SQLSaturday #387 - Madison 2015
Event Date: 04/11/2015 00:00:00
Event Location:
- The Pyle Center, University of Wisconsin-Extension
- 702 Langdon Street
- Madison, Wisconsin
This event has completed. All data shown below is from the historical XML public data available.
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Sessions
This is a list of sessions from the event, based on the schedule in the XML files.
Title: Right-Sizing Your SQL Server Virtual Machine
Abstract: Virtualizing your top-tier production SQL Servers is not as easy as P2V’ing it. Sometimes allocating more resources to the VM is the wrong approach, and getting it wrong will silently hurt performance. What is the most effective method for determining the ‘right’ amount of resources to allocate? What happens if the workload changes a month from now?
The methods for understanding the performance of your mission-critical SQL Servers gathered over the past ten years of SQL Server virtualization will be addressed, and valuable processes for performance statistic collection and analysis will be displayed. Come learn how to properly ‘right-size’ the resources allocated to a VM, improve the performance of your SQL Servers, and keep it maximized well into the future.
Speaker(s):
- David Klee
Track and Room: Track 6 - Room 313
Title: Getting Top Performance from SQL Reporting Service
Abstract: You’re a DBA at your company, and you’re in charge of keeping the production SQL servers humming. You know how to maintain and troubleshoot those instances for top performance. But now your boss has given you a new task: find out why the company reports are running so slowly and why the server itself seems unresponsive at times.
In this session we’ll talk about how to get the best performance from your SQL reporting server. We will discuss how to administer a SQL Server Reporting Service (SSRS) instance; how to install and configure the service for best performance, how to see what reports are currently running, and find which reports are bogging down the server.
This session will not cover report design scaling out, or SSRS for SharePoint.
Speaker(s):
- John Pertell
Track and Room: Track 4 - Room DE235
Title: Keeping the “Business” in Business Intelligence
Abstract: It is no accident the term “Business Intelligence” starts with “Business.” Any Business Intelligence initiative should, likewise, start with the needs of the Business. For many years, BI was seen as a technology project. This is one reason why so many BI initiatives fail. Rather than a Technology Project, BI is a Business Program. It must grow and evolve as the Business grows an evolves.
In this session, we will discuss the following: – Why BI is a worthwhile investment (using case study examples) – What criteria to use in determining the success of a BI initiative – Several reasons why BI initiatives fail – Critical Success Factors for BI
So much of the success for BI happens before the requirements are even gathered. Come learn how you can set yourself up for success with Business Intelligence.
Speaker(s):
- Mark Vaillancourt
Track and Room: Track 5 - Room 309
Title: Somebody got BIDS Helper in my Data Tools
Abstract: Do you develop SSIS packages, SSRS reports or SSAS models (multidimensional or tabular)? Then this session is for you! We’ll cover the capabilities this free tool provides as well as address some of the grating little quirks of BIDS/SSDT. Learn how to get a roles report or printer-friendly dimension usage from Analysis Services Multidimensional. Regain missing functionality in SSAS Tabular such as drillthrough actions, display folders, and HideMemberIf. Delete dataset cache files in SSRS to work around an annoying “feature”. Extend your SSIS capabilities: deploy packages from BIDS/SSDT, identify items with configuration/expressions, create packages based on templates, and find differences between packages. Learn about this perfect combination from Meagan Longoria and Bill Fellows and you’ll never want to have your BIDS without the Helper again.
Speaker(s):
- Meagan Longoria
Track and Room: Track 2 - Room DE335
Title: Do More With Less: SQL Central Management Server and SQL Agent Multi-Server Administration
Abstract: Two of the of the most under-utilized management features of SQL Server are the Central Management Server and the SQL Agent Multi-Server Administration tools. The CMS is a powerful little tool creates a catalog of servers that allows you to execute any query or script against multiple servers at the same time. The SQL Agent Multi-Server Administration (MSX) tool allows you to create a SQL Agent job on one server and then deploy it to multiple servers instantly. When used in conjunction with each other, you have a powerful set of features that make managing your enterprise a lot simpler.
SQL Server MVP Mike Hillwig will show you how to to deploy these two powerful features right out of the box without writing a single line of new code.
Speaker(s):
- Mike Hillwig
Track and Room: Track 8 - Room 326
Title: Power Query: Data Chemistry for the Masses
Abstract: ETL Developers have being doing chemistry with data for years in tools like SQL Server Integration Services. These tools require training, experience, and time that few business users have. But in the age of self-service BI, those business users need a way to shape data to support their analysis.
This session will show how Power Query can be easily used to take advantage of data’s properties to drive the change we need to support our goals.
We will discuss/demonstrate: – The simple process of accessing a wide variety of data sources – The ease with which simple transformations can be achieved using the Power Query Ribbon – Power Query’s fantastic ability to travel through time to see every step taken with the data – The foundations of the Power Query Formula Language, informally known as “M” – Using “M” to take Power Query WAY beyond what the Ribbon has to offer.
Come learn about what may well be the most exciting member of the Power BI family.
Speaker(s):
- Mark Vaillancourt
Track and Room: Track 5 - Room 309
Title: Pseudo-Constants in SQL
Abstract: You know you’ve done it. Maybe it was the lucky number 7. Maybe it was an enigmatic X. Maybe you smooshed some words together in ALLCAPS. That should be easier to spot, right? Because some day you might need to change it—in every stored procedure, function, and view.
Magic numbers, codes, identifiers, constants, enumerations. Whatever you call them, all applications have them. Sure it’s quick and easy to sprinkle the values throughout your code, but that breeds mistakes, rigidity, and obfuscation. There has to be a better way!
Other languages give us real constants and enums—with IntelliSense and compilation-level enforcement. Well guess what– SQL Server does too, sort of. Join us and learn to write clearer, easier to maintain code without sacrificing performance.
Speaker(s):
- Riley Major
Track and Room: Track 8 - Room 326
Title: An Introduction To Resource Governor in SQL Server
Abstract: Do you have multiple databases with distinct workloads running on a single SQL Server Enterprise Edition instance? Have you ever had a runaway process or bad query from one system bring an entire instance to its knees, impacting a wide range of end users? If you answered yes to either of these questions, then come learn about Resource Governor for SQL Server. We’ll spend the first part of this introductory session going over the concepts you will need to know in order to implement Resource Governor successfully. Once we’ve covered the basics, we’ll spend the rest of the session working through a number of demos, reviewing exciting enhancements to Resource Governor in SQL Server 2014, and discussing scenarios in which you can use Resource Governor in your environment right away. Hardware resources are a valuable commodity. Learn how you can control them effectively in a multitenant environment, ensuring they are assigned where they need to be.
Speaker(s):
- Paul Timmerman
Track and Room: Track 1 - Room 213
Title: Twice in a Lifetime: T-SQL Refactoring 101
Abstract: Whether it’s because you inherited the code from the “last guy,” or your stored procedures haven’t been looked at since the database was created in 2001, there will come a time when you need to rewrite old code. When you start this project you may ask yourself, how did I get here? And you may ask yourself, how do I work this? This is not my beautiful database. This is not my beautiful T-SQL. Letting the data go by, information flowing to the end users is the goal. Refactoring old code can be tedious, but necessary. Sometimes it isn’t just about identifying the worst queries in your application, but figuring out how to rewrite everything to introduce the best practices that the last guy didn’t know about five years ago.
This session will cover ways to quickly find old T-SQL antipatterns, tools that can help make things easier to update code, and deprecated features that can’t be used in modern versions of SQL Server. Don’t leave your old T-SQL the same as it ever was.
Speaker(s):
- MIKE DONNELLY
Track and Room: Track 2 - Room DE335
Title: Is SQL Server AlwaysOn the Right High Availability and Disaster Recovery Plan for me?
Abstract: Do you need a high availability and disaster recovery solution for your mission critical databases? SQL Server AlwaysOn can help, but with Windows Clustering, Failover Cluster Instances, and Availability Groups it gets confusing and complicated fast. I’ll clear up all the confusion by explaining the various components and exposing all the gotchas. There are different levels of protection and you will learn how to choose the right one for your environment. You will walk away with the knowledge and confidence to pick the right solution to give your critical databases a solid high availability and disaster recovery plan.
Speaker(s):
- Ryan Adams
Track and Room: Track 6 - Room 313
Title: TURNING YOUR DATA INTO A CORPORATE ASSET – BECOME A ROCK STAR!
Abstract: Here is your chance to STAND OUT, MAKE A DIFFERENCE, and BE A ROCK STAR! Avastone, in conjunction with Qlik, will show you how to leverage tools specifically targeted at data quality, data visualization, and turning your data into the corporate asset that will propel you, the company you work for, and your individual skill set forward. This presentation will focus on data as a corporate asset, ways to ensure that data maintains a high level of quality, and being able to visualize the data in a way that a company is able to make educated decisions. The two systems we will focus on during this presentation are SQL Server Data Quality Services and QlikSense. Managing data has taken on a heightened level of importance as companies strive to be more customer-centric in a bid to compete on a global level. The tools we will cover will make you a better steward of your data and push your company out in front of your competition.
Speaker(s):
- Ted Krueger
Track and Room: Track 2 - Room DE335
Title: Every Byte Counts: Why Your Data Type Choices Matter
Abstract: Ever encounter a table consisting only of BIGINT, CHAR(255), and NVARCHAR(MAX) columns? Did your gut tell you that this is bad, but you had difficulty explaining why? Did you know that these data type choices can be a real performance killer?
Attend this session to learn how database records are stored within SQL Server, and why all data types are not created equal. Armed with that knowledge, we will then explore several performance scenarios that may be impacting your systems right now!
When you leave, you will be able to explain to your colleagues why data type choices matter, assess your own systems, and implement some best practices to mitigate these performance killers.
Speaker(s):
- Andy Yun
Track and Room: Track 8 - Room 326
Title: How to collect a baseline on all your servers and still get a good night’s sleep.
Abstract: Your boss comes up to you and asks you why the system is slow, unless you know how your system is supposed to respond you are stuck scrambling to answer those questions. With a few free quires and some SSIS magic you can capture a Baseline of your systems. With this you will be able to know exactly where to look and what might be amiss. Before you can say what is wrong with your system you need to know how it reacts under normal circumstances. This session will provide the tools you need to start collection of your systems baselines and give you a great deal of information.
Speaker(s):
- Jim Dorame
Track and Room: Track 7 - Room 325
Title: Mastering queries into XML data.
Abstract: If you’ve never queried an XML column you definitely want to attend. While targeted to beginners this isn’t a “Just do this” session. After this hour I’d like you to truly understand even subtle nuances of basic query syntax. Seasoned veterans stand a fair chance of learning something new.
Speaker(s):
- Rick Bielawski
Track and Room: Track 2 - Room DE335
Title: What is Biml and why are SSIS people talking about it?
Abstract: This session is designed for you, the experienced SSIS developer who’s been hearing about Biml but hasn’t taken the plunge. We will cover what Biml is and walk through some examples from Hello World equivalent to a fully baked truncate and reload pattern. You will leave this session armed with the knowledge of how Biml can help you achieve a consistent and reproducible approach for the creation of SSIS solutions.
Speaker(s):
- Bill Fellows
Track and Room: Track 1 - Room 213
Title: Introduction to Azure Machine Learning
Abstract: This introduction will provide a brief history of machine learning and its practical uses. We will then dive into Microsoft’s Azure ML offering and demonstrate how you can build a real-world use case using Azure ML Studio with a free trial account. If you have been curious about machine learning, this session will show you what you need to get started.
Speaker(s):
- Scott Hietpas
Track and Room: Track 2 - Room DE335
Title: Goodbye Next Next Next, Hello Automated Installs
Abstract: Tired of clicking through all those setup screens and entering the same information over and over again? I know I am, so I’m doing something about it…I’m automating my installs! From base SQL Server installs to Service Packs, Cumulative Updates and even Client Tools for DBA’s and Developers, I’ll show you ways to automate your installs using SQL Server FineBuild (CodePlex Project). We’ll cover many of the scenarios you may encounter and you’ll walk away with some pre-built install scripts to help get you started.
Speaker(s):
- Brian Davis
Track and Room: Track 3 - Room DE232
Title: PoShDBA: Practical PowerShell for the DBA
Abstract: This session will cover real world functions that are used for real DBA work. There will be a few slides but mostly demos with actual scripts to help you do your job. I will also introduce some SQLPSX to assist as well. Things like Reading/Changing the following: Permissions, DB Owner maintenance and database space management. We all could use a few standard things in our DBA world of ever changing roles and “I have to have it now” stuff, that Management Studio can get in the way of getting it done faster. Join me for a fun PowerShell hour.
Speaker(s):
- Ben Miller
Track and Room: Track 7 - Room 325
Title: SSMS Showdown
Abstract: SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) is full of time-saving, quality-improving gems that many users have yet to discover. Join Jes Borland and Russ Thomas in a no-holds-barred SSMS tips and tricks showdown. In the tradition of the classic wizard’s duel, each will present, in turn, a secret SSMS feature from their personal bag of tricks. Attendees will decide whose bag of tricks reign supreme in a round-by-round standoff. The ultimate winner is sure to be the attendee, who will leave with the set of tricks guaranteed to improve efficiency and overall quality of work.
Speaker(s):
- Russ Thomas
Track and Room: Track 7 - Room 325
Title: Turbo-Charged Transaction Logs
Abstract: The transaction log is one of the most critical, yet often mis-understood components of SQL Server. From out of control log growth to very long startup times, problems with the transaction log can cause a lot of pain. In this session, we’ll look at how the transaction log works and how to optimize it’s performance. You’ll learn how to determine the right settings for maximum throughput, and what to do when things get out of control.
Speaker(s):
- David Maxwell
Track and Room: Track 1 - Room 213
Title: Administering SQL Servers for Development Teams
Abstract: Administering production SQL Servers can be a complex job. How does this task change when the environment you’re supporting will be used as part of a development or testing environment? And what can the DBA do to best support development teams? This session will discuss the unique challenges that are part of servicing these special systems and highlight ways that a DBA can help development teams produce better code.
Speaker(s):
- Omni Resources Speaker Panel
Track and Room: Track 7 - Room 325
Title: What’s New in SQL Server 2014 OTHER THAN Hekaton?
Abstract: When asked about new features in the SQL Server 2014 Database Engine, people tend to only think of one thing: In-Memory OLTP, commonly known by its code-name “Hekaton.” While In-Memory OLTP is a great improvement, many other features may prove more helpful for day-to-day database activity. This session will investigate the other new features offered in 2014, including delayed durability, buffer pool extension, enhancements to backups, partitioning, statistics, columnstore indexes, security, and much more!
Speaker(s):
- Bob Pusateri
Track and Room: Track 6 - Room 313
Title: Deep Dive into Windows and AlwaysOn Capabilities for DR
Abstract: AlwaysOn Failover Cluster Instances, Availability Groups and Windows Server Clustering…this is an overview of these features in SQL 2012 and 2014 for D/R, overlaying Windows OS features. We’ll discuss what you need to use when and why. We’ll discuss options on how you can achieve a D/R strategy with all the features you have in Windows and SQL Server to best meet your needs. Review key architectural considerations to making sure you have a successful recovery after a disaster.
Speaker(s):
- Michael Steineke
Track and Room: Track 6 - Room 313
Title: How to Determine What Data Is Corrupt
Abstract: There are two kinds of DBAs in the world – those who have experienced corruption, and those who will. Join me for this session to learn what corruption is, how it can occur, and how to check if your data is corrupt. And if you do find corruption, I will show you how to identify what data is affected using DBCC CHECKDB and DBCC PAGE.
Speaker(s):
- Frank Gill
Track and Room: Track 3 - Room DE232
Title: Building an Enterprise Data Repository with BIML
Abstract: Building out an Enterprise Data Warehouse can be extremely time consuming when developing the initial ETL building blocks. Using a Data Repository and BIML to centralize enterprise data can decrease Data Warehouse development time. It can be used as a central repository for ad-hoc reporting, and keep an audit trail of source system changes. This session will look at the benefits of centralizing data in its original format and how to automate the collection and auditing using BIML.
Speaker(s):
- Rob Long
Track and Room: Track 8 - Room 326
Title: Protecting Your Data with Encryption
Abstract: We’ve all seen the recent news stories about companies whose data has been stolen by hackers. What was once a rare event has become all too common, and companies large and small are at risk. While it isn’t always possible to prevent intrusions, you can reduce the risk by encrypting your data. In this presentation, I’ll show you the four ways that SQL Server provides to encrypt data: hashes, cell-level encryption, database-level encryption (also known as transparent data encryption), and backup encryption. We’ll also discuss the keys required for each type of encryption and discuss how to protect the keys themselves.
Speaker(s):
- Ed Leighton-Dick
Track and Room: Track 3 - Room DE232
Title: Partition Switching - Moving a Lot of Data Very Quickly
Abstract: You have a million rows you need to move into a table. Because of constraints, this import process is very slow. In this session I will show you how you can speed up this process greatly by partitioning the table and moving partitions from one table to another.
Speaker(s):
- Gill Rowley
Track and Room: Track 1 - Room 213
Title: Dimensional Data Modeling Primer
Abstract: Are you curious about Facts, Dimensions, and type 2 slowly changing dimensions that those Data Warehouse people talk about? This session will provide an introduction to the different architectures proposed by the two Data Warehouse proponents, Bill Inmon and Ralph Kimball. We will present the theory and key concepts of Dimensional modeling and review why Dimensional modeling is important and the functionality a Data Warehouse can deliver that a normalized database cannot. We will also present some more advanced topics like heriarchies, snowflakes, recursive relationships, and bridge tables.
Speaker(s):
- Terry Bunio
Track and Room: Track 4 - Room DE235
Title: Getting Started with Analysis Services Tabular mode
Abstract: Analysis Services Tabular is an in memory analytics engine introduced in SQL Server 2012. It has shown to be a quick and effective way to transform your organization with modern analytics. Join Phillip and learn how easy it is to create a tabular solution and provide valuable insight into your organization’s data.
Speaker(s):
- Phillip Labry
Track and Room: Track 5 - Room 309
Title: Contained Database - Huh - What’s a Contained Database?
Abstract: Many people have never heard of a Contained Database let alone know why they would use a Contained Database. In this session, I will go into the WHAT is a Contained Database, the HOW a Contained Database works, and the WHY I would use a Contained Database. We will use, both successfully and unsuccessfully, a Contained Database through Management Studio, Integration Services, Reporting Services, and a Web Application (Visual Studio MVC).
Speaker(s):
- Patrick Brewer
Track and Room: Track 3 - Room DE232
Title: The “New” Power BI Self-Service Walkthrough
Abstract: In this session, we will discuss the changes that are coming and the new features that are provided with the Power BI Designer as Microsoft continues its roadmap with self-service BI. If you haven’t seen this yet, Power BI features are now available in a standalone application outside of Excel! You will see with the new designer that you will be able to easily integrate data, create stunning and interactive visualizations, and even create cloud based Power BI dashboards to share and it is even Free!!
Speaker(s):
- Dan English
Track and Room: Track 5 - Room 309
Title: Multi-Tenant Data Warehousing and ETL in Azure
Abstract: The traditional monolithic data warehouse and supporting ETL can be difficult to design, tedious to develop and expensive if running in Microsoft Azure. What happens when your source systems can replicate as new customers come online, and they demand their data be available in a warehouse for reporting with minimal intervention? In this session, we will walk through a real world project using SQL Server and SSIS running in Microsoft Azure. Attendees can expect to learn some different techniques for use in their own ETL and warehousing projects as well as some of the pitfalls of building a data warehouse stored in SQL Azure.
Speaker(s):
- Zach Mattson
Track and Room: Track 4 - Room DE235
Title: Build ETL in 30 minutes or less with SSIS
Abstract: Learn how to use integration services to create a fast, reliable, repeatable ETL structure that’s designed to insert or update your destination from nearly any source.
Speaker(s):
- Zane Brunette
Track and Room: Track 4 - Room DE235
Title: How to use Execution Plans to find Performance Issues
Abstract: This is a introductory session on how a DBA and developers can use Execution plans to find performance bottlenecks. This will cover the fundamentals and cover some of the basic techniques that can be used to find hidden performance problems.
Speaker(s):
- Dave Bland
Track and Room: Track 6 - Room 313
Title: Read Dirty to Me - Isolation Levels/User Impact
Abstract: Issue a “SELECT {data} FROM {myTable}” statement and users need to trust the data returned is accurate. What happens when multiple processes access the same data? What happens further if one of those process is an UPDATE or even a DELETE statement? How about if both processes will be updating that data? Understanding Isolation in SQL Server is paramount in ensuring data integrity in your system. We will cover the different levels of isolation and how they impact what a user views when accessing the data at a given point-in-time.
Speaker(s):
- Wendy Pastrick
Track and Room: Track 8 - Room 326
Title: Automate and Manage your Clouds and Datacenters using your SQL Toolbox
Abstract: This session will utilize SQL tools and techniques to manage Cloud and DataCenters Environments. Learn to use some of the latest SQL technologies to automate and manage your datacenter! Topics include: -Scheduling SQL Service Integration Services with System Center Orchestrator and Service Management Automation (SMA) -Install and Configure and manage SQL environments using PowerShell DSC -Monitoring and Reporting of Datacenter Operational Performance using Power BI -Lots of other cool stuff!
Speaker(s):
- Lee Berg
Track and Room: Track 3 - Room DE232
Title: Index-fu - getting the most out of your indexes
Abstract: So you know the difference between a clustered and a nonclustered index. I won’t review it again - I promise. This session will focus on expanding your understanding of indexes and what you can use them for. We will look at the internals of how they are structured, included columns, filtered indexes and indexed views. We will explore how to use indexes to enforce contraints beyond just simple uniqueness. Earn your SQL Black belt with this fun and informative session.
Speaker(s):
- Michael DeFehr
Track and Room: Track 1 - Room 213
Title: DBA Monitoring and Maintenance Fundamentals
Abstract: The key to becoming a great DBA is time. The best way to regain some time is by spending less time doing the daily mundane work. Let this mundane effort work autonomously. We will introduce the basics in monitoring and maintenance. The how and why certain things should be done at a minimum and what things can be done to help improve the quality of life in larger dynamic environments.
Speaker(s):
- Warren Sifre
Track and Room: Track 7 - Room 325
Title: SSIS Grab Bag of Best Practices
Abstract: Interested in SQL Server Integration Services, but aren’t sure where to start? Do you already use SSIS, but aren’t sure if you’re getting the most out of it? Are you looking for ways to increase the performance of your SSIS packages? Then join Brian Davis and Adam Belebczuk as they pull best practices and performance tuning tips and tricks from their SSIS Grab Bag.
Speaker(s):
- Adam Belebczuk
Track and Room: Track 4 - Room DE235
Title: SQL Server 2014 and Power BI Features
Abstract: Want to learn the newest features of the SQL Server product, ask questions directly to Microsoft, come to this session. This unique session is designed to help the DBA/DBA Manager/Business Analyst to better understand and be able to ask questions around the SQL Server 2014 mission critical, cloud and performance capabilities in the product, to gain the knowledge needed to leverage in their SQL Server solutions. Additionally, we will cover the new Power BI enhancements in preview that transform the way business insights are delivered by leveraging the capabilities build-in SQL Server 2014.
Speaker(s):
- Ross LoForte
Track and Room: Track 5 - Room 309
Speakers
This is a list of speakers from the XML Guidebook records. The details and URLs were valid at the time of the event.
Brian Davis
Twitter: - @Brian78
LinkedIn: Brian Davis
Contact: http://blogs.sqlsentry.com
Brian Davis is a Product Integration Engineer at SentryOne and has over 15 years in the IT field in multiple areas including software development, support, user training, and as a DBA. He has been working with SQL Server since 2003 and has hands-on experience with SQL Server 2000 through 2016. Brian is also a PASS Regional Mentor and an active member and leader of the Ohio North SQL Server User Group.
Warren Sifre
Twitter: - WAS_SQL
LinkedIn: Warren Sifre
Contact: http://www.broadstrokeconsulting.com/blog/, http://www.allegient.com
Warren Sifre has been in the IT community since 1998 and has worked in a variety of industries deploying solutions utilizing MS SQL Server in one capacity or another. In 2003, he decided to make SQL Server his mastery and has since developed skills in most defined disciplines of MS SQL. Currently he is a Principal Consultant and Technology Leader with Moser Consulting. He is responsible for BI Solution Architecture and the mentorship of team members. He has been a SQLSaturday Speaker since 2012, Azure Global Bootcamp, and many user groups in 2015 alone. He has a passion for knowledge transfer and solutions architecture, with a keen interested in Info Security.
Meagan Longoria
Twitter: - mmarie
LinkedIn: Meagan Longoria
Contact: http://datasavvy.me
Meagan Longoria is a business intelligence consultant with Denny Cherry Associates, and lives in Denver, Colorado. She is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP. Meagan spends a lot of time thinking about how to use data integration, DAX, and data visualization techniques to make data useful for people. She enjoys sharing her knowledge and experiences at conferences and user group meetings, as well as through her blog (DataSavvy.me).
Mark Vaillancourt
Twitter: - @markvsql
LinkedIn: Mark Vaillancourt
Contact: http://markvsql.com
Mark is a Data Solutions Architect for Microsoft, helping organizations design data solutions in Azure. He has been working with Microsoft data technologies since 2007. Before joining Microsoft, he was a Business Intelligence consultant and two-time Microsoft Data Platform MVP. With a background in Theater and Improvised Comedy, Mark makes sure that his presentations are both informative and fun.
Frank Gill
Twitter: - skreebydba
LinkedIn: Frank Gill
Contact: http://skreebydba.com/
Frank Gill is a Senior Data Engineer at Concurrency With 21 years of IT experience, the first 8 as a mainframe programmer, he has developed a love of all things internal. Over the past several years, he has worked extensively with SQL Server solution in Azure, including Managed Instance. When not administering databases or geeking out on internals, Frank volunteers at the Art Institute of Chicago and reads voraciously.
Bill Fellows
Twitter: - @billinkc
LinkedIn: Bill Fellows
Contact: http://blog.billfellows.net
Bill Fellows is a SQL Server MVP and has been a database developer for most of his career, with the past 15 years focused on ETL. He is the organizer of Kansas City’s eight SQLSaturdays and a speaker at many other SQLSaturdays, User Groups and the PASS Summit. Bill is the owner of Sterling Data Consulting where he gets to solve interesting data problems.
Paul Timmerman
Contact: http://blogs.lessthandot.com/index.php/author/mndba/
Paul is a Microsoft SQL Server MVP and the Lead SQL Server DBA at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Paul has fifteen years of experience in database administration and currently the Chapter Leader of the Minnesota SQL Server User Group, PASSMN. Paul is an active member of the PASS community and routinely speaks at user group meetings and SQLSaturday conferences.
Andy Yun
Twitter: - SQLBek
LinkedIn: Andy Yun
Contact: http://sqlbek.wordpress.com
Andy Yun is a SentryOne Principal Solutions Engineer and a former Microsoft MVP. He has been working with SQL Server for nearly 20 years as both a Database Developer and Administrator. Leveraging knowledge of SQL Server Internals and extensive experience in highly transactional environments, he strives to make T-SQL leaner and meaner. Andy is extremely passionate about passing knowledge onto others, regularly speaking at User Groups, SQLSaturdays, and PASS Summit. Andy is a co-founder of the Chicago SQL Association, co-Chapter Leader of the Chicago Suburban User Group, and part of the Chicago SQLSaturday Organizing Committee.
David Maxwell
Twitter: - https://twitter.com/dmmaxwell
LinkedIn: David Maxwell
Contact: https://dmmaxwell.wordpress.com/
David Maxwell has almost 20 years of experience with SQL Server, with a keen interest in performance tuning, monitoring, and troubleshooting. He has experience in environments as diverse as health care institutions, auto manufacturers, and insurance companies. David has been a frequent presenter at SQLSaturday events around the United States since 2012, as well as a presenter for the DBA Fundamentals Virtual Group, the Performance Virtual Group, 24 Hours of PASS, and the annual PASS Summit. David participates in his local Columbus Ohio PASS Local Group, where he serves on the board of directors as SQLSaturday coordinator.
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.
Michael Steineke
Twitter: - @MSteineke
LinkedIn: Michael Steineke
Contact: http://www.michaelsteineke.com
Michael Steineke is a Windows Server Platform expert with an industry-wide reputation as an innovator in the areas of Windows Server, storage and network architecture, disaster recovery, datacenter configuration, and SQL Server. He is a Cloud and Datacenter Management MVP specializing in High Availability and has spoken on subjects like Windows Server, clustering, Storage, Hyper-V, SQL Server, and multi-site clusters at user groups and conferences of all sizes, including SQLSaturdays, SQL PASS Summit, Microsoft TechEd, and the Microsoft MVP Summit.
MIKE DONNELLY
Twitter: - SQLMD
LinkedIn: MIKE DONNELLY
Contact: http://sqlmd.wordpress.com
Michael Donnelly has been working with SQL Server for 15+ years and holds the MCSE: Data Platform certification. He is an avid runner, blogger, and a wannabe gourmet chef. Currently living the SQL Life on the Jersey Shore.
Rick Bielawski
LinkedIn: Rick Bielawski
Rick has 35 years experience as a systems, applications and database architect having designed major systems for such institutions as NASDAQ, Bank of America, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Ecolab and Emperex. He holds multiple certifications including MCITP and MCSE in Business Intelligence and Data Platform. Rick currently designs database systems for custom software applications and likes speaking at local user groups and SQLSaturday events.
Wendy Pastrick
Twitter: - @wendy_dance
Contact: http://wendyverse.blogspot.com
Wendy Pastrick is from Chicago, IL, and for the past 15 years has served as a Database Administrator supporting both development and production environments. Her many years of involvement with PASS include WIT Virtual Chapter and the Chicago Suburban User Group, serving as Regional Mentor, and as a PASS Board member since 2013. Wendy has organized several highly successful SQLSaturday events in Chicago.
Phillip Labry
Twitter: - @philliplabry
Contact: http://phillip.labry.com
Phillip Labry is a Senior BI Consultant and Trainer with over 20 years experience in SQL Server and over 30 in IT. He has been lucky enough to work on data projects spanning telecom, banking, retail, law enforcement, health care, insurance, financial services and energy sectors. As a national consultant he provides training and builds solutions utilizing the full MS BI stack. He is an active member of the Madison, WI PASS chapter and speaks at events in the USA and Canada.
Mark Vaillancourt
Twitter: - @markvsql
LinkedIn: Mark Vaillancourt
Contact: http://markvsql.com
Mark is a Data Solutions Architect for Microsoft, helping organizations design data solutions in Azure. He has been working with Microsoft data technologies since 2007. Before joining Microsoft, he was a Business Intelligence consultant and two-time Microsoft Data Platform MVP. With a background in Theater and Improvised Comedy, Mark makes sure that his presentations are both informative and fun.
Patrick Brewer
I live in Central Illinois where I was born, originally from Springfield, Illinois. I started working with SQL Server in 1996 with version 4.2.1 and quickly moved into SQL Server 6.5. I’ve been a jack of all trades developing windows applications and databases, and then moved to mainly developing database solutions with DTS, SSIS and SSRS.
I’ve always said that I want to give my customers the tools to do their jobs.
While I’m not working, I’m an avid sailboat racer in the Star Class. I’ve sailed all around the United States and competed in the 1999 Star Class World Championships in Punta Ala, Italy. Check out starclass.org. I’ve been sailing since I was 5 years old and taught sailing for 8 years.
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.
Adam Belebczuk
Twitter: - @SQLDiablo
LinkedIn: Adam Belebczuk
Contact: http://www.sqldiablo.com/
Adam Belebczuk is the Owner amp; Principal Consultant at Belebczuk Consulting Services, LLC and has more than 10 years of experience in IT, ranging from customer service to server/network administration to software and database development and administration. Adam is the Chapter Leader for the Ohio North SQL Server Users Group, a frequent speaker and volunteer at PASS events, and specializes in SQL Server development, performance tuning, high availability, and disaster recovery.
Rob Long
Twitter: - @robjlong
Rob Long is Chief Architect and Co-Founder of Talavant. Rob is passionate about developing solutions that improve the delivery of data warehousing and business intelligence solutions. He has a breadth of experience including development, network administration and database administration. For the last 8 years, Rob has focused his efforts on delivering solutions on the Microsoft BI stack. He is a proud father of four, a Certified Business Intelligence Professional, and enjoys spending time with family and keeping up with the ever changing data management industry.
Ted Krueger
Twitter: - @onpnt
LinkedIn: Ted Krueger
Contact: http://blogs.lessthandot.com/index.php/All/?disp=authdiramp;author=68
Ted Krueger is a SQL Server MVP and has been working in development and database administration for the better part of his career. Specialties range from High Availability and Disaster / Recovery design, implementation, testing methods and administration, down to custom assembly development for SQL Server Reporting Services.
Dan English
Twitter: - @denglishbi
LinkedIn: Dan English
Contact: http://denglishbi.wordpress.com
Dan is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP, author, technical editor, and community leader. He has been developing with Microsoft technologies for over 20 years, and over 15 years with Data Warehousing and Business Intelligence. He has been working with SQL Server since version 6.5 and now using 2017 and in Azure. Dan is the chapter leader for the PASS Business Analytics virtual group and on the executive leadership team for the MN Microsoft BI user group.
Zach Mattson
Twitter: - @WIDBA
Contact: http://widba.blogspot.com
Zach Mattson is a reformed DBA turned BI Developer for Trek Bicycle Company in Waterloo, WI. Zach has spoken at multiple community events and been published several times on using Powershell for SQL Server monitoring. He now works from home full time, guarded full time by his yellow labs while developing solutions utilizing the full BI stack of Microsoft tools.
Bob Pusateri
Twitter: - @SQLBob
LinkedIn: Bob Pusateri
Contact: http://www.BobPusateri.com
Bob Pusateri is a Microsoft Certified Master, DBA, and systems architect with over 10 years of experience on SQL Server. His interests involve internals, performance optimization, and cloud technologies. He is an active member of two Chicago-area PASS Local Groups, a community speaker, and maintains a web presence through both Twitter (@SQLBob) and his blog (bobpusateri.com).
Lee Berg
Contact: http://leealanberg.com
Lee is a Consultant for Concurrency who specializes in Automation of Microsoft System Center. Recently awarded the Microsoft MVP award for “System Center Cloud and Datacenter Management”, Lee is passionate about IT automation.
Ross LoForte
Ross LoForte is a Technology Architect at the Microsoft Technology Center in Chicago focused on SQL Server solutions. With more than 16 years of business development, project management, and SQL architecture solutions experience, he has been working with the Microsoft Technology Centers the past 10 years and has led architecture design and proof-of-concept engagements for Microsoft’s largest and most strategic customers to design enterprise, mission-critical SQL Server solutions.
Omni Resources Speaker Panel
Tony Sebion is a Director at Omni Resources. Tony is a founder and current president of MADPASS, holds 21 Microsoft certifications, and has been working in IT for 20 years. Mike Acord has been developing on the SQL Server platform for over 12 years. He is currently a Senior Architect and Microsoft Practice Lead at Omni Resources where he designs and builds custom solutions using Microsoft technologies.
Michael DeFehr
Twitter: - @mdefehr
LinkedIn: Michael DeFehr
Contact: http://mikedefehr.com
Michael DeFehr is an independent SQL Server consultant based in Winnipeg, Canada. He is focused on database administration and development using Microsoft SQL Server. A SQL Server MVP, Professional Engineer and MCITP in both Database Development and Administration, Mike has spent the past 15 years producing and maintaining database solutions. Mike specializes in the relational and storage engines and his solutions emphasize performance and simplicity.
John Pertell
Twitter: - https://twitter.com/jayape
LinkedIn: John Pertell
Contact: http://www.pertell.com/sqlservings
I am an Accidental Database Administrator, working for the same healthcare company since 2000. I started using MS Access for report writing but started playing with SSRS 2000 and haven’t missed going back. In my spare time I enjoy reading, photography, and pretending I know how to golf.
Scott Hietpas
Twitter: - @shskyline
LinkedIn: Scott Hietpas
Contact: http://www.skylinetechnologies.com/
Scott is a solution architect at Skyline Technologies with over 20 years of consulting experience helping organizations solve business problems with technology. He has architected on-premises and cloud-based data integration and data warehouse solutions as a foundation for data-driven decision making capabilities, and helped organizations adopt rich data visualization tools such as Power BI to turn data into insights.
Mike Hillwig
Twitter: - @mikehillwig
LinkedIn: Mike Hillwig
Contact: http://www.mikehillwig.com
Veteran DBA Mike Hillwig is a native Pittsburgher and resident of the Boston Suburbs. He’s a DBA Manager for a financial software company that’s owned by one of the world’s largest bank. Mike has been working with SQL Server since version 7 and has a background in infrastructure and network. Today, he manages a team of DBAs around the globe.
Russ Thomas
Twitter: - @SQLJudo
LinkedIn: Russ Thomas
Contact: http://www.sqljudo.com
Prior to focusing full time on IT Management and Database Administration in the Denver Colorado financial sector, Russ spent several years in law enforcement including four as a training Sergeant and Washington CJTC Instructor specializing in Emergency Vehicle Driving at Portland Intl Raceway. An experienced public speaker and trainer, Russ also has two decades of hands on IT work and leadership experience. Russ is a SQL Server Data Platform MCSE and is active in the SQLSaturday community.
Ed Leighton-Dick
Twitter: - eleightondick
LinkedIn: Ed Leighton-Dick
Contact: http://www.edleightondick.com
Ed Leighton-Dick is a Microsoft MVP, SQL Server performance and architecture specialist, and Founder/Principal Consultant of Kingfisher Technologies. He is a frequent volunteer with PASS, including current roles as a Regional Mentor, co-leader of I-380 PASS local group, and co-leader of the HA/DR virtual group. He can often be found teaching sessions at local, regional, and national events, including user groups, SQLSaturday, and PASS Summit.
Riley Major
Twitter: - RileyMajor
LinkedIn: Riley Major
Contact: http://www.Scribnasium.com/
Riley Major is an Enterprise Architect based in the Twin Cities, MN metro area who enjoys collaborating with business leaders to design technical solutions and working with technology professionals to build them. He’s been programming and designing databases since he was a kid and doing so professionally for 20 years. He has a special place in his heart for T-SQL in SQL Server and loves to share that enthusiasm.
Gill Rowley
Twitter: - @BadgerBully
LinkedIn: Gill Rowley
Contact: http://gillrowley.wordpress.com
I#39;m a SQL Server DBA and Business Intelligence Consultant with over 10 years experience working with all versions of SQL Server dating back to SQL Server 7.0. When not playing with SQL Server I spend my time hunting, fishing, weightlifting, relaxing on my boat, playing men#39;s fast pitch softball, and playing with my rescued bull terrier Lola.
Terry Bunio
Twitter: - @tbunio
Contact: http://www.agilevoyageur.com
Terry started his career working with Adabas as a DBA., Over the next 20 years, Terry has worked with Oracle, Informix, Sybase, and Microsoft SQL Server as both a Data Modeler and DBA. Terry is a huge proponent of normalization and dimensional modeling.
Terry has implemented Operational Data Stores, Data Warehouses, and ETL solutions for Investors Group, LPL Financial, Manitoba Blue Cross, and others.
Terry has recently worked on integrating Agile practices into Database projects.
Ryan Adams
Twitter: - @ryanjadams
LinkedIn: Ryan Adams
Contact: http://www.ryanjadams.com
Ryan Adams is a Senior Premier Field Engineer for Microsoft. He works directly with customers to help them realize their business potential and accelerate their digital transformation on premises and in the cloud.
Previously, Ryan was a Microsoft Data Platform MVP and spent 19 years working for a fortune 100 company. His passion is the SQL Server Engine, High Availability, and Disaster Recovery. He also served on the Board of Directors for the North Texas SQL Server User Group, was President of the PASS Performance Virtual Chapter, was a PASS Regional Mentor, and served as a Director for the PASS organization.
Jim Dorame
Twitter: - @DBAJD
LinkedIn: Jim Dorame
Contact: http://www.jamesdorame.com/
Jim Dorame has been working with SQL Server for over 20 years. Over those years he has learned a great deal from the SQL community. He has also given back to the community in the hopes that he may help someone in their career. He is always looking for something to learn and luckily Microsoft keeps adding to SQL Server.
Zane Brunette
Twitter: - https://twitter.com/Zanebrunette
Contact: http://sqlandcomics.com/
I#39;ve been working in SQL Server for 4 years. I specialize in SSIS development and query performance tuning.
Dave Bland
Twitter: - @SQLDave29
LinkedIn: Dave Bland
Contact: https://www.davebland.com
Over 20 years of SQL Server experience that includes being a DBA, BI development and Application development using VB.NET. Dave currently is the Manager of the DBA team at Stericycle. Dave is a Friend of Red-Gate for 2019. He is a frequent presenter at SQLSaturday events and user groups around the country. Has been teaching SQL Server since version 2000 and is the SQL Server instructor at Harper College in Palatine, IL. Current certifications include: • Microsoft Certified Trainer • MCTS: SQL Server 2008, Implementation and Maintenance • MCTS: SQL Server 2008, BI Development and Maintenance • MCSA: SQL Server 2008 • MCSA: SQL Server 2016 • MCSE: SQL Server 2016 - BI • MCDBA: SQL Server 2000 • MCSD • MCSE: Data Management and Analytics
Sponsors
The following is a list of sponsors that helped fund the event: