User Experience
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Check out user experience events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.
Discover all the user experience events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
Absolutely! Find user experience events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.
User Experience Events Today
Join in-person User Experience events happening right now
London daytime testing at Waterloo
We playtest all sorts of tabletop games - strategic, silly, creative, or whatever (but not video games). Some games are almost done. Some are very early ideas. We test anything that will fit into 90 minutes.
You don't need to bring a game - we always love to have new playtesters!
Please let us know in the comments when you plan to arrive/leave and whether you are bringing a game or not. This helps us to plan the day better.
The schedule is:
10am onwards - gathering, chatting
11am sharp - playing for 90 min ('slot 1')
12:30ish - break for food/chat
1pm sharp - playing for 90 min ('slot 2')
2:30ish - break for food/chat
3pm sharp - playing for 90 min ('slot 3')
4:30ish - finish up
Often, we might hang around afterwards, to play some already-published games.
We are strict on timings, so please try to arrive a few minutes before the session to limit disruption.
You can just come for part of the day if you wish. The reason we have fixed timings for the 3 'slots' is to make it easier for folk to do so.
Designers of all levels of experience are welcome! But if it's your first time, we ask that you don't bring a game and just spend some time learning how the group works.
The group works based on reciprocation. If you expect to test your own game, make sure stay for long enough to play other games. As a general rule of thumb, you can expect to play one of your own games every third 90-minute session. So if you stay a whole day (3 sessions), you can expect to have one session to play your game(s). A good rule of thumb is that if you come all day, you will have one 90 minute session with two other playtesters in which to test your own games. It is sometimes possible to test games with more players. If your game requires 4 or more, please note that as standard you will be allocated half of a session (45 minutes).
Pre-covid, we were getting unmanageable. As a result, we may have to limit attendees. This is a free-to-use venue, and we have to be mindful that other folk want to use the same space.
Please note: This is an adults only event.
We look forward to seeing you!
๐๐ฟ ALL YOU CAN EAT | GARDEN APERI-DINNER @ LASAGNERIA ITALIANA | โ๏ธ
๐๐น Beautiful little oranges currently wondering why anyone would spend a summer evening indoors,
Join us for another Outdoor Garden Aperi-Dinner in the heart of Notting Hill.
Enjoy a relaxed summer evening with Italian food, drinks and an international crowd in one of West London's hidden gems.
๐ฟ Beautiful outdoor garden
๐ฝ๏ธ **ALL YOU CAN EAT ITALIAN BUFFET**
๐น Spritz & Italian cocktails
๐ค International crowd
๐ถ Pet friendly
๐ธ **HOW IT WORKS**
โข ยฃ15 entry includes first drink + all you can eat buffet
โข ยฃ10 from the second drink onwards
๐ช **GUARANTEED SEAT OPTION** (ยฃ5 pp)
Optional.
Reserve your seat in advance by contacting me directly.
๐ฒ 07733 273626
๐ Lasagneria Italiana
42A Notting Hill Gate
London W11 3HZ
๐ Nearest Tube: Notting Hill Gate Station
๐
Friday 3 July
๐ Aperi-Dinner from 6:00PM
๐ฝ๏ธ All You Can Eat Buffet from 6:00PM to 8:00PM
๐น **Drinks & socialising continue until:** 10:30PM
We look forward to seeing you there! ๐โ๏ธ๐ฟ
๐ฒ Daniele: 07733 273626
๐ Casual/Social Indoor Volleyball๐Shoreditch ๐ถ Mixed Ability
**BOOK HERE**: https://sportas.co.uk/games/45579
**Game Description:**
Come and join a casual Friday indoor volleyball session in Shoreditch ๐ค
This is a mixed ability session so standard varies from week to week ๐งก
Please familiarise with the rules of the game below โฌ๏ธ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLZ44KBWEbo
Pleasure adhere to these rules when entering the hall:
No food or drink except water
No outside footwear
No chewing gum
No music allowed as we donโt have license
No changing on court after 8pm
**Directions:**
๐ถโโ๏ธ7 minute walk from Hoxton or Shoreditch High Street overground stations
๐ฟShowers and changing rooms available
**Rules**
\- 3 teams of 6
\- 6v6 games up to 15 points
\- Max 2 games in a row
Free in-person English classes in London
Come and join us every week day from 12.45pm - 2.45pm.
Classes for levels elementary to upper-intermediate (A1+ - B2+)
Improve your fluency, listening and reading comprehension, grammar and vocabulary with our friendly classes.
No payment needed - the classes are **completely free** because the teachers are training with a University of Cambridge accredited program.
Join us at 24 Great Chapel St, London, W1F 8FS
Take the level test in advance for more information about classes for your level (link to the level test: https://forms.gle/mn3hqUgo3BRLyAUi7) and wait for up to one business day for more information.
OR
Come 15 minutes early on your first day to do a quick speaking test and find your classroom.
See you soon!
๐Coaching Session for All Levels๐Brixton ๐ถMixed Ability
**BOOK HERE**: https://sportas.co.uk/games/48116
**Game Description:**
Please be aware that our sessions are also on our own mobile app. Therefore, the number of participants you currently see may not reflect the total number of participants. Elevate your volleyball skills at our adult coaching sessions! Led by expert coaches, our sessions cater to all levels, from beginners to experienced players. Develop your technique, agility, and teamwork through drills and gameplay. Join our vibrant community and unleash your full potential on the court. Let's play, learn, and excel together.
**Rules**
By booking this session, you acknowledge and agree to comply with our terms and conditions, privacy policies, and cancellation policy, which can be found below. Terms & Conditions at: https://www.littlegiantsvc.com/terms-and-conditions Privacy Policy at: https://www.littlegiantsvc.com/privacy-policy
How Your Past Experiences Can Negatively Affect You
Description: Join us for an enlightening lecture that delves into the intricate web of the past and its potential to cast a long shadow over our present lives. In this thought-provoking session, we will explore the profound ways in which the past can negatively impact our well-being, choices, and personal growth.
Throughout history, human lives have been shaped by a multitude of experiences, both positive and negative. These experiences accumulate, leaving imprints on our memories and shaping our beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. While the past holds valuable lessons and cherished memories, it can also harbor unresolved conflicts, traumas, and limitations that subtly influence our present reality.
During this lecture, we will navigate the labyrinth of psychological and emotional baggage that may accumulate over time, inhibiting our personal development and impeding our ability to lead fulfilling lives. By examining the effects of the past on various aspects of our existence, we will gain a deeper understanding of how it can manifest in detrimental ways.
Through engaging discussions, case studies, and real-life examples, we will explore the following topics:
1. The Power of Unresolved Trauma: We will delve into the profound impact of unresolved traumatic experiences and how they can subtly shape our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. By shedding light on the intricate mechanisms behind these effects, we can begin to dismantle their hold on our lives.
2. Inherited Baggage: Examining the intergenerational transmission of pain, beliefs, and patterns of behavior, we will explore how our ancestors' experiences can unconsciously influence our lives. By recognizing and addressing this inherited baggage, we can break free from destructive cycles and chart our own path.
3. Limiting Beliefs and Self-Sabotage: Uncovering the deeply ingrained beliefs and narratives that stem from past experiences, we will explore how they can become self-fulfilling prophecies, stifling our potential and sabotaging our aspirations. By challenging these beliefs, we can reclaim our personal power and reshape our narratives.
4. Breaking Free: Strategies for Healing and Transformation: This segment will offer practical tools and techniques for healing past wounds, releasing emotional burdens, and cultivating resilience. We will explore approaches such as therapy, mindfulness, self-reflection, and forgiveness to facilitate the process of letting go and embracing personal growth.
By the end of this lecture, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the profound influence the past can exert on their lives and how to break free from its negative impact. Armed with newfound knowledge and practical insights, they will be empowered to embark on a transformative journey towards self-discovery, healing, and the creation of a brighter future.
Note: This lecture is open to all individuals seeking personal growth and a deeper understanding of the psychological and emotional factors that shape their lives. No prior knowledge or experience is required, only an open mind and a willingness to explore the depths of the past.
Zombies Kings Cross ๐งโโ๏ธ Scary Fitness! ๐ช Get fit, make friends! โค๏ธ
**Zombies** is a large-scale **infectious outdoor tag game!** ๐ Evade zombies, pick up health packs, become the final survivor! If you're caught, you turn into a zombie and **join the hunt! ๐ง**
Watch the **Player Tutorial Video** to learn how to play! [https://youtu.be/waan3osJ1gI](https://youtu.be/waan3osJ1gI)
\*\*\*\*\*\*\*
**๐ LOCATION/HOW TO FIND ๐**
Meet at the Red Bridge over the river in the Coal Drops area 5mins walk north of Kings Cross train station
Map: **[https://maps.app.goo.gl/ExQ6Bkwe7S4sAGGq8](https://maps.app.goo.gl/ExQ6Bkwe7S4sAGGq8)**
\*\*\*\*\*\*\*
If you like hilarious situations, outdoor fitness, social times, group activities, games, adventures, sports or new ways to exercise, **you will love Zombies!** Bonding over nearly dying is also a fantastic way to **make friends for life!** โค๏ธ
Our Gameplay Meetups are **100% FREE** and open to everyone (kids are allowed if accompanied by an adult). We are LGBTQ+ friendly and encourage everyone to be who you are - **we love you for you!**
\*\*\*\*\*\*\*
**๐ฑ Get the PlayCulture App:** You'll be using the 100% free PlayCulture app to play at our meetups. Get it here: **[www.playculture.com/app](https://www.playculture.com/app)** (and if you're feeling creative, start designing your avatar!)
**โค๏ธ Support PlayCulture!** If you are loving our free gameplay meetups please consider supporting us on Patreon! **[patreon.com/playculture](https://www.patreon.com/playculture)** or drop us a one-off donation **[playculture.com/donate](https://www.playculture.com/donate.php)**
\*\*\*\*\*\*\*
**REVIEWS**
โญโญโญโญโญ
*Fun, engaging and intense, my new favourite workout!* \- Adrien
โญโญโญโญโญ
*I have made new friends who are now my go to activity buddies. I highly recommend it to your inner child! - Anon*
โญโญโญโญโญ
*I had so much fun! Definitely a very welcoming environment with lots of great people. It was a great way to unwind/de-stress - AnonymousGoat*
\*\*\*\*\*\*\*
**๐ WHAT HAPPENS AT OUR MEETUPS? ๐**
Your friendly game leader will explain the rules and then we'll play a few rounds (about 20-30mins each) with some social time in-between to laugh about who got infected and how! At the end of the meetup we usually hang out until the owls are hooting
**โก HOW DOES THE GAME WORK? โก**
This game uses the free PlayCulture App ([playculture.com/app](https://www.playculture.com/app)). Players divide into **Survivors** and **Zombies**. Survivors try to evade the Zombies (using the danger compass to see where they are), and can pick up health packs to stay alive for longer. If a Zombie gets too close they can infect you! If you get infected you become a Zombie and join the hunt! At the end you will see a leaderboard showing everyoneโs scores. You can watch our **Player Tutorial Video** to learn more [https://youtu.be/waan3osJ1gI](https://youtu.be/waan3osJ1gI)
**๐ CAN I BRING MY FRIEND? ๐**
Absolutely! If you want you can stick together and play as a ninja team! Just select extra tickets if you are bringing someone with you
**๐ฅพ WHAT TO BRING** ๐
\- Smartphone with mobile data\, fully charged battery and PlayCulture App installed \([playculture.com/app](https://www.playculture.com/app))
\- Comfy shoes
\- Bottle of water
**๐๏ธ WHAT NOT TO BRING ๐**
Please try not to bring a bag/backpack as we don't have anywhere to store bags
**๐ RULES ๐**
Zombies takes place in public spaces, so please remember these rules:
\- Non\-players always have priority
\- Safety first: donโt do anything to endanger yourself or anyone else
\- Donโt run around blind corners or across roads\, no risk\-taking\!
\- Smile and enjoy\!
**โค๏ธ MORE INFORMATION ๐ค**
We're very happy to answer any questions you may have, just message us on Meetup, or email [info@playculture.com](http://info@playculture.com/), or visit [www.playculture.com](http://www.playculture.com/)
**๐ท PHOTOGRAPHY ๐ฅ**
Please note that we may film or take photos at our events, either for promotion or for our YouTube channel. By attending our events you agree to feature
**๐ข REMEMBER ๐ข**
You are responsible for yourself and for your own safety. By attending you are agreeing to our terms (available here: [playculture.com/disclaimer](https://www.playculture.com/disclaimer)) Take care out there in the big wide world, and let us know if anything is troubling you **โค๏ธ**
User Experience Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
Deeper Conversations - 1 to 1 ๐ฃ๏ธ๐ฌ
Tired of small talk and ready to connect on a real level? Join us for **deep**, **meaningful conversations** and **new friendships** ๐ฏโโ๏ธ๐ with a group of like-minded individuals who share your interests.
This event is **free** but you will be **required** to buy food or drink before you can join us ๐ญ๐ฌ๐ง๐ฐ๐ฅค๐ง- having water doesn't support the venue
**Who is it for?**
* You want more satisfying, deeper conversations
* You want more meaningful and long-lasting connections in your life
* You crave more from life and know its out there
* You are bored of just socialising and want to have fun and explore a new type of event!
**What's in it for you?**
* **No more awkward silences!** We'll provide questions to spark engaging conversations. ๐ก
* **Meet like-minded people** who crave deeper connections. ๐ค
* **Have fun** in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. ๐
**How does it work?**
* We'll pair you up with different people for **15-minute 1-1 chats**. ๐
* **Use our questions** as a starting point, or go off on your own tangent! ๐บ๏ธ
* Be **open**, **honest**, and **curious**. ๐
* 15 minutes is a good amount of time to explore a question deeply and **not have awkward silence**.โณ
* You are also **free to take the conversation in any direction** you choose.๐คฉ
* You can always sit out a round to **take a break** ๐ช
**Examples of questions that we provide:**
* "If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?" ๐ฆธโโ๏ธ
* "What's your biggest fear, and why does it scare you?" ๐ฑ
* "What's the most meaningful thing you've ever done?" โค๏ธ
* "What would you do if you had all the money and time in the world?" ๐ฐ
**Why do we love deep conversations?**
* They're **authentic**, **raw**, and **honest**.
* There are **no limits** to where they can go.
* You'll feel **uplifted**, **inspired**, and **connected**. ๐
**How to be a great conversation partner?**
* **Be Respectful:** Listen attentively and avoid interrupting others. ๐
* **Be Open-Minded:** Consider different viewpoints and challenge your own assumptions. ๐ง
* **Be Engaging:** Ask thoughtful questions and contribute to the conversation. ๐ฌ
* **Be vulnerable:** We are a safe space, so itโs okay to be yourself ๐ฅบ ๐
* **Be honest:** Be honest about our experience of life ๐
* **Be curious:** Be interested in the other person โ ๐ค ๐
**Ready to take the plunge?**
๐ Join us and experience the magic of deeper conversations! ๐ซ You may leave feeling **uplifted**, **inspired**, **connected**, **invigorated**, **positive**, **grateful**!โค๏ธ
**What others have to say**:
* **Parimal**: "I had the most amazing time! The conversations were refreshing and genuinely authentic."
* **David Saville**: "This is a wonderful event run by two extraordinary individuals."
* **Edomi**: "This is one of the best meetups I've been to. Highly recommended!"
We really hope to see you there! ๐
**About Deeper Connections**
We have a mission at Deeper Connections to improve the quality of people's lives through conversation. All our events are centered around the concept of connecting deeply, because we believe we all deserve to be seen, felt and understood for who we really are. To have the 'deeper conversation' approach when relating with others can change our lives and can change the world.
**Our Values**
* **Respect:** Treat everyone with kindness and consideration. โค๏ธ
* **Open-mindedness:** Be open to different perspectives and ideas. ๐ง ๐ก
* **Active Participation:** Share your thoughts and engage in meaningful discussions. ๐ฃ๏ธ๐ฌ
* **Accessibility:** We believe meaningful connection should be accessible to everyone. Our community makes this possible by supporting each other. ๐ค
**Staying in touch**
Interested in finding out about all the events sooner than on Meetup or staying in touch beyond the events, you can join our WhatsApp channel and community using
๐๐ฝ [Deeper Connections WhatsApp Channel](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb6CBAdIN9ijrEYdv33z)
๐๐ฝ [Deeper Connections WhatsApp Community](https://chat.whatsapp.com/EqGsmF3021RKTwBpGcuR80)
**Keep This Event Free ๐**
If this event brings you something meaningful, you can help others access the same transformational experience. Whether it's ยฃ5 or ยฃ15, every contribution keeps these events accessible to everyone in our community. You'll find a QR code on your conversation sheet during the event, or you can contribute here #SupportYourCommunity
๐๐ฝ [Ko-Fi](https://ko-fi.com/deeperconnections)
๐๐ฝ [Buy Me A Coffee](https://buymeacoffee.com/deeperconnections)
๐๐ฝ [PayPal](https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/DDSNCCFCYUEB2)
Open Studios at the Chocolate Factory N16
You're warmly invited to our seasonal Open Studios, to leisurely stroll around our 27 workshops and studios, meet the artists and look at a variety of art and handmade crafts - from painting to photography and from Japanese ceramics to silk screen prints.
My studio (F9 upstairs) will have a selection of colourful new mixed media still-life paintings ( portable and affordable!) as well as the usual large mixed media landscapes and " merchandise"
A lovely pop-up cafe will serve Japanese refreshments
Family and dog-friendly
All welcome, its a nice day out!
Lydia
Inner Guidance Connections
***Special ways to get divine help in daily life***
You are warmly invited to come and experience spiritual growth and fellowship as you explore what could be your next spiritual step at this ECK Light and Sound Service. This service offers you the chance to explore your own connection with the Divine.
Find out how singing HU, an ancient name for God, can open your heart to God's love. Connect with the most sacred part of yourself, receive new insights and magnify love in your life through the Light and Sound of God. Divine Spirit expresses Itself in the world as Light and Sound.
"Inner Guidance Connections: Special ways to get divine help in daily life" is this month's topic, which we will explore through talks and/or small group discussions.
Eckankar welcomes people of all faiths and backgrounds and we have a children's program for ages 5โ13.
The service is about 1 hour to 1.15 hours, and light refreshments are available.
New guests can also receive a guest welcome pack.
โ๐ธ๐ณ Saturday Cafรฉ at Bluebird Chelsea + Gallery/Museum & Drinks Options ๐
Ease into your weekend with good coffee, company & conversations. Meet internationals and Londoners in their 20s to 30s for an easygoing genuine afternoon cafe + activities in the area afterwards. Connect, explore, in a relaxed but also lively setting!
**โจ What to Expect:**
โข A welcoming table (or two!) in aesthetic Kensington/Chelsea cafรฉs.
โข Internationals, globally-minded locals, and creative curious minds.
โข Great chats over coffee, optional walks in the streets and parks nearby.
โข Friendly hosts to help you mingle and feel part of the vibe.
**๐ When & Where:**
๐ Kensington & Chelsea area (exact venue listed on this page weekly)
โฐ Drop in anytime 3 to 6pm, we may start our walk towards the end
๐ธ Free to join - just grab your own drink or snack
**๐ Who Itโs For:**
If youโre in your 20s or 30s and love meeting people who are open, international, and a bit curious about everything, then this is your tribe.
Perfect for:
* Young professionals, students, and creatives
* New arrivals or Londoners rediscovering the city
* Anyone who prefers real connection to just small talk
**๐ค Hosted by the World Citizens Community:**
A volunteer-run, non-commercial group for globally minded people who love culture, curiosity, and good conversation. Many regulars first meet here before joining our Friday Socials and bigger events!
**Just come as you are: grab a drink, say hi, and see where the conversation takes you.** โโจ
**๐ Love this vibe? Join us for more:**
โข ๐ **Friday Night Socials** in Central London
โข ๐จ **Walks, museum visits & cultural outings**
See all upcoming events here:
๐ [https://www.meetup.com/worldcitizen/events/](https://www.meetup.com/worldcitizen/events/)
**DISCLAIMER:** We are a 100% volunteer-run team. Though we have high standards in planning, this is a private informal activity so we cannot be liable for any damage or inconvenience. However, we put safety and comfort first. We take all complaints seriously, and take severe action against any harassment, verbal or non-verbal, and anti-social behaviour, towards our guests or team members. We collaborate with the police when needed. We take photos and videos which may include you to help promote the community in line with GDPR Data Protection law, as well as stock photos from Pexels or Unsplash. We may restrict or prioritize guests at our own discretion for safety, quality and logistics reasons. While our team's decisions may not be perfect we ask that you follow our decisions first and raise any disputes to discuss with us later and privately. By attending you understand, agree with and respect all terms of this disclaimer.
๐ธSocial Badminton Doubles๐Mile End ๐ถ Mixed Ability
**BOOK HERE**: https://sportas.co.uk/games/50778
**Game Description:**
Come and play in a casualโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโ,โโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโโ friendly & social badminton session. The session is for mixed ability players. So please be respectful and kind towards less experienced players - we all have to start somewhere
join our WhatsApp group:
https://chat.whatsapp.com/K507zMefM5pItnjxbXEgNg?mode=ems_copy_t
We use YONEX MAVIS 600 Nylon Shuttlecocks.
We have 2 spare rackets, or you can rent rackets from the sports centre (I think itโs about ยฃ2.50, but not sure)
Format: We play doubles for the whole time and keep rotating opponents/partners across courts so everyone plays each other.
**Rules**
Classic doubles rules - can be explained at the start of the session if youโre new to badminton or need a reminder.
๐5:1 Volleyball Session๐Canary Wharf ๐ถMid Intermediate
**BOOK HERE**: https://sportas.co.uk/games/50592
**Game Description:**
๐ฎ Warm up and game only setting.
๐ Positive environment.
\*Privacy policy for games only sessions\*
By attending this game session, you agree to the following:
\* Video recordings/photos are allowed only during free game\* sessions
\* Attending means consenting to potentially being recorded by other participants
\* Any videos must only be shared via private links
\* Distribution limited to session participants only
\* Explicit consent required for any public sharing
\* Respect others' privacy and comfort
\*Please contact the co-organisers if you have any questions about the policy.
**Rules**
\- point to 15
\- max 2 games in a row
\- 3 team of 6 players
\- modified games situation might be applied depending on situation \(5:1\, modified 5:1 or 6:2 etc\.\)
๐Beginners Friendly - Adult Coaching Sessions๐Islington ๐ถMixed Ability
**BOOK HERE**: https://sportas.co.uk/games/41485
**Game Description:**
Please be aware that our sessions are also on our own mobile app. Therefore, the number of participants you currently see may not reflect the total number of participants.
Elevate your volleyball skills at our adult coaching sessions! Led by expert coaches, our sessions cater to all levels, from beginners to experienced players. Develop your technique, agility, and teamwork through drills and gameplay. Join our vibrant community and unleash your full potential on the court. Let's play, learn, and excel together.
**Rules:**
By booking this session, you acknowledge and agree to comply with our terms and conditions, privacy policies, and cancellation policy, which can be found below
**Terms & Conditions at:**
https://www.littlegiantsvc.com/terms-and-conditions
**Privacy Policy at:**
https://www.littlegiantsvc.com/privacy-policy
User Experience Events Near You
Connect with your local User Experience community
IxDA Chat n Pancakes
You can sleep in on the Sesquicentennial (observed), weโre shifting to the following Friday.
But join the local UX community for a chat and some biscuits to catch up. If you were in CA for Figma Config, tell us all the lines and you can tell me how I can animate an SVG without coding it by hand, and why Iโd even want to.
Thanks to the team at Nationwide of supporting the group.
CBusData - Highlights and Hidden Gems in SQL Server 2025
Highlights and Hidden Gems in SQL Server 2025
With so much emphasis on cloud data platforms and AI these days, SQL people can feel left behind by all the marketing hype. SQL Server 2025 was officially released in November of 2025, though, and contains a ton of improvements that will make our SQL Server deployments a bit faster, better, and more secure. There are even more improvements tucked into the release that never made a marketing blog or press release that you'll likely be learning about for the first time in this session!
Join this session to learn about what makes your high availability a little more available, your performance a bit more performant, and your database more developer and app-friendly. Come spend an hour with SQL people talking SQL Server 2025 โ the good, the "not quite ready for prime time", and the hidden awesomeness.
AWS Columbus User Group - Topic to be announced
Topic to be announced.
**CALL FOR SPEAKERS**
Learn more: https://www.awscolumbus.com/get-involved/
**THANK YOU** *VEEAM* for hosting our meetup! To learn more about *Veeam*, please visit their website: https://www.veeam.com/
**DIRECTIONS**
8800 Lyra Dr #450 ยท Columbus, OH
go to 4th floor.
**Want to sponsor the pizza and/or bar tab?**
Please contact me if you would like to sponsor this meetup's pizza and/or bar tab: angelo@mandato.com
Stop Guessing: How to Measure and Improve LLM Outputs
Most people use LLMs by feel: ask a question, read the answer, decide whether it โseems good,โ and move on.
That works for casual use. It does not work when you are building software, automating workflows, writing important documents, or relying on AI for anything that needs to be repeatable.
In this talk, weโll look at how to improve and evaluate the inputs and outputs of LLMs using practical measurement techniques. Weโll cover how prompt changes affect results, how to compare outputs, how to build simple evaluation sets, and how math-based methods like similarity scoring can help you move beyond guesswork.
This will be beginner-friendly, so even if you don't know anything about AI, you should get something out of it. However, this will be a little more technical than our intro talks. You do not need to be an AI researcher, but programmers and technically curious attendees will get a lot out of it.
Weโll cover:
* Why โit looks goodโ is not enough
* How to improve prompts by changing the input, context, and constraints
* How to compare LLM outputs more systematically
* Basic evaluation techniques for accuracy, consistency, and usefulness
* How embeddings, cosine similarity, and scoring can help evaluate results
* Where automated evaluation works โ and where humans still need to stay in the loop
By the end, youโll have a practical mental model for treating LLMs less like magic and more like systems you can test, measure, and improve.
LOGISTICS AND PARKING:
The talk starts at 7:00 PM. The first half hour is reserved for everyone to get set up and mingle. Free pizza and drinks!
The cheapest parking option is to find street parking, which will only cost you a few bucks. Otherwise, park in the nearby veteran's museum lot for $8. It's highly recommended you avoid the nearby $15 garage parking.
Data & Analytics Wednesday - Learning from Everyday Data
**Practical Curiosity: Learning from Everyday Data**
How do we actually get better at utilizing our day-to-day data? Fancy dashboards and complex models might look nice and draw attention, but thatโs not where most of us spend our time. In fact those shiny outputs frequently sit unused, while the real insights are drawn from the analystโs daily practice.
Sometimes itโs as simple and as powerful as noticing that a segment is shrinking, a channel is underused, or certain links keep getting all the clicks. Thereโs many different places that the spark of insight can come from, but you have to keep your head in the data and know where to look.
In this session, weโll explore real-world examples of how segmentation, testing, and click behavior can uncover practical digital marketing opportunities. Youโll leave with inspiration for your own use cases, along with a few simple ways to ask better questions, spot meaningful patterns, and make smarter decisions without overcomplicating it.
**About Our Speaker:**
[Elaine Armbruster](https://www.linkedin.com/in/elainearmbruster/) is a Director of Digital Experience at the [American Diabetes Association](https://diabetes.org/), where she focuses on using data and insights to create smarter, more effective digital experiences. A lifelong Columbus resident, she has built her career in email marketing and the broader digital user journey, and is finding she most enjoys working in the messy middle where systems, data, and big ideas donโt quite line up yet.
Thanks to our 2026 sponsors:
[Clarivoy](https://www.clarivoy.com), [What Box Consulting Group](https://www.whatboxconsultinggroup.com), [Conductrics](https://www.conductrics.com), and [Piwik PRO](https://piwik.pro)
More info at [cbusdaw.com](https://cbusdaw.com)
Cocoaheads
We have moved to guild.host. Look us up there.
https://guild.host/events/buckeye-cocoaheads-rcavwd
BrowserStack QA Meetup | Columbus (July 9)
**Hello Columbus!**
**The community is buzzing and growing well. We are thrilled to bring our fourth BrowserStack QA Meetup on Thursday, July 9th!**
We are creating a space for deeper insights, meaningful connections, and a vibe you won't want to miss.
**What to expect:**
* **Connect:** Network with Columbus' top engineering and QA minds.
* **Learn:** Real-world tactics and trends you can use immediately.
* **Enjoy:** Food, drinks, and great community spirit.
**Agenda**
* **Two Roads Diverged in a Wood: Docker Compose vs. Kubernetes** by **[Doug Reeder](https://www.linkedin.com/in/pdouglasreeder/)**
**RSVP Essential:** Space is limited, and we want to ensure a great experience for everyone. **RSVP now to secure your spot!**
๐ **Venue:** Leading EDJE, 6515 Longshore Loop, Suite 300, Dublin, OH 43017
๐ **Free Parking:** 6725 Longshore Street, Dublin, OH 43017
๐
**Date & Time:** July 9, 6:00 PM
**Stay Connected!**
Want to continue the conversation beyond the meetup?
Join our **BrowserStack Discord Server** to get updates, connect with fellow QA professionals, and be part of an ongoing discussion. **Donโt miss outโclick below to join!**
๐ [\[](https://discord.gg/6SdCyWTNyW)**[Join the BrowserStack Discord Server](https://discord.gg/6SdCyWTNyW)**[\]](https://discord.gg/6SdCyWTNyW)
**A Few Notes:**
โ
This is an **in-person event**
โ
**RSVP does not guarantee a seat** โ A confirmation email will be sent one day before the event.
**TALK ABSTRACT:**
Docker Compose and Kubernetes are two of the most popular tools for running containerized applications. Their feature lists are similar. Architects and senior developers need to know how their different paradigms lead to unexpectedly different experiences in production.






























