Speakers & Events

Our Toastmaster club meets the 2nd and 4th Thursdays at 7:30 pm at the Fairfax Public Access TV and Radio station (near Mosaic/Dunn Loring Metro area) located at 2929 Eskridge Rd s, Fairfax, VA 22031. All visitors WELCOME! Come and have fun at our edu-tainment meetings! Learn the required steps to improve your public speaking...

Behind an unassuming door, beneath the rhythm of the city, an unforgettable Valentine-season evening awaits. Join us for an intimate singles mixer inside a hidden Prohibition-era speakeasy tucked within the National Union Building in Washington DC. This exclusive gathering is thoughtfully designed for warm, genuine, and single professionals who are open to meaningful conversation, authentic connection, friendship, romance, and the possibility of meeting someone truly special. Descend into a space that feels timeless and cinematic. The Cocktail Club—concealed in the building’s lower level—features exposed brick archways, moody lighting, a striking black granite bar, and a dramatic spiral staircase that sets the tone the moment you arrive. With classic, handcrafted cocktails and a vintage aesthetic inspired by the Prohibition era, the atmosphere is intimate, elegant, and filled with quiet intrigue—perfect for lingering conversations and romantic energy to unfold. This evening is an invitation to reconnect with the art of meeting in person. Step away from endless swiping and into a room filled with like-minded professionals who value presence, depth, and genuine connection. Whether you’re hoping to meet your match, spark a romantic connection, or simply enjoy an elevated night surrounded by warm, engaging people, this experience is designed to feel effortless, heartfelt, and real. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this hidden-gem experience. Stop swiping, join us IRL, and let romance meet you where secrets are kept—we can’t wait to welcome you. **Can't make this event? Sign up for FREE on our website to get updates on future events:** [www.Intelligent.Events](https://www.intelligent.events/ "https://www.Intelligent.Events")

Valentine Edition This free financial business and networking workshop brings motivated professionals, entrepreneurs, and career-minded individuals together to learn wealth strategies, income-building concepts, and financial protection tools. Guests connect, ask real questions, gain clarity, and leave with education, confidence, and new relationships that support long-term success. Dress Business Professional. Complementary tour and Free parking are provided. Text 302.390.8443 the “I will be there” for the location and confirm your seat.

**Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 7:00pm-7:30pm** Join us for a calming **guided evening meditation** designed to help you **release stress**, **quiet the mind**, and **restore inner peace**, even if you’ve never meditated before. * **Time:** 7:00–7:30 PM * **Format:** Gentle guidance + quiet time + peaceful reflection * **Perfect for:** Beginners and experienced meditators * **What to bring:** Just yourself **Come as you are. Leave feeling lighter.** * **Reserve your spot** (recommended) * **Free Event - Donations Appreciated** * **Bring a friend. First-timers welcome!** * **Arrive early to settle in. Doors open at 6:30 PM.**

Grow your professional network across industries, swap ideas, and unwind in a friendly, collaborative vibe, ideal for career-minded pros seeking connections. All professionals in the DMV and MidAtlantic area are invited! This event is to every and each professional in different industry, sector and specialization to grow, interact, and learn from each other. It is designed to provide a professional environment, to meet other professionals, to broaden one's career. It is also for those interested in careers and are studying or intend to enter the dynamic world of global professionalism. ***GRAB A BOOZE OR A BITE AND YOU WILL BE SET TO ENJOY THE EVENT. YOU NEED TO GET AT LEAST A DRINK OR FOOD:) To get the event going and show support. We know that you like our events. P.S. : We have non-alcoholic drinks as well.*** We have a tiny venue and we hit capacity often and early arrival is suggested. We have the discretion to decide entry. HOW IT WORKS : We will give out name tags and you write your name and your industry/sector/specialization. However we don't guarantee the availability of a partner in that area. DON'T FORGET TO BRING YOUR BUSINESS CARD. Rules to abide : 1. Event is free and 21+ (bring ID). 2. Be respectful to your counterparts and give them a chance to connect with others as well. 3. We all are professionals in one or two fields and be willing to share your knowledge and experience to others and try to accommodate as much as possible. 4. If you don't belong the other person's required specialization, LEAVE THEM ALONE. 5. Rude or aggressive members are removed from the group at an organizers discretion. 6. This is a face-to-face networking event. DO NOT try to arrange an online meeting, by using the comment box or direct message. 7. Most of our members complained about people writing in the comment box. Since it sends notification to all attendees. If you have any questions, send a message to the organizers. Don't write in the comment box. 8. We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via ([info@merevents.com](mailto:info@merevents.com)). 9. When you get there, we will greet you and take you to your respective group. 10. ***Please be patient for the first 30 minutes, up until we form a group with your respective industry/sector.*** ***AFTER THE SOCIAL, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!*** \- Come one\, come all; this is the most friendliest event you have ever attended\! \- Feel free to invite your friends\. They don't necessarily have to be a member\. \- Celebrate your birthdays or your moments in life with us\. ***N.B. : We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via ([info@merevents.com](http://info@merevents.com/)).*** **FOR FURTHER INFO, REFER THE EVENTBRITELINK. IT RULES.** [) [) [) [) [) [) [)

Getting tired of the ordinary 9-5 grind? Want to experience having residual income as you go about life? Be a part of a team that will support you consistently? No ceiling to your earning potential ? Or even better…..Give a valuable and much needed asset to a your community and the nation as a whole? This is the place to be. Receive premium education and training to learn the principles of building generational wealth. Get a peak at your next best opportunity. We only have one life to live so let’s experience it all to the fullest! Please reach out to me if you’re planning to attend, it is by invitation only and I will need to secure your spot! Dress code: Business Casual

## ❤️ Timeless \| DC Singles Party \| All Ages **True Chemistry Is Timeless** 🗓 **Saturday, February 13** ⏰ **8:00 – 11 PM (DJ & open dance floor after)** 📍 **Eighteenth Street Lounge — Washington, DC** *** **Ever feel like you were born in the wrong decade?** Maybe you’re an old soul. Maybe you still feel young, curious, and open. Or maybe you’ve learned that real connection doesn’t follow a number. **Timeless** is an ageless singles night designed for people who believe chemistry matters more than categories. This is a relaxed, welcoming evening where generations mix naturally — with curated matchmaking, open mingling, and a lively party atmosphere to follow. After matching **400+ guests across all age ranges**, one thing became clear: ✨ **Great connections happen when age stops being the headline.** *** ## 💫 What Makes Timeless Different * All ages welcome — no strict brackets * Some curated match rounds are age-aware, others are intentionally open * A social, party-forward flow that lets connections happen naturally * A DJ and dance floor open after the matchmaking wraps up This is not speed dating. It’s not awkward networking. It’s a great night out — with intention built in. 🎟 **Tickets**: [Timeless Tickets Here!](https://timeless-2026.eventbrite.com) *** ## 🎟️ What’s Included * Entry to a private singles party at Eighteenth Street Lounge * Curated matchmaking powered by Matchbox * Multiple match rounds (with and without age limits) * Access to happy hour pricing (including espresso martinis & specials) * DJ + open dance floor after 10:30 PM *Note: No drink ticket included — guests may purchase drinks directly from the bar.* *** ## 🕐 Evening Flow **8:00 PM** – Arrival, check-in, mingle **8:15 PM** – Complete a short matchmaking questionnaire on your phone **8:45 PM** – Match rounds begin **10:00 PM+** – Matching Ends, DJ spins, dance floor opens. You’re welcome to participate in all matchmaking rounds — or simply enjoy the night socially with a "Friend Ticket." *** ## 👗🕴️ Dress Code **Cocktail to semi-formal encouraged.** Gold and red tones are especially welcome as we take over the venue’s intimate **Red Room**, reserved exclusively for our group. Dress confident. Dress curious. *** ## 📋 Good to Know * A smartphone with internet access is required for matchmaking * Please arrive by **8:30 PM** to be included in curated match rounds * Venue is on an upper level and may not be fully accessible (stairs only) * This is a respectful, inclusive space — disruptive behavior is not tolerated * Photos/video may be taken during the event Refunds available up to **4 days before** the event. No refunds for late arrival or no-shows. *** ## 💬 Why Timeless Works This is our **15th+ event** of the year, shaped by guest feedback and improved flow: * Better questions aligned with real life stages * Tighter pacing and smoother transitions * Trained hosts who keep the energy warm and inclusive **Timeless** is for people who want to meet others with curiosity — not assumptions. *** 🎟 **Space is limited — RSVP on Meetup, but ticket purchase is required separately to attend.** 🎟 **Tickets**: [Timeless Tickets Here!](https://timeless-2026.eventbrite.com) 📸 Follow us on Instagram: **@dmv.experiences** Come for the party. Stay for the connection. Because true chemistry is timeless. 💫

Sunday Texas Hold-Em Tournament Cost: no cost to play Time: 12:00 (noon) - 2:00 pm Starting Stack: 30,000 chips Bonuses: 5,000 for arriving early, 5,000 for new players, 5,000 for registering online Blind structure Level 1: 100 chips / 200 chips Level 2: 200 chips / 400 chips Level 3: 300 chips / 600 chips Level 4: 400 chips / 800 chips Level 5: 500 chips / 1,000 chips 10 minute break / chip up Level 6: 1,000 chips / 2,000 chips Level 7: 2,000 chips / 4,000 chips Level 8: 3,000 chips / 6,000 chips chip up Level 9: 5,000 chips / 10,000 chips Level 10: 10,000 chips / 20,000 chips Level 11: 15,000 chips / 30,000 chips Level 12: 25,000 chips / 50,000 chips chip up Level 13: 50,000 chips / 100,000 chips Level 14: 100,000 chips / 200,000 chips Level 15: 200,000 chips / 4000,000 chips

Guest Speaker: Haven King-Nobles, Executive Director of Fish Welfare Initiative Post-PAM Animal Action: TBD Haven King-Nobles is the cofounder and executive director of Fish Welfare Initiative, an organization that works in Asia to implement welfare improvements for our underwater cousins. His talk will focus on what activists should know about fish farming, how FWI helps fishes, and the strategic implications of all of this for our movement. Join your fellow animal lovers and DC Animal Protection to discuss what’s happening in the animal advocacy scene in DC! This series is a weekly meetup, with guest speakers from all of the major animals rights orgs. We’ll host non-profits such as Pro-Animal Future, International Council for Animal Welfare, DC Voters for Animals, The Humane League, Mercy for Animals and Direct Action Everywhere as well as local grassroots groups like the DC Coalition Against Foie Gras and sanctuaries. We’ll also have special sessions related to health, nutrition and mindfulness! We encourage anyone who is interested in helping animals to attend- no need to be vegan! Come learn about our rich variety of local activism. With protests, outreach, wheat-pasting, signature collecting, leafletting, lobbying, tabling etc. there’s something to match everyone’s comfort level and skill set. Coffee, bagels and community will be provided! Feel free to bring any extra treats to share (no animal products please.) Hope to see you soon! :) Note: Unfortunately, animals are not allowed at our venue. Please leave your furry friends at home.

Sunday Texas Hold-Em Tournament Cost: No cost Time: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Starting Stack: 30,000 chips Bonuses: 5,000 for arriving early, 5,000 for new players, 5,000 for registering online Blind structure Level 1: 100 chips / 200 chips Level 2: 200 chips / 400 chips Level 3: 300 chips / 600 chips Level 4: 400 chips / 800 chips Level 5: 500 chips / 1,000 chips 10 minute break / chip up Level 6: 1,000 chips / 2,000 chips Level 7: 2,000 chips / 4,000 chips Level 8: 3,000 chips / 6,000 chips chip up Level 9: 5,000 chips / 10,000 chips Level 10: 10,000 chips / 20,000 chips Level 11: 15,000 chips / 30,000 chips Level 12: 25,000 chips / 50,000 chips chip up Level 13: 50,000 chips / 100,000 chips Level 14: 100,000 chips / 200,000 chips Level 15: 200,000 chips / 4000,000 chips

**[Bitcoin District](https://bitcoindistrict.org/)** is a community of Bitcoiners living & working in the greater DMV metro area. Join us for a "Coffee & Bitcoin" meetup where we'll talk about what's happening in the world of Bitcoin. We highly encourage anyone who is new to Bitcoin or just a little curious to come and ask questions... don't be shy! 🚗 Ample parking at the shopping center 🚆🚍 METRO + Bus: Dunn Loring Station (orange line) + bus to Lee Hwy & Lee Oaks Ct stop Be sure to check out the special [Bitcoin Blend](https://www.compasscoffee.com/products/bitcoin-blend), an El Salvador single-origin roast from our host [Compass Coffee](https://www.compasscoffee.com/). You can order from their website and you can even pay in Bitcoin! **Our events are Bitcoin focused and we generally avoid discussing other coins & tokens. Nothing discussed during this meetup is financial advice. Always do your own research.**

Sunday Texas Hold-Em Tournament Cost: No cost Time: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Starting Stack: 30,000 chips Bonuses: 5,000 for arriving early, 5,000 for new players, 5,000 for registering online Blind structure Level 1: 100 chips / 200 chips Level 2: 200 chips / 400 chips Level 3: 300 chips / 600 chips Level 4: 400 chips / 800 chips Level 5: 500 chips / 1,000 chips 10 minute break / chip up Level 6: 1,000 chips / 2,000 chips Level 7: 2,000 chips / 4,000 chips Level 8: 3,000 chips / 6,000 chips chip up Level 9: 5,000 chips / 10,000 chips Level 10: 10,000 chips / 20,000 chips Level 11: 15,000 chips / 30,000 chips Level 12: 25,000 chips / 50,000 chips chip up Level 13: 50,000 chips / 100,000 chips Level 14: 100,000 chips / 200,000 chips Level 15: 200,000 chips / 4000,000 chips

Michelle Arnold https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellearnold-/ and Robert Brandau https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertbrandau/ will tell stories and give examples of how relationships lead to business success and job search success. At the end of this seminar/webinar, there will be a brief Christian story.-------------------IF YOU ARE NEW TO Career-Confidence.org and want to learn about us via our team, here are some videos that we have done. PLEASE SUBSCRIBE to our channel and LIKE our videos.------ Career-Confidence.org, Laura Hamilton and Robert Brandau both long-time recruiters give you an overv iew. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R20iMmWWsas Doris McMillon of our Board of Directors https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNmOi9TsYGs&t=10s --Bruce, Silvia, and Mary Beth talk about the impact of Career-Confidence.org on their job search. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYtFRWzhKLo --Kim DeWitt Succinctly Talks about our Team https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSHCEK11jD0_ Cecilia and Nate – 2 of our Alumni give an overview of Career-Confidence.org. perspective. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNstYHVnfAA --Sara's Experience with Career-Confidence.org - Surprise Ending – Pre-Covid https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEuKuvZyEYE&t=51s Kathi Galiano’s Article which Sara references. https://www.career-confidence.org/my-experience-with-career-confidence-org-by-kathi-gagliano/

The topic for February is "Transitions" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!

**\*\*\*\* More details and sign up at: https://aifalliance.org/summit-2026/ \*\*\*\*** **What is AI Freedom Alliance?** AI Freedom Alliance promotes the responsible growth of AI guided by practical, commonsense ethics. Our nonprofit is built by professionals from a wide range of industries and is made up entirely of small- and mediumbusiness representatives—never large tech companies. We provide a counterbalance to big corporate influence, focusing instead on how AI can benefit businesses and the world at large. **What’s Happening?** ***The inaugural AI Freedom Alliance Summit.*** This full-day event will explore how we can ensure AI is adopted responsibly through shared ethical standards that empower humanity. The summit will feature interactive and educational sessions led by thought leaders, technologists, policymakers, and advocates who are passionate about making AI fair, transparent, and beneficial for everyone. **Why Attend?** Learn about the legal and technical challenges with implementing AI solutions within your organization. Build better solutions while protecting your organization from legal and compliance risks. And learn how to think strategically about AI as a differentiation tool for your business. This summit is highly recommended for C-Suite leaders to learn as well as interact with each other and our sponsors.

It’s time to take control of your mental health. How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Have you ever suffered from a traumatic experience, a deep loss or been through a painful breakup? Has your ability to communicate suffered as a result? And after that, even though you "moved on" did you find that things were never quite the same? Have you ever looked at childhood photos, or reminisced your early life and wondered where that happiness and spark went? Are your emotions out of your own control? Have you ever felt, even if you aren’t aware of it, that possibly you are getting in your own way of your happiness and success? How does this affect your self-confidence? Find out what is at the root of all stress, anxiety, depression and self-doubt. Find out how and why you hold yourself back from achieving your goals and having the life you have dreamed of. As soon as you learn what is at the root of these unwanted conditions, you’ll see it is something you can DO something about. You will not be labeled or categorized at this MeetUp.

Calling all founders, CEOs, lawyers, doctors, and entrepreneurs to join our special *Founder Edition* of Sip & Read meetup event. Let's sip on fine wine and discuss our first book **The 5AM Club- Own Your Morning Elevate Your Life, by Robin Sharma**. We will pair this book with our favorite wine at **Wine on High** and engage in thought-provoking discussions on startup businesses and entrepreneurship, and network with like-minded individuals in a cozy book club setting. Come prepared to discuss this month's book. At the end of each book club meeting, we will take next book and venue suggestions from the participants for the next meeting. Whether you are a book lover, women entrepreneur, or a content creator, this event is perfect for sharing ideas and insights with other funders and founders in the entrepreneurial world. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to connect, learn, and grow together. Sign up now to reserve your spot! *Fun fact! This meetup was established in 2015 and had over 1,000 members. I had to shut down operations while attending law school, but we're back!!*

**PLEASE BUY TICKETS THROUGH EVENTBRITE. RSVP THROUGH MEETUP IS NOT A TICKET PURCHASE CONFIRMATION.** Strive welcomes you to 'General Business Networking', Columbus' hottest networking event! We are set in the perfect central location in Downtown for all to join. Are you interested in business? Want to elevate your career? Meet Consultants, Analysts of all types, Bankers, Software Engineers, Entrepreneurs, and more who are active in the space or are eager to get started. **\*\*This will be a multi-vertical event\*\*** **There will be professionals with backgrounds in the arts, finance, tech, real estate, healthcare, and more. Come with an open mind, and leave with connections that wouldn't be possible otherwise!** Pack some business cards and come with an open mind! Meet your future business partners, employers, coworkers, investors, and friends. You don't want to miss this opportunity to expand your network and create a brighter future. We will have a space for our event to check-in. The event will go from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (feel free to come at any point in this timeframe). Name tags will be provided. Business casual dress code. Job fair attire. **Remember, it's not who you know, it's who you meet tomorrow!** We look forward to meeting you at the event! Sincerely, Strive Networking Team *Refund requests are permitted up to 24 hours after purchase, so long as we are not within 48 hours before the event start time. Refunds will be made in full and repaid to your method of payment. Note that we are unable to reimburse PayPal fees.* *Disclaimer: By attending Strive Networking events you agree to photos/videos taken during the event being used to promote future events.*

Mental Health, how do you understand it? How can you improve it? How do you get rid of stress, anxiety and uncertainty? These emotions are buried deep in your reactive mind. Find out what the reactive mind is, and in the process find yourself. Have you ever suffered from a traumatic experience, a deep loss or been through a painful breakup? Has your ability to communicate suffered as a result? And after that, even though you "moved on" did you find that things were never quite the same? Have you ever looked at childhood photos, or reminisced your early life and wondered where that happiness and spark went? Are your emotions out of your own control? Have you ever felt, even if you aren’t aware of it, that possibly you are getting in your own way of your happiness and success? How does this affect your self-confidence? Find out what is at the root of all stress, anxiety, depression and self-doubt. Find out how and why you hold yourself back from achieving your goals and having the life you have dreamed of. As soon as you learn what is at the root of these unwanted conditions, you’ll see it is something you can DO something about. You will not be labeled or categorized at this MeetUp. This group is hosted by the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.

Join the Columbus AI community for our quarterly gathering — a casual, community-focused evening where everyone has a chance to share, learn, and connect. These open mic–style events give anyone in the community up to **5 minutes** to present a project, share a tool, pose a question, or offer a perspective on the evolving AI space. No slides required — just a welcoming space to exchange ideas and keep the local AI conversation moving. If you’d like to take the stage, message **Chris (the organizer)** with a **title and short description** of what you’d like to share. Whether you’re deep in the field or just getting curious, come connect with others building and exploring AI in Columbus. Sponsored by [Transform Labs](https://www.transformlabs.com/services)