Pittsburgh Girls Who Walk and Nerd Nite Pittsburgh are teaming up for our second Women’s Mixer! Proceeds from the event will go towards fundraising for Girls Who Code. Doors will open at 6:00 to come in, pregame, and get registered for Speed Friending and then the festivities will begin!
Pittsburgh Mixers:
The best way to meet new people is through the people you already know. This is why house parties are the best place to do it. Nerd Nite’s Pittsburgh Mixers are designed to simulate all the benefits of a house party out at a bar with random strangers. It’s like going back to the good ol’ days when more people randomly met out in the world!
PHASE ONE – Speed Friending – 6:00-7:30: You can begin to register for this starting at 6:00 and the first round will begin at 6:30. Speed Friending will rotate you around with other guests for 5-minute conversations with new people. One of the best reasons house parties are so great for meeting people is that, almost always, everyone either knows the host or is a friend of someone who knows the host. So you are sure to be only a few mutual connections away from everyone there, and those who connect the dots are also in attendance! With Speed Friending, our goal is to create an atmosphere with that same vibe.
PHASE TWO – Starting at 7:30: The real mixer begins. We’ll keep the tunes at a medium volume so you can enjoy them and hear people easily. Additionally, we’ll have all the social games that you loved for the first parties. We’ll be partnering once again with CityOfPlay to have a wide selection of party games such as Telestrations, Codenames, and Monikers, and all are welcome to bring their own from home! We’ll also have dice and cards for whatever you want to do with them. And, of course, there will be great food, drinks, and lots of extra space just to talk and hang out. Essentially the perfect party if you want it to be easy to talk to strangers.
Grab your girlfriends or come out to make new ones! See you there!
-Pittsburgh Girls Who Walk Team and Nerd Nite Bosses
The best way to meet new people is through the people you already know. This is why house parties are the best place to do it. Nerd Nite’s Pittsburgh Mixers are designed to simulate all the benefits of a house party out at a bar with random strangers. It’s like going back to the good ol’ days when more people randomly met out in the world!
PHASE ONE – Pitch-A-Friend – 6:30-7:30 – A lot of folks who come out to these are single and looking to mingle. So for the first time we’ll be starting out with a segment just for them! Pitch-A-Friend is Shark Tank for singles. Pitch-A-Friend will allow folks to gush about their single friends in Nerd Nite’s classic entertaining and silly PowerPoint format to potential prospects in the audience! Do you have a single friend who you want to help find love? Are you single and have a friend who knows how awesome you are? Fill out this form to let the world know! Are you single but don’t want to be in the limelight? Then come out to enjoy the show and find time through the rest of the night to say hi to anyone who catches your eye or reach out to them later through the contact info in the presentations! Doors open at 6 to come in and grab a seat.
PHASE TWO – Speed Friending – 7:30-8:30: Speed Friending will rotate you around with other guests for 5-minute conversations with new people. One of the best reasons house parties are so great for meeting people is that, almost always, everyone either knows the host or is a friend of someone who knows the host. So you are sure to be only a few mutual connections away from everyone there, and those who connect the dots are also in attendance! With Speed Friending, our goal is to create an atmosphere with that same vibe. Despite phase one being a dating thing, this is still just for making new friends! If you’ve never done one of these before please take a minute to read over how it works before you arrive.
PHASE THREE – Starting at 8:30: The real mixer begins. We’ll keep the tunes at a medium volume so you can enjoy them and hear people easily. Additionally, we’ll have all the social games that you loved for the first parties. We’ll be partnering once again with CityOfPlay to have a wide selection of party games such as Telestrations, Codenames, and Monikers, and all are welcome to bring their own from home! We’ll also have dice and cards for whatever you want to do with them, and beer pong tables to re-live your college days. And, of course, there will be great food, drinks, and lots of extra space just to talk and hang out. Essentially the perfect party if you want it to be easy to talk to strangers.
Also! With the addition of Pitch-A-Friend this time, we’re trying to make this event better for all the singles who come out, but we want to make sure that these mixers remain a safe space where people who are just looking for friends don’t have to worry about uncomfortable vibes. To that end, in addition to Pitch-A-Friend this mixer will also take on the attribute of being a Stoplight Party. Very minor, but critical, addition to the regular shenanigans. All it means is when you arrive, tell us what wristband color you want. Green means you’re single and looking to mingle. Yellow means you are looking but tells others not to flirt with you unless you flirt with them first. Red means you’re just here for friends and others should know you do not want to be hit on at all.
Nerd Nite Pittsburgh is a lecture series that’s a mix between a TED talk, a comedy show, and a social mixer! Speakers present for 15 minutes on a variety of topics related to science and technology, popular culture, history, and other nerdery with a vibe that’s as entertaining as it is academic! Audience members can ask questions, and beforehand there is an entirely optional social game. If you like live comedy, learning about random and interesting things, and meeting other nerds this is for you! Social game starts at 7:00, Doors open for the show at 8:15, show starts at 8:30. If you have a topic you are passionate about and you’d like to be a speaker at a later event get in touch at !
This event will be a fundraiser for the Cystic FIbrosis Foundation! Cystic fibrosis is a devastating genetic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system. 100% of the ticket sales will go to support the foundation. Learn more or donate at the fundraising page for Nerd Nite MC Rorry!
July 29th will show the following presentations:
I’m Dying Up Here: The Science of Comedy from A Terminally Ill Girl with Nothing to Lose
What makes a joke funny? Like, funny funny. Is it well written, is it about sex, or did Will Ferrell just say it in a funny voice? Who’s to say for certain… but professional standup comic, writer, and actor Kirsten Michelle Cills has some theories she’d like to share.
Discovering the Algorithm
In an age where there is no rule book we need to discover how something works through research and failure. We will discuss social media content algorithms and dive deep on meta reels, tik toks, and YouTube shorts.
Mark Shimkets is a Comedian from Pittsburgh PA. He has performed on stages from across the country such as Cobbs in San Fransisco to the Wilbur in Boston opening for nationally touring comedian Steve Hofstetter. Catch him hosting the comedy night @ 565 speakeasy and stage and Willow Station Bar and Grille.
CFF: started from the bottom now we’re HERE
Justin Davis is a real estate professional, actor and recreational athlete who defines the word “BASIC.” Years ago, after careful reflection and painful self analysis, Justin decided that it was time stop being a selfish dickhead and all around “f***boy.” In an effort to not burn in hell one day, Justin sought volunteer opportunities, to help others in need. After researching MANY organizations and causes and whoring himself out to any volunteer ask in town, Justin discovered that not all non-profits are created equally. Justin’s research to find an organization that was efficient and effective led him to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and a program called “Pittsburgh’s 50 Finest.” Justin now sits on the board of directors of the local chapter of CFF, chairs Pittsburgh’s 50 Finest, in addition to his national roles as a member of the Leadership Council, co-chair of the National Volunteer Leadership Initiative and chair of the State Advocacy Team, which sends Justin to Harrisburg and Washington DC annually, to meet with Senators and Representatives to fight for vital funding. This talk will be about the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s story and accomplishments through the years, including revolutionizing the rare disease non-profit with venture philanthropy and how CFF’s model is helping other common diseases.
Social game:
Our social game will take place before the show from 7-8:15. Similar to ‘Speed Dating’ or ‘Speed Networking’ our game is ‘Speed Friending’! Whether you are new to the city and hoping to make friends, trying to expand your professional network with other nerds, or are single and looking to mingle, the game is just about meeting new people! We have a system in place to rotate everyone around to meet someone new every 5 minutes, then you can fill out an online form with which conversations you enjoyed and we’ll email you your matches! You are welcome to join late, but if you want to get the most of it arrive at 7:00 to register and the first round will start at 7:15.
If you haven’t been here before, check what this is about with videos from our youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flOg5cRkceg&list=PLcx6pXs_8CRUItElXY8Cvs5vhXtZN_j9w
This event is 21+ and requires ID. The venue has limited space and there will not be door sales. Be sure to get a ticket before heading over.
We’re doing a repeat show of our event with 3 nerdy comics rather than 3 comical nerds! Show will be a bit of a speed run. No Speed Friending and longer breaks this time. Show will be at Arcade Comedy Theater downtown. If you missed them last time, or have been meaning to go but can’t do Thursdays this is for you! Arcade comedy theater is BYOB, stop by the beer store on Liberty and 10th before heading over.
July 15th will feature the following presentations:
The Hero With A Thousand Whiskers; Why Puss in Boots the Last Wish was A Joseph Campbell Wet Dream:
There’s no reason why the third installment of a spin-off Shrek sequel should be as good as it is. Why did it go so hard? Why was a children’s movie as deep and affecting as it was? By drawing upon universal themes and employing the “Hero’s Journey” narrative structure, the filmmakers gifted us something ancient yet brand new. (In other words, a classic.) Speaker Ronnie Fleming will take you through the film (warning: spoilers) following each stage of Joseph Campbell’s template for storytelling, “The Hero with a Thousand Faces.”
Ronnie was a screenwriting student, a New York City dog-walker, and is now a touring comedian always on the lookout for movies that inspire him like P in B 3 did.
Fairly innocuous: Are Diamonds really forever?:
In her talk, Brittany Alexis examines the prevalence of strong beliefs concerning engagement rings and their origins and connects that to larger concepts often heralded as fact or “history” such as why there are more states with Confederate Monuments than states that existed during the Civil War. She encourages you to come with an open mind and have fun questioning why you believe what you believe and if it’s fact or really good marketing.
Brittany Alexis is an up and coming comic in the Pittsburgh/Erie comedy scene. She began her comedy journey doing open mics at Hambones to get over her jitters about being a trial attorney but fell in love with the craft and she’s excited to be a part of this show because she’s a nerd at heart.
Fundamentals of Music OR Sound Over Time:
To many, MUSIC is a mystical enigma created by people with CRAZY hairstyles or EVEN WORSE…powdered WIGS! This may be true, but MUSIC is ALSO a system of creating and describing SOUND over TIME. MUSIC is composed of different elements that we can understand, talk about, notate, or even manipulate to CREATE OUR OWN MUSIC!
Musician and comedian, Paulie Stags, will introduce (or reintroduce) you to some of the most fundamental elements of music. There will most likely be audience participation. He may insult someone, but it will probably be a dead composer. Powdered wigs are highly encouraged, but not required.
If you haven’t been here before, check what this is about with videos from our youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flOg5cRkceg&list=PLcx6pXs_8CRUItElXY8Cvs5vhXtZN_j9w
Nerd Nite Pittsburgh is a lecture series that’s a mix between a TED talk, a comedy show, and a social mixer! Speakers present for 15 minutes on a variety of topics related to science and technology, popular culture, history, and other nerdery with a vibe that’s as entertaining as it is academic! Audience members can ask questions, and beforehand there is an entirely optional social game. If you like alcohol, learning about random and interesting things, and meeting other nerds this is for you! Social game starts at 6:30, Doors open for the show at 7:30, show starts at 7:45. If you have a topic you are passionate about and you’d like to be a speaker at a later event get in touch at ! June 29thth will show the following presentations:
Mystic Molecules: A Journey Into the Psychedelic Frontier
Psychedelic expert Russ Cersosimo Jr. invites you on a thrilling expedition into the wondrous world of psychedelics. Unravel the mystique surrounding these powerful substances and journey beyond mainstream perceptions into a realm where science, consciousness, and healing converge. Dive into fascinating case studies, cutting-edge research findings, and captivating personal anecdotes that demonstrate the life-altering power of these “mystic molecules”. This talk serves as both an essential primer for the psychedelic-curious and a deep dive for seasoned explorers, shedding light on how these substances can foster profound change on an individual and societal level. As an authority in the field of psychedelic experiences and applications, Russ Cersosimo has bridged the gap between cutting-edge biotechnology and the exploration of altered states of consciousness. His expert understanding of psychedelic substances has enriched his approach to innovation, leadership, and change-making, influencing his successful ventures across a range of industries. Russ is a 7x Founder, Innovator, Book Author, Patented Inventor. Psychedelic Expert, Change Agent, Producer, and Keynote Speaker.
The history of cannabis from biblical times, to our founding fathers, to modern day. Why it is essential to society.
Daniel Sax is the Laboratory Director at Trulieve, the nation’s leading cannabis producer. Duquesne University alum, From Pittsburgh, PA, Everyone knows his hobby.
Beer
Gene Ribnicky has thirty years experience in the world of craft beer. He has worked for two breweries and currently works for Vecenie Distributing Company – Beer Since 1933. Part of Gene’s duties at Vecenie Distributing Company includes beer outreach and education. He has “taught” Beer School at the Greer Cabaret Theater, the Carnegie Science Center, and the University of Pittsburgh. These days, he can be found “In the Beer Garden” on KDKA radio. When Gene’s not working, he’s most likely geeking out on beer.
Social game:
Our social game will take place before the show from 6:30-7:30. Similar to ‘Speed Dating’ or ‘Speed Networking’ our game is ‘Speed Friending’! Whether you are new to the city and hoping to make friends, trying to expand your professional network with other nerds, or are single and looking to mingle, the game is just about meeting new people! We have a system in place to rotate everyone around to meet someone new every 5 minutes, then you can fill out an online form with which conversations you enjoyed and we’ll email you your matches! You are welcome to join late, but if you want to get the most of it arrive at 6:15 to register and the first round will start at 6:30.
This event will be a fundraiser for the Cystic FIbrosis Foundation! Cystic fibrosis is a devastating genetic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system. 100% of the revenue after venue fees are covered will be going to suppor tthe foundation. Learn more or donate at the fundraising page for Nerd Nite MC Rorry!
If you haven’t been here before, check what this is about with videos from our youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flOg5cRkceg&list=PLcx6pXs_8CRUItElXY8Cvs5vhXtZN_j9w
This event is 21+ and requires ID. The venue has limited space and there may not be door sales if we sell out, which happens regularly. Be sure to get a ticket before heading over.
Normal Nerd Nites are stand-up comedy/TED talks, PowerPoint Karaoke will be improv comedy/TED talks. Presentations will all be fully improvisational with presenters either having never seen the slides before, or knowing what the slides are but getting audience input on what the topic to be covered will be! We’re still figuring out exactly what the details will be, but the one thing we’re sure of is that its going to be awesome! Social game starts at 6:30, Doors open for the show at 7:30, show starts at 7:45. If you have a topic you are passionate about and you’d like to be a speaker at a later event get in touch at !
June 1st will feature the following improv team:
Grandpa is a long-form improv team and part of the Arcade Comedy Theater’s house team program. Its ten members (Bev Conrique, Bradley Pollock, Ellen Lundie, Fred Frances, Jim Kiley, Kim Olivito, Max Rubenstein, Raina Deerwater, Sean Hunt, and Xaz Walker, with support & direction from coach Tyler Ray Kendrick) have individually been students, performers, producers and instructors at the Arcade Comedy Theater for years. Grandpa was created at the start of 2023 along with the rest of the “rebooted” Arcade house team program, which is Arcade’s way of showcasing its performers in a twice-monthly Friday-night show, Hot Spot.
Social game:
Our social game will take place before the show from 6:30-7:30. Similar to ‘Speed Dating’ or ‘Speed Networking’ our game is ‘Speed Friending’! Whether you are new to the city and hoping to make friends, trying to expand your professional network with other nerds, or are single and looking to mingle, the game is just about meeting new people! We have a system in place to rotate everyone around to meet someone new every 5 minutes, then you can fill out an online form with which conversations you enjoyed and we’ll email you your matches! You are welcome to join late, but if you want to get the most of it arrive at 6:15 to register and the first round will start at 6:30.
This event will be a fundraiser for the Cystic FIbrosis Foundation! Cystic fibrosis is a devastating genetic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system. 100% of the revenue after venue fees are covered will be going to suppor tthe foundation. Learn more or donate at the fundraising page for Nerd Nite MC Rorry!
If you haven’t been here before, check what this is about with videos from our youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flOg5cRkceg&list=PLcx6pXs_8CRUItElXY8Cvs5vhXtZN_j9w
This event is 21+ and requires ID. The venue has limited space and there may not be door sales if we sell out, which happens regularly. Be sure to get a ticket before heading over.
This will be our second mixer at Il Tetto, the rooftop bar at Sienna Mercato downtown, and this event will once again be 100% free! Doors will open at 5:00 to come in, pregame, and get registered for Speed Friending and then the festivities will begin! If there’s a long line when you arrive, we suggest grabbing a drink at another downtown bar and we’ll keep you posted on our Instagram when we have space open up.
Pittsburgh Mixers:
The best way to meet new people is through the people you already know. This is why house parties are the best place to do it. Nerd Nite’s Pittsburgh Mixers are designed to simulate all the benefits of a house party out at a bar with random strangers. It’s like going back to the good ol’ days when more people randomly met out in the world!
PHASE ONE – Speed Friending – 6:00-8:00: You can begin to register for this starting at 6:00 and the first round will begin at 6:30. Speed Friending will rotate you around with other guests for 5-minute conversations with new people. One of the best reasons house parties are so great for meeting people is that, almost always, everyone either knows the host or is a friend of someone who knows the host. So you are sure to be only a few mutual connections away from everyone there, and those who connect the dots are also in attendance! With Speed Friending, our goal is to create an atmosphere with that same vibe.
PHASE TWO – Starting at 8:00: The real mixer begins. We’ll keep the tunes at a medium volume so you can enjoy them and hear people easily. Additionally, we’ll have all the social games that you loved for the first parties. We’ll be partnering once again with CityOfPlay to have a wide selection of party games such as Telestrations, Codenames, and Monikers, and all are welcome to bring their own from home! We’ll also have dice and cards for whatever you want to do with them, and two beer pong tables to re-live your college days. And, of course, there will be great food, drinks, and lots of extra space just to talk and hang out. Essentially the perfect party if you want it to be easy to talk to strangers.
See you there!
-Rorry (and Ralph too)
P.S. This event is 21+ and requires ID, and for this free one registration does not guarantee admission, make sure to arrive early!
Nerd Nite Pittsburgh is a lecture series that’s a mix between a comedy show, a TED talk, and a social mixer! Speakers present for 15 minutes on a variety of topics related to science and technology, popular culture, history, and other nerdery with a vibe that’s as entertaining as it is academic! Audience members can ask questions, and beforehand there is an entirely optional social game. If you like alcohol, learning about random and interesting things, and meeting other nerds this is for you! Social game starts at 6:30, Doors open for the show at 7:30, show starts at 7:45. If you have a topic you are passionate about and you’d like to be a speaker at a later event get in touch at !
Comedy Nite will feature 3 touring comics! This event will take place at the Rivers Club Downtown. The entrance to the Rivers Club is on the 4th floor of the Oxford Centre Garage. As you enter from the garage on level 4, a door marked ‘Rivers Club’ will be on your right. Go through that door and you will be in a marble lobby with a private elevator on your right. Take the elevator to Level 6.
April 27th will feature the following presentations:
The Hero With A Thousand Whiskers; Why Puss in Boots the Last Wish was A Joseph Campbell Wet Dream:
There’s no reason why the third installment of a spin-off Shrek sequel should be as good as it is. Why did it go so hard? Why was a children’s movie as deep and affecting as it was? By drawing upon universal themes and employing the “Hero’s Journey” narrative structure, the filmmakers gifted us something ancient yet brand new. (In other words, a classic.) Speaker Ronnie Fleming will take you through the film (warning: spoilers) following each stage of Joseph Campbell’s template for storytelling, “The Hero with a Thousand Faces.”
Ronnie was a screenwriting student, a New York City dog-walker, and is now a touring comedian always on the lookout for movies that inspire him like P in B 3 did.
Fairly innocuous: Are Diamonds really forever?:
In her talk, Brittany Alexis examines the prevalence of strong beliefs concerning engagement rings and their origins and connects that to larger concepts often heralded as fact or “history” such as why there are more states with Confederate Monuments than states that existed during the Civil War. She encourages you to come with an open mind and have fun questioning why you believe what you believe and if it’s fact or really good marketing.
Brittany Alexis is an up and coming comic in the Pittsburgh/Erie comedy scene. She began her comedy journey doing open mics at Hambones to get over her jitters about being a trial attorney but fell in love with the craft and she’s excited to be a part of this show because she’s a nerd at heart.
Fundamentals of Music OR Sound Over Time:
To many, MUSIC is a mystical enigma created by people with CRAZY hairstyles or EVEN WORSE…powdered WIGS! This may be true, but MUSIC is ALSO a system of creating and describing SOUND over TIME. MUSIC is composed of different elements that we can understand, talk about, notate, or even manipulate to CREATE OUR OWN MUSIC!
Musician and comedian, Paulie Stags, will introduce (or reintroduce) you to some of the most fundamental elements of music. There will most likely be audience participation. He may insult someone, but it will probably be a dead composer. Powdered wigs are highly encouraged, but not required.
Social game:
Our social game will take place before the show from 6:30-7:30. Similar to ‘Speed Dating’ or ‘Speed Networking’ our game is ‘Speed Friending’! Whether you are new to the city and hoping to make friends, trying to expand your professional network with other nerds, or are single and looking to mingle, the game is just about meeting new people! We have a system in place to rotate everyone around to meet someone new every 5 minutes, then you can fill out an online form with which conversations you enjoyed and we’ll email you your matches! You are welcome to join late, but if you want to get the most of it arrive at 6:15 to register and the first round will start at 6:30.
If you haven’t been here before, check what this is about with videos from our youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flOg5cRkceg&list=PLcx6pXs_8CRUItElXY8Cvs5vhXtZN_j9w
This event is 21+ and requires ID. The venue has limited space and there may not be door sales if we sell out, which happens regularly. Be sure to get a ticket before heading over.
With the first house party being a huge success we’re going to keep them going! Making a few minor changes to streamline things with one major change being the venue. This party will take place at Il Tetto, the rooftop bar at Sienna Mercato downtown, and this event will be 100% free! Doors will open at 5:00 to come in, pregame, and get registered for Speed Friending and then everything will proceed like our first event last month! Be sure to arrive early as our last event hit capacity around 8:30. If there’s a long line when you arrive, we suggest grabbing a drink at another downtown bar and we’ll keep you posted on our Instagram when we have space open up.
Pittsburgh Mixers:
The best way to meet new people is through the people you already know. This is why house parties are the best place to do it. Nerd Nite’s Pittsburgh Mixers are designed to simulate all the benefits of a house party out at a bar with random strangers. It’s like going back to the good ol’ days when more people randomly met out in the world!
PHASE ONE – 6:00-8:00: With 168 participants last time, we will once again run a crowd favorite at Nerd Nite: Speed Friending. You can begin to register for this starting at 6:00 and the first round will begin at 6:30. Speed Friending will rotate you around with other guests for 5-minute conversations with new people. One of the best reasons house parties are so great for meeting people is that, almost always, everyone either knows the host or is a friend of someone who knows the host. So you are sure to be only a few mutual connections away from everyone there, and those who connect the dots are also in attendance! With Speed Friending, our goal is to create an atmosphere with that same vibe.
PHASE TWO – Starting at 8:00: The real mixer begins. We’ll keep the tunes at a medium volume so you can enjoy them and hear people easily. Additionally, we’ll have all the social games that you loved for the first party. We’ll be partnering once again with CityOfPlay to have a wide selection of party games such as Telestrations, Codenames, and Monikers, and all are welcome to bring their own from home! We’ll also have dice and cards for whatever you want to do with them, and two beer pong tables to re-live your college days. And, of course, there will be great food, drinks, and lots of extra space just to talk and hang out. Essentially the perfect party if you want it to be easy to talk to strangers.
See you there!
-Rorry (and Ralph too)
P.S. This event is 21+ and requires ID, and for this free one registration does not guarantee admission, make sure to arrive early!
Nerd Nite Pittsburgh is a lecture series that’s a mix between a TED talk, a comedy show, and a social mixer! Speakers present for 15 minutes on a variety of topics related to science and technology, popular culture, history, and other nerdery with a vibe that’s as entertaining as it is academic! Audience members can ask questions, and beforehand there is an entirely optional social game. If you like alcohol, learning about random and interesting things, and meeting other nerds this is for you! Social game starts at 6:30, Doors open for the show at 7:30, show starts at 7:45. If you have a topic you are passionate about and you’d like to be a speaker at a later event get in touch at !
This event will be downstairs during renovations and is certain to sell out with the smaller capacity, get your tickets early before they’re all gone!
February 8th will show the following presentations:
Cup Stacking: Not Your Average Pyramid Scheme:
Drew Wilfahrt is a retired cup stacker and a former member of the U.S. National Sport Stacking team. Drew spent a decade of his childhood competing in cup stacking tournaments across the country. Most famously, Drew demonstrated his dedication to the sport by skipping his High School Prom to compete in the World Sport Stacking Championships (much to the dismay of his girlfriend at the time). Today, Drew is a card-carrying immunologist at the University of Pittsburgh, but he spends his days and nights dreaming of the glory days when stacking cups was all he lived for.
Data Science, World Records, and Why Michael Phelps Kept Changing His Bathing Suit:
Orly Olbum is a statistician by training, a data scientist by trade, and has been a swimmer since before she could walk. A natural-born nerd and conspiracy theorist, Orly has always been curious about the textile swimsuit phenomenon best known to land-people as one of the reasons Michael Phelps is really freaking fast. Combining her love for numbers and her love for Michael Phelps (no matter what bathing suit he is wearing), she will explore swimming world record trends before the textile suit ban and how the ban has affected world record trends since. When not in the pool, Orly runs the Data Science department at Inpleo and enjoys putting together Star Wars Lego kits.
The History of Punxsutawney Phil – Pennsylvania’s Immortal Rodent:
Ali Mazzotta leverages her degree in journalism once a year to annoy her Instagram followers with a live play-by-play of Groundhog’s day. Her Pulitzer-worthy storytelling includes the holiday’s history, the dignitaries that care for Punxsutawney Phil and the secret to Phil’s immortality. This year, she’s excited to be given the opportunity to talk about Phil twice in the same month. When she’s not preparing for February 2nd (Groundhog’s day) or researching other obscure interests, Ali is a product manager at Security Journey – an AppSec Education Platform.
Social game:
Our social game will take place before the show from 6:30-7:30. Similar to ‘Speed Dating’ or ‘Speed Networking’ our game is ‘Speed Friending’! Whether you are new to the city and hoping to make friends, trying to expand your professional network with other nerds, or are single and looking to mingle, the game is just about meeting new people! We have a system in place to rotate everyone around to meet someone new every 5 minutes, then you can fill out an online form with which conversations you enjoyed and we’ll email you your matches! You are welcome to join late, but if you want to get the most of it arrive at 6:15 to register and the first round will start at 6:30.
If you haven’t been here before, check what this is about with videos from our youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flOg5cRkceg&list=PLcx6pXs_8CRUItElXY8Cvs5vhXtZN_j9w
This event is 21+ and requires ID. The venue has limited space and there may not be door sales if we sell out, which happens regularly. Be sure to get a ticket before heading over.
