Windsor Hackforge

POSTPONED DUE TO WEaTHER - OSM Field Mapping
2024-07-22 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Toronto) | Ontario
📍 POSTPONED DUE TO WEATER

Join us for a community field mapping event where we will use the Every Door and StreetComplete apps to enhance OpenStreetMap! Whether you’re a seasoned mapper or a beginner, this event is a great opportunity to contribute to one of the world’s most comprehensive open-source maps.

Meet in front of St. Angela Merici church, and together we’ll explore Via Italia, using these intuitive tools to add and update information on local businesses, amenities, street details, and more.

Help us improve the accuracy and richness of OpenStreetMap while exploring and documenting Windsor’s Little Italy. No previous experience with OSM, geodata, or mapping required – just bring your data-enabled smart device, walking shoes, and sense of adventure!

PLEASE STAY TUNED FOR DETAILS ABOUT THE RESCHEDULED DATE

📅 Monday, July 22

📍 980 Louis Ave (Corner of Louis and Erie), in front of St. Angela Merici Church

⌚ 6:00 – 7:30 PM

Register to attend In-Person in the RSVP box below

Want to prep early? Start with these steps:

create an account at osm.org

download StreetComplete (android-only)

AND/OR

download Every Door (android and iOS)

log in to your chosen app using your OSM account

Mastering Machine Learning: Session #1
2024-07-21 12:00 - 15:00 | Hackforge HQ, 300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210, Windsor, Ontario, N9A 7B4
Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210)👥 In Person Only💲 Free

This course is now full. We are no longer accepting registrations.

This free, 18-hour course is meticulously designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to the field of machine learning. Covering essential concepts and algorithms, the course prepares participants to understand and apply machine learning techniques to real-world problems. Through lectures, hands-on sessions, and a series of 8-10 projects, participants will gain both theoretical insights and practical experience.

Expected Outcomes:

Understand the fundamental concepts and various algorithms in machine learning.

Apply machine learning techniques to data analysis, prediction, and decision-making.

Develop and evaluate predictive models using real-world datasets.

Complete a series of practical projects that demonstrate the application of machine learning skills, working both individually and in teams.

Enhance online presence and professional networking through guided activities and support.

Who It’s For:

This course is ideal for university or college students, professionals in the tech industry, and AI enthusiasts who are keen to deepen their understanding of machine learning. It is designed to help participants not only learn but also showcase their skills through online portfolios and networking opportunities.

Course Schedule:

Saturday, July 20, 2024, 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM (Introductory Session)

Sunday, July 21, 2024, 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM

Sunday, July 28, 2024, 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM

Sunday, August 4, 2024, 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM

Sunday, August 11, 2024, 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM

Sunday, August 18, 2024, 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM

Sunday, August 25, 2024, 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM

The Introductory Session will outline the course structure and expectations, and discuss how to make the most of this learning opportunity. This session is a crucial starting point for all participants to understand the course dynamics and prepare for the exciting journey ahead.

Registration

If you’re interested in participating, please email info@hackf.org. Further details about enrollment and course materials will be provided in response.

Mastering Machine Learning: Intro Session
2024-07-20 12:00 - 15:00 | Hackforge HQ, 300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210, Windsor, Ontario, N9A 7B4

Border City Data: Public Art Data in Windsor & Detroit
2024-07-18 18:00 - 20:00 | Hackforge HQ, 300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210, Windsor, Ontario, N9A 7B4
📍Hackforge HQ, (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210)👥💻 Hybrid

Hackforge has recently partnered with and supported Parallel 42 Systems for the release of MotorCityMurals.Tours. This free-to-use web app provides directions to and information about various street art paintings in the downtowns of both Windsor, Ontario and Detroit, Michigan.

In this month’s edition of Border City Data, Doug Sartori will be going through the process of how this data was collected, organized, and ultimately made into a digital tour guide.

Tune in to learn about geocoding, OpenStreetMap, Pytheas, and how Motor City Murals respects user data and privacy.

📅 Thursday, July 18th

⌚ 6 – 8 PM

Register to attend In-Person in the RSVP box below

Register to attend Virtually via Zoom.

Career Planning in Canada for the IT and Engineering Sectors
2024-07-12 15:00 - 17:30 | Ontario
📍 EPICenter, 2455 Wyandotte St W, Windsor, ON N9B 0C1👥 In-Person Only

Career Planning in Canada for the IT and Engineering Sectors

This free session will provide information and strategies for effective career planning in Canada.

Informational topics will include Post-Graduate Work Permit eligibility, current labour market research trends, and helpful resources to support a successful job search. Strategic career planning topics will include upskilling, marketing yourself, and networking in the Canadian job market to optimize employment opportunities in the IT and engineering sectors. The session will conclude with opportunities to engage, connect, and ask questions.

Presented by Laura Ducharme, certified educator and career development practitioner at the University of Windsor.

📅 Friday, July 12

⏲ 3 – 5:30 PM

📍EPICenter, 2455 Wyandotte St W, Windsor, ON N9B 0C

Intro to Machine Learning with Python
2024-07-08 18:30 - 20:00 | Hackforge HQ, 300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210, Windsor, Ontario, N9A 7B4
📍Hackforge HQ, (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210)👥💻 Hybrid

Are you eager to dive into the world of Machine Learning? Join us for an exciting and informative session that will teach the the basics you need to make the most of this cutting-edge technology.

This event is designed for beginners who are curious about machine learning and its practical applications.

In this session, you will:

– Gain a foundational understanding of machine learning concepts.

– Learn how to set up a Python environment using Google Colab.

– Explore essential Python libraries such as pandas, numpy, and scikit-learn.

– Understand the steps involved in building a machine learning model.

– Work through a hands-on project to apply what you’ve learned.

Who Should Attend:

– Beginners interested in machine learning and data science.

– Students and professionals looking to add machine learning skills to their toolkit.

– Anyone curious about how data can be used to make predictions and drive decisions.

Prerequisites:

Basic understanding of Python programming. No prior machine learning experience is required.

What to Bring:

A laptop with internet access. We’ll be using Google Colab, so no need to install anything beforehand.

📅 Monday, July 8th, 2024

⌚ 6:30 – 8PM

Register to attend In-Person in the RSVP box below

Register to attend Virtually via Zoom.

Create Your Own Local ChatGPT
2024-06-30 11:00 - 12:30 | Hackforge HQ, 300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210, Windsor, Ontario, N9A 7B4
📍Hackforge HQ, (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210)👥💻 Hybrid

Event Overview:

Unlock the secrets of building your own Local ChatGPT at our hands-on workshop! Dive into the fascinating world of Local Language Models (LLMs) and learn how to harness the power of AI to create personalized, efficient, and private conversational agents.📅 Sunday, June 30th

⌚ 11 AM – 12:30 PM

💲 Free

Register to attend In-Person in the RSVP box below

Register to attend Virtually via Zoom.

What You’ll Learn:

Introduction to Local Language Models (LLMs)

Step-by-step guide to setting up and configuring a local environment for LLMs

Practical applications and use cases for Local ChatGPT

Who Should Attend:

AI enthusiasts and professionals looking to deepen their knowledge

Developers and tech hobbyists interested in building custom AI solutions

Students and educators eager to explore cutting-edge technology

Anyone curious about the future of AI and its local applications

Why Attend:

Gain practical, hands-on experience with local LLMs

Learn from experienced AI instructors and industry experts

Network with like-minded individuals and expand your professional connections

Receive resources and support to continue your AI journey beyond the event

Join us on Sunday, June 30th, for an exciting and educational experience that will empower you to create your own Local ChatGPT. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving field of AI!

Introduction to Containers with Podman
2024-06-20 19:00 - 21:00 | Hackforge HQ, 300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210, Windsor, Ontario, N9A 7B4
📍 Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210)👥 In-Person Only

Hey everyone! Our next Hack Forge Linux User Group meetup is all about containers and the container engine, Podman. We’ll be exploring how containers work and how to create our own containers through an interactive presentation. Bring your laptop if you’d like to follow along!

📅 Thursday, June 20th

⏲ 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (EST)

📍 Hackforge HQ, 300 Ouellette Ave. Unit 210

Who Should Join

Linux users of all levels

Anyone curious about containerization

And anyone interested in learning more about Podman

No Experience Needed!

You don’t need to know anything about Podman or containers to join us. A little bit of Linux command line knowledge will help, but it’s not required. Don’t need a Linux laptop to follow along, everything can work on Windows and Mac with Podman Desktop.

Hope to see you all there!

Discover the Power of Agile: A Comprehensive Introduction to Agile Development
2024-06-18 19:00 - 21:00 | Hackforge HQ, 300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210, Windsor, Ontario, N9A 7B4
📍Hackforge HQ, (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210)👥💻 Hybrid

Agile methodology is a standard project management technique, used by companies in Windsor-Essex and around the world. Emphasizing iterative development and continuous improvement, Agile allows teams to be nimble and efficient.

This presentation introduces Agile methodology to developers and anyone interested in learning more about Agile. Including covering its core principles, key practices, and benefits, it aims to provide a foundational understanding of Agile, highlighting its flexibility, customer-focused approach, and real-world success stories.

In this free introductory session, attendees will learn from seasoned Agile practitioner Kathie Gifford.

Kathie currently holds certifications for Agile: Scrum Master (Level II) Disciplined Agile Scrum Master, Product Owner, PMP (Project Management Professional) and Lean Agile Green Belt. She is currently a Process Manager for Automation at a local financial institution and uses agile principles and methods in her work with multiple departments, teams and squads.

Show up with little to no knowledge of Agile, and leave with an understanding of the fundamentals! This event will sell out! Registration is highly encouraged, but please be respectful – don’t register if you don’t intend to join. On the day of the event, those who pre-registered will be given priority access, and remaining spaces will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

📅 Tuesday, June 18th

⏲ 7 – 9 PM

📍 Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette, Unit 210)

Register to attend In-Person in the RSVP box below

Register to attend Virtually via Zoom.

Hackforge LUG: Lightning Show 'N Tell
2024-06-13 19:00 - 21:00 | Ontario
📍 Discord💻 Virtual Only

Hey Linux enthusiasts! Join us for a fun and interactive virtual show ‘n tell event where we’ll be sharing our favourite Linux tools and applications. This is a great opportunity to discover new tools, share what you use daily, and connect with fellow Linux users in our growing community!

📅 Thursday, June 13th

⏲ 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (EST)

💻Virtual Event: Discord

How to Participate:

Just need to show up to the event and be ready to present your favourite tool or application! If time permits, everyone is welcome to present more than once.

How to Prepare:

Live demos or slides are a great way to show off your tool’s capabilities but are not a requirement. You’re welcome to present your tool/wp-contentlication in any format you like as long as it’s under 5 minutes.

Who Should Join:

Linux users of all levels

Anyone interested in discovering new tools and improving their workflow

Community members eager to share and learn from each other

Don’t Feel Like Presenting?

No problem! You’re more than welcome to attend and just enjoy the presentations. There’s no pressure to show off anything if you don’t want to.

Hope to see you all there!

From Campus to Career: Alumni Insights on STEM Education and Employment
2024-06-06 18:00 - 20:00 | Ontario
📍 uWindsor Advanced Computing Hub (300 Ouellette Ave, above Hackforge)👥 In-Person Only

Join us June 6th, 2024, for an exclusive panel event hosted by Connecting Windsor-Essex, tailored specifically for International Students in the School of Engineering. Dive into a fireside chat with seasoned professional engineers who will share their personal journeys, including navigating the job market post-graduation and essential skills in demand within the engineering sector.

Discover how to effectively overcome challenges, network strategically, and successfully forge your career path in Canada and beyond. This event is a prime opportunity for learning and networking, offering direct insights from experts who have both faced challenges and achieved success. Don’t miss out on this chance to shape your future in engineering!

There is no cost to attend, and everyone is welcome.

📅 Thursday, June 6th

⏲ 6 – 8 PM

📍 uWindsor Advanced Computing Hub (300 Ouellette Ave, above Hackforge)

Intro to Rust
2024-06-05 18:00 - 20:00 | Hackforge HQ, 300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210, Windsor, Ontario, N9A 7B4
📍Hackforge HQ, (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210)👥💻 Hybrid

The Rust programming language has been steadily gaining popularity since its introduction in 2015. An all-purpose, system-level language, Rust allows experienced programmers to quickly write stable code.

Bring your laptop to this intermediate-level programming session, and learn the basics of Rust! Regardless of what it is, as long as you know at least one language, you’ll be able to pick up Rust.

This session will offer a mixture of lecture-style instruction with hands-on activities, so make sure you bring a machine with Rust pre-installed (https://www.rust-lang.org/tools/install). If you don’t have a computer, please reach out to info@hackf.org and we’ll have one ready for you (quantities are limited!)

📅 Wednesday, June 5th

⌚ 6-8 PM

💲 Free

Register to attend In-Person in the RSVP box below

Register to attend Virtually via Zoom.

“Through balancing powerful technical capacity and a great developer experience, Rust gives you the option to control low-level details (such as memory usage) without all the hassle traditionally associated with such control.” – The Rust Programming Language

Bridging Communities for Inclusive Decision-Making
2024-06-01 11:30 - 13:30 | Art Windsor-Essex, 401 Riverside Dr W, Windsor, ON, Canada
📍Art Windsor-Essex (401 Riverside Dr W)👥💻 Hybrid

This event is being held as part of Hackforge’s Accessibility Series, coinciding with National AccessAbility Week (May 26 – June 1)

To wrap up Hackforge’s week of accessibility programming, we’re hosting a panel discussion on local accessibility issues.

Featuring representatives from various advocacy and assistance groups, this event will explore local inclusion initiatives. David Best will moderate, and audience members will be given the chance to ask questions.

Stay tuned for the complete list of panelists!

Date: Saturday, June 1, 2024

Time: 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM

Location: Art Windsor-Essex (401 Riverside Dr W) and Online via Zoom

Register to attend online

Hackforge’s Accessibility Series is made possible with the support of Assisted Living Southwestern Ontario

Sensory Harmony: Imagining Universal Integration
2024-05-31 18:00 - 20:00 | ALSO, 1100 University Ave W, Windsor, Ontario, N9A 5S7, Canada
📍Assisted Living Southwestern Ontario (ALSO) (1100 University Ave, W.)👥💻 Hybrid

This event is being held as part of Hackforge’s Accessibility Series, coinciding with National AccessAbility Week (May 26 – June 1)

Join us for an immersive event as we delve into the world of accessibility tools and technologies designed for individuals with sensory impairments.

In the first half of the event, David Best, a seasoned professional with over three decades of experience at IBM and who himself is blind, takes the stage. David will lead a captivating half-hour session where he will showcase essential tools for individuals with visual impairments. David will provide firsthand insights and practical demonstrations that shed light on the remarkable advancements enhancing accessibility for the visually impaired.

Following David’s session, Saamer Mansoor will talk about his journey on creating the startup BeAware and its line of tools for the d/Deaf community. He will briefly talk about the need for entrepreneurs to help bridge gaps in society in a world designed without inclusion in mind.

Whether you’re passionate about accessibility, a seasoned professional/entrepreneur, or simply curious about the incredible innovations shaping our world, this event promises to be an enriching experience. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn, engage, and envision a more inclusive future for all.

📅 Friday, May 31st

⏲ 6 – 8 PM

📍Assisted Living Southwestern Ontario (ALSO) (1100 University Ave. W) and Online via Zoom

💲 Free

Hackforge’s Accessibility Series is made possible with the support of Assisted Living Southwestern Ontario

Undoing Ableism as Praxis of Disability Pride
2024-05-30 18:00 - 20:00 | ALSO, 1100 University Ave W, Windsor, Ontario, N9A 5S7, Canada
📍 Assisted Living Southwestern Ontario (ALSO) (1100 University Ave, W.)👥 In-Person Only

This event is being held as part of Hackforge’s Accessibility Series, coinciding with National AccessAbility Week (May 26 – June 1)

An interactive workshop for students, professionals, and community members seeking to create accessible spaces for people with disabilities, and anyone affected by ableism.

Faced with the burden of successfully reproducing norms that align with a dominant culture, language, religion, appearance, age, health, general ways of being, navigating, and learning –– or otherwise being subjected to judgement or exclusion, this workshop employs experiential learning strategies to explore the forces and lived consequences of ableism. In a world sustained on deeply entrenched norms of somatic and neurological ideals of mental and physical strength, this interactive session underscores ableism as a source of oppression for disabled folks.

Throughout the workshop, participants are asked to examine how the microstructures of language and macro-interactions with social, medical, and institutional practices and policy reinforce ableist tendencies that value able-bodiedness as the desired ideal.

Participants will reflect on their own interactions with ableism and develop the skill to dislodge commonly held ableist beliefs. Demonstrating lived experiences of ableism as having biological, social, and mental health effects, participants will learn how to:

Build an environment that acknowledges the challenges of initiating difficult conversations addressing forms of exclusion and oppression

Recognize ableism as a system of barriers in everyday life contexts

Apply practical strategies of undoing ableism as praxis (informed and committed action) of disability pride

Perhaps most notably, this workshop demonstrates that, “you don’t have to be disabled to experience ableism.” – Talila Lewis

This workshop is delivered by Evelina Baczewska, a feminist sociologist, specializing in disability pride/disability justice.

📅 Thursday, May 30th

⏲ 6 – 8PM

📍 Assisted Living Southwestern Ontario (ALSO) (1100 University Ave, W.)

Cost: Free

In-Person Only

Hackforge’s Accessibility Series is made possible with the support of Assisted Living Southwestern Ontario

Inclusive Innovation in the Workplace
2024-05-29 10:30 - 12:00 | Ontario
📍 University of Windsor, Dillon Hall, Room 255.👥 In-Person Only

Job postings by Canadian tech employers often include ‘innovative’ amongst the desired employee attributes for technology professionals. We’ll explore what that means for those employers – now and in the future. We’ll also look at what it means for job seekers – how you can engage in employee innovation that benefits the organization’s mission and at the same time improves your own quality of work life.

Presented by Dr. Thomas Carey from Workplace Innovation Network for Canada (WINCan). WINCan‘s goal is to prepare Canada’s workforce for the future of work.

📅 Wednesday, May 29th

⏲ 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

📍 University of Windsor, Dillon Hall, Room 255

Unleashing Creativity with AWS: A Live Demo of Generative AI Magic!
2024-05-28 19:00 - 20:00 | Hackforge HQ, 300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210, Windsor, Ontario, N9A 7B4
📍Hackforge HQ, (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210)👥💻 Hybrid

Join us for an electrifying evening at our next AWS User Group Meetup! This session is a must-attend for enthusiasts and professionals eager to dive into the cutting-edge world of AWS Generative AI. Whether you’re a developer, a project manager, or just passionate about AI technology, this gathering is the perfect opportunity to enrich your understanding and skills.

We’ll kick off with an engaging discussion on the latest AWS Generative AI offerings, exploring how these powerful tools are transforming the tech landscape. Prepare to gain insights that could revolutionize how you approach AI in your projects or business.

The highlight of the evening will be a live demonstration, where you’ll witness the magic of Generative AI firsthand. We’ll showcase how AI prompt is the new user interface. We’ll interact with an application using natural language instead of using UI.

Don’t miss the chance to network with fellow AWS aficionados, share your experiences, and perhaps even spark collaborations that could lead to the next big innovation in AI. Bring your curiosity, bring your questions, and let’s explore the future of AI together!

📅 Tuesday, May 28

⏲ 7 – 8 PM

📍 Hackforge HQ, 300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210 and Zoom

Delivering Accessible Web Content
2024-05-27 13:00 - 14:30 | Ontario
📍University of Windsor Advanced Computing Hub, Workshop Space, 4th Floor (300 Ouellette Ave, Windsor – Above Hackforge)👥💻 Hybrid

This event is being held as part of Hackforge’s Accessibility Series, coinciding with National AccessAbility Week (May 26 – June 1)

In an era where digital experiences shape our daily lives, it’s crucial to ensure that everyone can access and navigate websites seamlessly. This event is your gateway to mastering the art of web accessibility and making a positive impact in the online world.

Presented by Jason Pomerleau of Elev8 Web Studio, this event will cover WCAG standards and how to follow them. While geared towards web developers, anyone who works in digital marketing, content management, and graphic design can benefit from attending.

In-person and virtual spots are available, and attendance is free. Please note that there will be no recording of this event made available after the fact, so be sure to take notes!

📅⏲ Monday, May 27th, 1 – 2:30 pm

📍 University of Windsor Advanced Computing Hub, Workshop Space, 4th Floor (300 Ouellette Ave, Windsor – Above Hackforge)

Please note that there is elevator access for this event. A volunteer will be available at the outdoor elevator entrance on Ouellette Ave to swipe attendees into the University)

Register to attend In-Person in the RSVP below.

Register to attend Virtually via Zoom.

Elev8 Web Studio is southwestern Ontario’s leading WordPress development team. From a single web page to more than a million, Elev8 Web Studio builds custom themes and plugins for organizations of all shapes and sizes, from the smallest non-profit to multinational corporations. They are also the authors of WordPress Snippets, the most popular WordPress extension for Visual Studio Code with 375,000 active users.

Hackforge’s Accessibility Series is made possible with the support of Assisted Living Southwestern Ontario

Achieving AODA Compliance
2024-05-26 14:00 - 16:00 | ALSO, 1100 University Ave W, Windsor, Ontario, N9A 5S7, Canada
📍Assisted Living Southwestern Ontario (ALSO) (1100 University Ave, W.)👥💻 Hybrid

The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) was first passed in 2005, and set the goal of developing a fully accessible Ontario by 2025.

This is a complicated and ongoing process that requires people and organizations from across the province to participate. From Ontario.ca: “By working together, businesses, organizations, communities and all levels of government can meet the goal of making Ontario more accessible and inclusive.”

To show how everyone can contribute to a fully accessible Ontario, A Life Worth Living is sharing their experience in developing their Business Accessibility Toolkit. The free presentation will provide practical advice for AODA compliance, and details B2B solutions that make the goal of a fully accessible Ontario an achievable reality.

📅 Sunday, May 26

⏲ 2 – 4 PM

📍ALSO (1100 University Ave W), and online via Zoom

💲 Free

Register to attend in-person in below page.

Register to attend Virtually via Zoom.

A Life Worth Living is a Windsor-based organization that provides accessibility training and consulting. Consultants Steve Perpich and Judy Robinet will be delivering the material.

Hackforge’s Accessibility Series is made possible with the support of Assisted Living Southwestern Ontario

Linux Install Party
2024-05-23 19:00 - 21:00 | Hackforge HQ, 300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210, Windsor, Ontario, N9A 7B4
📍 Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210)👥 In-Person Only

This month, LUG will be hosting a Linux install and social gathering. If you’re interested in trying out Linux, then this is the event for you! Members will be available to help you with installing Linux on your laptop or onto a virtual machine. Participants are encouraged to socialize and chat about Linux and open source software.

📅 Thursday, May 23rd

⏲ 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (EST)

In-Person Event: 300 Ouellette Ave. Unit 210

Hope to see you all there!

Disability Inclusion: From Possibilities to Practice
2024-05-16 18:00 - 20:00 | ALSO, 1100 University Ave W, Unit A, Windsor, Ontario, N9A 5S7, Canada
📍 Assisted Living Southwestern Ontario (ALSO) (1100 University Ave. W, Windsor)👥💻 Hybrid

This event is being held as part of Hackforge’s Accessibility Series, coinciding with Global Accessibility Awareness Day (May 16) and National AccessAbility Week (May 26 – June 1).

The third Thursday of each May is Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD). The purpose of GAAD is to get people to share lived experiences and innovative ideas about digital access and inclusion.

In this session we will learn about the Ontario open for business economic growth strategy that requires all Ontario organizations to implement the four core principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). The AODA was passed into law in 2005 with the goal of full inclusion by 2025. The purpose of AODA is to create a more inclusive province, that can attract more economic growth by removing as many barriers as possible, making Ontario open for everyone.

Presenter David Best will dig into how the AODA can help your business reach larger markets. He’ll cover the four value proposition principles that can help your business attract customers and stand out in the market:

Dignity: From information to knowledge (Knowledge is power)

Independence: From accessibility to usability (Usability is enabling)

Integration: From passive to active (Active is inclusive)

Equality: From chaos to stability (Stability is satisfaction)

David Best of BEST Accessibility Consulting is an Accessibility Information Technology Specialist with over 35 years of experience in the industry. He has worked for Air Canada, and recently retired from IBM. David was also one of the first blind individuals to graduate with a B.Sc. in computer science from a Canadian University.

📅 Thursday, May 16th

⏲ 6 – 8 PM

📍 Assisted Living Southwestern Ontario (ALSO) (1100 University Ave. W, Windsor)

Cost: free

Register to attend In-Person in below RSVP box.

Register to attend Virtually: Zoom

Hackforge’s Accessibility Series is made possible with the support of Assisted Living Southwestern Ontario

React Workshop Series: Building Interactive Components
2024-05-14 19:00 - 20:30 | Hackforge HQ, 300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210, Windsor, Ontario, N9A 7B4
📍Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210)👥In-person Only

Join us this month for another hands-on event from Hackforge’s Web Development Group. In this beginner-focused workshop, you’ll learn how to use the React library to build interactive and dynamic components. Key Topics Covered:

Creating reusable components

Basic state management and component lifecycle

Handling user input and events

Best practices for building scalable user interfaces

What to Expect: The format of this workshop will be a mix of a presentation/demo and hands-on development. Attendees are encouraged to bring their laptops to participate in the development activities. A GitHub repository with the code you need to participate will be made available to download closer to the event date. This event is free and available in-person only.

Border City Data: Hack the Afternoon!
2024-05-11 14:00 - 16:00 | Hackforge HQ, 300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210, Windsor, Ontario, N9A 7B4
📍Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210)👥In-person Only

Bring your data, your computer, and your problem! Border City Data is offering a drop-in Hack the Afternoon event where attendees can receive help with their data issues.

Database query not returning the desired result? Unsure how to visualize a data set? Trouble scraping info from a website? We can help!

We’re not wizards and can’t do your work for you, but if you bring your assets and a willingness to learn, we can assist you in overcoming obstacles.

📢 This event is in-person only and will take place at Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210).

Mastering Prompt Engineering for Developers
2024-05-09 18:30 - 20:30 | Hackforge HQ, 300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210, Windsor, Ontario, N9A 7B4
📍Hackforge HQ, (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210)👥💻 Hybrid

Join us for an immersive workshop tailored for developers interested in leveraging Large Language Models (LLMs) like OpenAI’s GPT. This event will delve into the intricacies of prompt engineering, a crucial skill for anyone looking to enhance their application development with AI capabilities.

What You Will Learn:

Best Practices in Prompt Engineering: Understand the principles behind effective prompt design to improve the performance and relevancy of responses from LLMs.

Building Custom Chatbots: Discover how to design and implement your own chatbots using LLMs, tailored to your specific needs and customer interactions.

Who Should Attend:

This workshop is ideal for software developers, AI researchers, and technical project managers who are eager to integrate AI into their workstreams and enhance their applications’ capabilities through tailored prompts.

Event Takeaways:

Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how to craft effective prompts, practical experience in prompt iteration, and insights into innovative uses of LLMs for technology development.

All you need is your laptop , Open AI account and google colab notebook

Join us to unlock the full potential of prompt engineering and transform your development projects with AI!

📅 Thursday, May 9th

⏲ 6:30 – 8:30 PM

📍 Hackforge HQ, (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210) and Zoom

OSM Windsor-Essex Monthly Meetup: Civic Science
2024-05-06 18:00 - 20:00 | Hackforge HQ, 300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210, Windsor, Ontario, N9A 7B4
📍Hackforge HQ, (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210)👥💻 Hybrid

Come meet up with OpenStreetMap Windsor-Essex on Monday, May 6th, to learn about Civic Science! We’ll explore what this term means, discuss how/whether OSM fits into this definition, and look at some upcoming opportunities for becoming a civic scientist.

This is a free event, and everyone is welcome to attend!

📅 Monday, May 6th

⏲ 6 – 8 PM

📍 Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette, Unit 210) and online via Zoom

To learn more about civic/community/citizen science, check out this short podcast from NPR.

Hackforge Linux User Group Virtual Social Event!
2024-05-03 19:00 - 21:00 | Ontario
📍 Discord💻 Virtual Only

Come join us as we nerd out about Linux at this month’s Hackforge Linux User Group Virtual Social!

📅 Friday, May 3rd

⏲ 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (EST)

Virtual Event: Discord

What to Expect:

– Help with Problems: Bring your Linux-related queries and let our community experts assist you in finding solutions.

– Current Events Discussion: Stay updated and engage in discussions about the latest happenings in the Linux world.

This virtual social event provides an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow Linux enthusiasts, learn, and have fun!

Hope to see you all there!

Earth Day Community Tree Planting
2024-04-28 10:00 - 12:00 | Ganatchio Trail, Tecumseh, Little River Ext, Windsor, Ontario, ON N8P, Canada
📍Windsor, Ganatchio Trail – Little River Ext, Windsor, ON N8P, Canada👥 In-Person Only

Hackforge is putting together a Green Team for ERCA’s annual Earth Day Community Tree Planting event, and we’d love for you to join us!

There is no cost to attend, and no prior tree-planting experience is required. Email info@hackf.org to register for this event. We can set up carpooling

Date & Time: Apr 28, 2024, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Location: Ganatchio Trail – Little River Ext, Windsor, ON N8P, Canada

More details: https://www.essexregionconservation.ca/event-details/earth-day-community-tree-planting-2

Cannalytics: Learn Basic Data Analysis with Public Data
2024-04-25 18:00 - 20:00 | Hackforge HQ, 300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210, Windsor, Ontario, N9A 7B4
📍Hackforge HQ, (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210)👥💻 Hybrid

This month at Border City Data, join Doug Sartori for a look at cannabis retail in Canada. We’ll look at public data sources and generate visualizations about the sector.

Join in to see demonstrations of basic data ingestion, transformation, and visualization with free tools. This is a beginner-friendly event with easy-to-understand data. If you’re curious about data science but don’t know where to start, this event is for you.

📅 Thursday, April 25th

⏲ 6 – 8 pm

📍 Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210), or register online via Zoom to attend virtually.

Walking Tour Walkthrough
2024-04-22 18:00 - 20:00 | Hackforge HQ, 300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210, Windsor, Ontario, N9A 7B4
📍Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210)💻 Virtual Only

Pytheas is an open source, digital walking tour guide developed by Parallel 42 Systems in 2022. It has been used to create the McDougall Street Corridor and Queer Walk walking tours.

Over the past three months, Hackforge’s developer advocate intern Haley Tibbits has been working on improving the Pytheas codebase. Her goal was to make the system more user-friendly, including cleaner packages and comprehensive documentation. And now Haley’s ready to show off her work!

Tune in to this virtual event on Monday, April 22nd to get a step-by-step walkthrough of a Pytheas implementation. Learn more about the platform and how it can help you guide visitors on a food tour, historic exploration, or scavenger hunt.

Register now via Zoom to receive the call link.

Event Date: Monday, April 22nd

Event Time: 6 – 8pm

Event Location: Zoom.

Hackforge Linux User Group Virtual Social Event
2024-04-21 19:00 - 21:00 | Ontario
📍Hackforge HQ (300 Ouellette Ave, Unit 210)💻 Virtual Only

Join us for an exciting evening of nerding out and exploring container features of systemd at this month’s Hackforge Linux User Group Virtual Social!

📅 April 21st

⏲ 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (EST)

Virtual Event: Discord

What to Expect:

– Help with Problems: Bring your Linux-related queries and let our community experts assist you in finding solutions.

– Current Events Discussion: Stay updated and engage in discussions about the latest happenings in the Linux world.

– Bonus Activity: Explore the possibilities of running two Linux distributions on the same machine with systemd-nspawn. Get hands-on guidance and tips to experiment with this exciting feature!

This virtual social event provides an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow Linux enthusiasts, learn, and have fun!
