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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Check out support events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.

Discover all the support events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.

Absolutely! Find support events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.

Support Events Today

Join in-person Support events happening right now

Monthly Social in the Northern Suburbs - Moon Dog - Preston
Monthly Social in the Northern Suburbs - Moon Dog - Preston
Our monthly Northern social is held at Moon Dog World in Preston. Moon Dog World is a brewery, restaurant and bar with a lagoon, waterfall, hidden tiki bar and much more! Atmosphere is on the family restaurant side (dogs and kids a plenty!) but still a fun tropical style environment. Food is better than standard pub fare with exotic flavours and generous serves. Fun for pretty much everyone, so come along and enjoy it with us. Do you live in the Northern or perhaps even the Western suburbs and are interested in catching-up with like minded people? Come along for dinner and meet some friendly people. Our group is informal and open to all. We pay for own food and drinks individually and there is no charge for the organisation of the events. It is a great opportunity to meet others with an emphasis on fun and supporting each other. So whether you choose to come at the start for dinner or later on for drinks, we hope to see you. If something comes up and you can no longer make it, then you can easy change your RSVP to not going. I am looking forward to catching up with those who can make it, Chris
Board Games Night - Beginners Welcome @North Melbourne Friday
Board Games Night - Beginners Welcome @North Melbourne Friday
**Board Game Night (Beginner Friendly, Social & Structured)** Meet new people at our host led boardgame night, sit down, learn a game, and start playing within minutes. **Who this is for** - People who work a 9–5 and want to meet people after work or on the weekends doing something fun. - You want something social and structured - You want attend a host guided boardgame night. **The Event** This is a hosted board game night. You don’t need to know any games. We teach everything. provide name tags, and games. Most people are new and come alone. **Small groups (limited spots)** Tables of 4–8 people Usually 30 total spots If you see a spot you can make, take it. They fill. **What happens when you arrive** You don’t need to bring anything You’ll be seated shortly after you arrive A host will guide your table You won’t be left standing around. **Types of games** We run two kinds of games: *1) Social games 🟦* Easy to learn Good for conversation Great for bigger groups *2) Intermediate games 🟥* Strategy games that take at least 1 hour. Many Beginner friendly, but more complex. Recommended for people already in the hobby. Game hosts have some knowledge in both categories, and will spend the first part of the night empowering the social games going, and spend the second half floating or running intermediate Games. **What to expect** Friendly people Small to medium sized groups Clear structure Easy start, even if you are new-You’ll be playing quickly. **Attendance polic** Cancel early if you can’t make i No-shows or late cancels get kicke **Donation** We take donations to support the event and our host, so we can continue running this event to a high standard **Questions?** Message Anna on meetup - check the Meetup event to see the Hosts you can contact **List of banned gam** Monopoly (any version
Saturday Morning Walk @ Ruffey Lake Park Templestowe 3106  🙋🏻‍♀️
Saturday Morning Walk @ Ruffey Lake Park Templestowe 3106 🙋🏻‍♀️
Hi Radiant Ladies, Join us for a refreshing Saturday walk at Ruffey Lake Park. 👭 Walk at your own pace 🐕 Dogs welcome ☕ Coffee after 🌦️ We walk every Saturday (unless it’s pouring) New ladies welcome. See you! 



Leanne & Lyn 💕
SPORTS POINT INDOOR PICKLEBALL: Come and play – Friday(7PM - 8PM) - Altona
SPORTS POINT INDOOR PICKLEBALL: Come and play – Friday(7PM - 8PM) - Altona
Keep the energy high with our Saturday Pickleball Socials! Whether you’re playing for fun or looking for some friendly competition, this session is perfect for all skill levels. 💰 $10 per person \| 1\-hour session 🏓 Basic paddles & balls provided 👥 Approx. 6 players per court 🔥 Great for fitness & social play! 📍 Location: SPORTS POINT Altona North, Unit 1, 64-66 McArthurs Road, Altona North, VIC 3025 📞 Contact: 0403 556 859 \| ✉ Email: admin@sportspoint\.com\.au Register for SOCIALS using any of the below options: \- https://bookings\.sportspoint\.com\.au/ \- https://opensports\.net/sports\-point\-indoor\-pickleball/tab/events
Tuner
Tuner
Hi all, This week's film, Tuner, will be screening at 6:50pm in cinema 6. Alicia will be hosting and will be in the usual meeting spot [read on for details] from 6:40pm. Cheers! **--=>+ Meeting Spot +<=--** Outside the clothing store Black Orange. It is inside Lygon Court next to Brunettis. Join the group at the meeting spot 10 minutes before the start time or see us in the movie. **--=>+ The Film +<=--** The debut narrative feature from Daniel Roher (Navalny), TUNER is a slick and stylish heist thriller starring up-and-comer Leo Woodall (One Day, Nuremberg), Dustin Hoffman, and Havana Rose Liu (Bottoms). With his once-promising musical career over, Niki (Woodall) works across New York with his mentor Harry Horowitz (Hoffman) tuning pianos. One night while working late at a client’s house, Niki is disrupted by a security crew trying to drill open a safe in the same house and lends his ear to cracking it without machinery. But when Harry is hospitalised and Niki is left with the bill, he turns to his newfound talent to secure the funds necessary for his boss’ recovery, endangering himself and his burgeoning partner Ruthie (Liu). Rating: MA15+ Consumer Advice: Strong coarse language Running Time: 109 minutes **--=>+ Tickets +<=--** Everyone will need to buy their own ticket online and in advance. If you want to sit with other group members, there's a tendency for us to pick seats in the back two rows. Those who feel comfortable can catch up in Nova's bar afterward. **--=>+ Afterwards+<=--** We meet in Nova's bar after the movie. Look for us in the area to the left as you go down the steps. Share your thoughts about the film with the group over a drink of your choice. If the bar is closed we typically head across the road to the Wolf's Lair which is out the back of Jimmy Watson's.
Friday Social - Speed friending (ticketed) 50 coming
Friday Social - Speed friending (ticketed) 50 coming
After one of the biggest attendances ever, 150 people, we are back for our anticipated Friday social's at UBQ. Friending will start around 7:30pm. This time, UBQ are launching a new look bar and we are there to help! This event is ticketed: [UBQ bar launch ](https://www.trybooking.com/DMPIW) 📍 UBQ 🕕 6PM – LATE - Arrive anytime! 🍻 **Happy Hour 6–8pm** * $8 Basics ✨ * $8 Tap Beers 🍺 * $12 Aperols 🍊 * PLUS — Carlton is now on tap 🍻 ALL welcome, bring all. Two hosts to greet and welcome you whilst mixing and moving you around to meet, connect and network with like minded people. Enjoy a fun and friendly atmosphere with plenty of time to connect—whether you’re coming solo or with friends. Expect great conversations, new faces, and a space where everyone belongs 🏳️‍🌈 Plus, we’ve got you covered with: 💃 Fabulous drag shows 🔥 Energetic Gogo boys 🍓 Fresh fruit platter to share Come as you are, bring your good vibes, and leave with new connections ✨
Fad Gallery Happy Hour and great dance vibes!$8 Happy Hour $10 Fireballs!
Fad Gallery Happy Hour and great dance vibes!$8 Happy Hour $10 Fireballs!
🎉 Join Us at FAD Gallery Bar! Welcome Anita to our hosting team🥂 Looking for a fun, easygoing way to meet new people and kick off your weekend? Come hang out with us at FAD Gallery Bar in the heart of Melbourne CBD! 🎨 About the Venue: FAD is an iconic, laneway bar with a unique artistic vibe — think comfy couches, art on the walls, cool music, and that classic Melbourne laneway feel. 🍻 Happy Hour: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM Hosted from 6:00 but feel free to rock up early for Happy Hour as the venue staff are friendly and there are always some early attenders. Enjoy great drink specials during happy hour and very cheap drinks after that — perfect for chatting, chilling, and making new friends. 👋 No need to know anyone — come as you are! This is a relaxed, welcoming meetup where everyone’s there to have fun, make connections, and enjoy good drinks and great company. 💃 Good Vibes & Dancing: Later in the night the bar transforms into a dance-friendly space with DJs and groovy tunes — whether you want to boogie or just hang out, it’s a great crowd and no one’s a stranger here!

Support Events This Week

Discover what is happening in the next few days

June 14 | Run Club x Pun & Gainz — Move, Connect & Meet at Albert Park Lake
June 14 | Run Club x Pun & Gainz — Move, Connect & Meet at Albert Park Lake
### 🌿 KISMETRIX \| True Connection x Pun & GainzRun Club Social — Move\, Connect & Meet [Ticketed Event](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/jun-14-run-club-x-pun-gainz-move-connect-meet-at-albert-tickets-1990309261579?aff=oddtdtcreator) Hosted by KISMETRIX \| True Connection in collaboration with Pun & Gainz 📍 Meeting Point: Boatshed Cafe, 3 Aquatic Drive, Albert Park VIC 3206 📅 Sunday, 14 June 2026 🕘 Please arrive by **8:45 AM** — we start at 9:00 AM sharp ⏱ 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM 🎽 Dress Code: Comfortable activewear or running shoes ☕ **Ticket includes 1 standard hot beverage after the run** #### **SOME OF THE BEST CONVERSATIONS HAPPEN MID-STRIDE.** There's something about moving together that breaks down walls faster than any icebreaker ever could. The rhythm of a run. The fresh air. The shared effort. The way conversation just... flows. That's exactly why we created this. Kismetrix has teamed up with **Pun & Gainz** — Melbourne-based personal trainers who believe fitness is as much about community as it is about movement — for our first ever **Run Club Social** at the beautiful Albert Park Lake. This isn't a race. It isn't a gym class. It's a relaxed, social Sunday morning run for singles who want to meet real people, in real life, doing something they actually enjoy. #### **🏃 WHAT TO EXPECT** * A PT-led warm up to get you moving and feeling good before we set off * A relaxed run around Albert Park Lake (approx. 3–4 km) at your own pace * Natural pace groups form as you go — runners with runners, walkers with walkers, and everything in between * A supported walk/run option for those who prefer a gentler pace — you're in good company and you'll still see the whole lake * Everyone meets at the Boatshed Cafe at the end — this is where the morning really comes alive * Hot drink included, conversation flows naturally, no awkward formats needed * Coming solo is completely normal — most people do #### **💛 WHO THIS IS FOR** This event is for singles who: * Enjoy being active and want to meet people in a natural setting * Are curious about running or already love it — all paces genuinely welcome * Prefer real-life connection over dating apps and loud venues * Want to be part of a growing community, not just attend a one-off event * Are open to friendship, connection, or something more — without it being the whole point All adult singles welcome, across a wide range of ages. Come solo — most people do. #### **✨ ABOUT THE COLLABORATION** Pun & Gainz are Melbourne personal trainers who bring energy, expertise, and genuine warmth to every session. They believe the best workouts happen when people feel good together — and that's exactly what Kismetrix is built on. Two communities. One Sunday morning. A shared belief that showing up — in fitness and in life — is where everything begins. #### **📋 WHAT TO BRING** * Comfortable running or walking shoes * Water bottle * Sunscreen & a light layer (June mornings can be crisp) * An open, easy-going mindset 💛 #### **🎟️ [TICKETS](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/jun-14-run-club-x-pun-gainz-move-connect-meet-at-albert-tickets-1990309261579?aff=oddtdtcreator)** 🌿 Introductory Price: $10 🌿 Introductory Last minutes Price: $20 — includes 1 standard hot beverage after the run. *This is our first Run Club Social with Pun & Gainz. Introductory pricing reflects that — and won't last.* #### **🔔 IMPORTANT NOTES** * Adults only, singles welcome across all ages * No children or dogs — this helps keep the space comfortable and social for everyone * Please arrive by 8:45 AM — we move off at 9:00 AM and cannot hold the group * Tickets are non-refundable but transferable * This is a social connection experience — outcomes are never guaranteed * Kismetrix reserves the right to manage attendance to ensure a respectful, welcoming environment for all #### **🔗 STAY CONNECTED WITH KISMETRIX \| TRUE CONNECTION** 📧 social@kismetrix.com.au 🌐 www.kismetrix.com.au 📱 Instagram: @kismetrix_ \| Facebook \| Eventbrite 🤝 Collaborations: collabs@kismetrix.com.au 📄 By registering\, you confirm you have read and agree to Kismetrix \| True Connection's Terms & Conditions\, Privacy Policy\, Disclaimer and Code of Conduct\.
SPORTS POINT INDOOR PICKLEBALL: Weekend Socials – Saturday (12PM - 2PM) - Altona
SPORTS POINT INDOOR PICKLEBALL: Weekend Socials – Saturday (12PM - 2PM) - Altona
Keep the energy high with our Saturday Pickleball Socials! Whether you’re playing for fun or looking for some friendly competition, this session is perfect for all skill levels. 💰 $20 per person \| 2\-hour session 🏓 Basic paddles & balls provided 👥 Approx. 7 players per court 🔥 Great for fitness & social play! 📍 Location: SPORTS POINT Altona North, Unit 1, 64-66 McArthurs Road, Altona North, VIC 3025 📞 Contact: 0403 556 859 \| ✉ Email: admin@sportspoint\.com\.au Register for SOCIALS using any of the below options: \- https://bookings\.sportspoint\.com\.au/ \- https://opensports\.net/sports\-point\-indoor\-pickleball/tab/events
Heide MoMA and Sculpture Gardens - SUNDAY WALK
Heide MoMA and Sculpture Gardens - SUNDAY WALK
**Heide Museum of Modern Art & Gardens** Our Sunday Walk this week takes us back to the beautiful Heide Sculpture Gardens and Park on the banks of the Yarra River. An integral part of Heide is its Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and the grounds featuring outdoor sculptures. With a long history as an artist's retreat and landscape gardens, Heide is a special place for a Sunday Walk. **Start**: Meet at Heide main entrance, off Templestowe Road, Bulleen. We'll meet at the large sculpture display outside the Gallery Shop at the entrance to MoMA. (see main picture here). Note the slightly later Start Time: **9.15 AM** **Parking:** Turn off Templestowe Rd and head for the Lower Carpark (follow signs). If this carpark is full, drive past and follow the road to Banksia Park where there's plenty of extra space, then walk back to the Kitchen. **The Walk**: We'll walk the gardens and parkland of the adjacent Banksia Park before heading back to the Kitchen Cafe for brunch. It's a slightly shorter walk than our usual (about 4 Km) but includes some hilly sections. **Toilets**: Throughout the Park and at the Kitchen area. **Coffee**: At the Heide Kitchen Cafe, where we can also enjoy brunch if you wish.
Expand Your Social Circle - Kudos 2 Friends Around the Tan Stroll
Expand Your Social Circle - Kudos 2 Friends Around the Tan Stroll
**—— Details ——** We will meet at the starting point, take round trip around the Tan and a short stroll inside the botanical garden. BYO coffee/ water bottle. Dress for outdoor walk. Come along & simply say, "Hi, it's my first time joining the group event." or ask the organiser to introduce you. You can take it slow and start from there. If you enjoy the conversations, take the initative to invite others to hang out over a bite/ drink after. **\-\-\- Running Late \-\-\-** If you are running late, please message at least 30 mins in advance. We will wait up to 15 mins before heading off. We won't be able to keep track of messages once we start. **\-\-\- RSVP / Change of Plan \-\-\-** Change of plan or decide not to attend is absolutely okay. Please do update your RSVP to "NO", so others can have the opportunity to attend. **\-\-\- Intro \-\-\-** Kudos 2 Friends is a Melbourne based community created for individuals who are looking to expand their social circle and form long term friendship overtime. Join us on a fun journey as we explore cafes, restaurants and bars, including drinks, meals, outings, hiking, sporting, chilling, etc. Above all, we’d like to celebrate the importance of friendships. So if you are looking to expand your social circle and explore new adventures and venues in Melbourne, come join us! **— Download “Heylo" App > Google Store & Apple App Store —** We use Heylo App for more fluid communication, including ideas, interest groups, questions etc. Please download the Heylo app from the App store and let the organizer know if you would like to be added to the Heylo Group at the event. We will send an invite to attendees to the group. (give us some time) **\-\-\- Instagram \-\-\-** Follow us on Instagram @kudos2friends **\-\-\- Rules \-\-\-** Admin will only add members to the group with a clear profile picture. (No hidden behind sunglasses, masks, drawings) **You might be removed from the group in the case of…** * no show * without a clear profile picture * anti-social behaviour (i.e. acts rude / disrespectful regularly) * take advantage of individuals for personal gain(s) **\-\-\- Privacy \-\-\-** Do not disclose your contact number in this post comment. We will delete your comment/info as soon as we see it to protect your privacy.
Sunday Lunch Highett RSL
Sunday Lunch Highett RSL
June 14 | Blackwood Social - Afternoon Drinks for Singles | Windsor
June 14 | Blackwood Social - Afternoon Drinks for Singles | Windsor
✨ **KISMETRIX \| True Connection** [Ticketed Event](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/june-14-blackwood-social-afternoon-drinks-for-singles-windsor-tickets-1990554475019) ### **Blackwood Social - Afternoon Drinks for Singles** **📍 Blackwoods Wine & Cocktail Bar — 137 Chapel Street, Windsor** **📅 Sunday, 14 June 2026 · 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM** **🥂 Standard drink on arrival included** **Somewhere along the way, meeting people got lonely.** The apps turned connection into a catalogue. The bar scene stopped feeling worth it. Your social circle calcified in your late twenties and nobody told you how to crack it back open. You're not anti-social. You're not too picky. You're just waiting for a room that actually feels worth walking into. This is that room. #### BLACKWOOD SOCIAL Kismetrix doesn't run singles nights. We build the kind of afternoon where you walk in not knowing a soul — and walk out wondering why Sunday ever looked like anything else. Blackwoods Wine & Cocktail Bar in Windsor is the setting. Unhurried. Intimate. The kind of place that makes conversation feel easy before you've even tried. Our host will be there from the moment you arrive — not to run activities or move you around the room, but to make sure nobody spends their first five minutes standing alone wondering if they've made a mistake. You haven't. We've got you. Name tags on. Guard down. Drink in hand. See what happens. #### WHO THIS IS FOR Professionals and creatives aged 28–42 who are socially confident but privately a little tired of how hard it's become to meet people who actually get it. People who want a relationship, or a friend, or just proof that their city still has interesting humans in it. Most guests come alone. That's not the exception here — that's the point. #### WHAT YOU'RE WALKING INTO 🥂 Standard drink waiting for you on arrival 🍸 Full cocktail and wine menu at one of Windsor's best bars 👋 Name tags — because remembering someone's name is the beginning of everything 🤝 A host who genuinely cares how you feel in the room 📍 Cosy indoors + heated courtyard out back #### WHAT PEOPLE LEAVE WITH Sometimes it's a number. Sometimes it's a new regular at your table. Sometimes it's just the feeling — quiet but real — that your people are out there and you've started finding them. Kismetrix is where that starts. #### TICKETS - [Book Here](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/june-14-blackwood-social-afternoon-drinks-for-singles-windsor-tickets-1990554475019) 🌿 Early Bird — $29 (first to go — always) 🌿 Standard — $45 Early bird pricing won't last. Grab yours before it moves. #### IMPORTANT NOTES 🎯 This is a hosted social experience — not speed dating 🎯 A welcome drink is included; additional drinks and food are available at the venue 🎯 Gender balance is carefully aimed for but not always guaranteed 🎯 Respect, boundaries, and good energy are essential at all Kismetrix events 🎯 Tickets are non-refundable but transferable KISMETRIX reserves the right to manage attendance and participation, including declining or removing entry where necessary, to ensure a positive and respectful experience for all guests. #### ABOUT KISMETRIX Kismetrix is Melbourne's premium real-life connection experience — built on the belief that the most important relationships in your life will not begin with a swipe. Every event is intentionally designed, warmly hosted, and quietly obsessed with how it feels to be in the room. We're building something bigger than events. We're building the community Melbourne didn't know it was missing. 📧 [social@kismetrix.com.au]() 🌐 [www.kismetrix.com.au](http://www.kismetrix.com.au "http://www.kismetrix.com.au") 📱 Follow us on Instagram, Facebook & Eventbrite By attending, guests agree to the Kismetrix Code of Conduct: kismetrix.com.au/code-of-conduct
📣 Promo crew wanted — Saturday arvo, Melbourne
📣 Promo crew wanted — Saturday arvo, Melbourne
I'm running ***[The 36 Questions Experiment — A Social Experience for Singles](https://events.humanitix.com/36-qs-experiment)*** — on Sunday 21 June at Wheat, Wine & Whisky, Collingwood, and I need at least 2–3 enthusiastic people to help hand out flyers and spread the word this Saturday afternoon. **Here's what you get:** 🎟️ A free ticket to the event (or a full refund if you've already bought one) 💸 Your own referral code — earn $5 for every ticket sold through your unique promo code. If you're single and curious about a genuinely unique social experience, this is a great way to come for free AND earn a little extra. Easy, fun, and low-key. RSVP here or send me a WhatApp message (0406259041) and I'll share all the details. Thanks! 🙏

Support Events Near You

Connect with your local Support community

Hopeful Cafe Conversations @Panera Kentlands, Gaithersburg
Hopeful Cafe Conversations @Panera Kentlands, Gaithersburg
### Hopeful Cafe Conversations @Panera Kentlands **You are cordially invited to join in the conversation to catch the positive vibe... a cup of coffee, or another of your favorite refreshment.** **At NEW HOPE CAFE CONVERSATIONS on 3rd Saturdays, Monthly** **Address: Panera, 285 Kentlands Blvd., Gaithersburg, MD 20878** **Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83326239362** ===== **New Hope Workshop**: What is Negativity Bias? How do we get ahead of it to reach more positive outcomes in work, life, and relationships? Discover the difference between goals and outcomes. 1\. How do we reaffirm ones role\, despite negativity bias from others? 2\. The New Hope Community Affirmative Statements of Foundational Principles 3\. Your Perspectives in Conversation **"Star Points Meal Deal"** If you have New Hope "Star Points 💫" you can get a discount on a meal. Also you can earn Star Points, if this is your first time attending Cafe Conversations, in-person. Ask Gene, newhope321community@yahoo.com, 240-848-0808.
Circle of Support for Those Who Grieve
Circle of Support for Those Who Grieve
SENIOR CENTER IN LEESBURG IS CLOSED.  MEETING CANCELLED.
SENIOR CENTER IN LEESBURG IS CLOSED. MEETING CANCELLED.
Title: Talk/listen about life-changing loss and grief, and care-giving challenges We have created “LET'S TALK - Leesburg” and you are invited to attend. Folks meet to give and receive support dealing with caregiving or life-changing events. This activity is for any one that is experiencing powerful life changes such as loss of independence, caregiving challenges, any loss that has been a life-changing blow to them or has significantly changed their life, including the loss of a precious person. Participants who attend the “LET'S TALK” group say that the group is a place to: Feel safe, to talk or to listen, gain understanding of experiences, and foster confidence! Realize that: “I Can do …” , “Get my equilibrium back.” “LET”S TALK” invites participants to come together...so that they might share the feelings, thoughts, questions, challenges and concerns. This activity is facilitated by a professional counselor.
In-person Support meeting
In-person Support meeting
AI Meetup (June): Secure AI Agents
AI Meetup (June): Secure AI Agents
Important: Register on [AICamp website](https://www.aicamp.ai/event/eventdetails/W2026061814) is required for admission. **Description:** Welcome to the AI meetup in Washington DC. Join us for deep dive tech talks on AI, GenAI, LLMs and Agents, hands-on experiences on code labs, workshops, and networking with speakers and fellow developers. **Agenda:** \* 5:30pm\~6:00pm: Checkin, Food/drink and networking \* 6:00pm\~8:00pm: Tech talks and Q&A \* 8:00pm: Happy Hour at Courthouse Social (cross the street) **Tech Talk: Secure Developer Environments in the Age of AI Agents** **Speaker:** Patrick Brown (Coder) **Abstract:** Federal engineering teams are under pressure to ship faster while meeting some of the most demanding security and compliance requirements in the world. In this talk, Patrick Brown of Coder explores how cloud development environments (CDEs) give agencies a foundation to accelerate software delivery without sacrificing control — and why that foundation matters even more as AI-powered coding agents enter the workflow. He'll cover how CDEs keep source code off endpoints, enforce zero-trust access patterns, and provide the consistent, ephemeral infrastructure that both human developers and AI agents need to operate safely at scale. **Speakers:** Stay tuned as we are updating speakers and schedules. If you have a keen interest in speaking to our community, we invite you to submit topics for consideration: [Submit Topics](https://forms.gle/JkMt91CZRtoJBSFUA) **Sponsors:** We are actively seeking sponsors to support AI developers community. Whether it is by offering venue spaces, providing food, or cash sponsorship. Sponsors will not only speak at the meetups, receive prominent recognition, but also gain exposure to our extensive membership base of 5,000+ AI developers in D.C and 500K+ worldwide.
Profs & Pints Northern Virginia: Can Artificial Intelligence “See”?
Profs & Pints Northern Virginia: Can Artificial Intelligence “See”?
[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Can Artificial Intelligence ‘See’?”** A look at how humans and artificial intelligence systems interpret the visual world in fundamentally different ways, with Arryn Robbins, assistant professor of psychology at the University of Richmond and cognitive scientist who researches visual attention, perception, and category learning. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-can-AI-see](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-can-AI-see) .] Artificial intelligence can now identify faces, categorize objects, describe scenes, and outperform humans on certain visual tasks. But does AI actually “see” the world the way that people do? Or does it arrive at correct answers using representations that differ markedly from human perception? Join Arryn Robbins of the University of Richmond for a fascinating exploration of how humans and AI construct meaning from visual information and a look at comparisons between human perception and AI that reveal just how dynamic and context-dependent our own visual systems really are. Dr. Robbins, who previously has given excellent Profs and Pints talks on flaws and biases in human visual perception, will draw from research in cognitive science, visual perception, and AI vision systems. She’ll explain how human perception is not merely a simple recording of the world, but an active process shaped by expectations, context, goals, and recent experience. You’ll learn how humans form flexible mental representations that allow us to recognize objects across changing environments and conditions, and why those representations continuously adapt as we interact with the world. Many AI systems, by contrast, learn visual categories through statistical patterns in data. They can produce impressive results, but sometimes they also produce strange and unexpected failures, and sometimes they classify images in ways that seem strange to us. Dr. Robbins will discuss what these differences reveal about the nature of perception itself, and why the mismatch between human and AI representations matters for technologies like self-driving cars, medical imaging, facial recognition, and automated surveillance. Important for anyone trying to understand the rapidly growing role of AI in daily life, this talk will explore one of the biggest questions in cognitive science and artificial intelligence: What does it actually mean to “see” and understand the world? (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: “Eye Farm” by Nevit Dilmen (Wikimedia Commons).