Conversation

Where locals, expats & travellers turn Thursday into Small Friday. Hey everyone! As we ease into 2026 ✨, we’re wishing you good health 💛, calm energy 🌿, and plenty of moments that feel human 🤝💬. New starts can be exciting 😌, messy 😵‍💫, or just a bit much 😮‍💨 all of that’s fine 🤍. Wherever you’re at 📍, you’re welcome here 🫶. Here’s to a year of kindness ✨, real chats 🗣️, and small wins 🌱, shared in good company 🍻🛋️. Whether you’ve just landed in Zagreb, been here a while, or live right around the corner, **Small Friday International Zagreb** (**[SFIZ.FUN](https://sites.google.com/view/smallfridayinternationalzagreb)**) is your go-to for winter evenings, language swapping, and good times with great people. 📍 **Where?** The Beertija, Pavla Hatza 16 🕗 **When?** Thursdays, every other week from 8PM ✨ Free to join, just grab a drink and support the bar’s rockin’ vibe 🍺🎸 ✨ Open to all, all ages, all vibes, all language levels welcome 💬 **What to expect?** 🗣️ **Language Exchange:** English, Croatian, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Ukrainian, Russian… you name it 💬🌐 🌍 **Cultural Vibes:** Locals, expats, travellers, Erasmus students . . . sharing tips, stories & laughs 🎭✨ 🤝 **New Connections:** Real convos, real mates, winter evenings to remember 🤗 🍷 **Weekend Planners:** From concerts, winter sports, partying to fests and day trips, let’s plot our winter adventures 🎶❄️🏔️ 🌟 **Why now?** The Christmas markets have closed 🎄❌, the New Year celebrations have faded 🎆➡️🌙, and Zagreb has slipped into its **winter mood** 🏙️❄️. The days are grey 🌫️, sometimes snowy 🌨️, cold 🧣🥶 the kind of weather that pulls people indoors 🏠 and a little closer together 🤍🤝. This is the season of **quiet, grounded pleasures** 🌿✨: winter walks through the city 🚶‍♂️❄️🏙️, snow-dusted hikes on Sljeme 🌲🏔️🌨️, museums and cinemas 🖼️🎬, ice rinks ⛸️❄️ and proper warm food 🍲🔥, followed by long conversations 💬🕯️ over a drink 🍷🍺. Zagreb is also a little unusual in winter ✨ because it offers something rare: a **mini ski holiday within the city** 🏙️➡️🏔️🎿. When there’s enough snow 🌨️, Sljeme serves up slopes perfect for beginners and casual skiers 😊🎿 no mega-resorts 🚫🏨, no queues 🚫⏳, just straightforward winter sport close to home 🏡❄️. And if skiing isn’t your thing 🙃, there’s skating ✨⛸️: **outdoor ice skating at Šalata** 🌌⛸️, or **indoor rinks at Velesajam or the Admiral Ice Dome** 🏟️❄️ playful 😄, social 🤍, and very winter-appropriate 🌨️. After the festivities are over 🎭➡️🌙, what remains is **everyday life** and that’s where genuine connection happens 🤝💬. Winter is for slowing down 🐢✨, sharing stories 📖🕯️, warming up together 🔥🧣, and finding comfort in good company 👥🤍. And the best way to share it? At **[SFIZ.FUN](https://sites.google.com/view/smallfridayinternationalzagreb)**. Our meetups are where plans get made, tips get swapped, and crews form to explore Zagreb together. 🌍💖 🍺 **Why The Beertija?** Because it’s that place everyone ends up wishing they’d gone to 😏✨ Warm beer cellar vibes 🍻🔥, cosy living-room energy 🛋️☕, 🚭 non-smoking inside (happy clothes, happy lungs 😌), plus a covered outdoor patio for quick smoke breaks 🚬😉. Skip it, and you’ll hear about it later 👀💬 💡 Top tip: Turn up early, smile, catch someone’s eye, and dive into conversation, that’s how the magic starts 😉💫 No pressure, just rock up and join the crew. 💖 Let’s ditch the screen, grab a drink, and meet the world! See you soon, **SFIZ Crew** P.S. Spread the word https://sites.google.com/view/smallfridayinternationalzagreb 🔎 **How to Spot Us** New here? Best trick is to swing by right at the start, that’s when it’s easiest to find the crew and jump straight in, or ask the bar staff about the event ✨ Need quick updates or can’t see us straight away? No worries, our [WhatsApp group](https://sites.google.com/view/smallfridayinternationalzagreb/faq/sfiz-whatsapp-guide-keeping-it-fun-and-respectful) is where you can ask quick questions. 💖 #ZagrebGlobalMingle 💖

Speaker: **Ivana Martić** Title: **When a Prompt Becomes Part of the System: Voice AI in the Recruiting Industry** Prompting is often reduced to writing a few clear instructions for LLMs. In Voice AI systems that interact with humans in real time — without scroll-back, in noisy environments, and with unpredictable human speech — the prompt becomes part of the system, and prompt engineering turns into an engineering problem. Using Voice AI agents in the recruiting industry as a case study, we will talk about key challenges of controlling voice agents and shows how their behavior is designed, monitored and evaluated in production. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Join us on **Wednesday** at MaMa for a first talk of the year. Drinks and a discussion afterwards at [Old Pharmacy Pub](https://maps.app.goo.gl/AeaRdnBrMqPiRhvPA) 🍻🍷🥤

Poznata hrvatska neuroznanstvenica i akademkinja **Vida Demarin** majstorski spaja strogu neurologiju s duhovnim i holističkim pristupom životu. Njezina glavna poruka je snažna i osnažujuća: **mi sami oblikujemo strukturu svog mozga!** Kroz misli, emocije, vizualizacije i ljubav možemo aktivno mijenjati strukturu i funkciju mozga zahvaljujući **neuroplastičnosti** – sposobnosti mozga da se prilagođava i obnavlja tijekom cijelog života. Genetika utječe samo oko **5%**, dok **epigenetika** – naš način života, misli i emocije – čini čak **95%**. Mozak ne razlikuje u potpunosti maštu od stvarnosti, pa pozitivne vizualizacije i emocije poput ljubavi i zahvalnosti doslovno mijenjaju kemiju tijela i mozga. Na ovom meetupu istražit ćemo ključne teme iz Demarinih učenja: * **Ljubav kao najjači stimulus** za neuroplastičnost – jača empatiju, emocionalnu regulaciju i otpornost na stres. * **Upravljanje emocijama**: Kako promijeniti 75% negativnih misli afirmacijama i vizualizacijom te razviti samokontrolu. * **Oproštenje i odgovornost** – ključ oslobađanja od ljutnje i trauma. * **Stres i otpornost**: Razlika između "dobrog" i "lošeg" stresa te kako preuzeti kontrolu nad reakcijama (inspirirano Viktorom Franklom). * **Empatija i odnosi**: Kvalitetni odnosi i ljubav temelj su sreće i zdravlja mozga (prema Harvardovom istraživanju). * **Intuicija srca**: Srce ima svoju "inteligenciju" koja povezuje emocije s mudrošću i emocionalnom zrelosti. Akademkinja Vida Demarin cijenjena je specijalistica neuropsihijatrije te redovita članica Hrvatske akademije znanosti i umjetnosti. Predsjednica je Međunarodnog instituta za zdravlje mozga te jedna od osnivača uvođenja neinvazivne ultrazvučne dopler dijagnostike i procjene moždane cirkulacije ne samo u Hrvatskoj, već i u ovom dijelu Europe. 📍 Pivana, Ilica 222, Zagreb 🗓 14.01.2026. u 18:00 h Organizator: Međunarodni institut za emocionalnu zrelost – zajednica poduzetnika, stručnjaka i znanstvenika posvećenih razvoju pojedinaca i društva.🌐 http://emotionalmaturity.eu

Ciao! L'appuntamento di **gennaio** è per **giovedì 15 alle 19** con un altro interessante talk in presenza, sempre al [Politecnico di Milano](https://www.google.com/maps/place/45%C2%B028'41.3%22N+9%C2%B013'43.6%22E/@45.478127,9.228763,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m4!3m3!8m2!3d45.478127!4d9.228763?entry=ttu)! Questo mese lo speaker sarà **Marco Nicastro**, con il talk **Il mondo dei gestionali con WordPress fra sogni e realtà.** Durante questo talk vorrei parlare di come è possibile realizzare dei veri e propri gestionali direttamente con WordPress e dei vantaggi e degli svantaggi in cui si incorre se si decide di intraprendere questa strada. Oltre a questo vorrei poi presentare un caso studio per rendere il tutto più pratico. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Saremo in diretta streaming** Non puoi partecipare di persona? Noi non ti giudicheremo! :) Se vuoi, puoi seguirci anche in diretta streaming su YouTube. Il link sarà visibile solo una volta che avrai fatto la tua iscrizione all'evento. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **In breve, ecco come sarà organizzata la serata:** 19:00 Benvenuto + networking 19:20 Presentazione (di circa 50 minuti) 20:10 Domande e risposte 20:30 Fine; Chi vuole può continuare il networking in un bar o pizzeria vicino al luogo dell’evento. All’inizio dell’incontro faremo il conteggio per prenotare: per non creare disguidi conferma la presenza solo se sei sicuro di venire. Networking significa che ci sarà tempo per chiacchierare con chi partecipa e fare amicizia. Potresti trovare una persona interessante, un futuro cliente, un futuro fornitore o un nuovo partner di lavoro, chi può dirlo? Non riesci a venire, o devi dare la tua disdetta? Nessun rancore, sarà per la prossima. Ti chiediamo solo di farci sapere 24 ore prima così - liberiamo il tuo posto per altre persone. **Vuoi essere speaker?** Beh, nulla di più facile: **Compila il modulo [cliccando qui](https://wpmilano.org/speaker-form/)**. Ti risponderemo per fornirti tutti i dettagli. Ci vediamo lì! 😉

**Leave behind the rushed pace of traditional speed dating and embrace a more relaxed approach to meeting new people, facilitated by a [Dating Coach](https://lovedandfulfilled.com/) with prepared Conversation Icebreakers.** **💕 All ages!** **💕Different sections for different age groups.** Must[ ](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1657502206719?aff=oddtdtcreator)**[RSVP HERE](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1972845805913?aff=oddtdtcreator)** (Event is posted on multiple platforms, attendees displayed here doesn't reflect the actual number) * Easy going greet and meet to socially warm up * Prepared questions to facilitate meaningful conversations and assess compatibility * Engaging discussions in small groups * Opportunity to talk to every single person present * Stress free matchmaking by the coach after the event (no need to ask for contact info on the spot, you will get it after the event) * Fun games to play together Whether you are an introvert or an extravert, welcoming and easy-going environment is guaranteed. You won't have to sweat the small talk, and event will be structured and organized to make connecting effortless. **Cost:** $35 (Pay through[ ](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1299434316019?aff=oddtdtcreator)**[E](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1815006977729?aff=oddtdtcreator)[ventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1972845805913?aff=oddtdtcreator)**[ ](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1972845805913?aff=oddtdtcreator)or **Venmo** to @Irena-Polyakova (1469)) **Location**: Uncle Jalapeno Restaurant in Herndon, VA **Time**: 3:00 pm \~ Irena

Raise your glass and get ready to sip, swirl, and savor! Our Wine Tasting Event is the perfect way to explore delicious wines, discover your new favorites, and share laughs with friends. Expert tips, tasty bites, and plenty of good vibes await—cheers to a fun and memorable night!!

**In a time of division and isolation, come be part of the community that's rebuilding the town square, one table at a time.** In BreadBreakers, we use the common space of the dining table to have conversations where neighbors can **hear, be heard, and know one another.** If you're hungry for good discourse and deeper community, join us for a Community Dinner in Reston and help blaze the trail to a healthier, more connected society and democracy. Here’s how it works: For just two hours, multiple tables of people set aside the need to "win" and instead focus on sharing, listening, and connecting. Guided by experienced table hosts, we'll tell our stories, try to understand each other, and practice being in community with those with different views or backgrounds. **At this dinner, participants will get to choose between three different topics, including some current events.** Topics could range from the political, to the spiritual, to the philosophical, to the off-the-wall - but no matter which table you choose to sit at, you can be sure it'll be like no dinner conversation you've had before! You can also **suggest a topic** by emailing us at BreadBreakersInfo@gmail.com. Food will be provided for free. For those who wish to provide a donation to help fund BreadBreakers, you can [give here](https://pushpay.com/g/restorationrestonumc?fnd=pO6G-N7oO7FH7Mp1u-x6mA&fndv=Lock&r=No&lang=en&src=pcgl) or at the event. We'll have vegetarian and gluten-free options available. If you have any additional dietary restrictions (Celiac Disease, vegan, etc.) please let us know at BreadBreakersInfo@gmail.com so that we can implement the appropriate food handling procedures. **Join us, invite a friend, and be a part of the movement to mend our fractured society and normalize a better way of talking with one another.** BreadBreakers, an initiative by [Restoration United Methodist Church](https://restorationreston.org/breadbreakers) in Reston, VA, is a religiously inclusive community. All faiths and all stripes are welcomed. Our leadership, volunteer team, and community include people who attend Restoration and people who don't.

**BreadBreakers is a community where people of all different belief systems and backgrounds can create community - and what better way to do that than reading together?** Join us as we combine the kind, curious, and welcoming atmosphere of a BreadBreakers dinner with the thought-provoking, fun format of a book club. Here's what to expect: * We'll be reading *Of Mice and Men*, by John Steinbeck. * This will be a one-meeting club, so if you've ever wanted to do a book club but couldn't commit to multiple meetings, here's your opportunity! * Snacks :) * BreadBreakers ground rules apply - we'll lead with curiosity, converse with kindness, and strive to dig beneath the surface level. * We'll be gathering in Meeting Room 1 at the Reston Regional Library. * Participants will be responsible for obtaining their own copies of the book. [Here's the Amazon link, if helpful.](https://www.amazon.com/Mice-Men-John-Steinbeck/dp/0140177396) * Our BreadBreakers table hosts will come ready with questions and facilitation skills - you come ready to discuss! **I've never attended a BreadBreakers event before - what is BreadBreakers?** BreadBreakers is a community where neighbors from all different beliefs and backgrounds can **hear, be heard, and know one another.** Most frequently, we do this through the ancient practice of breaking bread around a common dining table. But we're more than just a discussion group - we're a movement to heal our world's broken discourse and forge togetherness in a time of isolation and loneliness. **Through the sacred act of just "being" together, we're working to rebuild the town square, one table (or book club) at a time.** BreadBreakers is a religiously inclusive by Restoration United Methodist Church in Reston, VA. All faiths, beliefs, and stripes are welcomed, and our leadership and community include people who attend Restoration and people who don't.

Join the North Bethesda Fiction Readers in a discussion of Hernan Diaz's *[Trust](https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/hernan-diaz/trust-diaz/)* on Martin Luther King Jr Holiday, Monday, January 19. Kirkus Reviews describes the novel as "a tale of wealth, love, and madness told in four distinct but connected narratives." We will meet in the common area of a condominium association. I will send more detailed information to registrants about how to find us. (The concierge will not likely be helpful.) If the common area is not attractive to us, we will meet in the organizer's apartment. There is metered parking on the street; however, because of the holiday, you do not have to feed the meter

North Bethesda Fiction Readers, put your hold on this book NOW if you get your books from a public library. It's still in demand. It was a finalist for the National Book Critics Award for Fiction in 2023. The novel tells the story of a single house in New England over centuries. While on its face, it is a work of historical fiction, [Kirkus Reviews](https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/daniel-mason/north-woods-mason/) calls it "magical." We will meet in the common area of a condominium association that is called The Gallery at White Flint. The organizer will greet everyone at the entrance. If the seating at the fireplace across from the main entrance is not appealing, we will convene in the organizer's unit. Look for a message a week before the date of discussion for more details on how to find us. There is metered parking across the street. Because February 16 is a national holiday, you don't have to feed the meter.

**Re-Finding the Roots of Unity (Free Event)** **Is there more that unites us than we realize? How can spirituality help us look past our differences as people and nations and instead focus on the inherent commonality we all share as spiritual beings part of one humankind?** **The world around us seems focused on amplifying the existing fractures in society, highlighting messages of division and conflict over those of peace and unity. So in this environment, how can we as individuals make a difference? Can spirituality help us foster that peace and unity? How can we stop talking over each other and start listening to those we disagree with? How can we create unified and inclusive communities that can work for the benefit of us all?** **Come join a different kind of conversation – one that welcomes every perspective in a search for the truths that unite us all – as we discuss the spiritual perspective offered by the Bahá’í Teachings on our essential common humanity. Join us for a lively discussion as we explore the role of spirituality in healing the divisions present in our society.** **“The tabernacle of unity hath been raised; regard ye not one another as strangers. Ye are the fruits of one tree, and the leaves of one branch.” – Bahá’í Teachings** **\*\*\* This event is free and open to all regardless of background or belief. Donations will not be accepted.**