Budget Friendly Events New York

CFO AI Leverage Report: AI Budgets, ROI and Finance Sign-Off

**Event Title** Enterprise AI is moving from experimentation into the finance office. Open Future Forum has released the **CFO AI Leverage Report, Edition 1**, introducing the **Enterprise AI Buying & Budget Index** and the **CFO AI Leverage Index**. The report examines how CFOs and senior finance leaders are evaluating AI budgets, buying authority, ROI, productivity, governance and the question now sitting at the center of enterprise AI adoption: **Can AI help companies grow output without growing headcount at the same rate?** Read the report here: [https://openfutureforum.com/research/cfo-ai-leverage-report](https://openfutureforum.com/research/cfo-ai-leverage-report) This private executive discussion will focus on what the report means for CFOs, founders, finance leaders, AI operators, investors and enterprise executives. We will look at how AI buying is shifting, who signs off on AI purchases, what finance teams are measuring, and why AI ROI is becoming a CFO-level issue rather than only a technology issue. According to the report, enterprise generative AI spending reached approximately **$37 billion in 2025**, more than tripling from the prior year. At the same time, the share of AI spend funded from experimental innovation budgets fell from **25% to 7%** in one year, showing that AI is moving into core operating budgets. The report also draws on Open Future Forum’s 2026 executive community activity, including **200+ executive registrations across 20+ events**, with **60+ finance leaders and operators**, **50+ security leaders**, and **100+ founders**. In an early directional read, **3 in 5 finance leaders asked said the CFO or finance organization signs off on AI purchases**, rather than the CEO or IT. This discussion is connected to the **CFO Executive Forum**, Open Future Forum’s invitation-only community for CFOs and senior finance leaders of high-growth companies. The CFO Executive Forum hosts small, off-the-record gatherings across Silicon Valley focused on AI, capital allocation, governance, growth, risk, productivity and the changing role of the finance function. Learn more about the CFO Executive Forum here: [https://openfutureforum.com/cfo-executive-forum](https://openfutureforum.com/cfo-executive-forum) **What we will discuss** How CFOs are evaluating enterprise AI spend Why AI budgets are moving from innovation budgets into operating budgets Who signs off on enterprise AI purchases How finance leaders are measuring AI ROI Whether AI can create real headcount leverage Where AI improves productivity, margin and capital efficiency Why founders selling AI tools need to understand the finance buyer How boards and investors are starting to ask harder questions about AI value **Who should attend** This event is designed for CFOs, VPs of Finance, controllers, finance operators, CEOs, founders, investors, enterprise AI leaders and executives responsible for AI budgets, AI transformation, productivity, governance or capital allocation. **Why this matters** The first phase of enterprise AI was about adoption. The next phase is about leverage. Executives are no longer asking only whether AI works. They are asking whether AI creates measurable business value, improves productivity, reduces operating drag, supports growth and helps teams do more without simply adding more tools, more vendors and more headcount. That is a finance question. The CFO AI Leverage Report and Enterprise AI Buying & Budget Index are designed to track that shift over time. **Key links** CFO AI Leverage Report: [https://openfutureforum.com/research/cfo-ai-leverage-report](https://openfutureforum.com/research/cfo-ai-leverage-report) CFO Executive Forum: [https://openfutureforum.com/cfo-executive-forum](https://openfutureforum.com/cfo-executive-forum) Open Future Forum: [https://openfutureforum.com](https://openfutureforum.com/)

In Person Speed FRIENDING NYC- expand your social circle-

Prepay is required at [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/speed-friending-tickets-1131156542669](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/speed-friending-tickets-1131156542669) \*RSVPS on here do not count as admission. All tickets prepaid at link above. Ignore any references that says you can rsvp and pay the organizer directly. 1 item minimum purchase required. THIS IS **NOT** A DATING EVENT! If you are looking to expand your social circle, get some fresh air and make new friends/activity partners, then this Meetup is for you! HOW IT WORKS: 1. Prior to the event, we will email you with some ice breaker questions that you can use, or you can make up your own. 2. At the event, participants will be broken up into groups of 3-4 people. 3. The group will stay together for about 5-10 minutes and at the end of the round, half of the participants will move to a new station and start a new round, meeting new people. FAQs: How many will attend? This is a MULTI-GROUP partner Meetup. Don't go by the RSVPs you see in this group alone. We will have a good number of members attending. Can I come alone? Yes. 95% of those attending will be coming on their own. This is a great way to network, connect and make new friends! Is this age-specific? This particular event is NOT age specific and open to all. RSVPS on here are NOT reflective of actual attendance as this is a multi group event. Must get ticket in advance to attend. $19.95-$25 depending upon how early you purchase ticket. Ignore any references that say you can pay the organizer directly. Prepay is required at \*RSVPS on here do not count as admission. All tickets prepaid at link above.

ONLINE LIVE- Are you Brighter than a 6th grader? Trivia

**Prepay required at :** [https://www.socialevents123.com/event-details.aspx?id=13539](https://www.socialevents123.com/event-details.aspx?id=13539) Limited Number: Save $$ by using the discount code: VIRTUAL You can attend via a computer & Webcam or Smartphone/Ipad/Tablet. ABOUT Do you know more than 6th Graders! Here is your opportunity to have some fun playing our Live intearctive trivia game (Categories will be History, English/literature, Geography, Science, Math, Potpori). HOW IT WORKS This completely online event will be LIVE and you will be able to see and hear the other participants while playing. In addition you get to meet and interact with other participants. At game time, your host will read off Trivia questions. Your goal is to come up with the right answer to each question and write it down on your paper. Once the round is over (about 6 questions), we will go through the answers and determine who had the highest score for the round. They will get a raffle ticket for a chance to win a prize at the end of the event. Prizes may include Amazon Gift Cards, Free future events and other goodies. We will have multiple rounds of play and have a system to also virtually introduce you to other participants. HOW DO YOU FIND THE VIRTUAL ROOM After you purchase your ticket, you will get a confirmation with the zoom link for you to use to log in. RSVPS ON HERE ARE NOT REFLECTIVE OF ACTUAL ATTENDANCE as this is a multi group event. **Prepay required at :** [https://www.socialevents123.com/event-details.aspx?id=13539](https://www.socialevents123.com/event-details.aspx?id=13539) Limited Number: Save $$ by using the discount code: VIRTUAL Cost: $11.99- $20 depending on how early you register.

CFO AI Leverage Report: AI Budgets, ROI and Finance Sign-Off

**Event Title** Enterprise AI is moving from experimentation into the finance office. Open Future Forum has released the **CFO AI Leverage Report, Edition 1**, introducing the **Enterprise AI Buying & Budget Index** and the **CFO AI Leverage Index**. The report examines how CFOs and senior finance leaders are evaluating AI budgets, buying authority, ROI, productivity, governance and the question now sitting at the center of enterprise AI adoption: **Can AI help companies grow output without growing headcount at the same rate?** Read the report here: [https://openfutureforum.com/research/cfo-ai-leverage-report](https://openfutureforum.com/research/cfo-ai-leverage-report) This private executive discussion will focus on what the report means for CFOs, founders, finance leaders, AI operators, investors and enterprise executives. We will look at how AI buying is shifting, who signs off on AI purchases, what finance teams are measuring, and why AI ROI is becoming a CFO-level issue rather than only a technology issue. According to the report, enterprise generative AI spending reached approximately **$37 billion in 2025**, more than tripling from the prior year. At the same time, the share of AI spend funded from experimental innovation budgets fell from **25% to 7%** in one year, showing that AI is moving into core operating budgets. The report also draws on Open Future Forum’s 2026 executive community activity, including **200+ executive registrations across 20+ events**, with **60+ finance leaders and operators**, **50+ security leaders**, and **100+ founders**. In an early directional read, **3 in 5 finance leaders asked said the CFO or finance organization signs off on AI purchases**, rather than the CEO or IT. This discussion is connected to the **CFO Executive Forum**, Open Future Forum’s invitation-only community for CFOs and senior finance leaders of high-growth companies. The CFO Executive Forum hosts small, off-the-record gatherings across Silicon Valley focused on AI, capital allocation, governance, growth, risk, productivity and the changing role of the finance function. Learn more about the CFO Executive Forum here: [https://openfutureforum.com/cfo-executive-forum](https://openfutureforum.com/cfo-executive-forum) **What we will discuss** How CFOs are evaluating enterprise AI spend Why AI budgets are moving from innovation budgets into operating budgets Who signs off on enterprise AI purchases How finance leaders are measuring AI ROI Whether AI can create real headcount leverage Where AI improves productivity, margin and capital efficiency Why founders selling AI tools need to understand the finance buyer How boards and investors are starting to ask harder questions about AI value **Who should attend** This event is designed for CFOs, VPs of Finance, controllers, finance operators, CEOs, founders, investors, enterprise AI leaders and executives responsible for AI budgets, AI transformation, productivity, governance or capital allocation. **Why this matters** The first phase of enterprise AI was about adoption. The next phase is about leverage. Executives are no longer asking only whether AI works. They are asking whether AI creates measurable business value, improves productivity, reduces operating drag, supports growth and helps teams do more without simply adding more tools, more vendors and more headcount. That is a finance question. The CFO AI Leverage Report and Enterprise AI Buying & Budget Index are designed to track that shift over time. **Key links** CFO AI Leverage Report: [https://openfutureforum.com/research/cfo-ai-leverage-report](https://openfutureforum.com/research/cfo-ai-leverage-report) CFO Executive Forum: [https://openfutureforum.com/cfo-executive-forum](https://openfutureforum.com/cfo-executive-forum) Open Future Forum: [https://openfutureforum.com](https://openfutureforum.com/)

ONLINE Interactive BINGO(from your computer)

YOU MUST BE ABLE TO PRINT or DRAW A PHYSICAL BINGO CARD. We will email you with how to get it after registering. **Prepay required at : [https://www.socialevents123.com/event-details.aspx?id=13624](https://www.socialevents123.com/event-details.aspx?id=13624)** Limited Number: Save $$ by using the discount code: VIRTUAL Do you Love to play BINGO! Here is your opportunity to have some fun playing our Live "Bingo" game. You will also get to socialize and make other friends from the Safety and Comfort of your home. Prize will be a Amazon Gift card, free future events and maybe some others. This event will be held in a Zoom Virtual Room which you would access through your computer and webcam, or via your Smart Phone/Tablet. Zoom is super easy to use. We may do a variety of games such as traditional bingo, four corners bingo and full card bingo. Rsvps on here are NOT reflective of actual attendance as this is a multi group event. **Prepay required at :** **[https://www.socialevents123.com/event-details.aspx?id=13624](https://www.socialevents123.com/event-details.aspx?id=13624)** Cost: $11.99- $20 depending on how early you register.

Kitchen Reset: Get Organized to Beat Diabetes

[Register here](https://events.blackthorn.io/en/1Im19n6/g/2Msvwp1CcJ/plant-powered-metro-new-york-kitchen-reset-get-organized-to-beat-diabetes-4a9nHpDCLQ/overview)! *Presented in partnership with EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care* A healthy lifestyle starts at home. In this engaging session, you’ll discover how to stock and arrange your pantry, fridge, freezer, and countertops to make healthy eating the easy choice. Learn which foods to keep on hand to treat and reverse diabetes, and enjoy a brief cooking demo and tasting of a simple, budget-friendly meal using affordable pantry staples. *This event is free and open to the public.* *Please plan to arrive 10 minutes prior to the beginning of class.*

Who pays for the cloud?

Welcome to “**Skeptic Dinners**,” a series of events facilitated by Prof. [Massimo Pigliucci](https://figsinwintertime.substack.com/), a philosopher and biologist at the City College of New York. The idea is similar to that of the [Ancient Greek symposia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Symposium): let’s get a small number of like-minded people together over drinks and food and discuss interesting subjects! *** What are the pros and cons of having a data center in your town? Does it drive up land prices? How should we think of the environmental and social costs associated with data centers? Who should pay them? Suggested readings: [Who pays for the cloud](https://www.carbon-direct.com/insights/who-pays-for-the-cloud-the-hidden-costs-of-rising-data-center-demand)? The hidden costs of rising data center demand (Carbon Direct) [Buying Land for Data Center Development](https://www.datacenterrealestate.com/news/real-estate-trends-buying-land-for-data-center-development-in-2025) in 2025 (Data Center Real Estate) \*\*\* **Location:** a private apartment in mid-town Manhattan (west side), the exact address will be communicated to members who rsvp for the event. **Food:** we will order pizza, feel free to bring wine to share.

Restaurant Week Dinner - Flatiron

Restaurant Week lunch at Gui Steakhouse

Russian feast in Sheepshead Bay

Stolovaya is a Soviet-era style diner with modest prices. Exact menu choices not yet determined, but expect salads, dumplings, sour cream, potatoes, fish, kebabs, roast chicken, and stroganoff. Guessing $35-$40/pp w/tax, tip, & fee. Likely choices: Veal tongue salad Herring salad Vegetarian salad TBD (maybe Greek) Liver "le cream" - warm chicken livers over greens Vareniki w/potatoes & mushrooms, topped with caramelized onions Beef stroganoff in bread bowl Chicken tabaka w/garlic sauce Trout filet Spanish style meat (grilled beef pieces) Lamb kebabs Yelp listing (4.2 stars): https://www.yelp.com/biz/stolovaya-brooklyn Current menu posted in pics below Please be considerate with your RSVP and change to No promptly if not coming, so as not to inconvenience the restaurant or other diners. We do keep track of no-shows, and three will get you removed from the group. Also, please bring cash and some small bills; makes everyone's lives easier. Transit: Q train to Neck Road, walk west 7 short blocks. Who's in?

Lets Dine NYC at Elephant Ear

Come and join us at Elephant Ear for authentic thai cuisine in a trendy setting with great pineapple fried rice and great papaya salad and their famous duck curry and amongst other items to select from. If you RSVP for two events for this group and cancel without prior notice, you will no longer be able to attend any other events for this group. If for any reason you cannot make it please cancel ahead of time and give someone on the waitlist a chance to attend. The deposit for the event is $30.00 per person You can Venmo me at 516-974-9203 Zebunnessa You must purchase one food and one drink in order to participate and must be willing to pay 1.3 times the total amount of your bill to include taxes and gratuities. Thank you and hope to see you !!

Restaurant Week at Margaux

It's Summer Restaurant Week.. Let's switch things up with a dinner instead of our usual brunch. Let's go to Margaux by La Sirene. Description from Resy: It’s the sister project of a cult-favorite French restaurant (La Sirène, ICYMI), conveniently located for your Midtown power lunch needs. Chef Didier Pawlicki is serving up all the classics, from escargots and foie gras to brie and jambon sandwiches. Oui, chef! They are offering 3 courses for $60. link to menu: https://margaux.lasirene.nyc/menu/restaurant-week/ **Please be advised: Many places require full table participation during restaurant week. You should be prepared to order from it.** They are offering a 3 course meal for $60. total with tax and tip is $78. If you order additional food or drinks your total will be higher. **Note:** Please be on time! Confirm your RSVP 48 hours in advance. **(I'll post a comment for you to like)** Please bring cash to make bill splitting easier.