or 7 cards each (depending on total number of players) * A card is shown in play in the middle of everyone, this is known as the top card. Goal: * The goal of the game for each player is to get rid of all cards in your hand Rules: * Whenever you go from two cards to one card, you have to say "UNO". * Each player takes his turn one by one, initially going in the clock-wise direction * A card may be played if it matches the same colour or same number or same type as the top card in play * The two black cards (Draw 4 and Wild) can be played regardless of the top card in play. * Interruption rule: You may interrupt the general flow of the game (clockwise or counter-clockwise) if you have the EXACT same card as the top card in play. If you manage to play the card prior to the person whose turn it's supposed to be, then the game continues on from you in the same direction it was previously. (Unless the reverse card was interrupted, then the direction changes). * Draw2 or Draw4 cards can be played in accordance to the interruption rule. The following person after the interrupt has to take the accumulated number of cards. If however, cards have already been drawn AND seen by the person who was supposed to take the cards, then only the remainder of cards has to be drawn. * Once someone has no cards remaining in his hand, play stops and we start counting points. Points: * Number cards have the face value as the number of points. i.e. number 6 is worth 6 points, number 0 is worth 0 points, number 4 is worth 4 points. * Skip, reverse and Draw2 are worth 20 points each * Wild and draw4 are worth 50 points each

## Details \#\# Learn Infrastructure\-as\-Code \(the FUN Way\) — Through Minecraft 🎮☁️ **Joint Meetup: DevOps Columbus - Azure CBUS - Columbus HashiCorp User Group** What if learning Terraform and Infrastructure-as-Code didn’t feel like a whitepaper… but more like a game? Join us for a joint DevOps Columbus, Azure CBUS and Columbus HashiCorp User Group meetup where **Mark Tinderholt** \(Principal Architect\, Microsoft Azure \| HashiCorp Ambassador \| “The Azure Terraformer”\) shows how **Minecraft** can be used as a surprisingly powerful way to understand real-world Infrastructure-as-Code concepts. In this session, Mark will demonstrate how Terraform and Azure can be used to provision, configure, and manage Minecraft servers—while teaching the same patterns you’d use for production cloud infrastructure. \#\#\# What we’ll cover * Infrastructure-as-Code fundamentals using **Terraform** * Provisioning real infrastructure on **Azure** * Applying **IaC best practices** (immutability, repeatability, versioning) * How playful environments like Minecraft make complex concepts *click* * Why learning through experimentation beats click-ops every time \#\#\# Who should attend * Developers, platform engineers, and cloud engineers * Terraform users (new or experienced) * Anyone curious about Infrastructure-as-Code but tired of boring examples * Minecraft fans who want to see it used in a totally unexpected way No prior Minecraft experience required—just curiosity and a willingness to learn infrastructure the fun way. Come for the blocks, stay for the Terraform. 🧱➡️📐

## Learn Infrastructure-as-Code (the FUN Way) — Through Minecraft 🎮☁️ **Joint Meetup: Azure CBUS × Columbus HashiCorp User Group × DevOps Columbus** What if learning Terraform and Infrastructure-as-Code didn’t feel like a whitepaper… but more like a game? Join us for a joint Azure CBUS, Columbus HashiCorp User Group, and DevOps Columbus meetup where **Mark Tinderholt** \(Principal Architect\, Microsoft Azure \| HashiCorp Ambassador \| “The Azure Terraformer”\) shows how **Minecraft** can be used as a surprisingly powerful way to understand real-world Infrastructure-as-Code concepts. In this session, Mark will demonstrate how Terraform and Azure can be used to provision, configure, and manage Minecraft servers—while teaching the same patterns you’d use for production cloud infrastructure. ### What we’ll cover * Infrastructure-as-Code fundamentals using **Terraform** * Provisioning real infrastructure on **Azure** * Applying **IaC best practices** (immutability, repeatability, versioning) * How playful environments like Minecraft make complex concepts *click* * Why learning through experimentation beats click-ops every time ### Who should attend * Developers, platform engineers, and cloud engineers * Terraform users (new or experienced) * Anyone curious about Infrastructure-as-Code but tired of boring examples * Minecraft fans who want to see it used in a totally unexpected way No prior Minecraft experience required—just curiosity and a willingness to learn infrastructure the fun way. Come for the blocks, stay for the Terraform. 🧱➡️📐 Want to be a speaker? submit your talk to our Call for Presenters!!! https://sessionize.com/azure-cbus-2026/

**Important time note:** Please plan on arriving between 5:30 and 6:00 as the elevators lock after 6 and you'll need to message us and we'll need to come get you. The building address is 4450 Bridge Park The entrance is 6620 Mooney St, Suite 400 **Abstract** GitHub Copilot is rapidly changing how developers write, understand, and maintain code. Powered by generative AI and deeply integrated into modern development environments, Copilot acts as an intelligent coding assistant, helping developers move faster while maintaining quality and focus. In this session, we’ll explore what GitHub Copilot is, how it works, and where it fits into a real-world developer workflow. We’ll break down what Copilot can (and cannot) do, where it can be used, and how licensing differs for individuals and organizations. Most importantly, this talk goes beyond theory with a live, hands-on demo showcasing Copilot inside the IDE and on GitHub, demonstrating how it can assist with code generation, refactoring, learning new APIs, and accelerating day-to-day development tasks. Designed for developers, technical leads, and engineering managers, this session provides a practical introduction to AI-assisted development, highlights best practices for getting value from Copilot, and closes with guidance on how to continue learning and evolving alongside this rapidly advancing tool. Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of how GitHub Copilot can enhance productivity, improve developer experience, and fit into modern software teams today, not someday. **YouTube Link** TBA

## Learn Infrastructure-as-Code (the FUN Way) — Through Minecraft 🎮☁️ **Joint Meetup: Azure CBUS × Columbus HashiCorp User Group** What if learning Terraform and Infrastructure-as-Code didn’t feel like a whitepaper… but more like a game? Join us for a joint Azure CBUS and Columbus HashiCorp User Group meetup where **Mark Tinderholt** \(Principal Architect\, Microsoft Azure \| HashiCorp Ambassador \| “The Azure Terraformer”\) shows how **Minecraft** can be used as a surprisingly powerful way to understand real-world Infrastructure-as-Code concepts. In this session, Mark will demonstrate how Terraform and Azure can be used to provision, configure, and manage Minecraft servers—while teaching the same patterns you’d use for production cloud infrastructure. ### What we’ll cover * Infrastructure-as-Code fundamentals using **Terraform** * Provisioning real infrastructure on **Azure** * Applying **IaC best practices** (immutability, repeatability, versioning) * How playful environments like Minecraft make complex concepts *click* * Why learning through experimentation beats click-ops every time ### Who should attend * Developers, platform engineers, and cloud engineers * Terraform users (new or experienced) * Anyone curious about Infrastructure-as-Code but tired of boring examples * Minecraft fans who want to see it used in a totally unexpected way No prior Minecraft experience required—just curiosity and a willingness to learn infrastructure the fun way. Come for the blocks, stay for the Terraform. 🧱➡️📐 Want to be a speaker? submit your talk to our Call for Presenters!!! https://sessionize.com/cbus-hug-2026/

**\*\*\* We've Moved! Bold Penguin - 6555 Longshore St, Dublin, OH 43017 \*\*\*** Please note that the Jan meeting is moved to the following week because of the MLK Holiday (instead of the 3rd Monday of the month) **AGENDA:** * Doors open at 5:30, feel free to come and hang out before! * Official start of the meeting is at 6:30pm * After the meeting is done, we will go hang out at a nearby space in Bridge Park! If you can, please sign up via meetup by noon the day of the meeting so we can have an estimate headcount for food :) We always order extra, so feel free to join us even if you don't get signed up! Thank you to Bold Penguin for providing the location! **Parking & Arrival:** **Parking:** Parking in Bridge Park is free. The closest lots are the Mooney Garage and the Hotel/Endres Garage. **Entry:** The doors to the office are to the right of PINS. The street level door and elevators lock at 6pm. If you arrive after that, someone should be there to let you in, else call the number posted. Take the elevator to the 2nd floor. Once you exit the elevator, turn right. \*\*\* We are a bunch of professionals, students, and geeks who are excited about Ruby programming language ([http://ruby-lang.org/](http://ruby-lang.org/)) and Rails framework ([http://rubyonrails.com/](http://rubyonrails.com/)) and the joy they have brought back to web development. Our main goal is to share the love of the Ruby and Rails ecosystems with anyone that is interested. We cater to everyone, whether a non-programmer through advanced Rubyists. We give lectures on programming topics We freely provide decades worth of experience For full details of this month's meeting please visit [http://columbusrb.com](http://columbusrb.com)

**NEW LOCATION: Improving Office in Franklinton** Physical location: Improving Office 330 Rush Alley Suite #150 Columbus, OH 43215 Schedule: * 6:00 p.m.: Socialize, eat, and drink. Improving will be providing pizza and beverages. * 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Main meeting and presentation(s). For this first meeting of the year, we will be reviewing submissions for the [Your Program is Hideous and Obfuscated Challenge (YPHOC). ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/13zbxwElpJqPMuAN4Ele2hUgsqtFKzH3OCTL5NEeiLKQ)Submissions for this challenge are due by January 12th, 2026. The details can be found here: or on our website http://www.cohpy.org See Our [Parking Map](https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1u2A4fLNlxwLJn0KA_hKc8bnFlFHLvsHBDh-_8wzX_tk/edit?usp=sharing) We meet on the last Monday of each Month. Presentations are given by members and friends of this group. If you would like to do a presentation (small or large) on a python topic, please contact centralohpython@gmail.com