Smart Cities

Do you have a startup that needs funding? Do you want to learn how startup funding works, what you need to do before trying to raise funding, and where you can go to get it - especially when interest rates are high, AI disruption is here and geopolitical uncertainty is here? Join us for this panel with real investors, which will provide practical, step by step advice. We will have entrepreneurs who have successfully raised money for their businesses, and investors actively funding ventures. Learn expert tips, big pitfalls to avoid, what investors are looking for, how equity works, and more. **❯ Guest Speakers include:** * Sever Totia (Partner, 3TS Capital Partners) * Mahir Iskender (Founder, KNDR Digital) * Guc Ozenci (Program Director, FI Washington DC) **❯ Who Should Attend?** * Anyone who is thinking about raising money for their startup * Anyone that wants an understanding of fundraising for early stage businesses and products * Founders who need guidance in uncertain times **❯ What are some of the Topics?** * The key metrics and pre-requisites for raising funding in the new World order * How to make yourself more attractive to investors during AI disruption and geopolitical uncertainty * How to utilize online fundraising networks and platforms, like AngelList, Gust, Kickstarter, and Indiegogo. * How to meet and work with different sources of capital, such as friends and family, angel investors, venture capitalists, government grants and loans, and more. * and more... **❯ What is the Agenda?** * Welcome and Socializing * Talks from Entrepreneurs who have raised capital, and Investors who fund startups * Question and Answer * Introduction to the Founder Institute * Discussion and Networking **❯❯ This is an in-person event, so be sure to RSVP at [https://fi.co/e/396628/meetup](https://fi.co/e/396628/meetup) to secure your spot and receive further details.**

**​​​​​​​​A free, public workshop—no technical background needed** ​​​​​​​​ In just the past 8 months, AI has advanced at a pace that stunned even leading experts. These systems aren’t science fiction anymore—they’re reshaping work, relationships, and even crime in real time. ​​​​​​​​This workshop explores where AI may be in the next 1–5 years and what that means for your daily life. Together, we’ll tackle urgent questions like: * ​​​​​​​​**Jobs**: Could AI lead to mass unemployment—or entirely new kinds of work? * ​​​​​​​​**Crime**: How might AI supercharge scams, hacking, and even physical crime? * ​​​​​​​​**Companions**: Will people form deep emotional bonds—or even romantic relationships—with AI assistants? * ​​​​​​​​**Society**: How do top researchers think these trends will shape our future? **​​​​​​​​What you’ll get:** * ​​​​​​​​A fast-paced, beginner-friendly overview of today’s most powerful AI systems * ​​​​​​​​Live demos that reveal both the breakthroughs and the risks * ​​​​​​​​An interactive forecasting exercise where you’ll test your own predictions about AI’s impact ​​​​​​​​Come ready to explore a future arriving faster than most people realize—one that could transform not just how we work, but how we trust, connect, and even love.

It's Reboot Hour time — and this month we've got a little something extra up our sleeve. 🐾 Join the **eWaste Warriors** community for our monthly **Reboot Hour** at **Carpool in Arlington** — our favorite spot to unwind, connect, donate your unused electronics, and talk about what's next for electronics sustainability. This month's gathering has a bear theme — and let's just say there's a reason for that. We've been working on something quietly for a while now, and our Reboot Hour crew gets to be the first to hear about it. No big stage, no formal presentation — just good drinks, good people, and a sneak peek at what the eWaste Warriors have been building behind the scenes. 🐻 Come curious. Leave inspired. **What to expect:** 🍻 Drinks & great conversation at Carpool ♻️ eWaste device drop-off — bring old phones, tablets & laptops to donate 🐻 A little bear-themed fun — yes, there's a story there 👀 A sneak peek at something new — come find out what we've been up to 🌱 The eWaste Warriors community — DC's best crowd in sustainability Whether you're a longtime eWaste Warriors supporter, a sustainability enthusiast, or just someone who wants a great Monday night out in Arlington — this is your crowd. Dress is casual. Drinks are on you. The good vibes are on us. 🐾 📅 Tuesday, April 28, 2026 📍 Carpool, 4000 Campbell Ave, Arlington, VA 🎟️ Free — RSVP so we know you're coming *Bear with us. You won't regret it.* **Details:** Tuesday, April 28th 5:00 – 7:00 PM (drop in anytime) Carpool — 900 N Glebe Rd, Arlington, VA Right off the Ballston Metro **What to bring:** Just yourself. Old devices welcome but not required. A friend, or meet a new one! **What to expect:** Pool, pinball, shuffleboard, darts, drinks, zero pressure — and a baseball game at the end of the week.

This **no gi class** focuses on **advanced [Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazilian_jiu-jitsu) (BJJ) concepts**, including takedowns, positional drilling, submissions, transitions, situational sparring, strategy development, and live training. While the class is scheduled for **90 minutes**, it may run longer depending on content and participation. This class includes both instruction as well as [rolling](https://www.howbjjworks.com/bjj-blog/2018/7/29/how-rolling-works-in-bjj) (sparring). The **drop-in fee** for non-members is **$20**, payable on-site and note that we are in **suite #130**.

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 Rockville 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 Rockville, 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 Rockville.

Let’s reboot the DC Postgres Meetup series! This inaugural meeting will be hosted by John Porvaznik and Eddie Pickle and all are welcome. We’re actively looking for speakers, co-hosts, event spaces and other folks that want to help bring this group back to life. If you can’t make it but want to be involved in the future, please let us know. John Porvaznik will present a talk on Postgres fundamentals including shared buffers, memory usage, pages, and more. John is a long time PostgreSQL Engineer and DBA in the government space with focus on ETL / Data Ingestion, PostGIS and spatial data sets, query optimizations, Database Design // DDL, benchmarking and specifications, data health, and system healths and monitoring. This meetup will be hosted near the Snowflake office in Tysons (event space sponsored by Snowflake). We’ll have pizza and drinks for folks. 6:00 arrival and networking, 6:30 talk followed by discussion, 7:45 close. The event is at 1750 Tysons Boulevard, McClean, VA, 22102, in the 1750 Tysons Conference Center. This is Metro Accessible from the Silver Line to Tyson's Corner station. Parking at the mall next door is free or the event building has paid parking.

Sign up to perform here: [Link for Performance Sign Ups](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeZ9TNkUP7wsOuhd7AoNtYSaov47dpmQRhkKnlyMN4bHulu_g/viewform) Save the date for NetSAP Open Mic night at Solly's on Tuesday, April 28, 7-9pm! $5 donation recommended, unless you are performing - see the link for performance sign up! Get ready with your poetry, comedy, magic, and music! Can't wait to see all your talent!

We invite you to an in-person session in Seattle exploring the real impact of AI on knowledge-driven industries — from shifting economics and the disruption of traditional SaaS and consulting models to where organizations can still build lasting competitive advantage. As AI platforms like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini continue to redefine how work gets done, organizations face a critical question: how can they adapt, remain competitive, and create lasting value? We’ll discuss practical strategies for integrating AI while preserving human expertise, along with actionable approaches to upskilling teams for an AI-driven workplace. Drawing on real-world experience from training thousands of professionals and deploying AI solutions, this session will provide clear, applicable insights for today’s evolving landscape. Following a short presentation, the session will open into an interactive discussion where attendees can share perspectives and explore key questions around the evolving role of humans, organizational adaptation, and staying competitive in an AI-first world. **Who should attend:** • Executives and managers in SaaS, consulting, and knowledge-driven organizations • Professionals exploring AI upskilling and workforce transformation • Anyone interested in the future of AI and knowledge work 📍 **Location:** Data Science Dojo, 5010 148th Ave NE, Suite 200A, Redmond, WA, United States 🔗 **Google Maps:** [https://lnkd.in/d8WA-yNc](https://lnkd.in/d8WA-yNc) **💻 Online Access:** A livestream will be available for those unable to attend in person; however, the full interactive experience is reserved for in-person participants.

Come play some casual Commander at Crystal City! Bring your favorite decks for some pickup games, and feel free to bring your trade binders if you'd like! **We play at 2100 Crystal Drive** in Arlington, VA, 22202, which is a seating area that is right next to We, the Pizza in Crystal City. Detailed directions on how to get there: **Directions from the Metro:** If you're taking the Metro, exit at Crystal City. When you come up the first set of escalators, turn left to enter the underground shops and then turn left again after a brief walk. Cross the street, enter the next building, and the seating area will be on the left after passing the Minuteman Press Printing and Marketing shop. **Parking:** If you're driving, garage parking is free after 4 pm. Enter the garage on 2144 Crystal Drive. There will be elevators that take you up to the main level. If you have any questions, please join our Discord for the most up-to-date information: https://discord.gg/fBUWvrAVMv

## Details Hello everyone! We climb at Crystal City Movement every Wednesday. Please read rest of the description carefully. We mostly do tope rope climbing but we can arrange bouldering sessions as well. If you prefer lead climbing please post on the comments to find your belay partner. FYI we have a group of 5-7 regulars that don’t rsvp anymore, so please still come even if it says no-ones attending. \#\# Requirements * If you are not a Movement member, you'll get a daily pass. If you don't have the equipments you can rent them in the gym. * Please sign the waiver through: [https://movementgyms.com/waiver/](https://movementgyms.com/waiver/) All skill levels are welcome! If you are totally new to climbing and want to do top rope, then you have to have a belay certificate. In order to do that; * You can check Movement gym Intro to Rope Climbing class : [https://movementgyms.com/crystal-city/climbing/classes/](https://movementgyms.com/crystal-city/climbing/classes/) * After the course, you should do the 'Belay Check' which can be done as soon as 24 hours after you take the class. The test takes around 15 mins so it can be done before the climbing session. Before your first visit you may want to check the related webpage: [https://movementgyms.com/first-visit/](https://movementgyms.com/first-visit/) \#\# Where to meet To find us go down the stairs in front of the front desk. We will meet around the benches next to climbing walls.

# Stories That Matter Film Screening of "Deepfaking Sam Altman" Film screening, panel discussion, and Q&A **Register here:** https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stories-that-matter-film-screening-of-deepfaking-sam-altman-tickets-1986940257798?aff=InviteSL#organizer-card ### Stories That Matter™ presents a special screening of the comedy documentary *Deepfaking Sam Altman,* followed by a Q&A and panel discussion with Emmy-nominated director Adam Bhala Lough and Emmy-winning producer Luke Kelly-Clyne, who is also a Johns Hopkins alumnus. ### This lighthearted documentary takes a mind-bending, thought-provoking turn when confronted with the unintended consequences of AI and the ensuing ethical and legal minefield that hilariously unfolds. ### **PANELISTS INCLUDE:** • Adam Bhala Lough, director of *Deepfaking Sam Altman* • Luke Kelly-Clyne, producer of *Deepfaking Sam Altman* and head of studio for Kevin Hart’s Hartbeat production company • Noel King, co-host and editorial director of Vox's *Today, Explained*, former host of NPR's flagship program, *Morning Edition*, and the popular podcast, *Up First* • Sig Libowitz, moderator and director of the Johns Hopkins Graduate Film and Media Program ### **WHEN:** Thursday, April 30 5:30 p.m. Check in 6:30 p.m. Program 8:20 p.m. Panel Discussion with Q&A 9:00 p.m. Event concludes ### **WHERE:** Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Center 555 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20001 ### **CHECK IN:** **•** A photo ID is required for entry. **•** Each attendee must have a ticket registered in their own name. If you reserved a ticket for someone else, please ensure their name and information are correctly entered. **•** A printed ticket is not needed. **•** Theater seating is first-come, first-served. Guests are encouraged to arrive early; overflow seating may be available. ### **ABOUT THE FILM:** The film follows Adam Bhala Lough, a father of two and a working Los Angeles filmmaker who represents the anxious everyman of the AI age. Adam has always believed in the promise of technology, until the arrival of AI threatens to upend his profession, his kids’ future, and possibly the fate of humanity itself. Adam wants to interview Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI and one of the most influential figures shaping the future of AI. But Altman doesn’t return his calls. Or emails. Or DMs. Then a headline-grabbing Hollywood controversy sparks a new idea. Adam travels to the other side of the world, where he teams up with an Indian deepfake artist to build Sam Bot, an Altman-inspired AI trained on the voice and public appearances of the real man. Sharp, glitchy, and unexpectedly charismatic, Sam Bot becomes a creative foil and sidekick, reshaping the direction of Adam’s film and his understanding of human connection. A verité film with a sci-fi comedy twist, *Deepfaking Sam Altman* is a sharp, surprisingly moving exploration of how we navigate the chaotic new world of artificial intelligence.

For the Wednesday run, let's meet at 1750 Crystal Dr (Entrance by Morton's Steakhouse) before walking over to the Crystal City Water Park and run on the Mt. Vernon Trail alongside the scenic Potomac River. LOCATION: Meet at 1750 Crystal Dr (Entrance by Morton's Steakhouse). Link to location on map: http://i.imgur.com/3yN0lwN.jpg NOTES: Photos taken during the event may end up on Instagram, Meetup, Strava and similar platforms. Let's meet at 6:50 PM, leaving by 7:00 PM. We will do 50 minutes, so 25 minutes out and 25 minutes back. You're welcome to do more if you'd like. Just before the run we decide whether we'll go NORTH (DC) or SOUTH (Old Town) on the trail. Once we're done, we meet back up at the Crystal City Water Park area. After the run please feel free to hangout and socialize with the group or join us at National Landing Water Park for a beverage and/or food. https://g.co/kgs/AErMQZ All paces are welcome! We run by time, not speed so bring a watch to monitor your time and turn around at the halfway time point. If you need to run/walk, that's ok! We average anywhere between 7-13 minute/per mile pace. First Time? Start out slow to find someone around your pace. The different paces tend to automatically gather, so you won't be alone! Metro: Crystal City on Blue/Yellow lines, 2 blocks from metro exit. Parking: There is plenty of paid parking options (parking garages, street parking, or parking lots) in the area on Crystal Drive or Long Bridge Park. Post-Run: A lot of times we have a little social outing after the run. You can bring a change of clothes if you'd like (though most people just go as is). We'll finish up the run, meet back at the Water Park, pick up our wallets and walk to wherever we decided to go for a beverage and/or food. If you have a suggestion for a place to check out, let us know!

Come join us for informal discussions about AI, and meet others who are passionate about the subject!

Join us for an evening of deep product insights and conversation with Steve Johnson, CEO of Product Growth Leaders. Most product managers aren’t struggling because they lack frameworks, data, or AI tools. They’re struggling because they’re talking to the wrong people. Instead of learning directly from customers, they rely on second-hand input—sales requests, executive opinions, support tickets, dashboards, and now AI-generated summaries of all of it. The result? Noise. Misalignment. And products that look good on paper but miss the market. AI can process more data than you ever will—but it can’t replace direct human understanding. It can’t see hesitation. It can’t hear what’s not being said. And it certainly can’t build trust with a customer who doesn’t believe you yet. That’s where product managers have an advantage—if they choose to use it. In this session, you’ll learn how Customer Conversations cut through the noise and become your most powerful differentiator. Not as a research technique, but as a leadership behavior that builds market insight, credibility, and better decisions. Through real stories and practical methods, you’ll learn how to: • Talk to the right people at the right time in the product lifecycle • Ask questions that uncover real problems • Validate ideas before you build them Because in a world where AI can generate answers at scale, the product manager who understands customers firsthand becomes the one who asks better questions—and makes better decisions. AGENDA 6:00 - 6:30 pm: Welcome and Registration. Refreshments provided. 6:30 - 7:00 pm: Talk by Steve Johnson (CEO at Product Growth Leaders) 7:00 - 7:15 pm: Q&A 7:15 - 8:00 pm: Networking ABOUT THE SPEAKER Steve Johnson is a product success coach focused on removing the chaos from product planning. He uses modern methods to guide product teams from idea to market in only a few weeks. Steve has trained tens of thousands of product professionals in his career. He is a former instructor and vice president at Pragmatic Institute and the chief architect of the popular Quartz Open Framework.

It feels like we just saw each other 🤷. Join members of the local design and UX community for our monthly breakfast. For May we’re stopping in for Rooh’s popup breakfast/cafe concept. You know someone is getting the lobster yuzu croissant, and that’s not even the prettiest thing on the menu!.

Click Here For More Videos: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/17vTa7EuwG/ ********************************* The Biggest Salsa Night to hit your mid-week is happening at Latin City Wednesdays. Get the feel of the Latin Beat as your hips and feet groove the right way. ********************************* Viva Dance Columbus (2809 Festival Lane Dublin, OH 43017) 830pm-930pm Cuban Salsa Lessons 930pm-Midnight Open Latin Dance Party $15 With Lesson $10 Just Open Dance ********************************** Free Parking, No Need to Bring a dance partner, No Sandals Please and Plenty of Space to Move Around.

Join other experienced and aspiring agile coaches and professionals to: * develop and practice your coaching skills in a peer-to-peer environment * share current successes and challenges in your work environment and get support from each other * learn from each other, build better relationships and experiment with new ideas ***NOTE:*** Pre-registration is required for this event. **Please arrive 10 minutes early** to check in at the security desk.

At Unity of Columbus, our Youth and Family Ministry nurtures the spiritual growth of children and families through love, joy, and practical spiritual teachings. Each Sunday, children explore timeless spiritual principles through stories, creative activities, music, and group sharing in a safe and welcoming environment. Our program encourages children to discover their own inner light, express kindness, and develop a personal connection with God. Together, we celebrate diversity, cultivate understanding, and inspire each child to live with purpose and compassion. Parents and families are invited to join in this uplifting journey of learning, laughter, and spiritual connection.

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.

The Unity of Columbus Resource Group for the Homeless is seeking compassionate volunteers who would like to help serve and uplift members of our homeless community. This group is dedicated to sharing kindness, resources, and support with individuals who may be experiencing difficult circumstances. Anyone with a heart for service is welcome to join us as we work together to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Community members are also invited to contribute by bringing helpful items for those in need. Donations of items can be contributed at the meeting and will be distributed to assist members of the homeless community. Please consider joining us and sharing this opportunity with friends, family, or associates who may also wish to help. Learn more about Unity of Columbus at www.unityofcolumbus.org or call (614) 267-4959. Together we can extend compassion, dignity, and support to our community. 💛