Fiction Writing

17:30-18:00 * Doors open * Welcome words by Zalando & WiMLDS 18:00- 18:40 **'Deploying AI agents at scale'** by **Valentina Halasi** **Abstract:** You've built AI agents with a framework like CrewAI or LangGraph. They work great locally. Now what? This talk covers the real infrastructure challenges of deploying multi-agent systems: handling long-running executions, managing stateful workflows, versioning deployments, and debugging complex agent behavior in production. Learn the steps from "works on my laptop" to production-ready, and discover why most teams end up building the same infrastructure stack. I'll wrap up with a live demo showing how to deploy agents with a single command, stream execution in real-time, manage secrets securely, auto-scale to handle concurrent runs, and version deployments with instant rollbacks, without building the full infrastructure yourself. 18:45-19:30 **'AI at scale in practice: Zalando Assistant'** by **Katya Mirylenka** **Abstract:** As artificial intelligence transforms the fashion industry, multimodal AI agents are stepping up to deliver deeply personalized shopping experiences. Using the Zalando Assistant (ZA) as a real-world case study, this talk dives into the practicalities of building and operating these complex systems at scale. We will explore why the e-commerce industry is moving beyond simple chatbots to sophisticated LLM-powered agents and how ZA processes complex user interactions to elevate the customer journey. Finally, we will unpack the behind-the-scenes technical hurdles of large-scale AI, including optimizing search and retrieval under heavy load, refining LLM evaluations, and handling complex product data. 19:30-20:30 Networking & Mingling

Всем привет! This meetup is for those who are starting to speak or want to refresh their abilities in speaking. I am a Russian language teacher and will help you during this event. The event repeats twice a month. There is a fee of 10 CHF for the event. We will play word or board games, read poems, guess what a proverb or an idiom means and I might come up with other activities. If you have any suggestions let me know. You should be able to express yourself a bit and know some basics in Russian. It won't work for complete beginners. We will meet in the restaurant&bar of the Ibis Styles Hotel not far from Zurich HB. See you there! До скорого!

**What this is** A high-trust table for builders. Share one concrete challenge, trade smart feedback, celebrate wins, and leave with 2–3 next steps plus a couple of new allies. **Where** Motel One Zurich, bar area. Head to the bar and ask for Financial Network Zurich. **When** Mondays, 19:00 to 22:00 19:00 arrivals and hellos 19:30 open 10 min hot seats for founders and feedback (max 5) 20:30 open networking until 22:00 **How we roll** Discreet, high-signal conversation. No pitch theater. No flexing. Just real problems and practical help. **Bring** Your priority of the week, a clear ask, and a positive mindset. **Food and drinks** Order food and drinks with the waitresses whenever you like. **LINKS** Community Owner’s Direct (All Infos & Questions): Alessandro +41 76 279 32 84 WhatsApp Group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/DCSSmdHj7xr6F39ZAAWubX Financial Network Zurich: https://www.meetup.com/entrepreneurs-focus-and-network-workshop/ Founder’s Links (Alessandro): https://linktr.ee/alessandronfthyme

**Connecting business goals with outcomes and everyday product work** Why is it still so difficult for product teams to clearly explain how their work contributes to business goals? Impact Mapping is a simple but powerful tool that helps teams connect the dots between “what are we building?” and “why does this matter?” by connecting * Business goals * Actors * Behavioural changes and outcomes * Concrete solutions In this hands-on crash course, we will build an impact map together based on an example goal. Step by step, you will practise connecting: Goal → Actor → Outcome → Solution You’ll leave with a clear mental model you can immediately apply in product discovery, roadmap discussions, or strategy conversations. Agenda 17.45 Doors open 18.00 Impact Mapping Workshop 19.00 Networking **Who is this workshop for?** Designed for Product Managers, Product Designers, and Product Engineers. The number of participants is limited to keep it hands-on. **Thank you to our sponsor Liip!** *Liip is a Swiss digital agency striving for digital, human progress by building user-centred products with lasting social, environmental and economic value.*

Join us at Museum Strauhof for an opportunity to enjoy, discuss and learn from excellent writing. We'll have a private room at Zurich's literature museum, less than a 10 minute walk from Zurich HB. There will be three reading and discussion slots and an opportunity to meet other writers. A few notes for prospective writers: 1. You aren’t required to share your own work and should feel encouraged to attend simply to enjoy and discuss the work of others, if you prefer. 2. All genres, formats, and styles of creative writing welcome, noting that the focus will be on discussing English-language fiction (or creative non-fiction). Poetry is likely to be better suited to the marvellous Zürich Poetry Club. 3. All abilities are welcome, from those just starting out to those who have already made progress in their writing, from hobbyists to professionals. 4. There will be three reading slots for each session, allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. Please indicate in the comments for the event if you would like to share something. 5. If you would like to share your writing with the group, you can do so either by reading aloud or allowing group members to read directly. You can expect to read for 5-7 minutes (approximately 600-1000 words) with 15-20 minutes provided for discussion afterwards. 6. If possible, please bring sufficient copies of any writing that you would like to present, so that everyone can read it themselves. You can also request written feedback. 7. Improving as a writer requires both guidance and encouragement, so you can expect the discussion to be constructive and courteous - we all know how challenging it can be. We hope that you will be able to join, and look forward to seeing you there!

We are gathering to talk about whatever science fiction, new and old, got us excited lately! What was the last novel you read? Is there any blockbuster you look forward to? What's good on streaming? Games, creative writing, comic books, novels, cinema, anything goes. A table will be booked on the organizer's name (Carlos). The available seats will be limited: please confirm if you are attending, or cancel on time if you can't come. If you confirm, it means a seat was booked for you. If this is your first meetup with this group: There is no fixed subject or theme, just feel free to discuss whatever you would like to share about anything Science Fiction. The lingua franca is English, as it is the language we all have in common. However we also switch languages, whenever convenient. We look forward to meeting you. We have a closed chat group on WhatsApp. If you would like to join, please PM the organizer to receive the invitation link. See you soon!

Auf einer Anhöhe inmitten der rauen Landschaft des englischen Yorkshire liegt das Anwesen »Wuthering Heights«, dem Wind schutzlos ausgesetzt, der hier strenger als anderswo weht. Sein Besitzer, der herzensgute Mr Earnshaw, nimmt den Findling Heathcliff zu sich, in den Earnshaws Tochter Cathy sich bald schon heftig verliebt. Doch ihre Liebe endet im Unglück, und ein Gespinst aus Rache und Verrat liegt fortan über dem Landgut. Emily Brontës einziger Roman gehört als eines der außergewöhnlichsten Werke des viktorianischen Zeitalters längst zum Kanon der Weltliteratur. Quelle: Klappentext Emily Brontë (…) hat nur ein Buch hinterlassen, das aber eines der berühmtesten der englischen Literatur ist: "Wuthering Heights", in der deutschen Übersetzung Sturmhöhe". Als der Roman 1847 erschien, löste er einen Sturm der Entrüstung aus, denn er fiel aus den moralischen und literarischen Konventionen der Zeit völlig heraus. "Wuthering Heights" ist eine Familiengeschichte, eine Liebesgeschichte, ein Melodram mit schauerromantischen Zügen - doch all diese Charakterisierungen sind unzureichend, sie beschreiben nicht das Wesentliche des Buches. Es ist wie ein Naturereignis, handelt von elementaren Leidenschaften und getriebenen Menschen. Es hat keinerlei Bezug zur Romanliteratur seiner Zeit, und vergleicht man es mit den Büchern etwa von Dickens oder Thackeray (dessen berühmter "Jahrmarkt der Eitelkeit" kam im selben Jahr 1847 heraus) oder auch mit "Jane Eyre" ihrer Schwester Charlotte, dann findet man keine Anhaltspunkte dafür, dass diese Bücher gleichzeitig geschrieben wurden. So kann es nicht verwundern, dass das viktorianische England mit Empörung auf das Buch der Pfarrerstochter reagierte, die es vorsichtshalber unter einem männlichen Pseudonym hatte erscheinen lassen. Quelle: Auszug aus der Rezension von Hanjo Kesting von NDR Kultur

As a lifelong bookworm and serial note-taker, our speaker Stefanie spent years collecting insights from literary podcasts, magazine previews, and personal reading lists. Things got even more interesting with the discovery of reading challenges, such as *“read a book with over 500 pages”* or *“a book featuring magical creatures that aren’t dragons.”* The result of trying to organize all of this? **NarraLune** — a Python-based application designed to connect a curated book database with an intelligent matching framework. In this talk, we’ll explore how NarraLune: * Uses structured SQL filtering to manage and query book data * Applies genre inference to enrich metadata * Integrates generative language models to recommend books for diverse and creative challenge prompts Stefanie will walk us through the concept and architecture of the system, share practical insights into Python and AI integration, and reflect on how personal interests can evolve into meaningful technical projects. No coding knowledge is required to follow the talk This meetup will take place in the reading room (Lesesaal) of Zentralbibliothek Zürich. **Agenda** 18:00 Arrival 18:15 Talk and discussion 19:15 Wrap up All genders welcome! We expect all participants of our meetup to abide by the PyLadies code of conduct: [http://www.pyladies.com/CodeOfConduct/](http://www.pyladies.com/CodeOfConduct/)

We will meet to discuss Dopamine Nation, where Anna Lembke explores how dopamine drives pleasure, motivation, and addiction , and how modern life constantly overstimulates our reward system. From social media and shopping to work and achievement, we live in a world designed to keep us hooked, often leaving us anxious, depleted, or dissatisfied. Our conversation will focus on the pleasure–pain balance and everyday addictions. See you in March !

Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 7:00pm on Wednesday, March 25 at Streetlight Guild. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. **SCHEDULE:** 6:45ish - Quick introductions 7:00 - Timer starts: write for 1 hour 8:00 - The End **OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING** happens before and after the writing hour. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. **BEING LATE IS OKAY:** just show up and get settled! If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing & I look forward to seeing you at Streetlight Guild! **WHAT SHOULD I BRING?** Whatever you need to be able to write! You're welcome to bring earplugs/headphones if noise will bother you! **OTHER IMPORTANT DETAILS:** * **RSVP:** Please RSVP by 6:00pm the evening of the meeting. This helps me know how many to expect, and if we'll need additional space! * **COVID:** While masks are not required, please be mindful of the other writers around you and their comfort levels. * **WIFI/OUTLETS:** Outlets are limited, so please ensure your devices are charged when you come! But Streetlight Guild does have free WiFi! Yay! * **PARKING:** There is free public parking at Streetlight Guild.

Greetings writers! Come down and join your fellow wordsmiths for one hour of uninterrupted writing time in the upper level of the Market District Supermarket in Upper Arlington. The main entrance of the shopping center opens onto stairs/elevator leading up to the 2nd floor cafe section where we will have a table displaying a sign with the Shut Up & Write logo. Writing is largely a solitary craft. Practicing with others in a community setting may be the thing you need to fire your own routine. We’ll meet on Wednesday evenings, starting the clock at 6:30, following a brief period of introductions. This is solid writing time and all inclusive. Any project is acceptable, be it fiction, non -fiction, work or homework assignment. All is welcome and will remain private to you. The market boasts a Starbucks, a full service bar and various affordable food options. Parking is plentiful, free Wifi is provided as well as outlets for charging your devices, though they are somewhat limited, so plan accordingly. Show up as early as you like, or stay late. This group tends to socialize some, both before and after the alloted time, but this is not mandatory to you. Feel free to come and go as you please and late arrivals are welcome. The cafe may be noisy on occasion so headphones/ earbuds are reccommended as you see fit. Please try to RSVP if possible so that we may grab enough seats for all—the venue can be busy at times. Feel free to message me privately wth any questions and/ or concerns you may have. Happy writing!

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Saturday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 10AM on Saturday mornings. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 10:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros. 10:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 11:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 11A-11:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Saturday!

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Sunday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at noon on Sundays. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 12:00 - quick intros. 12:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 1:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 1-1:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Sunday!

The topic for March is "Our Bodies, Ourselves" 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!

This month we’ll be ready The Fifth Season by NK Jemisin. Feel free to come even if you don’t finish the bookk!