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Art of Expression: Simple Lines, Deep Thoughts 🎨✨ Ever feel like you have a million thoughts and complex emotions, but no words to match? Grab a pen and join us for a relaxed afternoon where bad drawings are not just welcome—they’re encouraged. Sometimes a simple way of expressing emotions can lead to meaningful connections—that’s the art of expression. In this creative and fun session, you’ll draw something that represents your feelings, journey, or current state of mind—and share the story behind it with others. No artistic skills needed. In fact, if you’re not an artist, that’s even better. This is a free event—you don’t need to bring any art supplies Come with an open heart, make new connections, and enjoy good coffee and delicious cakes ☕🍰

Tervetuloa mukaan Microsoft Security User Groupin (MSUGFI) tapahtumaan! Tapahtuma järjestetään Zuren tiloissa Helsingin ydinkeskustassa (rautatientorin asemaa vastapäätä). Tule mukaan osallistumaan, kuulemaan, oppimaan ja verkostoitumaan rentoon iltaan. Tapahtuma on tarkoitettu kaikille Microsoft-tietoturvasta kiinnostuneille. **\*HUOM\* Tarvitsemme jokaisen osallistujan etu- ja sukunimen tiloihin sisäänpääsyä varten. Täytäthän ilmoittautumislomakkeeseen koko nimesi varmistaaksesi sisäänpääsyn!** **Ohjelma:** * 16:30: Ilmoittautuminen ja vapaata minglausta * 17:00: Tervetulosanat (MSUG aktiivit) * 17:10: Tervetulosanat (Zure) * 17:20: Asiantuntijapuheenvuoro: Jurassic truths about APIM and AppGW (Joona Immonen, Zure) * 18:00: Tauko * 18:30: Asiantuntijapuheenvuoro: Kun puolustus ajattelee graafeina – miksi ja kuka hyötyy? (Jarkko Kinnunen, Microsoft) * 19:15: Loppusanat, vapaata minglausta * \~19:30: Tilaisuus päättyy

Full Circle is a community of practice where mental health and wellbeing professionals come together to learn, share, and grow. ​If you’re a mental health or wellbeing practitioner who thrives on shared wisdom and community, Full Circle offers a space where you can connect, grow, and bring fresh insights back into your client work. ​**Full Circle is for professionals who work with clients in mental health or wellbeing** (e.g. psychotherapists, counsellors, art therapists, coaches, and others integrating mind–body approaches) . ​A community of practice is a space where we come together as professionals to share our experiences, challenges, and insights, not to be taught, but to learn from each other. Full Circle is about connection, not workshops. It’s a circle of peers, not a classroom. ​**By registering for this event, you agree to stand by our shared principles:** * ​Confidentiality: What is shared in the circle stays in the circle. * ​Presence: We give our full attention to each other, listening deeply. * ​Respect: Every voice matters; we value different perspectives and approaches. * ​Curiosity: We come to explore, not to give definitive answers. * ​Contribution: Everyone is encouraged to share practices, cases, and reflections. * ​Commitment: We show up consistently, knowing the community grows through regular participation. ​**How our gatherings work**: ​We gather **once a month** in person, and every time we move through the same process: * ​*Check-in*: We begin by going around the circle, with each person sharing what’s present for them in the moment. * ​*Shared practice*: One member of the community leads the group through a method, exercise, or embodied practice from their own field. Everyone experiences it first-hand. * ​*Integration dialogue*: Together, we explore what the practice brought up and how it might be woven into our client work. * ​*Check-out*: Each person shares one insight they will carry with them.

Learning Finnish in Finland can be difficult because Finns tend to switch to English. That is one of the reasons people like our Finnish language café: you get to practice Finnish with Finns :) The events are completely free and there is always a native speaker to facilitate the conversation and to help find the right words. The coffee is good too ☕😋🇦🇹 Tervetuloa! When? ⏰ Usually Tuesday to Friday from 15:00 - 16:00 Where? 📍 In a cozy Viennese coffee house: The Good Coffee Company, Eerikinkatu 33, Helsinki The Good Coffee Company A Taste of Vienna 🇦🇹 Eerikinkatu 33, 00180 Helsinki Please visit our Facebook page for updates and changes: https://www.facebook.com/TheGoodCoffeeCompany/events

Here’s an opportunity to learn Swedish over a good cup of coffee or tea ☕😋🇦🇹 for free! The events are free and there is always a native speaker to facilitate the conversation and to help find the right words. In addition, we offer free (yes, free) coffee, tea, and biscuits to participants! På svenska, men på olika sätt Att prata med folk på café kan vara både nöje och utmaning. Hos oss serverar vi kaffe med mycket glädje och inspiration. Tillsammans lyssnar, pratar, läser, berättar eller skriver vi nyfiket och glatt oavsett om du har den finlandssvenska kulturen redan i blodet eller vill bekanta dig med den. Vi erbjuder deltagarna gratis kaffe eller te med lite tilltugg. When? ⏰ Usually Thursdays at 16:00 Where? 📍 In a cozy Viennese café: The Good Coffee Company, Eerikinkatu 33, Helsinki Välkommen! **The Good Coffee Company** **A Taste of Vienna 🇦🇹** Eerikinkatu 33, 00180 Helsinki Please visit our Facebook Page for updates and changes: **[https://www.facebook.com/TheGoodCoffeeCompany/events](https://www.facebook.com/TheGoodCoffeeCompany/events)**

Can you reshape your reality with just a marker in your hand? [Tallipääty, MIITTI office,](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-loom-of-belonging-a-journey-through-motif-thread-tickets-1987816169674?aff=oddtdtcreator#location) [Lapinlahden Lähde Helsinki, Uusimaa](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-loom-of-belonging-a-journey-through-motif-thread-tickets-1987816169674?aff=oddtdtcreator#location) Thursday, May 21 • 6 PM - 8 PM **IMPORTANT:** This event is in collaboration with Mieli Without Borders, and spots are limited, please make sure to reserve yours through: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/neurotree-drawing-your-path-to-growth-potential-tickets-1988554509067?aff=oddtdtcreator ### **Workshop overview** Drawing Your Path to Growth & Potential. Can you reshape your reality with just a marker in your hand? Welcome to NeuroTree, an immersive workshop grounded in the intersection of psychology, neuroscience, and creative research. Using the Neurographic method, we move beyond traditional art to engage in a unique dialogue with the subconscious mind. The "NeuroTree" is one of the most powerful algorithms in this practice. It is a visual metaphor for your life, allowing you to use your past experiences as the "roots" that fuel your future achievements and "branches" of potential. Neurographics is a meditative drawing process that uses specialized lines and shapes to help "rewire" your emotional response to challenges Join us! ### **The Journey** * Identify Your Roots: Transform your previous experiences and lessons into a solid foundation for growth. * Cultivate Your Potential: Use the NeuroTree algorithm to visualise and manifest new goals, habits, and achievements. * Harmonise Your Mind: Learn the "rounding" technique to smooth out internal conflicts and create a sense of psychological flow. * Shape Your Reality: Discover how intentional drawing can shift your perspective and unlock new pathways in your life. ### **Who Is This For?** This workshop is open to everyone. **No art skills or previous drawing experience are required.** If you are looking for a creative, science-backed way to manage overthinking, boost your confidence, or simply explore your potential, you are in the right place. This workshop is in English, therefore communicating and understanding English is necessary for participation. ### **Location** The location is called **Lapinlahden Lähde** and is situated within the historic Lapinlahti hospital area near Hietaniemi. You can find us at **Lapinlahdenpolku 8**, specifically in the **Tallipääty** (Stable Wing) section of the building. The space is easily accessible by walking or cycling through the park, and once you arrive at the Mitti office entrance, there are clear paths leading to our designated area. Please not that this space is not wheel chair accessible. ### **Additional info** All of our activities are organized with safer space principles. Please check out our safer space guidelines [here](https://canva.link/4lidof6w1832syy "https://canva.link/4lidof6w1832syy"). ### **About the organizers** MIELI Without Borders is grassroots, migrant-led organization that is dedicated to promoting and supporting migrant mental health in Finland. Check us out --> [mieliwithoutborders.fi](https://mieliwithoutborders.fi/ "https://mieliwithoutborders.fi/") MIITTI organizes groups, workshops, courses, and events to support mental health and well-being. Our community loves music, dance, food, conversations, languages, stories, art, movement, culture, and different opinions. We work for equality, diversity, and human commonness, and believe that connection is a key for overcoming prejudice. Check out MIITTI --> [https://lapinlahdenlahde.fi/en/projekti/miitti/](https://lapinlahdenlahde.fi/en/projekti/miitti/ "https://lapinlahdenlahde.fi/en/projekti/miitti/"), [https://www.meetup.com/miitti1/](https://www.meetup.com/miitti1/ "https://www.meetup.com/miitti1/") ### **About Irina** Irina Guseva is a creator of grounding sauna rituals and body-based experiences that gently bring people back to themselves. She holds relaxing and restorative spaces where people can reconnect with their bodies, with nature, relax deeply, find balance, and feel more alive.

Pay the **5 € board gaming fee** to the bar at the counter when you arrive. You must be at least 18 years old to enter [Arkade](https://www.arkade.fi/). We play in English and the game rules are taught before starting play, unless everyone is already familiar with the game. No previous experience with board gaming required. Despite our RSVP numbers here on Meetup, we almost always have at least 20 people participating weekly. The venue has a great board game library, the host and other players usually bring their own games too: our selection varies weekly. We're a very casual group so you're welcome to arrive early or late and join whatever game is starting up, there is no attendance tracking, or welcoming process. The bar has alcoholic drinks, mocktails, and soft drinks available as well as some snack foods. They've been okay with people ordering food to the bar with meal delivery services. If you are feeling sick, please stay home.

Welcome to explore your voice and group singing through vocal exercices and the learning of one polyphonic song from the occitan folk and traditional répertoire! WHAT IS ALL THIS ABOUT? ⛰ These songs are community-building based, and I intend to share them with you in this spirit 🌬 The idea is to get together, learn and sing this united, and look for the sound as a group We would also work on musical aspects, to enjoy more the beauty of this style! PRACTICALITIES 🤗 No previous experience requiered, welcome if you are curious! 💸 "Pay what you can" fee (between 5 to 15€ recomended) / person / workshop SEND ME A MESSAGE to be added to the whatsapp channel of the participants! +33698945357

Hello sporty population! Join us for badminton and meet people from around the world! Everyone is welcome, whether you’re a beginner or already experienced. **IMPORTANT**: Spots are limited, so please reserve yours in advance. Only registered participants can join to ensure fair access for everyone. If you mark “going” but do not attend, or fail to cancel at least 1 day before(By 9pm Saturday), you may be suspended from the next two sessions. 📍 Location: Talihalli Huopalahti ⏰ Time: 11:00–12:30 🏸 Courts: 9, 10, and 11 You can meet us at the entrance a little before 11:00 or come directly to the courts (**please do not enter before our booking starts**). Who can join? • Open to everyone, regardless of background or gender • No badminton skills needed – beginners are welcome • **Age limit: 16+** Event is free, but please bring your rackets and indoor shoes, or you can borrow a racket from the hall for free if needed. We are committed to making our events and activities accessible to those who need them most. Therefore, **individuals with a refugee background are welcome to attend free of charge without prior registration.** If you plan to join, simply send a message to Alaa to let us know you’re coming. This approach is intentional. Many refugees and newcomers face practical, cultural, and psychological barriers that can make formal registration difficult or discouraging. By removing this requirement, we aim to create a more inclusive, low-threshold environment where participation feels safe, simple, and welcoming. Our events are designed to support the mental health and well-being of refugees and immigrants, while also encouraging dialogue that challenges cross-cultural stigmas and stereotypes. We believe open access is an important step in building trust, increasing participation, and creating meaningful connections across communities. After badminton, we'll enjoy Talihalli's sauna and maybe go to a local restaurant to grab some lunch after the game. Warm welcome! 📞 Questions / Contact: Alaa – 040 5656096 Arun - 050 3206169 If you want to be part of the MIITTI community, follow us on our other platforms: WhatsApp: Join our Whatsapp community network to join your favourite group and stay connected with the other members! When you participate in one of our groups or events, just ask the group facilitator to add you to the community! [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/miitti1) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/miitti1) [Website](https://lapinlahdenlahde.fi/en/projekti/miitti)

### Create a self-portrait with psychological archetypes to build a more confident self. [Tallipääty, MIITTI office,](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-loom-of-belonging-a-journey-through-motif-thread-tickets-1987816169674?aff=oddtdtcreator#location) [Lapinlahden Lähde Helsinki, Uusimaa](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-loom-of-belonging-a-journey-through-motif-thread-tickets-1987816169674?aff=oddtdtcreator#location) Saturday, May 23 • 10 AM - 12 PM **IMPORTANT:** This event is in collaboration with Mieli Without Borders, and spots are limited, please make sure to reserve yours through: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/feminine-archetypes-collage-workshop-tickets-1988548670604?aff=oddtdtcreator ### **Workshop overview ( This workshop is intended for women only)** The Integrated Self: A Vision Board Workshop for Strength & Shadow Move beyond self-criticism and visualise your whole, authentic self. Do you find yourself overthinking your worth or feeling like you have to hide certain parts of your personality to be accepted? The Integrated Self is a beginner-friendly vision board and collage workshop designed for anyone ready to rebuild their self-image with kindness, clarity, and depth. Unlike traditional vision boards that only focus on external goals, this session focuses on internal integration. Using psychological archetypes, we will create a visual portrait that honours both your radiant strengths and your "shadow" traits, helping you move from insecurity toward a grounded, unified sense of self. Join us! ### **The Creative Journey** * Archetype Discovery: Identify the universal "inner characters" shaping your life, from the resilient Protector and the Wise Guide to the curious Explorer. * Mindful Planning: Use guided prompts to move past the "inner critic" and visualise a version of yourself that feels real and empowered. * Vision Boarding: Using a curated selection of images, textures, and symbols, you will assemble a visual map of your inner landscape. * Empowered Integration: Learn to see your "shadow" traits not as flaws, but as untapped sources of energy and self-knowledge. ### **Who Is This For?** * This workshop is a sanctuary for **any woman** looking to deepen their emotional awareness through a calm, supportive, and creative outlet. * Struggles with persistent overthinking or self-doubt. * Wants to boost their inner confidence through a tactile, creative process. * Is looking for a "Vision Board" experience with more psychological and reflective depth. * Desires a supportive, non-judgmental environment to explore their identity. * This workshop is in English, therefore communicating and understanding English is necessary for participation. ### **Location** The location is called **Lapinlahden Lähde** and is situated within the historic Lapinlahti hospital area near Hietaniemi. You can find us at **Lapinlahdenpolku 8**, specifically in the **Tallipääty** (Stable Wing) section of the building. The space is easily accessible by walking or cycling through the park, and once you arrive at the Mitti office entrance, there are clear paths leading to our designated area. Please note that this space is not wheelchair accessible. ### **Additional info** All of our activities are organized with safer space principles. Please check out our safer space guidelines [here](https://canva.link/4lidof6w1832syy "https://canva.link/4lidof6w1832syy"). ### **About the organizers** MIELI Without Borders is a grassroots, migrant-led organisation that is dedicated to promoting and supporting migrant mental health in Finland. Check us out --> [mieliwithoutborders.fi](https://mieliwithoutborders.fi/ "https://mieliwithoutborders.fi/") MIITTI organises groups, workshops, courses, and events to support mental health and well-being. Our community loves music, dance, food, conversations, languages, stories, art, movement, culture, and different opinions. We work for equality, diversity, and human commonness, and believe that connection is a key to overcoming prejudice. Check out MIITTI --> [https://lapinlahdenlahde.fi/en/projekti/miitti/](https://lapinlahdenlahde.fi/en/projekti/miitti/ "https://lapinlahdenlahde.fi/en/projekti/miitti/"), [https://www.meetup.com/miitti1/](https://www.meetup.com/miitti1/ "https://www.meetup.com/miitti1/") ### **About Kelly** Kelly Katajisto is the Founder of Exploring the Passion, an emotional intelligence mentor, facilitator, and keynote speaker based in Finland. Passionate about self-development, she is currently completing her MSc in Neuroscience and Psychology of Mental Health at the University of Warwick, UK.

Join us on **Fridays, 18:00 - 19:30** at **Lapinlahden Lähde** for a free session where we’ll explore the topic of the week. **After 19:30**, you're welcome to hang out with us. Depending on what the group decides, we sometimes: \- stay in\, enjoy tea and cookies and play board games \- go out for dinner or order food\, feel free to bring your meal \- Just engage in conversations ✅ Your **RSVP counts as your registration**, we expect you to **honour it**. 🤝 All conversations are confidential. What’s shared, stays in the group. 🌿 Small group, big heart: Everyone gets a chance to share. 🧘‍♀️ Come comfy, come curious. 💧 Bring water. Skip heavy meals & caffeine. 📍 **Tallipääty, Lapinlahdenpolku 8, Helsinki** (Through the gate, first door on the left!) **Kind reminder:** Last-minute cancellations or no-shows mean others miss out. To keep it fair, repeated cases may result in losing the spot in future sessions. If you want to be part of the MIITTI community, follow us on our other platforms: IG: [instagram.com/miitti1](http://instagram.com/miitti1) Facebook: [facebook.com/miitti1](http://facebook.com/miitti1) Web: [lapinlahdenlahde.fi/projekti/miitti](http://lapinlahdenlahde.fi/projekti/miitti) Whatsapp: Join our Whatsapp community network to join your favourite group and stay connected with the other members! When you participate in one of our groups or events, just ask the group facilitator to add you to the community!

Welcome to join our Ren Xue Yuan Gong practice with Ren Xue Finland at Lapinlahden Lähde! The practice is simple but yet practical and powerful. It is easy to learn and will help you: -gain energy, feel less tired and stressed -more mental clarity, easier to concentrate -boost your immune system Time: Sundays 15:30 - 17:00 WHERE: Tallipääty, MIITTI office Lapinlahden Lähde Lapinlahdenpolku 8 00180 Helsinki NOTE: occasionally, the lesson will be held in Wanha labra (through Kahvila Lähde, above the stairs of the auditorium) About REN XUE Ren Xue is a comprehensive system for uplifting human life. It includes a unique form of Qigong (Yuan Qigong); three foundational theories (Theory of Qi, Theory of Consciousness, Theory of Totality) and a large body of teachings. It was created by world-renowned teacher and healer Yuan Tze who continues to offer online and in-person events worldwide. Ren Xue combines ancient Chinese wisdom traditions with modern insights into health and well-being. The goal of Ren Xue is to help individuals improve their physical, emotional, and mental health through a holistic approach that emphasizes the connection between the mind, body, and spirit. REN XUE FINLAND Ren Xue Finland (RXF) is the Finnish branch of the global movement, an organization dedicated to the promotion and teaching of Ren Xue and its associated practices, including Yuan Gong and Yuan Ming Medicine. It provides easy entry into the Ren Xue system through local in-person sessions, online courses and workshops/retreats. Other learning methods can be found here: Ren Xue TV, a YouTube channel and Learn Ren Xue website. More about Ren Xue: [https://www.renxueinternational.org](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.renxueinternational.org%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR06uJQRSC7BE3zhPePQ7X_KO7WXa60cr7NK25KdOqfbSIHpYqBLO3dYgVM_aem_alDR7a6KhbNhG3u9NhCUVA&h=AT18asmYaRkvHCJemaC7rr9GVu579uflDCg7T6mLNodWdtMVhuxwFhIyz0p5ONeJbm3WQ3ZGIwONIa0_pDvih4t9BCCJUBkjhK4BdIMEl4aQ_qPzR5ykW-aiOndhYDPeAW9_2_eWZaMsv889HKbp8_c&__tn__=q&c%5B0%5D=AT35KTjVjr2kCnYHrXXjXPxEGFK-RFbZnFVdDmWrTe5WwbSZZ5ulNxFEjPPhejS8Pf4xetwkU1hhM1P2K_ABugpnXL6w-CKE25ARXwtLSexv-4fPJ4s2_Kcqgj3g2XWjCVkPPgcjwrPoNWOvdKa2f1VqyVa-2kcTojodTS3wn9zrnRjZLcG7)/

Warm welcome to MIITTI's Wellbeing for Women! Join us weekly for different activities that support your mental and physical wellbeing, while giving you opportunity to connect with others. **IMPORTANT**: Spots are limited, so please make sure to reserve yours! Wellbeing for women means honouring your body, mind, and emotions with compassion and care. These wellbeing sessions will nurture and support your relationships, and make space for rest and growth, because true wellbeing empowers you to live confidently, authentically and in balance with your own needs. WHEN & WHERE: Fridays at 10-12 Tallipääty, MIITTI office Lapinlahden Lähde Lapinlahdenpolku 8 00180 Helsinki Warm welcome! If you want to be part of the MIITTI community, follow us on our other platforms: WhatsApp: Join our Whatsapp community network to join your favourite group and stay connected with the other members! When you participate in one of our groups or events, just ask the group facilitator to add you to the community! [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/miitti1) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/miitti1) [Website](https://lapinlahdenlahde.fi/en/projekti/miitti)

Turn thoughts into "inner spaces" through meditation, writing, and mixed media art, we’re building maps of our own inner worlds! [Tallipääty, MIITTI office,](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-loom-of-belonging-a-journey-through-motif-thread-tickets-1987816169674?aff=oddtdtcreator#location) [Lapinlahden Lähde Helsinki, Uusimaa](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-loom-of-belonging-a-journey-through-motif-thread-tickets-1987816169674?aff=oddtdtcreator#location) Saturday, May 23 • 2 PM - 4 PM **IMPORTANT:** This event is in collaboration with Mieli Without Borders, and spots are limited, please make sure to reserve yours through: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mapping-the-mind-light-space-self-tickets-1987892796868?aff=oddtdtcreator ### **Workshop overview** What does your inner world look like? If your thoughts were a room, would they have high ceilings and open windows, or a winding staircase leading to a hidden door? Mapping the Mind is a reflective, guided art workshop that invites you to visualise your internal landscape through the lens of "inner architecture." In this session, we go beyond traditional portraiture or landscapes to explore the spaces we inhabit within ourselves. Using light, shadow, and structure, you will create a visual map of your current emotional state and personal journey. Join us! ### **The Journey** * We blend mindfulness with mixed-media artistry to help you build your "inner architecture" * Begin with a gentle meditation to ground your awareness and settle into the space. * Use guided writing prompts to translate abstract feelings into physical metaphors (doors, windows, maps, or staircases). * Bring your vision to life through a rich variety of mixed media, including drawing, painting, and collage. ### **Who Is This For?** This workshop is a sanctuary for anyone looking to deepen their emotional awareness through a calm, supportive, and creative outlet. No "Art Skills" Required: This is about self-expression, not technical perfection. Wellbeing Focused: Perfect for those looking for a meditative, low-pressure way to process thoughts and emotions. Curious Minds: For anyone interested in the intersection of psychology, spatial design, and art. This workshop is in English, therefore communicating and understanding English is necessary for participation. ### **Location** The location is called **Lapinlahden Lähde** and is situated within the historic Lapinlahti hospital area near Hietaniemi. You can find us at **Lapinlahdenpolku 8**, specifically in the **Tallipääty** (Stable Wing) section of the building. The space is easily accessible by walking or cycling through the park, and once you arrive at the Mitti office entrance, there are clear paths leading to our designated area. Please note that this space is not wheelchair accessible. ### **Additional info** All of our activities are organized with safer space principles. Please check out our safer space guidelines [here](https://canva.link/4lidof6w1832syy "https://canva.link/4lidof6w1832syy"). ### **About the organizers** MIELI Without Borders is a grassroots, migrant-led organisation that is dedicated to promoting and supporting migrant mental health in Finland. Check us out --> [mieliwithoutborders.fi](https://mieliwithoutborders.fi/ "https://mieliwithoutborders.fi/") MIITTI organises groups, workshops, courses, and events to support mental health and well-being. Our community loves music, dance, food, conversations, languages, stories, art, movement, culture, and different opinions. We work for equality, diversity, and human commonness, and believe that connection is a key to overcoming prejudice. Check out MIITTI --> [https://lapinlahdenlahde.fi/en/projekti/miitti/](https://lapinlahdenlahde.fi/en/projekti/miitti/ "https://lapinlahdenlahde.fi/en/projekti/miitti/"), [https://www.meetup.com/miitti1/](https://www.meetup.com/miitti1/ "https://www.meetup.com/miitti1/")

Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) has been on the mind of many developers since most of the search engines implemented AIs. The landscape of the internet is shifting beneath our feet. In 2026, users are increasingly bypassing traditional search results in favor of direct, conversational answers from platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity. If your WordPress site is optimized only for "blue links," you’re missing out on a massive wave of traffic. This meetup will dive into Answer Engine Optimization (AEO), the strategic evolution of SEO. We’ll discuss why visibility in AI-generated summaries is becoming the new "Page 1" and how the "organic click" is being replaced by "brand citations" within AI responses. We can check on what solutions already exist, what can you do yourself by optimizing your Robot.txt. But, also does all this work worth it? I hope to see everyone for the discussion on June 3rd! P.S. We will not meet on May 6th. My friends having a wedding and i am surprisingly much more involved in it. But it gives us all more time to play with AEO!

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

**PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT NOTES:** 1. The dates for this series are simply placeholders at the moment. We are working on our 2026 schedule, and adjustments are forthcoming. 2. Each class in this series has an attendance fee. 3. Each class from BOTH a sign-up and fee perspective is a separate entity. **Introduction:** Our Page Building with Bricks web development class provides detailed instruction for using Bricks Builder, a visual site builder for WordPress, to create and manage websites. Widely considered by many of the world's leading web developers to be the most complete page builder on the market today, Bricks Builder offers a wide range of features and comprehensive tools. Our Bricks Builder web development class provides detailed instructions on utilizing the toolset. The series of courses covers the core features of Bricks Builder, enabling users to design and develop responsive, visually appealing websites. Moreover, the courses are oriented to reinforce a focus on professional, scalable web development. Throughout the series, we focus our page-building instruction on the semantic and structural integrity of the pages in a responsive world. By the end of the 10-class series, participants will have a fundamental understanding of proper web page and website development. **The breakdown of the 10-class series is as follows:** * Class 01 - Survey of Page Builders / What Bricksbuilder Does For You * Class 02 - Boxes, Boxes, Boxes / Sections / Containers * Class 03 - Static Units / Relative Units / Responsive Development And Math Functions * Class 04 - CSS Variables And DRY Development / Classes And Global Styling * Class 05 - CSS Grid And CSS Flexbox * Class 06 - Responsive Development / Breakpoints And Media Queries * Class 07 - Effective Use Of Color / Effective Use Of Images * Class 08 - Beginning To Think Dynamically / Using Templates And Components * Class 09 - Dynamic Styling / Data Attributes And Attribute Selectors * Class 10 - Pseudo Elements / Programmatically Styling With Pseudo Classes Throughout the class sessions listed above, we cover the following key areas of web development with Bricks Builder: * **Introduction to Bricks Builder Interface:** * Familiarization with the builder's layout, including the toolbar, panel, and canvas, and understanding how to navigate and interact with its various components. * **Visual Site Building:** * Techniques for creating layouts using Bricks' drag-and-drop interface, incorporating sections, rows, columns, and elements to build page structures. * **Styling and Design:** * Utilizing Bricks' styling options to customize elements, apply global CSS classes for consistent design, and leverage features like Flexbox and CSS Grid for responsive layouts. * **Dynamic Content and Custom Fields:** * Integrating dynamic content from custom post types and custom field plugins (like ACF, Meta Box) to build data-driven websites. * **Template Building:** * Creating and managing reusable templates for headers, footers, post type layouts, and other site-wide elements. * **Performance Optimization:** * Understanding how Bricks Builder contributes to fast-loading websites and implementing performance best practices. * **Advanced Features:** * Depending on the class level, it might delve into advanced topics such as conditional logic, interactions, and custom code integration to enable more complex functionality. The series aims to equip participants with the skills to efficiently build, customize, and maintain WordPress websites using Bricks Builder, catering to both beginners and experienced web developers.

**Welcome to Drunken Philosophy** a casual, curious social discussion **Optional topic for this meetup: What's up with all the AI hate?** A recent survey found that 74% of Americans have a negative view of AI, and I want to know why. Come out and debate whether AI is good or bad. My hot take: a labor-saving tool that could potentially help cure cancer gets called dangerous because it might raise unemployment or cause a speculative investment bubble, that tells you a lot more about capitalism and the economic system we live under than it does about the tool itself. As a computer programmer, I think AI is a wonderful tool that has increased my productivity by at least an order of magnitude. I'd go so far as to say Claude Code is the best tool I have ever used. Debate me and name a better one. Is AI potentially dangerous? Yes, but so are a lot of tools. Chainsaws. Steam engines (early ones would occasionally explode and kill everyone in the room). Do you think cavemen sat around debating whether fire could be used as a weapon or for self-harm, and decided not to discover it? I have two friends who hate AI for opposite reasons: one thinks it's a fad and not useful, and the other thinks it's going to take over everything and cause human extinction. Come out tonight, have a friendly debate, and make some friends. No lectures. Friendly crowd. Drop in for one drink and stay if it's fun.

**PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT NOTES:** 1. The dates for this series are simply placeholders at the moment. We are working on our 2026 schedule, and adjustments are forthcoming. 2. Each class in this series has an attendance fee. 3. Each class, from BOTH a sign-up and fee perspective, is a separate entity. 4. As the Etch toolset evolves, so too will the class outline below. **Introduction:** Our Site Building with Etch class provides detailed instructions on the philosophy of the Etch development framework, as well as in-depth, hands-on instruction on using the Etch environment and associated tools. Anyone familiar with Kevin Geary and the Digital Gravy set of products will tell you that they offer ground-breaking approaches to professional WordPress site development. As we write this, the Etch toolset and environment are rapidly taking shape, with weekly quantum leaps forward in WordPress development methodologies. As early investors in the Etch product offering and its development process, we are actively testing and evaluating the toolset as it takes shape. We are beyond excited to see how WordPress site development is being modernized, and can't wait to bring this course set to you. It will be a paradigm shift in page and site development within WordPress, as well as moving your development mindset light-years forward. Join us as we explore Etch and dive deep into development approaches that will genuinely elevate your craft as a website developer and agency provider. Scalable, responsive, compliant websites are now within easy reach, and Etch provides both the platform and toolset to take you there. **The breakdown of the 10-class series is as follows:** * Class 01 - TBD * Class 02 - TBD * Class 03 - TBD * Class 04 - TBD * Class 05 - TBD * Class 06 - TBD * Class 07 - TBD * Class 08 - TBD * Class 09 - TBD * Class 10 - TBD Throughout the class sessions listed above, we cover the following key areas of web development with Etch: * **Introduction to Etch Interface:** * Familiarization with the toolset's layout and understanding how to navigate and interact with its various components. * **Visual Site Building:** * Techniques for creating layouts using Etch's interface, incorporating sections, divs, containers, and elements to build semantically correct page structures. * **Styling and Design:** * Utilizing Etch's styling approach to customize elements, apply global CSS classes for consistent design, and leverage features like Flexbox and CSS Grid for responsive layouts. * **Dynamic Content and Custom Fields:** * Integrating dynamic content from custom post types and custom field plugins (like ACF, Meta Box, and even built-in fields) to build data-driven websites. * **Component Building:** * Creating and managing reusable components for headers, footers, post type layouts, and other site-wide elements. * **Performance Optimization:** * Understanding how Etch contributes to fast-loading websites and implementing performance best practices. * **Advanced Features:** * Depending on the class level, it might delve into advanced topics such as conditional logic, interactions, and custom code integration to enable more complex functionality. The series aims to equip participants with the skills to efficiently build, customize, and maintain WordPress websites using Etch, catering to both beginners and experienced web developers alike.

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who enjoy talking to people from other countries, and those who would like to discuss international travel and culture, and who enjoy getting together for good conversations."