TEDx

Meet world-leading researchers from universities and science institutions across the UK at the Royal Society’s public events of cutting-edge science. Tonight's lecture is **"Pathogen assassin: a journey in microbiology"** as the **Royal Society Leeuwenhoek Prize Lecture 2026** delivered by **Sir Michael Ferguson CBE FMedSci FRS**. **This livestream event is free to join and requires prior registration with the Royal Society at the web address below.** **[https://royalsociety.org/science-events-and-lectures/2026/01/leeuwenhoek-prize-lecture/](https://royalsociety.org/science-events-and-lectures/2026/01/leeuwenhoek-prize-lecture/)** **SUMMARY** Pathogen assassin: a journey in microbiology. In scientific research, unexpected discoveries and connections are made along the way. Some examples of how microbiology informs human biology, and vice-versa, will be highlighted to illustrate this. The talk will explore how science can provide opportunities to make better, safer medicines and diagnostics for neglected infectious diseases. This will include a description of the complex journey by which new candidate medicines are discovered, optimised and tested, and the international collaborative networks required to span from the laboratory to the patient. Lastly, aspects of the social contract between science and scientists and their public and private stakeholders will be touched upon. **SPEAKER** **Sir Mike Ferguson** is Regius Professor of Life Sciences. He studied in Manchester, London, New York and Oxford before moving to the University of Dundee in 1988. He studies the surface molecular architectures of protozoan parasites and how these influence survival and infectivity. During these studies, Mike and colleagues discovered a new way by which proteins can be attached to cell surfaces, a mechanism which turns out to be widely used in Nature. Wishing to translate discoveries into new medicines, Mike and colleagues established a Drug Discovery Unit in 2006 which has delivered candidate drugs for a variety of infectious diseases. In addition, Mike’s team helped develop a simple diagnostic for human African sleeping-sickness. He also works to provide infrastructure needed to grow Life Sciences companies in an economically challenged part of the UK. ## Attending the event * The event is free to join, please register via [register via Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/royal-society-milner-award-lecture-2025-professor-iryna-gurevych-tickets-1341789300919?aff=oddtdtcreator) * Live subtitles will be available in-person and virtually ### Attending online * The lecture can be attended in person at the Royal Society * **Please note** that as this is a free event, we anticipate that not everyone who reserves tickets will use them and we therefore make more tickets available than there are seats. You are highly unlikely to be refused entry but please be aware that admission is on a first-come, first-served basis and not guaranteed. Please arrive early to secure a seat * This event is free to join. Pre-bookable [tickets are available on Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/this-is-not-the-ai-we-were-promised-tickets-1978114900918?aff=oddtdtcreator) * Live subtitles will be available in-person and virtually * Doors will open at 6pm Find [travel and accessibility information](https://royalsociety.org/about-us/contact-us/carlton-house-terrace-london/) on our website. Please [email us](mailto:public.engagement@royalsociety.org) with any access requirements or questions. * You can take part in the live Q&A via Slido * This event will be recorded (including the live Q&A) and the recording will be available on YouTube soon after the event For all enquiries, please contact [awards@royalsociety.org](mailto:awards@royalsociety.org).

**Free meetups for Rebels of all kinds, to connect, learn and share.** Casual networking events with the occasional fireside chats from founders, creators and successful business owners. No formal agenda, or dress-code (please wear *something* though). Drinks sold at the bar. Est. 2013, meetups active globally 🌍 🚀 This event is free thanks to our members (join here: dffrnt.so/join), our partners (dffrnt.so/partners), our volunteer hosts and our generous hosting venue. There will be a short fire side chat sandwiched between 2 casual networking sessions. Want more from Dffrnt? [Learn more](http://dffrnt.so/) or [join here](http://dffrnt.so/join).

This is our regular club meeting with prepared speeches, speech evaluations and "Table Topics" - a chance to practice impromptu speaking. Please arrive from 6:35pm for a prompt 6:45pm start. **Guests are always welcome and it's completely free**, but we do request that you buy drinks at the bar on arrival and during the break to support the venue. ABOUT BLOOMSBURY SPEAKERS Hello! Bloomsbury Speakers is a fun and friendly Toastmasters club near Farringdon in central London. We meet twice a month to improve our communication and public speaking skills by practising in a safe and supportive environment. New guests are always welcome and it's completely free. No need to book in advance (other than to receive a helpful reminder) - just show up on the evening! TYPICAL MEETING AGENDA A typical meeting agenda is as follows: 6:35 Doors open - meet and greet 6:45 Welcome from Club President 6:50 Introductions from Toastmaster and other meeting roles 7:00 Prepared Speeches (from club members) 7:40 Guest Introductions (a quick hello from the guests) Short break for refreshments 8:00 Speech Evaluations (of earlier speeches) 8:15 Table Topics (impromptu speeches of 1-2 minutes each) 8:35 Table Topics Evaluations 8:40 Reports and General Evaluation (of the meeting) 8:55 Awards (best speech, best evaluator, etc.) and announcements 9:00 Meeting close - retire to the bar! COME ALONG TO FIND OUT MORE! Visit our website for more information: https://www.bloomsburyspeakers.org.uk Toastmasters has helped thousands of people overcome nerves and improve their speaking confidence. Come along and find out how! Find your voice at #BloombsurySpeakers!

**PLEASE MAKE SURE TO BOOK YOUR TICKET IN ADVANCE TO ATTEND THE EVENT. YOU CAN RESERVE YOUR SPOT HERE. [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1977902187687?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1977902187687?aff=oddtdtcreator)** Join us for an exciting evening of connection and collaboration at the **HealthTech Innovators Networking Event** in London! This exclusive gathering is designed for startups, entrepreneurs, and professionals who are passionate about transforming the healthcare industry through innovative technology. **Event Highlights:** * **Networking Opportunities:** Connect with like-minded professionals, potential collaborators, investors, and mentors in a relaxed and inspiring environment. Build meaningful relationships that could lead to exciting new ventures. * **Mingling Sessions:** Engage in casual conversations with industry peers, share your experiences, and explore opportunities for collaboration and growth. * **Interactive Networking Activities:** Participate in engaging activities designed to facilitate introductions and foster meaningful connections among attendees. **Who Should Attend?** * HealthTech Startups * Entrepreneurs and Innovators * Healthcare Professionals * Investors and Venture Capitalists * Technology Developers and Engineers * Business Development Managers * Regulatory and Compliance Experts **Why attend:** **Networking**: Experience an evening of dynamic networking in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Meet HealthTech professionals from diverse backgrounds. Build a strong network of contacts within the HealthTech industry that can support your professional journey. **Career Advancement Opportunities**: Explore potential career opportunities by interacting with representatives from leading tech companies and startups. Discover the latest job openings and internships in the IT and Technology sectors. **Knowledge Sharing**: Share your experiences and knowledge with fellow professionals during informal knowledge-sharing sessions. Learn from each other's successes and challenges to grow both professionally and personally. **Career**: For job seekers, the event offers an exclusive opportunity to meet top tech companies actively recruiting talent, opening doors to exciting career prospects. **Innovate and Inspire:** Stay at the forefront of HealthTech innovation and get inspired by the latest technological advancements. **Collaborate and Grow:** Find potential partners, clients, and investors to take your startup or project to the next level. The event will be held in a sophisticated and vibrant venue, adorned with modern decor and equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to ensure your comfort and convenience throughout the day. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with the brightest minds in HealthTech and take your professional network to new heights. We look forward to seeing you there! **Register now** to secure your spot and be part of this transformative networking experience. **Tickets need to be bought online and are not available at the door!** How our event works: 7.00pm - When you arrive your name will be checked off the guest list, the host will direct everyone to the reserved area and explain how the event will work. 7.30pm – Event starts, you will be introduced to each other in a nice relaxed environment in the semi private reserved area. 10 pm - Event ends, all guests are welcome to stay and enjoy chatting with each other. This event will be hosted till 9pm; the key to making the most of speed friending is to follow up with your contacts over time to develop friendships. Dress code is either business or office attire or smart casual, no T-shirts, no trainers. If you have any questions email contact@thebusinessminds.co.uk Ticket for 1 person allows 1 person to enter the venue from 7pm **Please Note:** **Tickets need to be bought online and are not available at the door!**

[Grosvenor Square Speakers](https://grosvenorsquarespeakers.co.uk/) provides a welcoming and supportive learning environment to increase your confidence in public speaking and develop your communication and leadership skills. Members practice impromptu speaking and prepared speeches both in person and virtually in an authentic setting in front of an audience, with feedback provided by qualified evaluators. This is a hybrid event with option to join via Zoom. All guests are always welcome to visit free of charge and won’t be asked to speak unless they wish to. Fulfill and maximize your potential by practicing and learning from seasoned speakers alongside newcomers. Established over 40 years ago, Grosvenor Square Speakers is London’s oldest [Toastmasters International club](https://www.toastmasters.org/), a global non-profit educational organization that promotes communication, public speaking and leadership.

## Details Curious about public speaking or want to improve your communication skills? Networking events make you feel anxious? Join a Cass Toastmasters club meeting at Bayes Business School at 18.15, ready to start for 18.30 sharp each second and fourth Monday of the month. Through interactive sessions guests will have the opportunity to observe and learn more about Toastmasters educational methods and how its members practice to improve communication and learning public speaking in a supportive and friendly environment. And if they feel comfortable test their skills with a small practice exercise! Guests are welcomed! If you want to attend or have any questions, feel free to contact us at [bayestoastmasters@gmail.com.](http://bayestoastmasters@gmail.com./) We hope to see you there!

SEASON 2 at ST PANCRAS will begin with a theme I can't believe we haven't discussed already: "AGE" Join us for thought provoking conversations at the beautiful Betjeman Arms! Spaces are limited, so get your ticket early if you want to be there! 😊 **THOUGHT EXPERIMENTS** \- posted in the comments below on the day of the event **[WHATSAPP GROUP](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DapwAXpnOHO5DRYThobpe4)** \- stay in the loop **[INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/thoughtexperimentsinpubs/)** \- see what we look like \(including The People of TEiP project\) **[SUBSTACK](https://experimentsingroupwisdom.substack.com/)** \- sign up for the newsletter **The idea:** A chance to meet and talk at a 'deeper' level than 'small talk'. **How we'll do it** (timings approximate): * 7:00pm - Arrive at The Betjeman Arms. You can access the pub either from the street (entrance to the right of The St Pancras Hotel entrance) or via St Pancras Station (entrance from the upstairs train platforms). We'll be in the private dining room - ask at the bar if you can't find us. * Organise ourselves into small groups (3-6ish - apparently 4 is the best number for a good conversation!) * Have a look at the **thought experiments** (announced on the day of the event) * 7:15 - First rotation begins - Talk about the first thought experiment, but feel free to veer off topic. * 7:35 - Optional reshuffle: swap groups, move on to the second thought experiment. * 8:00 - Optional reshuffle: swap groups, move on to the third thought experiment. * 8:25pm - Wrap up - hear about upcoming events, feedback/requests for future meetups. * 8:30 Meetup ‘ends’. But feel free to carry on conversations. We have the room until 10pm and usually a lot of us stay until then :-) **Notes on the general atmosphere**: * The vibe is to let conversation flow rather than stick strictly to one topic. * While we'd like to talk about 'meaningful things', we also see the value in lighter topics, so don't worry about not being 'deep' enough! * Feel free to suggest ideas for future Thought Experiments in Pubs meetup groups, both in terms of structure and topics to discuss. **Where we'll meet**: This group will be at The Betjeman Arms. The nearest Tube station is King's Cross St. Pancras. You can access the pub either from the street (entrance to the right of The St Pancras Hotel entrance) or via St Pancras Station (entrance from the upstairs train platforms). We'll be in the private dining room - ask at the bar if you can't find us. **Who should come**: Everyone! We believe that the more perspectives, the richer the conversation. This group is not about being experts in Philosophy, it is about *doing* philosophy. That is, bringing our various life experiences and lenses on the world to group discussions about the human experience, the nature of reality... etc.... I'm so looking forward to meeting & talking with you in this beautiful new location :-) If you would like to support me & these meetups, you can do so here: [https://buymeacoffee.com/bonnyastor](https://buymeacoffee.com/bonnyastor) Thank you!

If you speak Italian or German than join us for a social conversation

This is a **theatre** and **livestream** talk from the **Royal Institution of Great Britain.** Join Mathematician and Healthcare Engineer Becky Shipley as she explains how mathematical modelling is driving innovation in the NHS and beyond.. **ADVANCE BOOKING AND PAYMENT IS REQUIRED FOR THIS TALK.** **More details and booking instructions on the RI web site:** **[https://www.rigb.org/whats-on/discourse-mathematical-tools-transform-world](https://www.rigb.org/whats-on/discourse-mathematical-tools-transform-world)** **SUMMARY** Mathematics is a powerful tool to understand the world around us. It can model the physics, chemistry and biology of a wide variety of systems. But it can also be used to make predictions that can feed into technology, manufacturing and engineering across an array of fields. In our first Discourse of 2026, mathematician and expert in computational modelling **Becky Shipley** explores how mathematics is inspiring new advances across engineering industries. Drawing on her experience in healthcare, she'll visit case studies showing how mathematical problem-solving is improving diagnosis, treatment and patient experience, alongside the newest applications of mathematics. Discover how multidisciplinary engineering principles led to the rapid development of novel medical devices during the COVID-19 pandemic, thanks to an internationally recognised team led by Becky herself. This is a theatre and livestream event for an adult audience, where the speakers and audience in our Theatre are joined by our audience online. **The livestream will go live around 7.10pm, and the talk will begin at 7.30pm. If you register but miss the livestream, the video will be available to you via the same link for two weeks after the event date.** For more information on livestreams, see the information below, or [visit our FAQs page](https://www.rigb.org/whats/faqs-ri-livestreams). Please use the event link you have been provided with. By booking to attend events at the Royal Institution, you confirm that you have read and accept the Ri's [event terms and conditions](https://www.rigb.org/terms-and-conditions). You also agree to abide by [our code of conduct](https://www.rigb.org/about-us/how-were-run/our-code-conduct-ri-visitors), and help to create a great experience for yourself and your fellow participants.

Join us for board games at Drinks & Dice in Teddington. We play a wide range of modern board and card games and typically start the evening with some light party games before getting into other favourites. All are welcome, please come and say hello. There is a £3.00 cover charge payable at the venue.

**This event is now full. Please join the waitlist in case tickets become available.** Step into Your Power: High-Vibe Leadership for the New Year **Date:** Tuesday 27th January 2026 6:15-9 PM UK Time **Location:** [1 Warwick by Maslow’s](https://share.google/MnxwD6w1PqaJ512K6) Start 2026 with clarity, confidence, and a leadership approach that sustains you, not drains you. In this high-vibration, 90-minute workshop, Frédérique will guide emerging and current founders through the fundamentals of High-Vibe Leadership: identifying and leaning into your authentic strengths, staying grounded amid the chaos of early building, and managing your energy so you can maximise impact without sacrificing wellbeing. You’ll leave with practical, actionable tools to lead with more stability, intention, and self-trust, helping you make smarter decisions, nurture your team, and scale your vision in a way that actually feels good. Whether you’re just getting started or already running a company, this workshop sets the tone for a year of aligned action, strong leadership, and sustainable growth. *** ### **About Frédérique Thiébaut** Frédérique has worked in the corporate world as a HR business partner for 16 years between France and the UK. She started an independent coaching practice in 2018 after realising the benefits and the importance of expanding one’s mindset and self-awareness to succeed. Frédérique has guided more than 1,500 leaders from start-ups to international organisations through her method, High-Vibe Leadership, creating lasting impact without burning out. *** ### **What to Expect on the Night** **Networking on Arrival:** Doors open at 6:15 PM with a welcome drink. **High-vibe Leadership workshop:** Starting at 6:45PM This 90 minute workshop will empower you to 1- Identify and lean into your authentic leadership strengths 2- Stay aligned with what truly matters in the chaos of early building 3- Manage your energy intelligently so you can have impact without sacrificing wellbeing You will leave with clear, practical, actionable tools to lead with greater stability and intention, not by doing more, but by doing what matters most. **Community & Connection:** From 8PM Mingle with like-minded founders, creatives, and community members in a relaxed setting designed for meaningful conversation. Doors close at 9PM. *** **Grab your free ticket here: [https://founders500.com/session/clear-calm-powerful-a-2026-leadership-reset-for-founders/](https://founders500.com/session/clear-calm-powerful-a-2026-leadership-reset-for-founders/)** **Thank you to our founding partner [Signal](https://www.thesignalgroup.com/signal-ventures) for making this event happen.**

Join our Tuesday badminton session from 7pm to 9pm at Teddington Sports Centre, TW11 9PJ **The session is hosted by Ken and is aimed at intermediate and above players.** Please RSVP before joining the session! The session fee will still be due in case of a no-show or cancellation made 24 hours before the event and will need to be paid before being allowed to join any future session. The session fee is £11 for 2 hours, please make payment to the details below: Business Account: Lancers Badminton Club Sort code: 04-06-05 Account number: 27109375

Shaping our future with AI. Creating opportunity through AI fluency, connection and community. No jargon. No hype. No confusing terminology. **Join us for our next in-person meetup in London on Thursday January 29th.** This month we're meeting the authors of the latest book published by Harvard Business Review: The Octopus Organisation - A Guide To Thriving In A World Of Continuous Transformation. We'll have signed copies of the book available as prizes on the night! Sticking with the theme of transformation we're also excited to be hosting Masha Gaganova, a transformation leader with refreshingly grounded and practical advice about leading people through change! **Where and When?** * Thursday, January 29th * Doors open at 18:00 * Talks start at 19:00 * Tessl HQ, 210 Pentonville Rd, London N1 9JY, UK **The Octopus Organisation: Meet the authors** In this fireside conversation we discover what an octopus organisation is and learn how to thrive in a world of continuous transformation. With AI driving transformation across businesses and teams of all sizes and industries, what can we learn from these experts in transformation at scale? Drawing on their experience at companies such as Amazon and McDonald's and work with hundreds of global companies, authors Phil Le-Brun and Jana Werner show you how to break away from the broken model of transformation and embrace continuous change. **Phil Le-Brun:** Phil leads the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Executives in Residence team, comprising former CXOs who provide board and C-suite advisory. Prior to AWS, Phil held senior roles in McDonald’s Corporation including VP for Global Technology Development and International Chief Information Officer and has been recognised as one of the top 100 UK-based CIOs. **Jana Werner:** Jana Werner is an Executive in Residence at Amazon Web Services, where she guides the executive teams of Fortune 500 companies in building adaptive customer-centric organizations. Her academic background in uncertainty dynamics grounds her practical advice for leaders navigating complex environments and building resilient organizations. **Talk: Wondering how to make a transformation work? Have lots of cups of tea** (Masha Gaganova, Transformation Consultant) In real organisations, change doesn’t stick through frameworks, roadmaps, or shiny tools. It sticks when someone takes the time to build trust one-to-one, name what’s happening, and hold the boundary when discomfort shows up. In this talk, Masha shares patterns from leading transformation in complex, high-stakes environments from digital and AI adoption to new ways of working. Why sustainable change creates temporary discomfort. Why softening the message kills momentum. Why people don’t resist change, they resist being left out of it. **Masha Gagonova:** Masha Gaganova is an international transformation leader, Fractional Change Partner, and speaker with 15+ years driving strategy and change across pharma, medtech, healthtech, and the public sector. Her work always starts with the end user, often a patient, and connects strategy, technology, and human behaviour to deliver measurable impact. **Code of Conduct** This event has a code of conduct that you can [review here.](https://aifortherestofus.live/code-of-conduct) **Providing Your Name and Email** To register for this event you'll be asked to provide your full name and email address. This is a requirement for building security so please provide your real name and email address. After the event you will be automatically subscribed to event updates from AI for the rest of us and AI Native Dev. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Join us for another evening at #WPLDN, where we're diving into the heart of what makes WordPress possible and exploring how organisations protect access to information when it matters most. This month features a fascinating combination: understanding how hosting companies invest back into the open-source ecosystem, and a rare, **unrecorded session** on keeping websites accessible under challenging circumstances. Two talks that remind us why community and resilience sit at the core of everything we do. 📅 **Date:** January 29, 2026 ⏰ **Time:** 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM ⬅ **EARLIER TIME** 🎟️ **Cost:** Free (Registration Required) **Session 1: Beyond hosting: How Kinsta invests in WordPress and Open Source** **🤝 Speaker:** Marcel Bootsman ([Kinsta](https://kinsta.com/)) The success of WordPress and countless other technologies hinges entirely on the dedicated, often unpaid, work of open-source contributors. But how can companies that rely on this ecosystem ensure its long-term health and sustainability? Marcel will take us beyond hosting to explore the mission and impact of the Kinsta Community Sponsorship Program. This initiative actively sponsors contributors across various facets of WordPress (Core, documentation, accessibility, polyglots) and other critical open-source projects. If you've ever wondered how commercial success and open-source citizenship can work hand in hand, this session is for you. **About Marcel:** Marcel is the Partnerships & Community Manager EMEA at Kinsta. He has been active in the WordPress community since 2010 and ran his own WordPress agency until 2020. A dedicated community contributor, Marcel is (or has been) a WordCamp organiser, forum moderator, and translation editor. When he's not looking at a screen, he enjoys walking, working out in the gym, riding a bike, and playing tennis. **Session 2: Keeping sites up when stuff goes down** 🤝 **Speaker:** Austin Meakin ([Amnesty International](https://www.amnesty.org/)) What happens when governments or other actors try to take websites offline? Austin works at Amnesty International on the Humanity Open Source WordPress theme and a number of websites running on it. In this session, he'll explore online censorship and surveillance, and what's being done to keep sites accessible when things get complicated. ⚠️ **Please note:** This session will **not be recorded or streamed** due to the sensitive nature of the content. If this topic interests you, make sure you're there in person! **Schedule:** 🔹 **6:00 PM** – Doors Open & Networking 🔹 **6:30 PM** – Welcome & Session 1: Marcel Bootsman 🔹 **7:30 PM** – Short Break & Networking 🔹 **7:45 PM** – Session 2: Austin Meakin 🔹 **8:30 PM** – Social & Wrap-Up 📢 **RSVP Now!** Don't miss this chance to learn how the WordPress ecosystem sustains itself and discover the vital work being done to protect digital freedom. Secure your free spot today and join us for talks, networking, free pizza, and post-event socials at a local bar. We'll see you there! \-\-\- **Venue Information** **The Bridge** is a charity supporting women to make positive choices and encouraging improvements to fitness, health, and wellbeing. The venue features a plant-based café (supplied by Girls Who Grind Coffee) and is just a 5-minute walk from London Bridge Station. \-\-\- **Massive thanks to our sponsors who make these free events possible:** [DreamHost](https://www.dreamhost.com/partners/wpldn/), [PodcasterPlus](https://www.podcasterplus.com/?utm_source=wpldn&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=partnership), [Mollie](https://www.mollie.com/gb/integrations/woocommerce), [hosting.com](https://hosting.com/), [20i](https://www.20i.com/wordpress-hosting), and [Kinsta](https://kinsta.com/) \-\-\- If you're interested in being a featured speaker at an upcoming event, we'd love to hear from you at [https://wpldn.uk/speak](https://wpldn.uk/speak). **🎥 - Media Release Terms** By attending, you understand and accept that portions of the event may have audio/photo/video-recorded and/or live-streamed and may be used by the organisers. You agree that the organisers have the right and permission to use and publish such media for any purpose in any format, including online and offline, now and ever after, without further compensation, permission, or notification. You understand that all official recordings from the event are the exclusive property of the organisers, available under the Creative Commons Attribution­ShareAlike license for general use, and you do not ask for nor expect compensation or notification of the use of official recordings or photographs in which you appear or speak. Please inform an organisational team member at the event's start if you do not wish to appear in photos or videos.

[The Board Walks](http://www.theboardwalks.com/) are for curious people who love deep conversations. If that sounds like you, **bring a thoughtful topic** and join us for a 5-mile walk (10,000+ steps!). **HOW IT WORKS** **Step 1: Bring a topic** Before you arrive, think of **one** topic you want to explore. A question. A thought that's been on your mind. An obsession you want to geek out on. This is your ticket to the event. **Step 2: Circle up & share** We gather in a circle. Your friendly walk host gives a speech to set the tone. Everyone shares: your name, what you're grateful for, and your topic. That's it. 60 seconds. **Step 3: Walk, talk & float** We walk 5 miles. You naturally drift into conversation with 2-3 people at a time, pulled by topics that spark your curiosity. When you're ready to move on, just say: "I'm going to float!" **Step 4: Feel more alive** Two hours flies by. You're back where you started — but you feel different. More alive. More energized. More connected to yourself and others. That's why regulars join 20+ times. *For more details, read our [Orientation Guide.](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation)* **HOW TO BRING A GREAT TOPIC** A great topic = something you're genuinely curious about. Recent topics include: * "What are you passionate about right now?" * "What makes a good friend?" * "What's a belief you used to hold that you've completely changed?" * "How do you want to be remembered?" * "What would you do if money wasn't a factor?" Think of your topic like the dish you're bringing to our conversational potluck. If everyone brings an A+ dish (i.e. energizing, uplifting, expansive), we'll all walk away feeling lighter and brighter. **WHAT TO EXPECT** This isn't a fitness event with casual chitchat. It's a walking think tank where we explore life's big questions together, beyond small talk. *If you're looking for light banter or a standard networking event, this probably isn't the right fit.* But if you crave depth, genuine connection, and conversations that make you feel alive? You'll love it here. **FAQ** * Wear casual athletic attire and sneakers. It's a long walk! * We have multiple first-timers at each event. We work hard to create a welcoming, inclusive, clique-free space. * We welcome people of **all** ages, backgrounds, and industries who align with the [intention](https://www.theboardwalks.com/ground-rules) of this space. * Rain or shine, we've been out here nearly every week since July 2022. If the event is cancelled, we'll let you know. * Dogs, babies in strollers, parents, and friends are welcome — please text/email them the event link so they can RSVP and prepare a topic! **LOGISTICS** * If you'll arrive over 10 minutes late, we suggest skipping the event. It's hard to find us once we start walking, and your host can't answer messages during the event. * This walk is designed for everyone to *move together at the same steady pace* (about 20 min/mile). This format works best when the whole group moves in unison. If you have mobility limitations, we kindly encourage you to find an event better suited to your needs. * Read our [Orientation Guide](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation) for full details. * If you enjoy the event, send **[this](http://www.theboardwalks.com/)** to a friend or sign up for our **[newsletter](https://theboardwalks.beehiiv.com/)**. We're in multiple cities with more on the way. 🤠👋 **IF YOU WANT TO GO DEEPER...** [The Board](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board) is the next step: a high-trust collective for renaissance people devoted to creating, connecting, and building lives that light us up. * This is a global HQ for people who crave big talk, deep connection, and dream collaborations with people across industries. If the walks feel like a spark... The Board is the fire. Apply [here](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board).

Calling all founders, CEOs, lawyers, doctors, and entrepreneurs to join our special *Founder Edition* of Sip & Read meetup event. Let's sip on fine wine and discuss our first book **The 5AM Club- Own Your Morning Elevate Your Life, by Robin Sharma**. We will pair this book with our favorite wine at **Wine on High** and engage in thought-provoking discussions on startup businesses and entrepreneurship, and network with like-minded individuals in a cozy book club setting. *The 5AM Club* by Robin Sharma explores how waking up early and following a structured morning routine can dramatically improve productivity, mindset, and overall life mastery. Through a blend of storytelling and practical frameworks, it teaches high performers how to build discipline, focus, and long-term success by owning the first hour of the day. Come prepared to discuss this month's book. At the end of each book club meeting, we will take next book and venue suggestions from the participants for the next meeting. Whether you are a book lover, women entrepreneur, or a content creator, this event is perfect for sharing ideas and insights with other funders and founders in the entrepreneurial world. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to connect, learn, and grow together. Sign up now to reserve your spot! *Fun fact! This meetup was established in 2015 and had over 1,000 members. I had to shut down operations while attending law school, but we're back!!*

Confidence can be cultivated in many ways—through reflection, conversation, creativity, and practice. In this Confidence Lab session, we’ll explore one powerful pathway: **building confidence from the inside out through physical expression and movement**. This experience is designed to help you reconnect with your body as a source of insight, self-trust, and presence. We’ll begin by grounding into what’s bringing you here, creating space to notice how your body is showing up and what it’s holding. From there, you’ll be guided through accessible movement exercises that invite awareness and choice—isolating different parts of the body, experimenting with movement, and practicing what it feels like to take up space intentionally. Next, you’ll participate in a small-group dance lesson led in a supportive, low-pressure environment. No dance experience is needed. The focus is not on performance or perfection, but on expression, curiosity, and allowing yourself to move with confidence as you are. We’ll close with a reflective group discussion, exploring what emerged during the experience and how these insights can be applied beyond the studio—how you inhabit your body, how you carry yourself, and how you show up in everyday life. **What to know:** * Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that you feel good moving in * No dance experience required * Light snacks and beverages will be provided This session is for anyone interested in deepening their relationship with confidence by listening to their body, expanding their capacity for self-expression, and practicing self-love as an embodied experience. **Featured Speaker: Mary Grace** Mary Grace, the dynamic force behind MG Choreography & Boutique, has been transforming special occasions with her unique blend of artistry and passion for over seven years. As a proud Latina, with Venezuelan and Mexican heritage, Mary brings a rich cultural perspective to every choreography she creates. Her dedication to dance is matched only by her commitment to empowering others through the joy and elegance of movement. Mary’s journey began with a simple passion for dancing, which quickly grew into a thriving business. She specializes in crafting personalized choreography for weddings, quinceañeras, and sweet sixteens, ensuring each event is unforgettable. Determined to make a significant impact in Ohio, Mary established the first-of-its-kind brick-and-mortar location that not only offers a space to practice these beautiful dances but also provides a boutique experience for purchasing or renting exquisite dresses and tuxedos for these special moments. Mary Grace is more than just a business owner; she is a trailblazer for Latina women in the community, dedicated to bringing elegance, joy, and a touch of her vibrant heritage to every event she touches. **What is Confidence Lab?** Confidence Lab is a monthly community experience for bold, thoughtful leaders building confidence from the inside out. Whether you’re launching a business, leading a team, navigating change, or simply striving to show up more fully—you belong here. Our work demands clarity, courage, and conviction—but the pace of daily life can erode our sense of self. Confidence Lab creates space to reflect, reconnect, and grow with others doing purpose-driven work. It’s designed for entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, creatives, corporate professionals, activists, and anyone ready to lead with authenticity and impact. ***Please note:*** *All are welcome! If cost is a concern, please use promo code PUBLIC to access a free ticket—we want you to join us.*

Join us as we get together to get together to help those in need at this CMG Gives Back event! For this event, we’ll help prepare food, serve meals, assist residents, wash dishes and clean surfaces at Fath Mission – Grant Kitchen. We have a great little community of Movie Group friends so rather than see a movie this time, we’ll help “Create a better world” by helping serve those in need. Here are complete details and our plan for this event: FAITH MISSION – GRANT KITCHEN: The Faith Mission kitchen and dining room serves residents 3 meals a day, every day of the year. Our group will help prepare food, serve meals, assist residents in the dining room, wash dishes, and clean surfaces. PLAN: We will be preparing / serving / cleaning for BRUNCH from 10:30am to 12:30pm and have space for a total of 7 volunteers. Please arrive at 10:15am and wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. LOCATION: Faith Mission – Grant Kitchen is located at 245 N. Grant Ave. Enter the kitchen at Dock 1, indicated in the attached map. On-site and street parking are available in the surrounding area. Below are some links / attachments with additional info/details: \* LSS Volunteer Guidelines: Uploaded to photos. \* Parking Map Info: Uploaded to photos. \* LSS Faith Mission Orientation Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bp46_6ay6iA \* Link with Additional Details / Info: https://lss.vomo.org/opportunity/faith-mission-grant-kitchen-2025 IMPORTANT REMINDER: Our group will be providing all of the volunteers on this day so a firm RSVP count is essential. Please only sign up if you are certain you’ll be able to attend. If something unavoidable comes up, please update your RSVP no later than one week prior to the event. With very few exceptions, no shows or cancelations within 1 week of the event will not be eligible for future CMG Gives Back events. I appreciate your understanding as we try to ensure the agencies have the volunteers needed to provide the essential services they provide to the vulnerable population they serve. THANK YOU: This CMG Gives Back event provides an opportunity for YOU to get involved in helping others! Benefits go well beyond the help we give to others. Volunteering provides a wide range of personal benefits, including positive effects on mental and physical health, reduced stress/depression/anxiety, increased happiness and improved purpose, life-satisfaction and personal well-being! Plus, the opportunity to get involved, connect with others and help those in need. PARTNER AGENCY: This event is hosted by Lutheran Social Services (LSS), which serves thousands of people in need each day in 27 Ohio counties by addressing the four core societal issues of food, shelter, safety and healing. LSS offers food through the LSS Food Pantries, housing and supportive services through LSS Faith Mission and LSS Faith Mission of Fairfield County homeless shelters, domestic violence services through LSS CHOICES for Victims of Domestic Violence, senior living and health care, affordable housing communities, and other services that uplift families and strengthen communities. Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

**Columbus College of Art and Design (CCAD) TEAMS UP with The Central Ohio GameDev Group (COGG) for the 2026 Global Game Jam (GGJ)!!!** **GGJ SITE** [https://globalgamejam.org/jam-sites/2026/columbus-college-art-design-central-ohio-game-group-ggj-2026](https://globalgamejam.org/jam-sites/2026/columbus-college-art-design-central-ohio-game-group-ggj-2026) **REGISTRATION** Fill out this form >>> [https://forms.gle/J6sGDZJFTmZkC6pk7](https://forms.gle/J6sGDZJFTmZkC6pk7) <<< *PLEASE NOTE* \- We have limited capacity so us knowing In\-Person participation early on is critical for us to best accommodate everyone interested in jammin' \- We will also be providing Online teams & support via our COGG Discord bot [Jammio](https://jammio.xyz/)! **Registering for this MEETUP event DOES NOT gain you access to the main Global Game Jam event. Please register officially [here](https://forms.gle/J6sGDZJFTmZkC6pk7).** Every year the game department at CCAD hosts students (and this year local game group COGG!!) in the exciting challenge of developing a theme inspired title over the course of a weekend. The Global Game Jam is a cherished tradition, be it in-person or virtually, we are here for you! This is an excellent opportunity to connect with your peers, make new friends, network with local game makers and try your hand at low stakes game development! Want to know all the details? [Check out the official GGJ site](https://globalgamejam.org/faq) and be sure to use your existing account or create a new jammer [account](https://globalgamejam.org/user/register). \-\-\-\-\- **EVENT DETAILS** Listings subject to change and will be updated so check in periodically! An **[Event Details doc](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SOPkHxpRVD7qrfVnWVMsWPB7zQwC5wtJK51v6T3a2hQ/edit?usp=sharing)** can be read for all your info! **Building Hours + Security** available throughout the event **Parking:** See [parking spots highlighted in blue](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Me_JNpE8YaGqR54KxmJei7w6OZ3rhjeC/view). (see new as of last year) *All Locations:* **DSB 121**, The Game Lounge: informal space for people to decompress. Private bathrooms **DSB126**, Small Classroom / Break-out room **DSB127**, (large multi-use space, tables, projector, couches, bistro tables/chairs, etc) **DSB136**, Flex Space (meals / food, access to refrigerator / microwave, drop-power and tables/chairs). **DSB142**, Presentation room **DSB146**, Cintiq Laptop Docking Lab **VENUE TIME & SPACE** **Friday** 5:00pm - 12am Event launch - *DSB 142* [YouTube Live Stream @6pm](https://youtube.com/live/pV40YzllqoY?feature=share) **Saturday** 7am - 12am **Sunday** 7am - 7:00pm Event closing - *DSB 142* [YouTube Live Stream Ending Ceremony @6pm](https://youtube.com/live/stxxCCPzy2A?feature=share) **MISC. RESOURCES** **Wifi:** We will have access to the GUEST network \- To be provided for login to participants at the event Friday Jan 30th **Map** [CCAD Map](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Me_JNpE8YaGqR54KxmJei7w6OZ3rhjeC/view?usp=sharing) **Wavier** [Sign and Print or Email to info@thecogg.com](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KaKoz5sK5h1PdZ2rGNOCntyUxoXcGLXL/view) **Schedule** [Updated Regularly](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1EONsxtr3S-bRvIp_s12os-JA-M7uEW207bi9MVfrvbM/edit?usp=sharing) **Event Details** [All in one spot for all event details](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SOPkHxpRVD7qrfVnWVMsWPB7zQwC5wtJK51v6T3a2hQ/edit?usp=sharing) **SPONSORS** Global Game Jam ([GGJ](https://globalgamejam.org/)) Columbus College of Art and Design ([CCAD](https://www.ccad.edu/)) The Central Ohio GameDev Group ([COGG](https://thecogg.com/)) [Jammio](https://jammio.xyz/) \- Discord game jam bot [GDEX](https://www.thegdex.com/)/[Multivarious](https://www.multivarious.com/) \- Midwest Premiere Gaming Expo

## Learn Infrastructure-as-Code (the FUN Way) — Through Minecraft 🎮☁️ **Joint Meetup: Azure CBUS × Columbus HashiCorp User Group × DevOps Columbus** What if learning Terraform and Infrastructure-as-Code didn’t feel like a whitepaper… but more like a game? Join us for a joint Azure CBUS, Columbus HashiCorp User Group, and DevOps Columbus meetup where **Mark Tinderholt** \(Principal Architect\, Microsoft Azure \| HashiCorp Ambassador \| “The Azure Terraformer”\) shows how **Minecraft** can be used as a surprisingly powerful way to understand real-world Infrastructure-as-Code concepts. In this session, Mark will demonstrate how Terraform and Azure can be used to provision, configure, and manage Minecraft servers—while teaching the same patterns you’d use for production cloud infrastructure. ### What we’ll cover * Infrastructure-as-Code fundamentals using **Terraform** * Provisioning real infrastructure on **Azure** * Applying **IaC best practices** (immutability, repeatability, versioning) * How playful environments like Minecraft make complex concepts *click* * Why learning through experimentation beats click-ops every time ### Who should attend * Developers, platform engineers, and cloud engineers * Terraform users (new or experienced) * Anyone curious about Infrastructure-as-Code but tired of boring examples * Minecraft fans who want to see it used in a totally unexpected way No prior Minecraft experience required—just curiosity and a willingness to learn infrastructure the fun way. Come for the blocks, stay for the Terraform. 🧱➡️📐 Want to be a speaker? submit your talk to our Call for Presenters!!! https://sessionize.com/azure-cbus-2026/