SQLSaturday #193 - Phoenix 2013

Event Date: 04/27/2013 00:00:00

Event Location:

Chandler-Gilbert Community College Pecos Campus
2626 East Pecos Road
Chandler, Arizona

This event has completed. All data shown below is from the historical XML public data available.

Sessions
Speakers
Sponsors

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Sessions

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

Title: Pivoting Performance Data Pinpointing Problems

Abstract: Have you ever been wrought with end user complaints of database performance issues only to open your tools that show only live performance or limited historical performance and find no answers? After being bit by this many times, I developed my own eye in the sky to monitor CPU Physical IO at the database, user and application levels. This solution logs data continuously and parses it into an Analysis Services cube which can be queried by Excel. No need to requisition funds for 3rd party tools. You can do this with the tools you have and I’ll give you the scripts to get started. Using these tools I have been able to find needles in haystacks and effectively communicate the nature of the problems to people at all levels.

Speaker(s):

Brian Flynn

Track and Room: APP DEV / DBA - N/A

Title: Interview Tips

Abstract: Have you been asked for an interview for that perfect job? The job that you would love to have on a team that you really want to be a part of? It is time to sharpen those interview skills.

Every interview is different. During this session we will talk about my observations from many interviews that I have been a part of. There are many examples in this session on how not to present yourself, during an interview. We may laugh at some of the observations, but there are many lessons to learn. Get an inside look at how hiring managers make decisions, and make sure you know what to look for as the candidate.

Have you been tasked with conducting an interview? We will complete the session with some tips on how to make sure that you get the information you need to make a good decision.

Speaker(s):

Chris Shaw

Track and Room: DBA - N/A

Title: Predictive Modeling with SQL Server Data Mining

Abstract: This session will show you how to solve a real-world data mining problem by demonstrating the entire development life cycle of a predictive model. Attendees will learn the essentials required to harness the power of a decision tree algorithm to develop and optimize a production ready predictive model. Carlos will also show how to iterate through the process to improve the model’s effectiveness. Finally, you will see show how to make the most of a predictive model by deploying it and utilizing in your applications and reports

Speaker(s):

Carlos Bossy

Track and Room: BIA - N/A

Title: Introduction to SQL executions plans

Abstract: Have you ever seen an execution plan and been totally lost as to what it means or what you can learn from it? We’ll cover the basics of execution plans - how the SQL Server assembles the query, different types of joins, and why the query engine makes those decisions. We’ll also look at common reasons why the query optimizer can make less-than-optimal decisions, and how you can improve the query layout or the the object metadata to help improve the execution plan and speed up the results.

Speaker(s):

Ryan McCauley

Track and Room: DBA/BIA - N/A

Title: Enterprise Tabular Models

Abstract: Tabular models in SQL Server 2012 give us a powerful analytic engine that is faster and easier to implement than traditional multi-dimensional cubes using Analysis Services. In this session, you’ll see how to develop analytic models using your existing data sources and learn best practices for preparing data so that it can be effectively used as a Tabular database. In addition to creating the model, you’ll see how to quickly add measures, hierarchies, and calculated columns to provide a rich user experience and how the model works with Excel, SSRS and other reporting tools.

Speaker(s):

Carlos Bossy

Track and Room: BIA - N/A

Title: Why SSRS/SharePoint Integration Is Worth The Pain

Abstract: Reporting Services standardizes your report creation and SharePoint enables collaboration and content management. SSRS/SharePoint Integrated Mode gives you a platform to empower your developers, power users, and end users. We will discuss the initial setup of integrated mode, work through some real life strategies using simple out of the box features, and consider some places where more development and planning may be helpful.

Speaker(s):

Russ Burns

Track and Room: BIA / BID - N/A

Title: Taking BI to the Next Level: Collaboration

Abstract: Self-service BI is usually an independent activity. But when individuals discover interesting information that they want to share, they need a centralized location to do that. When people work together, new insights are possible, and that’s what collaboration is all about. As more people see the benefits of the solution, they become more likely to use it. As individual products, SQL Server 2008 R2, SharePoint 2010, and Excel 2010 expand your options for enabling BI in your organization, but collectively they create a solid platform for collaborative BI. Knowing which tool to use for which job can be tricky. Come to this session to learn how to use these tools to foster collaboration.

Speaker(s):

Stacia Varga

Track and Room: BIA / BID - N/A

Title: Best Practices for Monitoring Databases on VMware

Abstract: SQL Server on VMware??? Many of our customers are either virtualizing databases or planning to do so soon. I hear from many groups that attempted running their database on VMware but went back to physical hardware because of performance issues. There are many reasons this may have happened, but quite often the decision to go back to physical was not based on hard facts. This presentation will explore the fundamentals of monitoring databases running in a VMware environment. If you are using classic O/S monitoring tools, you may be getting misleading data. Understand what metrics are important and how to get to that data.

Speaker(s):

Kathy Gibbs

Track and Room: DBA - N/A

Title: Possible Musics: SSAS Multidimensional vs Tabular

Abstract: The Analysis Services 2012 Business Intelligence Semantic Model (BISM) unifies Multidimensional (OLAP) and Tabular (relational) options for organizational BI. BI professionals can implement Multidimensional cubes, or they can deploy Tabular models developed by business users to a dedicated server. Those new to Tabular, or those embarking upon BI for the first time with SSAS 2012, may find it difficult to choose between the two paths. In this session, BI Architect, SQL Server MVP and SSAS Maestro Bill Pearson overviews the nature and design goals of each option, comparing Multidimensional and Tabular features. He then offers guidance on selecting the appropriate model, providing examples to illustrate approaches for given scenarios.

Speaker(s):

William E Pearson III

Track and Room: BIA - N/A

Title: Getting Started with MDX: The (Very) Basics

Abstract: In this session, led by Microsoft BI Architect and SQL Server MVP Bill Pearson, we will concentrate largely upon crafting simple MDX expressions and queries whose purposes, for the most part, are to return a set of data. We will overview the structure of a cube, using as a basis the sample Adventure Works cube that is available to anyone installing SQL Server Analysis Services 2008 R2. We will then outline the components of simple MDX syntax, and get started writing basic expressions and queries. We will expose basic member functions, introduce filters (or “slicers”), and begin exploring core MDX functionality, including calculated members, and named sets. This session applies equally to Analysis Services 2008, 2008R2 and 2012.

Speaker(s):

William E Pearson III

Track and Room: BIA / DBA - N/A

Title: “What is the Best Disaster Recovery Solution?”

Abstract: It depends, every situation is different. The question is often asked of DBA’s to provide a solution to very open ended requirements. However, the best solution can only be provided if the database professional is getting all the answers. This session is a case study into many of Disaster Recovery options that we as database professionals have. Understand the answers to the important questions that we should be asking to provide the best solution not only for the database but for the business as well. As an attendee you will learn how to change an answer from it depends into a solid solution that can be built upon. We will take examples from experiences and as a group determine what the best solution is.

Speaker(s):

Chris Shaw

Track and Room: DBA - 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, with all of the performance that you enjoy today, and Dave Pettengill will provide valuable insight into how to properly prepare for and implement a successful virtualization campaign for ALL of your SQL Server environments. Practical tips, tricks, and gotchas for designing for performance will be discussed in this session.

Speaker(s):

Dave Pettengill

Track and Room: DBA - N/A

Title: Master Data Services – 101

Abstract: Master Data Services (MDS) is a Master Data Management solution on the Microsoft Platform. This solution enables the management of non-transactional data (nouns) within the enterprise. Get a good business and technical understanding of how MDS can help your organization obtain better data governance. The demo will walk through the basics of getting started with Master Data Services 2012, including the Excel Add-in for Master Data Services.

Speaker(s):

Reeves Smith

Track and Room: BIA / BID - N/A

Title: OnPremise to Azure

Abstract: During this talk I’ll walk you through the process actually used to migrate a client’s systems from hosted in a company closet to multiple Microsoft Azure data centers. Along the way we’ll discuss the planning that went into the migration, the testing we went through, the pain points we hit, all the way to up and running in the cloud. This session covers the roadmap, we won’t go through the actual migration itself…that took almost a year to complete.

Speaker(s):

Shannon Lowder

Track and Room: Azure Big Data Prof Dev - N/A

Title: The Significance of Choosing and Using Data Types

Abstract: It’s an all too common occurrence to have table columns or variables that have been assigned less than ideal data types. My goals in this presentation are to show you the importance of choosing the proper data type; show you some guidelines in determining what an appropriate data type would be; and once chosen, give you some tools for proper usage and management. I will demonstrate several performance and accuracy issues, along with their possible solutions, caused by either the assignment of imappropriate data types or improper usage of them. In addition, I will cover serveral data type related functions and point out caveates in their usage.

Speaker(s):

Vern Rabe

Track and Room: APP DEV / DBA - N/A

Title: Tabular Models

Abstract: Tabular modules allow developers to create models based upon different data sources; create hierarchies, perspectives, partitions and roles similar to traditional OLAP cubes. In this session will highlight the differences between traditional OLAP and tabular models and reasons for selecting one approach over another. I will demonstrate how to create a data model first in power pivot model and then import into an Analysis Services Tabular Project. Working with the imported data I will then create measures, KPIs, perspectives, and implement security. Finally I will deploy the model to an Analysis Server.

Speaker(s):

Jeff Renz

Track and Room: DBA/BIA - N/A

Title: Columnstore Indexes in SQL Server 2012

Abstract: One of the new features of SQL Server 2012 is columnstore indexes, where the storage of index data is “turned on its head”. We will look into how this feature is implemented internally, how it can greatly improve query performance in the right environment, what the current limitations are, and how to implement workarounds for those limitations.

Speaker(s):

Vern Rabe

Track and Room: BIA / DBA - N/A

Title: A Heart ot Heart with the Business User

Abstract: This session discusses how we can deliver a better BI product if we learn to better communicate with the business user and get then to think differently about data and about their needs.

Attendees will gain an understanding of how to initiate conversations and begin a process of increasing the quality of user requirements. They will also learn how to start and develop this process to get user buy in. The end goal is to fully utilize BI capabilities to reduce costs, improve performance or identify new business opportunities.

Speaker(s):

Dave Pettengill

Track and Room: Azure Big Data Prof Dev - N/A

Title: Get Into Evaluation Context with DAX, the Language of PowerPivot

Abstract: Data Analysis Expressions (DAX) is the language of PowerPivot and the BISM Tabular Model. Review the basics of the DAX language and get introduced to evaluation context: including row and filter context. Learn why different cells return different results based on the same formula. Understanding evaluation context is the driving force behind releasing the potential to create truly dynamic DAX formulas. The demo will walk through various examples the DAX query language and demo row and filter context

Speaker(s):

Reeves Smith

Track and Room: BIA / DBA - N/A

Title: Use a custom assembly to extend reports queries

Abstract: Amp up Reporting Services and take your business reports to the next level with custom code written in Visual Studio. Build one dynamic super report to replace several other reports and address business requirements more effectively. Dynamically add or remove query columns, modify groups and sorting options.

Speaker(s):

Paul Turley

Track and Room: BID - N/A

Title: PowerShell for the SQL Server DBA

Abstract: PowerShell is a powerful tool for automating many daily activities of a SQL Server DBA. This session will introduce you to PowerShell and provide examples of how PowerShell interacts with SQL Server.

Speaker(s):

Mark Halstead

Track and Room: DBA - N/A

Title: Visualization Choices: What, When, and How?

Abstract: When do you use a sparkline, column, or line chart? How do you create a business scorecard – and with what tool? Using Excel, Power View, and Report Builder, this session will guide you through the choices and help you apply the right visual to your business data. Come see what well-known industry experts have to say about the correct use of visualization choices and techniques, colors, backgrounds, borders, and 3-D effects. Then see demonstrations of how to create those rich visuals in the different reporting tools, used with PowerPivot and tabular semantic models.

Speaker(s):

Paul Turley

Track and Room: BID - N/A

Title: Report Delivery - From Report Manager to the Cloud

Abstract: SQL Server Reporting Services Report Manager provides a great web platform for managing and delivering many types of reports. We will review delivering reports with Report Manager and explore integrating SSRS as the engine for report presentation within web and windows applications. We will also look at options to feed reports to your document management system and push reports to the cloud for remote access and mobile devices.

Speaker(s):

Phil Robinson

Track and Room: BID - N/A

Title: Matching and Survivorship

Abstract: The spectrum of Contact Data Quality covers numerous interrelated aspects such as parsing, standardization, correction, verification, enrichment and matching. But one crucial concept that is quite commonly overlooked in the field of data quality is the implementation of an intelligent and automatable process for the creation of the “golden record” through the consolidation of data within the matching process; a technique also known as Survivorship

Speaker(s):

David Eichner

Track and Room: APP DEV - N/A

Title: But it worked great in Dev! Perfomance for Devs

Abstract: If you’ve ever found yourself stating the above, this session is for you. For many developers, writing T-SQL that works is not the challenge. But too often, functional T-SQL is not the same as good T-SQL. In this session, we will examine why “SQL that works” is not good enough. Understanding indexes, exectuion plans, sargability, and more are all critical to writing good T-SQL. We will also examine several real-world examples of T-SQL that “worked great in dev” but caused major issues when it hit production.

Speaker(s):

Randy Knight

Track and Room: APP DEV / DBA - N/A

Title: Unit Testing your SQL Server database using tSQLt

Abstract: tSQLt is a database unit testing framework for Microsoft SQL Server. In this session we’ll review the main aspects of tSQLt including: installing the tSQLt framework, creating and executing unit tests, isolating code using fake tables/views and stored procedure spies.

Speaker(s):

Josh Sivey

Track and Room: APP DEV - N/A

Title: Spatial Data in SQL Server Reporting Services

Abstract: Will you know where to go when the zombie apocalypse begins? This presentation will offer a fun tutorial for using maps in SQL Server 2012 Reporting Services reports. Sample applications and use of ESRI shapefiles will be included in the demonstration.

Speaker(s):

Nate Locklin

Track and Room: BID - N/A

Title: Understanding Transaction Isolation Levels

Abstract: SQL Server offers several isolation levels beyond the default “READ COMMITTED”. But understanding when to use each one can be daunting. Whether you are a developer who needs to understand how isolation works and and why NOLOCK is not an appropriate hint in most cases, or a seasoned DBA who needs to understand the less commonly used isolation methods, this session is for you. We will look at each level, how it impacts the engine, and examine appropriate (and inapproriate) use cases for each.

Speaker(s):

Randy Knight

Track and Room: BIA / DBA - N/A

Title: Designing SSAS for performance and scalability.

Abstract: This session will cover a selection of topics and decision criteria for designing SSAS solutions for performance and scalability. This session is geared primarily towards Multidimensional SSAS, however in many cases Matt will cover how options may impact Tabular as well.

Topics include:

-Parent-Child vs. Natural Hierarchies -Star vs. Snowflake schemas -Many to Many relationships -Partitioning -Aggregation Designs -Processing schemes

Speaker(s):

Matt Smith

Track and Room: DBA/BIA - N/A

Title: SQL Server Data Tools Tips and Tricks

Abstract: How to successfully deploy permissions, agent job, and better manage the database development life cycle using SSDT.

Speaker(s):

Andrew Duclos

Track and Room: DBA/BIA - N/A

Title: The 10 Commandments of ETL

Abstract: ETL (Extract, Transform Load) processes are fundamentally important in any data warehouse environment, and there are many different ways in which to develop the components.

In this session I will share the 10 basic principles I follow when developing ETL processes, and also show how the different choices can affect performance. Following these simple guidelines have resulted in many successful projects and happy customers. I’m sure it will work for you too!!

Speaker(s):

Martin Schoombee

Track and Room: DBA/BIA - N/A

Title: MDX For Reporting

Abstract: The multi-dimensional analytic cube is the final output of most data warehousing projects as such a practical understanding of the MDX language as applied to reporting from SSAS multidimensional cubes is extremely important. In this session we will go over some basic to advanced query techniques that any developer can use to create useful data sets from SSAS cubes.

Speaker(s):

Orion Gebremedhin

Track and Room: BID - N/A

Title: Cloud Database Scalability with SQL Federation

Abstract: You have migrated your SQL Server database to Windows Azure SQL Database (AKA SQL Azure), and you have migrated your application to Windows Azure. Now what? As the load on your database begins to increase, the need to scale your new SQL Database instance becomes a realization. In this demo-filled session we’ll explore SQL Federation, Microsoft’s solution for cloud database scalability. This session will look at the scalability model for the cloud and how SQL Federation solves the scale-out issue. We’ll look at the architecture of SQL Federation and you can apply SQL Federation to your cloud database solution.

Speaker(s):

Scott Klein

Track and Room: Azure Big Data Prof Dev - N/A

Title: Intermediate Powershell for the DBA

Abstract: Now that you know the basics, we will dive into functions and profiles. I will show you how to create your own function library so you can call these functions whenever you need to. This session will be very demo driven, and I will show you how to write scripts in order to offload the simple repeatable tasks that you have to do.

Speaker(s):

Colin Smith

Track and Room: APP DEV / DBA - N/A

Title: PowerPivot and Power View for the Business Analyst

Abstract: Excel 2013 brings PowerPivot and Power View to the desktop (without downloading add-ins) so you should get ready for it. Your users will google Power View and try to make magic with their own data. Unfortunately it isn’t as simple as uploading a grid of excel data into PowerPivot and exploring it with Power View. We will work with an imaginary Business Analyst who needs help bringing their data to life.

Speaker(s):

Russ Burns

Track and Room: BIA / BID - N/A

Title: Delphix Agile Data Management

Abstract: Delphix is a new tool that is coming to market for SQL Server. This product virtualizes at the database level and makes refreshing and or creating new copies of databases for developers very quick and easy. This tool will save you time and storage. It is an amazing tool. I do not work for Delphix I just believe that this tool is one of the most useful tools that I have seen in a long while. This product also has great ROI as you will see in the session

Speaker(s):

Colin Smith

Track and Room: APP DEV - N/A

Title: Data Quality Services and SSIS

Abstract: DQS and the DQS Cleansing Transformation

Speaker(s):

Brad Baker

Track and Room: BIA / BID - N/A

Title: Extend your Knowledge with Extended Events

Abstract: With 2012 Extended Events became much easier to use and is a great way to find out more of what is going on in the database. This presentation will show how you can use Extended Events to find out about items like Deadlocks and Query Performance. We will create a new Event and I will show you how you can use the data collected to report commonly monitored statistics.

Speaker(s):

Kathy Gibbs

Track and Room: BIA / DBA - N/A

Title: Indexing Deep Dive

Abstract: Another in TheSQLGuru’s very popular “Deep Dive” series, this time covering indexing. You will learn about the internal structures of heaps, clustered indexes and nonclustered indexes. We will examine included columns and covering indexes, filtered indexes, indexed views, indexing DMVs and finding the right indexes. There are some incredibly helpful graphics as well as some nice samples to help you transition theory to practice.

Speaker(s):

Kevin Boles

Track and Room: BIA - N/A

Title: Global Address Data: Storage and Verification

Abstract: This session will focus on the differences in address format and structure around the world and how that can place in the effective storage of “useful” address data within the Enterprise. In addition, we’ll discuss how address data is “mangled” to be stored and how it can impact the overall quality level of any tool used for address validation and correction internationally. With 240+ countries and territories around the world, this is not a small consideration.

Speaker(s):

Joseph Verftido

Track and Room: APP DEV - N/A

Title: Common TSQL Mistakes

Abstract: We are going to examine a variety of oopsies MANY developers fall prey too - some obvious, some pretty subtle and some down right sneaky! Lots of code examples with the bad AND good code presented. I GUARANTEE that you will find things here that will either prevent you from getting bad data, throwing unwanted errors or vastly improving your database application’s performance. I have given this talk over FORTY times now and it is always very highly rated!

Speaker(s):

Kevin Boles

Track and Room: DBA/BIA - N/A

Title: SSRS – Implementing a Rendering Extension

Abstract: In SSRS, a rendering extension is a component or module of a report server that transforms report data and layout information into a device-specific format. Out of the box, SSRS includes seven rendering extensions: HTML, Excel, Word, CSV, XML, Image, and PDF. During this presentation, Josh will show how to implement and deploy a JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) rendering extension for SSRS. JSON is a lightweight data-interchange format commonly used in rich client web applications.

Speaker(s):

Josh Sivey

Track and Room: BID - N/A

Title: File IO Stalls and Wait Stats - Tune Like Guru!

Abstract: Analyzing File IO Stalls and Wait Stats can really help you understand why performance on your server is poor and point you in the right direction towards improving the situation! Very helpful scripts will be provided along with discussions and references to help you understand what are two of the most important tools in my performance analysis toolbag!

Speaker(s):

Kevin Boles

Track and Room: APP DEV / DBA - N/A

Title: Data Vault Data Warehouse Architecture

Abstract: Data vault is a compelling architecture for an enterprise data warehouse using SQL Server 2012. A well designed data vault data warehouse facilitates fast, efficient and maintainable data integration across business systems. In this session I will review the basics about enterprise data warehouse design, introduce you to the data vault architecture and discuss how you can leverage new features of SQL Server 2012 help make your data warehouse solution provide maximum value to your users.

Speaker(s):

Jeff Renz

Track and Room: BIA - N/A

Title: You got an OVER clause in my SQL.

Abstract: The OVER clause tends to be under appreciated and, sometimes, ignored. SQL Server 2012 includes new features in the OVER clause. The new features will be discussed along with what that pesky “Window” thing is and how it fits with the OVER clause.

Speaker(s):

Robert Miller

Track and Room: APP DEV - N/A

Title: Kung Fu Migration to Windows Azure SQL Database

Abstract: As cloud computing becomes more popular and cloud-based solutions the norm rather than the fringe, the need to efficiently migrate your database is crucial. This demo-filled session will discuss the tips and tricks, methods and strategies for migrating your on-premises SQL Server databases to Windows Azure SQL Database, AKA SQL Azure. Focusing primarily on SQL Server Data Tools and the DAC Framework, this session will focus on how these tools can make you a kung-fu migration master.

Speaker(s):

Scott Klein

Track and Room: Azure Big Data Prof Dev - N/A

Title: SSAS 2012 Dynamic Security in Tabular Models

Abstract: An in depth analysis and demonstration of how dynamic security works in SQL Server 2012 Analysis Services tabular models. With a practical demo and comparison to the Multi-Dimensional instance of SQL Server Analysis Services.

Speaker(s):

Orion Gebremedhin

Track and Room: BIA - N/A

Title: Case studies of Disaster Recovery

Abstract: From the expect disasters of failed hardware, malicious and unintentional data corruption, to the more unusual disasters of HVac failures, water main breaks, and fire, we will walk through case studies of each type, discuss what went right and what went wrong with the disaster recovery plan and how to plan better in the future. This session is intended to be interactive, to have you thinking about your own environment and what you need to put into place to help you successfully recover from disasters.

Speaker(s):

Kat Long

Track and Room: DBA - N/A

Title: A Big Data Primer

Abstract: The term “big data” dominates the headlines in technology news these days, but what is the fuss really all about? What are the implications for traditional data warehousing and reporting? What kind of technology and skill sets do you need to successfully implement to a big data strategy? Come to this session for a gentle, business-focused introduction to big data and leave with some inspiration and practical steps for tackling your first big data project.

Speaker(s):

Stacia Varga

Track and Room: Azure Big Data Prof Dev - N/A

Title: Secret life of windowing functions

Abstract: Have you ever wondered what functionality exists in T-SQL for aggregation beyond just using a GROUP BY? Curious as to what Windowing functions are? Curious about the numerous enhancements (developer love) to windowing functions in SQL Server 2012? Then come watch the “Secret life of windowing function” presentation.

Speaker(s):

Robert Miller

Track and Room: APP DEV - 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.

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.

Reeves Smith

Twitter: - SQLReeves

LinkedIn: Reeves Smith

Contact: http://reevessmith.wordpress.com

Reeves Smith, owner and principal architect of Macer Consulting, is passionate about applying data technologies that empower organizations. Reeves wields his knowledge and experience to lead, design, architect, and teach, working with both data center and business project teams. He approaches every project by first understanding the organization’s business challenges, and then developing a unique approach that targets those business needs accurately and effectively.

Reeves Smith has more than 20 years of experience working on the SQL Server stack. He is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP and Microsoft Certified Master, and regularly delivers technical presentations at international, regional, and local conferences and user groups.

Robert Miller

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

LinkedIn: Robert Miller

Contact: http://sqlhuman.com

Robert Miller has managed Microsoft SQL Server implementations for the past twenty years. Additional, he is an accomplished architect, application developer, SAN and Systems administrator. In addition to Microsoft SQL Server, he has experience with Oracle and VMS/Rdb database environments. Robert#39;s specialty is working in and architecting high-performance, high-availability environments.

Dave Pettengill

Dave Pettengill has over 40 years’ experience in IT, mostly in Database support, design and modeling, data warehousing, BI and performance tuning. As a diversion he designs and engineers data centers, writes fiction and hikes in the mountains of Phoenix. Dave has also worked on mainframes, i-Series and various flavors of Unix. While he has supported over 12 different database management systems, he prefers SQL Server because it’s more fun.

Scott Klein

Twitter: - SQLScott

Contact: http://aka.ms/sqlscott

Scott Klein is a senior consultant with SQL Solutions Group with over two decades of experience working with Microsoft SQL Server. Prior to SSG, Scott spent almost 10 years at Microsoft, traveling the globe as a technical evangelist training and speaking about SQL Server and Microsoft’s Azure data services. Scott’s recent focus has been on advanced analytics, including big data and IoT, providing real-world training to help bring intelligence to your data. Scott has authored several books focusing on data and data analytics. Scott is continuously striving and looking for ways to help developers and companies grok the wonderful world of data.

Mark Halstead

Contact: http://www.xtivia.com

Mark Halstead is the SQL Server technical lead dba for Xtivia working in the Virtual-DBA group. He had been with Xtivia, Inc. for 7 years and has worked with SQL Server for more than 17 years. He has worked in IT for 20+ years specializing in database administration.

Kevin Boles

Twitter: - @TheSQLGuru

LinkedIn: Kevin Boles

Matt Smith

Twitter: - @SmithMattC

LinkedIn: Matt Smith

Matt is currently a Data Platform Business Intelligence Technology Solution Professional and works heavily with Enterprise level architectural, analytical, and operational solutions. His technical and leadership experience spans across numerous industries. He has a strong interest in remaining tactical in while working at the strategic level.

His goal is to assist clients in analyzing, cleansing, and presenting their data so they can make more educated decisions about their business.

Colin Smith

Twitter: - @smithco32

Contact: http://itknowledgeexchange.techtarget.com/dba/

I am a SQL Server and Oracle DBA. I focus mostly on SQL Server. I use Powershell every day and I make my life as a DBA much easier by scripting most tasks in Powershell. I enjoy helping others with Powershell and SQL Server, even though I claim to be an expert in neither. I enjoy technology and spending time with my wife and new child.

Brian Flynn

Brian Flynn has a Computer Science and Math degree from Saint Louis University and has been working in IT for 20 years. He’s served in many roles, both technical and managerial. Brian encourages IT pros to diversify skillsets to build more comprehensive big picture understandings that businesses care about.

Paul Turley

Twitter: - paul_turley

LinkedIn: Paul Turley

Contact: http://www.sqlserverbiblog.com

Paul is a Principal Consultant for Pragmatic Works, a Mentor and Microsoft Data Platform MVP. He consults, writes, speaks, teaches blogs about business intelligence and reporting solutions. He works with companies around the world to model data, visualize and deliver critical information to make informed business decisions; using the Microsoft data platform and business analytics tools. He is a Director of the Oregon Data Community PASS chapter user group, the author and lead author of Professional SQL Server 2016 Reporting Services and 14 other titles from Wrox Microsoft Press. He holds several certifications including MCSE for the Data Platform and BI.

Jeff Renz

Twitter: - jeff_renz

LinkedIn: Jeff Renz

Contact: http://www.revgen.com

Jeff Renz is a Senior Architect at RevGen Partners, currently working as the design architect and implementation lead on several projects for a Fortune Top 50 company. Jeff has worked with SQL Server and BI for 15+ years and has 10 years’ experience with data warehouse design and implementation. In addition to consulting, he is joining the University of Denver adjunct faculty and is expected to begin teaching in the ICT program starting in June. He received his bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, his master’s degree in Operations Research from Colorado School of Mines, and will be graduating from the Harvard Business Analytics Program in December.

William E Pearson III

Twitter: - @Bill_Pearson

LinkedIn: William E Pearson III

Contact: https://mvp.support.microsoft.com/profile=02C5CD07-7511-4151-A678-3A4A3451F85E

Bill Pearson created Island Technologies Inc. in 1997, and has developed a large and diverse customer base since. Bill#39;s background as a CPA, Internal Auditor, Management Accountant, and SQL Server MVP (BI) enables him to provide value to clients as a liaison between Accounting / Finance and Information Services. Bill has implemented enterprise business intelligence systems over the years for many Fortune 500 companies and focuses his practice upon the integrated Microsoft Business Intelligence

Vern Rabe

Twitter: - @VernRabe

LinkedIn: Vern Rabe

Contact: http://www.rabedata.com

Vern Rabe is an independent SQL Server consultant and contract trainer in Portland, OR, and leader of the Oregon Data Community user group, formerly OregonSQL. He has attained MCSE, MCITP (both Administration and Development), and MCT certifications, among others. Vern has been passionate about databases since 1992 and has worked with SQL Server since version 4.21a. He provides broad technical SQL Server knowledge gained from the mixture of academic and practical experiences acquired from his classroom instructing and varied consulting contracts. Vern regularly presents technical sessions at SQL Server user group meetings, SQLSaturdays, and PASS Summit.

Carlos Bossy

Twitter: - @carlosbossy

LinkedIn: Carlos Bossy

Contact: http://www.carlosbossy.com

Carlos Bossy (MCTS, MCP BI, CBIP) is a data and cloud analytics architect with 25 years of experience in software and database development. As a principal of Datalere, Carlos focuses on developing BI, Data Science, and Advanced Analytics solutions, including modeling data warehouses and delivering predictive models, integration, and visualization. He has developed warehouses and BI solutions for a variety of industries and state agencies, including health insurance, solar energy, foster care, telecom, and manufacturing.

Kevin Boles

Twitter: - @TheSQLGuru

LinkedIn: Kevin Boles

Reeves Smith

Twitter: - SQLReeves

LinkedIn: Reeves Smith

Contact: http://reevessmith.wordpress.com

Nate Locklin

LinkedIn: Nate Locklin

Contact: http://www.locklin.org

Nate Locklin is IT Manager at PPG Industries, leading the Business Intelligence and SQL Server Database Administration teams. He has been employed as a SQL Server DBA since 2000 and holds MCDBA and MCTS certifications. He has been a member of the Pittsburgh SQL Server User Group for almost 20 years, and has previously presented on SSIS best practices and using geospatial data in SSRS.

Orion Gebremedhin

Twitter: - oriongm

LinkedIn: Orion Gebremedhin

Contact: http://www.bi-insights.com/

Orion Gebremedhin, is the Director of Technology for Data and Analytics Platform at Neudesic . He is also a Data Platform (vTSP) for Microsoft Corporation focusing on Big Data technologies. Orion brings extensive experience in implementing advanced analytics and big data technology solutions in various industries. He is a frequent speaker in various technology events; and currently leads the Big Data and Advanced Analytics roadshow sponsored by Neudesic and Microsoft. Neudesic has been providing innovative technologies, services and software products for more than a decade to help organizations gain a competitive advantage and position them for success.

Joseph Verftido

Twitter: - /melissadata

LinkedIn: Joseph Verftido

Contact: http://blog.melissadata.com/data-quality-authority/

A Data Quality Analyst at Melissa Data, Joseph has worked with numerous clients in understanding their business needs for data quality, analyzing their architecture and environment, and recommending strategic solutions to successfully integrate data quality within their infrastructure. He gives frequent webinars for implementing different techniques for data quality and also manages the MVP Program – a network that provides resources to community leaders, speakers, consultants and other experts.

Jeff Renz

Twitter: - jeff_renz

LinkedIn: Jeff Renz

Contact: http://www.revgen.com

Colin Smith

Twitter: - @smithco32

Contact: http://itknowledgeexchange.techtarget.com/dba/

Paul Turley

Twitter: - paul_turley

LinkedIn: Paul Turley

Contact: http://www.sqlserverbiblog.com

Phil Robinson

Phil Robinson is an independent consultant focused on developing Business Intelligence solutions using Microsoft Reporting Services and Power BI. He is founder of the San Diego SQL Business Intelligence Group and co-founder of SQLSaturday – San Diego.

Vern Rabe

Twitter: - @VernRabe

LinkedIn: Vern Rabe

Contact: http://www.rabedata.com

Andrew Duclos

Andrew Duclos has over 10 years of experience implementing technical solutions using the Microsoft stack.

Chris Shaw

Twitter: - @SQLShaw

LinkedIn: Chris Shaw

Contact: http://chrisshaw.wordpress.com/

Chris Shaw started his database career in 1993. Following the Marines, Chris continued working with databases for companies such as Wells Fargo, Pulte Mortgage, and Yellow Pages Inc. Chris has been writing and speaking about SQL Server for over 15 years at events such as SQL Connections, PASS Summit, and SSWUG Ultimate conferences. Chris received his 5th Microsoft MVP award.

William E Pearson III

Twitter: - @Bill_Pearson

LinkedIn: William E Pearson III

Contact: https://mvp.support.microsoft.com/profile=02C5CD07-7511-4151-A678-3A4A3451F85E

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)

Stacia Varga

Twitter: - @StaciaV

LinkedIn: Stacia Varga

Contact: http://blog.datainspirations.com

Stacia Varga is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP and SSAS Maestro with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences. A consultant, educator, author, and principal of Data Inspirations, her career spans more than 30 years, with a focus on improving business practices through technology.

Since 2000, Stacia has provided consulting and education services for Microsoft’s Business Intelligence technologies. As Stacia Misner, she also authored several books covering the Microsoft BI stack.

Josh Sivey

Twitter: - @joshsivey

LinkedIn: Josh Sivey

Josh Sivey is a Microsoft Certified Professional with over fifteen years of experience delivering solutions using Microsoft technologies. He enjoys helping empower users to unlock the power of corporate data using the Microsoft BI stack. Josh is a Technology Solutions Professional with Microsoft. In his free time, he enjoys saving Hyrule from the clutches of Ganon with his son and playing My Little Ponies with his daughter.

Kat Long

Twitter: - @KatSQL

LinkedIn: Kat Long

Contact: http://blogs.xtivia.com/

Kat has been working with SQL Server since 1998 starting with SQL Server 6.5 up to the latest and greatest. Over the years, Kat has worked in many different environments from manufacturing to dotcoms to military and government institutions, and is now back in the private sector. Currently, as a Senior DBA at Xtivia, she is focused on monitoring SQL Server installations and troubleshooting performance issues.

Shannon Lowder

Contact: http://hivemindconsulting.net

Look no further for expertise in: Business Analysis to gather the business requirements for the database; Database Architecting to design the logical design of the database; Database Development to actually build the objects needed by the business logic; finally, Database Administration to keep the database running in top form, and making sure there is a disaster recovery plan.

Josh Sivey

Twitter: - @joshsivey

LinkedIn: Josh Sivey

Kathy Gibbs

Twitter: - KGdba

LinkedIn: Kathy Gibbs

Kathy has over 19 years of IT work experience and over 13 years of DBA experience including architecting, design, development, implementation, monitoring, and disaster recovery of databases. Before starting with Confio, Kathy worked in the financial, retail, and telecom industries working with critical OLTP and OLAP databases. Kathy excels in being a liaison between technical and the end-users or management teams to provide solutions

Carlos Bossy

Twitter: - @carlosbossy

LinkedIn: Carlos Bossy

Contact: http://www.carlosbossy.com

Russ Burns

Twitter: - @rssllbrns

LinkedIn: Russ Burns

Russ is Senior Application Developer in El Paso, TX. A developer by title but an Accidental DBA since SQL Server 7.0, he trains with DBAs to leverage database efficiency in his solutions. His experience focuses on Business Intelligence with SSIS, SSRS, SharePoint and web development with ASP.Net. He is co-founder, former vice-president, and recurring speaker with the Las Cruces and El Paso SQL Server User Group http://lcep.sqlpass.org.

Martin Schoombee

Twitter: - sqlmartin

LinkedIn: Martin Schoombee

Contact: http://www.martinschoombee.com

Martin is an independent Business Intelligence Analytics consultant, helping customers make sense of their data for more than 15 years.

Randy Knight

Twitter: - randy_knight

LinkedIn: Randy Knight

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

Randy Knight is a data professional who has worked with Microsoft technology for over 25 years, focusing on SQL Server since 1997. He has worked in a variety of settings, including 6 years as a database architect for match.com. In 2010, he founded SQL Server Solutions Group LLC, a boutique SQL Server consultancy. A Microsoft Certified Master (MCM) in SQL Server, he speaks often at events all over the country including the PASS Summit, SQLIntersections, and numerous SQLSaturday and User Groups.

Orion Gebremedhin

Twitter: - oriongm

LinkedIn: Orion Gebremedhin

Contact: http://www.bi-insights.com/

Chris Shaw

Twitter: - @SQLShaw

LinkedIn: Chris Shaw

Contact: http://chrisshaw.wordpress.com/

Ryan McCauley

Twitter: - @SQLRyan

LinkedIn: Ryan McCauley

Contact: http://www.TryCatchFinally.net

Ryan McCauley has been in IT for 15 years, and has filled roles from .NET developer to MSSQL DBA, but is currently an IT Manager at a mid-size Cable/HSD company. In each role, Ryan is always looking for ways to solve new and unique challenges. In additional to solving technical problems and managing a team of DBAs and Report Developers, Ryan likes to get to the bottom of problems and help everybody clearly define a shared solution. Ryan is an MCP and frequently helps out others on StackOverflow, Experts-Exchange, and under the #sqlhelp tag on Twitter.

Randy Knight

Twitter: - randy_knight

LinkedIn: Randy Knight

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

Kathy Gibbs

Twitter: - KGdba

LinkedIn: Kathy Gibbs

Robert Miller

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

LinkedIn: Robert Miller

Contact: http://sqlhuman.com

Dave Pettengill

Scott Klein

Twitter: - SQLScott

Contact: http://aka.ms/sqlscott

Stacia Varga

Twitter: - @StaciaV

LinkedIn: Stacia Varga

Contact: http://blog.datainspirations.com

Russ Burns

Twitter: - @rssllbrns

LinkedIn: Russ Burns

Brad Baker

I have worked with all versions of Microsoft SQL Server.

SQLSaturday #193 - Phoenix 2013

Sessions

Title: Pivoting Performance Data Pinpointing Problems

Title: Interview Tips

Title: Predictive Modeling with SQL Server Data Mining

Title: Introduction to SQL executions plans

Title: Enterprise Tabular Models

Title: Why SSRS/SharePoint Integration Is Worth The Pain

Title: Taking BI to the Next Level: Collaboration

Title: Best Practices for Monitoring Databases on VMware

Title: Possible Musics: SSAS Multidimensional vs Tabular

Title: Getting Started with MDX: The (Very) Basics

Title: “What is the Best Disaster Recovery Solution?”

Title: Virtualizing Business Critical SQL Servers

Title: Master Data Services – 101

Title: OnPremise to Azure

Title: The Significance of Choosing and Using Data Types

Title: Tabular Models

Title: Columnstore Indexes in SQL Server 2012

Title: A Heart ot Heart with the Business User

Title: Get Into Evaluation Context with DAX, the Language of PowerPivot

Title: Use a custom assembly to extend reports queries

Title: PowerShell for the SQL Server DBA

Title: Visualization Choices: What, When, and How?

Title: Report Delivery - From Report Manager to the Cloud

Title: Matching and Survivorship

Title: But it worked great in Dev! Perfomance for Devs

Title: Unit Testing your SQL Server database using tSQLt

Title: Spatial Data in SQL Server Reporting Services

Title: Understanding Transaction Isolation Levels

Title: Designing SSAS for performance and scalability.

Title: SQL Server Data Tools Tips and Tricks

Title: The 10 Commandments of ETL

Title: MDX For Reporting

Title: Cloud Database Scalability with SQL Federation

Title: Intermediate Powershell for the DBA

Title: PowerPivot and Power View for the Business Analyst

Title: Delphix Agile Data Management

Title: Data Quality Services and SSIS

Title: Extend your Knowledge with Extended Events

Title: Indexing Deep Dive

Title: Global Address Data: Storage and Verification

Title: Common TSQL Mistakes

Title: SSRS – Implementing a Rendering Extension

Title: File IO Stalls and Wait Stats - Tune Like Guru!

Title: Data Vault Data Warehouse Architecture

Title: You got an OVER clause in my SQL.

Title: Kung Fu Migration to Windows Azure SQL Database

Title: SSAS 2012 Dynamic Security in Tabular Models

Title: Case studies of Disaster Recovery

Title: A Big Data Primer

Title: Secret life of windowing functions

Speakers

Sponsors