Startup Businesses
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Check out startup businesses events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.
Discover all the startup businesses events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
Absolutely! Find startup businesses events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.
Startup Businesses Events Today
Join in-person Startup Businesses events happening right now
Tech & Startup Networking: Melbourne
**Attention attendees!**
**To register, use** [Luma](https://luma.com/ku860ekb)
Warning:
The meetup is not a platform for RSVP registration; for this, you need to follow [thisLink ](https://luma.com/ku860ekb)to purchase a registration ticket.
The meetup is one of the platforms through which we offer participation in our events.
**Startup Valley — Melbourne**
A curated pitch night for startup founders, operators, angels and VC partners.
We design these sessions to help founders sharpen their thinking through direct, candid feedback — and to give strong investors access to serious teams.
**What happens:**
• 4-8 startups pitch live and receive feedback from angels and VC partners
• Feedback focuses on real decisions and next steps — not surface-level opinions
• Investors stay in the room before and after pitches
• The format leaves space for real conversations, not rushed networking
• Attendance is limited to keep the room focused
Designed for clear thinking, not noise.
**Who you’ll meet:**
* Startup founders
* Angel investors and VC partners
* Operators in marketing, sales, and tech
* AI engineers
* Local and international founders
* AI Experts
* Founders from Europe, Asia, and the United Kingdom
**Practical details**
**For investors:**
We invite angel investors and VC partners to participate as judges and contributors.
**To become a judge,** and get early access to our startups database, please fill out th[ the form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8CVqvhQJu-AcclIF6PCuwjL4YpQt4w0FchGSoutRkt58v4g/viewform).
Join the judge table, meet other investors, and see what teams are building early.
Founders need your experienced view.
**For pitching startups:**
Startups selected to pitch will present live on stage and receive feedback from investors.
**After purchasing a ticket:**
Please[ submit your pitch deck](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSchcZr9gCNJh0RLiKBgbdbDBKEOc-92LNySkzHf8qGPHg5Wpg/viewform) and ensure it is open for viewers.
**Agenda**
**18:00 – 18:30**
**Registration**
Guests register, receive badges, and event programs. This is an opportunity for casual networking, making first connections, and preparing for the event.
**18:30 – 19:30**
**Event Kickoff & Interactive Networking**
Official welcome from the organizers with a brief overview of the event goals and schedule. Interactive networking helps participants set their objectives and connect with key contacts.
**19:40 – 20:20**
**Startup Pitch Session**
Startups present their projects to investors and experts. Each team has 5 minutes to pitch, covering the project's core idea, business model, and target market.
**20:20 – 21:00**
**Chill & Networking**
Participants enjoy casual conversations with investors, discuss collaborations, and exchange ideas over refreshments.
AI & Technology Pitch Night Melbourne
**Attention attendees!**
**To register, use** [Luma](https://luma.com/ku860ekb)
Warning:
The meetup is not a platform for RSVP registration; for this, you need to follow [thisLink ](https://luma.com/ku860ekb)to purchase a registration ticket.
The meetup is one of the platforms through which we offer participation in our events.
**Startup Valley — Melbourne**
A curated pitch night for startup founders, operators, angels and VC partners.
We design these sessions to help founders sharpen their thinking through direct, candid feedback — and to give strong investors access to serious teams.
**What happens:**
• 4-8 startups pitch live and receive feedback from angels and VC partners
• Feedback focuses on real decisions and next steps — not surface-level opinions
• Investors stay in the room before and after pitches
• The format leaves space for real conversations, not rushed networking
• Attendance is limited to keep the room focused
Designed for clear thinking, not noise.
**Who you’ll meet:**
* Startup founders
* Angel investors and VC partners
* Operators in marketing, sales, and tech
* AI engineers
* Local and international founders
* AI Experts
* Founders from Europe, Asia, and the United Kingdom
**Practical details**
**For investors:**
We invite angel investors and VC partners to participate as judges and contributors.
**To become a judge,** and get early access to our startups database, please fill out th[ the form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8CVqvhQJu-AcclIF6PCuwjL4YpQt4w0FchGSoutRkt58v4g/viewform).
Join the judge table, meet other investors, and see what teams are building early.
Founders need your experienced view.
**For pitching startups:**
Startups selected to pitch will present live on stage and receive feedback from investors.
**After purchasing a ticket:**
Please[ submit your pitch deck](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSchcZr9gCNJh0RLiKBgbdbDBKEOc-92LNySkzHf8qGPHg5Wpg/viewform) and ensure it is open for viewers.
**Agenda**
**18:00 – 18:30**
**Registration**
Guests register, receive badges, and event programs. This is an opportunity for casual networking, making first connections, and preparing for the event.
**18:30 – 19:30**
**Event Kickoff & Interactive Networking**
Official welcome from the organizers with a brief overview of the event goals and schedule. Interactive networking helps participants set their objectives and connect with key contacts.
**19:40 – 20:20**
**Startup Pitch Session**
Startups present their projects to investors and experts. Each team has 5 minutes to pitch, covering the project's core idea, business model, and target market.
**20:20 – 21:00**
**Chill & Networking**
Participants enjoy casual conversations with investors, discuss collaborations, and exchange ideas over refreshments.
Investors & Founders Pitch Night Melbourne
**Attention attendees!**
**To register, use** [Luma](https://luma.com/ku860ekb)
Warning:
The meetup is not a platform for RSVP registration; for this, you need to follow [thisLink ](https://luma.com/ku860ekb)to purchase a registration ticket.
The meetup is one of the platforms through which we offer participation in our events.
**Startup Valley — Melbourne**
A curated pitch night for startup founders, operators, angels and VC partners.
We design these sessions to help founders sharpen their thinking through direct, candid feedback — and to give strong investors access to serious teams.
**What happens:**
• 4-8 startups pitch live and receive feedback from angels and VC partners
• Feedback focuses on real decisions and next steps — not surface-level opinions
• Investors stay in the room before and after pitches
• The format leaves space for real conversations, not rushed networking
• Attendance is limited to keep the room focused
Designed for clear thinking, not noise.
**Who you’ll meet:**
* Startup founders
* Angel investors and VC partners
* Operators in marketing, sales, and tech
* AI engineers
* Local and international founders
* AI Experts
* Founders from Europe, Asia, and the United Kingdom
**Practical details**
**For investors:**
We invite angel investors and VC partners to participate as judges and contributors.
**To become a judge,** and get early access to our startups database, please fill out th[ the form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8CVqvhQJu-AcclIF6PCuwjL4YpQt4w0FchGSoutRkt58v4g/viewform).
Join the judge table, meet other investors, and see what teams are building early.
Founders need your experienced view.
**For pitching startups:**
Startups selected to pitch will present live on stage and receive feedback from investors.
**After purchasing a ticket:**
Please[ submit your pitch deck](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSchcZr9gCNJh0RLiKBgbdbDBKEOc-92LNySkzHf8qGPHg5Wpg/viewform) and ensure it is open for viewers.
**Agenda**
**18:00 – 18:30**
**Registration**
Guests register, receive badges, and event programs. This is an opportunity for casual networking, making first connections, and preparing for the event.
**18:30 – 19:30**
**Event Kickoff & Interactive Networking**
Official welcome from the organizers with a brief overview of the event goals and schedule. Interactive networking helps participants set their objectives and connect with key contacts.
**19:40 – 20:20**
**Startup Pitch Session**
Startups present their projects to investors and experts. Each team has 5 minutes to pitch, covering the project's core idea, business model, and target market.
**20:20 – 21:00**
**Chill & Networking**
Participants enjoy casual conversations with investors, discuss collaborations, and exchange ideas over refreshments.
iHarvest - Free Coworking Day
[iHarvest Coworking Sunshine](https://iharvestcoworking.com.au/) is holding a free open day this Friday so local start-ups, entrepreneurs and small business operators can experience what co-working in our professional and contemporary office suite is all about.
Come see for yourself!
**Date:** Friday 27 February 2026
**Time:** 9:00am - 5:00pm
**Where:** [iHarvest Coworking - L4/301 Hampshire Rd, Sunshine VIC 3020](https://share.google/k7JuK4BTXM6igsfPk)
Light refreshments provided.
The good, the bad, the ugly of an actual in production AI product
Welcome back for 2026.
We're kicking off with a talk by [Caitlin Blackwell](https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitlin-blackwell-8328a623/), Head of Product from Seek who'll share real life stories of getting a product live with AI and the learnings along the way.
Caitlin Blackwell is a Head of Product for SEEK across APAC where she leads a team of PM across the homepage feed, search and job pages to help candidates get great jobs and drive high quality placements for hirers.
She has worked in a range of ecommerce and SaaS companies as well as being at SEEK for a long time. She resides on a farm on the famous Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia where a large garden, a dog and 100 acres of bush keep her busy.
**Our amazing sponsors are Easygo**
Bio:
[Easygo](https://www.linkedin.com/company/easygo-au/?originalSubdomain=au) is the Australian powerhouse behind the world’s biggest online casino, as well as pioneering a creator-first online streaming platform with over 50 million users. Fuelled by an ambitious mission, our culture of collaboration invites industry visionaries, innovators, and disrupters to drive the future of entertainment forward.
Automate with n8n
### **The Vibe**
Are you curious about AI and automation, or are you already building complex workflows in **n8n**? Join us for a casual, after-work gathering in the heart of the Melbourne CBD.
This is an "open floor" event—no rigid slides or formal pitches. Just a group of locals grabbing a drink and talking about how we use n8n to reclaim our time and supercharge our businesses.
### **Who This Is For**
* **The Curious/Newbie:** If you’ve heard of n8n but haven't started yet, come see what’s possible. No question is too basic!
* **The Pro/Builder:** Share your latest "Agentic" workflows, swap tips on self-hosting, or help troubleshoot a tricky expression.
* **The Business Owner:** See how Melbourne SMEs are using automation
Lesson 1 - How to Network! Social Meetup, Everyone Welcome!
Join us for a fun and engaging social meetup in Melbourne for young entrepreneurs looking to make new friends while discussing side hustles, extra income opportunities, and entrepreneurship. This event is perfect for anyone interested in networking with like-minded individuals and exploring ways to generate additional income outside of their main job. Whether you are a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this meetup is a great opportunity to connect with others, share experiences, and learn from one another.
Come along to meet new friends, exchange ideas, and be inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit of our community. We will have networking activities, group discussions, and maybe even some surprise guest speakers to provide insights and tips on how to succeed in the world of side hustles and entrepreneurship. Don't miss out on this chance to expand your network, gain valuable knowledge, and have a great time with other young entrepreneurs in Melbourne!
Startup Businesses Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
The Melbourne Circle - Meaningful Connections Start Here
The Melbourne Circle is a curated meetup for people who are building something meaningful - whether it’s a business, a creative path, a personal brand, or a new chapter in life.
This is not traditional networking.
No pitches. No forced introductions. No surface-level conversations.
Instead, we create an intentional space for real conversations, fresh ideas, and genuine connections with like-minded people in Melbourne.
### What to expect:
**6:00 – 6:15 pm:** Arrival & relaxed meet and greet
**6:15 – 6:45 pm:** Short value session / open sharing on a meaningful topic
**6:45 – 7:15 pm:** Real conversations, idea exchange & community discussion
**7:15 – 7:30 pm:** Closing & optional connection exchange
This is a safe, welcoming room where you can show up as you are - whether you're starting something new, growing quietly, or simply looking to connect with ambitious, positive people.
### Bonus:
Free microgreen trays for attendees (while supplies last 🌱)
### What to bring:
Just yourself, an open mind, and good energy.
Hosted by Manna & Chelsea
Limited seats to keep the experience intentional and high quality.
Friday After Work Drinks & Networking at El Sabor 🍺😊
* Join us for an evening of professional networking and valuable insights at our Entrepreneur & **Small Business Networking Mixer**. Connect with fellow small business owners, entrepreneurs, and like-minded professionals to share business strategies and exchange ideas for startup success with a drink.
*
* We have carved a deal with the restaurant of 10% Discount of all Menu items & drinks if you mention the staff "**Friday Business Meetup Deal**"
*
* We will delve into the power of integrating feminine wisdom with masculine energy for enhanced business strategies and entrepreneurial success. Discover the importance of positive human collisions in fostering innovation and growth, while expanding your network in a dynamic and supportive environment.
*
* Don't miss this opportunity to meet new contacts, exchange knowledge, and take yourself to the next level!
*
* **About Host:** Host of the event Sash (Sachin) is qualified accountant in practice. Mostly he is present in the event but it is subject to his prior commitment. However everybody is still invited to chat & socialise whether he is present or not. The place is a platform for everyone to gather,meet & help each other.
*
* **Address & Timings :** from **6-8 PM** at **500 Victoria Street, North Melbourne VIC 3051 (This event will be on every Friday same time same day unless otherwise advised)**
*
* Join us to meet new friends, hang out and have some laughs. New people are always welcome 😊🍺🍺
*
* Come along to meet new people and see the familiar faces of the regular members. This is a regular weekly group for socialising and unwinding for the weekend.
*
* **Liability Waiver:**
The organizer of this group cannot accept any liability for any loss, damage, injury, or accident to participants or their property at this event. By participating in this event, you're taking responsibility for your safety and well-being.
Networking Drinks for Builders & Doers
**🍻 The Entrepreneur Club – Last Friday of the Month Drinks**
**Not your average knock-off drinks.**
Join us for a monthly gathering of entrepreneurs, builders, creatives, and self-starters who believe business is more than just work, it’s a personal growth journey. Whether you're scaling something or just starting out, this is a space to meet others who think like you do.
**💬 What to Expect**
✅ Real convos with people building something
✅ A place to bounce ideas, swap challenges, and share wins
✅ Opportunities to give value and get it in return
✅ Chill vibes, no pitches, just smart people in good company
You don’t need a title or a polished pitch, just curiosity and the willingness to connect.
**🗓 Format**
**6:30pm** – Arrive, grab a drink, join a convo
**8:30pm** – We wrap, or roll on elsewhere
📍 **The Oxford Scholar**
We take over a corner of the bar (Back Bar or Atrium), look for the crew with ideas in one hand and a drink in the other.
**🎯 This is for you if**
* You want more entrepreneurial people in your life
* You’re building something, or want to be
* You care about growth, not just small talk
Bring a question. Bring a challenge. Bring your curiosity. Last Friday of every month. Let’s make it count.
FREE GENDER BALANCED Tech IT AI Data Science Startups Networking LAST ENTRY 8.30
TO MAINTAIN A GENDER BALANCE ALL MALES MUST ATTEND WITH A FEMALE FRIEND, NO EXCEPTIONS. All females are welcome to attend alone but encouraged to attend with a female friend too for free drinks and food! MUST TAP “ATTEND” and include all guests.
UNLIKE other meetups which are overwhelmingly male dominant, we provide ONLY gender balanced events where females also have a chance to meet other females, not only men. WE ARE COMMITTED TO EQUAL GENDER REPRESENTATION IN THE IT INDUSTRY.
8PM EVERY FRIDAY & SATURDAY (LAST ENTRY STRICTLY 8.30PM) AT 215 QUEEN’S
Casual Coffee Catchup (Monthly Event)
☕ **Girl Who Boss Coffee Catchup!** ☕
Join us for a relaxed and casual coffee catchup, where like-minded women come together to connect, chat, and share ideas! Whether you're a career professional, entrepreneur, or creative, this is the perfect chance to meet other inspiring women in a welcoming and friendly atmosphere.
***
**Here’s the agenda:**
🕚 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM: Welcome & Mingle
💬 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM: Casual Conversations & Coffee
🤝 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Networking & Wrap-Up
No formalities, no pressure—just a space to enjoy great company, share experiences, and make new connections over coffee. ☕💖 These meetups are a great way to ease into networking while building friendships in a laid-back setting.
Looking forward to catching up with everyone! 🌟 Feel free to message me if you have any questions. See you there! 😊
Wondering why our events are sometimes ticketed, or have questions about our pricing? We've written about it [here](https://open.substack.com/pub/girlswhoboss/p/accessibility-sustainability-and?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=4apm4h).
Melbourne Serverless Meetup Group event for February 2026
Welcome to 2026!! We need a second speaker please - if you are doing anything cool let us know Melbourne(at)serverless.org.au and we can get you on the agenda! Even for a future month if you are not quite ready yet.
THANKS TO MANTEL GROUP for sponsoring the location & refreshments again!
Thanks also to PROGRAMMABLE - we have tickets to give away for people who attend the meetup this month!
Please get in touch ASAP if you would like to talk at a future event, send us an email at Melbourne(at)serverless.org.au for more info!
First time speakers are more than welcome and we can provide you assistance if you need with your presentation beforehand. Please reach out Melbourne(at)serverless.org.au.
It can be a regular talk, lightning talk, demo, workshop, whatever is your thing our community will love it - as long as it is serverless related!
Venue: MANTEL GROUP, Level 2, 452 Flinders St. Melbourne
Look for the signs!
📅 Agenda 📅
5:30 PM - Doors Open!
6:00 PM - Welcome from the organizers / housekeeping
6:05 PM - **"Build vs Buy - how LLMs are shifting the scales" - By Liam Johnston, Lead Consultant, V2 AI**
This talk examines how LLMs are fundamentally changing the build vs buy calculus. Through a real project - a crossword generator using AI for clues and algorithms for word-fitting across 300k words - we'll explore why projects that were impossible side quests two years ago are now weekend builds.
6:35 PM - Pizza & Networking
7:00 PM - **"Middle age serverless – Step Function maturation" by Warwick Wilson from the Department of Transport and Planning.**
Warwick will share some updates on his AWS Step Functions in spatial data distribution systems which he presented a couple of years back. It looks very interesting!
7:30 PM - Networking and finish the Pizza!
8:00 PM - Door Close, see you next time!
Fast Friending: Meet new friends! (21-40/Happy Hour)
Meet new like-minded ladies & gents and make meaningful connections this New Year!
The fast-friending format of our event helps you meet many like-minded ladies & gents in a short amount of time, allowing you to quickly discover who you connect with best! It’s a fun, lively way to build meaningful relationships without the usual challenges of starting from scratch
**You will need to buy a ticket for attending -**
[https://mel28thfeb.eventbrite.co.uk](https://mel28thfeb.eventbrite.co.uk)
\*You can use any debit or credit card to purchase your ticket at PayPal checkout. It will ask you for your email address but that is only to send you a receipt. You do not need a PayPal account.
TICKETS:-
Early Bird - AUD 10 per person
Regular Ticket - AUD 15 per person
Cash at Meetup - If you do not purchase tickets in advance then you can pay AUD 20 cash to your host Ivy when you meet her at the event.
**What's more?**
\- We have happy hours\!
\- If you’re feeling a little shy\, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered\! You’re welcome to bring a lady friend along for free\!
\- We will meet at 7\.00 pm when you will be welcomed by your host Ivy\. She will manage the evening and also help you make connections\.
If you are a bit shy or anxious then please come early. Ivy will help you meet other members in a small group and help you settle down and get comfortable. All attendees are also welcome to bring a lady friend along with them for free. This will make it a lot less stressful for you as you will always have your friend alongside.
Our venue for the evening - La Di Da is spacious, has comfortable seating and not very noisy. We have a reserved area where our members can meet each other in a supportive environment.
\- From 7\.30 to 8\.30 pm\, we will start 'Fast Friending' where our host Ivy will ask you to speak to a different attendee every 3 minutes\. You will be able to meet lots of ladies and gentlemen and not be limited to only those sitting or standing next you\.
\- After 8\.30 pm you will have time to interact with those you have met as well as others\.
\- We are not a close knit tight group\. Our evenings are warm and comfortable for members attending for the first time and those coming alone\. You will not feel alone\!
\- We have many groups in this city\. Members of our other groups who RSVP are included as guests of the organisers in order to give you an indication of expected people\.
\- This evening is for ladies and gents in the 25 to 50 age group\. While some will be at the younger end of this range there will also be others at the other end of the range and lots in\-between\! You will naturally gel with others of your own age range and so you will always find many attendees who fit your range\.
\- We are not a 'dating' group\. We are focused on helping ladies and gents meet other like minded ladies and gents\. You will generally find a good gender balance \(maybe not perfect\) at all our events\.
Why do we have tickets?
1. Cover our costs - Our host is compensated for their time and work. We also pay meetup and have dedicated staff to manage our events, hosts, venues and communication.
2. Group Safety - By securing your ticket we have a record and you contribute to a well organized evening where everyone is more committed and better behaved.
3. Management - Tickets help us better manage attendee group size, book suitable space and activity.
\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-
ABOUT [fastfriends.co.uk ](https://fastfriends.co.uk/)-
We have connected members successfully for the past 10 years in over 30 cities (operating as Expatsclub, MeetConnectDevelop and fastfriends.co.uk).
\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-
You can contact our founder Dan on +447715705005 with any questions or ideas.
\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-
**Here are some videos which will give you some guidance and comfort to make your attendance more productive.**
Secrets of socializing at our meetups - [http://bit.ly/secrets-socializing](http://bit.ly/secrets-socializing)
How to make new friends - [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6GB0Hc_bSs](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6GB0Hc_bSs)
How to make people like you at our socials -[ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4guProkKrI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4guProkKrI)
Startup Businesses Events Near You
Connect with your local Startup Businesses community
General Business Networking - Columbus
**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.*
Gold Star Business Networking
Bring your business cards and network in person with other business professionals! Gold Star Referral Clubs is one of the most established professional networking organizations in the country, with multiple groups in central Ohio. Join us!
Confidence in Bloom: How Creativity Builds Confidence
**Confidence in Bloom: How Creativity Builds Confidence**
What happens when creativity becomes an intentional practice?
In this month’s Confidence Lab, we’ll gather at **Petals That Inspire: The Flourish Studio** for an evening exploring the connection between creativity and confidence. How making with our hands, engaging our senses, and allowing space for expression can shift how we see ourselves and what we believe is possible.
Our featured speaker, **Amanda Lorenzetti**, owner of Petals That Inspire, will share how creativity has shaped her own confidence journey and why creative environments play such a powerful role in well-being, resilience, and personal growth. Drawing from her work leading an experience-driven floral studio and a community-centered workforce development program, Amanda will reflect on creativity as both a personal and collective catalyst.
Amanda will also guide us through a **hands-on floral design experience**, creating a fresh arrangement in a wide mouth mason jar. No prior floral experience is needed, just curiosity and a willingness to engage the process.
This evening is an invitation to slow down, create, and reconnect with the part of yourself that grows through care, attention, and imagination. You’ll leave with a floral arrangement to take home, and a deeper understanding of how confidence can be cultivated through creative practices.
**Featured Speaker: Amanda Lorenzetti**
Amanda Lorenzetti is the owner and founder of [Petals That Inspire](https://www.petalsthatinspire.com/) and The Flourish Studio, a social enterprise florist based in Columbus, Ohio. She brings more than a decade of experience in wedding and event sales, paired with hands-on expertise in floral and event design.
Amanda’s connection to the floral industry began early, spending time alongside her godmother, a professional florist on the East Coast.
After earning her business degree, she returned to her hometown in Connecticut to work as a floral and event designer, blending creative artistry with strong operational and client-focused skills.
In 2020, Amanda returned to the floral industry with a renewed purpose, driven by a desire to build a business rooted in creativity, community impact, and sustainability. During this pivotal time, she founded Petals That Inspire—an innovative floral concept that reimagines the traditional florist model by combining event florals, workshops, and experiential offerings with a mission-centered approach to workforce development.
Today, Petals That Inspire is a thriving social enterprise known for its thoughtful design, educational experiences, and commitment to empowering young adults facing barriers to entry in the workforce. Amanda is deeply passionate about building businesses that are both profitable and purpose-driven, and she leverages her strong business acumen to create a scalable & sustainable model that inspires creativity while giving back to the community.
**What is Confidence Lab?**
Confidence Lab is a monthly community experience for bold, thoughtful leaders building confidence from the inside out. Whether you’re launching a business, leading a team, navigating change, or simply striving to show up more fully—you belong here.
Our work demands clarity, courage, and conviction—but the pace of daily life can erode our sense of self. Confidence Lab creates space to reflect, reconnect, and grow with others doing purpose-driven work.
It’s designed for entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, creatives, corporate professionals, activists, and anyone ready to lead with authenticity and impact.
***Please note:*** *All are welcome! If cost is a concern, please use promo code PUBLIC to access a free ticket—we want you to join us.*
Agile Coaching Circle -- IN-PERSON
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
Coworking w/ IxDA at Junto
Join us and work remotely together with like-minded UX folks. This is a last minute opportunity to get out at one of our favorites, [Junto](https://thejuntohotel.com/)! Plenty of seating is available in addition to a connected coffee shop and restaurant.
I will be there 10-12 for sure, maybe longer. Feel free to come and go anytime during the day, and don't forget your charger and headphones!
Data & Analytics Wednesday - Google Analytics Alternatives
**Google Analytics Alternatives**
Is it finally time to make the switch away from Google Analytics? Two-and-a-half years ago Jason Packer asked this question at Columbus Web Analytics Wednesday.
Since then: Google’s Universal Analytics has been sunset, we’ve changed our name to Columbus Data & Analytics Wednesday, and Jason has released two editions of his book “Google Analytics Alternatives”.
Fresh off the release of the 2nd edition of his book, we thought it was time to re-open this conversation. While people love to complain about it, GA’s market share has remained relatively constant (at least in the United States). Why is that? You won’t find any complaints about GA4 in this talk, but rather an overview of what’s currently available in the market and how to frame your decision-making process.
We’ll also be giving out some free copies of Jason’s book! So even if you’ve got a “GA4Lyfe” tattoo (no judgement), there’s free books to go with the free pizza and beer.
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)





















