Technology Strategy

🍻 Tech Startups in the Pub – Now Twice a Month! 🚀 We’re levelling up! After 3 years of packed evenings in Shoreditch, we’re adding a second monthly event, this time midweek in Oxford Street. That means two chances every month to meet founders, techies, and startup people over drinks. 🎉 👉 What’s New * A **fresh central-London venue**: Simmons Bar, Oxford Street * A new day: **1st Wednesday** of the month * Find one of the hosts to **grab a wristband**, it makes it easy to spot who’s part of the meetup (and not a random party). 😉 👉 What Stays the Same * No agenda, no panels, just relaxed networking with like-minded people. * Friendly hosts (look for Oliver, Pedro, Rob, or Rob) ready to introduce you. * A mix of founders, builders, operators, and curious newcomers. * Drinks, chats, and maybe some new friends. 📍 Where: Simmons Bar \| Oxford Street\, 203 Wardour St\, London W1F 8ZH 🕕 When: From 6 PM, 1st Wednesday of every month House Rules * No hard selling or heavy pitching, this is a chill after-work meetup. * Not drinking? Totally fine, come for the people, stay for the conversation. So grab a drink, throw on your wristband, and come swap stories from the trenches. See you there! 🍻

**RSVP TO ATTEND THIS EVENT. ALL TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED IN ADVANCE TO ATTEND THIS EVENT..** **Welcome to Socialite Connections –** **Business Networking: Health Care, Wellness Industry** Join us for an extraordinary networking experience designed exclusively for passionate professionals in the **health care and wellness industry** ecosystem! This dynamic event is your gateway to connecting, collaborating, and catalysing transformative opportunities across cutting-edge industries. Socialite Connections connects the dots between industry experts, entrepreneurs, and organizations, fostering meaningful connections, collaborations, and insights that drive progress and improvement in the healthcare and wellness sector. You must book a ticket via the link: https://fatso.ma/2Zhk Book here via: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/8health-care-wellness-industry-networking-at-the-coach-house-tickets-1976561841676?aff=ebdsoporgprofile **We start the event at 6.00pm with a warm welcome.** Having an open-minded approach is ideal, as it will enable you to establish new connections. We have hired the private room upstairs called The Nelson Suite. **The Coach House, Piccadilly -** Ideally located sandwiched between Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus, The Comedy Piccadilly is split over four floors. Head on over ever Friday and Saturday, as they host the Piccadilly Comedy Club, a brilliant evening full of laughs. **Event Schedule** **18:00 – 18:30 \| When you arrive\,** your name will be checked off the guest list, you will be given a name badge and you will be introduced to each other. **19:00 – 19:30 \| One Minute Elevator Pitch:** All attendees will be given the opportunity to introduce themselves to everyone in the room to talk about your startups or ideals. (Pitch starts at 19.00pm sharp, please dont be late) **19:30pm \- 21:00 \| Network & chill: I**t will be a free form event where guests can mingle amongst each other in a relaxed environment, when the pitches are finished. **Why Attend?** Expand your network within the **health and wellness industry**. Gain insights, discover new opportunities, and connect with like-minded professionals. Foster meaningful relationships and drive personal and professional growth while making meaningful professional connections. Potential Partnership Opportunities, gain insights into Emerging Industry Trends. **One Minute Elevator Pitch:** All attendees will be given the opportunity to introduce themselves to everyone in the room talk about your startups or ideals. (Pitch starts at 19:00pm sharp, please dont be late) **Who Should Attend?** This event brings together experts and enthusiasts from the healthcare, wellness industry to share knowledge, ideas, and opportunities in a supportive environment. **Health Care Professionals, Wellness Experts, Entrepreneurs & Investors, Health & Wellness Entrepreneurs, Wellness Technology Experts, Healthcare Practitioners, Nutrition Specialists, Wellness Coaches, Startups & Founders, Working Professionals.** **Tickets are limited to just 40 attendees.** We like to make sure everyone gets the opportunity to talk to each other. You must book a ticket via the link: https://fatso.ma/2Zhk Book here via: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/8health-care-wellness-industry-networking-at-the-coach-house-tickets-1976561841676?aff=ebdsoporgprofile You are invited to join the dedicated Whatsapp group for the event and start networking before the actual event. Register now to secure your spot and be part of this transformative networking experience! **Tickets need to be bought online in advance to attend this event. Tickets are not available at the door.** **Refund policy: There is no refund at this event. Your ticket can be reassigned to another person of your choice.**

**Connect with eBay, Amazon & Online Sellers - eCommerce Networking Event in Central London** Join us for an informal eCommerce networking evening in central London. Meet eBay and Amazon sellers, online business owners, digital entrepreneurs, and tech professionals in a relaxed, friendly setting. This event is co-organised by eCommerce tech startups **Getshop Today** and **Speed eCam**, with support from **GMax Card**. ⚡ **Limited to 40 attendees** **💼 Note re Contactless Cards** Free RSVP gives entry only - the contactless business card by GMax Card is not included.
To receive a contactless networking card, please book a paid ticket when available. *** ### 📍 Venue **The Refinery New Street Square** A modern bar and restaurant in London’s City district, near Fleet Street and Chancery Lane. With a bright interior, outdoor terrace, and semi-private mezzanine, it’s ideal for relaxed business and eCommerce networking. **👔 Dress Code**
 Dress code is smart or business casual.
No hoodies or sportswear please. *** ### 💡 Why Attend? * Meet eBay & Amazon sellers and eCommerce professionals * Connect with founders, entrepreneurs, and tech experts * Share insights, ideas, and real-world experience * Discover trends and tools shaping online retail *** ### About the Event eCommerce is fast-moving, competitive, and constantly evolving. Building strong connections and staying informed is essential for growth. Whether you run an online store, sell on marketplaces, work in digital marketing, or are exploring eCommerce opportunities, this event brings like-minded professionals together for meaningful conversations, new connections, and potential collaborations. Expect a relaxed evening of networking with practical takeaways and fresh perspectives. *** ### 🗓 Agenda **6:30 PM – 9:30 PM** Informal eCommerce networking. On arrival, ask the receptionist about the networking event. Hosts may assist with introductions, followed by open networking. *** ### 👥 Organised By * **Speed eCam** – AI-powered eBay listing tool * **Getshop Today** – UK-based eCommerce platform with local support * **GMax Card** – Digital business card *** ### 📸 Photo & Video Photography and video may be taken for promotional use by CineEye, London. Please inform the hosts if you do not wish to appear. *** ### ℹ️ Important Info * • Ages: 18+ (ID required for bar purchases)
 • Photography Notice: The event may be filmed or photographed for promotional use by CineEye (audiovisual production company in London)
 • Dress Code: Smart/business casual only (see above). • Contactless Cards: Free RSVP does not include contactless business card by GMax Card (see above). *** ### 🎟 Secure Your Spot Spaces are limited. Register now and hit **Follow** for updates on future events. We look forward to welcoming you for a productive and enjoyable eCommerce networking evening in London.

Hi folks! Welcome to our January Cloud Native London meetup, our first of 2026! Join us to hear from our three great speakers and network with your fellow techies over pizza and drinks, or alternatively chat and following along on Youtube! 6:00 Pizza and drinks 6:30 Welcome 6:45 Feature Flags: A Safety Net in the AI Era (Kyle Johnson, Flagsmith) 7:15 Context driven AI Agents (Shubhangi Goyal) 7:45 Break 8:00 Why Cloud Cost Assessment Must Come Before Cloud-Native Build (Mawuko Jeffrey Wilson, BrassicaPay) 8:30 Wrap up See you there! Cheryl (@oicheryl) **Feature Flags: A Safety Net in the AI Era (Kyle Johnson, Flagsmith)** Identifying new safety mechanisms for developers has become vital as AI innovation progresses at speeds previously only hypothesised and engineering teams continue to incorporate AI into their workflows. Feature flags, by separating deployments from releases, reduce the risk of releasing AI-assisted code, while also automating release strategies. The promise of AI—speed and efficiency—is, in actuality, only half true. It's fast, but it's not efficient. Teams still need to comb through, test, and fix the code. Without feature flags, the bottleneck simply moves. *Co-Founder at Flagsmith: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-johnson-56247365/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-johnson-56247365/)* **Context driven AI Agents (Shubhangi Goyal)** In this session, I will explore how agents are built and use dynamic context to execute complex tasks and deliver real value. This also includes using context engineering to move beyond single prompt based interactions. *Find me at [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shubhangi-goyal-0ab69795/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/shubhangi-goyal-0ab69795/)* **Why Cloud Cost Assessment Must Come Before Cloud-Native Build (Mawuko Jeffrey Wilson, BrassicaPay)** Many organisations adopt the cloud-nativve architectures with scalability and speed in mind; yet only realise after launching that cloud costs have spiralled beyond expectations and many issues. This talk will explore why cost surprises are so common in cloud-native journeys and argues that cost assessment must happen before migration, before architecture decisions, and before code is written. Drawing from real-world consulting experience and industry research, the session examines how early design choices-such as service selection, consumption models, environments, and governance-directly influence long-term cloud spend across AWS, Azure, and GCP (others). We will also look at why cost alerts, budgets, and subscriptions-while valuable-are reactive controls, not substitutes for upfront cost modelling. Attendees will leave with a practical framework for embedding cost assessment into cloud-native planning, enabling teams to build scalable systems without cost becoming an after-the-fact shock. And having to explain figures and cloud spend when costs goes high. This will also help team members to be accountable is RACI models or framework are adopted in addition to cost control strategies. *Mawuko Jeffrey Wilson is a Cloud Security Lead (Engineer) and Architect with hands-on experience designing, securing, and optimising cloud-native platforms across fintech, cost-control, public sector, and product-led technology environments. He specialises in cloud governance, cost-aware architecture (FinOps), and security-first design, helping organisations align cloud adoption with financial sustainability. Mawuko has worked across AWS, Azure, and GCP ecosystems, supporting migration planning, cloud security controls, and operational optimisation. Alongside industry work, he loves networking, learning new things, and sharing, and bringing a data-driven lens to cloud decision-making-particularly around cost forecasting, security, risk, governance, and operational efficiency.* ***Check out [https://www.oicheryl.com/cloudnativelondon](https://www.oicheryl.com/cloudnativelondon) if you're interested in speaking or sponsoring.***

We welcome 2026 with our annual new years debate looking to the year ahead. Join Debate London for our first debate of 2026! This time we present a crowd favourite! **A Balloon Debate!** A free-for-all debating event where our panel of debaters must compete for your vote each round or be voted off stage! For the nights events we will be asking ourselves what do we think is the most likely to occur over the course of 2026 pulled from a recurring lists of things that may happen in 2026. sneak peak at a couple of predictions sitting in our crystal ball this year includes a return to the moon and a return to peace in eastern Europe. **WHAT IS A BALLOON DEBATE?** A light-hearted debate format which sees a panel of 5 or 6 debaters go head to head to stay in the balloon over a series of rounds in which panellists are voted off one at a time until only the winner remains. Normally, they are assigned a celebrity figure to represent, but anything goes and in past debates, speakers have represented everything from terrible Christmas gifts to the Seven Sins. **WHAT IS THIS ONE GOING TO BE ABOUT?** Predictions for the year to come - not all of the possibilities (that would take way too long) but 5 or 6 - specifically selected from a range of tabloid, magazine and blog prediction lists. **HOW WILL IT WORK?** Our panellists will be challenged to debate each other in a range of different styles each round, including: \- only being allowed to talk up their prediction in round 1 \- only being allowed to talk down the other predicitions in round 2 \- Q&A with the audience in round 3 (where you get involved) \- freestyle debate in the final round A blend of comedic timing and critical thinking (aka wit) will prove vital as they will be expected to make well thought-out arguments, but - since it is a social - will most likely be judged by how entertaining you, the audience, find them. **Venue** Our venues serve food and drink (both alcholic and non-alcoholic) **Please do not bring external food and drink on site - you WILL be asked to throw them away**

***Art*** *is the expression of men’s deepest, most fundamental, most philosophical **values**.* \- Ayn Rand Join us for an in-depth discussion on Ayn Rand's view of art in Chapter 7 of her book *The Romantic Manifesto*. You can listen for **free** here https://courses.aynrand.org/works/the-esthetic-vacuum-of-our-age/ or you can buy the full book here: [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Romantic-Manifesto-Philosophy-Literature-Shakespeare/dp/0451149165](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Romantic-Manifesto-Philosophy-Literature-Shakespeare/dp/0451149165)

**\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*** **Book your ticket at the [AJE Eventbrite event page](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-voice-of-tech-online-roundtable-tickets-1977719961644?aff=meetup)** \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* **THIS IS AN ONLINE EVENT** \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* Join us for an evening of good technical conversations at the **AJE Online Roundtable event!** Whether you're a backend dev, full-stack engineer, or just getting started in tech, this event is a great opportunity to: * Share ideas and challenges * Discuss new trends such as AI * Or never old problems such as "spaces vs tabs" In a very casual, although moderated environment, where you are The Voice. Our goal is to create a **friendly and supportive space** where technologists can learn from each other — and have some fun along the way. To meet popular demand, we’re making this an **online event** to make it more accessible for those who can’t attend in person.

**RSVP TO ATTEND THIS EVENT. ALL TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED IN ADVANCE TO ATTEND THIS EVENT..** **Welcome to Socialite Connections – Business Networking: AI, Digital, Tech & Fintech Professional** Join us for an exciting evening designed to connect with people in **AI, Digital, Tech & Fintech Industry**. This event brings together solution providers, **entrepreneurs, company directors, and professionals** eager to explore and make new connections. People in this industry gather together to discuss innovation and build connections. This is a dynamic event where visionary minds converge, ideas spark, and transformative connections are made. You must book a ticket via the link: https://fatso.ma/2Zhs Book here via: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/8network-pitch-ai-digital-tech-fintech-professional-tickets-1976447778510?aff=ebdsoporgprofile **We start the event at 6.00pm with a warm welcome.** Having an open-minded approach is ideal, as it will enable you to establish new connections. We have hired the private room downstairs. **Mint Leaf Lounge -** Situated next to the iconic Bank of England, Mint Leaf Lounge serves innovative Indian cuisine in an elegant and stylish setting. Oozing luxury, Mint Leaf Lounge welcomes guests for lunch, dinner and drinks alike. While Indian cuisine is their most sought after fare, the cocktails are also to be admired. Take to their 16-meter cocktail bar for a high-end selection of handcrafted drinks in a contemporary and cool setting. **Event Schedule** **18:00 – 18:30 \| When you arrive\,** your name will be checked off the guest list, you will be given a name badge and you will be introduced to each other. **19:00 – 19:30 \| One Minute Elevator Pitch:** All attendees will be given the opportunity to introduce themselves to everyone in the room to talk about your startups or ideals. (Pitch starts at 19.00pm sharp, please dont be late) **19:30 \- 20:30 \| Network & chill\,** It will be a free form event where guests can mingle amongst each other in a relaxed environment, when the pitches are finished. **Why Attend?** Socialite Connections is connecting the future of Innovation with **AI, Digital, Tech & Fintech Professionals.** It is a hub for visionary thinkers, innovators, and trailblazers to converge, collaborate, and shape the future of technology. Our events provide a relaxed and dynamic environment for building meaningful connections. **One Minute Elevator Pitch:** All attendees will be given the opportunity to introduce themselves to everyone in the room talk about your startups or ideals. (Pitch starts at 19:00pm sharp, please dont be late) **Who Should Attend** This event is the perfect opportunity to network, gain insights into the latest technological trends, and forge valuable partnerships. **Tech entrepreneurs, AI specialists, Transformation experts, Fintech innovators, Startup founders, AI and tech entrepreneurs, Digital innovators, Tech start-ups, Investors in the tech space, IT and Technology Professionals, Cybersecurity Experts, IT Managers and Leaders, Software Developers, Working Professionals.** **Tickets are limited to just 40 attendees.** We like to make sure everyone gets the opportunity to talk to each other. You must book a ticket via the link: https://fatso.ma/2Zhs Book here via: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/8network-pitch-ai-digital-tech-fintech-professional-tickets-1976447778510?aff=ebdsoporgprofile You are invited to join the dedicated Whatsapp group for the event and start networking before the actual event. Register now to secure your spot and be part of this transformative networking experience! **Tickets need to be bought online in advance to attend this event. Tickets are not available at the door.** **Refund policy: There is no refund at this event. Your ticket can be reassigned to another person of your choice.**

Share, learn and network with fellow Product People at **The Product Group London** on **Thu 8th January**! **Topic of the Night: First 100 Days of Managing a Product** Sometimes you start products from scratch, but most of the time you inherit a product. So, how do you begin managing that product? How do you figure out the problems, the product, the metrics, the processes, how decisions are made, what matters, etc - all from a base of limited knowledge about the product! **Featured Guest: James Smith, Founder & CEO Human Native** James is the Co-founder and CEO of Human Native AI, the AI data marketplace that fairly benefits both rights holders and AI developers. James has a PhD in Computer Science and a decade of experience developing AI products at Google and DeepMind. James co-founded Human Native AI to address the fundamental challenges in AI-driven content monetisation, including fairness and rights holder participation. **About The Product Group London** The Product Group London is a monthly meetup designed to bring product people of all levels together for topical discussions, as a group and with our guest speakers. With attendees from startups to large enterprises, there is no shortage of opportunities to network and make new connections. And whilst the focus is on product management, we welcome product designers and engineers to join for some friendly and lively discussions. **A word about our sponsor and host, BrainStation** [BrainStation](https://brainstation.io/london) is a global leader in digital skills learning and workforce transformation. They empower businesses and professionals to succeed in the digital age. Check out their leadership series of events to join the community and conversation: [https://brainstation.io/events/london](https://brainstation.io/events/london)

\*\*\* Make sure to book your ticket via Eventbrite [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/startup-run-bi-weekly-5k-run-networking-drinks-tickets-792590719177?aff=meetup](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/startup-run-bi-weekly-5k-run-networking-drinks-tickets-792590719177?aff=meetup)\*\*\* \*\*\* Tickets to the event are on donation basis. Set your won price when you book via Eventbrite\*\*\* NETWORK AND RUN EVERY 2nd THURSDAY, SAME TIME, SAME PLACE Join our Bi-Weekly Startup Run every 2nd Thursday at Green Park for a refreshing 5k run. It's a perfect way to network with founders, investors, and the broader startup community, while keeping fit. Post-run, we gather at a local pub to unwind and continue networking over drinks. * 5k run through the scenic Green Park. * Open to all levels of fitness. * Post-run socializing at a nearby pub. **Networking Opportunities** Unique chance to network with peers in a relaxed, healthy setting. **Target Audience** Founders, investors, and anyone in the startup ecosystem looking for networking with a twist.

**Kindly note that this is a paid event and the average number of attendees for our events is 60-70 people. You can register on [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/exclusive-london-business-networking-director-connector-at-iod-champagne-tickets-1972405825921?aff=meetup](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/exclusive-london-business-networking-director-connector-at-iod-champagne-tickets-1972405825921?aff=meetup)** Network with like minded company directors, founders and entrepreneurs in a reserved area at the Institute of Directors Join **entrepreneurs, directors, investors, and professionals** at the prestigious Institute of Directors in London for high-level connections, strategic partnerships, and premium networking opportunities. Looking to make powerful business connections in London? Join **London Connector®** at the **exclusive Champagne Bar, Institute of Directors (IoD), 116 Pall Mall**, for a premium networking evening in one of the city’s most prestigious venues. This is not your average networking night. Hosted in the historic IoD building, usually reserved for members only, this event gives you a **rare opportunity** to step inside a venue that symbolizes professional prestige and British business excellence. Surrounded by refined interiors and an elegant atmosphere, you’ll be part of an evening designed to help you build **meaningful relationships, discover new opportunities, and grow your network** at the highest level. ## **Who You’ll Meet** Our events are carefully curated to ensure quality conversations and valuable connections. Expect to meet: * **Entrepreneurs & Startup Founders** – looking for investors, collaborators, and strategic partners * **Company Directors, CEOs & Executives** – seeking growth opportunities and alliances * **Investors & Advisors** – scouting new ventures and partnerships * **Professionals across industries** – including tech, finance, law, media, sustainability, marketing, and healthcare * **Business Owners & Consultants** – expanding their client base and building trusted connections Every London Connector® event brings together **forward-thinking, opportunity-driven professionals** who believe in collaboration and supporting one another’s growth. ## **Why Attend?** ✅ **Prestigious Venue Access** – Network at the Champagne Bar inside the Institute of Directors, a landmark in London’s business world that is rarely open to non-members. ✅ **High-Caliber Networking** – Connect with entrepreneurs, decision-makers, and innovators who are shaping the future of business. ✅ **Pre-Event WhatsApp Group** – Start networking before the event with fellow attendees in our private group. ✅ **A Hosted, Structured Evening** – With facilitated introductions and a relaxed yet professional setting, everyone feels included. ✅ **Premium Experience** – Limited capacity (60 guests) ensures quality interactions instead of crowded, impersonal networking. ⚠️ This event has **sold out more than once in the past**. Early booking is strongly advised as tickets are limited and non-refundable. ## **Who Should Attend?** This event is perfect if you are: * An entrepreneur or startup founder seeking investors or collaborators * A director, CEO, or executive looking for new partnerships and opportunities * An investor, consultant, or advisor scouting fresh talent and ideas * A professional in tech, finance, law, sustainability, or marketing expanding your network * A business owner looking to meet like-minded achievers in an elegant setting ## **What Makes London Connector® Events Unique?** Unlike traditional networking events that feel rushed or overcrowded, **London Connector®** creates experiences where genuine conversations and valuable relationships flourish. We focus on **quality over quantity**, ensuring each attendee gets the chance to build connections that matter. Our track record speaks for itself: * Consistently **sold-out events** at prestigious venues * A curated guest list of **decision-makers, entrepreneurs, and investors** * A welcoming atmosphere where introductions are facilitated, and no one feels left out * Post-event connections supported through our curated WhatsApp groups 📸 **Photography & Video Disclaimer** Please note that photos and videos may be taken during the event to capture the energy of the evening. These may be used on our website, social media, and future promotional materials. If you prefer not to appear in any content, simply inform one of our event hosts upon arrival and we will ensure your preference is respected. * [United Kingdom Events](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/d/united-kingdom/events/) * [Greater London Events](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/d/united-kingdom--greater-london/events/) * [Things to do in London](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/ttd/united-kingdom--london/) * [London Networking](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/d/united-kingdom--london/networking/) * [London Business Networking](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/d/united-kingdom--london/business--networking/) * [#networking](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/d/united-kingdom--london/%23networking/) * [#startup](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/d/united-kingdom--london/%23startup/) * [#investors](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/d/united-kingdom--london/%23investors/) * [#entrepreneur](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/d/united-kingdom--london/%23entrepreneur/) * [#london](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/d/united-kingdom--london/%23london/) * [#director](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/d/united-kingdom--london/%23director/) * [#october](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/d/united-kingdom--london/%23october/) * [#businessnetworking](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/d/united-kingdom--london/%23businessnetworking/) * [#business_growth](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/d/united-kingdom--london/%23business_growth/) * [#business_professional](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/d/united-kingdom--london/%23business_professional/)

We are back! This is going to be a monthly IN PERSON meet up in London. A very big thank you goes to Accurx who is hosting us in their amazing Shoreditch offices. This will include access to facilities including coffee! 😻☕️ **Want to know more? 👇** As with all CoffeeOps, this is an interactive, chatty, build your own adventure type of meet-up. Instead of booking in experts to *learn* *from*, we gather a group of practitioners to ***learn*** ***with***. We have been running for over 4 years now and often get feedback that this is the most useful meetup people join! The event is approximately 90 minutes and always starts by brainstorming topics to discuss. The group then votes on the most relevant/interesting to them and we then cycle through the topics trying to discuss each deeply, but in a time bound slot. To get an idea of topics, you can check out our remote board [here](https://easyretro.io/publicboard/h404NF84Uje4tCcxpJdHr4Ycs9B3/a4a35d2b-181b-409b-832e-a729be1af79c). The general gist is anything is fair game, though we tend to revolve around software delivery and definitely lean towards the more Ops-y or DevOps-y side of things.

Anyone curious about tech is welcome to join this social run with Solana Run Club. We'll run 5K at an easy, conversational pace (no competition!) Bring your water bottle, a smile and dress for the weather 😊 ❗️Meet at the drinking fountain, not Marble Arch: [find on map](https://maps.app.goo.gl/sW4WEFBgvz8Pie5K9) **10:00 - 10:10**: meet + warm-up at [drinking fountain](https://maps.app.goo.gl/M9RnbveZZerVM7LN7) ([///noisy.demand.keeps](https://w3w.co/noisy.demand.keeps)) **10:10 - 10:40**: run 5k, easy pace ([route](https://solanarunclub.com/route/)) **10:40 - 12:00**: coffee, drinks and food at [Mercato Mayfair](https://maps.app.goo.gl/LWBihpvaeqKEmrqY8) ​​​​​​​​⏱️ Please arrive on time as messages can't be monitored during the run. Running late? Join us at Mercato. ​​​​​🎒Bag drop-off is available at Mercato Mayfair. Just tell staff you're a Solana Run Club runner, or ping Alex on the group chat. **💬** Join the **group chat** and find more useful info: [solanarunclub.com](https://solanarunclub.com) ​**👕 [Buy our merch](https://www.tshirtstudio.com/marketplace/solana-run-club)** ​**🛒 Support the club by [shopping on Amazon](https://amzn.to/3L2Um0G).** As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases (you don't pay extra). We put earnings back into merch, lunches and events for members. 🚇 Tube connections: \- Central: Marble Arch \- Elizabeth: Paddington\, Bond Street \- Jubilee: Bond Street \- District/Circle/H&C: Edgware Road \- Bakerloo: Paddington \- Victoria: Oxford Circus \- Piccadilly: Hyde Park Corner

Lorenzo Foti (2024 and 2025 Excel World Championship semi-finalist) and Lara Holding-Jones share some of their lessons learnt from competitive excel esports Great functions we'd never use in working life but use all the time for esports (sins) and the best practices we've learnt from esports that you absolutely should use in your day job (wins). These are based on lessons they've learnt through competitive excelling, as well as broader working life. So, they will share a little bit about Excel esports, including some example questions. Great if you're thinking about signing up to the UK and/or global competitions. But, the session won't exclusively be about esports, it's about real life, so you'll find this really beneficial, even if you aren't interested in competing. This is an **in-person only** event to be held at Meeting Room 3 Canada Water Library 21 Surrey Quays Rd, London SE16 7AR

Christians in Tech is a community at the intersection of faith and technology. Our meetups are designed to spark meaningful conversations, promote knowledge sharing, and encourage growth—both in your career and your spiritual walk with God. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting your tech journey, CIT welcomes you. Our Website [https://linktr.ee/citcbus](https://linktr.ee/citcbus) Sponsors and Partners * Improving (Venue Sponsor) * Bethel World Prayer Center (Fiscal Sponsor) * Fruits & Roots (Coffee Partner)

* Who Can Attend * The Central Ohio .Net Developers Group meetings are free and open to the public! All developers; professional, student, and hobbiest are welcome and encouraged to attend. * When we meet * The Central Ohio .Net Developers Group meets on the 4th Thursday of every month. * Where we meet * Please check our Meetup group link below for location details! * Join our Meetup Group * https://www.meetup.com/Central-Ohio-NET-Developers-Group-CONDG/

**Doing KPIs Right: a KEY to Analytics (and AI!) Impact!** On the one hand, KPIs are such a Business 101 concept that it may seem a little silly to dedicate an entire session to the topic. On the other hand, KPIs get handled so poorly so often that a case could be made that this meetup could just be one of the most impactful sessions of the entire year! We’re starting off the year at a new location: [COhatch Upper Arlington](https://www.cohatch.com/locations/columbus/upper-arlington/) but with a familiar speaker, Tim Wilson! We’ll be back at Rev1 in February, when the speaker will presumably not be Tim. Tim will make the case that effectively measuring performance of projects, campaigns, and initiatives (and even meetups!) should be a foundation for any data analytics program. Topics covered will include: the “two magic questions” of performance measurement, how to help business partners distinguish between outcomes and outputs, and effective tactics for collaboratively establishing KPI targets. He will also stick his neck out by demonstrating some of these techniques in real-time by measuring whether his talk lives up to the promise of this description! All CBUSDAW events are free thanks to our 2026 Sponsors: Clarivoy, Conductrics, What Box Consulting Group, and Piwik PRO. Check out [cbusdaw.com](https://cbusdaw.com) for more information.

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

**⚔️ Introduction to Wargaming & Painting Miniature Soldiers at The Arcane Foundry ⚔️** Join me in **The War Room at [The Arcane Foundry](https://share.google/S5i6DYJnJteHWeKtd)** for a laid-back evening of hobby talk and tabletop fun! For just **$15**, you’ll get a **3D-printed regiment of 20 high quality resin models** of your choice to paint — a **$40 value!** Bring your creativity, relax, and let’s make something awesome together. **Choose one from Below:** * 20 Orc Warriors * 20 Empire Soldiers * 20 Dwarf Warriors * 20 Elf Spearmen Step into a world where strategy meets artistry — and where every painted figure tells a story of battle, honor, and imagination. Join **Daclaud** at **The Arcane Foundry** for an evening that introduces newcomers and enthusiasts alike to the timeless craft of **tabletop wargaming** and **miniature painting**. My own journey began with a fascination for fantasy — knights in armor, grim and hardened warriors, and monstrous creatures locked in epic battle. That passion led me to **Dungeons & Dragons**, where I painted my first **Basic Heroes set** and felt the spark that comes from bringing a character to life in miniature form. Not long after, I discovered **Warhammer Fantasy** and **Warhammer 40,000**, and I was hooked. The vision of vast armies clashing across the table — each unit meticulously painted, each story unfolding through dice and imagination — became my creative obsession. During this event, we’ll explore the **origins of wargaming**, from its early military simulations to the richly detailed worlds of modern tabletop battle systems. You’ll learn how to **build and customize your own armies**, paint your first figures, and experience the joy of turning strategy and storytelling into a hands-on art form. Whether you’re drawn by the lore, the hobby, or the thrill of commanding miniature legions, this introduction will open the gates to a world that has captivated hobbyists for generations. **🎨 RSVP today and join us at The Arcane Foundry — where every brushstroke and battle tells a story.**

Happy New Year Colleagues, The next Columbus Futurists public forum will be **Thursday January 15 at 12:00 pm noon** (eastern) [https://osu.zoom.us/j/93451873651?pwd=RXIyZ2t5RjRqRG02UGQ1aEFVQ1NFZz09](https://osu.zoom.us/j/93451873651?pwd=RXIyZ2t5RjRqRG02UGQ1aEFVQ1NFZz09) Please come prepared to offer your **"What if?" questions for 2026**. (I will offer seven to begin our conversation.) I also would like to announce the publication of my latest book: *[Anticipatory Biographies: Personal Histories of the Future](https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-032-08912-0)*, the tenth volume in the “Anticipation Science” series. Grounded in design fiction, futures research, anticipation science, and scenario writing, *Anticipatory Biographies* envisions how the world will be reshaped by artificial intelligence, technological automation, climate change, political disintegration, and the decline of higher education. This work of creative non-fiction bridges literary and scholarly forms, blending biography and design fiction with research-based insights to offer a narrative-based method for exploring futures. Ed Finn, Director of the Center for Science and the Imagination at Arizona State University says: “In this book **David Staley has invented a delightful new genre: the future biography.** He invites us to step into gritty, thrilling, and inspiring futures elbow-to-elbow with the characters living those stories. *Anticipatory Biographies* beautifully synthesizes Staley’s training as a historian, his expertise as a futurist, and his desire to ignite the imagination of his readers.” Hope you'll be able to read it, and hope to see you all on the 15th. D. David J. Staley, Ph.D. President, Columbus Futurists 614.316.1348 [columbus.futurists@gmail.com](mailto:columbus.futurists@gmail.com) [http://columbusfuturists.org](http://columbusfuturists.org/) [https://davidjstaley.substack.com/](https://davidjstaley.substack.com/) 

SQL Server 2025 delivers a major round of improvements across performance, security, manageability, and hybrid connectivity, and this session gives you a practical, no‑nonsense tour of what matters most. We’ll cover enhancements to the core engine, query processing, storage, and availability that benefit DBAs and developers regardless of where SQL Server runs. You’ll see how SQL Server 2025 aligns with Azure SQL’s roadmap while still supporting strong on‑premises and VM‑based deployments. We’ll highlight new management, monitoring, and troubleshooting capabilities designed to simplify operations and reduce firefighting. AI‑powered features exist in this release, but the focus here is on the foundational improvements you can use immediately. Whether you’re modernizing, maintaining, or planning your next upgrade cycle, this session will help you understand what’s new and how to prepare your environment and your team.