SQLSaturday #119 - Chicago 2012

Event Date: 05/19/2012 00:00:00

Event Location:

  • DeVry University - Addison Campus
  • 1221 North Swift Road
  • Addison, Illinois

PDF of Schedule

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Sessions

This is a list of sessions from the event, based on the schedule in the XML files.


Title: Master Data Services in SQL Server 2012

Abstract: Most DBAs at one time or another have been taught the importance of master data management(MDM), which is comprised of a set of processes and tools in order to keep your non-transactional data in a consistent state. However, with today’s fast paced environment and tightening budgets most DBAs lack the resources to properly implement it. With the upcoming release of SQL Server 2012, Microsoft has taken their second swipe at providing a tool known as Master Data Services(MDS) to aid the DBA in this endeavor. In this session, you will learn the how Master Data Services is implemented in SQL Server 2012, setting up models, working through the Excel plug-in, and utilizing DQS and business rules to help with that dirty data.

Speaker(s):

  • Arie Jones

Track and Room: Track 3 - N/A


Title: SQL Azure Intro and What’s New

Abstract: In this session, you will get introduced to SQL Azure and learn how to get started. We will explore how to migrate an existing on-premise SQL Server database to SQL Azure. We will then walkthrough how to manage and administer your SQL Azure servers and databases. We will take a look at how to connect and build applications using SQL Azure. Next, we will look at more advanced scenarios using new capabilities like reporting with SQL Azure Reporting, scaling and sharding databases with SQL Azure Federations and syncsynchronizing data with SQL Azure Data Sync for hybrid scenarios and global reach. Finally, we will explore some of the things you should consider when using SQL Azure.

Speaker(s):

  • Andy Thiru

Track and Room: Track 2 - N/A


Title: Performance Tuning 2012 SSIS Data Loads

Abstract: Importing data is as common to SQL Server as bacon is to a savory breakfast sandwich. As most of us love to eat those breakfast sandwiches, SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) loves to eat data in an Import/Export kind of way. Although a green chain of boxes in SSIS can be the ruling “Happy Dance” of any DBA or SQL Developer, we must still consider the performance of those tasks. In this session, we will go through performance tuning in SSIS 2012 after a successful SSIS package has been developed. When we are finished with this session, not only will you still have the mystic of green colors of successful execution of your SSIS import and export tasks, but the turbo boosters will be turned on as well.

Speaker(s):

  • Hope Foley

Track and Room: Track 5 - N/A


Title: Administering the BI Stack

Abstract: More often than not, a SQL DBA will also be requested (or required) to administer other applications in the SQL universe. These applications are often the BI stack, SSIS, SSRS, and SSAS. In this session, you will learn not only what each of these applications does, but also some behind the scenes views into how they work. At the end of this session, you will have a better feeling of what to look for when something goes wrong, and have the knowledge to be proactive with your Business Intelligence implementations.

This session will focus on the SSIS, SSRS, and SSAS engines in this session. Not a session for developers, we will be focusing on the ADMINISTRATION of these applications/services only.

Speaker(s):

  • Josh Fennessy

Track and Room: Track 5 - N/A


Title: Compliance and Auditing in Sql Server

Abstract: I have this database which must meet all of these governmental regulations. Just like the government to make life a lot harder but wait, now they say I most also meet International regulations. Can this be true? Why me? Let’s look at what we can do to help us pass audits and comply with the laws around us. I need to install TDE, what do I do? Move the database to other server, can I do that? I used certificates, can I change them. I don’t like governments making me do all this stuff, it complicates my database. What does TDE do to my backups? Can I remove it? Auditing, no, let’s run for the hills. Let’s see how Sql Server can help us with these issues.

Speaker(s):

  • Thomas Norman

Track and Room: Track 2 - N/A


Title: The Periodic Table of Dynamic Management Objects

Abstract: Taking the periodic table of elements into consideration I’ve created The Periodic Table of Dynamic Management Objects as a reference tool for these functions and views that have become so critical for today’s SQL Server DBA to performance tune and gain metadata insights into their various SQL instances. In navigating the table we will examine key DMVs and DMFs of interest: requests, sessions, wait stats, indexes, system information will all be covered. We will also delve into how these DMOs - just like their elemental counterparts - can be combined to yield interesting insights into your servers. We will also look at how things can go awry as well! Like mixing vinegar and baking soda, sometimes combining DMOs can cause a big mess too!

Speaker(s):

  • Tim Ford

Track and Room: Track 3 - N/A


Title: Is That A Failover Cluster On Your Laptop/Desktop?

Abstract: Over the years, one of the most common questions I am asked is, “How can I configure a cluster on my machine?” Ask no more! Production should never be the only place you have clusters. Having the ability to create a cluster that you can use as a sandbox for testing or as an instruction tool for presentations and demonstrations is something every DBA should have in their arsenal.

This session will demystify the “magic” behind configuring a cluster on your laptop or desktop using either Vmware Workstation or Microsoft’s Hyper-V in Windows Server 2008 R2, and show how to configure things like the virtual machines, the domain controller, and the iSCSI storage solution.

Speaker(s):

  • Allan Hirt

Track and Room: Track 1 - N/A


Title: Advancements in CDC with SSIS in SQL 2012

Abstract: There are some great new tasks in SSIS 2012 to take advantage of (CDC) Change Data Capture. I’ll walk you through adding CDC to your database and tables and then updating incremental changes using the New CDC Control Task, CDC Source and CDC Splitter.

Speaker(s):

  • MIKE DONNELLY

Track and Room: Track 4 - N/A


Title: Query Tuning for Developers and DBAs

Abstract: As a seasoned DBA, we often forget the basics of query tuning may be an area others haven’t been introduced to. Tuning can be a mystery for developers and DBAs that are starting out with SQL Server. Each operation and its cost can lead to lengthy research escapades, determining if the work is even worth the time to attempt a change in the overall execution plan. This session is going to discuss the basics of tuning; however, we can’t end there. The second half of the session, the discussion portion, will focus on the key operations in the execution plan. The overall goal of the session is to take away knowledge on how to start with a query and use execution plans to refine it and turn it into a finely tuned process.

Speaker(s):

  • Ted Krueger

Track and Room: Track 6 - N/A


Title: Virtualizing Business Critical SQL Servers

Abstract: Everyone knows that SQL Server can be virtualized, but most are only virtualizing development and testing environments. Top-tier production workloads can be virtualized too, and this session will provide valuable insight into how to properly prepare for and implement a successful virtualization campaign for ALL of your SQL Server environments and prepare your organization for the change. Practical tips, tricks, and gotchya’s will be discussed in this dynamic dialog session.

Speaker(s):

  • David Klee

Track and Room: Track 3 - N/A


Title: Build Your Own SQL Server Private Cloud

Abstract: Do you know what SaaS and DaaS are? If not, you should. SQL Server as a service (SaaS) and database as a service (DaaS) are otherwise known as the private cloud – the ability to offer your customers (external or internal) a reliable, scalable, and manageable way to easily deploy SQL Server systems and databases. At the end of the day they essentially want to push a button and get what they asked for. This is what the private cloud experience should enable for them. While you may do some of this now, come learn how to take it to the next level and design a service offering that will enable your organization to be agile, yet not leave you tearing out your hair worrying about it.

Speaker(s):

  • Ben DeBow

Track and Room: Track 2 - N/A


Title: Kama Sutra of SSIS: A guide to loving ETL

Abstract: Slow running packages? SSIS consuming all your resources? No idea what it’s doing? After attending this session, you will come out with an understanding of how Configuration, Logging, Package settings and deployment work in SQL Server Integration Services. You will also be armed with a list of transformations and perfmon counters to watch out for.

Speaker(s):

  • Bill Fellows

Track and Room: Track 5 - N/A


Title: Getting to Know Index Operation Stats

Abstract: There’s a lot that goes on under the covers of SQL Server with your indexes. But it’s not as secretive as you might think. Most of this information is made available to you through DMVs. While this information is useful - you need a clear understanding of what is in the DMVs in order to understand what is going on. In this session we’ll take a dive into sys.dm_index_operational_stats to find out what it does and what you can do with this information.

Speaker(s):

  • Jason Strate

Track and Room: Track 4 - N/A


Title: The Script Task, powerhouse of SSIS

Abstract: Everyday more DBAs and SQL developers are given responsibility for ETL development. They have a strong SQL background with little or no .Net language programming experience. As they progress with SSIS, they can come up against perceived limitations in the capabilities of SSIS using only the built-in tasks. What they may not realize is the extensibility available to SSIS via the Script Task. This presentation will provide them with the tools they need to move beyond that perceived limitation. Updated for SSIS 2012.

Speaker(s):

  • Norman Kelm

Track and Room: Track 5 - N/A


Title: BLITZ! One Hour SQL Server Takeovers

Abstract: You’re minding your own business in your corner office – well, no, you’re a DBA, so it’s just your cubicle – when somebody says, “Did you know about this SQL Server over here?” Suddenly, you have to find out what the server’s doing, how it was set up, and whether things are working correctly. In this real-time session, Brent will show you how he tackles unknown servers in 60 minutes to find problems, take an inventory, and set the server up for easier management down the road.

Speaker(s):

  • Brent Ozar

Track and Room: Track 2 - N/A


Title: Troubleshooting SQL Server with SysInternals Tools

Abstract: In this demo-packed session we will explore the use of SysInternals tools like Process Monitor, Process Explorer, and many others to troubleshoot various problem scenarios with SQL Server. This session is not for the faint of heart and is tailored toward those adventurous DBAs who often like to step out of their comfort zone. A fair knowledge of Windows OS internals is recommended.

Speaker(s):

  • Argenis Fernandez

Track and Room: Track 4 - N/A


Title: Reporting Services 201: From Basic To WOW!

Abstract: You have mastered the art of linking a dataset to a table in SQL Server Reporting Services. You have solid, reliable reports that you and others depend on. Learn how to take them from basic to “wow”, using features such as tablix, lists, images, and charts. At the end of this session, you will be familiar with: - Report properties such as headers, footers and backgrounds - Tablix properties such as ToolTip and NoRows - How to build and customize a matrix - How to effectively use lists, an often-overlooked feature - Adding charts to make reports visually appealing and easy to understand

Speaker(s):

  • Jes Schultz

Track and Room: Track 7 - N/A


Title: Optimizing SQL Server I/O with Solid State Drives

Abstract: Optimal configuration and maintenance of the I/O subsystem is critical and can ultimately be responsible for higher response times of your applications. The HDDs are by design about 1 million times slower than the memory or CPU. In this session we analyze the different options that exist for durable storage, what are their pros and cons . Solid state drives are a viable option and we are going under the covers to see how you can best use them as an alternative to a large and expensive SAN in your infrastructure

Speaker(s):

  • Luke Jian

Track and Room: Track 1 - N/A


Title: Introduction to FileTables in SQL 2012

Abstract: What are FileTables? How do they work? What are their limitations? These questions and more will be answered in this demo filled presentation. We will walkthrough the configuration and implementation of this feature. We will show you some use cases on how this fucntionality can help you manage your data in whatever forms it exists.

Speaker(s):

  • Warren Sifre

Track and Room: Track 2 - N/A


Title: MDX Trek: First Contact

Abstract: Cube space; the final frontier. In this Star Trek themed introduction to MDX, we will discuss the fundamentals of cube structure and vocabulary, including tuples, members, sets, hierarchies, and more. We will introduce and demonstrate the basic syntax of MDX with queries that include navigating hierarchies and even some time-based expressions. This session will give you the tools you need to write simple, yet meaningful, MDX queries in your own environment.

Speaker(s):

  • Mark Vaillancourt

Track and Room: Track 6 - N/A


Title: Don’t Panic, DBAs! Databases on VMware made easy.

Abstract: More and more companies are virtualizing with VMWare, and databases are the next logical step. This presentation will explore the fundamentals of monitoring databases running in a VMWare environment because it can be much different than when running on a physical machine. You will learn business and technical benefits of virtualization, master new terms and concepts, pick up useful planning tips and tricks, and cover best practices for maintaining optimum performance in a VMWare environment.

Speaker(s):

  • Janis Griffin

Track and Room: Track 6 - N/A


Title: SQL Server 2012 Column Store Index

Abstract: Take your relational data warehouse query performance all the way to ELEVEN!! The Column Store Index is a new feature that allows for stunning performance. We will cover how it works, why it is so fast as well as the v1.0 limitations and gotchas.

Speaker(s):

  • Kevin Boles

Track and Room: Track 1 - N/A


Title: Error Handling in ETL

Abstract: Too often ETL systems do not incorporate error handling. When things break at 2 AM – and they ALWAYS break at 2 AM – some poor on call person must get out of bed and deal with something that should have been caught and handled by the code itself. This session will cover ways for you to help your poor on-call colleagues get a full night’s sleep, thereby gaining you their eternal gratitude.

Speaker(s):

  • Michael Sexton

Track and Room: Track 5 - N/A


Title: Analytic T-SQL Functions in 2012

Abstract: There are a bunch of new T-SQL functions in SQL Server 2012, and as usual there’s a combination of the “this is really useful” and the “…but there’s a caveat”. In this presentation, Rob will take you through the new analytic functions, show you how they seriously enhance your reporting ability, and show you some of the ways that they don’t behave the way you might expect. You may not be using SQL Server 2012 yet, but you’re bound to recognise some of the problems that these functions solve.

Speaker(s):

  • Rob Farley

Track and Room: Track 7 - N/A


Title: DBCC Commands: The Quick and the Dangerous

Abstract: There are many DBCC statements at the disposal of Database Administrators and Developers. Some are used for the greater good; others can wreak havoc in your system. The majority of these commands are informational, but if you’re not careful you can introduce chaos or at worst, lose data you may never find again. In this session we will explore DBCC commands that are useful for the DBA and developer, and cover when to use them and how. Expect demonstrations that provide a practical application of these commands - both documented and not - that database professionals can utilize quickly and easily.

Speaker(s):

  • Erin Stellato

Track and Room: Track 3 - N/A


Title: The Skinny on Data Compression

Abstract: SQL Server’s data compression feature can be a great tool for both getting more bang out of your storage dollar and increasing query performance. In this session we’ll cover the different types of data compression, the nitty-gritty behind how they work, and how to make sure you’re getting the most out of them.

Speaker(s):

  • Bob Pusateri

Track and Room: Track 1 - N/A


Title: A Complete BI Solution in About an Hour!

Abstract: In this presentation Aaron will cover how to collect data from multiple SQL Servers using SQL Server 2008 Integration Services (SSIS). Then he will use SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) to report detail on that data. After that he will use SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS) to create a KPI. Finally he’ll present that KPI on a dashboard via a web page. The goal of this presentation is to show how seamless the Microsoft Business Intelligence products are. If you’ve only used a few of these products, you’ll appreciate seeing them together all at once. Code will be provided.

Speaker(s):

  • Aaron King

Track and Room: Track 8 - N/A


Title: What’s Buried in the Plan Cache?

Abstract: Creating a query plan can be a time consuming and expensive process. To avoid repeating these potentially costly steps, SQL Server stores its query plans, in the plan cache where they can be reused as needed.

In this session, we’ll look at how the plan cache is organized, what plans are saved, when plans are reused and when they are recreated, methods for observing the contents of the plan cache, and finally, methods for manipulating plan reuse and recreation.

Speaker(s):

  • Christina Leo

Track and Room: Track 4 - N/A


Title: Join Us! Getting Started as a Technical Speaker

Abstract: Have you ever thought about speaking at a user group or SQLSaturday, but weren’t quite sure how to get started? If so, this session is for you! Technical speaking is loads of fun, great for your career, and you get to hang out with some terrific people. This session will provide the tools necessary to get your first session off the ground, and prep you to be a great speaker. Attend this session and you’ll be able to: * Identify your topic and build a killer abstract for it, * Design and build the presentation, and * Prepare and deliver your first session

Speaker(s):

  • Eddie Wuerch

Track and Room: Track 8 - N/A


Title: Microsoft Big Data

Abstract: Want to learn Microsoft solutions around Big Data integrating structured and unstructured data to unleashing insights on all data. This session on the Big Data solution running Hadoop on Windows and Windows Azure, then integrating the Microsoft BI solution to provide a conbined view of all data. During the session, the attendees will get a peek on a demo Hadoop Azure running a Big Data MapReduce solution, then using PowerPivot and PowerView to view the data.

Speaker(s):

  • Ross LoForte

Track and Room: Track 3 - N/A


Title: Ask the Experts - Anything and Everything

Abstract: Take advantage of the deep wealth of knowledge from our experts at SQLSaturday by asking them anything and everything you may want to know or troubleshoot about SQL Server

Speaker(s):

  • Ted Krueger

Track and Room: Track 8 - N/A


Title: Upgrade Roadmap: Let’s delve into SQL Server 2012

Abstract: We will review the upgrade process to SQL Server 2012. An upgrade is 75% project planning and 25% execution. Everyone knows that, right? Actually, no. A checklist of considerations a company would likely encounter coming from SQL Server 2005/2008 or R2. The pros and cons of in place upgrade vs. the build out new approach. There will be many real world lessons learned sprinkled in as the presenter has led many upgrades and migrations of SQL Server. Key takeaways include: when to upgrade in place compared to build new, usage of and how to gauge the usefulness of Upgrade Advisor, deprecated features and how to test for them

Speaker(s):

  • Craig Purnell

Track and Room: Track 4 - N/A


Title: Writing Professional Database Code

Abstract: As protectors of arguably, the most important asset companies’ have we are tasked with ensuring quality, security and performance. However the ways in which we utilize and obtain those assets are often not formalized and therefore suffer from degraded quality. Let’s discuss some strategies that can be implemented to not only raise the bar of quality, but also make you sleep easier at night.

Speaker(s):

  • Aaron Lowe

Track and Room: Track 6 - N/A


Title: SRS Report Builder for Business Intelligence

Abstract: Learn how easy it is to utilize the free download from Microsoft that allows users to create maps, charts, dashboard objects and reports against any kind of data easily without having to use Visual Studio.

Speaker(s):

  • David Eichner

Track and Room: Track 7 - N/A


Title: Licensing SQL Server in a Virtual Environment

Abstract: Presentation on licensing, huh. Boring? Maybe. Important? Absolutely! Being a DBA isn’t just all fun and games. There are also some serious things to take care of. Licensing SQL Server is one of those and doing it right can mean the difference between a few thousand dollars or a few hundred thousand dollars. This session will discuss how to license SQL Server specifically for the transition from a physical to a virtual environment. You’ll find that maybe, more than anything else, it will be the way SQL Server is licensed that determines how you configure your entire virtual infrastructure.

Speaker(s):

  • Scott Shaw

Track and Room: Track 6 - N/A


Title: SARGability

Abstract: SARGability is such a significant thing in the database world, and goes far beyond “Keep your columns on the left and functions on the right”. In this talk, you’ll be able learn principles that will affect not only how easily your data can be located, but also the way that joins are performed and more. You can even learn ways to tune poorly performing queries without having to rewrite anything.

Speaker(s):

  • Rob Farley

Track and Room: Track 7 - N/A


Title: Enterprise Data Mining with SQL Server

Abstract: This presentation describes SQL Server Data Mining (SSDM) for SQL Server Professionals. Starting with SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), the demo includes the interfaces important for professional development, including Business Intelligence Development Studio (BIDS), highlighting Integration Services, and PowerShell. The interactive demos are based on Microsoft’s Contoso Retail sample data. Finally we will evaluate where Microsoft data mining can help you in a practical business environment, which may include Oracle and SAS.

Speaker(s):

  • Mark Tabladillo

Track and Room: Track 1 - N/A


Title: NoSQL: Know Your Enemy

Abstract: A current trend among application developers to is move data storage away from a traditional relational database model. This presentation will provide an introduction into the technology known as NoSQL. We will discuss who’s who in the NoSQL world and explain the different ways that NoSQL databases store data. We will also cover which types of applications are best suited for the NoSQL approach and when a relational database would be a more appropriate choice.

Speaker(s):

  • Shelly Noll

Track and Room: Track 8 - N/A


Title: So I started this blog… now what?

Abstract: Ever thought about trying your hand at blogging? Or maybe you’ve started a blog but struggle with what to write about. We’ll take a beginner’s look at blogging and examine common roadblocks, finding topics, building readership, and setting you on the road to blogging stardom.

Speaker(s):

  • Colleen Morrow

Track and Room: Track 8 - N/A


Title: Writing Faster SQL Server Queries

Abstract: Poor database performance is the Achilles’ heel of any system. Better and faster hardware can improve systems to a certain point. However, for truly great performing systems, there is no substitute for properly written queries and designed indexes. In this session we’ll take a look at some common query performance killers, along with some no so obvious things that we can do to our queries to make them as fast as possible.

Speaker(s):

  • Tim Chapman

Track and Room: Track 7 - N/A


Speakers

This is a list of speakers from the XML Guidebook records. The details and URLs were valid at the time of the event.

Aaron King

Twitter: - https://twitter.com/trendoid

LinkedIn: Aaron King

Contact: http://www.aaronstanleyking.com

Aaron King is an application architect specializing in enterprise web applications and very large databases. He has helped several successful startups move to the software plus services model. He is currently working as an independent consultant on several long term engagements. Aaron is also a community leader and active in Indy PASS.

Rob Farley

Twitter: - rob_farley

LinkedIn: Rob Farley

Contact: http://blogs.lobsterpot.com.au

Rob Farley runs LobsterPot Solutions in Australia, where he’s a consultant in the Microsoft Data Platform and Analytics space. He’s been an MVP since 2006, probably because of his blogging, his presentations around the world, and his dedication to the Adelaide Data Analytics User Group which he has led since before the release of SQL Server 2005. He’s on Twitter at @rob_farley, but you can always email him using rob@lobsterpot.com.au

Shelly Noll

Shelly Noll is a .NET Developer and recovering DBA with over 15 years of IT experience. Currently serving as a Software Developer with Learning Care Group in Novi, MI, she is involved in the .NET developer community and serves as Vice-President for the Great Lakes Area .NET Users Group. Her education includes a BS in Psychology from Loyola University Chicago and a MS in Information Systems from Lawrence Technological University.

Erin Stellato

Twitter: - erinstellato

LinkedIn: Erin Stellato

Contact: http://www.sqlskills.com/blogs/erin

Erin Stellato is a Data Platform MVP and lives outside Cleveland, OH. She has almost 20 years of technology experience and has worked with SQL Server since 2003. Her areas of interest include performance tuning, Query Store, Extended Events, and helping accidental/involuntary DBAs understand how SQL Server works. Erin is an active member of the SQL Server community, has volunteered for PASS at the local and national level, and is a regular speaker at conferences including the PASS Summit, SQLIntersection, and SQLBits. Outside of time with family and friends, she enjoys running, spinning, movies, and all things chocolate.

Brent Ozar

Twitter: - BrentO

LinkedIn: Brent Ozar

Contact: https://www.BrentOzar.com

Brent Ozar loves to make SQL Server faster. He created sp_Blitz and the SQL Server First Responder Kit. He shares what he’s learned at BrentOzar.com.

Janis Griffin

Twitter: - DoBoutAnything

LinkedIn: Janis Griffin

Janis Griffin has over 30 years of DBA/database experience including design, development and implementation of many critical database applications. Before coming to Quest Software, Janis primarily worked in the Telecom/Network Industry, working with both real-time network routing databases and OLTP business to business applications. Janis also held positions as a Principal Architect and Senior Manager, mentoring other DBAs on best practices in database performance tuning.

Andy Thiru

Contact: http://www.EricDBoyd.com

Eric D. Boyd is the Founder and CEO of responsiveX (www.responsiveX.com). Eric began his technology career by starting a web development firm in the 90’s and has served in multiple roles since including developer, consultant, business owner and technology executive. Today, he helps companies create great web, mobile and client experiences, and these apps are often powered by cloud services. You can find Eric blogging at http://www.EricDBoyd.com and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/EricDBoyd.

Bob Pusateri

Twitter: - @SQLBob

LinkedIn: Bob Pusateri

Contact: http://www.BobPusateri.com

Bob Pusateri is a Microsoft Certified Master, DBA, and systems architect with over 10 years of experience on SQL Server. His interests involve internals, performance optimization, and cloud technologies. He is an active member of two Chicago-area PASS Local Groups, a community speaker, and maintains a web presence through both Twitter (@SQLBob) and his blog (bobpusateri.com).

Luke Jian

Twitter: - @sensware

LinkedIn: Luke Jian

Contact: http://blog.sqlpositive.com

Luke Jian is an experienced database architect with a leading healthcare information company. A frequent speaker at conferences and local user groups he has 15+ years of experience in database design, development and optimization on SQL Server and Big Data projects.

Mark Vaillancourt

Twitter: - @markvsql

LinkedIn: Mark Vaillancourt

Contact: http://markvsql.com

Mark is a Data Solutions Architect for Microsoft, helping organizations design data solutions in Azure. He has been working with Microsoft data technologies since 2007. Before joining Microsoft, he was a Business Intelligence consultant and two-time Microsoft Data Platform MVP. With a background in Theater and Improvised Comedy, Mark makes sure that his presentations are both informative and fun.

Christina Leo

Twitter: - christinaleo

Contact: http://christinaleo.net

Christina Leo is a Cloud Solution Architect at Microsoft specialising in the Data and AI Platform. Prior to joining Microsoft in 2016, she worked as an independent consultant focusing on T-SQL and BI development, as well as database performance tuning in the finance and investment banking sector. When she isn’t sharing her 18 years of technical experience with the data community, you can find her racing around the Solent on a 40’ sailboat or often in the Thames on a little Laser.

Scott Shaw

Contact: http://www.blogofshaw.blogspot.com

Scott Shaw has been an IT professional since the late 90’s. He is currently employed by Mercy Technology Services in Saint Louis, MO as the Lead SQL Server DBA. Scott has presented at SQLSaturday as well as the first SQLRally in Orlando, FL. He currently is working with Kathi Kellenberger (@auntkathi) to revise the book Beginning T-SQL 2008 from Apress Publishing for SQL 2012.

Michael Sexton

Twitter: - @sqlmountain

Contact: http://datamountain.sqlmountain.com/

Stunningly handsome, yet surprisingly humble, Mike Sexton spent the first ten years of his career as a public defender in New York. Upon learning the discrepancies between his salary and the salary of newly minted college graduates working in IT, he had an epiphany and immediately learned how to program database applications. He has designed and built database applications for 12 years in both SQL Server and Oracle based systems, he has been published in SQL Server Magazine and is one of the aut

Ted Krueger

Twitter: - @onpnt

LinkedIn: Ted Krueger

Contact: http://blogs.lessthandot.com/index.php/All/?disp=authdiramp;author=68

Ted Krueger is a SQL Server MVP and has been working in development and database administration for the better part of his career. Specialties range from High Availability and Disaster / Recovery design, implementation, testing methods and administration, down to custom assembly development for SQL Server Reporting Services.

Bill Fellows

Twitter: - @billinkc

LinkedIn: Bill Fellows

Contact: http://blog.billfellows.net

Bill Fellows is a SQL Server MVP and has been a database developer for most of his career, with the past 15 years focused on ETL. He is the organizer of Kansas City’s eight SQLSaturdays and a speaker at many other SQLSaturdays, User Groups and the PASS Summit. Bill is the owner of Sterling Data Consulting where he gets to solve interesting data problems.

Thomas Norman

Twitter: - ArmorDba

LinkedIn: Thomas Norman

Contact: https://armordba.com/

Tom Norman is a Database Architect at KPA with a strong fervor to protect data. He works daily to review and improve data protection methodologies while reviewing governing laws affecting finance, healthcare, and personal data. His areas of expertise include encryption, auditing, data identification, and database object deployment. He is the current leader of the PASS Virtualization Group and Vice President of the TRIPASS user group. You can read his blog at https://armordba.com/ and reach him on twitter at @armordba. Tom speaks at a number of SQLSaturday events and SQL Server user groups.

Ben DeBow

Contact: http://www.sqlha.com/blog/

Ben DeBow is a MDCBA, MCSE and MCITP focused on SQL Server consolidations, data architecture and performance tuning for organizations both large and small. Ben specializes in solving diverse and complex data and infrastructure challenges for large, global environments. Ben is a longtime member of the SQL community, volunteering the last 8 years as a SQLPass committee member, trainer and SQLPass presenter. Besides his work as a consultant, Ben is a cyclist, avid traveler and photographer.

MIKE DONNELLY

Twitter: - SQLMD

LinkedIn: MIKE DONNELLY

Contact: http://sqlmd.wordpress.com

Michael Donnelly has been working with SQL Server for 15+ years and holds the MCSE: Data Platform certification. He is an avid runner, blogger, and a wannabe gourmet chef. Currently living the SQL Life on the Jersey Shore.

Colleen Morrow

Twitter: - @ClevelandDBA

LinkedIn: Colleen Morrow

Contact: http://colleenmorrow.com

Colleen Morrow is a database professional living in Cleveland, OH who has been working with database systems since 1996. For more than 12 years, she was a Database Administrator at a large law firm where she developed an appreciation for auditing, automation, and performance tuning. Since that time she has worked with clients in the healthcare, manufacturing, software, and distribution/freight delivery industries. Colleen is currently a Senior Consultant at Fortified Data. She is an active member of the Ohio North SQL Server User Group and has presented at many SQLSaturday events as well as PASS Summit 2014 and 2015.

Jes Schultz

Twitter: - http://twitter.com/grrl_geek

LinkedIn: Jes Schultz

Contact: https://blogs.lessthandot.com/author/jes-borland

Jes Schultz is a Software Engineer with Microsoft who has experience with a wide range of SQL Server features from version 2005 through 2019, and is on the cutting edge with Azure technologies. Since graduating Fox Valley Technical College with an IT-Programmer/Analyst degree, Jes has worked as an SSRS developer, DBA, and consultant. Before joining Microsoft, Jes was a six-time Data Platform MVP, recognized for her community work. Jes tackles every project and problem with tenacity and her enthusiasm is unmatched in the SQL Server community. In her free time, Jes never stops moving, and counts fitness, coffee, cooking, and travel as essentials in life.

Hope Foley

Contact: http://hopefoley.com/

Hope has over 12 years experience in the IT world, she has worked across many industries from small business enterprises to Fortune 500 companies. She has a vast knowledge of database design, administration and support, data warehousing and data mining, and custom database solutions. Hope joined PTI in 2007 as a SQL Server Database Administrator/Analyst, and took over as Principal Microsoft Consultant, where she now leads a team of expert DBAs and developers. She is also a SQL Server MVP.

Josh Fennessy

Senior Business Intelligence Consultant at BlueGranite, Inc., Josh Fennessy has been working with the Microsoft BI stack exclusivley for the last 5 years. He has earned MCITP in both SQL 2005 and SQL 2008 versions of the tools. Josh is also the chapter leader of the West MI SQL Server Users Group.

When he’s not building BI solutions, he enjoys spending time with his 6 year old son, slinging lead at the range, and exercising (but never in his underwear. Promise!)

Tim Chapman

Contact: http://blogs.msdn.com/b/sql_pfe_blog/

Tim Chapman is a Microsoft Certified Master (MCM) and works as a dedicated field engineer (PFE) at Microsoft specializing in performance tuning and high availability. Originally from Louisville, KY Tim now resides in Columbus, OH Tim has over 12 years of database architecture, programming, and administration experience.

Tim Ford

Twitter: - @SQLAgentMan

LinkedIn: Tim Ford

Contact: http://thesqlagentman.com

Tim Ford is a Data Professional, Author and Community Leader whose technical passions lie in creative solutions for managing and presenting data. He#39;s been a healthcare DBA since 2000 and leads SQL Agent Man Consultancy and SQL Cruise. He takes 25 students and leaders in the SQL Community and places them on cruise ships for technical and professional development training without the distractions of the office and internet twice a year on SQL Cruises (www.sqlcruise.com). Currently Tim serves on the Board of Directors for PASS and is passionate about taking fellow Data Professionals to the next level in their careers. He enjoys telling stories with data.

Kevin Boles

Twitter: - @TheSQLGuru

LinkedIn: Kevin Boles

Kevin Boles is a SQL Server expert, working exclusively with the product since v6.5. With over 25 years of database experience and over 45,000 man hours of SQL Server engine experience, he holds many related certifications, is an MCT and was a SQL Server MVP from 2007 to 2012. Kevin has been a very successful independent consultant for over 20 years. His passion is the relational engine, especially designing, building, analyzing and tuning high-performance database applications.

David Klee

Contact: http://davidklee.net

David Klee is a SQL Server performance and virtualization expert, and has been working with the product since version 2000. With over fifteen years of IT experience, David spends his days virtualizing mission critical SQL Servers as a Solutions Architect for House of Brick Technologies. His areas of expertise are virtualization and performance, datacenter architecture, software engineering, security, and business process analysis.

Arie Jones

Twitter: - @programmersedge

LinkedIn: Arie Jones

Contact: http://www.programmersedge.com

Arie Jones (quot;AJquot;) is one of the owners and Vice President of Emerging Technologies for Indy Data Partners, Inc. in Indianapolis, IN. AJ is a frequent speaker at national conferences and local user groups. With over 15 years of experience in application development and database administration on various platforms, he specializes in developing cross-platform solutions with an emphasis on .NET and SQL Server technologies. He blogs extensively at http://www.programmersedge.com.

Ross LoForte

Ross LoForte is a Technology Architect at the Microsoft Technology Center in Chicago focused on SQL Server solutions. With more than 16 years of business development, project management, and SQL architecture solutions experience, he has been working with the Microsoft Technology Centers the past 10 years and has led architecture design and proof-of-concept engagements for Microsoft’s largest and most strategic customers to design enterprise, mission-critical SQL Server solutions.

Argenis Fernandez

Twitter: - DBArgenis

LinkedIn: Argenis Fernandez

Contact: http://blog.purestorage.com/author/argenisfernandez/

Argenis is a Principal Architect at Pure Storage. He works with customers around the world to make sure they don’t have to worry much about their infrastructure for Data. He is a former Data Platform MVP, former VMware vExpert, Microsoft Certified Master, and more recently worked in the Microsoft Azure Data/SQL Server engineering team as a Principal PM in the Tiger team.

Ted Krueger

Contact: http://blogs.lessthandot.com/index.php/All/?disp=authdirauthor=68

Ted Krueger has been working in development and database administration for over a decade. Ted currently works for a respected consulting company, Magenic Technologies as a valued Database Professional resource. He is a PASS Region Mentor, Friends of Red Gate member, SQL Server MVP and community mentor. Ted blogs and is also one of the founders of LessThanDot Technical Community

Warren Sifre

Twitter: - WAS_SQL

LinkedIn: Warren Sifre

Contact: http://www.broadstrokeconsulting.com/blog/, http://www.allegient.com

Warren Sifre has been in the IT community since 1998 and has worked in a variety of industries deploying solutions utilizing MS SQL Server in one capacity or another. In 2003, he decided to make SQL Server his mastery and has since developed skills in most defined disciplines of MS SQL. Currently he is a Principal Consultant and Technology Leader with Moser Consulting. He is responsible for BI Solution Architecture and the mentorship of team members. He has been a SQLSaturday Speaker since 2012, Azure Global Bootcamp, and many user groups in 2015 alone. He has a passion for knowledge transfer and solutions architecture, with a keen interested in Info Security.

Aaron Lowe

Contact: http://www.aaronlowe.net

Aaron has over 14 years of SQL Server experience. He is strong in database design development, also having extensive experience in SSIS, SSRS, and administration, including performance, migrations and replication. Aaron is a MCITP in 2005 and 2008 as well as having a Masters in Information Systems Management. He is currently co-president of the Chicago SQLPASS Chapter and founder of SQLFriends.org. When he’s not working, he’s spending time with his bride, 5 children and 2 dogs.

Jason Strate

Contact: http://www.jasonstrate.com

Jason Strate, Digineer Inc, has been a Database Architect for over ten years. His experiences include designing and implementing both OLAP and OLTP solutions involving clustering servers, database monitoring and tuning, analysis services, DTS/Integration Services, Reporting Services, and Notification Services. Jason is actively involved with the local PASS chapter (SQL Server User Group); he is currently serving on the Executive Board and has presented at monthly meetings. Jason contributed to M

Eddie Wuerch

Twitter: - @EddieW

LinkedIn: Eddie Wuerch

Contact: http://www.indydba.com

Eddie Wuerch has 20 years of experience as a SQL Server specialist in a much-longer IT career. A Microsoft Certified Master, Eddie spends his days in the Salesforce Marketing Cloud, focusing on performance, scale, and uptime for the massive SQL Server backend. These SQL Servers churn billions of transactions daily against trillions of rows of data in a 24x7 continuously-available online system accessed by millions worldwide every day.

David Eichner

Twitter: - @ICANSoftware

LinkedIn: David Eichner

David Eichner is a licensed CPA and is also CEO of ICAN Software Corporation, a Microsoft Dynamics amp; Acumatica ERP partner firm that sell and implements ERP and CRM software, develops software solutions and provides technology consulting. He is the host of a radio show called Business In The Cloud that airs weekly on KLAY 1180AM. He is skilled in building integrated cloud app solutions. His career spans more than 20 years in various technical/managerial positions within industries as diverse as military service, engineering/construction, municipal government, consulting and certified public accounting. Additionally, he holds various national certificates in technology (MCDBA, MCSE, CNE, CITP, Dynamics CRM and ERP, Acumatica CRM and ERP)

Allan Hirt

Twitter: - SQLHA

LinkedIn: Allan Hirt

Contact: http://www.sqlha.com/blog

SQLHA, LLC founder, consultant, trainer, author, and business continuity, infrastructure, and virtualization expert Allan Hirt has been working with SQL Server since 1992 when it was still a Sybase product. He has also been clustering in Windows Server since the late 1990s when it was known as Wolfpack. Currently a dual Microsoft MVP (Data Platform; Cloud and Datacenter Management) as well as a VMware vExpert, Allan works with all sizes of customers, no matter if they are on premises or in the public cloud. He also delivers training and speaks at events over the world.

Rob Farley

Twitter: - rob_farley

LinkedIn: Rob Farley

Contact: http://blogs.lobsterpot.com.au

Rob Farley runs LobsterPot Solutions in Australia, where he’s a consultant in the Microsoft Data Platform and Analytics space. He’s been an MVP since 2006, probably because of his blogging, his presentations around the world, and his dedication to the Adelaide Data Analytics User Group which he has led since before the release of SQL Server 2005. He’s on Twitter at @rob_farley, but you can always email him using rob@lobsterpot.com.au

Mark Tabladillo

Contact: http://www.marktab.net

Mark Tabladillo (MVP, SAS Expert) has been an information technology professional since 1998, and has a primary career consulting with companies across the United States and around the world. Mark’s business mission is to empower and inspire executives, architects and developers with insights from data mining, predictive analytics and business intelligence to make actionable decisions. Mark shares his thoughts on his professional blog at http://marktab.net

Norman Kelm

Contact: http://www.gerasus.com/

Norman Kelm is the owner of Gerasus Software, http://www.gerasus.com/, the maker of SSIS-DTS Package Search the only utility that can search SSIS and DTS packages. Norman has been working in IT for over 20 years. He worked as a FORTRAN and C developer for 8 years before making the jump to databases with Sybase. He then moved on to SQL Server working as a production and development DBA on SQL Server since version 6.5. He is also a founding member of the Tampa Bay SQL Server User Group.

Craig Purnell

Twitter: - @CraigPurnell

LinkedIn: Craig Purnell

Contact: http://www.craigpurnell.com/

Craig Purnell is a career database professional, trainer, and community activist. He has spent over 10 years as the Database Administrator at a large Midwestern law firm. He has been in IT for 15 years and has spent his entire career working with enterprise databases and ERP systems. Craig is an active member of the Ohio North SQL Server User Group and has presented at many user groups, SQLSaturdays, and the PASS Summit in 2012 and 2013

Sponsors

The following is a list of sponsors that helped fund the event:

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