SQLSaturday #220 - Atlanta 2013

Event Date: 05/18/2013 00:00:00

Event Location:

  • Georgia State University - Alpharetta location
  • 3775 Brookside Pkwy
  • Alpharetta, Georgia

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: 5 Query Plan Culprits That Cause 95% of Headaches

Abstract: Ever open a huge query plan to track down a performance issue and find yourself overwhelmed by the number of objects on the screen? How do you figure out which part of the plan is causing the problem? What should you do about it? The vast majority of query plan troubles boil down to the same basic causes; solving them is simply a matter of knowing where to look. In this session you will learn how to open a plan and drill in to the most likely problem areas. Once there, a simple analysis of five key indicators will help you diagnose your performance problem faster than you thought possible. Say goodbye to guesswork and game playing. This session will teach you how easy it can be to apply a bit of logic to improve performance of your queries.

Speaker(s):

  • Adam Machanic

Track and Room: DBA 2 - Presented by Precise - N/A


Title: Storage Tuning Deep Dive

Abstract: In this talk we will look at squeezing the maximum out of your storage systems. We will work on a live system testing concepts like short-stroking for performance. We will also show how some of these techniques are still valid on systems with SSD’s in the mix. We will cover some basics you need to know then dive into configuring local disk systems and how to test them to measure the gains or loses. This session is geared to the DBA who has a working knowledge of storage and how SQL Server works with the file system.

Takeaways:

  1. How to configure spinning disk for maximum IO or maximum throughput
  2. How to keep your SSD’s from suffering the write cliff and keep performance strong
  3. Using the DVD Store 2 benchmark to test with SQL Server installed
  4. Using ioMeter to test disks directly

Speaker(s):

  • Wesley Brown

Track and Room: DBD 1 - Presented by Idera - N/A


Title: Database Design Fundamentals

Abstract: In this session I will give an overview of how to design a database, including the common normal forms and why they should matter to you if you are creating or modifying SQL Server databases. Data should be easy to work with in SQL Server if the database has been organized as close as possible to the standards of normalization that have been proven for many years. Many common T-SQL programming “difficulties” are the result of struggling against the way data should be structured and can be avoided by applying the basic normalization techniques and are obvious things that you find yourself struggling with time and again (i.e. using the SUBSTRING function in a WHERE clause meaning you can’t use an index efficiently).

Speaker(s):

  • Louis Davidson

Track and Room: DBA 3 - Presented by Intellinet - N/A


Title: GeoSpatial Analytics Using Microsoft BI

Abstract: In this age of big data, location matters more than many people imagine. Almost every set of data has some geographic information tied to it, and it is all the more pertinent to understand and unravel the patterns and trends behind them. This session will start by explaining why GeoSpatial analytics is important in today’s world and then continue by exploring how we can share, analyze, and visualize data using the comprehensive Microsoft BI toolset, including Power View, GeoFlow, SQL Server Reporting Services, and more. The session will also feature practical demos for each of these tools, during which we will work on some of the publicly available datasets to uncover some interesting facts.

Speaker(s):

  • Jason Thomas

Track and Room: B/I 1 - Presented by Slalom - N/A


Title: PowerScripting Live! (PowerShell podcast / BoF)

Abstract: Do you listen to podcasts? It’s like the radio, but more Internetty. Well, Atlanta just so happens to be the home to the two co-hosts of the PowerScripting Podcast, the first podcast devoted to talking about Windows PowerShell. We have news, interviews, tips and resources that we present every week at powerscripting.net, but this time, the show is coming to you live! We’ll come prepared to hit most any general PowerShell topic you want, and we’ll probably sneak some SQL + PowerShell experts on stage to help out. This won’t be a canned lecture, it will be more of a Birds of a Feather or talk show feel. Audience participation is REQUIRED!

Speaker(s):

  • Jonathan Walz

Track and Room: PowerShell - N/A


Title: PowerShell Fundamentals for Beginners

Abstract: PowerShell IS where Microsoft is going for the administration of its products. If you’re not actively trying to learn PowerShell today, you’re soon going to be well behind the learning curve of the average IT pro. This session will start from zero and cover the basic fundamentals of PowerShell that will get you started on the right track to becoming a PowerShell Hero. The fundamentals that will be taught in this session are applicable whether you’re a Desktop Admin, Server Admin, SQL Server Admin, Exchange Admin, SharePoint Admin, or even if you’re the Admin of a third party product that supports PowerShell integration such as a SAN Admin. This will be an interactive session full of demos so bring your questions.

Speaker(s):

  • Mike Robbins

Track and Room: PowerShell - N/A


Title: Automating SSIS Development with Biml

Abstract: SSIS is a great tool for transferring data from one data source to another, and for implementing complex ETL processes. However, there are some painful shortcomings that make it difficult to automate package creation, easily reuse patterns and templates, and create packages directly from schema information and other metadata. The free and open source BIDS Helper Add-In offers support for automatically generating SSIS packages using the Business Intelligence Markup Language (Biml). In this session we will start by showing the power of Biml. We will then step back, and start from the beginning of using BimlScript. Once we cover the basics, we will cover practical examples using the BIDS Helper add-in to automate SSIS development.

Speaker(s):

  • Paul Waters

Track and Room: B/I 2 - Presented by Tek Systems - N/A


Title: Using BIML as an SSIS Design Patterns Engine

Abstract: Business Intelligence Markup Language provides a powerful solution for creating and managing SSIS Design Patterns. Andy Leonard, one of the authors of SSIS Design Patterns, demonstrates the flexibility of BIML in this session.

Speaker(s):

  • Andy Leonard

Track and Room: B/I 2 - Presented by Tek Systems - N/A


Title: High Performance SANLess Clustering

Abstract: Powered by Fusion-io, Protected by SIOS: Learn how to eliminate the bottlenecks and costs of SAN-based clustering. Leverage the performance of high-speed Fusion ioMemory and achieve higher levels of availability with SIOS. It is the best of both worlds - performance and protection – at a price you can afford. Join us and you could win a $100 American Express gift card.

Speaker(s):

  • Dave Bermingham and Eric Schwartz

Track and Room: DBA 1 - Presented by SIOS - N/A


Title: So You Want To Be A Rockstar Report Developer?

Abstract: You don’t want to settle for being an average Report Developer, right? In this highly interactive session we’ll discuss various development, standardization, deployment, and documentation practices that will make your SSRS development life easier, your output of higher quality, increase maintainability, and ultimately save you time. Audience participation and sharing of experiences is encouraged as we cover choices you have for datasets, sorting, grouping, filtering, calculations, parameters, deployment, and delivery. This session focuses primarily on SQL Server Reporting Services 2012, although some concepts may apply to other BI tools as well.  Join us for this this session and take your reporting skills to the next level!

Speaker(s):

  • Melissa Coates

Track and Room: B/I 2 - Presented by Tek Systems - N/A


Title: Taming Complex Tasks with the Psake Module

Abstract: PSake is a PowerShell module that helps you work with a tree of interdependent tasks. Originally designed for software builds, the simple workflow-as-tasks model lends itself to solving many other complex problems, such as VM provisioning, database setup and migration, even installing software.

In this session we will explore the PSake module, specifically learning how we can use the module to make small work out of a versioned SQL database migration. You will learn how to translate a complex problem into a set of reusable and interrelated tasks, how to make your tasks discoverable, and how to manage large numbers of tasks in your workflow.

Speaker(s):

  • Jim Christopher

Track and Room: PowerShell - N/A


Title: Matching with Data Quality Services

Abstract: Matching is the identification of rows which are likely duplicates and is the less well known feature of Data Quality Services. Join me in showing Matching some love. We’ll go over the creation of matching rules, how to use the rules with matching activity projects and also work a bit with Master Data Services and the Excel add ins for MDS and DQS.

Speaker(s):

  • Julie Smith

Track and Room: B/I 1 - Presented by Slalom - N/A


Title: Best Practices for Implementing an Enterprise BI Solution

Abstract: Learn best practices to make your organization a center of BI excellence! I’ll walk you through lessons learned during our implementation of an enterprise end-to-end BI solution, which is discussed in the Records Management Firm Saves $1 Million, Gains Faster Data Access with Microsoft BI case study published by Microsoft. Working experience with the dimensional modeling and the Microsoft BI stack is assumed.

Speaker(s):

  • Teo Lachev

Track and Room: B/I 3 - N/A


Title: Hacking the SSIS 2012 Catalog

Abstract: Integration Services 2012 offers a brand new way to store, log, and execute SSIS packages – the SSIS Catalog. How does the Catalog work? Can it be customized? Can it be extended? Yes it can! In this presentation, Andy Leonard shows you how!

Speaker(s):

  • Andy Leonard

Track and Room: Twelfth Track! - N/A


Title: Data Warehouse physical design - better practices

Abstract: you have your star schema beautifully defined. Now what? how can you assure that you physical database design is prepared to receive the amount of data that you are expecting? How can you best utilized your servers, SAN, memory, partitions, SSIS, SSAS, etc? Lets talk about a real case scenario where all of that were applied in order to improve daily process and meet businesses SLA’s.

Speaker(s):

  • Carlos Rodrigues

Track and Room: Twelfth Track! - N/A


Title: TSQL Road Less Traveled: MERGE

Abstract: Yeah, it has an arcane syntax - but that is why we have templates and snippets! :-P Merge is a very powerful TSQL construct that can both simplify your code and help with some otherwise difficult maneuvers such as the classic “Upsert”.

Speaker(s):

  • Kevin Boles

Track and Room: DBA 2 - Presented by Precise - N/A


Title: Page Latches for Mere Mortals

Abstract: Latching is a necessary function of the database engine. Although latching is a topic is normally presented only in expert-level sessions, a good grasp of the problems excessive latching exposes is important even for novice tuners. This session focuses on the PAGELATCH_* and PAGEIOLATCH_* wait types, explaining what is happening, why it is happening, and how to use the exposed information to tune queries and solve performance problems. If you’ve seen these wait types in Activity Monitor and wonder what they meant, then this session is for you!

Speaker(s):

  • Eddie Wuerch

Track and Room: DBA 1 - Presented by SIOS - N/A


Title: TSQL Road Less Traveled: APPLY

Abstract: Spend some time with TheSQLGuru as we learn about and explore the many uses and features of this seldom-used but rather powerful addition to TSQL. It has the ability to allow for elegant set-based solutions to some classes of problems as well as what some consider a clean coding pattern. It also has some nuances that you need to make sure you are aware of as you add this keyword to your TSQL toolbox.

Speaker(s):

  • Kevin Boles

Track and Room: DBA 1 - Presented by SIOS - N/A


Title: Bridging the Chasm: BI Theory vs. Practice

Abstract: A Dynamic Dialog session: According to research compiled by Gartner from discussions with many BI clients, a substantial disparity exists, in the implementation of BI, between theory (standard approaches, promises, claims and expectations) and practice (shortfalls, compromises and other realities). In this session, Business Intelligence Architect and Microsoft MVP Bill Pearson leads a dialog within which we gain an understanding of the general types of discrepancies between the “ideal” approach to BI and the compromised reality that a large number of organizations experience. We’ll then share and class experiences as a group, and discuss ways to avoid these discrepancies in future projects.

Speaker(s):

  • William E Pearson III

Track and Room: B/I 3 - N/A


Title: Enhanced Phone Interrogation

Abstract: Encountered odd problem with SQL Server, something you’ve not seen before and thinking about calling Microsoft SQL Support? What do you need to collect before you call? How can you make the call a collaborative effort and not an “enhanced phone interrogation”.

Speaker(s):

  • Chris Skorlinski

Track and Room: DBD 1 - Presented by Idera - N/A


Title: SMO Internals for High Performance PowerShell

Abstract: Ever wanted to know what happens in SQL Server when you use PowerShell and SMO to manage a SQL Server? How fast can your automation really go? I will take you through the most common objects in SMO and the internals of what happens when you use those objects. We will examine the TSQL that is generated, and learn techniques that lead to high efficiency. We will dive deep through the collections that make SMO the powerful tool it is. Combining the flexibility of PowerShell and SMO Internals is a recipe for awesome sauce. Come peek behing the curtain and squeeze the speed out of your automation scripts using PowerShell and SMO. You’ll be glad you did.

Speaker(s):

  • Ben Miller

Track and Room: PowerShell - N/A


Title: Using SSIS 2012 for ETL in a Data Warehouse

Abstract: This session will go through some old and new features of Integration Service 2012 to help with loading data into a Data Warehouse/Mart. The GUI has been improved visually during design and execution. The storage of packages has been update with Integration Service Catalogs. The Change Data Capture task helps with incremental updates. Logging has been improved for debugging. A demostration of creating your own Slowly Changing Dimension with current Tasks will be shown with some design hints.

Speaker(s):

  • Thomas LeBlanc

Track and Room: Twelfth Track! - 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: B/I 1 - Presented by Slalom - N/A


Title: SQL Server Database Development with SSDT

Abstract: SQL Server Data Tools is an evolving product. Besides revamping database projects this product has also changed the lifecycle in which we receive new features. In this session we will demonstrate features such as database snapshots, localdb, and database unit testing.

Most importantly we’ll show the many benefits of the Publish feature, and why you will want to use the built-in refactoring instead of just renaming objects. Throughout this presentation we will also highlight and demonstrate the features that have been added to SSDT in the past year.

Speaker(s):

  • Aaron Nelson

Track and Room: DBA 3 - Presented by Intellinet - N/A


Title: Applied Enterprise Semantic Mining

Abstract: Text mining is projected to dominate data mining, and the reasons are evident: we have more text available than numeric data. Microsoft introduced a new technology to SQL Server 2012 called Semantic Search. This session’s detailed description and demos give you important information for the enterprise implementation of Tag Index and Document Similarity Index. The demos include a web-based Silverlight application, and content documents from Wikipedia. We’ll also look at strategy tips for how to best leverage the new semantic technology with existing Microsoft data mining.

Speaker(s):

  • Mark Tabladillo

Track and Room: B/I 2 - Presented by Tek Systems - N/A


Title: Report Builder: Reports made Easy.

Abstract: Report Builder is a free and a powerful tool providing familiar Microsoft Office environment and targeted by Microsoft to business users. See for yourself if you as a developer would like to use this product or convince your power users to give it a try. In this session we’ll look at differences between BIDS Report Designer and Report Builder. Then we’ll walk through creating some reports to highlight Report Builder features and make a general overview of Report Builder benefits.

Speaker(s):

  • Yelena Pavlyuk

Track and Room: B/I 3 - N/A


Title: When a Strange Server Calls

Abstract: Have you checked the databases lately? It could be that you’re new on the job, or you’ve inherited a set of servers from another team. Maybe things have just been busy lately. Any which way, you’ve got a SQL Server instance (or five) that may have issues, may have backups, may have maintenance…or not. How do you start getting to know an instance? We’ll go over scripts and methods to gather and prioritize important information about your server, so you don’t have to be afraid when the server calls.

Speaker(s):

  • Jennifer McCown

Track and Room: DBA 1 - Presented by SIOS - N/A


Title: The Decoder Ring for Data Warehousing / BI

Abstract: Business Intelligence is one of the hottest job skills in the IT field. DBAs and Database Developers are being asked to implement databases with non-traditional design, and are having a lot of new vocabulary thrown their way. In this talk you will learn the concepts behind building and designing data warehouses, and cut through the buzz words so you will walk away with a clear understanding of what words like dimensions, facts, and measures mean.

Speaker(s):

  • Robert Cain

Track and Room: Zero Level - N/A


Title: Troubleshooting MDX Query Performance

Abstract: There are lots of ways to optimize your Analysis Services environment, but tuning the server or improving the database design doesn’t help if your MDX queries are not efficient. Learn how to determine whether a query is the root cause of your performance issues and how to use MDX best practices to improve query performance.

Speaker(s):

  • Stacia Varga

Track and Room: B/I 3 - N/A


Title: Team Leadership Fundamentals

Abstract: Considering a promotion into management? This session will teach you the fundamental skills needed to effectively lead an IT team. Topics include motivational skills, communication skills and project/job tracking skills. Attendees will learn:

  1. What are the fundamental ways that a new leader can build credibility and trust with their team?
  2. What are the unique ways in which IT people are motivated?
  3. How can a leader effectively communicate with their IT team using a variety of communication channels?
  4. How steps can a leader take to ensure that their IT team is achieving optimum effectiveness?

Speaker(s):

  • Kevin Kline

Track and Room: Zero Level - N/A


Title: The Last Mile: Dynamically Created Objects

Abstract: Squeezing the last bit of performance out of you application after you have refactored your SQL and tuned your server and indexes can be frustrating. Making it more difficult might be the requirement to keep a single code base for each user and company that can configure your application to work specifically for them. One possible solution is tailoring programmable objects to each user. It will provide SQL specific to the user’s needs thereby ensuring they the best possible performance based on their configuration.

Speaker(s):

  • Dan Holmes

Track and Room: DBD 1 - Presented by Idera - N/A


Title: You Inherited a Database, Now What?

Abstract: You have recently inherited the support of a new or existing database, what are the things you should immediately check and start monitoring and what are the things that you should address over the next few weeks. When taking over support of a database or system, you cannot ASSUME anything. At the end of this session you will have a nice checklist of things you should check and be doing on ALL your databases not just the one you inherited. Whether you are a seasoned DBA or just starting out, this session should be informative and something you can relate to.

Speaker(s):

  • Tim Radney

Track and Room: DBD 1 - Presented by Idera - N/A


Title: Squeezing the Most Performance from your VMware-Based SQL Server

Abstract: Sure, your SQL Server is up and running. Anyone can click through a SQL Server install nowadays. But… is it running at its peak potential? Do you have your VMware environment configured properly? Have you measured the performance lately? Your business-critical SQL Server performance does not have to suffer just because it was virtualized. Very specific VMware and SQL Server tuning tips and tricks from David Klee (@kleegeek) will be presented in this session.

Speaker(s):

  • David Klee

Track and Room: DBA 2 - Presented by Precise - N/A


Title: Smart Rats Leave First

Abstract: IT jobs are notoriously short-lived, with most only lasting a few years. Very few people keep a single employer for their entire career. Knowing when, why, and how to leave your job is as important a career step as finding new work. Learn about how to use job transitions as opportunities to develop your career.

Speaker(s):

  • Geoff Hiten

Track and Room: Zero Level - N/A


Title: Off and Running with PowerPivot for Excel 2013

Abstract: PowerPivot is an exciting new technology from Microsoft that will allow users to leverage their data to answer many of their business questions. Commonly referred to as “Self Service Business Intelligence”, PowerPivot consists of two components, PowerPivot for Excel 2010/2013 and PowerPivot for SharePoint 2010/2013. This presentation will provide an overview of both components then dig deeper into PowerPivot for Excel 2013. Multiple demos illustrate everything from importing data to creating pivot tables and charts, as well as using techniques such as filters and calculated columns.

Speaker(s):

  • Robert Cain

Track and Room: Twelfth Track! - N/A


Title: Advanced Charting Techniques in SSRS

Abstract: SSRS 2008 R2 has been a game changer for SQL Server in terms of visualization techniques. With a wide range of available options for charting, BI professionals struggle to get familiar with even the basic functionalities of most charts. This session will explore the functionalities of all the charts as well as some tips and tricks around them. You will also learn to start thinking creatively to make charts that most people think can not be made with SSRS. Come to this session and take your charting skills to the next level.

Speaker(s):

  • Jason Thomas

Track and Room: Twelfth Track! - N/A


Title: Attributes Hierarchies in Analysis Services 2012

Abstract: The session explains Attributes and Hierarchies in Analysis Services 2012 Semantic Model. They are used to slice (filter) and dice (group) measures and dimensions used to view analytical data. The slicing and dicing of data involves fields, columns, or whatever you want to labeled them. But, in SQL Server Semantic model these are called Attributes and Hierarchies. The configuration of these slicers and dicers are important in SQL Server Analysis Services. This session will demonstrate the difference between an attribute and columns in a hierarchy in the dimension as well as the configuration of these for best performance and viewing.

Speaker(s):

  • Thomas LeBlanc

Track and Room: B/I 1 - Presented by Slalom - N/A


Title: SQL Server TDE

Abstract: Have you ever wanted to know how Transparent Database Encryption (TDE) works or how you set it up? This session will go over all the steps and caveats that go with this technology. This is a topic that is an Enterprise Feature, but allows you to have your database encrypted on disk. We will discuss the Encryption Hierarchy as well as how it relates to SQL Server TDE.

Speaker(s):

  • Ben Miller

Track and Room: DBA 5 - Presented by Red Gate - N/A


Title: Know Backups and Know Recovery

Abstract: It is easy to schedule full backups to run each night, but is that the right decision for your organization? You say you have a backup strategy, but what is your recovery strategy? Do you have a well-executed recovery plan?

In this session I will cover several methods for performing much needed backups and how to recover those backups. Full, Differential, File Group, Transaction logs and recovery the tail end of a the log. He will discuss industry best practices and hopefully cause you to validate and test your current strategy.

Speaker(s):

  • Tim Radney

Track and Room: DBA 1 - Presented by SIOS - N/A


Title: Managing the SQL Server 2012 SSIS catalog (SSISDB)

Abstract: In SQL Server 2012, the new project deployment model also provides benefits for managing and monitoring your SSIS solutions. This session delves into the SSISDB, the database where your packages and their execution details and results are stored. You’ll learn about the schema of the SSISDB and how to use the provided stored procedures and views to manage your SSIS catalog.

Speaker(s):

  • Sven Aelterman

Track and Room: B/I 1 - Presented by Slalom - N/A


Title: Database Design for Beginners

Abstract: Interested in understanding the basics of database design? This session is for you! We’ll cover some tried and true rules to follow when designing a new database, as well as how to examine an existing database from a design perspective. By the end of the session, you should be ready to get back to work and tackle any design challenge.

Speaker(s):

  • Audrey Hammonds

Track and Room: Zero Level - N/A


Title: Secrets of Enterprise Data Mining

Abstract: If you have a SQL Server license (Standard or higher) then you already have the ability to start data mining. In this new presentation, you will see how to scale up data mining from the free Excel 2013 add-in to production use. Aimed at beginning to intermediate data miners, this presentation will show how mining models move from development to production. We will use SQL Server 2012 tools including SSMS, SSIS, and SSDT.

Speaker(s):

  • Mark Tabladillo

Track and Room: B/I 3 - N/A


Title: A Walk Around the SQL Server 2012 Audit Feature

Abstract: In this session, we will start by covering an overview of server and database auditing capabilities of SQL Server 2012. The session will largely focus on the specifics of using the SQL Server Audit feature, and we will step through a demonstration on configuring, maintaining and troubleshooting SQL Server Audit for server and database events.

Speaker(s):

  • Timothy McAliley

Track and Room: DBA 5 - Presented by Red Gate - N/A


Title: Using Compression to Improve Database Performance

Abstract: Back in the old days, compression and databases was a really bad idea. Now, with powerful CPUs we can use to both improve performance and save disk space. We will cover the basics of how all compression and deduplication works, and then we will learn how SQL Server page and row compression work, and the special compression that is used in SQL 2012 Columnstore Indexes. We will demo performance and space savings in using compression.

Speaker(s):

  • Joseph D’Antoni

Track and Room: DBA 4 - Presented by Dell - N/A


Title: DAX Formulas: Evaluation Context

Abstract: Data Analysis Expressions (DAX) is an the expression language of PowerPivot and Analysis Services Tabular models. Its power lies on the ability to create aggregations that are evaluated at different contexts over in-memory data. This session will explore the most challenging DAX topic: formula context. A brief comparison with MDX will be established in order to contrast the process followed by each language when establishing the context of a calculation. Attendees will gain a better understanding of how to leverage context manipulation expressions to create powerful business calculations.

Speaker(s):

  • Javier Guillen

Track and Room: DBD 1 - Presented by Idera - N/A


Title: SQL Database (Windows Azure)

Abstract: SQL Database is part of the Windows Azure platform: a suite of services providing hosted computing, infrastructure, Web services, Reporting services and data services. The SQL Database component provides the relational database functionality of SQL Server, but it also provides functionality as a cloud-computing service, hosted in Microsoft data-centers around the globe. We will go over how it works and what it has to offer, as well as some of the differences and limitations.

***It is assumed that you have familiarity with SQL Server.

Speaker(s):

  • Ryan Duclos

Track and Room: DBA 5 - Presented by Red Gate - N/A


Title: Storage for the DBA

Abstract: One of the biggest issues in database performance centers around storage. It’s also one of the hardest places to troubleshoot performance issues because storage engineers and database administrators often do not speak the same language. In this session, we’ll be looking at storage from both the database and storage perspectives. We’ll be digging into LUNs, HBAs, the fabric, as well as RAID Groups. In addition to theory, we’ll be looking at an actual EMC SAN so that we can translate what we see in the Storage Array with what we see on the actual server.

Speaker(s):

  • Denny Cherry

Track and Room: DBA 1 - Presented by SIOS - N/A


Title: Working with “Biggish Data”

Abstract: Most database professionals know (from firsthand experience) that there continues to be a “data explosion”, and there’s been a lot of focus lately on “big data”. But what do you do when your data’s just kind of “biggish”? You’re managing Terabytes, not Petabytes, and you’re trying to squeeze out as much performance out of your aging servers as possible. The focus of this session is to identify some key guidelines for the design, management, and ongoing optimization of “larger-than-average” databases. Special attention will be paid to the following areas: * query design * logical and physical data structures * maintenance backup strategies

Speaker(s):

  • Stuart Ainsworth

Track and Room: DBA 4 - Presented by Dell - N/A


Title: Using SQL Server 2012s Always On

Abstract: In this session we will look at the features which are provided with Microsoft SQL Server 2012 as part of the “AlwaysOn” features including site to site configurations to allow of a large scale high availability solution without the need for any high end SAN storage solution.Additionally we will be looking at the ability to have redundant servers which can be used for reporting or for taking your backups reducing the load from the production database.

Speaker(s):

  • Denny Cherry

Track and Room: DBA 4 - Presented by Dell - N/A


Title: T-SQL: Beyond the Basics

Abstract: If you’ve been writing T-SQL code for a while, but have never delved into what happens after you submit your queries there is a whole world that you are missing. Taking the next step as a T-SQL developer requires understanding the basics of the SQL Server architecture and what it means to use a declarative language. Have you ever wondered why cursors are so slow, why query performance can be unpredictable, or how you can begin to analyze your queries more deeply? In this session we will cover what SQL Server has to do to turn your T-SQL code into the results you expect and how you can use this knowledge to make your code better.

Speaker(s):

  • Jon Boulineau

Track and Room: DBA 3 - Presented by Intellinet - N/A


Title: Expanding Self-Service BI with Excel 2013

Abstract: With Excel 2013, you can now easily build out a self-service BI solution that tells a complete story of your data. During this session, we will explore new features such as PowerPivot, Power View, Quick Explore, Quick Analysis, Timeline Slicers, and Flash Fill that enable you to rapidly mash-up, explore, analyze, and visualize any data ranging from a few rows to hundreds of millions of rows.

Speaker(s):

  • Leo Furlong

Track and Room: B/I 2 - Presented by Tek Systems - N/A


Title: Managing Enterprise Environments with PowerShell

Abstract: Are the number of databases under your responsibility growing and growing? Are you searching for a way to reach across thousands of servers in one fell swoop? Look no further. PowerShell is the tool to handle arduous tasks with simplicity and ease. Through automation and code-reusability your efficiency will be maximized. Now is the time to start using PowerShell.

Speaker(s):

  • Thomas Stringer

Track and Room: PowerShell - N/A


Title: Tips Tricks for dynamic SSRS Reports

Abstract: In this session we will explore the multitude of ways that you can make your reports adapt to the needs of your users. This will include defining formats based on the data contents. We will explore how to refine layouts based on the data to be delivered. We will demonstrate how to create a parameter driven data source. We will take a look at how creating templates can give your catalog of reports a more professional look. All of this together will empower you to have more control over the reports you create.

Speaker(s):

  • Pam Shaw

Track and Room: B/I 1 - Presented by Slalom - N/A


Title: New T-SQL features in SQL Server 2012

Abstract: With the introduction of SQL Server 2012 data developers have new ways to interact with their databases. This session will review the powerful new analytic windows functions, new ways to generate numeric sequences and new ways to page the results of our queries. Other features that will be discussed are improvements in error handling and new parsing and concatenating features.

Speaker(s):

  • Richie Rump

Track and Room: DBA 4 - Presented by Dell - N/A


Title: Backup Strategies are for Losers!

Abstract: Every company has a backup strategy. That backup strategy is worthless and will cause your business to fail miserably while losing valuable customer data, protected HIPAA information, and MY social security number. Because of that, Peggy will be bankrupting my credit report. In this session you will learn why backup strategies are for losers, what can I do to keep from being a loser, and how can I build a winning strategy!

Speaker(s):

  • Ed Watson

Track and Room: DBA 2 - Presented by Precise - N/A


Title: SQL Server Parallel Data Warehouse 2012 Deep Dive

Abstract: This session will provide a technical overview and deep dive into the architecture and features of SQL Server Parallel Data Warehouse 2012, Microsoft’s massively scalable data warehousing appliance.

Speaker(s):

  • Steve Busby

Track and Room: DBA 4 - Presented by Dell - N/A


Title: Jump-starting your career

Abstract: Some say that the first step is the hardest.. Sometimes it’s the second step that truly knocks us off-balance. Join us in a discussion of taking that next step in your career. Learn about finding your passion, preparing the way, building your resume, and the people who can help along the way..

Speaker(s):

  • Bobby Dimmick

Track and Room: B/I 2 - Presented by Tek Systems - N/A


Title: What I Wish I Knew Before Becoming a DBA

Abstract: Are you interested in becoming a DBA? Would you consider yourself an accidental DBA?

In this talk, Mike Walsh will share some thoughts on the role of DBA - How to become one, What a DBA’s priorities should be and what the pros and cons of being one are.

He’ll look through his 13 years of DBA experience and share some of the lessons he wish he learned before he started out.

Speaker(s):

  • Mike Walsh

Track and Room: Zero Level - N/A


Title: High Availability with SQL Server 2012

Abstract: A review of higg availability options for SQL Server incliding log shipping, mirroring, clustering and 2012 Always on. The presentation will show all options and give a comparison of each. The majority of the presentation will dive deep into 2012 Always on availability groups.

Speaker(s):

  • Eric Peterson

Track and Room: DBA 3 - Presented by Intellinet - N/A


Title: 45 min to build your first SSRS report

Abstract: Does this sound like you? You were just given access to SSRS and you want to make a report. Or, you’re a DBA and could use a daily report. Either way, I’ve got your back! You will learn everything you need to know to get that first report out the door quickly and how to tweak it once it’s deployed. We’ll even look at the differences between building a report in BIDS (Business Intelligence Development Studio) and Report Builder 3.0. We’ll use SSRS (SQL Server Reporting Services) 2008 R2 and go interstellar with some space data!

Speaker(s):

  • Tamera Clark

Track and Room: DBA 3 - Presented by Intellinet - 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.

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.

Tim Radney

Twitter: - @tradney

LinkedIn: Tim Radney

Contact: http://www.timradney.com

Tim is a Data Platform MVP and has a whole collection of Microsoft and other industry certifications. His experience includes HA/DR, virtualization, SSIS, SSRS, and performance tuning, among everything else SQL Server-related. Tim is very active and passionate in the SQL Community. He runs the Columbus GA SQL Users Group, has been a PASS Regional Mentor for a number of years, was named a PASS Outstanding Volunteer in 2012, and is a frequent speaker at user groups, SQLSaturdays and PASS Summits. Tim is one of the top ranked in karma on ask.sqlservercentral.com, answers questions as @tradney on Twitter, and blogs at http://timradney.com and SQLskills blog at http://www.SQLskills.com/blogs/tim.

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.

Tim Radney

Twitter: - @tradney

LinkedIn: Tim Radney

Contact: http://www.timradney.com

Tim is a Data Platform MVP and has a whole collection of Microsoft and other industry certifications. His experience includes HA/DR, virtualization, SSIS, SSRS, and performance tuning, among everything else SQL Server-related. Tim is very active and passionate in the SQL Community. He runs the Columbus GA SQL Users Group, has been a PASS Regional Mentor for a number of years, was named a PASS Outstanding Volunteer in 2012, and is a frequent speaker at user groups, SQLSaturdays and PASS Summits. Tim is one of the top ranked in karma on ask.sqlservercentral.com, answers questions as @tradney on Twitter, and blogs at http://timradney.com and SQLskills blog at http://www.SQLskills.com/blogs/tim.

Wesley Brown

Twitter: - @sqlserverio

LinkedIn: Wesley Brown

Contact: http://www.sqlserverio.com

Wesley Brown is a former SQL Server MVP and PASS Chapter Leader who loves to teach others about SQL Server.He maintains his technical blog at http://www.sqlserverio.com. Wes specializes in high availability, disaster recovery, and large-scale database performance tuning.

Mike Robbins

Twitter: - @mikefrobbins

LinkedIn: Mike Robbins

Contact: http://mikefrobbins.com/

Mike F Robbins is a Microsoft MVP on Windows PowerShell and a SAPIEN Technologies MVP. He is a co-author of Windows PowerShell TFM 4th Edition and is a contributing author of a chapter in the PowerShell Deep Dives book. Mike has written guest blog articles for the Hey, Scripting Guy! Blog, PowerShell Magazine, and PowerShell.org. He is the winner of the advanced category in the 2013 PowerShell Scripting Games. Mike is also the leader and co-founder of the Mississippi PowerShell User Group. He blogs at mikefrobbins.com and can be found on twitter @mikefrobbins.

Joseph D’Antoni

Twitter: - jdanton

LinkedIn: Joseph D’Antoni

Contact: http://joeydantoni.com

Joseph D’Antoni is a Senior Consultant and Microsoft Data Platform MVP with over 20 years of experience working in both Fortune 500 and smaller firms. He is a Principal Consultant for Denny Cherry Associates and lives in Malvern, PA. He is a frequent speaker at major tech events like Microsoft Ignite, PASS Summit, and Enterprise Data World. He blogs about all topics technology at joeydantoni.com. He believes that no single platform is the answer to all technology problems. Joseph holds a BS in Computer Information Systems from Louisiana Tech University and an MBA from North Carolina State University, and is the co-author of the Microsoft book “Introducing SQL Server 2016”.

Adam Machanic

Twitter: - @AdamMachanic

LinkedIn: Adam Machanic

Contact: http://sqlblog.com/blogs/adam_machanic

Adam Machanic is a Boston-based SQL Server developer, writer, and speaker. He focuses on large-scale data warehouse performance and development, and is the author of the award-winning SQL Server monitoring stored procedure, quot;sp_WhoIsActive.quot; He has contributed to several books on SQL Server, including quot;T-SQL Queryingquot; (Microsoft Press, 2015). He is a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) for SQL Server.

Thomas LeBlanc

Twitter: - TheSmilingDBA

LinkedIn: Thomas LeBlanc

Contact: http://Thomas-LeBlanc.com

Thomas LeBlanc (Microsoft Data Platform MVP) is a Data Warehouse Architect in Baton Rouge, and uses his 30+ years in IT to develop OLTP systems with normalized databases for high-performing T-SQL and dimensional data marts. Development is done in SSIS, SSAS, SSRS, Power BI, and Excel. As a PASS volunteer, he is past chair of Excel BI and Data Arch VCs and is active in the Baton Rouge Analytics and SQL Server User groups, as well as SQLSaturday in Baton Rouge. You can find his blog at TheSmilingDBA.BlogSpot.com and website at Thomas-LeBlanc.com

Jennifer McCown

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

Contact: http://www.MidnightDBA.com/Jen

Jen McCown is CEO of MinionWare, LLC; a Microsoft Certified Master for SQL Server; and an independent consultant. She is Senior Editor at MidnightDBA.com, where she creates training videos, the DBAs at Midnight webshow, blogs, reviews, and podcasts. Jen is a member, volunteer, and speaker in PASS, and the PASS Women in Technology Virtual Group.

Bobby Dimmick

Contact: http://www.bobbydimmick.com

Bobby Dimmick is a Software Architect at VC3, Inc., in Columbia, South Carolina. Between jet-setting around the world and trying to keep up with his 7 year old he acts as a modern-day technology Macgyver - defusing complex situations amongst techies, clients, and everyone in-between. He has a passion for travel, good sushi, languages, and challenging technical problems.

Mark Tabladillo

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

LinkedIn: Mark Tabladillo

Contact: http://marktab.net

Mark Tabladillo Ph.D. works for Microsoft as a Cloud Solution Architect for the US CTO Customer Success Team. He has a science doctorate from Georgia Tech. Based in Atlanta, GA, Mark provides cloud enterprise solutions for companies in the US for Microsoft’s strategic clients. He is a chapter leader for the PASS Data Science virtual chapter.

Ed Watson

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

LinkedIn: Ed Watson

Contact: http://sqlgator.com

Ed Watson is a Principal Data Platform Consultant for Improving Enterprises, a full-stack Microsoft consulting firm in Atlanta. Ed is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP since 2014 and like most children, Ed was born at an early age. Today, Ed specializes in the Business Intelligence stack and enjoys specializing in Power BI immensely. He currently lives in Atlanta and is active with the Atlanta MDF and Atlanta BI user groups and is an organizer for SQLSaturday Atlanta, Atlanta BI, and Pensacola.

Aaron Nelson

Twitter: - SQLvariant

LinkedIn: Aaron Nelson

Contact: http://sqlvariant.com/

Aaron Nelson is an author, public speaker, blogger, and leader in the community. He has over 15 years of experience in architecture, Business Intelligence, development, and performance tuning of SQL Server. Aaron has received many certifications and is a six time winner of the Microsoft MVP Award.

Aaron leads the PowerShell Virtual Group of PASS (SQLPS.io), is a board member of PowerShell.org, and is a volunteer at his PASS Local Group, AtlantaMDF.

Dan Holmes

Twitter: - @dnhlms

LinkedIn: Dan Holmes

Contact: http://sql.dnhlms.com

Dan Holmes has been developing in Microsoft technologies for 20 years using BASIC, VB, C#, c, and SQL Server from version 7 onwards.

He worked as a developer building a warehouse management system as well as custom programming. His current position at RouteMatch software is as the Director of Database Technologies.

He has spoken at SQLSaturdays in Atlanta on topics that range from dynamic object creation, GIS solutions and other out-of-the-box ideas.

He is a recent graduate of GA Tech with his Masters in Computer Science.

Eric Peterson

Twitter: - @SQLeap

LinkedIn: Eric Peterson

Contact: http://www.SQLeap.com

Eric Peterson is a consultant specializing in database architecture with experience in demanding Fortune 100 company environments. He has a Computer Science degree complemented with an MBA, which meshes well with his jobs integrating business information with the systems that process it. He has worked with SQL Server since its inception and was an instructor of SQL courses at a national technical training company. He also speaks are regional SQLSaturday events.

David Klee

Twitter: - kleegeek

LinkedIn: David Klee

Contact: http://davidklee.net

David Klee is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP and VMware vExpert with a lifelong passion for technology. David spends his days focusing on the convergence of data and infrastructure as the Founder of Heraflux Technologies. His areas of expertise include cloud, virtualization, performance, and business continuity. David speaks at a number of national and regional technology related events, including PASS Summit, VMware VMworld, SQLBits, SQLSaturday events, and many SQL Server User Groups.

Thomas LeBlanc

Twitter: - TheSmilingDBA

LinkedIn: Thomas LeBlanc

Contact: http://Thomas-LeBlanc.com

Thomas LeBlanc (Microsoft Data Platform MVP) is a Data Warehouse Architect in Baton Rouge, and uses his 30+ years in IT to develop OLTP systems with normalized databases for high-performing T-SQL and dimensional data marts. Development is done in SSIS, SSAS, SSRS, Power BI, and Excel. As a PASS volunteer, he is past chair of Excel BI and Data Arch VCs and is active in the Baton Rouge Analytics and SQL Server User groups, as well as SQLSaturday in Baton Rouge. You can find his blog at TheSmilingDBA.BlogSpot.com and website at Thomas-LeBlanc.com

Pam Shaw

Twitter: - @PamShaw

LinkedIn: Pam Shaw

Contact: http://sqlpam.wordpress.com/

Pam Shaw has been in IT for over 30 years. Since 2001, Pam has been working with SQL Server, first 2000, then 2005, 2008, 2008 R2, 2012 and now 2014. Pam currently works as a BI Developer as an independent contractor. Pam is also the Chapter Leader of the Hillsborough SQL Users Group PASS chapter and organizer of SQLSaturday Tampa.

Mike Walsh

Twitter: - mike_walsh

LinkedIn: Mike Walsh

Contact: https://www.straightpathsql.com

Mike Walsh is an experienced SQL Server professional and has worked with SQL Server since version 6.5. He has been in the role of DBA, developer, and performance tuner, but always leans on his DBA and tuning experience. He has been awarded the SQL Server (now Data Platform) designation 6 times since 2011 and is a current MVP. He runs a SQL Server consultancy focused on DBA services and cloud enablement. He has spoken several times at PASS and regional events. In his spare time, he runs a small farm with his family in rural New Hampshire and is a call Firefighter in his small town.

Louis Davidson

Twitter: - drsql

LinkedIn: Louis Davidson

Contact: https://www.red-gate.com/simple-talk/author/louis-davidson/

Louis Davidson has worked in the IT industry for over 25 years as a corporate database developer and architect. He has been a Microsoft SQL Server MVP for 15 years and has written five books on database design, and contributed to many other SQL Server books as an author and tech editor. He has a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. You can read more about Louis at http://drsql.org.

Jim Christopher

Twitter: - twitter.com/beefarino

LinkedIn: Jim Christopher

Contact: http://www.beefycode.com

Jim gained 18 years of professional experience developing complex software projects in highly regulated industries, including education, gaming, and defense. His professional drive is designing software, systems, and user experiences for automation, a theme that has earned him a Microsoft MVP for PowerShell (2011-2016). Jim is a frequent speaker at technical user groups and conferences. He is currently Curriculum Director at Pluralsight.

Leo Furlong

Contact: www.intellinet.com

Leo Furlong is the Practice Director of Business Intelligence at Intellinet. He specializes in Microsoft BI, specifically as it pertains to the Front End BI tools like Analysis Service, Reporting Services, and the SharePoint BI tools PerformancePoint, Excel Services, PowerPivot, and Power View. He is a recent graduate of the Georgia State Robinson College of Business where he obtained his Master of Business Administration.He is a father of two young boys.

Ben Miller

Twitter: - DBAduck

LinkedIn: Ben Miller

Contact: https://dbaduck.com

Ben has been a member of the SQL Server Community since 2000. He loves a challenge and has fixed many SQL Servers and helped hundreds of people get more out of their DBA jobs. He is a Data Platform MVP a SQL Server Certified Master (MCM). He has worked at various companies throughout the USA, as well as at Microsoft for 7 years. He is passionate about SQL Server Infrastructure, High Availability, Automation and Integration using SMO and PowerShell. He teaches DBAs how to use PowerShell to do their job and teaches SQL Server Internals. He is @DBAduck all around the web (Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Blog) so let’s catch up.

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.

Sven Aelterman

Twitter: - @svenaelterman

LinkedIn: Sven Aelterman

Contact: https://svenaelterman.wordpress.com

Sven Aelterman is the Director of IT for the Sorrell College of Business at Troy University; a role with a global scope. He is also a lecturer in Information Systems and teaches courses in data warehousing and information security. He continues consulting work through Adduxis, where he assists customers with various Microsoft technology implementations. Co-author of The Art of SQL Server FILESTREAM, published by Red Gate; and SQL Server 2017 Administration Inside Out, published by Microsoft Press. Cloud Software Architect at Sorrell Solutions, L.L.C. developing a Microsoft Azure-hosted Electronic Health Record system.

Javier Guillen

Twitter: - @javiguillen

LinkedIn: Javier Guillen

Contact: http://javierguillen.wordpress.com/

Javier Guillen is a Solutions Architect for BlueGranite.

An active blogger, speaker, and Microsoft community contributor, Javier has more than 10 years developing SQL Server solutions and is very interested in SQL Server Analysis Services and the practical application of MDX and DAX patterns.

Javier is also a Power BI Workshop instructor, delivering classes in private and public settings, an adjunct BI instructor for Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte, NC and an adjunct lecturer for the City University of New York (CUNY) School of Professional Studies undergraduate and bridge graduate courses in Business Analytics. He is also the co-founder and co-organizer of the Charlotte Business Intelligence User Group (CBIG).

Thomas Stringer

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

Thomas Stringer is a SQL Server Premier Field Engineer at Microsoft, and specializes in High Availability, Disaster Recovery, performance, administration, development (C/C++ and .NET/C#), scripting (PowerShell), and other aspects of data.

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

Carlos Rodrigues

LinkedIn: Carlos Rodrigues

Carlos Rodrigues is a Business Intelligence Architect with Recall Corporation and he has expertise in planning, developing, and implementing state of the art information solutions facilitating corporate management and growth. He has been successfully leveraging SQL Server BI tools at Recall since 2004 going through the several SQL Server versions. Lately, we#39;ve been leveraging SQL Server 2012 Bi tools such as Power View, PowerPivot, etc.

Mark Tabladillo

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

LinkedIn: Mark Tabladillo

Contact: http://marktab.net

Mark Tabladillo Ph.D. works for Microsoft as a Cloud Solution Architect for the US CTO Customer Success Team. He has a science doctorate from Georgia Tech. Based in Atlanta, GA, Mark provides cloud enterprise solutions for companies in the US for Microsoft’s strategic clients. He is a chapter leader for the PASS Data Science virtual chapter.

Ben Miller

Twitter: - DBAduck

LinkedIn: Ben Miller

Contact: https://dbaduck.com

Ben has been a member of the SQL Server Community since 2000. He loves a challenge and has fixed many SQL Servers and helped hundreds of people get more out of their DBA jobs. He is a Data Platform MVP a SQL Server Certified Master (MCM). He has worked at various companies throughout the USA, as well as at Microsoft for 7 years. He is passionate about SQL Server Infrastructure, High Availability, Automation and Integration using SMO and PowerShell. He teaches DBAs how to use PowerShell to do their job and teaches SQL Server Internals. He is @DBAduck all around the web (Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Blog) so let’s catch up.

Audrey Hammonds

Twitter: - @DataAudrey

LinkedIn: Audrey Hammonds

Contact: http://datachix.com

Audrey Hammonds is a Data Platform Specialist for Microsoft in South Florida. Twenty-one years ago, she volunteered for database training to escape the clutches of COBOL and has never looked back. A firm believer in good fundamentals and solid design, she gets her kicks from making data do nifty things. These days, she gets her kicks from helping customers adopt data services in Azure.

Paul Waters

Twitter: - @pswaters

LinkedIn: Paul Waters

Paul has over 20 years of experience working in IT-related fields. Over the past 15 years, he has focused on Business Intelligence. Paul was the Technical Editor for the book quot;Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Integration Services Problem-Design-Solutionquot; and contributed to the Wrox book quot;Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services Recipes: for Designing Expert Reports.quot;

Melissa Coates

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

LinkedIn: Melissa Coates

Contact: https://www.CoatesDataStrategies/blog

Melissa Coates is a data architect with a background in data warehousing and business intelligence. Her current professional focus is enterprise-level Power BI governance, deployment, security, and administration. As the owner of Coates Data Strategies, Melissa produces training and consults to help companies strengthen and sustain their data-driven initiatives. Melissa is big supporter of the technical community, and has been a Microsoft Data Platform MVP since 2013. You can visit Melissa’s website at CoatesDataStrategies.com, which includes community resources like diagrams, blogs, and videos.

Julie Smith

Twitter: - @juliechix

LinkedIn: Julie Smith

Contact: http://datachix.com

Julie Smith is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP and a BI consultant for Innovative Architects in Atlanta, GA. She#39;s implemented increasingly complex Business Intelligence solutions for over a decade at various organizations. She#39;s also worn many other database “hats” in her career – production DBA and database developer–but data integration and BI are her true passions. Julie holds a BA from the University of South Carolina. She and Audrey Hammonds co-created The Datachix.com blog.

Dave Bermingham and Eric Schwartz

Contact: http://us.sios.com/blog/

Dave Bermingham is the Senior Technical Evangelist at SIOS Technology Corp. He is a Microsoft Cluster MVP award recipient (2010-2013) with over 25 years IT experience. He specializes in HA clustering and related technologies. Eric Schwartz is the Sales Engineering Manager for the Northeast USA at Fusion-io. He has over fifteen years experience managing and deploying IT infrastructure and specializes in high performance storage solutions leveraging solid state technologies.

Jonathan Walz

Contact: http://powerscripting.net

Jon Walz is a PowerShell expert and co-host of the PowerScripting podcast.

Jason Thomas

Twitter: - @SqlJason

LinkedIn: Jason Thomas

Contact: http://www.SqlJason.com

Jason Thomas is a Microsoft Certified SQL Server professional with over 10 years of Microsoft BI experience. He is a BI Consultant for BlueGranite, based in Charlotte, NC. When he#39;s not at work, Jason likes sharing his time between the MSDN forums (for which he was recognized with the Microsoft Community Contributor award), blogging about MSBI (www.SqlJason.com), speaking at SQL Server events, and watching movies with his wife (not necessarily in that order).

Steve Busby

Contact: http://www.microsoft.com

Steve is a Technology Specialist with Microsoft, specializing in SQL Server Parallel Data Warehouse. Steve is a fourteen year Microsoft veteran, having spent time previously in Microsoft’s consulting group (MCS) before moving on to run the Microsoft Technology Center(MTC) in Atlanta. While at Microsoft, Steve’s focus as always been on perf and scale aspects of MSFT’s enterprise solutions. Prior to MSFT, Steve was a developer for Southern Company and has a BS in Electrical Engineering from UAB.

Robert Cain

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

LinkedIn: Robert Cain

Contact: http://arcanecode.com

Robert C. Cain (http://arcanecode.com) is a Microsoft MVP, MCTS Certified in BI, and is the owner of Arcane Training and Consulting, LLC. He is also a course author for Plurasight, author for Red Gate’s SImple Talk website, and co-author of 4 books. A popular speaker, Robert has presented at events such as the SQL PASS Summit, TechEd, CodeStock, and numerous SQLSaturdays. Robert has over 25 years experience in the IT industry, working in a variety of fields ranging from manufacturing to telecommunications to nuclear power.

Ryan Duclos

Contact: http://about.me/rduclos

Ryan Duclos is a Lead Technical Consultant for Perficient, Inc. (PRFT), where he is passionate about Microsoft development utilizing the .Net Framework, SQL Server, and Windows Azure technologies. He lives and works in LA (Lower Alabama!) and loves spending time with his family, as well as being a community influencer for Microsoft. Ryan recently became a Microsoft Azure MVP.

Robert Cain

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

LinkedIn: Robert Cain

Contact: http://arcanecode.com

Robert C. Cain (http://arcanecode.com) is a Microsoft MVP, MCTS Certified in BI, and is the owner of Arcane Training and Consulting, LLC. He is also a course author for Plurasight, author for Red Gate’s SImple Talk website, and co-author of 4 books. A popular speaker, Robert has presented at events such as the SQL PASS Summit, TechEd, CodeStock, and numerous SQLSaturdays. Robert has over 25 years experience in the IT industry, working in a variety of fields ranging from manufacturing to telecommunications to nuclear power.

Teo Lachev

Contact: http://www.prologika.com

Teo Lachev is a consultant, author, and mentor, who specializes in implementing BI solutions. His Atlanta-based company “Prologika” (Microsoft Gold BI partner) helps organizations make sense of data by effectively applying BI technologies. Teo has authored and co-authored several SQL Server BI books. He founded and has been leading the Atlanta BI group. Microsoft has recognized Teo’s experience and contribution by awarding him the MVP award for 10 consecutive years.

Andy Leonard

Twitter: - AndyLeonard

LinkedIn: Andy Leonard

Contact: https://andyleonard.blog

Andy Leonard is founder and Chief Data Engineer at Enterprise Data Analytics, Microsoft Data Platform MVP, creator of the DILM (Data Integration Lifecycle Management) Suite, an SSIS trainer, consultant, developer, Business Intelligence Markup Language (Biml) developer and BimlHero, SQL Server database and data warehouse developer, community mentor, engineer, and farmer. He is a co-author of “The Biml Book and SQL Server Integration Services Design Patterns” and author of “Managing Geeks - A Journey of Leading by Doing”, “Data Integration Lifecycle Management with SSIS”, “Building Custom Tasks for SSIS”, and the “Stairway to Integration Services”. Andy blogs at andyleonard.blog where you can learn more on the About Andy page.

Tamera Clark

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

LinkedIn: Tamera Clark

Contact: http://tameraclark.com

Tamera Clark has been involved in the IT industry for greater than ten years, with experiences ranging from systems analysis/engineering to SQL Server and SSRS administration/development. She is an active member of the SQL Server community, participating in the Women in Technology Virtual Chapter, Co-leading the Nashville BI Chapter, assisting the Nashville PASS Chapter and serving as a Regional Mentor. Tamera is also the event chair of SQLSaturday Nashville.

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.

Stuart Ainsworth

Twitter: - @codegumbo

LinkedIn: Stuart Ainsworth

Contact: http://codegumbo.com

Stuart Ainsworth (MA, MEd) manages a team of Service Reliability Engineers for the Gladiator Enterprise Information Security Services section of Profitstars, a division of Jack Henry and Associates. He’s a former DBA, developer, consultant, and public speaking professor. He’s one of the chapter leaders for AtlantaMDF, and a long-time organizer of SQLSaturday’s. He tweets infrequently (@codegumbo) and blogs even less often at http://codegumbo.com.

Jason Thomas

Twitter: - @SqlJason

LinkedIn: Jason Thomas

Contact: http://www.SqlJason.com

Jason Thomas is a Microsoft Certified SQL Server professional with over 10 years of Microsoft BI experience. He is a BI Consultant for BlueGranite, based in Charlotte, NC. When he#39;s not at work, Jason likes sharing his time between the MSDN forums (for which he was recognized with the Microsoft Community Contributor award), blogging about MSBI (www.SqlJason.com), speaking at SQL Server events, and watching movies with his wife (not necessarily in that order).

Kevin Kline

Twitter: - kekline

LinkedIn: Kevin Kline

Contact: http://blogs.sentryone.com/author/kevinkline

Kevin Kline is a database and industry expert serving as Principal Program Manager at SentryOne, the industry leading SQL Server database tools vendor. A Microsoft SQL Server MVP since 2003, he is a founder and former president of PASS. Kevin is an author of many books, blogger, columnist, and popular international speaker. Kevin’s best known book is the best-selling SQL in a Nutshell and contributes monthly to Database Trends Applications magazine. He tweets at @kekline and blogs at http://Blogs.SQLSentry.com/Author/KevinKline.

Andy Leonard

Twitter: - AndyLeonard

LinkedIn: Andy Leonard

Contact: https://andyleonard.blog

Andy Leonard is founder and Chief Data Engineer at Enterprise Data Analytics, Microsoft Data Platform MVP, creator of the DILM (Data Integration Lifecycle Management) Suite, an SSIS trainer, consultant, developer, Business Intelligence Markup Language (Biml) developer and BimlHero, SQL Server database and data warehouse developer, community mentor, engineer, and farmer. He is a co-author of “The Biml Book and SQL Server Integration Services Design Patterns” and author of “Managing Geeks - A Journey of Leading by Doing”, “Data Integration Lifecycle Management with SSIS”, “Building Custom Tasks for SSIS”, and the “Stairway to Integration Services”. Andy blogs at andyleonard.blog where you can learn more on the About Andy page.

Timothy McAliley

Twitter: - sysframeworks

LinkedIn: Timothy McAliley

I am currently a Microsoft Cloud Solutions Architect in the Washington, DC area. Previously, I was a Microsoft Technology Solutions Professional (TSP), a Microsoft Account Technology Strategist and a SQL Server Premier Field Engineer. Prior to Microsoft, I was a Technical Trainer and DBA in the Enterprise Security Group at Symantec . I have been in IT for over 20 years. My particular interests are IT operations, IT auditing, IT audit frameworks, IT service management (ITSM), ITIL, information security, project management, and database/application tier high availability solutions. I also co-run the Northern Virginia SQL Server User Group ( @novasl) and also co-run the Azure Datafest events.

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.

Richie Rump

Twitter: - @jorriss

LinkedIn: Richie Rump

Contact: http://jorriss.net

Richie Rump is a dataveloper with Brent Ozar Unlimited, where he writes code to solve data problems. He developed statisticsparser.com and sp_DataProfile, two tools that help data professionals tune SQL Server. Richie is also the co-host of the Away From The Keyboard Podcast and founded dotNet Miami, a community focused on enterprise development with .NET. He holds the Project Management Professional (PMP) and Certified Scrum Master (CSM) certifications as well as certifications in various Microsoft development technologies. He can be found on Twitter at @Jorriss or at http://jorriss.com.

Denny Cherry

Twitter: - mrdenny

LinkedIn: Denny Cherry

Contact: https://www.dcac.com

Denny Cherry is the owner and principal consultant for Denny Cherry Associates Consulting and has over a decade of experience working with platforms such as Microsoft Azure, Amazon AWS, Microsoft SQL Server, Hyper-V, vSphere, and Enterprise Storage solutions. Denny’s areas of technical expertise include system architecture, performance tuning, security, replication, and troubleshooting. Denny currently holds several Microsoft Certifications related to SQL Server 2000 through 2019, including being a Microsoft Certified Master, Microsoft MVP and VMware vExpert Award.

Chris Skorlinski

Chris Skorlinski has been with Microsoft for 17 years. He is a Support Escalation Engineer at the Microsoft Charlotte NC office specializing in performance tuning and troubleshooting Replication. His is a contributor to SQLShare.com training as well as his own BLOGs on Replication Performance at http://blogs.msdn.com/ReplTalk/. #160;

Yelena Pavlyuk

Lena works at Pinellas County School Board in St.Petersburg, FL. It is the largest employer in Pinellas County with 17,000 staff who serve more than 100,000 pre-K through 12th-grade students. Lena has been working with SQL Server for more than 8 years, she is SQLSaturdays volunteer and speaker.

Jon Boulineau

Contact: http://www.newsqlblog.com

Jon Boulineau is a 12 year it veteran currently working as a DBA for a Fortune 500 company. In addition to his work as a DBA he has survived phases as a network engineer, systems administrator, and developer in his career. He resides in Columbus, GA with his wife and four children.

Denny Cherry

Twitter: - mrdenny

LinkedIn: Denny Cherry

Contact: https://www.dcac.com

Denny Cherry is the owner and principal consultant for Denny Cherry Associates Consulting and has over a decade of experience working with platforms such as Microsoft Azure, Amazon AWS, Microsoft SQL Server, Hyper-V, vSphere, and Enterprise Storage solutions. Denny’s areas of technical expertise include system architecture, performance tuning, security, replication, and troubleshooting. Denny currently holds several Microsoft Certifications related to SQL Server 2000 through 2019, including being a Microsoft Certified Master, Microsoft MVP and VMware vExpert Award.

Geoff Hiten

Twitter: - SQLCraftsman

LinkedIn: Geoff Hiten

Geoff Hiten is a Technical Solutions Professional at Microsoft. Geoff began working with SQL Server in 1992 with version 4.2 and has used every version since. He specializes in highly available SQL systems, performance tuning, and systems migration. Geoff is heavily involved in the Microsoft SQL Server Community and was initially awarded MVP status in 2004. Geoff was appointed in 2011 to fill an interim Director position at the National PASS organization.

Sponsors

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