Workplace Innovation

Smashing! Try something new Interactive workshops - Become the charismatic leader Why is Smashing different to other speaking clubs? Passion!!! 1. **Everyone talks** many times during interactive workshops 2. **FAST LEARNING** 3\. Relaxed and fun **IMPORTANT: Be on time, as doors close at start time** Multicultural Hub, 506 Elizabeth St (Opposite Queen Vic Market) Level 1, Purple Room (End of corridor) More to come...

**Ready to build AI agents for the real world?** Join NEXTGEN and AWS for a **hands-on half-day workshop** on building **production-grade AI agents** with **Amazon Bedrock AgentCore**. Designed for technical **AWS partners**, this session will help you move beyond prompts and start building agents that can **reason, take action, use tools, connect to data, and run multi-step workflows**. You’ll hear directly from AWS experts, get hands-on in guided labs, and learn how to design, test, and prepare agent-based applications for production on AWS. **Who should attend:** This workshop is geared towards technical professionals, software engineers, solution architects, IT consultants and AI specialists. Experience working with Python is helpful but not essential. **You’ll walk away with:** * Practical hands-on experience with Bedrock AgentCore * A clear understanding of agent architecture and workflows * Guidance on building secure, scalable AI agents * Real examples of how agentic systems are being applied today **For all attendees please complete the official registration form [here](https://share.hsforms.com/1Y7G0uyy3SD69M8uT9h5OxQccl9o?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9Qzcg9ArhVhcB4Eu599PPVLksuWkmDEAnnlhxJbXeeTs0xBA2lJFxJZU4gZ_6cD44DNldH) for entry on the day!**

**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!

Too many kids as well as teenagers and adults have problems with study. Today's meetup will inform you about the basics in STUDY TECHNOLOGY that provides an understanding of the basics of learning and supplies exact ways to overcome all the pitfalls one can encounter during study. This is applicable to young children, teenagers (or their parents that are trying to help them) and adults alike. Study Technology shows how one studies in order to comprehend a subject so one can apply it. Laws on which learning is based and workable methods have also been discovered for anyone to apply for themselves or when teaching others. Too many students graduate from school and college unable to put to use what they’ve learned in school. It’s not that they’re stupid or that their teachers didn’t know how to teach. More than likely it traces back to the one thing missing from most educations—learning how to learn in the first place. We all went to school, yet isn’t it odd that no one taught us how to study? The information presented at this meetup can help anyone improve others or his own ability to learn. It is a practical tool that parents and teachers alike can use to enhance a child's study performance. You’ll learn the barriers that lie between your own or a child's education. And you will very quickly learn how to overcome them. This technology will enable you or a child to pursue any subject with skill and confidence. Teachers who have "hard to handle/distributive " or slow learners in class will absolutely love the amazing turn around most often seen in improved behaviour and student performance in class. If you or your child has difficulties at school (or learning new things at work or online) than this meetup is important to you. If you can not make it to our meetup than contact the organizer and arrange it to suit your time. This technology can if one was to live far away be taught online. (extension course) You may offcourse also opt to have this technology taught to your own child by experienced volunteeer staff or learn about this yourself and transfer this knowledge to those you want to have better grades. Yes it is possible to improve anyone's study performance. All it takes is just 5 steps. See you at this meetup. Pam

Get outside and join us for a day of planting trees, shrubs and ground cover on this beautiful property in the Yarra Valley. Your hosts need help planting seedlings to protect waterways, improve ecosystems and create habitat for wildlife. No experience required - we will train you on the day. Morning tea and lunch are provided for free. You'll meet friendly, like-minded people, and return home knowing that you've done something meaningful. You'll need your own transport, approximately one hour's drive from Melbourne CBD. [More info and registration details](https://events.humanitix.com/help-plant-native-seedlings-at-dixons-creek_link) TreeProject is a not-for-profit organisation that has been growing and planting native seedlings for farmers and Landcare groups for over 30 years. We have grown over 2 million trees! This year alone we are growing over 150,000 trees, and helping landowners plant about 50,000 trees! Come and join us!

Join us at this mischievous bar and eatery to meet people and chat 🧚‍♀️ With fairies overseeing everything, let's hang out and socialise. Don't worry if you are coming along by yourself or don't know anyone - new people are always welcome. We have all been the new person at some point in time. 📍 **Location:** Arcane Fairies, Ground Floor, 185 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne Vic 3000 **How often do we have events? Weekly!** Join us at a different bar/pub each week to meet new people and see the familiar faces of the regular members. This is a regular weekly group for socialising and unwinding for the weekend. Events are also on: Meet New People, Make Real Friends [https://www.meetup.com/casual-catchups-and-cool-connections/](https://www.meetup.com/casual-catchups-and-cool-connections/) Bartopia [https://www.meetup.com/bartopia/](https://www.meetup.com/bartopia/) Bartopia [https://www.facebook.com/groups/bartopia/](https://www.facebook.com/groups/bartopia/) Follow us on Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/bartopia.melbourne/](https://www.instagram.com/bartopia.melbourne/) This week's venue: [https://arcanefairies.com.au/](https://arcanefairies.com.au/)

Would you like to enhance your creativity, confidence and increase your awareness? We’d love you to join us to Thoughtstorm® the topic World Creativity and Innovation Day in the warm, friendly environment of the Yarraville Community Centre. How Thoughtstorm came about Thoughtstorm is a technique developed from a seed of speculation: are there more effective (rational, cooperative, compassionate) ways of thinking? Methods whose long-term consequences will not lead to oblivion. This is the genesis of Thoughtstorm. What is it? For anyone with an interest in leadership, deeper conversations or creative problem solving, something much more than a group discussion occurs. What is experienced in Thoughtstorm is a forgotten sensory ability - mind-linking. An evolution in human thinking and learning. The direction moves from a narrow range of possibility into discovering corecepts, when individual minds merge into a much more powerful collective awareness and experience a deeper, more compassionate comprehension of reality. Corecepts trigger intuitive recognition and agreement by the group, a ‘Why, of course!’ reaction. New insights guaranteed! Because this process taps into abilities already present in the human mind and into aggregates of consciousness straining to express themselves, very little practice is required. Would you like to see and understand things in a way that is new for all of us? Would you like to develop your consciousness and your creative intelligence? Would you like to be inspired to create positive change? Then come and join us to Thoughtstorm together. If it’s your first time to Thoughtstorm, please RSVP early to give plenty of time to arrange a brief prep call on Zoom to go over the Thoughtstorm procedures so we can all get started on time together. **Agenda:** 4pm - Arrive, meet and greet, read over Thoughtstorm instructions 4.15pm - Begin the Thoughtstorm 5.15pm - Finish When you RSVP we will be in touch with the details. We look forward to seeing you there! Thoughtstorm® is a registered trademark of Star's Edge, Inc. All rights reserved.

* **What We’re About** You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with, so join us — and be part of a community that rises above circumstances and creates opportunities. Inspire and be inspired by those who make things happen. It's a relaxed, organic space to connect with like-minded people and network—genuinely talking, learning from each other, and connecting over shared interests. * **What to Expect** Casual Meetups: We gather semi-regularly at a local café to chat about everything from stepping outside your comfort zone to business ideas, creative projects, and building a life aligned with your purpose. It’s relaxed, easy, and welcoming—no need to have anything “figured out.” An Easy-Going Space: We keep things simple and low-pressure. Once everyone arrives, we ease in with some light conversation and naturally break into smaller groups. Networking: Feel free to introduce yourself or let people know what you're working on if you feel like it. And if anyone wants to quickly shout out what they’re working on or looking for before we settle in, go for it—it’s a great way to spark new conversations. * **Host Support** If you’d like a one-on-one chat with me about your business, just tap me on the shoulder. I’ll be floating around and happy to make time for you. **Quick note for the day:** Depending on the weather, we might go for a walk too. Just remember to wear comfy shoes 🌞 👟 🥾:) ❗If you're running late, drop me a quick message as we might leave the cafe for a walk within the last 30-45 minutes. 🏃 🏃‍♂️ 🏃‍♀️

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.

**The Gals Monthly Walk** Replacing our women's only monthly brunch, we bring you our *Monthly Gals Walk*. As the months get cooler, and cost of living goes up, we need a place to be held accountable to getting out of bed, getting in our exercise and not spending a tonne of money we don't need to. Our monthly women's brunches have always been a space where we can be surrounded by like-minded women in a super welcoming setting, discuss important topics related to bettering ourselves and get below the surface level small talk - all whilst making some great new friends! You can still expect all of this at our monthly walks. Our *May* edition will focus on the topic of **BUDGETING TIPS & HACKS.** Bring all of your go-to tips, bring your questions you need answered and let's connect through movement and coffee. If the weather turns, we will still go ahead, just indoors at a local cafe. Make sure you follow our IG page for latest updates on events: https://www.instagram.com/findyourtribemelb/ This event is aimed at women who identify with being young spirited - typically women in their 20s, 30s and early 40s will attend, however we have also had women in their 60s and 70s. We are open to all ages 18+ as long as you identify with being female, young spirited and open minded. We can learn so much from different women at different stages of life. **Meeting Location: Baker Bleu, 183 Domain Road South Yarra.** Meet by 9am to order coffee. Walking by 9:20am.

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.

Connected Westerville Night of Networking flips the script on networking, with surprises and connections that'll make you say, "Who knew networking could be this much fun?!"

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.

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!.

At Evolve Synergy Sessions, you'll be part of a supportive mastermind where we share challenges, brainstorm solutions, and inspire one another to take bold steps in our businesses. Grow your network, gain fresh perspectives, and build meaningful relationships with like-minded women who are committed to success. Whether you’re looking to move the needle in your business or simply need a space to connect and recharge, this is the perfect place to fuel your entrepreneurial journey. [Add Event to Calendar](https://evolvecolumbus.eventcalendarapp.com/) \*\* Please note, we will be arriving around 8:15a for open networking! Get there early and get connected! Contact Alexis Morley at [alexis.morley@edwardjones.com](mailto:alexis.morley@edwardjones.com) or Terri Lawson at [terri.lawson@e-merge.com](mailto:terri.lawson@e-merge.com) for more information.

**PLEASE BUY TICKETS THROUGH EVENTBRITE. RSVP THROUGH MEETUP IS NOT A TICKET PURCHASE CONFIRMATION.** Strive welcomes you to 'General Business Networking', Columbus' hottest networking event! We are set in the perfect central location in Downtown for all to join. Are you interested in business? Want to elevate your career? Meet Consultants, Analysts of all types, Bankers, Software Engineers, Entrepreneurs, and more who are active in the space or are eager to get started. **\*\*This will be a multi-vertical event\*\*** **There will be professionals with backgrounds in the arts, finance, tech, real estate, healthcare, and more. Come with an open mind, and leave with connections that wouldn't be possible otherwise!** Pack some business cards and come with an open mind! Meet your future business partners, employers, coworkers, investors, and friends. You don't want to miss this opportunity to expand your network and create a brighter future. We will have a space for our event to check-in. The event will go from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (feel free to come at any point in this timeframe). Name tags will be provided. Business casual dress code. Job fair attire. **Remember, it's not who you know, it's who you meet tomorrow!** We look forward to meeting you at the event! Sincerely, Strive Networking Team *Refund requests are permitted up to 24 hours after purchase, so long as we are not within 48 hours before the event start time. Refunds will be made in full and repaid to your method of payment. Note that we are unable to reimburse PayPal fees.* *Disclaimer: By attending Strive Networking events you agree to photos/videos taken during the event being used to promote future events.*

**A Transformative Half-Day Event** Welcome to Confidence Lab, the ultimate experience designed to help you step into your most confident self. This half-day event is packed with actionable strategies, inspiring sessions, and opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals who are ready to invest in their personal and professional growth. Whether you’re looking to advance in your career, deepen your self-belief, or simply embrace new challenges, Confidence Lab is your starting point. **What You’ll Experience** **Your Confidence Lab ticket includes:** * **Engaging Speaker Sessions**: Learn from experts about harnessing confidence in your career, relationships, and everyday life. * **Interactive Experiences:** Participate in dynamic activities designed to help you step into your most confident self. * **In-Depth Audience Q&A:** Get direct insights from speakers as they answer your most pressing questions about building confidence and stepping into leadership. * **Networking Opportunities**: Connect with a supportive community of professionals and confidence enthusiasts. **2026 Speaker Sessions:** * **Seeing Clearly** Understand how you show up - and what’s been getting in the way. * **Confidence in Relationship** Communicate, navigate conflict, and build trust more effectively. * **Sustainable Agency** Learn how to lead without burning out. Your energy is part of the strategy. * **Confidence in Service** Align how you show up with the impact you actually want to have. **This Is For You If…** * You’re ready to take up more space in your work or life * You want to communicate with clarity and confidence * You’re stepping into (or preparing for) leadership * You’re done second-guessing yourself **Our Speakers** **Lachandra Baker** Founder of LBB Edutainment and the kind of person who makes you realize you’ve been confusing confidence with performance your whole life. Lachandra blends psychology, research, and radical humanity to help individuals and teams stop code-switching their way through the day and start showing up as someone they actually recognize. Expect to be challenged, affirmed, and genuinely seen - sometimes all in the same breath. **Annette Santiago Reyes** Annette has a rare talent: she makes the way you communicate feel like a discovery, not a critique. A connection catalyst and culture strategist, she helps people understand why they show up the way they do, and how to bridge the gap between intention and impact. Whether you're navigating change, life’s challenges, or simply trying to better understand yourself and others. Annette gives you the language and the lens to get there. **Elizabeth Wangugi** Creator of The Nap Concert and the RESTOR™ framework, Elizabeth is here to tell you that rest is not a reward - it’s a strategy. Rooted in neuroscience and restorative practice, her work helps high-achievers stop running on fumes and start leading from a place of actual capacity. If your calendar is full and your tank is empty, Elizabeth might be the most important person you hear from at Confidence Lab. **Stephanie Andrews** Founder of Social Black Butterfly Training & Consulting, Stephanie knows what it takes to lead through complexity because she’s done it across social services, healthcare, and operations. She specializes in succession strategy and leadership development, equipping leaders to build trust, navigate the hard moments, and leave something worth inheriting. Stephanie doesn’t just develop leaders. She develops the kind of leaders people actually want to follow. **Lillian Morales-Laster** SVP Human Resources Director at United Midwest Savings Bank and Executive Director of the Empowering Latinas Leadership Academy (ELLA). Lillian has spent her career combining her passion for equity and inclusion with her experience in human resources to lead teams and organizations in the development of supportive work environments. She leads with a vision of ensuring Latinas' voices are included in crucial decision-making processes, because for Lillian, ELLA is more than just a program. It's a vibrant community of hermanas supporting and uplifting each other as they navigate their paths to leadership. A Columbus Business First Community Champion and Distinguished Hispanic Ohioan, her commitment to empowering others shows up everywhere she goes. **Rachyl Kershaw** Founder of Greater Columbus Consulting and the architect behind the Confidence Lab Annual Summit, Rachyl has a gift for cutting through the noise, helping high-achievers stop performing success and start living it. She asks the questions most people are afraid to, creates space for honest reckoning, and somehow makes the hard work feel energizing. If you’ve ever wondered why doing everything right still feels like something’s missing, you’re in exactly the right room. **Why Confidence Lab?** Confidence is the foundation for success in every area of life. Whether you’re navigating a career change, launching a business, or striving for personal growth, building your confidence is the key to unlocking your higher purpose. This is your chance to invest in yourself and start living boldly. **Join Us on May 4** Confidence Lab is more than just an event - it’s a movement. Step into your power, embrace your potential, and make this the year you thrive. Secure your spot today and take the first step toward a more confident YOU. Cost should never be a barrier to growth. If you'd like to request a complimentary community ticket, reach out to us at [hello@confidencelab.org](hello@confidencelab.org), no explanation needed. Read more and see additional ticketing options at [https://confidencelab.org/](https://confidencelab.org/)