Short Story Writing

Hello Everyone! Let's read something before coming to the event. It can be a few pages from a book, an article, a poem, an advertisement, a joke, a recipe, a quote, social media content - anything you find interesting. We meet and chat about it, as a starting point of conversation. Please feel free to bring books :)

This ticketed event takes place straight after the Reception that launches Bloomsday 2026 **GET YOR TICKETS ON EVENTBRITE. COST 22 euros** # Bloomsday Festival 2026: Dada Deux - A Joycean Cabaret By[James Joyce Centre](https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/bloomsday-festival-2026-dada-deux-a-joycean-cabaret-tickets-1987741645771?aff=ebdssbdestsearch#organizer-card) 982 followers922 events4y hosting13k total attendees Follow [James Joyce CentreDublin 1, Dublin](https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/bloomsday-festival-2026-dada-deux-a-joycean-cabaret-tickets-1987741645771?aff=ebdssbdestsearch#location)Thursday, June 11 • 8:30 PM - 10 PM Overview Celebrate the eccentric and avant-garde spirit of Dadaism and James Joyce with a special Bloomsday Festival cabaret of readings and songs! Kick off **[The Bloomsday Festival](https://www.bloomsdayfestival.ie/ "https://www.bloomsdayfestival.ie")** celebrations at **[The James Joyce Centre](https://www.jamesjoyce.ie/ "https://www.jamesjoyce.ie")** on **Thursday, 11th June at 8.30pm** with a Joyce-themed cabaret of readings, performance, music and natter, hosted by author **David Collard**. Last year's gathering **[His Art Belongs to Dada](https://jamesjoyce.ie/events/his-art-belongs-to-dada-a-joycean-cabaret/ "https://jamesjoyce.ie/events/his-art-belongs-to-dada-a-joycean-cabaret/")** celebrated Joyce's links to Zürich (where he wrote much of *Ulysses*) and the anarchic artistic movement known as Dada (which was founded in that city). This year, David returns to the Joyce Centre to host **Dada Deux: A Joycean Cabaret**. We will be joined by novelist **Rónán Hession** (aka **Mumblin' Deaf Ro**), composer **David Bremner**, soprano **Suzanne Savage**, and (live via satellite from Venice, California) Joyce enthusiast and polymath **Gerry Fialka**. Surprises and beneficial shocks are guaranteed at this informal one-off gathering, with a nod to 1920s Dada cabaret. There will be music, performance, readings, songs, conversation, audience participation -- and maybe a little whiskey. The evening offers a wildly entertaining start to the Bloomsday Festival and will appeal to seasoned Joyceans and newcomers alike. All are welcome! **The Company** **David Collard** writes for print and online publications including the *Times Literary Supplement*, *Literary Review*, *3:AM Magazine*, *gorse*, *Exacting Clam*, *White Review* and others. He is the author of *[Multiple Joyce: One Hundred Short Essays about James Joyce’s Cultural Legacy](https://www.saggingmeniscus.com/catalog/multiple_joyce/ "https://www.saggingmeniscus.com/catalog/multiple_joyce/")* (2020) and *[A Crumpled Swan](https://www.saggingmeniscus.com/catalog/a_crumpled_swan/ "https://www.saggingmeniscus.com/catalog/a_crumpled_swan/")* (2025). He lives in London, where he organises cultish online gatherings that showcase contemporary authors, indie publishers and other creative practitioners. His next book, another collection of 100 essays (but not about Joyce), will appear in June 2027. **David Bremner** is a composer and musician from West Cumbria who moved to Ireland in 1999 and who now lectures in composition at the Dublin Conservatoire. With soprano Elizabeth Hilliard he runs the music/text production company Béal. He was Assistant Organist at Christ Church Cathedral Dublin until 2019, and has played with ensembles such as the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra, Crash Ensemble, and Opera Theatre Company. **Gerry Fialka** is an American experimental filmmaker, curator, lecturer, interviewer and writer. He leads workshops on experimental film, avant-garde music and art, subversive social media, books by James Joyce and Marshall McLuhan’s media theory. He was Frank Zappa’s archivist and production assistant for ten years, and worked for the legendary comedian George Carlin. *LA Weekly* has described Fialka as a ‘cultural revolutionary.’ He lives in Venice, California where he runs a *Finnegans Wake* reading group. **Rónán Hession** is a writer, musician and civil servant from Dublin. He has published three acclaimed novels: *Leonard and Hungry Paul* (2019), *Panenka* (2021) and *Ghost Mountain* (2024). The first of these was adapted as a six-part BBC television series in 2026. His next novel is *Richard Heart Julianne* (2027). **Susanne Savage** is a Belfast-born singer, songwriter, violinist, and dynamic live performer whose musical journey spans continents and genres. Suzanne toured internationally as Principal Soprano Soloist with Riverdance and has since performed or recorded with major artists such as Paul Brady, Eleanor McEvoy, Roseanne Cash, Van Morrison, Jimmy Cobb, Ernie Watts Quartet, and emerging talents like David Lyttle and Matteo Addabbo. Based in Belfast and Dublin, she is a vital presence on the Irish and European music scenes. **Tickets are €20.** DETAILS: BUY YOUR TICKET> PRESS ATTEND ARRIVE EARLY< FREE SEATING> WE WILL BE IN THE CONCERT VENUE TO WELCOME YOU.

# **🪄 HARRY POTTER & THE GOBLET OF FIRE QUIZ — Two Rounds, 100 Questions** Welcome, witches and wizards! Tonight’s event focuses on **Harry Potter and The Goblet Of Fire**, followed by a full **Harry Potter General** round. **Round 1:** 19:30–20:15 — *Goblet Of Fire* **Round 2:** 20:30–21:15 — *Harry Potter General* Join one or both **No repeated questions** between rounds. **✨ Quiz Structure** ### **Round 1 — The Goblet Of Fire (50 Questions)** • **10 Book questions** • **20 Movie questions** • **10 Character questions (Double Points)** • **10 General HP questions (Double Points)** ### **Round 2 — Harry Potter General (50 Questions)** • **5 questions per movie** (40 total) • **10 Character questions (Double Points)** Both quizzes count towards the **Harry Potter League 2026**. **🏆 Harry Potter League 2026** Your team’s score is saved each time you attend. End-of-year champions win: **Custom wizard-style jerseys**, including: • Team name • Photo • Title: **“Harry Potter Champions 2026”** **💸 Pricing** **Per Round:** €7 individual • €5 groups of 2–3 • €4 groups of 4–6 **Both rounds:** +€2 extra **💳 [Membership Options (Save € & unlock perks)](https://buymeacoffee.com/newindublin)** **🟡 Regular Membership (€12/mo)** ✔ Free: Singles, Language Exchange, International Meetup ✔ –50%: Quizzes, Big Singles, Theme Party, Cultural Mix, Social Games, Music Challenge ✔ Extra perks **🔵 Theme Membership (€15/mo)** ✔ Free: Quizzes, Big Singles, Theme Party, Cultural Mix, Social Games, Music Challenge ✔ –50%: Singles, Language Exchange, International Meetup ✔ Extra Perks **🟣 Complete Membership (€20/mo)** ✔ Free access to ALL events ✔ Extra Perks **📱 Stay Connected** 🔗 **[Linktree](https://linktr.ee/newindublin)**[ ](https://linktr.ee/newindublin)– full weekly calendar 💬 **[WhatsApp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/L8IcUuQzHVVLGaoUZ8ONRt)**[ ](https://chat.whatsapp.com/L8IcUuQzHVVLGaoUZ8ONRt)– reminders & updates 📘 **[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/newindublinmeetup)**[ ](https://www.facebook.com/newindublinmeetup)– photos & highlights 📸 **[Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/newindublinmeetups/)**[ ](https://www.instagram.com/newindublinmeetups/)– stories & behind-the-scenes 🌐 **[Website](https://newindublin.net/)**[ ](https://newindublin.net/)– all information about our events

Come join me as we return to no. 14 Henrietta Street museum for another teatime talk: Henrietta Street History Dash! Date: 11th of June. Meeting: Inside main entrance at 5.45pm. Talk will take one hour. Talk will commence at 6pm. Please book your ticket through no. 14 Henrietta Street website. Cost for Adult : is €5 Cost for Seniors (over 60) : is €3 When you have booked your ticket, Please RSVP and let me know in the Meetup Comments when your ticket is booked. You will then be moved to the going list. Attendance at this event is for paid ticket holders only. With only six minutes for each speaker to deliver their talk, this promises to be a fun and fast-paced event! Topics to include: Rosie Hackett’s connection to no. 14 Henrietta Street. Diddley Women as the tenement breadwinners and the beginning of credit unions. The Bed of Bartholomew Mosse in no. 14 Henrietta Street. The Glimmer Man and his work around tenements. Childhood in the Tenements Discoveries in the 1911 census about a family tied to 14 Henrietta Street Homemade goods from early 20th century tenement life. I look forward to seeing you there.

A talented piano tuner who suffers from hyperacusis discovers an unexpected aptitude for cracking safes, turning his life upside down. Starring Dustin Hoffman and Leo Woodall. Movie 20.00. Meet Dunphys pub at 19.00. Watch out for Cinema Club sign.

Dublin deserves more Quality Time—and a little more handmade charm. Ready to slow down your Thursday evening, learn a beautiful new skill, and create something both practical and lovely? Join us on June 11th at 18:30 in the cosy library at the Ruby Molly Hotel for our next dedicated workshop. Whether you are a complete beginner or looking to pick the hooks back up, we’ve designed a relaxed, low-pressure evening centred around texture, rhythm, and great company. ***Please RSVP on [Luma](https://luma.com/mlrmuume) page, so we can order the right amount of materials! This is a discovery listing!*** ## **✨ We have private, reserved seating at the Ruby Molly ✨** *** 📘 What We’re Making We will be crafting a beautiful Book Sleeve to protect your favourite reads! During the workshop, our teachers (Polina, Emi, and Shayna) will guide you step-by-step through the continuous granny square technique. It’s the perfect, meditative pattern to zone-out into once you get the rhythm. 🕰️ The Schedule * 18:30 – 18:45 \| Arrive & Unwind: Grab a drink at the bar\, pick your yarn\, and get comfortable\. * 18:45 – 21:15 \| The Creative: Hands\-on instruction\. We will get our loops started\, learn the stitches\, and dive into the soothing flow of crocheting together\. In the meantime \- we will also have some quality time conversations and connect 🙂 * 21:15\-21:30 \| Soft goodbyes 🎟️ Choose Your Ticket Type We want to make this as seamless as possible for you. Choose the option that fits your craft kit: * 🧵 The Full Package (€15): Includes entry to the workshop, all the blue yarn needed for your book sleeve, and your very own 4mm crochet hook to keep for future projects. * 🧶 Just the Yarn (€13): Includes entry to the workshop and all the blue yarn needed. Note: You must bring your own 4mm crochet hook! Please ensure it is exactly this size so your sleeve fits perfectly. **THE TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE UP TO THE 31st OF MAY SO WE CAN HAVE TIME TO ORDER THE MATERIALS!** ***Please RSVP on [Luma](https://luma.com/mlrmuume) page, so we can order the right amount of materials! This is a discovery listing!*** 💜 Essentials: * Solo-Friendly: Most of our community members come solo! We are experts at making you feel welcome and part of the group immediately. * Boutique Vibes: The Ruby Molly is a non-cash venue, so please bring a card/phone to support our lovely hosts by treating yourself to a drink or snack at the bar. * Come for the craft, stay for the connection. Spaces are strictly limited due to the cosy nature of the library, so claim your corner early! Love, Quality Time Keepers 🦄🦆🎲 (Maja & Lexie)

We're hosting another in-person writing session in the Old Town Café once more. What is a write-together? It's a couple of focused writing sprints (30 mins each) with breaks in between for for snacks and chats. It's a chance to get some writing done *and* to meet other writers. All are welcome, old hands and newbies alike, and you can write whatever you like. To find us, seek out the people with laptops and notebooks (and I'll have a table sign if I remember to pack it!)

"Grace” from Joyce’s *Dubliners* is a tale of booze, bombast and religious confusion that brilliantly satirises the role of the Catholic Church in early twentieth century Irish life. When struggling salesman, Tom Kernan (who also appears in *Ulysses*), is found drunk and injured in a pub toilet and brought home in disgrace to his long suffering wife, his friends hatch a plot to save him from his errant ways. [Please secure your own ticket on Eventbrite.](https://jamesjoyce.ie/events/bloomsday-festival-2026-grace-by-james-joyce/) This acclaimed production features the actor and comedian, **Terry O’Neill**, who brings to life Joyce’s rare collection of characters and takes you on a hilarious journey from purgatory to paradise. *Dubliners*, first published in 1914, is one of the great short story collections in the English language. By exploring the lives of his fellow Dublin citizens with unflinching realism, Joyce revealed truths both blasphemous and transcendent. “O’Neill does a terrific job…. comic ironies abound…” Irish Independent ‘O’Neill brings considerable energy and skill as the narrator’ Nomoreworkhorse

**🎟️ Attendance is free but booking is essential.** Join us for an afternoon of poetry from award-winning writers Annelise Berghenti, Lily Blacksell and Rosamund Taylor. Themes will range from womanhood to the natural world; the everyday to the extraordinary, in a mixture of new work and recently published poems from Lily Blacksell’s collection *Life Immediately* (Bloodaxe, 2026), and Rosamund Taylor’s verse novel *Filly* (Banshee Press, 2025). Jessica Traynor, fellow Bloodaxe poet and Poetry Editor at *Banshee*, will introduce the event. #### ABOUT THE POETS ROSAMUND TAYLOR is the winner of the Rialto Poetry Prize 2025, the Telegraph Poetry Prize 2023, The London Magazine Poetry Prize 2020 and the Mairtín Crawford Award for Poetry 2017. In 2023, her debut collection, *In Her Jaws* (Banshee Press 2022), was shortlisted for the Seamus Heaney Poetry Prize for a First Collection and the Yeats Society Poetry Prize, and longlisted for the Polari First Book Prize. Her essays have recently appeared in *The Irish Times* *and The Stinging Fly*, and her poems have featured in *Butcher’s Dog, Magma, Mslexia, Poetry Ireland Review* and on BBC Radio 4 and RTE Radio 1. *Filly*, her novel in verse, was published by Banshee last year. LILY BLACKSELL is a poet living in London. Her poems have appeared in Poetry Review, BOMB Magazine, Bath Magg, Poetry London, Poetry Wales and elsewhere. She runs a poetry and music night called Canon Fodder. Her two pamphlets are *There’s No Such Thing* (ignition press) and *Stressed, Tested* (Rough Trade Books). Her first full-length collection, *Life Immediately*, is published by Bloodaxe Books. ANNELISE BERGHENTI is a poet living in Dublin, where she grew up. She has an MFA in poetry from Columbia University and her poems have been published by *Banshee*, *Headstuff*, *Rainbow Agate*, and other publications.

📚 James Joyce’s ***Ulysses*** turns an ordinary Dublin day into an expansive exploration of consciousness, memory, and identity, making Bloomsday (June 16th) a celebration of both the city and the inner lives of its inhabitants. Following Leopold Bloom’s wanderings, readers are invited to see the epic in the everyday, where small gestures carry profound emotional weight. Joyce’s broader body of work—including *Dubliners* and *A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man*—offers rich ground for discussion, tracing his evolving style and deepening preoccupation with language, identity, and modern life. Bloomsday, observed each June 16th, transforms literature into lived experience, as readers retrace Bloom’s steps and immerse themselves in Joyce’s richly textured world. Let's grab a drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) and discuss books by Joyce, on Joyce, on Ulysses — whether poetry, fiction, or non-fiction. Bring your physical book or e-reader. There's no formal structure or agenda—just books and good conversation.💬 It's a perfect place to get book recommendations and rediscover your reading momentum if you've hit a slump. We welcome readers of all backgrounds and interests! ⚠️**Something Happened?** If something unpleasant happened to you, it may happen to others. Even if it seems minor, don't hesitate to reach out to me. 🔍 **How to find us?** * When I reach the venue, I'll leave a comment in the meetup where the group is seated. Normally, the booking is in my name, so you can ask the staff for the group. * If you're unable to find us, leave a comment in the meetup page. I'll be able to guide you. We highly encourage you to move between tables and strike up conversations with fellow book lovers. These discussions about literature and reading recommendations are often the highlight of the event! As an organizer, I'm always looking for feedback about the event and suggestions for new events, so feel free to suggest ideas to me. 💡 I look forward to seeing you all! 😊

Straw hats and Joycean attire not compulsory but certainly (heavily) encouraged. :-) "Come forth, Lazarus. And he came fifth and lost the job" (Ulysses, chapter 8). Let's celebrate Bloomsday by having a swim in Joycean attire. **Read** The final lines of Molly's soliloquy (obviously not all 40 pages of it), will be read. **Swim** Let's have a dive into the snotgreen and scrotumtightening sea. The swim is at your own risk! We are no lifeguards and we only arrange the meeting point. Make sure you have enough layers to keep warm before and after the swim, bring something warm to drink too. Some wear wetsuits, others don't so, some want to swim a bit of distance, others just want dip and get out - it's your swim, do what you want and meet us after... **Eat** Having demonstrated our incredible bravery, we will continue our adventure at a local café (time and venue TBC later, will try and source one that hopefully provides Joycean fare). Eating and drinking are at your own risk too. Will your eyes be bigger than your stomach? Don't leave it too late to sign up for the swim so I can book enough seats in the café afterwards. If you have questions, comments, suggestions, post them in comments for this swim. Browse discussions if you want to ask about the group or other events. See you on Sunday June 14. My number 0860597787

**[The James Joyce Centre](https://www.jamesjoyce.ie/ "https://www.jamesjoyce.ie")** presents ***Grace* by James Joyce** as part of the Bloomsday Festival on **14-16 June**. **PLEASE BUY YOUR OWN TICKET AT EVENTBRITE.IE** https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/bloomsday-festival-2026-grace-by-james-joyce-tickets-1987515094149?aff=ebdsoporgprofile&_gl=1\*194dnqy\*_up\*MQ..\*_ga\*NTc0MDA4MDI1LjE3ODAyNDkzMDQ.\*_ga_TQVES5V6SH\*czE3ODAyNDkzMDMkbzEkZzAkdDE3ODAyNDkzMDMkajYwJGwwJGgw **I bought mine for 14/06/2026 at 1 pm.** "Grace" from Joyce's *Dubliners* is a tale of booze, bombast and religious confusion that brilliantly satirises the role of the Catholic Church in early twentieth century Irish life. When struggling salesman, Tom Kernan (who also appears in *Ulysses*), is found drunk and injured in a pub toilet and brought home in disgrace to his long suffering wife, his friends hatch a plot to save him from his errant ways. This acclaimed production features the actor and comedian, **Terry O’Neill**, who brings to life Joyce’s rare collection of characters and takes you on a hilarious journey from purgatory to paradise. *Dubliners*, first published in 1914, is one of the great short story collections in the English language. By exploring the lives of his fellow Dublin citizens with unflinching realism, Joyce revealed truths both blasphemous and transcendent.

**Looking for a group you can write with *whilst sipping your fave coffee*?** ☕✍️ Then come join **Shut Up & Write!** on **Saturday, June 13th from 1:30pm to 4:00pm** at **Ridgetop Coffee & Tea**! Whether you're cranking out a novel, journaling, looking for new friends, or just trying to get that stubborn paragraph right—we’ve got a cozy seat and a supportive group waiting for you! **No critiques, no peer review, no pressure—just a chill space to get words on the page.** 📝 **What to expect:** 1:30–2:00pm – Grab your coffee or tea, find your seat, and meet your fellow writers. 2:00pm–3:30pm – Silent, focused writing time 3:30–4:00pm – Debrief, celebrate any writing wins, commiserate on any obstacles, and head out feeling accomplished. **RSVP Info:** The room seats only 10 people comfortably! RSVP as soon as possible to secure your spot!! If you are unable to attend, please cancel your reservation **ASAP** so those on the wait list are able to RSVP and attend!!! **Meeting Room:** Enter the coffee shop, walk straight towards the play area and on your left you will see a meeting room just past the bathrooms. The room has a TV, white board, and walls are painted green. **What to Bring:** Whatever helps you focus, and be productive. There is a wall outlet at each end of the room, so you're able to bring your laptop to write, but please bring your own charging tools. You're welcome to bring headphones if you enjoy listening to music while working. **Parking & Accessibility:** there is a large parking lot out front and it is free! There are no stair cases when entering the coffee shop or when inside. This coffee shop is incredibly spacious with many seating options. If you have any questions, please message me through MeetUp. I'm happy to help. **Dietary Information:** many GF, Vegan, and SF options. Just ask your barista when ordering for specifics! Can’t wait to see you there! 🎉

Looking for a quiet, focused space to write? Come be part of our writing group—a dedicated time just for writing alongside fellow writers in your community. No readings, no critiques, no peer-review—just you writing within a supportive atmosphere. 7pm-7:15pm: Find your seat, set up your writing station, quick intro's. 7:15pm-8:45 pm: An hour and a half of silent focused writing. 8:45pm-9pm: Quick debrief, pack and head home. Can't wait to see you! :)

We will meet in the Janney Parlor.

This is the sign you've been waiting for. Come write with us Sunday at 7:30 am at Kaldi's Social House in Arlington. Kaldi's opens at 7. Grab a coffee and join the group! We generally have 10 to 14 writers attend each week, and new folks are welcome to drop in anytime. Intros start at 7:30 am. We will write for one hour. After writing, feel free to debrief, share thoughts or get advice. Our meetups are a safe space for writers to work on their craft. No one will read or critique your writing. Kaldi's Social House website: https://www.kaldissocialhouse.net/ \* Resource \* Many thanks to Justin for putting together a shared file of resource discussed at the meetings. Feel free to add to it! [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13LONNjZvsO5hEXM7NsBnWCgy3GgPgjAbQxE0lPxp7hc/edit?usp=sharing](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13LONNjZvsO5hEXM7NsBnWCgy3GgPgjAbQxE0lPxp7hc/edit?usp=sharing)

⚡ **Reset your mindset. Meet someone unexpected. Walk away with new clarity.** Join us for a free, small-group gathering held in our **Startup Garage** — a **spacious, comfortable living-room style space** inside a single-family home. Think couches, coffee, and real conversation — **not an actual garage 😊** 🔁 You’ll be **paired** with different attendees throughout the event for short, energizing rounds — each sparked by a simple **opening line** designed to make you laugh, reflect, and think bigger about what comes next. You won’t just talk about what’s behind you — You’ll begin to **picture what’s ahead** in a way that actually excites you. *** **☕ Coffee and snacks are on me.** Just show up with a curious mind — and a willingness to laugh. We’ll guide you through questions that blend **wisdom and humor** — the kind that help you see your story through a new lens. *** **🔍 What You’ll Experience** • One-on-one rounds to explore purpose, identity, and new possibilities • Light, energizing activities designed to shift your mindset in under 10 minutes • Fresh insights from people you’ve never met — but may never forget • A laid-back, thoughtful space to connect without pressure *** **💼 Who It’s For** • Divorced/Separated or midlife professionals figuring out what’s next • Entrepreneurs, builders, and creatives in a season of reinvention • Men and women who prefer **meaningful conversation** over surface level talk Whether you’re starting over, scaling up, or just ready for something more aligned — this space is for you. *** 📊 *Most attendees are in their 30s, 40s, or 50s — navigating life and growth with curiosity, clarity, and a sense of humor.* 🛋️ **Hosted in a spacious living-room setting** inside a single-family home (Ashburn). Full address shared after RSVP. 🌐 Explore more: [https://midlifereinvention.co](https://midlifereinvention.co)

## 1 Million Cups Loudoun – Resource Presentation ### Understanding Loudoun's Commercial Real Estate Landscape: Opportunities for Small Business Growth **Presented by Vanessa Simon, Real Estate Intelligence Manager, Loudoun Economic Development** **Wednesday\, June 24 \| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM** **Venture X Loudoun** Join us for an engaging and informative conversation with **Vanessa Simon**, Real Estate Intelligence Manager for Loudoun Economic Development, as we explore Loudoun County's evolving commercial real estate landscape and what it means for small businesses looking to grow. *** ## About the Presenter Vanessa Simon serves as the **Real Estate Intelligence Manager** for Loudoun Economic Development, where she tracks land and property data, manages the county's commercial property database, and builds relationships with developers, brokers, and industry stakeholders throughout Loudoun County. Prior to joining Loudoun Economic Development, Vanessa served as the Director of Operations for a regional residential real estate team serving Virginia, Maryland, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia. Her experience includes operations management, contracts, compliance, negotiations, and market analysis. Vanessa holds a bachelor's degree in Biology and Business from Virginia Tech and began her professional career in technical sales before transitioning into real estate and economic development. *** ## About the Session Whether you're considering your first commercial location, expanding your business footprint, evaluating market opportunities, or simply trying to better understand the local business landscape, this session will provide valuable insight into one of the most important factors influencing business growth: commercial real estate. Vanessa will share current market trends, development activity, available commercial space, and economic development initiatives that are shaping the future of Loudoun County. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how real estate data and economic development resources can support strategic business decisions. *** ## What You'll Learn * Current commercial real estate trends across Loudoun County * Available space and development opportunities * Site selection considerations for growing businesses * Workforce accessibility and location planning * Economic development initiatives supporting business growth * Market insights that can help inform expansion strategies * Resources available through Loudoun Economic Development *** ## Who Should Attend This session is ideal for: * Small business owners * Entrepreneurs considering a physical location * Businesses planning expansion * Retail, restaurant, and service-based businesses * Commercial property owners and investors * Startup founders evaluating growth opportunities * Community and economic development professionals *** ## Why Attend? * Gain practical market intelligence from a county expert * Better understand Loudoun's commercial development landscape * Learn how location decisions impact business growth * Discover resources available to support your business * Ask questions directly to a leader involved in shaping Loudoun's economic future *** ## About 1 Million Cups 1 Million Cups is a national program that brings entrepreneurs and communities together to learn, connect, and grow through presentations and discussion. Loudoun’s chapter meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays each month. Join us on **June 24** for coffee, connection, and a valuable conversation about how Loudoun County's commercial real estate market can support your business growth and long-term success. We look forward to seeing you there.

**Our Meetup is off to another hiking adventure! Mt Kilimanjaro, as the tallest mountain in Africa, is included in the 7 Summits of the world.** **It is a bucket-list item for all hard-core hikers and mountain lovers.** We did this trek with Meetup in the summer of 2024 and it was a true experience of a lifetime (see photos below) Let's get to some numbers. It is 5,895m/19,340ft BUT . . . our starting elevation for the trek is 3795m/12541ft As such elevation gain is 2100m/6799ft To compare Everest Base Camp trek, is about 2754m/9035ft elevation change. And Mt Whitney is about 1828m/6000ft elevation change. The key to being able to succeed in this endeavor lays in the route and the support system. We are taking the Lemosho Route via the Northern Circuit. The Northern Circuit route is the longest and newest of the seven established Kilimanjaro routes. It's one of the best routes because it has the best acclimatization profile. This results in one of the highest summit success rates. Add to that stunning views, and comparatively relaxed pace. It is also much less crowded than the other Kilimanjaro routes. As far as our support system: We will be accompanied by experienced guides, porters and cooks. They are certified, ensuring our safety and comfort. Porters will carry our gear. We will have a high ratio of guides to hikers. Our guides will go our pace and support each and everyone of us, regardless of fitness level and pace. In other words...you go your own speed and we all get there safe. More about our trek/trip. As with all our international trips, we picked the best season/time of year to go for weather and wildlife. Lemosho and Northern Circuit is a scenically spectacular and varied route. At the lower elevations it has an abundance of wildlife such as elephant, buffalo, eland and lion which come over to forage during dry season. **Each of our trips is personally crafted to offer the best places and best use of time.** *But I don't have the needed gear?!* You don't need much more than the standard trekker's equipment. We will provide you with a list of what is already included and what can be rented there. *Does this include food?* All meals on the trek potion are included and a cook travels with us! *What is lodging like?* We are sleeping in new and comfortable tents (carried during the day by porters) *I am new at this.* That's OK. We do plenty of prep Zooms before we depart. And in California we have a number of local outdoor day or weekend outings you can test out with us. *How dangerous is this? What if I get sick or hurt?* We will be walking on an established, well used trail the entire time. **Our trip INCLUDES emergency insurance.** We are also Certified Wilderness First Responders and our guides are members of (AMREF) Flying Doctor. **Plain and simple, safety is our primary goal.** *How much does this cost?* **Kilimanjaro Mountain Trek $3950 per person, double occupancy. Land only (airfare not included). Solo supplement $600** Trip Cost includes: \- 9 nights accommodation \- 3 meals everyday on the trek \- All Fees & Entrances and Taxes \- Camping equipment such as tents\, tables\, chairs\. \- Lead Guide\, Assistant Guides\, Porters and Cook *RSVP to this event shows your interest, but does not hold your space.* ***The only way to secure your spot for this trip is a $300 deposit:*** ***[CLICK HERE FOR SECURE DEPOSIT LINK](https://www.paypal.com/instantcommerce/checkout/8P9NUAVQM8UEN)*** *Deposit is refundable up to 90 days before the departure (less PayPal fees).* *IF you need an airfare quote,* [Click here to message Anna](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=131297062) For more information about this or any of our other international events, fill out this form: **[INTERNATIONAL MEETUPS INFO REQUEST](https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8)** To see pictures from our Kilimanjaro adventure in 2024 [CLICK HERE](https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipPkfkUp6sEZVQ-xse1di_K19d1QVmSb5KOLeIjynRoWGv_XFLXI8wBfT61XxAHavg?key=U2tKajBuOGRiZkxBOUtTUG1GbUVRVmlDaERCeG5n) We do a monthly Q & A Zoom: Meet others attending, be social, or come and get any questions answered. [Click Here to RSVP to our Zoom](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/296044209/) The MAIN location where this event is posted: [https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/302872805/](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/302872805/) (RSVP there for any conversation and comments) This events is cross posted to several other groups and the number of RSVPs on each is not reflective. We have a set of sister groups where we post our local free, local/regional camping, and our overseas events too. [Click Here ](https://www.meetup.com/CulturalArts/Events)for our other events: Live the adventure instead of only dreaming it! SOT 200318-10