Business Strategy

This event is designed for professionals, business owners, and aspiring investors who want to better understand how wealth is built through ownership—whether through businesses, real estate, or alternative investments. For our first session, we’ll host a live, moderated conversation with a local business owner or investor who will share real-world insights on building, growing, and investing in businesses. The focus will be on practical lessons, mistakes, and opportunities—not theory. This is a small, curated event intended to bring together individuals who are serious about growth, long-term thinking, and meaningful connections. What to expect: * A live conversation with a featured guest * Open Q&A with attendees * Intentional networking with professionals and business-minded individuals This is not a sales event or investment solicitation. The goal is to create a space for learning, insight, and connection with others building in similar directions. Space is limited to maintain a high-quality experience.

Small business Owners who do business through referrals and community. Come visit our chapter to see how help each other expand our business and maximize our time. Our group has over 30 members from different backgrounds! We meet every Wednesday morning, network, and share great ideas! We are looking for a few more like-minded business professionals to grow our group! Come visit our chapter and see if we are fit! Breakfast and drinks are provided at $30. Location: Seva Spaces Tysons 1604 Spring Hill Rd 2nd floor, Vienna, VA 22182

**PLEASE BUY TICKETS THROUGH EVENTBRITE. RSVP THROUGH MEETUP IS NOT A TICKET PURCHASE CONFIRMATION.** Strive welcomes you to 'General Business Networking', DC's hottest networking event! We are set in the perfect central location 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.*

Styled after a 'pitch competition', this event is for entrepreneurs, and the entrepreneurial-curious. Learn about on-going initiatives from local area founders, and there will be ample time for networking. This event will bring together start-up founders and enthusiasts in the DMV area for an exciting opportunity to hear about a fellow founder, and give feedback on their pitch and product, and get to network around founders from the area. At this event we are partnering with Startup Shell, a part of the University of Maryland, College Park ecosystem. Location: Startup Shell, 4462 Stadium Dr room 1101, College Park, MD 20740, USA Parking: For our campus partners - Parking Lot CC1 is available for free after 4pm so guests can park there. https://transportation.umd.edu/sites/default/files/2026-02/Campus-parking-map.pdf **Our Agenda:** 1\. Basic introductions 2\. First "Pitch" Presentation \(\~10 minutes\) 3\. Community Q&A 4\. Second "Pitch" Presentation \(\~10 minutes\) 5\. Community Q&A 6\. Third "Pitch" Presentation \(\~10 minutes\) 7\. Community Q&A 8\. 60 second fire\-pitches \(limited slots\, and first\-come\-first\-served\) 9\. Break out sessions & general networking More information will be provided as we get closer to the meetup. **Speakers** Yuan He will present on N0S.AI - a decision intelligence platform built for professional investors and fund managers. It leverages four core AI agents, each delivering a key feature to improve investor’s circle of competency during the qualitative investment decision process. Two other speakers will be announced shortly, check back soon! Check back shortly, speakers will be announced soon! Pitch Labs is a member of the [DMV Petri Dish Network](https://www.dmvpetridish.com/ "https://www.dmvpetridish.com/"). During the event, our volunteer team will be capturing photos and video footage for use in promotional materials and on social media. If you prefer not to appear in any photographs or recordings, please let us know in advance, and we will be happy to accommodate your request.

The BNI Capital Business Alliance is a business and professional networking organization for all industry leaders. We are one of the top BNI groups in the region, focused on building business relationships and friendships that lead to growing each others business. We meet every Wednesday morning to build relationships, showcase our services, and meet new people! We welcome all visitors who are looking to expand their referral networks and grow their business. There is no fee for visiting our lite fare breakfast meeting and if your business category is open in our chapter you can learn more about how to become a member and join us every week! We are very active outside of our Wednesday morning meetings as well! We host member-only events regularly and are always out and about networking at other events. Due to COVID-19 circumstances our meetings are currently being held virtually through a Virtual Zoom Meeting from 7:30 - 9:00 am. A link to the meeting will be sent to you once you register as Attending on Meetup. We can't wait to meet you! Be prepared to tell us all about your business!

This group was originally started by Chad Keith who created and hosts a podcast by the same name in Charlotte, NC. I am hoping to continue his legacy here in NoVa as I recently moved to this area. This group is all about finding community around self-improvement and exchanging ideas on how to be your best self and get the most out of life. This group is for anyone who is interested in overcoming average in all areas - career, ambitions, relationships, hobbies, health, everything. I am so excited to meet driven individuals in the NoVa area so please reach out if you have any questions at all. EVERYONE is welcome so please sign up for an upcoming meetup!

How about a weekend Happy Hour over unbeatable prices. Instead of silently doing research on your own, it is well known that when you are regularly connected with people of your own investment interest, you are likely to be more motivated, better informed and less likely to miss out on opportunities. Meet and discuss face-to-face.

Everyone has access to AI. Everyone is creating more content. The real question is **How do you create content that actually performs when everyone is using the same tools?** At this DC Marketing Tech Talks session, we’re going beyond prompts and tools and getting into what actually matters now: * How to build a content strategy that doesn’t fall into the “AI slop” trap * How AI and search engines are actually evaluating and surfacing your content * How to distribute and structure your content so it reaches the right audience and drives results **What This Session Will Cover** This session is designed as a focused, three-part experience, with each speaker taking a different angle on what it really means to create content in an AI-driven world. We’ll start with **[Tara L. Finney](https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarafinney/)**, who brings a strategic lens shaped by over two decades of building content programs across B2B and B2C. Tara will walk through how to build a content strategy that aligns with your business goals, reflects your brand, and resonates with your audience. From there, **[Stephen Hart](https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamstephenahart/)** will shift the focus to what happens after the content is created. Because even strong content fails if it doesn’t reach the right people. He’ll walk through how to structure your content ecosystem so it can be distributed effectively, reused across channels, and scaled without requiring constant output or burnout. We’ll close with **[Alex Lindley](https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-lindley-50823437/)**, who will take the conversation into how content is actually being evaluated today. As AI becomes a gatekeeper for discovery, it’s no longer just about what you publish, but how it’s interpreted. Alex will unpack how AI and search systems read, assess, and surface your content, giving you a clearer understanding of what drives visibility in an AI-influenced search landscape. This is a practical discussion about how to create content that shows up, gets read, and supports real business growth in a world shaped by AI. If you’re a marketer, founder, or content leader trying to figure out how to stay relevant in an AI-saturated world, this is the conversation you need to be in.

Serving our community by teaching financial literacy is paramount towards long term success. You will learn three main concepts towards building generational wealth. The five engines of revenu that will forever impact your. Lastly, be introduced a path to entrepreneurship that can transform your life and exceed expectations beyond your imagination Come and acquire this free education and walk out with a new drive! Dress code: Business Casual

Business Oriented Toastmasters (BOTM) is an exceptionally strong Toastmasters club in Rockville, MD. Our club has earned President's Distinguished Club status for the last thirteen years in a row. We are dedicated to helping each of our members achieve their personal public speaking and leadership goals in a friendly, supportive environment. We pride ourselves on having organized, professional meetings with strong evaluations, while having fun at the same time. Guests are always welcome and no notice is necessary. Just show up and plan to have fun. See how BOTM can help you achieve your goals. We are a diverse club with both seasoned and new Toastmasters, and all ethnic and professional backgrounds. For more information, please visit our website at botm.toastmastersclubs.org or contact us at contact-2279@toastmastersclubs.org Meeting locations: 1st Wednesday of every month in person at Faith United Methodist Church, 6810 Montrose Road, Rockville, MD 3rd Wednesday of every month via Zoom

Join us for an engaging session focused on mastering the art of referral marketing within the Dupont Business Link community. Whether you are a seasoned network marketer or new to the world of professional networking, this event will provide valuable insights and strategies to help you grow your business through referrals. Our expert speakers will share their tips and tricks for building a strong referral network, maximizing business networking opportunities, and effectively utilizing business referral networking for success. Connect with like-minded professionals in a hybrid chapter setting, combining the benefits of in-person and online interactions. Don't miss this chance to boost your referral marketing skills and take your business to the next level with Dupont Business Link.

**‼️This is a MAFN (Mid-Atlantic Facilitators Network) event. To attend, register at [https://mafn.org/event-6471409](https://mafn.org/event-6471409)** WHEN: Friday\, April 17\, 2026 \| WHERE: Mason Fuse Center \- 3401 Fairfax Drive Arlington\, VA 22201 Don't miss out on this opportunity to Explore \| Sharpen \| Connect We’re bringing the MAFN community together in person this spring - Join us! **What You will Experience** Expect a day filled with fresh ideas, meaningful conversations, and the energy of being in community. Attendees will direct their own agenda around the content themes through interactive workshops and meaningful opportunities to connect and network before and after the conference. **CONTENT Themes:** * Business development in dynamic times * Technology shifts in facilitation * Facilitating amid polarization and conflict **Who Should Attend and Why** If you lead groups, facilitate change, or guide learning, New Frontiers in Facilitation is designed for you. This one-day, in-person conference brings together facilitators, trainers, educators, coaches, mediators, and organizational leaders to explore cutting-edge practices in business development, technology in facilitation, and working across divided contexts. Beyond the sessions, the conference emphasizes intentional networking to help you build meaningful connections that last well beyond the event. Join us and leave inspired, equipped, and connected for the future of facilitation. **SCHEDULE** * Registration & Coffee Networking from 8:30 * Plenary * Rae Ringel - Rupture & Renewal, How Facilitation Evolves in a Polarized AI-Driven World * Six workshops in three parallel sessions (the opportunity to join three in the program) * Bola Audena - Scaling with Purpose: Building a Thriving Facilitation Brand in the Age of AI * Carly Chomer & Kim Fredrich - Make Your Business Development Meaningful Not Mechanical * Christine Gerson & Eboney Dixon-Crump - Clarity, Curiosity and Connection: Coaching Through Polarization & Communicating Across Differences * Jennie Toner-Algin - Find the Beat: Using Musical Techniques to Reduce Polarization and Navigate Group Conflict * Mike Burns - AI and Facilitation: Asking Not What It Can Do, But What It Should Do * Nikki Frias - Building Bridges in Conflict and Uncertainty with Applied Improv * Lunch & Networking * Parallel sessions * Knowledge Cafe: Join table hosts for skills-based learning * Open Space: Join fellow participants to reflect on key learnings, collaboratively explore emerging questions, and engage in self-directed dialogue with peers. * Closing * Happy Hour & Networking from 4:00 **Sponsorships available** Interested in reaching 100+ facilitators and organizational leaders? Contact us today to ask about being the sole presenting sponsor! View Sponsorship Opportunities: [https://mafn.org/resources/Documents/MAFN%20New%20Frontiers%20Sponsorship%20Deck.pdf](https://mafn.org/resources/Documents/MAFN%20New%20Frontiers%20Sponsorship%20Deck.pdf) Email Us: treasurer@mafn.org **Rates** **Members:** Early-Bird (until 11:59 pm on 2/15/26): $99.00 Regular Rate starting 2/16/26: $129.00 Membership Bundle (Member & Registration): $199.00 **Non-Members:** Non-Member Early Bird (until 11:59 pm on 2/15/26): $129.00 **Students:** Current/Active Student: $79.00

Some expert speaker (or panel) will be telling us about some subject, or maybe we'll hold a roundtable discussion, or whatever. Please bring your questions, ideas, etc., and a friend or three who might be interested in our Meetup. Approximate Schedule: 6:00 pm: people arrive, network, mingle, and order dinner/drinks/whatever 6:30 pm: presentation, discussion, or whatever, begins 7:30 pm: presentation/whatever is over; we network, mingle, and go home PLEASE RSVP YES IF COMING, AND CHANGE IT TO "NO" IF YOU THEN WON'T COME AFTER ALL. DO NOT MAKE US WASTE TIME WAITING FOR YOU. DO NOT DEPRIVE OTHERS OF A SPACE BY BOGARTING ONE. DO NOT MAKE ME THINK UP AN APPROPRIATE PENALTY FOR NO-SHOWS. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO ADJUST THE PICTURE. DO NOT TAUNT HAPPY FUN MEETUP ORGANIZER. This will be a joint meeting with the DC Computer Consultants (https://www.meetup.com/dc-computer-consultants).

Join Voice Over Pros Of Ohio for an exciting morning of networking, and exploring opportunities in the world of voice acting. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, this event is perfect for expanding your network, learning how to start a VO business, and for honing your skills. Connect with fellow voice actors and VO experts, that will help you succeed in your voice over business. This event will feature discussions on professional development, entrepreneurship in the voice over industry, with tips for navigating the world of voice acting. Don't miss this unique opportunity to learn from others, collaborate with like-minded individuals, and take your voice over career to the next level. Join us Saturday, March 28, from 10am - 12pm and learn how to start or grow your voice over business. Let your voice be heard! The $10 fee covers refreshments and door prizes.

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!

#### **A Transformative Half-Day Event** Welcome to Confidence Lab, the ultimate experience designed to help you step into your most confident self. This half-day event is packed with actionable strategies, inspiring sessions, and opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals who are ready to invest in their personal and professional growth. Whether you’re looking to advance in your career, deepen your self-belief, or simply embrace new challenges, Confidence Lab is your starting point. #### **What You’ll Experience** **Your Confidence Lab ticket includes:** * **Engaging Speaker Sessions**: Learn from experts about harnessing confidence in your career, relationships, and everyday life. * **Interactive Experiences:** Participate in dynamic activities designed to help you step into your most confident self. * **In-Depth Audience Q&A:** Get direct insights from speakers as they answer your most pressing questions about building confidence and stepping into leadership. * **Networking Opportunities**: Connect with a supportive community of professionals and confidence enthusiasts. **2026 Speaker Sessions:** * **Seeing Clearly** Understand how you show up - and what’s been getting in the way. * **Confidence in Relationship** Communicate, navigate conflict, and build trust more effectively. * **Sustainable Agency** Learn how to lead without burning out. Your energy is part of the strategy. * **Confidence in Service** Align how you show up with the impact you actually want to have. **This Is For You If…** * You’re ready to take up more space in your work or life * You want to communicate with clarity and confidence * You’re stepping into (or preparing for) leadership * You’re done second-guessing yourself #### **Our Speakers** **Lachandra Baker** Founder of LBB Edutainment and the kind of person who makes you realize you’ve been confusing confidence with performance your whole life. Lachandra blends psychology, research, and radical humanity to help individuals and teams stop code-switching their way through the day and start showing up as someone they actually recognize. Expect to be challenged, affirmed, and genuinely seen - sometimes all in the same breath. **Annette Santiago Reyes** Annette has a rare talent: she makes the way you communicate feel like a discovery, not a critique. A connection catalyst and culture strategist, she helps people understand why they show up the way they do, and how to bridge the gap between intention and impact. Whether you're navigating change, life’s challenges, or simply trying to better understand yourself and others. Annette gives you the language and the lens to get there. **Elizabeth Wangugi** Creator of The Nap Concert and the RESTOR™ framework, Elizabeth is here to tell you that rest is not a reward - it’s a strategy. Rooted in neuroscience and restorative practice, her work helps high-achievers stop running on fumes and start leading from a place of actual capacity. If your calendar is full and your tank is empty, Elizabeth might be the most important person you hear from at Confidence Lab. **Stephanie Andrews** Founder of Social Black Butterfly Training & Consulting, Stephanie knows what it takes to lead through complexity because she’s done it across social services, healthcare, and operations. She specializes in succession strategy and leadership development, equipping leaders to build trust, navigate the hard moments, and leave something worth inheriting. Stephanie doesn’t just develop leaders. She develops the kind of leaders people actually want to follow. **Lillian Morales-Laster** SVP Human Resources Director at United Midwest Savings Bank and Executive Director of the Empowering Latinas Leadership Academy (ELLA). Lillian has spent her career combining her passion for equity and inclusion with her experience in human resources to lead teams and organizations in the development of supportive work environments. She leads with a vision of ensuring Latinas' voices are included in crucial decision-making processes, because for Lillian, ELLA is more than just a program. It's a vibrant community of hermanas supporting and uplifting each other as they navigate their paths to leadership. A Columbus Business First Community Champion and Distinguished Hispanic Ohioan, her commitment to empowering others shows up everywhere she goes. **Rachyl Kershaw** Founder of Greater Columbus Consulting and the architect behind the Confidence Lab Annual Summit, Rachyl has a gift for cutting through the noise, helping high-achievers stop performing success and start living it. She asks the questions most people are afraid to, creates space for honest reckoning, and somehow makes the hard work feel energizing. If you’ve ever wondered why doing everything right still feels like something’s missing, you’re in exactly the right room. #### **Why Confidence Lab?** Confidence is the foundation for success in every area of life. Whether you’re navigating a career change, launching a business, or striving for personal growth, building your confidence is the key to unlocking your higher purpose. This is your chance to invest in yourself and start living boldly. #### **Join Us on May 4** Confidence Lab is more than just an event - it’s a movement. Step into your power, embrace your potential, and make this the year you thrive. Secure your spot today and take the first step toward a more confident YOU. Cost should never be a barrier to growth. If you'd like to request a complimentary community ticket, reach out to us at [hello@confidencelab.org](mailto:hello@confidencelab.org), no explanation needed. Read more and see additional ticketing options at https://confidencelab.org/

At Evolve Synergy Sessions, you'll be part of a supportive mastermind where we share challenges, brainstorm solutions, and inspire one another to take bold steps in our businesses. Grow your network, gain fresh perspectives, and build meaningful relationships with like-minded women who are committed to success. Whether you’re looking to move the needle in your business or simply need a space to connect and recharge, this is the perfect place to fuel your entrepreneurial journey. [Add Event to Calendar](https://evolvecolumbus.eventcalendarapp.com/) \*\* Please note, we will be arriving around 8:15a for open networking! Get there early and get connected! Contact Alexis Morley at [alexis.morley@edwardjones.com](mailto:alexis.morley@edwardjones.com) or Terri Lawson at [terri.lawson@e-merge.com](mailto:terri.lawson@e-merge.com) for more information.

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 ***NOTE:*** Pre-registration is required for this event. **Please arrive 10 minutes early** to check in at the security desk.

## Unlock the Power of Prediction: Polymarket Masterclass Ever felt like you could foresee the future? Now, put those insights to work. Join us for a deep dive into Polymarket, the prediction market platform, and learn how to turn your knowledge of current events into real opportunities. It's more than just guessing; it's about strategic analysis, risk management, and capitalizing on market inefficiencies. ### Is this workshop for you? This session is tailored for: * Those brand new to prediction markets and ready to learn the ropes. * Sharp minds that enjoy analyzing data and making calculated decisions. * Individuals with a passion for news and current affairs, looking to leverage their insights. * Anyone seeking alternative income streams powered by event analysis. ### What's on the agenda? During our time together, we'll cover: * Demystifying Polymarket: From initial setup to executing your first prediction. * Essential risk management techniques to protect your investments. * Decoding market signals and understanding liquidity dynamics. * Tactics for identifying and exploiting market mispricings. * Constructing a robust portfolio for consistent gains. * Inspiring examples of successful Polymarket strategies put in motion. _"The instruction was clear, the advice was practical, and the techniques were actionable. I've already made back my registration fee!"_ - Recent participant ### Secure Your Spot – Full Registration Required! Spaces are limited, so don't miss out. RSVPing "yes" on Meetup **does not** confirm your spot. You **must** complete the official registration using the link below: ### [✅ Claim Your Seat! ✅](https://remoteready.io/product/Polymarket?city=Columbus&groupurlname=circle-of-professionals-mastering-ai-income&startgmtdatetime=2026-04-17T22:00:00Z) Let's transform your knack for predictions into a powerful income stream! Register now.