Startup Incubation

Pitch your idea, get feedback, give feedback, meet with a mentor and most importantly, take action. Come to the meetup with a specific issue you are stuck with. **10:30 am Introductions:** 2-minute pitches tell us who you are? What you're working on? and what you need help with? **11:00 am Problem Solving:** Let's figure out how we can help, and what action you can take today to move forward. **12:00 pm** Open Networking: Keep the discussion going and connect with other attendees. Bring yourself, notebooks, laptops and anything else you need to pitch your idea and get work done. Interested in joining the Studio? [APPLY NOW](https://unstucklabs.com)

Spring is almost here and we're getting ready. The blossoms might be out, the Nats Home Opener is Friday (4/3), and your tech drawer still looks like 2019 😕 Reboot Hour is your monthly Tuesday reset — a casual hangout at Carpool in Ballston where you can play pool, pinball, shuffleboard, or darts, grab a drink, and meet other tech, startup, and climate folks in the DMV. No agenda, no presentations, no speeches. Just a good excuse to get out on a Tuesday and kick off the week before Opening Day. Got old phones, tablets, or laptops collecting dust? Spring cleaning season is the perfect time to bring them in. We professionally wipe all data and get devices to people who actually need them. But bringing a device is totally optional — showing up is the whole point. Think of it as your warmup for the Nats Home Opener. Shake off winter, clear some space, and start the season right. **Details:** Tuesday, March 31st 6:00 – 8:00 PM (drop in anytime) Carpool — 900 N Glebe Rd, Arlington, VA Right off the Ballston Metro **What to bring:** Just yourself. Old devices welcome but not required. A friend, or meet a new one! **What to expect:** Pool, pinball, shuffleboard, darts, drinks, zero pressure — and a baseball game at the end of the week.

🍻 What: ProductTank Happy Hour -- Join your fellow DC product people for a casual opportunity to connect and learn more about all things product from our ProductTank members. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or interested in diving into product management, all are welcome! 🏢 Where: The Admiral in Dupont (1 block from Dupont Metro) -- Guests will be asked to open their own tab. There is no minimum required. 🕒 When: 3/31/26 6:00-8:00 PM 👋We hope to see you there!

**\* This is an in-person event** Most people only experience finished products. Very few get the opportunity to work on something before it's finished when it can still be shaped. This is one of those opportunities. Karen Hold, Director of DT:DC, is currently developing a new innovation skills workbook with Jeanne Liedtka, based on over a decade of teaching and working with leaders across organizations, universities, and the DT:DC community. Her work focuses on the five statistically validated skills that help people develop as innovation leaders. This workbook builds on her work in design thinking and innovation education, including programs at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business, École des Ponts Business School (Paris and Casablanca), and Boston College. For this session, Karen will share a draft chapter of her new workbook for live testing. This is not a polished workshop. It's a working lab. You won't just participate. You will help shape the material itself. What We’ll Be Testing: * Whether the exercises actually help people think differently * Where the material is clear and where it breaks * What feels useful vs. what needs to be reworked This is the kind of work that typically happens behind closed doors. **What You'll Do** Working in small groups, you will: * Work through exercises from a draft chapter of the workbook * Apply them to real situations and ideas * Share feedback on what is clear, confusing, or missing * Help identify how the material can be improved You’ll get: * Early access to work that is still being developed * A chance to influence how this material evolves * Practical tools you can immediately apply * A behind-the-scenes look at how skill-building experiences are designed This is a rare opportunity to be part of the process, not just the outcome. Join us if you want to be part of something early, unfinished and actively evolving. No prior experience is required. **About Karen Hold** Karen Hold is the founder of Experience Labs and Director of DT:DC, one of the world's largest innovation communities connecting founders, designers, policymakers, and changemakers. Her work sits at the intersection of teaching and real-world application. She works with Fortune 500 corporations, federal government agencies and non-profit organizations, helping teams strengthen how they think, make decisions, and move ideas forward. She teaches in graduate and executive education programs, including at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business, École des Ponts Business School (Paris and Casablanca), and Boston College. Karen is a co-author of *Experiencing Design – The Innovator’s Journey*, and her work focuses on developing the skills that enable individuals and organizations to navigate complexity and create meaningful change.

For the first half hour of class, beginners will learn 5 organ & spirit enlivening qigong exercises. After a brief meditative walk, beginners will learn the first of six section of Lao (old) Yang tai chi chuan as taught by Teacher Lu Hung Bin. Remember to wear comfortable loose-fitting clothing & flat comfortable shoes. For more information, call 301-466-5894 or email: info@dancinginsilence.com

Join us for trivia at Lost Dog Cafe in McLean, Virginia located at 1690 Anderson Rd every Tuesday evening. Trivia begins at 7pm, but please consider joining earlier, around 6:45pm, since seating’s first-come-first-served. The nearest metro is McLean. Questions? Text 202-925-0001.

Regular biweekly walk to find the birds and sights of Lake Artemesia.

UXDX, Refresh DC, Friends of Figma, and User Experience University are joining forces for a night of good drinks, great convos, and even better connections. Whether you're a UX designer, researcher, product manager, or engineer, if you work in the product space, this night is for you. Come connect with the people shaping DC's design and tech scene. What to expect: — Network with DC's UX, product, and engineering community — A chance to WIN a free ticket to UXDX during our giveaway — Score 25% off tickets to UXDX just for attending! Bring a friend (or two) and we’ll see you there!

On https://blackecon101.podbean.com/ Thursdays at 6 pm. discussing the economy...and Black people.

**AI-Supported Creative Exploration** *For Unassuming Intuitives & Practicing Creatives* (Please note that this event has not been organized or endorsed by The Writer's Center.) This meetup is part of AI as Creative Partner — A Practice Group, a set of open, non-sequential creative labs you can join at any point. We use AI as a thinking partner—not to replace your ideas, but to help surface and shape them without overthinking or pressure. You bring fragments—ideas, impulses, unfinished concepts. With AI as a supportive collaborator, we explore how those fragments can become clearer, more coherent, and ready to share if and when you want to. No technical background is required. If you can talk or type, that's enough to work with AI here. This session is intentionally low-commitment and flexible: * Arrive late or leave early * Work quietly or observe * Ask questions, or simply watch the process unfold There's no presentation and no expectation to finish anything. Showing up as you are is enough. **CREATIVE WORK, GENTLY - AN OPEN PRACTICE NIGHT** This is not a workshop or a class. It's a calm room where people show up to work creatively—without urgency, performance, or pressure—using AI as a thinking partner. Come for 20 minutes or stay the whole time. Work quietly, observe, or ask questions. This space adapts to how you arrive. **HOW TO FIND US** Look for the room with the door open on the lower level. Look for the guy with the screen projector and ambient light and sound. Feel free to just walk in and settle. **(*This is an independent meetup using rental space at The Writer's Center. The Writer's Center has not organized or endorsed this event.*)**

**Are you and your business ready to join the team and run with a Pack? 🐺🤝🇺🇸💪** **This Wednesday, March 4th at 8 am Jonathan Gessert -CEO of 321 Web Marketing will talk to the team about “Seeds, Nets and Spears: How to Grow a service business by 20-30% every year.”** **Open Networking starts at 7:45 am** **Order breakfast, Tip our great servers at Founding Farmers generously**

Join us on **Thursday, April 2nd** for **Kickback & Connect** in **Washington, D.C.** From magazines to motion design and from newsrooms to nonprofits, if you make things in D.C., you’re invited. This is a low-key happy hour bringing together designers and creatives across disciplines in the DMV to kickback, connect, and share ideas—no panels, no pitches, no pressure. We hope to see you there! **Music by: Friends on Mars** Hosted by Good People DC and **[SPD](https://www.spd.org/)**, a nonprofit design community rooted in publishing and creative excellence. No cover charge = no excuse not to come Must be 21 to enter. Please drink responsibly.

• What we'll do Economist William Michael Cunningham on Podbeam Thursdays at 6 pm. https://www.podbean.com/

**🫶 Zoom Speed Dating – Created for Newcomers – Chat with Real Cincinnati Singles!** **🚨 NOTE: RSVPing Here Will NOT Hold Your Spot!** You need to click the sign-up link for your age group below, register, and finish the personality quiz to qualify. **Places fill up fast** – act now to lock in yours! **🎟️ Age Group Sign-Up Links (Click Yours Now):** - **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=390&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cincinnati&groupurlname=mosaic-mates-empowered-singles&ar=18-32&face_v=19.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=390&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cincinnati&groupurlname=mosaic-mates-empowered-singles&ar=30-46&face_v=19.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=390&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cincinnati&groupurlname=mosaic-mates-empowered-singles&ar=40-58&face_v=19.0) - **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=390&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cincinnati&groupurlname=mosaic-mates-empowered-singles&ar=55+&face_v=19.0) --- 😎 **Ditch the awkward bar approach.** Give guided online speed dating a shot! No prior experience necessary. No dating profile needed. Just real humans having real conversations. Our online setup makes it effortless for newcomers to connect with Cincinnati singles in a no-pressure environment. 🎯 **Perfect for:** - Introverts who thrive in one-on-one conversations - People after meaningful connections in a laid-back setting - Anyone who's done with swiping and craves genuine conversation **How It Works** 1. **Register** – Click the sign-up link for your age bracket above. 2. **Take the Personality Quiz** – We’ll pair you with compatible Cincinnati singles for the best evening possible. 3. **Hop on Zoom** – Pour yourself a drink, get settled, and let the host walk you through each round. 4. **Enjoy the Conversations** – Every round is timed and hosted so each chat feels easy and fun. 5. **Discover Your Matches** – We’ll let you know about any mutual interest afterwards. The rest is up to you! **Event Details** - **Format:** Virtual on Zoom – organised rounds in a warm, easy-going setting - **Location:** Your own space – the comfiest date venue you could ask for - **Host:** Skilled facilitator who guides first-time speed daters with patience - **Vibe:** Easy-going connections with friendly Cincinnati singles – enjoyable and relaxed - **Tech:** All you need is Zoom, a webcam, and a friendly smile - **Support:** Our host is on hand before, during, and after the event - **Atmosphere:** Positive, inclusive, and completely judgement-free - **Dress code:** Smart casual – look sharp, feel great! --- ✨ Stop waiting for the ideal moment. This is it. Meet Cincinnati singles this evening! 💝 ✨

**💥 Join us THIS Saturday and EVERY Saturday!** **💥 At Columbus’ Hottest New Salsa Venue!** **.** Lincoln Street Salsa THIS Saturday and EVERY Saturday! 8 pm – 1 am **.** **💥 Gorgeously Renovated Studio!** **💥 Free Parking!** **💥 BYOB!** **💥 Easy Access from Highway!** **.** Lincoln Street Salsa 1717 Brice Rd Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43215 **.** **ENTRANCE IS ON THE NORTH SIDE OF THE BUILDING** **Behind Anthony’s Pharmacy!** **.** **PLEASE SHARE and help get the word out!** **.** **🟣 Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue Dancing!** **.** **🟣** 8:00 pm – 8:30 pm **𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻** **.** **🟣** 8:30 pm – 9:30 pm **𝗕𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 Class!** **.** **🟣** 9:30 pm – 1 am **𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘆!** **.** **✅ Questions?** **Visit [LincolnStreetSalsa.com](https://columbussalsadancing.com/)** Or Text Todd: 614-774-8146 **.** **✅ No Experience Necessary!** **✅ No Partner Required!** **✅ Plenty of People to Dance With!** **.** **✅ $15 Cash / $16 Card** **✅ College Students $5 Off with Valid ID!** **✅ BYOB** **✅ Age 18+** **.** **✅ Lincoln Street Salsa is the perfect place for…** **.** **👉 Learning to Dance** **👉** Social Dancing **👉 Birthday Celebration** **👉** Bachelorette Parties **👉 Girl’s Night Out** **👉 Date Night** **👉** Getting Fit / Burning Calories **👉 Meeting New People** **👉** Having Fun, Fun, Fun! **.** ✅ **Questions?** Visit [LincolnStreetSalsa.com](https://columbussalsadancing.com/ "https://columbussalsadancing.com/") Or Text Todd: 614-774-8146 .

**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.*

NFT's are here to stay folks! This is a group for like minded people interested in understanding, leveraging, using, creating for, profiting from, trading too i suppose, NFT's.. everything around them, complexity, fear and exploits, best practices and more. **PLUS** This group will talk AI ART tools, techniques, artists, video, audio, prototypes and more in the AI assisted production space- ART specifically, but we can get into any aspect of some of the cooler things happening in AI in general.

**💕 Online Speed Dating Made for Newcomers – Genuine Connections, No Stress!** **⚠️ HEADS UP: Clicking RSVP Isn't Enough!** You **must** sign up through one of the links below and finish the short personality quiz to confirm your place. Choose your age range and register now – **places are limited and fill quickly!** **⬇️ Choose Your Age Range & Finish Registration:** - **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=390&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cincinnati&groupurlname=rose-quartz-singles&ar=18-32&face_v=6.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=390&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cincinnati&groupurlname=rose-quartz-singles&ar=30-46&face_v=6.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=390&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cincinnati&groupurlname=rose-quartz-singles&ar=40-58&face_v=6.0) - **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=390&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cincinnati&groupurlname=rose-quartz-singles&ar=55+&face_v=6.0) --- 👋 **Trying speed dating for the first time?** You'll wish you'd started earlier! This Zoom-hosted speed dating experience takes the anxiety out of meeting someone new. You'll have short, structured rounds with friendly Cincinnati singles – all from wherever you're most at ease. 🎯 **Perfect for:** - Newcomers who want a relaxed, hosted experience - People getting back into dating after a hiatus who want a gentle re-entry - People who find traditional dating nerve-wracking and want to start online - Quiet or reserved singles who open up better in private conversations **How It Works** 1. **Register** – Click the sign-up link for your age bracket above. 2. **Complete the Quick Compatibility Quiz** – Helps us match you with like-minded Cincinnati newcomers. 3. **Hop on Zoom** – Pour yourself a drink, get settled, and let the host walk you through each round. 4. **Date from Home** – Have real, meaningful mini-dates with Cincinnati singles – all from your sofa. 5. **Connect After the Event** – Mutual matches are shared so you can keep the conversation going. **Event Details** - **Format:** Virtual via Zoom – relaxed, low-key from wherever you are - **Location:** Wherever you’re most relaxed – that’s your date spot tonight - **Host:** Your personal guide for the evening – warm, supportive, and entertaining - **Vibe:** Comfortable chats with Cincinnati singles in a supportive, newcomer-friendly setting **Frequently Asked Questions** **What happens after the event?** We share mutual matches after the event wraps up. If you both liked each other, we help you connect! **Can I join from my phone?** Absolutely! Zoom works on any device, though a laptop or tablet tends to give the best experience. **What if I don't match with anyone?** That's totally fine! Many people attend a few events before finding their match. Each one is a fresh opportunity. **What's the personality quiz for?** It helps us pair you with compatible people so your conversations are more likely to hit it off! --- ✨ Real people, real conversations, real connections – all from your living room. 🥰 ✨

**The Data-Driven Brand: Using Analytics to Shape Perception** Can you use analytics to improve tacos? This being CBUSDAW, we think the answer is probably “yes”, but we’re not sure how to implement or test this theory. For our April meetup we’ve got Sara Kear, CMO of Condado Tacos, to investigate this delicious question. Sara will explore how she blends quantitative data and qualitative customer feedback to shape brand positioning and drive business decisions. We all know that marketing and analytics go way beyond attribution. Sara will show how Condado uses customer insights to inform product and pricing strategy. She’ll also highlight how Condado leverages customer feedback at scale to influence operational priorities, positioning marketing as the voice of the customer across the organization. In the last 12 years Condado has gone from one location in Columbus to 52 locations across 10 states, so we’re guessing there’s more to that growth than really good guac (though the guac probably helps). Ultimately, this talk focuses on the intersection of art and science—using data to inform creativity and build a brand that resonates with customers in a measurable way. **About Our Speaker** Sara Kear is Chief Marketing Officer at Condado Tacos, where she oversees brand, restaurant design, menu and pricing strategy, off-premise including catering, and customer data strategy. Since joining in 2021, she has helped grow the brand from 19 to 52 locations while building a data-driven marketing organization focused on loyalty and customer insights. Condado has since been named to the Inc. 5000, recognized as Breakout Retailer by Chain Store Age, and consistently ranked among FastCasual’s Top 100 Movers & Shakers. 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)