Software Innovation

Full for all instruments (spot remains for vocals) **Please use this link to sign up and pay** https://tickts.co.uk/events/novice-10-12pm-may-30-vortex-upstairs (Note you must already be accepted as a member of this group, otherwise your ticket will be cancelled) **Note the Vortex rehearsals will be starting at 10am and 12pm in the coming weeks.** full list of scheduled sessions: https://www.meetup.com/Practice-Jazz-Jam-Sessions/events/ **What is it** The novice rehearsal sessions provide an opportunity for people who are relatively new to jazz, to play in a friendly, low-pressure environment. With a short set list that attendees can prepare in advance, it becomes a little less daunting to play and get the most out of practising in a group. See below for this week's setlist. Please sign up before attending. Already full for your instrument? Please check back every other Wednesday, when new sessions go live. If you keep not being able to get a spot, please message the organiser (Xie). Location: Vortex upstairs **Who's it for** Anyone who has practised following the forms (chord progressions) of jazz tunes - maybe on their own at home - and would like to build up playing experience, expand repertoire and practice performing with other musicians. There are various introductions on how jazz jams work - see e.g. https://jazznightschool.org/pages/jam-session-basics You don't need to get all these details right for these novice practice sessions. The set list format should offer opportunities for those at different levels of developing their playing. While at the beginning one might struggle to follow/comp the chords or play through the melody, it gets easier over time and one can start to develop approaches to improvisation, harmonise lead lines, add intros/endings, work on communication between band members, and even listen to recordings together and pick up specific arrangements. Bass players are expected to be able to play a walking bass line on swing tunes, and simple bossa lines for bossa novas. Playing the melody, or "head" - the responsibility is shared between horns players (e.g. sax, trumpet, violin), guitar and piano. Feel free to discuss among the group before each song - different parts of the head or the starting / ending heads can be played by different players. Some melodies will better suit several voices at the same time, whereas others are sensitive to variations in how they are played and may prefer a single instrument at a time. **What it's like** A relaxed and welcoming atmosphere - please put aside any worries of making mistakes if you’re thinking of joining us for the first time. To ensure the group is accessible for those at different levels, I ask that each novice session should work on only the below four songs of the set list, unless each and every attendee feels they prefer to move on. Each novice session is limited to up to: 1 drummer, 2 bass, 2 keys, 2 guitar, 3/4 lead instruments. The tickts.co.uk page will have tickets available only for the instruments/vocals with spots remaining. **Tunes this week (Sat May 30)** * Chitlins Con Carne in C (warm up) (Kenny Burrell) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylGjvwXV3HA * Work Song in Fm (The Jazz Networks) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4sTguG5aV8 * Well you needn't in F (Miles Davis) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JC1iqeoNQg * Satin Doll in C (as slow swing) (Johnny Hodges) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dS2Dod7CIY Everyone is encouraged to listen to a variety of recordings for each song, but please ensure you are familiar with the recording provided as a primary reference. (Note the recordings provide stylistic reference, but may not be in the key listed, with the latter based on common real books) **Tune preview - next novice session (Sat June 6)** * Mack the knife (Moritat) (warm up) (Kenny Garrett) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbFIVRztZ4E * Black Orpheus in Am (Freddie Hubbard) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XK1lgP0WUhw * Take Five in Ebm (tricky) (Dave Brubeck) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmDDOFXSgAs * Our love is here to stay in F (Dexter Gordon) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_QEvFIz0qU **Preparing for the session** The chordal form of each song follow the iReal Pro app as a common reference, or you can use sheet music from Real Books. Resource for sheet music: https://www.seventhstring.com/fbindex.html http://therealbook.info/ Try to immerse yourself in the songs by listening to recordings by different artists on youtube, spotify etc. Learn the head (main melody) of the song if you can. Don't hesitate to let the band know you can play it so you can start things off **Playing well together** The rehearsal groups are often quite large for a jazz ensemble setting. Please follow the below arrangements, which are designed to help the group be mindful of each other's volumes, and to build good habits for playing as a group * Every tune should be played at least twice. Swap the bass, piano and guitar players between the two renditions (if there are two attending) * Only one guitarist should comp - i.e. play chords - for each rendition (both guitarists can solo, and comp without amplification) * After each rendition of the warm up tune, the whole group should take a moment together and help each other to check on volumes, including: \*\* Can everyone hear themselves? \*\* Are the drums too loud? \*\* Can everyone hear the bass? \*\* Is the guitar comping too loud? \*\* Is the piano loud enough? (staff at the office can turn this up) \*\* Feel free to revisit volumes after subsequent songs * For any song, if at least two people in the group feel it would be better, the guitar and piano should share the choruses for comping (instead of comping together) - e.g. guitar comps the first time through the head, then piano, then guitar, etc. **Equipment** there is a piano, drum kit (no cymbals or high hat clutch), bass and guitar amps, stands, and microphones. Drummers: please bring cymbals (none available for rental) and hi hat clutch **Percussion** Percussionists are welcome to join with their instruments, alongside the drummer. Feel free to sign up to any session, even one that says "full for all instruments" at the top, unless it explicitly mentions "full for percussion". **Vocalists** Singers are welcome, however please note that the songs have fixed keys, and some of the repertoire are likely not in the right key for your range. If you are an experienced singer, it may be possible to arrange sessions with repertoire catered to you - to explore this, please first come to the "Afternoon Open Jams" so I can get a sense of your singing. **Observing** Would you like to attend a session without playing/singing, to get an idea of the format or to get a sense of what to practise first at home? You can sign up as usual to any novice session, and send me a message that you'd like only to watch the session. When you feel ready, the fee paid can be carried over toward any future session where you join to play or sing at the rehearsal. **Cancellation policy** Please try to make it to any session you sign up to, as the jams are organised around a particular mix of instruments. However, if things do come up and you can no longer make a session, please send a message to the organiser, Xie, as soon as possible. Places are non-refundable if your plans change, but if you provide over 1 week notice it may be possible to carry over the fee for a future session. \-\-\-\-\- any questions do get in touch!

This event is open to anyone who works in or is interested in the tech industry, whether you are a developer, designer, engineer, entrepreneur, student, or hobbyist. You will be able to meet new people, share your experiences, learn from others, and find potential collaborators or mentors. Attending our events earns you [Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points](https://gcs.civilservice.gov.uk/how-to-get-cpd-points). CPD offers numerous benefits, including skill enhancement, career progression, and up-to-date knowledge. It helps professionals stay competent, advance in their careers, and maintain professional credibility. We usually start around 2 p.m. at The Crown pub, following the earlier Brunch event. The Crown offers a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks to suit all tastes and pizzas for those who missed the brunch. It is worth noting that whilst the event is free, the food and drinks aren't. Come thirsty, curious, and ready to have a great time!

full for all instruments (spot remains for vocals) **Please use this link to sign up and pay** https://tickts.co.uk/events/novice-12-2pm-may-30-vortex-upstairs (Note you must already be accepted as a member of this group, otherwise your ticket will be cancelled) **Note the Vortex rehearsals will be starting at 10am and 12pm in the coming weeks.** full list of scheduled sessions: https://www.meetup.com/Practice-Jazz-Jam-Sessions/events/ **What is it** The novice rehearsal sessions provide an opportunity for people who are relatively new to jazz, to play in a friendly, low-pressure environment. With a short set list that attendees can prepare in advance, it becomes a little less daunting to play and get the most out of practising in a group. See below for this week's setlist. Please sign up before attending. Already full for your instrument? Please check back every other Wednesday, when new sessions go live. If you keep not being able to get a spot, please message the organiser (Xie). Location: Vortex upstairs **Who's it for** Anyone who has practised following the forms (chord progressions) of jazz tunes - maybe on their own at home - and would like to build up playing experience, expand repertoire and practice performing with other musicians. There are various introductions on how jazz jams work - see e.g. https://jazznightschool.org/pages/jam-session-basics You don't need to get all these details right for these novice practice sessions. The set list format should offer opportunities for those at different levels of developing their playing. While at the beginning one might struggle to follow/comp the chords or play through the melody, it gets easier over time and one can start to develop approaches to improvisation, harmonise lead lines, add intros/endings, work on communication between band members, and even listen to recordings together and pick up specific arrangements. Bass players are expected to be able to play a walking bass line on swing tunes, and simple bossa lines for bossa novas. Playing the melody, or "head" - the responsibility is shared between horns players (e.g. sax, trumpet, violin), guitar and piano. Feel free to discuss among the group before each song - different parts of the head or the starting / ending heads can be played by different players. Some melodies will better suit several voices at the same time, whereas others are sensitive to variations in how they are played and may prefer a single instrument at a time. **What it's like** A relaxed and welcoming atmosphere - please put aside any worries of making mistakes if you’re thinking of joining us for the first time. To ensure the group is accessible for those at different levels, I ask that each novice session should work on only the below four songs of the set list, unless each and every attendee feels they prefer to move on. Each novice session is limited to up to: 1 drummer, 2 bass, 2 keys, 2 guitar, 3/4 lead instruments. The tickts.co.uk page will have tickets available only for the instruments/vocals with spots remaining. **Tunes this week (Sat May 30)** * Chitlins Con Carne in C (warm up) (Kenny Burrell) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylGjvwXV3HA * Work Song in Fm (The Jazz Networks) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4sTguG5aV8 * Well you needn't in F (Miles Davis) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JC1iqeoNQg * Satin Doll in C (as slow swing) (Johnny Hodges) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dS2Dod7CIY Everyone is encouraged to listen to a variety of recordings for each song, but please ensure you are familiar with the recording provided as a primary reference. (Note the recordings provide stylistic reference, but may not be in the key listed, with the latter based on common real books) **Tune preview - next novice session (Sat June 6)** * Mack the knife (Moritat) (warm up) (Kenny Garrett) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbFIVRztZ4E * Black Orpheus in Am (Freddie Hubbard) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XK1lgP0WUhw * Take Five in Ebm (tricky) (Dave Brubeck) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmDDOFXSgAs * Our love is here to stay in F (Dexter Gordon) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_QEvFIz0qU **Preparing for the session** The chordal form of each song follow the iReal Pro app as a common reference, or you can use sheet music from Real Books. Resource for sheet music: https://www.seventhstring.com/fbindex.html http://therealbook.info/ Try to immerse yourself in the songs by listening to recordings by different artists on youtube, spotify etc. Learn the head (main melody) of the song if you can. Don't hesitate to let the band know you can play it so you can start things off **Playing well together** The rehearsal groups are often quite large for a jazz ensemble setting. Please follow the below arrangements, which are designed to help the group be mindful of each other's volumes, and to build good habits for playing as a group * Every tune should be played at least twice. Swap the bass, piano and guitar players between the two renditions (if there are two attending) * Only one guitarist should comp - i.e. play chords - for each rendition (both guitarists can solo, and comp without amplification) * After each rendition of the warm up tune, the whole group should take a moment together and help each other to check on volumes, including: \*\* Can everyone hear themselves? \*\* Are the drums too loud? \*\* Can everyone hear the bass? \*\* Is the guitar comping too loud? \*\* Is the piano loud enough? (staff at the office can turn this up) \*\* Feel free to revisit volumes after subsequent songs * For any song, if at least two people in the group feel it would be better, the guitar and piano should share the choruses for comping (instead of comping together) - e.g. guitar comps the first time through the head, then piano, then guitar, etc. **Equipment** there is a piano, drum kit (no cymbals or high hat clutch), bass and guitar amps, stands, and microphones. Drummers: please bring cymbals (none available for rental) and hi hat clutch **Percussion** Percussionists are welcome to join with their instruments, alongside the drummer. Feel free to sign up to any session, even one that says "full for all instruments" at the top, unless it explicitly mentions "full for percussion". **Vocalists** Singers are welcome, however please note that the songs have fixed keys, and some of the repertoire are likely not in the right key for your range. If you are an experienced singer, it may be possible to arrange sessions with repertoire catered to you - to explore this, please first come to the "Afternoon Open Jams" so I can get a sense of your singing. **Observing** Would you like to attend a session without playing/singing, to get an idea of the format or to get a sense of what to practise first at home? You can sign up as usual to any novice session, and send me a message that you'd like only to watch the session. When you feel ready, the fee paid can be carried over toward any future session where you join to play or sing at the rehearsal. **Cancellation policy** Please try to make it to any session you sign up to, as the jams are organised around a particular mix of instruments. However, if things do come up and you can no longer make a session, please send a message to the organiser, Xie, as soon as possible. Places are non-refundable if your plans change, but if you provide over 1 week notice it may be possible to carry over the fee for a future session. \-\-\-\-\- any questions do get in touch!

This event is open to anyone who works in or is interested in the tech industry, whether you are a developer, designer, engineer, entrepreneur, student, or hobbyist. You can meet new people, share your experiences, learn from others, and find potential collaborators or mentors. Attending the brunch club also earns you [Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points](https://gcs.civilservice.gov.uk/how-to-get-cpd-points). CPD offers numerous benefits, including skill enhancement, career progression, and up-to-date knowledge. It helps professionals stay competent, advance in their careers, and maintain professional credibility. The event starts at Grill on the Hill, which offers a variety of dishes and beverages to suit your preferences and dietary needs. We'll group in 4's, get to know each other and enjoy fantastic food. Please note that this is a ticketed event to secure the brunch venue. Purchasing a ticket ensures admission to the event but does not include food or drink at the restaurant or the pub afterwards. Come hungry, curious, and ready to have a great time!

Exciting event from comrades at Compass and the Progressive Economy Forum! [Tickets here.](https://actionnetwork.org/ticketed_events/may_30_2026?source=cmpswebsite&) Last year, Compass brought together 450+ progressive pioneers at ‘Change:HOW? A Decade of Radical Renewal’ to re-orient the current Labour government’s promise of a ‘decade of national renewal’. This was an amazingly successful day and a springboard for our work in the Labour Party to get organised, energised and mobilised through Mainstream. But the past year has proven one thing above all else: the need for an organised progressive agenda **across** parties and movements, the **relationships** to make that agenda happen, and the **urgency** of making change. That’s why Compass is thrilled to be working with [Progressive Economic Forum](https://progressiveeconomyforum.com/) to host **‘Change:NOW! Mobilising the Progressive Majority’**, a day of debate, disagreement and deliberation between progressives of all parties (and none!) on **Saturday 30th May 2026.** The conference will feature speakers from across the progressive parties and movements, including keynote speeches from **Mayor Andy Burnham, Caroline Lucas,** and **Gary Stevenson.** Please find a full speaker list below. We’ll also be joined by partners including **Friends of the Earth, UCL Policy Lab, New Economics Foundation, Make Votes Matter, Unlock Democracy,** and **Migrant Democracy Project.** We are splitting the day between focusing on what policies we need to deliver the change to reset our economy, and the political and cultural changes we need to bring about those policies. Through establishing consensus on political strategy and economic direction - and highlighting the important differences in detail across progressive parties and the wider movement - this event will be the catalyst for the change our country so desperately needs. So whether you’re a Labourite, a Green, a Lib Dem, otherwise spoken for or unaligned, get your ticket today and join us for what promises to be an inspiring and imaginative day of ideas and political debate! The event will take place on **Saturday 30th May** at **Rich Mix**, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, London, E1 6LA. With our partners: Friends of the Earth \| UCL Policy Lab \| New Economics Foundation \| Mainstream \| Renewal \| Economic Change Unit \| Make Votes Matter \| Unlock Democracy \| Migrant Democracy Project *** Keynote speeches from Mayor of Greater Manchester **Andy Burnham**, economist, YouTuber, and author **Gary Stevenson,** and Former Leader of the Green Party **Caroline Lucas.** Speakers include: **Abubakr Nanabawa**\, Director\, The Muslim Vote \| **Allan Njanji**\, Regional Campaigns Manager\, Asylum Matters\, researcher and advocate for refugee rights \| **Alex Sobel**\, Labour MP for Leeds Central & Headingley\, Chair of APPG for Fair Elections \| **Alex Zur-Clark**\, Labour for a New Democracy \| **Andrea Egan**\, General Secretary\, UNISON \| **Ann Pettifor**, Director of Policy Research in Macroeconomics; author of *The Case for the Green New Deal* and *The Global Casino* \| **Anthea Simmons**\, Founder of Common Ground Org\, co\-founder South Devon Primary and editor\-in\-chief of West Country Voice \| **Asad Rehman** Chief Executive\, Friends of the Earth\| **Beth Stratford**\, Honorary Research Fellow\, UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose \| **Bethany Gardiner-Smith**\, Senior Policy Associate\, the Future Governance Forum \| **Caitlin Prowle,** Assistant General Secretary\, Cooperative Party \| **Carolina Alves**\, Associate Professor in Economics\, UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose \| **Cecilia Rikap**\, Associate Professor in Economics\, UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose\| **Clare Short**\, Former Secretary of State for International Development \| **Clive Lewis MP**\, Labour MP\, Norwich South \| **Daniella Jenkins**\, Executive Director\, Women’s Budget Group \| **Daniel Kebede**\, General Secretary\, National Education Union \| **Danny Sriskandarajah**\, Cheif Executive\, New Economics Foundation \| **David Wilson**\, Deputy General Secretary\, National Education Union \| **Diane Elson**\, Emeritus Professor\, University of Essex; adviser to UN Women and the Women’s Budget Group \| **Emma Harrison**\, Chief Exec\, Make Votes Matter \| **Faiza Shaheen,** Executive Director of Tax Justice UK\, and Independent candidate for Chingford and Woodford Green in the 2024 General Election\| **Fatima Ibrahim**\, Co\-executive Director\, Green New Deal Rising \| **Francesca Klug**\, Human Rights expert and Visiting Professorial at the LSE \| **Geoff Mulgan**\, Professor of Collective Intelligence\, Public Policy and Social Innovation at University College London \(UCL\) \| **Guy Standing**, Professorial Research Associate, SOAS; author of *The Precariat*, *The Politics of Time* and *Human Capital* \| **Hannah Rich**\, Director\, Christians on the Left \| **Hannah Robathon**\, Take Back Big Tech \| **James Baggaley**\, Head of Politics and Partnerships\, UCL Policy Lab \| **James Meadway**\, Director\, Verdant \| **Jeremy Gilbert**\, Professor of Cultural and Political Theory\, University of East London \| **Jo Michell**\, Professor of Economics\, UWE Bristol \| **Jonathon Shafi**\, Activist\, Political Commentator\, ERS Scotland Campaigns Organiser \| **Josh Ryan-Collins**\, Professor of Economics and Finance\, UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose \| **Kate Pickett,** Professor of Epidemiology, University of York; author of *The Spirit Level* and *The Good Society* \| **Kerry Postlewhite**\, Chair\, Mainstream \| **Lara Parizotto**\, Director\, Migrant Democracy Project \| **Lexie KirkConnell-Kawana** CEO\, Impress \| **Marc Stears**\, Director\, UCL Policy Lab \| **Mark Drakeford**\, Former First Minister of Wales \| **Mat Lawrence** Director\, Common Wealth \| **Orla McBreen**\, Deputy Ambassador\, Ireland's Embassy in London \| **Patrick Allen**\, Founder and Chair\, Progressive Economy Forum \| **Paul Fleming**\, General Secretary of Equity \| **Paul Wragg**\, Director\, Hacked Off \| **Peter Holmes**\, Emeritus Reader\, University of Sussex \| **Roz Savage MP,** Lib Dem MP\, South Cotswolds \| **Stewart Lansley**, Author of *The Cost of Inequality, Breadline Britain*, and *The Richer, The Poorer* \| **Sue Goss**\, Political Scientist\, Author \| **Susan Himmelweit,** Emeritus Professor\, Open University; Economist and Chair of the Policy Advisory Group of the Women’s Budget Group \| **Thomas Barlow**\, Treasurer\, Independent Media Association \| **Tom Brake**\, Director\, Unlock Democracy \| **Tom Chivers**\, Vice Chair\, Media Reform Coalition \| **Tom de Grunwald**\, Founder and Director\, Forward Democracy \| **Vince Cable**\, Former Leader of the Liberal Democrats \| **Will Hutton**, President of the Academy of Social Sciences; author of *The State We’re In* and *This Time No Mistakes* \| **Will Stronge**\, Chief Executive\, The Autonomy Institute \| **Zoe Williams**, Guardian columnist

Join our WhatsApp group at [www.thesocialsport.com.](http://www.thesocialsport.com./) Our New Sport Every Week session for Southwark. We will be playing volleyball at Southwark Park. The winning sport will be announced on Wednesday. To vote, join the WhatsApp group on our website. **What is Social Sport?** Social Sport was set up to face two main challenges in cities like London: 1. Limited opportunities for those moving here to meet new people and socialise in a genuine, healthy way. 2. Lack of casual sports clubs for young professionals. We started with our New Sport Every Week session, voted for by people in our community. Since then, we have played over 21 different sports. Additionally, we also play weekly sports, which are set up based on feedback from those who join our events! **Please note this session is popular and has a set number of places. If you do not secure your place prior to attending, and the event is full, you will not be able to play.**

Inviting all women and non-binary NSLondoners to a relaxed Sunday morning coffee social ☕️😌 Feel free to bring an app or code project to show and talk about, but no pressure if you’d rather just come along for a chat and to meet others in the community! Please RSVP on Meetup if you’re planning to come. Looking forward to seeing you there! All attendees are expected to follow our [code of conduct](https://nslondon.com/coc.html).

Sign up before the event starts at [www.thesocialsport.com.](http://www.thesocialsport.com./) Our New Sport Every Week session for Southwark Casual Sports Club. The winning sport will be announced on Wednesday. To vote join the WhatsApp group on our website. **What is Social Sport?** Social Sport was set up to face two main challenges in cities like London: 1. Limited opportunities for those moving here to meet new people and socialise in a genuine, healthy way. 2. Lack of casual sports clubs for young professionals. We started with our New Sport Every Week session, voted for by people in our community. Since then, we have played over 21 different sports. Additionally, we also play weekly sports, which are set up based on feedback from those who join our events! **Please note this session is popular and has a set number of places. If you do not secure your place prior to attending, and the event is full, you will not be able to play.**

Welcome to our brand-new event! This is a space where artists, musicians, and producers come together to collaborate on a song, build meaningful connections, and leave feeling inspired. We’ve heard many people in our community asking for more collaboration opportunities, and this is exactly that. Sign up, and start creating. The aim is simple: connect, collaborate, and write a great song together. Please note: this session is completely led by you and your group. We’ll bring you together, and the rest is in your hands to create something magical There are only **5 spots available per session**, so make sure to secure yours early. This session is exclusively for Amplify Her members. If you’d like to join the community, visit: [amplifyher.com.uk/membership](http://amplifyher.com.uk/membership) **[Make sure to grab your ticket on our website, so that you receive a QR code to use upon arrival.](https://www.amplifyher.co.uk/event-details/songwriting-co-create-session)** **Follow us on:** [https://www.instagram.com/amplify_herLive/](https://www.instagram.com/amplify_herLive/) [https://www.amplifyher.co.uk/](https://www.amplifyher.co.uk/) [https://www.linkedin.com/company/amplifyher/](https://www.linkedin.com/company/amplifyher/)

**Looking for a business networking event in London with a more social, founder-led atmosphere, and on a Saturday?** **Join us for a Business Networking & Founder Mixer in Covent Garden. Hosted by London tech startups GMax Card, Ciitab, and Getshop Today.** **What to Expect** **Quality** **conversations****, relaxed socialising,** **networking****, and** **a live DJ throughout the evening** **- a business crowd in a social setting. Meet new people, exchange ideas, build** **partnerships****, and** **grow your network** **in a relaxed but professional atmosphere.** **Our hosts will help introduce guests early in the evening, before the event naturally flows into open networking, drinks, and** **DJ music****.** **Who You’ll Meet** **•** **Founders** **and** **entrepreneurs** **•** **Business owners** **and** **decision makers** **•** **Finance****,** **FinTech, banking****, and** **investment professionals** **•** **Tech****,** **startup, AI, digital, and product professionals** **• International** **business professionals visiting London** **How the Evening Flows** **18:30 - Arrival & welcome** **19:00 - Short guest introductions** **19:30 - Open socialising/networking with live DJ** **21:30 - Close** **Venue - Sycamore Bar, Middle Eight Hotel** **A refined cocktail bar inside the 5-star Middle Eight Hotel in Covent Garden, just a short walk from Covent Garden, Holborn and Tottenham Court Road stations.** **Dress Code** **Business or smart attire. Think polished Saturday evening out with a professional touch.** **Tickets & GMax Cards** * **Free RSVP tickets include only the access to the event.** * **Selected paid tickets include a premium contactless GMax Card and 1 drink.** **Hosted by founder-built tech startups:** **•** [GMax Card – digital & contactless business cards](www.gmaxcard,com) **•** [Ciitab – AI-powered LinkedIn networking](www.ciitab.com) **•** [Getshop Today – UK ecommerce platform](www.getshop.today) **Important Details** **• 18+ event. ID may be required at the bar.** **• Photography and filming may take place for promotional use by** [Cine Eye (Audiovisual Production).](Audiovisual%20Production) **• Attendance is at your own risk. Organisers and venue accept no liability for loss, damage, or injury.** **Spaces are limited and early booking is recommended.**

**​Founders Running Club (FRC)** brings founders, investors, tech, creative people and startup enthusiasts together for weekly easy runs and networking. We like to be comfortable when we run and finish with coffee and conversations. Choose your pace or follow a pacer—pets, friends, family, are welcome. ​9:15 Bag drop at the Regent's Bar and Kitchen, Regent's Park: https://maps.app.goo.gl/MmZdAVM8yXT9euKc7 ​9:30 Warm Up starts at the Inner Circle & York Bridge, South Gate: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/qw45ehLmDQY7maMD6](https://maps.app.goo.gl/qw45ehLmDQY7maMD6) 🗓️ Launched in San Francisco, July 16, 2022 🌍 Now in 27 cities 📅 Running + Networking events + Community **Join the community [http://foundersrc.com/chats](http://foundersrc.com/chats)** **Stay updated:** **Instagram [http://instagram.com/foundersrc/](http://instagram.com/foundersrc/)** **Podcast [http://podcast.foundersrc.com/](http://podcast.foundersrc.com/)** **LinkedIn [http://linkedin.com/company/foundersrc/](http://linkedin.com/company/foundersrc/)** **Strava [http://strava.com/clubs/foundersRC](http://strava.com/clubs/foundersRC)** **Website [http://foundersrc.com/](http://foundersrc.com/)**

QA or the Highway is a one-day, affordable, regional, professional conference featuring real-world experience and thought leadership in the QA and testing industry. This is a ticketed event please register here: https://www.qaorthehwy.com/ Featured Keynote Speakers: **Matthew-Hope Eland** **(Wizard at Leading EDJE)** \- An AI Specialist and Wizard at Leading EDJE who is known to teach software engineering\, AI\, and data science concepts in the most ridiculous ways possible\. Matt has used machine learning to settle debates over whether Die Hard is a Christmas movie\, reinforcement learning to drive the behavior of digital squirrels\, data analytics to suggest improvements to his favorite TV show\, and AI agents to play board games and create an AI agent with the personality of a dog\. Matt is the author of "Data Science in \.NET with Polyglot Notebooks" and "Refactoring with C\#" as well as several LinkedIn Learning courses\. Matt helps organize the Central Ohio \.NET Developer Group\, runs several blogs and a YouTube channel\, has a Master’s of Science in Data Analytics\, and is a current Microsoft MVP in AI and \.NET\. **Tatyana Arbouzova** **(CEO at Innovate QA)** \- Tatyana Arbouzova is an engineering and business leader with a strong background in Quality Engineering across multiple industries\, including Big Tech\, Healthcare\, and Entertainment\. She has held leadership roles at world\-class companies such as Microsoft\, VMware\, Disney\, and The Pokémon Company International\, where she focused on building quality\-driven cultures and scaling teams to deliver high\-impact products\. With decades of experience\, Tatyana has helped organizations transform their quality practices so teams can deliver software efficiently\, confidently\, and with measurable business outcomes\. Today\, Tatyana advises software companies on adopting AI to optimize quality practices and improve how software is delivered at scale\. She is also a passionate community builder and the founder of Innovate QA\, a thriving Seattle\-based community and conference for quality professionals\.

Topic to be announced. **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

Christians in Tech is a community at the intersection of faith and technology. Our meetups are designed to spark meaningful conversations, promote knowledge sharing, and encourage growth—both in your career and your spiritual walk with God. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting your tech journey, CIT welcomes you. Our Website [https://linktr.ee/citcbus](https://linktr.ee/citcbus) Sponsors and Partners * Improving (Venue Sponsor) * Bethel World Prayer Center (Fiscal Sponsor) * Fruits & Roots (Coffee Partner)

**The Behavior Gap: Where Products Win or Lose** Teams today have more data than ever, and yet many still struggle to understand why customers adopt, engage with, or abandon their products. Teams sprint, ship faster, and chase more signals… all while metrics stall and confidence drops. The missing piece isn’t more data. It’s often the behavioral insight between the metrics, explaining why the numbers move in the first place. Dashboards can tell you what customers did, but understanding why they did it (and how to influence what they do next) requires a deeper blend of insights. This session is about closing that gap. Drawing from real-world experience designing and scaling products as [ZoCo Design](https://zocodesign.com/)’s CEO, [Lacey](https://www.linkedin.com/in/laceypicazo/) will share how to cut through the noise and identify the insights that actually change behavior—moving people, and moving metrics. You’ll learn: * Why understanding customer behavior is a quant and qual challenge * How to spot the signals that actually predict behavior change * Where AI accelerates insight, and where it creates distraction * How to get meaningfully closer to customers, without adding more tools This talk reframes how to evaluate performance and identify what levers actually improve it, helping your team to make smarter bets with greater confidence. Every meaningful outcome is driven by behavior change. And when you know how to design for behavior, you stop guessing, and start building things that work. **About Our Speaker** [Lacey Picazo](https://www.linkedin.com/in/laceypicazo/) is the Founder and CEO of ZoCo, a healthcare product studio that turns complex, high-stakes ideas into products that drive real-world adoption. She partners with healthcare organizations to uncover critical care delivery insights, focus product strategy through behavior design, and build solutions that patients and providers actually use. Thanks to our 2026 sponsors: [Clarivoy](https://www.clarivoy.com), [What Box Consulting Group](https://www.whatboxconsultinggroup.com), [Conductrics](https://www.conductrics.com), and [Piwik PRO](https://piwik.pro) More info at [cbusdaw.com](https://cbusdaw.com)

**Presenter:** Auri Rahimzadeh, Principal Software Architect, Momentum3 **Time:** Pizza at 6:00, Presentation Starts at 6:30pm Eastern **Location:** Theoris, 9000 Keystone Crossing, Suite 230, Indianapolis Auri's been using AI a lot. Are you? Let's discuss how to be your most effective self by using AI in your development workflow. Looking forward to seeing you there!

We have moved to guild.host. Look us up there. https://guild.host/events/buckeye-cocoaheads-rcavwd

Christians in Tech is a community at the intersection of faith and technology. Our meetups are designed to spark meaningful conversations, promote knowledge sharing, and encourage growth—both in your career and your spiritual walk with God. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting your tech journey, CIT welcomes you. Our Website [https://linktr.ee/citcbus](https://linktr.ee/citcbus) Sponsors and Partners * Improving (Venue Sponsor) * Bethel World Prayer Center (Fiscal Sponsor) * Fruits & Roots (Coffee Partner)