IN-PERSON: Apache Kafka® Meetup

Join us for an Apache Kafka® meetup on Wednesday, March 5th from 5:00pm in Zurich hosted by mesoneer!

📍Venue:
mesoneer AG, Richtistrasse 17, 8304 Wallisellen, Switzerland

🗓 Agenda:

• 5:00pm: Doors open
  5:00pm – 5:30pm: Snacks, Drinks and Networking
  5:30pm – 6:00pm: Demystifying Kafka MirrorMaker 2.0
  6:00pm - 6:15pm: Q&A
  6:15pm - 6:45pm: Lead Generation 2.0: Combining Kafka and NLP
  6:45pm - 7:00pm: Q&A
  7:00pm - 7:30pm: Kafka @ CERN: Handling Data at Scale
  7:30pm - 7:45pm: Q&A
  7:45pm - 9:00pm: Additional Q&A, Networking and Pizza

💡 Talk 1:
Radu Domnu, Architect, Red Hat, Etienne Dubois, Senior Consultant, Red Hat

Title of Talk:
Demystifying Kafka MirrorMaker 2.0

Abstract:
In this joint session, Radu and Etienne will draw their experience on how organisations can leverage Kafka MirrorMaker 2.0 for effective data replication between Kafka clusters. They will explore the MirrorMaker 2.0 architecture and its various use-cases. Additionally, Radu and Etienne will provide insights into real-world Kafka migration strategies using MirrorMaker 2.0, highlighting best practices and lessons learned.
After this session, attendees will learn how MirrorMaker 2.0 can help streamline data; replication and migration efforts, with insights grounded in real-world experience and best practices.

Bios:
Radu is an Architect at Red Hat and a technology enthusiast with over 15 years of IT experience. He specializes in OpenShift, Kubernetes, and cloud-native technologies, with a strong focus on integration architectures, including event-driven systems like Apache Kafka. With expertise in designing and implementing end-to-end software development lifecycles (SDLC), Radu leverages open-source software and DevOps practices to build resilient, scalable systems and to solve complex challenges. He is also exploring Generative AI and its applications in enterprise environments.

Etienne Dubois is a Consultant at Red Hat, specializing in Red Hat OpenShift, DevOps, Apache Kafka, and Developer Experience. His main focus at Red Hat is to integrate Red Hat solutions into the customer environment. Together, Radu and Etienne have co-authored multiple blog posts on MirrorMaker 2, sharing their insights and strategies for effective Kafka migrations

💡 Talk 2:
Dirk Budke, Lead Data Engineering & AI, mesoneer, & Jaden Scheidegger, Solutions Engineer (Data & AI), mesoneer

Title of Talk:
Lead Generation 2.0: Combining Kafka and NLP to Qualify Leads

Abstract:
Many enterprise organizations invest heavily in lead generation but struggle with the time-consuming process of qualifying leads—a critical bottleneck that can delay revenue and hinder growth. In this talk, Dirk Budke will explore how real-time data streaming with Kafka, coupled with Natural Language Processing (NLP), can streamline lead qualification and dramatically reduce manual overhead. Drawing on mesoneer’s expertise in Kafka data streaming and NLP, Dirk will showcase a powerful pipeline that
captures leads in Salesforce ,enriches leads and applies NLP-based scoring, and routes high-value opportunities directly to sales teams in near-real-time. Attendees will learn practical steps to integrate NLP and Kafka for smarter, faster lead management that accelerates business impact.

Bio:
Dirk Budke is the Lead Data Engineering & AI at mesoneer, where he leads teams in architecting data streaming and process automation solutions for clients across various industries. With deep expertise in Apache Kafka, BPM, and NLP-driven technologies, Dirk focuses on helping organizations modernize their data infrastructure and streamline operations. He holds a master’s degree in computer science, completed in part at ETH Zürich, and has extensive experience guiding digital transformations through innovative technical strategies.

💡 Talk 3:
Cristian Schuszter, Solutions Architect & Software Engineering Team Lead, CERN

Title of Talk:
Kafka @ CERN: Handling Data at Scale

Abstract:
At the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), the sheer volume and velocity of data generated from experiments like the Large Hadron Collider present extraordinary challenges. In this talk, Cristian Schuszter will share how CERN leverages Apache Kafka to capture, process, and distribute massive data streams in real time. Attendees will get a behind-the-scenes look at the high-level architecture, data pipelines, and best practices that enable CERN to manage its ever-growing data needs and support cutting-edge research in particle physics.

Bio:
Cristian Schuszter is a Solutions Architect and Software Engineering Team Lead at CERN, where he focuses on designing and implementing large-scale solutions for finance and administrative processes. With a background spanning .NET, Scala, Java, and Python, Cristian has extensive experience in distributed computing, data engineering, and machine learning. He holds a PhD in Systems Engineering and has led cross-functional software teams at CERN to handle critical workflows with high throughput and reliability.

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DISCLAIMER
We are unable to cater for any attendees under the age of 18.
If you would like to speak or host our next event please let us know! [community@confluent.io](http://community@confluent.io/)