Reading Geek Night – Tuesday 16th April 2019

rdggeeknight

You can find us upstairs: The Walkabout: Wiston Terrace (off Friar Street) Reading RG1 1DG **NB The venue is licensed for 18 and over **  http://www.walkaboutbars.co.uk/venues/reading/details

Apologies for the late notice. But for this month only we have moved #rdggeek to Tuesday 16th April. It will be business as usual as we have two fantastic speakers lined up with details to follow Monday/Tuesday. Hope to see you on Tuesday the 16th! 🙂

Theme: Innovation in Reading

  • 8:00pm Welcome and Introductions
  • 8:05pm TRIZ – A process for solving problems (John Bickerton – Reading Buses)
  • 8:35pm Networking & beers
  • 9:00pm Short announcements/updates*
  • 9:05pm Reading Hydro: the old and the news (Sophie Paul – Reading Hydro CBS)
  • 9:35pm End (Networking and beers downstairs)

Backgrounders:

TRIZ – A process for solving problems (John Bickerton – Reading Buses)

John will talk about how to tackle compromise head on in the design process, then give examples of how we’ve used this for developing the specification in our fleet of gas buses.

TRIZ (Teorija Rezhenija Isobretatel’skich Zadac) is a Russian ‘theory of inventive problem solving’  developed by Genrich Altshuller from his time working in the Soviet national patent office. He identified among the patents he was reviewing that there are only a small number of true issues which inventions are trying to resolve, and that these have a finite number of solutions which are likely to be successful. By applying these generic solutions to real-world problems, TRIZ can suggest some likely directions to look for solutions. This talk will look at some ways that these concepts can be applied to develop specifications in the real world.

Reading Hydro: the old and the news (Sophie Paul – Reading Hydro CBS)

Getting the technology and finances right for a micro hydro electricity project is a moving target in the UK. The Reading Hydro Project is riding that unpredictable wave. Hear about the technologies, the successes and the moving goalposts that keep this tenacious community project on its toes.

Usual format is to gather from 7:30pm and commence the talks at 8:00pm. Talks are ~20mins + Q&A with a break of 20mins for networking and beer.

*Before the second session there is an opportunity for any short announcements so please let us know on the night if you would like a slot or 1-2mins.

FYI: BCS (Berkshire) Social Tech Group meet up (7PM) before our talks. Its a great opportunity for food, drinks, networking and discussions about IT technology, business and advice.

Look forward to seeing you there!

If you are interested in giving a talk at an upcoming event please contact us via twitter: @RDGGeekNight, Facebook or email us: talks [at] rdggeeknight.org

Reading Geek Night – Tuesday 12th March 2019

rdggeeknight

You can find us upstairs: The Walkabout: Wiston Terrace (off Friar Street) Reading RG1 1DG **NB The venue is licensed for 18 and over **  http://www.walkaboutbars.co.uk/venues/reading/details

This month we are proud to be part of Reading Science Week.

Theme: Reading Science Week

  • 8:00pm Welcome and Introductions
  • 8:05pm Artificial Intelligence: Fact and Fiction (Martin Millmore – Oracle AI)
  • 8:35pm Networking & beers
  • 9:00pm Short announcements/updates*
  • 9:05pm Working to a different beat: the benefits of a neurodiverse workforce (Abi Moorcock)
  • 9:35pm End (Networking and beers downstairs)

Backgrounders:

Artificial Intelligence: Fact and Fiction (Martin Millmore – Oracle AI)

Martin Millmore, head of technology for Oracle’s AI Applications, will talk about the amazing power of artificial intelligence, as well as dispelling some of the myths about what it can and can’t do today. Learn about the latest AI and Machine learning techniques used across the industry. Find out how advertisers use cutting edge Machine Learning to sell to you. And put to rest the question of whether or not your Alexa device is about to take over your house.

Working to a different beat: the benefits of a neurodiverse workforce (Abi Moorcock)

Abi is a Behavioural Science Researcher who realised at the age of 32 that she had been labouring under the misapprehension that she was not cut out for the corporate world. With a recent diagnosis of ADHD she has realised that it’s the corporate world that is not cut out for her. Join Abi as she explains how neurodivergent (those with conditions such as Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia and Dyscalculia) workers are essential to the future of work; yet undervalued and underrepresented. Find out how to maximise the superpowers of neurodivergent people, by minimising the barriers of the modern, westernised, corporate office environment.

Usual format is to gather from 7:30pm and commence the talks at 8:00pm. Talks are ~20mins + Q&A with a break of 20mins for networking and beer.

*Before the second session there is an opportunity for any short announcements so please let us know on the night if you would like a slot or 1-2mins.

FYI: BCS (Berkshire) Social Tech Group meet up (7PM) before our talks. Its a great opportunity for food, drinks, networking and discussions about IT technology, business and advice.

Look forward to seeing you there!

If you are interested in giving a talk at an upcoming event please contact us via twitter: @RDGGeekNight, Facebook or email us: talks [at] rdggeeknight.org

Reading Geek Night – Tuesday 12th February 2019

rdggeeknight

You can find us upstairs: The Walkabout: Wiston Terrace (off Friar Street) Reading RG1 1DG **NB The venue is licensed for 18 and over **  http://www.walkaboutbars.co.uk/venues/reading/details

Theme:TBC

  • 8:00pm Welcome and Introductions
  • 8:05pm I’m a Steminist, hear me roar (Katie Cooper – British Science Association/University of Reading)
  • 8:35pm Networking & beers
  • 9:00pm Short announcements/updates*
  • 9:05pm The Neon Future – Where might we be heading with team structures, practices and cultures? (Stuart Munton)
  • 9:35pm End (Networking and beers downstairs)

Backgrounders:

I’m a Steminist, hear me roar (Katie Cooper – British Science Association/University of Reading)

What on earth is a Steminist? And why do they make so much noise? Katie Cooper will answer explore these questions and more about the experience of being a women in science for over 18 years. Lifting the lid on issues you may never have thought about and delving into the psychology and science behind them. Delivered with her wit and a sprinkling of bad language, this will not be your run of the mill talk and will leave you thinking about these issues in a different light.

The Neon Future – Where might we be heading with team structures, practices and cultures? (Stuart Munton)

In the future teams might be structured differently. In the future teams might work with different practices. In the future teams might have different cultures…

The one thing we know for sure is that we don’t know the future, but we can look at the data, make predictions, and looking for trends. This interactive talk will assess the views of the attendees and compare this with the results and views of a number of external reference points.

 

Usual format is to gather from 7:30pm and commence the talks at 8:00pm. Talks are ~20mins + Q&A with a break of 20mins for networking and beer.

*Before the second session there is an opportunity for any short announcements so please let us know on the night if you would like a slot or 1-2mins.

FYI: BCS (Berkshire) Social Tech Group meet up (7PM) before our talks. Its a great opportunity for food, drinks, networking and discussions about IT technology, business and advice.

Look forward to seeing you there!

If you are interested in giving a talk at an upcoming event please contact us via twitter: @RDGGeekNight, Facebook or email us: talks [at] rdggeeknight.org

Reading Geek Night – Tuesday 8th January 2019

rdggeeknight

You can find us upstairs: The Walkabout: Wiston Terrace (off Friar Street) Reading RG1 1DG **NB The venue is licensed for 18 and over **  http://www.walkaboutbars.co.uk/venues/reading/details

This month the floor will be an open mic ‘chalk & talk’ evening. We will be kicking off with some cool subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics…) … Come along for networking, beers and feel free to grab the mic when its free to share your geekery  🙂

Theme: TBC

  • 8:00pm Welcome and Introductions
  • 8:05pm Open Mic – Chalk & Talk 
  • 9:00pm Short announcements/updates
  • 9:35pm End (Networking and beers downstairs)

Usual format is to gather from 7:30pm and commence the talks at 8:00pm. Talks are ~20mins + Q&A with a break of 20mins for networking and beer.

FYI: BCS (Berkshire) Social Tech Group meet up (7PM) before our talks. Its a great opportunity for food, drinks, networking and discussions about IT technology, business and advice.

Look forward to seeing you there!

If you are interested in giving a talk at an upcoming event please contact us via twitter: @RDGGeekNight, Facebook or email us: talks [at] rdggeeknight.org:-)

Reading Science & Tech Meetup Groups Christmas Gathering – Tuesday 11th December 2018

rdggeeknight

You can find us upstairs: The Walkabout: Wiston Terrace (off Friar Street) Reading RG1 1DG **NB The venue is licensed for 18 and over **  http://www.walkaboutbars.co.uk/venues/reading/details

We are pleased to announce the Reading STEM Xmas Get Together. A brilliant excuse to meet with Reading’s science, technology, engineering and mathematics professionals, practitioners and enthusiasts.

Please register here on PHP Berkshire’s Meetup Page 🙂

We’re also excited to be laying on a festive feast, thanks to our event sponsors: datto Inc., Haybrook IT & Oracle AI.

datto

Haybrook Logoo-sponsorship-clr

Theme: Reading STEM Xmas Get Together

Time: 7pm until late

Venue: Upstairs @ The Walkabout Bar (Reading)

During the evening each group represented will get a short slot to let you know more about them and what they do.

Familiar faces from the following groups:

  • Agile Valley
  • British Science Association (Reading Branch)
  • The British Computer Society (Berkshire Branch)
  • ConnectTVT
  • Google Developer Group Reading & Thames Valley
  • IET Berkshire
  • Innovation Catalyst
  • Missing Maps
  • PHP Berkshire
  • Reading and District Amateur Radio Club
  • Reading Data Science Group
  • Reading Hydro
  • Reading Tester Gathering
  • rlab
  • Startup Grind Thames Valley
  • Thing Network Reading
  • …and others 🙂

Short introduction to the groups being represented.

All Science & Tech meetup groups in the area are very welcome.

Also please join us on the new Slack workspace for Reading STEM so you can get involved with our local community 🙂 (Suggested format (org)) Join our Slack page here!

Contacts us: @RDGGeekNight, Facebook or email us: talks [at] rdggeeknight.org:-)

Parking:

Reading Station car park or NCP Car Park Garrard St, Berks, Reading RG1 1NR. Please note its advisable not to leave anything of value on view in your vehicle.

Reading Geek Night – Tuesday 13th November 2018

rdggeeknight

You can find us upstairs: The Walkabout: Wiston Terrace (off Friar Street) Reading RG1 1DG **NB The venue is licensed for 18 and over **  http://www.walkaboutbars.co.uk/venues/reading/details

Theme: The gut microbiome and a healthy lifestyle.

  • 8:00pm Welcome and Introductions
  • 8:05pm The gut microbiota and health (Andrea Monteagudo & Simon Andrews – University of Reading)
  • 8:35pm Networking & beers
  • 9:00pm Short announcements/updates*
  • 9:05pm 5:2 Intermittent Fasting (Simon Morris)
  • 9:35pm End (Networking and beers downstairs)

 

Usual format is to gather from 7:30pm and commence the talks at 8:00pm. Talks are ~20mins + Q&A with a break of 20mins for networking and beer.

*Before the second session there is an opportunity for any short announcements so please let us know on the night if you would like a slot or 1-2mins.

FYI: BCS (Berkshire) Social Tech Group meet up (7PM) before our talks. Its a great opportunity for food, drinks, networking and discussions about IT technology, business and advice.

Look forward to seeing you there!

If you are interested in giving a talk at an upcoming event please contact us via twitter: @RDGGeekNight, Facebook or email us: talks [at] rdggeeknight.org

Reading Geek Night – Tuesday 9th October 2018

rdggeeknight

You can find us upstairs: The Walkabout: Wiston Terrace (off Friar Street) Reading RG1 1DG **NB The venue is licensed for 18 and over **  http://www.walkaboutbars.co.uk/venues/reading/details

Theme: Cyber Threat Intelligence & DIY Electric racing series

  • 8:00pm Welcome and Introductions
  • 8:05pm Talos & Threat Hunting (Martin Lee – Cisco)
  • 8:35pm Networking & beers
  • 9:00pm Short announcements/updates*
  • 9:05pm Hacky Racers – From Shed to Track (Which was Also A Shed) and Beyond (Keegan Neave)
  • 9:35pm End (Networking and beers downstairs)

Additional Info

Cisco Talos

Cisco Talos Intelligence Group is one of the largest commercial threat intelligence teams in the world, comprised of world-class researchers, analysts and engineers. These teams are supported by unrivaled telemetry and sophisticated systems to create accurate, rapid and actionable threat intelligence for Cisco customers, products and services. Talos defends Cisco customers against known and emerging threats, discovers new vulnerabilities in common software, and interdicts threats in the wild before they can further harm the internet at large. Talos maintains the official rule sets of Snort.org, ClamAV and SpamCop, in addition to releasing many open-source research and analysis tools.

Hacky Racers

Hacky Racers is a DIY electric racing series, inspired by the Powerwheels Racing Series in the USA, where competitors get together to race their creations built with a budget limit of £500 and their imaginations.  So far some of the vehicles we’ve seen range from three to six wheels, though the latter ended the first race with five.  Each one has it’s own character, something we highly encourage!

Usual format is to gather from 7:30pm and commence the talks at 8:00pm. Talks are ~20mins + Q&A with a break of 20mins for networking and beer.

*Before the second session there is an opportunity for any short announcements so please let us know on the night if you would like a slot or 1-2mins.

FYI: BCS (Berkshire) Social Tech Group meet up (7PM) before our talks. Its a great opportunity for food, drinks, networking and discussions about IT technology, business and advice.

Look forward to seeing you there!

If you are interested in giving a talk at an upcoming event please contact us via twitter: @RDGGeekNight, Facebook or email us: talks [at] rdggeeknight.org:-)