User Research
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Check out user research 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 research events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
Absolutely! Find user research events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.
User Research Events Today
Join in-person User Research events happening right now
AWS Community GameDay Europe
**AWS Community GameDay Europe is coming!**
Strategy. Fun. Collaboration.
We will join \~**50 User Groups across Europe** for a unique event: an **international, synchronized AWS Community GameDay**, powered by the European AWS community.
đ§Š **A custom set of challenges makes this GameDay one of a kind**
Get hands-on with **AI, security and cloud-native** challenges â no slides, no tutorials. A common scoreboard with global and local prices.
Come with a friend, a team, or solo - weâll form teams of **2 to 4 people on site**.
**What is an AWS GameDay?**
An AWS GameDay is a team-based, competitive learning experience that transforms cloud training into an immersive, high-energy event. Unlike traditional workshops where participants follow step-by-step instructions, GameDay drops teams into a live AWS environment with real infrastructureâoften broken, misconfigured, or under attackâand challenges them to figure out solutions on their own.
**What makes it a unique experience**
* No step-by-step guidesâteams must explore, experiment, and problem-solve
* Real AWS accounts with actual running infrastructure (EC2, Lambda, S3, databases)
* Time pressure creates urgency and forces prioritization decisions
* Competitive leaderboard visible to all teams drives engagement
* Points lost for poor decisions (overspending, downtime, security gaps) teach consequences
**Format**
Teams of 2-4 people compete over 2 hours. Each team receives access to their own AWS environment with pre-deployed infrastructure.
**â ď¸â ď¸â ď¸ BRING YOUR OWN LAPTOP â ď¸â ď¸â ď¸**
Registration closing on March 13th!!!
**Note:** Because there are some global limitations on the number of attendees, is better if you register before March 10th.
**AGENDA**
**đ
** Tuesday, March 17th
đ 17:00 Doors open
â 17:15 15-minutes session to get familiar with the AWS Web Console
â 17:45 Teams composition
đ 18:00 Game starts! All locations connected live across Europe, weâll kick off together, on time.
đ 20:30 Global and local winners with prices
đ𼤠Pizza and drinks offered during the event
đ RedHat Office Switzerland (1St. Floor)
**Compete live with AWS User Groups across Europe, all playing the same scenario at the same time.**
Full list of locations:
[https://www.awsgameday.eu/](https://www.awsgameday.eu/)
**NOTE**: if you join our meetup group for the first time, remember also to reply to this event RSVP! **Attendees that didn't registered properly** providing the required information **cannot participate to the game** (we/AWS need time to prepare cloud environments)
From Reading to Recommending - an Introduction to NarraLune by Stefanie Wedel
As a lifelong bookworm and serial note-taker, our speaker Stefanie spent years collecting insights from literary podcasts, magazine previews, and personal reading lists. Things got even more interesting with the discovery of reading challenges, such as *âread a book with over 500 pagesâ* or *âa book featuring magical creatures that arenât dragons.â*
The result of trying to organize all of this? **NarraLune** â a Python-based application designed to connect a curated book database with an intelligent matching framework.
In this talk, weâll explore how NarraLune:
* Uses structured SQL filtering to manage and query book data
* Applies genre inference to enrich metadata
* Integrates generative language models to recommend books for diverse and creative challenge prompts
Stefanie will walk us through the concept and architecture of the system, share practical insights into Python and AI integration, and reflect on how personal interests can evolve into meaningful technical projects.
No coding knowledge is required to follow the talk
This meetup will take place in the reading room (Lesesaal) of Zentralbibliothek ZĂźrich.
**Agenda**
18:00 Arrival
18:15 Talk and discussion
19:15 Wrap up
All genders welcome!
We expect all participants of our meetup to abide by the PyLadies code of conduct: [http://www.pyladies.com/CodeOfConduct/](http://www.pyladies.com/CodeOfConduct/)
Designing for the most aware generation
The speakers of this UX talk explore how different generations shape and are shaped by their relationship with technology: from the optimism of early social media to todayâs hyper-connected world. What happens when design works too well? And how do we design our way back out?
Todayâs users are more aware than ever of the harms of âstickyâ design, yet remain stuck in the architecture of distraction.
In this meetup, Sofiia Kaminska and Vardon Hamdiu look at two sides of the same coin:
**The behavioral layer:** insights from research and experiments on digital sovereignty, and interventions that help people reclaim control over their attention.
**The structural layer:** a platform perspective on âbridging-basedâ social media and how ranking incentives can reward consensus over outrage.
The goal isnât to demonize tech, but to explore how UX can evolve to return real choice to users, and healthier incentives to the products we live in.
This talk will be in English.
**Speaker**
Sofiia Kaminska (Option Control) and Vardon Hamdiu (Sparkable)
**Agenda**
* 18:30 Doors open
* 19:00 Talk
* 20:00 Networking
Practice German
**[â ď¸>>Ticket needed (click here)<<](https://eventfrog.ch/en/p/miscellaneous/practice-german-7437510661259716784.html) or**
**[www.social-circle.ch](www.social-circle.ch)**
**Deutsch Speed Conversations & Games â in Partnership with [Hallo Deutsch Schule](https://hallodeutschschule.ch/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=887633649&gbraid=0AAAAADgIap3Ei0f6tHPwfMKIsym12KWLW&gclid=CjwKCAiA8vXIBhAtEiwAf3B-g9Ki9iwAShuA0wQ5A96YP-oEdJnsu9nl2rOjHVhChh3driKygxI9JxoCyF4QAvD_BwE) đŠđŞ**
Want to practice your German in a relaxed and fun way?
Join us for an evening full of conversations, laughter, and games â open to all levels from A1 to B1!
Together with **Hallo Deutsch Schule**, one of the cityâs most engaging language schools focused on interactive, practical learning, weâve prepared a social night where youâll meet new people and boost your German confidence.
đ˛ Join our WhatsApp chat to keep up with the event:
[https://chat.whatsapp.com/Fba97ffO0DwL91sVW2u7mv](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Fba97ffO0DwL91sVW2u7mv)
(if you run into trouble open it in WhatsApp Web on your desktop)
**Evening program:**
đ **Speed-friending Conversations:**
Rotate every few minutes and chat with different partners. Great for practicing spontaneous speaking in a low-pressure environment.
đ **Games**
Play games like "Tabu" for higher levels or "Quick buzz" or "Das Dings" both word guessing games for lower levels.
There will also be conversation cards.
Whether youâre just starting or already conversational, youâll leave feeling more confident â and with new friends.
Want more events like this? Join our WhatsApp community: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/Hmm9DZP3wzaL8cXrtAAafw](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Hmm9DZP3wzaL8cXrtAAafw)
âP.S. Pictures might be taken during the event, if you do not want it please let the organizer know. Tickets are **non-refundable.**
AWS User Group Venezia #13 - AWS GameDay
Carissimi, proseguiamo il nostro viaggio con la prima competizione **#AWS** a livello europeo !
Ci troviamo in **#presenza martedĂŹ 17 marzo alle ore 18:00**.
Saremo ospitati da[ Pixartprinting](https://www.pixartprinting.it/), a Quarto dâAltino *(sfrutta il canale [Telegram](https://awsugvenezia.github.io/) per organizzare gli spostamenti)*. E per chi non potesse raggiungerci, si terrĂ anche in **#streaming** su YouTube.
Parteciperemo insieme a tutti gli AWS User Group europei all'[AWS GameDay](https://www.awsgameday.eu/) !!!
đ Mandatorio, **entro lunedĂŹ 9 marzo**, è necessario
* **registrarsi** a questo evento, avendo cura di segnare nome, cognome ed email, necessari per la nostra sicurezza nellâazienda che ci ospita e per *essere iscritti ufficialmente alla competizione* !!!
* per chi sarà in **streaming**, è necessario collegarsi a *discord* (istruzioni arriveranno per email, ma potete anche chiedere in [telegram](https://awsugvenezia.github.io/)) ed aver comunicato il *proprio team da 2 a 4 persone*
âł Ufficialmente la **competizione** dura 2:15 ore: dalle 18:45 alle 21:00.
đĽ Non preoccuparti se non hai un **team**: li faremo appena arriviamo.
đ Non preoccuparti se non sai molto di AWS: saranno a disposizione dei **mentor**.
đ Agenda
* dalle 17:30 potete cominciare ad arrivare e prendere postoâ
* 18:00 - 18:30, connessione alla piattaforma đť e definizione team đĽ
* 18:30 - 18:45, **introduzione** al GameDay đŻ
* 18:45 - 21:00, **competizione** con snack offerti da Pixartprinting âźď¸
* 21:00, cerimonia di chiusura: saranno assegnati **premi** alle squadre migliori đ
đŻ 4 missioni
* AI agents
* Security incidents
* Event-driven serverless architectures
* Cloud Native
đĽ Poi ci sposteremo per \( đ¸ \| đş \) & \( đ \| đ \) e **#networking** !
Se volete partecipare attivamente, proponete[vi per] argomenti e/o location con il [Form Google](https://forms.gle/1JdE6YWPbo6phuLe8) o direttamente nel canale Telegram !
[ZĂźrich] Startup/Investor Open Coffee Meetup
Building a startup takes more than a good ideaâit takes the right network, insights, and support. Our **Open Coffee sessions** bring together founders, investors, mentors, and startup enthusiasts for meaningful conversations, shared experiences, and fresh perspectives.
Each session is informal and shaped by the needs of those attending. Youâll introduce yourself, share current challenges, and get feedback, contacts, and advice from a supportive community.
**Who joins:**
Startup founders, teams, investors, mentors, and career changers entering the startup world.
**How to prepare**
* Bring a notebookâplenty of wisdom is shared
* Prepare a short intro: who you are and the value you bring
* Think of 1â2 key challenges to discuss
**About the Organizer â [SIA: Startup Investor Accelerator](https://taac.startupinvestoraccelerator.com/)**
SIA is a dual-track program for startups and investors. Startups can receive âŹ100â200K in funding through our investment rounds. Investors learn by doingâdeveloping their angel investing skills in real deals.
**Next opportunities:**
Stay in the loop by visiting the SIA website and following SIA on [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/startup-investor-accelerator/).
* **[Startups](https://gust.com/organizations/transatlantic-angel-conference/public_profile)**[ Express your Interest here](https://gust.com/organizations/transatlantic-angel-conference/public_profile) \- You could be one of the next startups selected for our funding competition\.
* **[Investors](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfER36gKV9uLA4iR5MQ_Xev1S-dzUacLn-6mBpofa3Y4uCYgw/viewform)**[ Express your Interest here](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfER36gKV9uLA4iR5MQ_Xev1S-dzUacLn-6mBpofa3Y4uCYgw/viewform) \- Explore our hands\-on angel program to grow your investing skills and confidence\.
User Research Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
MongoDB User Group / MongoDB and AI
**AI + MongoDB in Practice â ZĂźrich Meetup Announcement**
The MongoDB User Group ZĂźrich is back with an exciting session you wonât want to miss!
This time, weâll explore how to use an AI framework to integrate MongoDB into modern software projects. Discover practical approaches, learn from real-world insights, and connect with fellow developers, data enthusiasts, and technology professionals.
**What to expect:**
⢠Insights into AI-driven development with MongoDB
⢠Practical integration concepts for your software projects
⢠Networking with the local tech community
⢠More updates on the concrete format of the meetup coming soon!
Code...
IBM TechXchange Switzerland - Analytics & AI Lounge 10.0
Greetings Analytics & AI Dreamers!
Get ready for another round of analytics inspiration at IBM TechXchange Switzerland - Analytics & AI Lounge 10.0! **AI** or **agents** or **Analytics** is your topic?
**Even not yet being skilled in these topics or being an IBM client: COME and JOIN our community for learning and exchanging! In this release we show the latest and greatest developments in Analytics & AI.**
Since our last release we have two innovations:
* Starting one our later to be inline with your existing work & travel plans
* Adding a pure AI topic to the agenda
Join us for another round of thrilling discussions, mind-blowing insights, and an opportunity to connect with other data lovers. We promise an engaging experience where analytics enthusiasts come together to explore the depths of:
* **Hot topic 1: Project Bob: AI-First Development for Faster, Higher-Quality Software**
* **Hot topic 2: Contextual Sensitive Data Intelligence - Unlock Your Enterprise Data**
**Lounge Logistics:**
* *Date:* March 19th, 2026
* *Time:* 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM (2x 45 minutes of analytics & AI excitement, followed by a delightful Apero)
* *Place:* IBM location, Vulkanstrasse 106, 8010 Zurich, 4th floor (registration & welcome 5:00 PM - 5:30 PM)
* *Format:* In-person
* ***MANDATORY***\* because of logistics: please **register** also on the IBM page to plan building entrance and the Apero\*: [here](https://www.ibm.com/events/reg/flow/ibm/FLO8EBMB/landing/page/landing)
Don't miss this opportunity to increase your analytics & AI skills, share insights, and connect with like-minded professionals. Secure your spot now for an evening filled with laughter, learning, and a renewed appreciation for making numbers fun!
For those unable to attend, no worries! Simply drop us an email, and we'll promptly provide you with a recording of the session.
Mark your calendars, reserve your spot, and get ready for another round of analytics awesomeness. Let's make IBM TechXchange Switzerland - Analytics Lounge 10.0 even more spectacular than the first nine!
Please use addit. this link [here ](https://www.ibm.com/events/reg/flow/ibm/FLO8EBMB/landing/page/landing)to register in parallel on the IBM-page.
See you there, ready to dream data once again!
Friends of Figma Zurich - UX/UI Design Meetup
\*\*If youâd like to join us, please note that spots are limited. Due to security requirements at the venue, **registration via the official Figma event page is required in advance**, and we **wonât be able to accommodate walk-ins**: [https://friends.figma.com/events/details/figma-zurich-presents-the-art-and-science-of-designing-at-35000-feet/](https://friends.figma.com/events/details/figma-zurich-presents-the-art-and-science-of-designing-at-35000-feet/) \*\*
**The art and science of designing at 35,000 feet âď¸**
What does it take to design an interface for a cockpit? For our next Friends of Figma Zurich meetup, weâre going behind the scenes with [Lufthansa Systems FlightNav](https://www.lhsystems.com/company/our-subsidiaries/lufthansa-systems-flightnav) to explore exactly that.
Weâre teaming up with [Kristjan Gomboc](https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristjangomboc/) (Head of Product Design) and [Pankaj Juvekar](https://www.linkedin.com/in/pankajjuvekar/) (Lead Product Designer) from the [Lido Pilots Apps division](https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/lido/) to unpack how aviation software gets designed, where safety, regulation and precision leave zero room for âgood enough.â
đ **Wednesday, 18 March 2026**
đ **18:00 â 21:00**
đ **Stelzenstrasse 6, 8152 Opfikon**
Whatâs on the radar?
đŤ The Full Flight Path
From messy early research and rough sketches to high-fidelity prototypes, how a safety-critical product actually comes to life.
đ§Š The Stack
How designers, engineers and aviation experts collaborate using Figma and Figma Make to stay aligned in complex systems.
đ Real Talk
Work-in-progress files. Honest lessons. The reality of designing for highly regulated environments.
To close the evening, weâll host a panel discussion with [Laura Fehre](https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-fehre/) from Figma, connecting the aviation case study with a broader perspective on AI, Figma Make and how tools evolve to support teams working on complex real-world systems.
Whether youâre into complex systems, curious about aviation UX or interested in the future of design tools, this oneâs for you.
See you above the clouds â¨
Workplace & Security Ninja User Group Switzerland 2603
Wir freuen uns, euch zum ersten Event im Jahr 2026 einzuladen. Durchfßhrung wie gehabt, in den Räumlichkeiten von Microsoft Schweiz im Circle.
An dieser Stelle ein grosses DankeschĂśn an unsere Sponsoren Microsoft, baseVISION und Epic Fusion, welche es uns ermĂśglichen den Event fĂźr euch kostenlos anzubieten.
**Sessions & Agenda**
* **Registration & Welcome -** Janic Verboon & Nicola Suter
* **Your Endpoints Have a Firmware Deadline - Are You Ready?** \- Ăkos Bakos
* **Modern Workplace Management Through a DevOps Lens** \- Steven Beeler
* **Automatic deployment of Azure Virtual Desktop -** Michele Blum, Flavio Meyer
* **From Chaos to Control: Streamline Azure Policy Management with EPAC** \- Pratheep Sinnathurai
* **Closing the Endpoint Gap with Lenovo Device Orchestration and ThinkShield Firmware Assurance** \- Lucas Magoni
* Raffle & Closing
Falls du eine Session machen mĂśchtest, gib diese gerne auf Sessionize ein: https://sessionize.com/wpninja-ug-ch/.
**Anmeldung**
* FĂźr die Anmeldung bitte mittels Meetup auf 'Teilnehmen' klicken. Die Anmeldung ist *kostenlos.*
* **Bitte stellt sicher, dass ihr im Meetup euren vollen Vor- und Nachnamen hinterlegt habt!** Die Angaben werden fĂźr die Microsoft Zutrittskontrolle benĂśtigt.
* Die Anmeldung wird eine Woche vor dem Event geschlossen.
**Unsere Motivation**
Nebst spannenden Sessions run um die Themen Endpoint Management, Identity und Security von nationalen und internationalen Speakern mÜchten wir bewusst eine Platform schaffen, um sich mit gleichgesinnten bei einer lockeren Atmosphäre auszutauschen.
Aber nun subito: **19\. März im Kalender blockieren** und fßr den Event **Anmelden**. Wir freuen uns auf dich!
**Socials**
* https://twitter.com/wpninjasch
* https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9585518/
n8n Community Meetup Switzerland by n8n
***
**n8n Community Switzerland â Meetup #2** đ
18\. März 2025 \| 18:00 Uhr đ OfficeLab\, Baslerstrasse
Unser zweites Meetup â und wieder direkt zu den relevanten Themen:
Was bewegt uns gerade im AI-Space? Welche LLMs performen aktuell am besten und warum? Wie geht es mit Claude weiter â und was bedeutet das fĂźr unsere Workflows? Was gibt es Neues bei n8n? Und wie bauen wir robuste Systeme â Error Handling, Monitoring-Dashboards und systematische Fehleranalyse in der Praxis.
Komm vorbei, tausch dich aus und lern Leute kennen, die AI und Automation genauso ernstnehmen wie du.
â Kaffee, Snacks & Location gesponsert von n8n.
***
**n8n Community Switzerland â Meetup #2** đ
March 18\, 2025 \| 6:00 PM đ OfficeLab\, Baslerstrasse
Our second meetup â straight to the point again:
Which LLMs are currently leading the pack and why? What's next for Claude and how does it affect our workflows? What's new in n8n? And how do we build resilient systems â error handling, monitoring dashboards and systematic debugging in practice.
Join us for an open, technical exchange with people who build with AI every day.
â Coffee, snacks & venue sponsored by n8n.
Mystery Matches - Blindfolded Speed Dating
**[â ď¸ >>Ticket needed (click here)<<](https://eventfrog.ch/en/p/dating/speed-dating/mystery-matches-blindfolded-speeddating-7432017294342007934.html) or**
**[www.social-circle.ch](https://social-circle.ch/)**[ ](https://social-circle.ch/)
⨠**Mystery Matches: Blindfolded Speed Dating in Zßrich**
**Beyond Looks â Find Real Connection**
Had enough of small talk and superficial dating?
Dive into an experience where true chemistry sparks *before* appearances come into play.
**The Vibe**
Imagine sitting across from someone you canât see.
No distractions. No snap judgments.
Just their words, their voice, and their energy.
Thatâs **Mystery Matches**âZĂźrichâs one-of-a-kind blindfolded speed dating event designed for deeper connection.
Join our WhatsApp chat to keep up with the event:
https://chat.whatsapp.com/FoJN0DzRQgF232huSHiGOi
(if you run into trouble open it in WhatsApp Web on your desktop)
**How It Works**
* Rotate through a series of short, blindfolded conversations.
* Exchange a card with your name so your partner remembers who they spoke with.
* With sight switched off, youâll naturally tune into personality, tone, and presence.
* After the rounds, blindfolds come off and the evening flows into a relaxed mingleâthis time with faces revealed. (Name tags included!)
* Stay for vynil music!
**Whatâs Included**
* A welcome drink
* A guided, well-paced format that keeps things fun and easy
* A welcoming, pressure-free atmosphere for playful connections
**Where & When**
* Venue: *Raedli bar*
* Time: *19:00 sharp â please arrive on time!*
ď¸ **Tickets**
* Early bird: **19.-**
Want more events like this? Join our WhatsApp community: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/Hmm9DZP3wzaL8cXrtAAafw](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Hmm9DZP3wzaL8cXrtAAafw)
âP.S. Pictures might be taken during the event, if you do not want it please let the organizer know. Tickets are **non-refundable.**
AI Apero Basel with Grafana Labs
**[External link to officially register](https://swiss-digital-network.ch/ai-apero-basel/)**
**Explore AI Capabilities with Grafana Cloud & AI-SQUARE**
After the great success of the AI ApĂŠro in Bern on January 21, we are excited to bring the format to Basel on March 19.
We are pleased to host the [Grafana Labs](https://grafana.com/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8U4EVw5HOtb9k5v6hWdblISYi1-O6tgtvXX3ywqXZGwi_1EwyHm5vqImI-Zwxyq4_spL2h) team for an evening dedicated to AI, observability, and hands-on insights in a relaxed ApĂŠro setting.
**Agenda highlights**
* [Grafana Labs:](https://grafana.com/) background and journey into AI & Machine Learning
* Practical use cases: how AI & ML can support and simplify daily operations
* Live demo: Grafana Assistant, the context-aware chatbot integrated into Grafana Cloud
* [AI-SQUARE](https://ai-square.ch/) update: latest developments of our AI-driven decision platform for software staging management
* Open discussion & networking ApĂŠro
We look forward to welcoming you in Basel!
The Swiss Digital Network team
***[Agenda and registration](https://swiss-digital-network.ch/ai-apero-basel/)***
User Research Events Near You
Connect with your local User Research community
ServiceNow's Got Talent
Builders, creators, architects, admins, consultants - come one, come all. This one's for you.
We're bringing a little friendly competition to the Columbus ServiceNow community while highlighting the cool things people have built on the platform.
Five presenters will take the stage to showcase something they've built, solved, designed, or imagined on the ServiceNow platform - and a panel of judges (plus YOU, our amazing audience) will score them live.
So basically, America's Got Talent but make it ServiceNow's Got Talent.
Bring a notepad if you'd like 'cause you'll definitely be learning something new.
Each presenter gets 10 minutes max to wow the crowd with:
⢠A demo
⢠A real-world business solution
⢠A bold idea
⢠A UX transformation
⢠Or a creative use of the platform
Judging Criteria:
đ Business Value
đ Innovation
⨠User Experience
This event is about celebrating ideas, sharing knowledge, and showing how ServiceNow can drive both business impact and meaningful user value.
Come learn. Come support. Come get inspired.
Refreshments and bites will be provided.
And maybe next time⌠youâll be on stage.
Columbus HUG March
Want to be a speaker? submit your talk to our Call for Presenters!!!
https://sessionize.com/cbus-hug-2026/
From Idea to Working App in Minutes: The Agentic Development with Amazon Kiro
Discover Kiro, AWSâs innovative development environment that adapts to your workflow. Whether you prefer specification-driven development or a more intuitive, vibe-based approach, Kiro empowers you to build applications your way.
In this session, speakers will explore Kiroâs core functionality and its evolution through re:Invent 2025, along with demonstrations of prompts used to create APIs, hooks, and steering documents.
In the latter part of the session, watch as we build a complete example from scratch, showcasing Kiroâs agentic AI workflow in action for spec-driven development and vibe coding.
What You'll Learn - Core Kiro concepts and development philosophy
Feature evolution: pre and post re:Invent 2025
Practical examples: API creation, hooks, and steering docs
Live coding demonstration with real-time problem solving
Who Should Attend - Developers, solutions architects, and technical leaders interested in modern AWS development tools and AI-assisted coding workflows.
**Speakers Bio:**
Matthew Jorat: Matthew Jorat is a Customer Solutions Manager at AWS with nearly three decades of expertise in AI, cloud transformation, migration, modernization, IT, technology, and business. His career spans infrastructure engineer, solutions architect, security auditor, customer success director, support and services director, and operations officer. He was an early adopter of AWS services as a customer, and his current role at AWS uniquely blends his technical and business skills as he partners with executive teams to translate strategic priorities into measurable business outcomes through cloud adoption, AI implementation, and operational excellence. Matt leads end-to-end AI initiatives for enterprise customers, identifying high-impact use cases and maintaining relentless focus on measurable ROI. He holds eight AWS certifications and serves as Adjunct Professor at Franklin University teaching cloud computing and AWS architecture. His expertise encompasses GenAI, agentic AI systems, migration, modernization, and optimization strategies that drive transformation at scale.
[https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattjorat/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattjorat/)
Girish Bhatia: Girish Bhatia is a seasoned technology delivery leader with deep expertise in cross-domain program management. He holds multiple AWS certifications, including AWS Certified Solutions Architect â Associate, AWS Certified Developer â Associate, and AWS Generative AI Practitioner, and is also an AWS Community Builder. Girish brings over two decades of experience in the information technology industry.
Throughout his career, Girish has led major technology-driven business transformation from modernizing on-premises applications to driving large-scale cloud migrations. His work includes API-based integration platforms, data-center and mainframe modernization, and enterprise cloud adoption initiatives.
Based in Columbus, Ohio, Girish works at a tech-forward fintech company. He is passionate about AWS serverless architectures, Generative AI and emerging cloud technologies. An avid learner and builder, he continues to explore and apply the latest innovations in AWS to help organizations accelerate their digital transformation.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/girishbhatia/[https://www.linkedin.com/in/girishbhatia/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/girishbhatia/)
**THANK YOU** *Franklin University* for hosting our meetup! To learn more about *Franklin University*, please visit their website: https://www.franklin.edu/
**DIRECTIONS**
Franklin University
Fisher Hall
300 E. Main St, Columbus, OH 43215
Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jxjBA2hUmS5qrvhq8
Parking is FREE! Please park in Lot C in front of Fisher Hall. See attached map.
NOTE: Map the address only. When mapping with Google Maps it may use the Fisher Hall at OSU, which is NOT correct.
**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
NFT AI ART Columbus
NFT's are here to stay folks!
This is a group for like minded people interested in understanding, leveraging, using, creating for, profiting from, trading too i suppose, NFT's.. everything around them, complexity, fear and exploits, best practices and more.
**PLUS**
This group will talk AI ART tools, techniques, artists, video, audio, prototypes and more in the AI assisted production space- ART specifically, but we can get into any aspect of some of the cooler things happening in AI in general.
Rays Of Light Spiritualist Church Service
Rev. Steven Clevenger is an ordained spiritualist minister with over 40 years experience as a Spiritual Healer, Clairvoyant and Spiritual Teacher, educated and trained at the White Lily Chapel.
Rev. Siobhan Wolf Shaffer is an ordained spiritualist minister and certified medium and healer with over 20 years experience. She began her development in 1988 in Pennsylvania and continued when she moved to Ohio in 1998 where she studied at Rays of Lights Church with Rev. Steven Clevenger.
Our full worship services consist of an inspirational lecture, healing meditation, and messages from the spirit world that serve to demonstrate evidence of eternal life.
Please visit our Official Church Website (http://raysoflightchurch.com) for more information.
From Web Forms to Web Components - Burton Smith
**Important time note:** Please plan on arriving between 5:30 and 6:00 as the elevators lock after 6 and you'll need to message us and we'll need to come get you.
The building address is 4450 Bridge Park
The entrance is 6620 Mooney St, Suite 400
**Abstract**
Web Forms gave .NET developers a powerful abstraction for building reusable UI controls long before design systems were a thing. Web Components finally bring that same idea to the browser natively.
This session explores how the Web Forms mindset translates into Custom Elements, Shadow DOM, and HTML templates. Weâll examine how Web Components enable design systems that work across frameworks, how they differ from serverâdriven controls, and why theyâre becoming a foundational layer for modern UI. Whether youâre maintaining legacy apps or building greenfield projects, youâll leave with a practical understanding of how to apply familiar patterns in a modern, standardsâbased way.
**YouTube Link**
TBA
Walk & Talk About Life's Big Questions
[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 â 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 â 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. đ¤ đ
**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).
















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