Consulting

Finally, it’s happening! [Value Rebels](https://www.valuerebels.com/) are thrilled to invite you to another [Product Management Night](https://productmanagementnights.com/), this time in the inspiring office of [Babbel](https://uk.babbel.com/). Under the banner “Staying Relevant: Data, innovation, and the architecture of decision-making”, we’ll explore how to stay innovative in a fast-changing environment and what it really takes to make meaningful, data‑informed decisions in a world saturated with signals. 📅 **Date**: March 5th 📍 **Location:** Babbels office at [Andreasstraße 72, 10243 Berlin](https://maps.app.goo.gl/PNNNehcW9GmBdf6T7) 🥂 Drinks & Finger Food Provided (veggie/vegan) **Timetable** 18:00 \| Doors Open: Networking over drinks and light food 18:45 \| Intro and hello from Value Rebels and Babbel 19:00 \| “Escaping the innovator’s dilemma: How established companies stay disruptive” \- An on\-stage discussion with [Diana Pulnar](https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-pulnar-51781b13/) 19:30 \| Break 19:40 "What data-driven, actually means in 2026" - A talk by [Markus Kiefer](https://www.linkedin.com/in/markus-kiefer-979372388/) 20:10 \- 21:00 \| Closing & Networking (Please note: times are approximate) **Get to know our experts & speakers** 🎤 **[Markus Kiefer](https://www.linkedin.com/in/markus-kiefer-979372388/)**[ ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/markus-kiefer-979372388/)is a Tech & Data Consultant passionate about turning data into better product decisions. He works with product and engineering teams to design data-driven systems and helps organisations not just to understand their users but the systems that increasingly decide for them. 🎤 **[Diana Pulnar](https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-pulnar-51781b13/)** is VP Product at Babbel, where she leads teams that translate speech technology and learner insights into concrete outcomes. She focuses on product strategies that balance data with real learner behaviour and uses experimentation to keep decisions anchored in results for learners. **Why join us?** * **Discover how to stay relevant:** explore how established teams handle innovation, trade‑offs and the tension between today’s business and tomorrow’s bets. * **Rethink what “data‑driven” means:** move from more dashboards to understanding the whole system behind your product decisions. * **Connect with peers who get it:** share experiences with senior product, tech and data people facing similar constraints and ambitions. **Who should attend?** Product Leaders & Drivers C-level & Business Leaders Experienced product contributors 🚨 Limited spots available - reserve yours only if you’re sure you can join! 📸 **📸 Please note:** We will be capturing event photos for promotional use. Let us know if you prefer not to be photographed. Photos are only taken of people who give consent on site. You can always say no or change your mind on the day or by emailing employerbranding@babbel.com 🔜 Looking forward to seeing you on March 5th

Hier ist jeder willkommen, der die deutsche Sprache üben möchte (egal, ob Anfänger oder fortgeschritten)! Wir treffen uns jeden Donnerstag in Kreuzkölln - es gibt Snacks, Getränke, nette Leute und jede Woche ein neues Thema, zu dem wir uns austauschen. Everyone is welcome here, who wants to practice the German language (whether a beginner or advanced)! We meet every Thursday in Kreuzkölln - there are snacks, drinks, friendly people, and a new topic every week for us to discuss. الجميع مرحب به هنا، من يرغب في ممارسة اللغة الألمانية (سواء كان مبتدئًا أو متقدمًا)! نجتمع كل يوم الخميس في كروتسكولن - هناك وجبات خفيفة، مشروبات، أشخاص لطفاء، وموضوع جديد كل أسبوع لنتبادل النقاش حوله.

**PLEASE NOTE THE ADDRESS CHANGE! We're now at [w3hub.berlin](https://w3hub.berlin)** *[Qase](https://qase.io) is presenting the **eleventh** Meetup on Quality Engineering in Berlin.* *This time, we’re bringing you three deep-dive talks — all designed to challenge the way you think about quality, testing, and collaboration.* *As always, expect great conversations, snacks, and drinks. See you there!* **AGENDA** **1\. Mitesh Patel\, Technical Consultant \- Scientific Instruments @ Altum Solutions: *Food QA: Testing Tasting*** On this fine evening, we shall enjoy some food … and also learn why we enjoy it. Because tasting is really a form of testing for our brains — wetware QA in essence. But how do we reformulate this wetware testing into those familiar realms of software and hardware testing? It is not as simple as exchanging taste buds for test suites and bites for bytes. Just ask Big Food which spends billions on this same question: How can computers do taste tests like humans? Guided by the example of an ML/AI-powered scientific instrument for chemical analyses, namely, a spectrometer, this session addresses this question and explores the broader topic of QA in the food industry. Discover how food companies scale testing across scientific software, device hardware, and food/human wetware. So grab a spoon for this insider scoop on QA for food. **2\. Vitaly Sharovatov\, developer advocate @ Qase: *QA Myths Busting: A Practical Guide to Higher Quality*** Have you ever felt the urge to increase the amount of testing or hire more testers, thinking it would improve product quality? As a tester, have you ever been held “accountable” for quality or pressed for time, leaving you feeling helpless? Or perhaps you’ve been asked to justify quality assurance initiatives with numbers? Our industry is filled with myths: from “quality can be measured” to “more testing means higher quality” and from “QA slows down work” to “testers are responsible for quality”. In this talk, I will present the myths I once believed, explain the dangers they pose to both teams and products, and demonstrate how they should be debunked and overcome. **3\. Asya Isakova\, Co\-Founder @ TECH_Connect: 𝘌𝘢𝘳𝘯 𝘛𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘵\, 𝘒𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘑𝘰𝘣** The job market is wild: it’s hard to get hired, and sometimes even harder to stay hired. In a new role (or a new team), one of the fastest ways to reduce uncertainty and accelerate collaboration is to build trust quickly. But how do colleagues and managers decide you’re trustworthy? It’s rarely just about closing Jira tickets or moving cards on a Kanban board. People assess trust through patterns of behavior: what you do, how consistently you do it, and how do you act towards others. In this talk, you’ll learn an evidence-based approach to building trust at work using three practical components: integrity, reliability, and benevolence. We’ll unpack what shapes people’s trust judgments (including context, risk, and prior experiences) and translate research into concrete behaviors you can apply immediately: especially in multicultural and cross-functional teams.

**Authentic Relating & Circling with Sophie and Marco** Come and connect and learn the powerful practices of Authentic Relating and Circling. We normally do about a half-hour of Authentic Relating in paired-shares, followed by Circling in up to two breakouts, usually rejoining the large group at the end. However the program will change according to the experience of the participants at each event. If you are not familiar with Authentic Relating & Circling, you can read Marco's book on the [Circling Guide](https://circlingguide.com) website. All events are beginner-friendly and no prior experience is necessary. If all goes well, you will feel that this is what you have been doing your whole life, and all you ever wanted was to be with people who share this way of being! **PS:** **don't look at Meetup RSVP's, as this event is advertised through multiple channels. Please always register due to limited space. To register and get the address, RSVP and then message Marco here on Meetup or else WhatsApp to +49 1573 9667979 or follow this link: [https://wa.me/4915739667979](https://wa.me/4915739667979)** **\*\*Why attend?\*\*** * Are you seeking more fun, connection, and deeper understanding with the people in your life? * Do you lack an honest, loving space to communicate your needs and desires? * You long for a supportive community where all issues can be brought openly and with care? * You are curious about how the powerful practices of Authentic Relating and Circling can enhance your life? *If so, our Authentic Relating and Circling evenings are for you!* **\*\*Who should attend?\*\*** These sessions are open to people of all genders and sexual orientations who want to bring Authentic Relating skills and practice into their life. This program is ideal for you if: * You're interested in other people and how they think and feel. * You enjoy stepping out of your comfort zone. * You're self-responsible and open. * You want to be seen, heard, and appreciated for what's important to you. * You want to engage with others in tender conversations about the challenges of being human. **\*\*Dates\*\*** *We're offering Authentic Relating & Circling every Thursday from 19:00-21:30.* **\*\*Cost\*\*** The cost at the door is 25€ / 30€ / 20€ (depending on your income). Alternatively buy a 5-pass card for €80 (€16 per session). **\*\*Location and Directions\*\*** Kleiststraße @ Eisenacher Str., 10787 Berlin-Schöneberg Our house is a short walk from Nollendorfplatz U, and is also served by several buses. For the exact address message Marco here, or (better)message Whatsapp +49 1573 9667979 (https://wa.me/4915739667979). **\*\*Other Programs\*\*** In addition to AR & Circling live in Berlin, Sophie and Marco have other programs and services, online and in person. These include individual and couples coaching, our 6 week Authentic Relating in Community (in [English ](https://circlingguide.com/arc)and [German](https://circlingguide.com/arcs/)), retreats & immersions. For details refer the the Connecting Circle website at [https://connecting-circle.de/](https://connecting-circle.de/). Join our WhatApp announcement channel [http://bit.ly/46fNuDE](http://bit.ly/46fNuDE) Join our Telegram announcement channel [http://bit.ly/45XXbb6](http://bit.ly/45XXbb6) **\*\*Facilitators\*\*** Marco Beneteau, author of the "Circling Guide" ([www.circlingguide.com](https://www.circlingguide.com/)), the most popular book on Circling within the Authentic Relating tradition. Marco has been leading AR groups for seven years. Sophie Lemperle-McGrath, founder of connecting-circle ([www.connecting-circle.de](http://www.connecting-circle.de/)) is a Gestalt & AR facilitator, mediator and "Getting Real" couples Coach. *Our Authentic Relating & Circling nights are fun and engaging. We hope to see you there!* **\*\*Agreements & Terms of Service (Please read)\*\*** **Authentic Relating and Circling is not therapy**. People encounter states, emotions, beliefs, and sensations in themselves and others which can be difficult. We explore the unknown, the volatile, the ambiguous, as well as welcome emotions many deem as “negative” or “inappropriate” such as feelings of inadequacy, anger, sexuality, and joy. We refer to the willingness to feel difficult and uncomfortable truths as the “commitment to connection,” which of course includes a willingness to set appropriate boundaries, and speak a desire for space, distance, and non-contact. By attending our events you take responsibility for your level of participation, which might include choosing to leave. If all this sounds potentially overwhelming or destabilizing for you, if you have mental illness or significant emotional challenges that you feel may be exacerbated by this type of transformational environment, or if you are not sure that you can be self-directed in taking care of your needs during the event, then we advise you not to attend. We look forward to seeing you!

Hey everyone, welcome to our next Berlin Music Marketing Meetup. This time, we invited the GEMA to talk about publishing and royalties, but also about the institution itself and what they offer to musicians (songwriting camps, educational programs..). Special musician guest : [Antoine Villoutreix](https://open.spotify.com/artist/1LeuN4Zsd04HulaBIIRYVb?si=vCP2s-VHTu2u04dlml-dPg) Join this special event, make new connections with other musicians and industry pros, while learning something new about the music business. Everyone's welcome and the event is free. We look forward to meeting you there! Design by: [Weiter](https://weiterstudio.com/ "https://weiterstudio.com/")

Date: Thursday, March 5 Time: 8:30 PM Place: A-Trane, Bleibtreustraße 1, 10625 Berlin Meeting point: from 8:10 PM inside A-Trane Tickets: https://a-trane.de/Events-Directory/a-trane-praesentierthugo-fernandez-quartettrivermindalbum-release-concertfeat-matt-adomeit-mathias-ruppnig-daniel-stawinsky/ \-\-\- Description: "The album Rivermind, recorded in Berlin in 2025, is the sixth release by the talented guitarist Hugo Fernández. It features seven new compositions performed by a Berlin-based quartet that creatively blends jazz with pop and folk influences. " - A-Trane \-\-\- Linktree: https://linktr.ee/filmmusicbooks

** ATTENTION: we moved to luma. please RVSP [HERE](https://luma.com/12min.me_Berlin)** # ​[12min.me](https://12min.me/) START UP is a brand new morning format for bold ideas and fresh perspectives ​Berlin Startup Community, we’re launching something new. Together with betahaus, we’re bringing the [12min.me](http://12min.me/) spirit into the morning. ​[12min.me](http://12min.me/) STARTUP is a three-part breakfast series, embedded in the well-known betabreakfast format. Instead of three speakers in one evening, we do things differently. ​One morning. One speaker. One focused impulse. ​12 minutes. One voice. Zero fluff. ​Join us for the first edition of [12min.me](http://12min.me/) STARTUP, a compact morning session for founders, operators, creatives and everyone building things that matter. ​**✔️ What to expect** * ​One inspiring startup-related talk * ​12 minutes of sharp insight * ​Curated exchange over breakfast * ​The familiar [12min.me](http://12min.me/) energy, just earlier in the day# ​ **The formula stays the same** * ​12 minutes talk * ​12 minutes of Q&A * ​12 minutes of networking ​The familiar [12min.me](http://12min.me/) energy, just earlier in the day ​** Our speakers** **Speaker 1 @March 5** **[Jonathan Hegel](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-beisiegel) from [FW Systems](https://www.linkedin.com/company/frachtwerk/)** Jonathan is the CEO of FW Systems, a specialized system house for open source solutions and IT services with a fixed-price model. After years in traditional IT, where he regularly had to work night shifts due to emergencies, he decided to do things better—for customers and for IT professionals. Today, he help SMEs transform their IT from a constant work in progress to a reliable infrastructure they can depend on. **Jonathan\`s talk: "How we are completely rethinking system administration as a service for your company"** Companies cannot possibly do everything themselves. So things like accounting, logistics, and IT are outsourced to external service providers. In the IT sector, system houses have been doing very well for themselves in recent decades! Every little thing is charged for, and if there are any errors, the customer is expected to open a ticket. We are rethinking this! We are applying the “as-a-service” concept from Airbnb, Uber, and Everstox to system administration and taking responsibility. Jonathan will show how this works in his talk. ​ **Speaker 2 @March 12** **[Anne Biedermann](https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-biedermann/), independent wealth partner for women** Anne has extensive experience across venture capital, single-family-office & HNWI investing, and early-stage operations. She works with investors who are building, inheriting, or stewarding wealth on how to allocate capital with clarity — particularly where venture capital intersects with long-term wealth strategy. Anne also invests personally, giving her a practitioner’s perspective on capital allocation decisions. **Anna\`s talk: "Not All Capital Is the Same: Decoding Investor Behavior"** Founders often assume all investors evaluate risk, timelines, and returns the same way and that assumption is costly. This session breaks down how funds, family offices, and individual investors actually make decisions, where founder–investor misalignment typically begins, and how founders can better position themselves for the right kind of capital, not just any capital. **Speaker 3 @March 19** **[Immo Ait Stapelfeld](https://www.linkedin.com/in/immoaitstapelfeld/), Co-Founder & CEO at [913.ai](https://913.ai)** **"From Legal Complexity to Practical AI. How We Help Regulated Industries Use AI Without Losing Control"** This presentation tells the story of Immo’s transition from a trained lawyer working in mass proceedings to an entrepreneur building AI products for regulated industries. His legal background, combined with hands-on experience as a founder, shaped a pragmatic view on AI. not as a disruptive replacement, but as a controlled and compliant tool. At[ ](http://913.ai)[913.ai](https://913.ai), this perspective enables conservative organizations such as insurers to enter the AI era in a way that respects regulation, responsibility, and existing teams while still unlocking real efficiency gains. ​ **The series at a glance** [12min.me](http://12min.me/) STARTUP consists of three independent sessions. Please follow the luma link for registration: * ​[March 5, 2025](https://luma.com/yo32qaud) * ​[March 12, 2025](https://luma.com/y0wytmck) * ​[March 19, 2025](https://luma.com/cucrx8is) ​Each session has its own Luma page and can be attended individually. ​**Event details for the whole series** * ​**Location**: betahaus Kreuzberg, Rudi-Dutschke-Straße 23, 10969 Berlin * ​**Time**: Doors open 9:30, Start 10:00, End 11:00 * ​**Entry**: Free entry including breakfast and drinks * ​**RSVP:** via [Lu.ma](http://lu.ma/) to save your spot as spots are limited ​**Why mornings** Because good ideas don’t only happen after work. We believe in strong insights, respectful use of time and real conversations, even before noon. ​​ Join our WhatsApp group for more details and to engage with the community - [HERE](https://chat.whatsapp.com/FWphInbgYaKJUGv7Uusum9) we go. ​We’re looking forward to kicking off this new format with you. Lots of love, Your [12min.me](http://12min.me) Berlin crew [Sandra](http://linkedin.com/in/sandrakarner), Olha, Silvana, Ben \*\*\* **Media rights (picture and video recordings):** Participants agree that photos and video recordings made during the event may be used without any claim to compensation and without any time or space restrictions. The rights to image and video material are transferred to the organiser or the representatives of the press or other parties distributing image and sound material who are present on site, without exception and without any time or place restrictions.

**Shamanic Conscious Connected Breathwork by** [STUDIO B](https://www.studio-bewusstseinserfahrungen.de/) This group is dedicated to **Conscious Connected Breathwork**, a powerful somatic practice for deep emotional release (nervous system release). Intense states of awareness are possible. Through **conscious, connected breathing**, rhythmic music, and guided facilitation, participants are invited to access deeper layers of awareness, release stored stress and emotions, and reconnect with their inner resources. There are **no substances involved**. The work is grounded, body-based, and trauma-aware. Price is only for the room. ### This group is for you if you want to: * release stress, tension, and emotional blockages * explore non-ordinary states of consciousness through breath * experience clarity, emotional relief, and deep relaxation ### Each session typically includes: * introduction and intention setting * guided conscious connected breathwork * music-supported journey * integration and grounding ### Contraindications This practice is **not suitable** for people with any of the following conditions: * pregnancy * epilepsy or history of seizures * severe cardiovascular disease or high blood pressure not medically controlled * recent surgery or acute physical injury * glaucoma or detached retina * severe asthma * diagnosed psychosis, bipolar disorder, or severe psychiatric conditions If you are unsure whether this practice is appropriate for you, please **consult your healthcare provider** or contact the facilitator in advance. **No prior experience is required.** Beginners are welcome. Sessions are guided with care, structure, and clear boundaries. This is a **safe, respectful space** for self-exploration, presence, and embodied awareness. Sessions are held in English & German. German participants are very welcome.[ABOUT US STUDIO B](https://www.studio-bewusstseinserfahrungen.de/)

Join us for an upcoming in-person Lean Coffee meetup. Lean Coffee is a lightly-structured meeting format where the attendees create the agenda. Bring your management challenges; whether you're managing people, products, processes or beyond, and solve them together with peers from a diverse set of backgrounds. This event is great for anybody trying to create better ways of working and wants to share with + learn from others trying to do the same.

Dear Members, I warmly invite you to tomorrow’s small and intimate gathering. 📍 Köpenicker Str. 40, 10179 Berlin 🕒 3:00 PM This session combines gentle breathwork with a guided feminine embodiment practice in a safe and respectful space for women. We will explore slow, conscious breathing and simple, self-guided touch over clothing in the heart, chest and lower belly area. The focus is body awareness, presence and reconnection with yourself. There is no partner work. Each woman remains in her own space throughout the session. All touch is self-guided and completely optional. Please wear comfortable clothing that allows you to relax and move freely. This is a beginner-friendly practice. No prior experience with breathwork or embodiment work is required. The intention of this evening is not intensity, but reconnection. Not performance, but awareness. Not activation, but gentle integration. You are invited to: • Slow down • Feel your body from within • Explore the connection between your chest and lower belly • Meet yourself with kindness and curiosity Come as you are. We will move slowly, respectfully and with care. ### Contraindications This practice is **not suitable** for people with any of the following conditions: * pregnancy * epilepsy or history of seizures * severe cardiovascular disease or high blood pressure not medically controlled * recent surgery or acute physical injury * glaucoma or detached retina * severe asthma * diagnosed psychosis, bipolar disorder, or severe psychiatric conditions If you are unsure whether this practice is appropriate for you, please **consult your healthcare provider** or contact the facilitator in advance. **No prior experience is required.** Beginners are welcome. Sessions are guided with care, structure, and clear boundaries. This is a **safe, respectful space** for self-exploration, presence, and embodied awareness. Sessions are held in English & German. German participants are very welcome. [ABOUT US STUDIO B](https://www.studio-bewusstseinserfahrungen.de/)

Welcome to Sunday Tech Coffee. This is a **networking** event for those in the tech industry in Berlin. We are usually inside and to the right. Ask the barista/bartender if you can't find us.

Hey everyone! I’m organising a co-working + socialising session for all of us who like to work on something (e.g. our own project, freelance or remote work) but don't feel like sitting alone at home. 🙂 To ensure that we have both **socialising** AND **working**, we will be using the so called “Pomodoro” technique: **50min of deep work** (silent), followed by **10min of break** to socialise. Then repeat! If you get into flow, you're also welcome to skip the breaks. It’s an effective way to stay focused - you can read more about it [here](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomodoro_Technique). Anyone from any background is welcome, whatever project you are working on or whatever is your personal background. I (the host) speak English and German, so either is fine :-) ——————————————————- AGENDA: * **15min Intro** * Get to know everyone, talk about what you will work on today * **Pomodoro Session** (3x) - *Each Pomodoro session consists* *of...* * ...**50min** of uninterrupted “deep work” (no talking, no interruptions, no phones) * ...**10min** of break: share your progress with others, talk about what you are stuck on etc. * Repeat * Conclude and celebrate your progress Share your progress, socialise and get to know others 😊 ———— We'll be at the Social Hub Berlin (they have a food menu in case you get hungry). The structured part will end at 2:30pm, but you're welcome to stay longer, go for lunch together, or leave earlier. See you there 🩵 **\*\*We'll reserve the long table. Please update your RSVP in advance if you can't attend!\*\***

**How AI Agents Are Changing the Way We Work** Join us on March 5th, for an exciting session, which will aim to help you develop your skills in the world of SEO, GEO, AI and Marketing. The session will be held at the **Buzzmatic Office, Schönhauser Allee 149**, from **9:30 to 11:00**. Enjoy **free attendance,** some lovely **breakfast** and great conversation! The returning champion of our breakfast events, our CEO Raoul Schreck, will give us the full rundown on how AI Agents are changing the way we work. 2026 is the year AI agents are going from buzzword to daily workflow. Claude Code, Claude Cowork, n8n and recently OpenClaw are the tools of the hour. But what does that actually mean for SEO and marketing teams? This session cuts through the hype and shows what's real: live demos and practical workflows using Claude Code, Claude Skills, Agents and the Model Context Protocol (MCP). You'll see how autonomous agents plan, decide, and execute multi-step marketing tasks – from content production to AI visibility audits to automated reporting. **No slides, just tools, workflows, and some stuff that will blow your mind.** This session is ideal for SEOs, marketeers and anyone looking to expand their understanding of how AI is increasingly influencing these fields. In the following months we will also be hosting external speakers Nicolas Caramella and Andrés Tapia for some deepdives on related topics. We will be posting more about these events soon, so stay tuned! You can also find our events on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/agentic-seo-marketing-tickets-1983261319996 Bring yourself, a good mood and any thoughts or questions you have on the subject. We look forward to seeing you there and hearing your thoughts!

Zalando is graciously hosting us for our first Meetup in 2026. And we are doing it a bit different: we have two rooms, and two talks in parallel. This gives you the opportunity to choose between two talks, for a total of four talks. This year, we’re especially happy to welcome Amazon Web Services as the food sponsor for our meet-up. Thanks to their support, our community can enjoy great conversations over great food — making the evening not only insightful, but also delicious. Meet the AWS experts Sikandra Chaudhary, Daria Aleshkova, and Narendra Tawar. Narendra will be delivering a talk on PostgreSQL and AI, sharing practical insights and real-world experience. We truly appreciate AWS’s commitment to supporting local tech communities and helping us create a warm, welcoming atmosphere for everyone. **PLEASE BRING YOUR PHOTO ID** **USE THE MAIN ENTRANCE TO BHW ON THE SIDE OF UBER ARENA** **Agenda** Two sessions run in parallel in rooms codenamed "Auditorium" and "Festival" **18:30** \- doors open: registration\, networking\, and drinks **19:00 - 19:05** Auditorium, "Event intro" by Sergey Dudoladov, Senior Database Engineer in Zalando. **Auditorium: Track A** **19:10 - 19:55** "How we made WarehousePG Open Source (again)" by Andreas 'ads' Scherbaum, a WarehousePG Principal Engineer at EDB and a Founding Member of PostgreSQL Europe **19:55 - 20:15** Networking, Q&A, and pizza **20:15 - 21:00** "From 20 seconds to sub-second: Speeding up CloudNativePG wake-ups" by Tudor Golubenco, CTO of Xata **Festival: Track B** **19:10 - 19:55** "The Role of PostgreSQL in the AI World" by Narendra Tawar, Sr Database Specialist SA, AWS **19:55 - 20:15** Networking, Q&A, and pizza **20:15 - 21:00** "Modernizing Postgres Communication with Hackorum", by Kai Wagner, Percona **21:00 - 22:00 Networking, Q&A, and pizza** **22:00 - The End** **Abstracts** **How we made WarehousePG Open Source (again)** WarehousePG is an Open Source fork of Greenplum Database, which by itself is a fork of PostgreSQL. The project was born after the upstream project was made closed source. This talk gives a quick overview of the history of both projects, which already spans more than two decades. We then dive into the reasons for creating a fork, and all the stumbling stones we had to pass in order to make this project open source again. We also talk about the challenges of CLAs (Contributor License Agreements) and what implications the PostgreSQL and Apache Licenses have for the project. Speaker: Andreas 'ads' Scherbaum **The Role of PostgreSQL in the AI World** As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to revolutionize industries, the need for robust, scalable, and efficient data management solutions has never been greater. PostgreSQL, with its extensibility, performance, and advanced data capabilities, plays a crucial role in enabling AI-driven applications. This talk explores how PostgreSQL supports AI workloads, from managing vast datasets and integrating with machine learning frameworks to leveraging extensions like PostgreSQL ML, TimescaleDB, and JSONB for AI-ready storage and querying. Attendees will gain insights into best practices for using PostgreSQL in AI pipelines, optimizing performance for AI inference, and harnessing the power of open-source innovation to drive intelligent decision-making. Whether you're a data engineer, AI researcher, or PostgreSQL enthusiast, this session will showcase why PostgreSQL is an essential component in the AI ecosystem. **From 20 seconds to sub-second: Speeding up CloudNativePG wake-ups** CloudNativePG (CNPG) is a popular and battle-tested operator for running Postgres on top of Kubernetes. At Xata, we’ve been using CNPG and extending it in several different directions. One of them is implementing a scale-to-zero plugin: clusters hibernate when inactive and they wake up automatically when new connections are created. After adding scale-to-zero, we’ve faced the challenge that the CNPG wake-up from hibernation is rather slow.This is an optimization story about how we reduced the wake-up times from 20+ seconds to under one second. Speaker: Tudor Golubenco **Modernizing Postgres Communication with Hackorum** In 2026, the debate over whether mailing lists are still "state of the art" continues to divide developers. While some view them as relics, we cannot neglect the unique benefits of their decentralized, archival nature. Rather than fighting over platforms or ignoring the friction, Hackorum asks a simpler question: Why not just improve the user experience? Hackorum transforms the daunting mailing list "firehose" into a modern, forum-style interface without breaking the underlying email culture. It is designed to lower the barrier for new contributors while providing power tools for veterans: Seamless Integration: Real-time sync between mailing lists and daily sync of the Commitfest status. Modern UX: Per-message read tracking, tagging, and contributor profiles. Enhanced Coordination: Shared notes and mentions to streamline complex reviews. We have to stay open minded and willing to expand our horizon and as such Hackorum is rapidly evolving. While our roots are in development, we are currently expanding to include broader mailing lists like -general and -docs. Our goal is to make the entire Postgres ecosystem more accessible and usable for everyone. Join us for a demo of the latest updates and help us shape the future of Postgres communication. Speaker: Kai Wagner **About the speakers** **Andreas Scherbaum** has been working with PostgreSQL since 1997. He is involved in several PostgreSQL related community projects, member of the Board of Directors of the European PostgreSQL User Group and also wrote a PostgreSQL book (in German). Since 2011 he was working for EMC/Greenplum/Pivotal and tackled very big databases. Until 2024 he was doing the same - but with maybe even more and bigger databases - for Adjust GmbH in Berlin. Now he's working at EDB as WarehousePG Principal Engineer and is helping customers with even larger databases. **Tudor Golubenco** is the CTO of Xata, a Postgres platform with branches and zero-downtime, reversible schema changes. Before Xata, Tudor worked as a tech lead at companies like Elastic and Oracle. **Narendra Tawar** \- Sr Database Specialist SA I am accomplished database professional with 21 years of comprehensive experience across Oracle, PostgreSQL, Microsoft SQL Server, and MySQL environments, with specialised PostgreSQL expertise since a decade. Currently serving as a Senior Data Migration Specialist at AWS, I architect and execute complex enterprise migration strategies while actively expanding into Generative AI technologies to enhance migration efficiency and optimize data workflows. My core competencies include database architecture, performance optimization, migration planning, and cross-platform data integration, combining decades of hands-on experience with modern cloud methodologies to deliver scalable, reliable data solutions that bridge traditional database principles with emerging AI capabilities. **Kai Wagner** \- I’m Kai\, a Senior Engineering Manager at Percona with almost two decades of "bleeding" open source in my DNA\. From the Linux Kernel and Ceph at SUSE to leading PostgreSQL development today\, my career is built on a foundation of transparent communication and community\-driven innovation\. In my free time\, I'm a handball\, agility and movement coach for various ages and teams\, next to spending time with the family and on the house\. **Note** We will again take notes who signs up and does not show up. This information will be used to provide seats to others at future events. Plain and simple: please only sign up if you plan to attend.

## Hey Columbus WIP peeps! ## Are you ready for an event that actually gives you what you asked for?? **\-\-\-\-\-\-** **A Small-group coaching conversations for women in product navigating growth, leadership, and career decisions.** **March 10 \| 5:30–8:00 PM** **Rev1 -- NEW SPACE** **330 Rush Alley #100** **Parking Options:** • **Rev1 at The Peninsula** • **Starling St. Garage South** – 377 W. Capital St. • **LAZ Parking (COSI)** – 50 Belle St. • **LAZ Parking Limited** – 375 W. State St. • **Veterans Memorial Lot** – 300 W. Broad St. • **Metered Street Parking** **What moves are you making?** A promotion you’re working toward. A role change you’re considering. A bigger leadership opportunity. A conversation that needs to happen. A decision that’s been sitting in the back of your mind. For our Q1 Women in Product Columbus event, we’re creating space to actually work through those moments. **Making Moves** is an evening of focused, facilitated coaching conversations with experienced mentors from our local product community. This isn’t a panel. It’s not passive networking. It’s small-group dialogue designed to be thoughtful, practical, and worth your time. Here’s how it will work: • You’ll choose a topic that reflects what you’re navigating right now • You’ll join a small coaching circle (5–7 participants) • Each circle is led by a mentor who has lived experience in that area • We’ll run two rounds so you can go deeper or explore a second conversation ### Coaching Topics: • Communicating the Value of Your Work (or Team) • Career Transitions & What’s Next • Growing Into Leadership • Staying Relevant as Technology (and AI) Changes • Getting Alignment and Decisions from Leadership Our goal is simple: you leave with clearer thinking, practical perspective, and at least one next step you feel confident about. Space in each circle will be limited to keep conversations meaningful. If this sounds like the kind of room you’ve been wanting to be in, we’d love to see you on March 10. RSVP here! [https://community.womenpm.org/c/all-local-events/making-moves-a-columbus-wip-event](https://community.womenpm.org/c/all-local-events/making-moves-a-columbus-wip-event "https://community.womenpm.org/c/all-local-events/making-moves-a-columbus-wip-event") *And if you haven't joined the WIP group - do that too, would ya?!?!* — Your Columbus Chapter Leads - Amber, Leah and Liz!

**Caller: Frank Buschelmann** **Band: The Rosenthorns** **Big Scioty Contra Dance** **temporarily returning to our long ago location for Jan-March - First Congregational Church, 444 E. Broad St., Columbus 43215** WHAT IS CONTRA DANCING? Picture the Grand Ball scenes like you’ve seen in period films such as “Pride and Prejudice”, where the dancers are lined up in long lines, across from each other. That’s English Country Dancing, the predecessor of contra dancing. Now, add moves like “swing your partner” and “do-si-do,” like you’ve seen in square dancing. Set it to fabulous, high energy, live music with fiddles, guitars, percussion and more, alá “Riverdance.” Finally, set the whole scene down in the middle of Woodstock, with a hip, groovy atmosphere, a bit of tie-dye, and hints of counter-culture attitude. THAT’s Contra Dancing! Wear cool and comfortable clothes (you will get warm) and clean shoes that won't mark up our nice wood floor. Be sure to come for the beginner's lesson from 7:30 - 8:00, followed by dancing 8:00 - 10:30. All dances are taught; we will help you learn! Beginners always welcome, no need to bring a partner. Cost is $10.00 adults, $5.00 ages 12-26. Under 12 free. Free parking in church lot. For more information contact me or check out our website: [www.bigscioty.com](http://www.bigscioty.com/) Please bring your own refillable water bottle. Snacks to share are always welcome!

One of the most valuable parts of this community is the opportunity to think out loud with other product professionals. This session is built for exactly that. As we wrap up the quarter, it’s a great time to pause and reflect. What’s on track? What needs adjustment? Where could a small shift create bigger impact? Join fellow product professionals for a focused, interactive conversation designed to help you recalibrate for the next quarter. You’ll have the opportunity to share where you are, hear how others are thinking through similar challenges, and gain fresh perspective you can bring back to your team and organization. We’ll gather at 8:00AM, with discussion starting promptly at 8:15AM. 📍 First Watch - 7227 N High St Located in: The Shops at Worthington Ample parking is available. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Start your morning with clarity and connection — we hope to see you there! ☀️

Bienvenue! Columbus French Conversation group invites you to our Saturday morning French conversation club. Expect a casual and welcoming atmosphere in which to learn french! I will bring my laptop so we can look up new vocabulary as needed! The venue is a beautiful French restaurant so you can really get into the zone :)

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

Feeling down? Sometimes depressed? Can't focus? Negativity & stress? Recent losses? Creativity in career and personal life hindered by mental blocks? Sometimes we never fully recover from traumatic experiences. Whether it was yesterday, last week or a year ago, traumatic experiences - a loss of a loved one, losing a job, a breakup - can leave you scarred. You talk about it and feel a little better, but it never goes away. After you hang up the phone, it's still there; the sadness, the cloud, the over-thinking, the worry, the guilt. You try to focus, but you're blocked. You try to look forward into new experiences, new relationships but a cloud is hanging over you, casting a shadow on what you once considered a bright, cheerful future. What happened to your courage? Your strength of character? You're 'why not' attitude? Whoever said 'time heals' must have had a special time machine, because after weeks, months, years, you're wondering - when exactly does that kick in? Sometimes it seems like drinking or drugs are the way to go. But they wear off, and now the problem is still there with added side effects from the drugs. At this free local Meetup event we will talk about: * What causes grief, anxiety and depression to become chronic. * Is it possible to regain your joy and happiness even after traumatic experiences? * How to break away from negativity and focus on the future * What are the steps to take to get control of your mind and your emotions? Learn about a safe, gentle, do-it-yourself counseling that can be done in the comfort of your own home. Let's explore safe, effective solutions for healing from traumatic experiences. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to the event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is sponsored by the Dianetics & Scientology Life Improvement Center.

Is your business taking more of your time than you would like? [Rob Young](https://www.linkedin.com/in/cinci-robyoung/) principal at [Stage 3 Group](https://www.linkedin.com/company/stage-3-group/), hosts this workshop series and is the author of Stage 3 Success. * Provides a framework and a playbook for leaders of emerging businesses * Reviews business management tools and techniques for scaling and maturing a business * How to recognize and leverage stories hidden in financial statements * How to implement financial and operational controls and use leading indicators to spot trouble before it occurs * How to manage your time for maximum effect * How to deal with nonperforming employees * How to create standard operating procedures throughout your organization Four sessions will include two hours of content and an optional 90-minute hands-on lab. Reserve your spot via this link: https://clintonvilleba.com/calendar/#!event/2026/3/20/chaos-to-clarity-to-control ($200 for non-CABA members.)