User Group

Welcome to the first 2026 meetup of **Melbourne 🇦🇺 MongoDB User Group**. The team at Mantel Group has kindly offered to host us for the evening at their office in Melbourne on Flinders Street. **Complimentary drinks and snacks, as well as some SWAG, will be available, proudly sponsored by the team at MongoDB and Confluent**. We're looking forward to seeing familiar faces and welcoming newcomers! Please note that we have limited spots this time, so RSVP early. You will not be able to enter the building after 6 PM, so please be on time. **Agenda** * 5:00 pm - Arrival & Networking * 5:30 pm - Welcome * 5:35 pm - Talk #1 - Stephen Ermann - Avoid the AI Monolith: Deploy Multi-Agent Systems with MongoDB and Confluent * 6:00 pm - Talk #2 - Alex Peng - Sharding in MongoDB * 6:25 pm - Quiz & Swag * 6:35 pm - Networking & Food **Speakers** **Speaker #1 -** **Stephen Ermann** is a **Senior Customer Success Technical Architect at Confluent**, where he helps large enterprises design and operate mission-critical event streaming platforms with **Apache Kafka,** **Confluent Platform/Cloud** and **Apache Flink**. Based in Australia and working closely with major organisations, he focuses on scalable architectures, secure integrations, and smooth cloud migrations. Stephen has deep, hands-on experience connecting operational data stores like **MongoDB** into real-time, event-driven systems—turning CDC streams and transactional data into streaming workloads that power modern applications. He’s passionate about making distributed systems practical, sharing field lessons, and helping teams move from batch to truly real-time data. **Presentation #1** \- Avoid the AI monolith and learn how to design **event-driven multi-agent systems** with Confluent and MongoDB. In this talk, we’ll unpack the shift from classic predictive models to generative and agentic AI, and show why data readiness and real-time context - not just bigger models - determine whether your agents are actually useful in production. You’ll see how treating agents as event-driven microservices with a “brain” helps you avoid brittle point-to-point integrations and instead build scalable, observable systems. We’ll then walk through how **Confluent Cloud, Apache Flink® Streaming Agents, and MongoDB Atlas** fit together to provide the streaming backbone, vector search, and RAG capabilities that modern agentic applications need. Using an automated insurance claims demo, we’ll illustrate how real-time embeddings, external tables, and vector search in Flink SQL work with MongoDB Atlas to power context-aware decisions and end-to-end workflow automation. We will also share practical pointers and resources so you can start experimenting with your own multi-agent architectures after the meetup. **Speaker #2 -** Alex Peng is a Technical Services Engineer at MongoDB, specialising in MongoDB Atlas Support. With deep expertise in cloud deployments, Alex is passionate about helping customers navigate complex challenges on MongoDB Atlas, ensuring they get the most out of MongoDB's products and services. **Presentation #2** explores the fundamentals of sharding in MongoDB, covering the core concepts and architecture that power horizontal scaling in MongoDB. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of sharding's strengths and how to leverage them effectively. We will also provide practical guidance on selecting the shard key to maximise your application's performance and scalability. Thanks, The Melbourne MUG Team!

**Note - NEW location for this month only at the AWS Builder Studio!** IMPORTANT - the list of attendees will be provided the day before to security. Just go up the stairs / escalator to level 1 and check with your Photo ID to security. Please get in touch ASAP if you would like to talk at a future event, send us an email at Melbourne(at)serverless.org.au for more info! First time speakers are more than welcome and we can provide you assistance if you need with your presentation beforehand. Please reach out Melbourne(at)serverless.org.au. It can be a regular talk, lightning talk, demo, workshop, whatever is your thing our community will love it - as long as it is serverless related! Venue: AWS Builder Studio, Level 1, 555 Collins St. Melbourne 📅 Agenda 📅 5:30 PM - Doors Open! 6:00 PM - Welcome from the organizers / housekeeping 6:05 PM - **"Changing the engine mid-flight: A startup data pivot" - By Susan Brander, CTO Kaleida** What happens when your startup’s data model is held together with duct tape, but you still have to fly the plane, ship features, and act cool about it? Startups move fast, and sometimes that means making the best architecture decisions you can, and being utterly wrong because you don’t yet fully understand the domain you’re building for. At Kaleida, we chose DynamoDB as the cheapest way to get our product off the ground quickly, pushing relational logic into separate tables and thinking we’d gotten it right and assuming if we hadn’t that we’d clean it up later (if we survived). SPOILER! We survived and thrived! Later came around fast, and it looked like: \- bloated documents * Relational logic spread across tables * Queries dragging us down We knew we’d modelled it wrong, and that not changing it soon would only multiply the difficulties in the future. So, mid-flight, we changed engines. This talk is a candid case study of what it takes to evolve your architecture under pressure: * found our real data inside our current data * Pivoted to a One Table design * Pulled off a zero-downtime migration * Did it all while shipping features and pretending we weren’t panicking. If your team is battling tech debt, scaling pains, a data model that no longer reflects reality, (or you just want to hear about someone else’s war wounds) then come along. 6:35 PM - Pizza & Networking 7:00 PM - "**Let the Agent Read the Boring Reports: AI-Powered Database Auditing for PROTECTED Compliance on AWS**" - **By Christina Chen, Senior DevOps Engineer, Mantel Group** Nobody reads CSV audit reports. But under Australia's IRAP PROTECTED framework, organisations must continuously monitor and evidence database user activity — and assessors want proof. This talk builds a two-stage event-driven pipeline: Lambda extracts MySQL RDS user activity to S3, then a Strands Agent on Bedrock autonomously assesses findings against ISM controls, and generates assessor-ready output 7:30 PM - Networking and finish the Pizza! 8:00 PM - Doors Close, see you next time!

## Details **Ruby Meetup Melbourne will be run as a hybrid meetup.** **1\. What** Join us for an evening of talks on Ruby and related topics, plus socialising, food and drinks. You can find out about the **[Talks for the night here](https://github.com/rubyaustralia/melbourne-ruby/milestones?direction=asc&sort=due_date&state=open)** Alternatively, their will be announced on Slack, Twitter, Github & Meetup closer to the date **2\. Where 📍** \- In Person: meet us at the Ferocia in Melbourne CBD from 5:30PM \- Online: Click [Jump in Zoom Meet Call](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84834916944?pwd=SWlQOGJsbEZwNkNwVVk4Q25WaVNRZz09) from 6.30pm onwards **3\. Sponsors 🎉** This is a Ruby Australia supported meetup, with event sponsorship provided by our Major Sponsors: * [Ruby Australia](https://ruby.org.au/) * [Assembly Four](https://assemblyfour.com/) * [Gleam.io](https://gleam.io/) for our Drink sponsors for Melbourne Ruby Meetup * [Ferocia](https://ferocia.com.au/) for being our venue partner. **4\. Anything else ?** To suggest or vote on a talk, please look in[ Github repo](https://github.com/rubyaustralia/melbourne-ruby) **Come in from 5:30pm-6PM** for some early chatter, we'll kick the proceedings off properly around 6:15, hear from our presenters, and then socialise further after the talks. See you there 😄

Melbourne BitDevs is an in-person meetup held monthly for discussing: Bitcoin software, tools, research, protocol upgrades (BIPs), mining and more. ⚡💻 Held on the last Thursday of the month. Current venue is upstairs at the Fox Hotel in Collingwood. Arrive anytime from 6pm, with a **prompt start at 6:30**. Website: https://bitdevs.com.au Telegram: https://t.me/btcmelbourne Discussion topics (please add!): https://github.com/MelbourneBitDevs/MelbBitDevs/issues/

Hi Radiant Ladies, Let’s catch up over coffee, sweet treats, and good vibes at this popular Oakleigh spot! Julie 💞

We will meet at the starting point. Then walk towards Docklands to one of the popular coffee places. We will stop for a coffee and finish off at the Southern Cross Station. Dress for outdoor walk. Come along & simply say, "Hi, it's my first time joining the group event." or ask the organiser to introduce you. If you enjoy the conversations, take the initative to invite others to hang out over a bite/ drink after. **\-\-\-** **Coming with a +1 guest** **\-\-\-** You are welcome to come along with a guest to join the walk. Please register a +1 guest at RSVP. **\-\-\- Running Late \-\-\-** If you are running late, please message at least 30 mins in advance. We will wait up to 15 mins before heading off. We won't be able to keep track of messages once we start. **\-\-\- RSVP / Change of Plan \-\-\-** Change of plan or decide not to attend is absolutely okay. Please do update your RSVP to "NO", so others can have the opportunity to attend. **\-\-\- Intro \-\-\-** Kudos 2 Friends is a Melbourne based community created for individuals who are looking to expand their social circle and form long term friendship overtime. Join us on a fun journey as we explore cafes, restaurants and bars, including drinks, meals, outings, hiking, sporting, chilling, etc. Above all, we’d like to celebrate the importance of friendships. So if you are looking to expand your social circle and explore new adventures and venues in Melbourne, come join us! **\-\-\- Heylo App \-\-\-** We use Heylo App for more fluid communication, including ideas, interest groups, questions etc. Please download the Heylo app from the App store and let the organizer know if you would like to be added to the Heylo Group at the event. We will send an invite to attendees to the group. (give us some time) **\-\-\- Rules \-\-\-** Admin will only add members to the group with a clear profile picture. (No hidden behind sunglasses, masks, drawings) **You might be removed from the group in the case of…** * no show * without a clear profile picture * anti-social behaviour (i.e. acts rude / disrespectful regularly) * take advantage of individuals for personal gain(s) **\-\-\- Privacy \-\-\-** Do not disclose your contact number in this post comment. We will delete your comment/info as soon as we see it to protect your privacy.

Damian Clark facilitates a ‘North Fitzroy Men’s walk and talk group’ for men in the inner city and northern suburbs interested in connecting with other men to develop meaningful and supportive connections, with the added health benefits of a walk in nature. The walks are supported by Holden Street Neighbourhood House - contact (03) 9489 9929 or admin@holdenstreet.org.au for queries. The walks are run FREE of charge on the 1st Saturday of each of month at 8.am. The walk will commence at the Holden Street Neighbourhood House then proceed to take in Park Street and Rushall Reserves in Fitzroy North. The group is for men of all ages. The benefits from participating in the men’s walk and talk group are: 1. A safe space to connect with other men. 2. Opportunity to be genuinely listened to. 3. Chance to express your feelings and thoughts free from judgement and criticism. 4. Make valuable and lasting friendships.

Join us for a relaxed networking drinks with other couples who value meaningful conversation, intentional living, and want to work on a business or a project together (or already are). This isn’t your average couples’ Meetup. 💡 **Please note:** This event is specifically for couples attending together. RSVPs without a +1 (partner) will be cancelled to keep the balance of the group. 📅 **il Mercato Centrale Melbourne** **📍 Limited to 10 couples** so grab your spot early 🍷**Happy Hour** drink specials from 5:00pm **💬 Conversation Starters** Each time we meet includes a few rotating topics to spark insight and great chats: * A habit that made your life better as a couple * A travel story with a twist (funny, unique, or unexpected) * Something you’re learning right now * A tip on how to work with your partner's personality and communication styles No need to prep, just come ready to connect. We’ll mix up seating halfway through so you meet more than just the couple beside you. **🧠 Who This Is For** * Couples into growth, learning, and intentional living * Those building something together, or who want to * People who want deeper connection, not surface-level chat This isn’t networking. It’s real people and real convos. Just bring yourselves, curiosity, and an open mind. We’ll take care of the rest. **👥 Hosted by Matt & Justine Stuckings** Matt & Justine are the kind of couple who live for deep chats over food, spontaneous adventures, and connecting with people who live life on purpose. Matt’s a 6’4 ex-photographer turned marketer and entrepreneur. He’s into Pickleball, boutique breweries, and discovering weird restaurants and books that make life (and business) better. If it helps him grow or gets him thinking differently, he’s probably already into it. Justine’s a connector at heart. She’s a uni teacher and entrepreneur who loves mentoring, dancing, dark hot chocolate, and surrounding herself with people who think big and care deeply. Together, they host events that feel relaxed but intentional, welcoming but meaningful. They started this event to find more of their people. Curious, kind, growth-minded couples who want more than just small talk.

It feels like we just saw each other 🤷. Join members of the local design and UX community for our monthly breakfast. For May we’re stopping in for Rooh’s popup breakfast/cafe concept. You know someone is getting the lobster yuzu croissant, and that’s not even the prettiest thing on the menu!.

Hello podcasters! We are rebooting the Columbus Podcasters User Group this May 11th! Come join us at the Roosevelt Coffee house in Lewis Center from 6-8pm. Help us organize future meetups! Thank you **Roosevelt Coffeehouse** and the **Olentangy Brewery** for hosting our meetup!

Join other experienced and aspiring agile coaches and professionals to: * develop and practice your coaching skills in a peer-to-peer environment * share current successes and challenges in your work environment and get support from each other * learn from each other, build better relationships and experiment with new ideas ***NOTE:*** Pre-registration is required for this event. **Please arrive 10 minutes early** to check in at the security desk.

**We'll have two meetings covering AI - this second one is for Positron** We will review which AI features are linked in for Positron, and how to use them. **Source documents:** the repository is public, at: https://github.com/BarryDeCicco/AARUG_2026_04_09_AI_In_Positron You can download documents, or clone/fork the repository. **Location:** The meetup will be at SPARK's ([https://annarborusa.org/](https://annarborusa.org/)) Ann Arbor site: [SPARK HQ (Ann Arbor)](https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.google.com/maps/place/Ann*Arbor*SPARK*Headquarters/@42.2792515,-83.7447708,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x883cae3effe193cb:0x5296a53db2a282bf!8m2!3d42.2792515!4d-83.7447708?hl=en-US__;Kysr!!HXCxUKc!3EEdBNXRJKknP6LCGkZetSuEsdtChFojQnOVitFUC5C0fyilqXEbiMstT9ajBR3Cw-55qoFkrElCjQvjMdTxUw$). There is on street parking, and parking at local structures. **This will be a hybrid meeting - the Zoom session starts at 6:30 PM.** **Time:** The doors will be open at 6:00, with pizza and beverages provided. We will have a meet-and-greet-and-pizza session, and then at 6:30 we'll have a presentation. **Zoom information:** https://us06web.zoom.us/j/6658850479?pwd=Snd1UmZTT3pjZktENlczUXh4SERwUT09&omn=89012971377 Passcode: 940392 **If you can't get in, please call me at: 734 223-3307** **The github repository is at: https://github.com/BarryDeCicco/AARUG_2026_04_09_AI_In_Positron**

Our monthly PHP meetup. A virtual shindig courtesy of Zoom. Check back here for the details around 6:15 pm

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 · 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