SQLSaturday #392 - Atlanta 2015

Event Date: 05/16/2015 00:00:00

Event Location:

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

PDF of Schedule

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• Sessions
• Speakers
• Sponsors

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Sessions

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

Title: Business Continuity: The Real Reason for HA and DR

Abstract: These days, I’ve stopped counting how many times I’ve been approached to help implement feature X because a customer thinks/was told it provides 24x7 for a DB/instance. These decisions often lead to more downtime and less uptme if the technology choice was not right or cannot be administered by the current staff. The secret sauce is not what gets implemented but understanding everything behind the scenes that influences the final architecture based on your actual requirements. It’s less about technology and more about understanding what it will take to keep your business going even when things seems like they are crumbling down around you. This session will cover how to approach achieving business continuity with the right amount of uptime.

Speaker(s):

• Allan Hirt

Track and Room: Availability Replication - 206: Clock Tower

Title: SSIS 2014: Project Deployment Configuration using SSIS Catalog

Abstract: Are you an ETL Developer that has worked with SSIS 2008 or earlier? If so, you will be excited to learn about some of the new features in SSIS 2012 that make your life a lot easier! In this demo-driven session, we will go through the entire process of building, configuring, deploying, executing and reporting on SSIS packages using the Project Deployment Model. You will see how multiple packages are deployed at one time, how project parameters make configuring your packages a breeze, how environment variables help you move your packages from DEV to UAT to PROD, how project level connection managers help you share connections across packages, and Integration Services Dashboard gives you detailed logging so you can identify the cause of package failure with no extra coding.

By the end of this session, you will be ready to start taking advantage of these new features in your own environment.

Speaker(s):

• Amir Charania

Track and Room: ETL/SSIS - 107: Lou’s Cafe

Title: Database Development Using SQL Server Data Tools

Abstract: As a developer, you are using Visual Studio to manage your C#, VB.Net, and other projects. Why not your database projects as well?

As a DBA, you are using SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) to develop your database projects. But as an experienced DBA, you can get frustrated quickly with its limitations.

There’s a better way! Database Development got completely revamped with the release of SQL Server Data Tools. A FREE download, SQL Server Data Tools, or SSDT for short, allows you to manage the development of databases with a powerful, yet easy to use project interface.

In this session we’ll look at the tools included with SSDT such as the all new localdb, database snapshots, and the new way to publish your database. You’ll also learn how to reverse engineer existing databases into your project, as well as how to do safe refactoring. See how to streamline your database development with SSDT!

Speaker(s):

• Robert Cain

Track and Room: DEV - 216: Brown Mansion

Title: 9 secrets to independent consulting success

Abstract: Are you an independent consultant focused on Microsoft data or aspire to become one? Maybe you have a few partners or are considering joining forces with friends? This session is for you.

My 25 years of consulting experience include 15 years working for myself or with partners. This session explores the top lessons I’ve learned over that time.

This session doesn’t cover marketing or SME topics. We explore top tips related to most everything else you must know to achieve success as an IC including:

• Common reasons IC’s fail. • Customer satisfaction and happiness. • Formal and informal partnerships. • Legal stuff 101. • Bookkeeping, finance and cash flow. • Taxes and entity structures. • Building equity in your business. • Work life balance.

We often learn the most from our mistakes. 25 years of mistakes has made me an IC expert. Attending this session will shave years from your learning curve.

Speaker(s):

• Brian Moran

Track and Room: Professional Development - 206: Clock Tower

Title: Clustered Columnstore Indexes in SQL Server 2014

Abstract: SQL Server 2012 introduced columnstore indexing but with one major drawback – columnstore indexes were not updateable. Thus, adopting them to improve data warehousing (or other) query patterns took careful planning and quite a bit of management. SQL Server 2014 introduces clustered columnstore indexes that are now fully updateable! During this session, we’ll take a look at how clustered columnstore indexes work, what implications exist for using them, and how the update process is handled. We’ll also take a look at what management and maintenance operations are required to keep clustered columnstore indexes performing optimally. Anyone with a large data warehouse environment (or even an OLTP or ODS database with very large tables) will definitely want to attend!

Speaker(s):

• Dave Fackler

Track and Room: DBA - 220: Twin Pines Mall

Title: How I Became a BIML Believer

Abstract: A year ago at SQLSaturday #285 in Atlanta I was introduced to BIML for the first time. Leaving the session, I thought that it was a good tool for some small use cases; I could not have been more wrong. A few months later, I had a chance to use it on a project that made me believe in the true power of BIML. In this session, my mentor on the project, and I will share what I learned in the project, and how you can have a few less growing pains on your way to becoming a BIML Believer. Here is some of what we will cover:

1. How to import data from a flat file, and auto generate tables, views and SSIS packages based on metadata
2. Utilizing metadata stored in a database
3. Using BIML as a metadata store
4. How to use BIML Annotations
5. Helpful BimlScript extension methods
6. Consolidating code with include files
7. Helpful uses of C# Linq within BimlScript

All of the code and techniques in this session can be used with the free BIDS Helper add-in found on CodePlex.com

Speaker(s):

• Carla Sessions

Track and Room: BIML - 112: Hill Valley H.S.

Title: Advanced SSIS Techniques

Abstract: As an ETL developer using SQL Server Integration Services have you ever wondered how to:

1. Import all .csv files from a folder
2. Replace dynamic SQL using variables in SSIS
3. How to configure the data flow buffer
4. Create custom logging solutions
5. Use a script component as a data flow transformation This session focuses on advanced techniques that are used in SSIS and is meant for the experienced SSIS developer. We will focus on tasks and techniques that are native to SSIS 2005-2014 as well as some of the more advanced and vague properties.
   Attendees must have a good working knowledge of SSIS as well as familiarity with VB.NET or C# as some time will be taken looking at extending SSIS with script tasks and components. Upon completion of this workshop attendees will be able to:
6. Import/export multiple sources/destinations
7. Use an execute SQL task with variables to replace dynamic SQL within a package
8. Dynamically handle errors within any part of a package

Speaker(s):

• David Dye

Track and Room: ETL/SSIS - 107: Lou’s Cafe

Title: Standalone to High-Availability Clusters over Lunch—with Time to Spare

Abstract: Don’t miss this demonstration of the hot new container technology that will change your assumptions about what it takes to implement high-availability clusters. Join DH2i’s Carl Berglund as he transforms standalone SQL Server instances of different versions and editions into an automated HA cluster failing over between systems—in just a few minutes. In fact, he’ll have plenty of time left over to show you some other cool tricks with his new cluster, such as: QoS controls at the instance level, SQL and OS updates as fast as an application stop/start, and multi-subnet geo-clustering capabilities. And you’ll still have time to grab dessert.

Speaker(s):

• Carl Berglund

Track and Room: Availability Replication - 206: Clock Tower

Title: DevOps for the DBA - Bridging the Gap Between Infrastructure, Administration, and Development

Abstract: DevOps is a term that has come to mean many things to many people. At its core, this important concept represents a way to remove old barriers between the infrastructure, application, and development tiers within an IT organization. An understanding of scripting and automation platforms is becoming a critical skill for SQL Server Database Administrators. Additionally, as hardware is increasingly virtualized, new opportunities for scripted deployment and configuration are available. This session will utilize demos to illustrate the many ways SQL Database Administrators can automate routine tasks from deployment through configuration.

Speaker(s):

• Denis McDowell

Track and Room: Sponsor/Lunch - DBA 2 - Room 2

Title: Database Design Fundamentals

Abstract: 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, but are often thought of as old-fashioned. Many common T-SQL programming “difficulties” are the result of struggling against these standards and can be avoided by understanding the requirements, applying normalization, as well as a healthy dose of simple common sense. In this session I will give an overview of how to design a relational database, allowing you to work with the data structures instead of against them. This will let you use SQL naturally, enabling the query engine internals to optimize your output needs without you needing to spend a lot of time thinking about it. This will mean less time trying to figure out why SUBSTRING(column,3,1) = ‘A’ is killing your performance, and more time for solving the next customer problem.

Speaker(s):

• Louis Davidson

Track and Room: DEV - 216: Brown Mansion

Title: Learn How To Build A Golden Record for Any Subject Over Lunch!

Abstract: Attend the lunch demo and see how you can use Master Data Services and Maestro to: • Create a golden record for any subject area in a matter of minutes Leverage your Microsoft licenses, skills and infrastructure to lower license costs and FTE costs, and reduce the complexity of an MDM environment? • Understand how to implement workflow and business process solutions around the management of MDM, without having to write complex custom coding for everything? • Tackle data quality, consistency and control by empowering business and subject matter experts, without needing heavy IT resources and writing complex code or scripting • Improve data quality, data stewardship, workflow, and data sharing with any of your enterprise

Speaker(s):

• Gene Webb

Track and Room: BI - 112: Hill Valley H.S.

Title: Memoirs of Building a 150 GB (and growing) SSAS Tabular Model

Abstract: Tabular models are an automatic choice for many customers with their in-memory capabilities and state-of-the-art data compression algorithms. Many of the models end up being 50 GB or lesser, achieving compression of 10 to 100x the database size. But if we ask many of the industry experts on what would be a safe size range for a tabular model performance wise, the most common answer is “It Depends”. Join me as I take you through my journey of trying to find an answer to that. Watch and learn all the processes and rationale behind building this huge tabular model starting from size estimations and hardware selections. Contemplate on the design decisions (especially on the Multidimensional vs Tabular) and off-the-road architecture trying to balance Processing and Query performance. Watch out for some performance optimizations and development tips tricks you definitely do not want to miss on while working on a huge tabular model. Above all, see the performance statistics for yourself!

Speaker(s):

• Jason Thomas

Track and Room: BI - 113: Lorraine’s House

Title: Becoming a Top DBA–Learning Automation in SQL Server

Abstract: Being a DBA is tough job–there are on call situations to deal with, and managing a large amount of servers with less resources is a constant challenge in corporate environments. In this session you will learn techniques to reduce the amount of manual effort in your job, and keep you three steps ahead of your users. Learn techniques such as: • Fully Automating SQL Server Installations • Dynamically Adding Databases to an Availability Group • Syncing jobs and logins between Availability Group members • Patching SQL Servers automatically • Other techniques for process automation This session will benefit both new and Senior DBAs, as well as anyone who wants to automate themselves into a promotion.

Speaker(s):

• Joseph D’Antoni

Track and Room: DBA - 210: Lyon Estates

Title: Are users working against you? Manage human factors to achieve BI success

Abstract: As new technology cycles emerge, we find ourselves immersed in a growing diversity of tools and infrastructures. Success in Business Intelligence, however, depends often on our capacity to increase adoption and is not always tied to the degree of engineering sophistication.

Too often we experience adoption issues that account for partial or complete failures for BI delivery. Are users satisfied with BI assets? Do they continue to build information ‘silos’? Are they reluctant to change and utilize governed data sets?

In this presentation, attendees will learn about a perspective that can help increase ROI on BI delivery by actively targeting human factors critical to achieving success.

Speaker(s):

• Javier Guillen

Track and Room: BI - 113: Lorraine’s House

Title: Continuous Delivery for Data Warehouses and Marts

Abstract: Continuous delivery is an approach that enables new functionality to be delivered as needed. This session will cover how this approach can be applied to data warehouses to enable faster time to value for the consumers of the data. Most data warehouses are in a constant state of flux. There are new requirements coming in from the business, updates and improvements to be made to existing data and structures, and new initiatives that drive new data requirements. How do you manage the complexity of keeping up with the changes and delivering new features to your business users in a timely manner, while maintaining high quality? Continuous delivery is an approach for managing this. It focuses on automation of many steps in the process, so that time is spent on adding new functionality, rather than repetitive steps. Attend this session and learn how Continuous Delivery can be applied to your data projects.

Speaker(s):

• John Welch

Track and Room: BI - 113: Lorraine’s House

Title: Changing Data Is Easy, Managing Data Change is Hard!

Abstract: Databases are growing. The way we use data is changing and growing. When you have a lot of change, it has to be managed, or bad things happen to your data and your job! A common problem with database change management is… database change management. This session walks the user through the concepts of database change management, why it’s important, and how SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT) makes this process easy. There are a lot of great features in this frequently overlooked product, and if you are not using it, your job is a lot harder than it needs to be. Some things we will discuss: schema compare, database versions in source control, renaming objects, and how your job is pushing the button to deliver it the EASY way with SSDT.

Speaker(s):

• James McAuliffe

Track and Room: DEV - 222: Essex Theater

Title: SQL Server Internals and Architecture

Abstract: Let’s face it. You can effectively do many IT jobs related to SQL Server without knowing the internals of how SQL Server works. Many great developers, DBAs, and designers get their day-to-day work completed on time and with reasonable quality while never really knowing what’s happening behind the scenes. But if you want to take your skills to the next level, it’s critical to know SQL Server’s internal processes and architecture. This session will answer questions like:

• What are the various areas of memory inside of SQL Server?
• How are queries handled behind the scenes?
• What does SQL Server do with procedural code, like functions, procedures, and triggers?
• What happens during checkpoints? Lazywrites?
• How are IOs handled with regards to transaction logs and database?
• What happens when transaction logs and databases grow or shrinks?

Speaker(s):

• Kevin Kline

Track and Room: DBA - 220: Twin Pines Mall

Title: Closing the SSIS Package Management Story with BIPS

Abstract: Existing SSIS automation solutions are focused on forward-motion activities: creating packages and pushing them to the server. Little or no thought is given to the management of the packages once they are in production - existing tooling offers nothing to help you understand and manage a live, money-printing ETL workflow based on SSIS packages.

BIPS is an open source project that allows you to manage a live SSIS package tree from PowerShell. It closes the automation loop, providing the ability to learn and discover the features of an existing package deployment tree as well as manipulate it. In short, the goal of BIPS brings a devops perspective to managing your SSIS packages.

In this session, you will learn how to leverage BIPS in your own environment. Specific attention will be given to searching and filtering tasks and data flows on arbitrary criteria and manipulating specific parts of the ETL workflow from the shell.

Speaker(s):

• Jim Christopher

Track and Room: PowerShell - 107: Lou’s Cafe

Title: Master Data Management with MDS, DQS and SSIS

Abstract: Join Audrey Hammonds and Julie Smith present lessons learned from their most recent projects using the Microsoft Master Data Management tools. This session covers automated batch processing as well as the data stewardship workflow.

Speaker(s):

• Julie Smith

Track and Room: BI - 112: Hill Valley H.S.

Title: Performance Tuning for Mere Mortals Part II

Abstract: This is part two of a two part series, looking at performance tuning (i.e. performance troubleshooting) from the beginning. Part II is about the next steps after taking a look at some of the free performance analysis tools. This session will go into more detail about how to capture the current transactions with tools like sp_WhoIsActive stored procedure, Wait Stats, performance counters and Extended Events.

This is a very demo intensive session some basic issues and performance analysis that will be used as a starting point for performance tuning.

There will be homework!

Speaker(s):

• Mike Lawell

Track and Room: DBA - 218: Lone Pine Mall

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: BIML - 112: Hill Valley H.S.

Title: Sentiment Analysis with Big Data

Abstract: People’s sentiments and opinions are written in social networks. There are tweets, Facebook posts, book reviews, forum discussions, and more. These attitudes and feelings are communicated using text, with format depending on the social network. Twitter messages are limited to 140 characters and use hash-tags,; Facebook messages can be longer. This session reviews the different Natural Language Processing, text mining, and data mining techniques you can use for sentiment and tone analysis. Organizations can use the extracted knowledge for brand reputation, market predictions, and automatic learning. We’ll look at, Hadoop, data mining, Microsoft Big Data Hadoop distribution HDInsight and Azure Machine Learning

Speaker(s):

• Paco Gonzalez

Track and Room: Big Data Data Science - 211: Biff’s Garage

Title: Increase your SSIS productivity with Biml

Abstract: Business Intelligence Markup Language (Biml) is an XML language for Microsoft Business Intelligence that can take your Integration Services package development to the next level. Creating template packages added productivity to your Integration Services development effort. If the template design changes after development begins, a fair amount of rework to packages could be needed. See how Biml can help create template packages that can better adapt to changing business needs and allow for more comprehensive design or redesign.

This session will be a demo based session that will inspire you to make Biml your number one integration services development tool. Learn how to use Biml scripts to create staging tables and integration services packages. Add metadata to your Biml scripts and really watch the possibilities expand.

Speaker(s):

• Reeves Smith

Track and Room: BIML - 112: Hill Valley H.S.

Title: Design principles for robust ETL processes

Abstract: Is the design of your ETL processes robust? Does your ETL process keep you awake at night? Data integration is still the most common point of failure of data centric projects and choosing a mature ETL tool, such as SSIS, is not enough. In many cases this is due to improper planning and the use of questionable design principles. During this session we will look at ETL processes from a holistic point of view to identify key areas that are often neglected and that have the potential to affect the system reliability and increase its maintenance cost. We will use SSIS to evaluate key ETL architecture areas - such as re-start ability, monitoring, error handling, among others- and discuss design principles you can use to improve the architecture of your ETL processes going forward. You will find the session valuable regardless of you level of expertise in ETL.

Speaker(s):

• Rafael Salas

Track and Room: ETL/SSIS - 107: Lou’s Cafe

Title: PS C:\gt; Get-Started -With ‘PowerShell Desired State Configuration’

Abstract: In this day and age, with the virtualization of servers causing systems in your datacenter to multiply faster than rabbits on Viagra, how do you perform configuration management on all of those systems and the software that they run while operating on a shoestring budget? How do you detect and remediate configuration drift to stay in compliance with your organization’s standards? During this session, PowerShell MVP and scripting games winner Mike F Robbins will demonstrate how DSC (Desired State Configuration) can be used to perform configuration management of your systems. DSC is a new management platform in PowerShell which was introduced with WMF 4.0 that allows for the declarative configuration of systems. Prior experience with PowerShell is recommended.

Speaker(s):

• Mike Robbins

Track and Room: PowerShell - 220: Twin Pines Mall

Title: SSIS Unit and Integration Testing with the Open Source BEST project

Abstract: Testing is critical to managing a high-quality data lifecycle. Unfortunately, SSIS has no built-in support for test authoring and the tools for relational database testing are limited. As a result, most organizations forgo automated testing and focus entirely on manual user testing, which is both expensive and often occurs too late in the process to address all of the issues discovered.

Biml Enabled SSIS Test (BEST) [https://github.com/bimlscript/best] is an open source framework that enables users to define unit and integration tests for SSIS packages using your choice of database tables, Excel files, or XML.

In this session, you will learn how to use BEST to author your SSIS tests and how to use free open source tools to report and visualize test results as part of your existing production processes.

Note that while BEST is implemented using Biml, you do not need to learn Biml to use it.

Speaker(s):

• Scott Currie

Track and Room: BIML - 112: Hill Valley H.S.

Title: SQL Server Encryption

Abstract: What encryption is available in your version of SQL Server? This session will cover how to set up the Encryption Hierarchy and the requirements for the new Backup with Encryption in SQL 2014. We will also cover end to end Transparent Database Encryption (TDE). This session will go over all the steps and caveats that go with this technology. Encryption is here to stay so jump on and let’s take it for a ride.

Speaker(s):

• Ben Miller

Track and Room: DBA - 220: Twin Pines Mall

Title: Introduction to SQL Server Clustering

Abstract: This session will provide an introductory into failover clustering of SQL Server, including when and why to cluster SQL. We will cover the required components and walk through how clustering works behind the scenes

Speaker(s):

• Chad Churchwell

Track and Room: Availability Replication - 206: Clock Tower

Title: Emulating a SELECT Trigger if Such a Thing Existed

Abstract: SELECT triggers don’t exist but what if they did? What if you could capture the statement, get a parse tree, or the plan and change what happens? What would you be able to do? What problems could you solve? What are the limitations? Let’s go outside the box and see what we can see. Join me on this interesting but unorthodox journey into what SQLServer can do. You decide if it should.

Speaker(s):

• Dan Holmes

Track and Room: DBA - 206: Clock Tower

Title: Power BI as a Self-Service BI Platform: Architecture, Strengths, and Shortcomings

Abstract: Power BI is Microsoft’s newest solution to facilitate self-service business intelligence. In this session we will discuss which components of Power BI are associated with cloud services, SharePoint on-premises, and client application such as Excel and Power BI Designer. With an emphasis on the overhauled Power BI Preview, we will discuss and demonstrate the key elements of the system, its strengths, its limitations, and how Power BI can fit into an organization’s data delivery platform.

Speaker(s):

• Melissa Coates

Track and Room: BI - 211: Biff’s Garage

Title: Near Real-Time Data Warehouse Updates with CDC SSIS

Abstract: If you need to keep a data warehouse up-to-date in near real-time, Change Data Capture (CDC) is a solution! If you are looking for a way to setup auditing of database changes, CDC is a solution! CDC has been around since SQL Server 2008, but has been underused because it was difficult to fully implement. SSIS 2012 now provides support for CDC with new components that make consuming the captured data very easy to apply. This session will define what CDC is and with live demos show how it is configured. Once it has been setup then you need to consume and apply those changes, this will be demonstrated with live demos using SSIS 2012 to create packages that apply the changes in a way that can be run quickly and keep your data warehouse up-to-date.

Speaker(s):

• Steve Wake

Track and Room: ETL/SSIS - 113: Lorraine’s House

Title: Eating The Elephant; A DBA’s Guide to Hadoop Big Data

Abstract: You’re a SQL Server DBA working at Contoso and your boss calls you out of your cubicle one day and tells you that the development team is interested in implementing a Hadoop-based solution to your customers. She wants you to help plan for the implementation and ongoing administration. Where do you begin?

This session will cover the foundations of Hadoop and how it fundamentally differs from the relational approach. The goal is to provide a map between your current skill set and “big data.” Although we will talk about basic techniques for querying data, the focus is on basic understanding of how Hadoop works, how to plan for growth, and what you need to do to start maintaining a Hadoop cluster. Additional discussion will cover the complementary nature of Hadoop and SQL Server.

Examples and demos will highlight basic query tools, including transferring data to and from SQL Server.

Speaker(s):

• Stuart Ainsworth

Track and Room: Big Data Data Science - 211: Biff’s Garage

Title: Making your SSIS Fly Beyond the Sky

Abstract: How fast can an ETL package be? How big of a dataset is too big that make us wait several hours to load data? Remember those properties that you never touched because you were afraid to break something else? Well, let’s try them. In this demo-rich presentation, we’ll focus on some 101 tips that will maximize your package throughput. We will also go deeper toward a 200-300 level, when we will walk through some very interesting database design patterns that will ultimately affect the performance of your SSIS.

Speaker(s):

• Carlos Rodrigues

Track and Room: ETL/SSIS - 107: Lou’s Cafe

Title: Getting involved and Getting ahead

Abstract: Learn how getting involved in the SQL Community can help you get ahead within your organization, improve you skill set as well as help provide career stability. PASS and other organizations practically give you all the tools you need to succeed in the DBA field, learn about the events that help make this possible as well as how you can get involved to help others who are starting out. The rewards of the SQL Community are endless.

Speaker(s):

• Tim Radney

Track and Room: Professional Development - 204: Peabody’s Farm

Title: Introduction to Master Data Management (MDM) with SQL Server Master Data Services (MDS) for Beginner

Abstract: What is master data management and why should I care about it? What does the master data services components of SQL Server do for me? Overview of all features of MDS How to build out an MDM subject area How to use MDS for reference data management How to use MDS for data quality How to use MDS with a data warehouse to improve data quality

Speaker(s):

• Gene Webb

Track and Room: DBA - N/A

Title: Understanding SQL Backups and Restores

Abstract: Having backups is important for organizations, having restorable backups is critical. Too many times to count, Tim Radney has been brought in by organizations to help recover failed systems where administrators simply didn’t know how to properly restore SQL backups. In this session, Tim will the various types of backups that can be taken and demonstrate how to restore each of them. This isn’t your basic session as Tim will not only be covering the common full, differential and log backups, he will also be covering partial, file group, COPY_ONLY, as well as performing a demo of a hack attach for the ultimate tail log restore

Speaker(s):

• Tim Radney

Track and Room: DBA - 204: Peabody’s Farm

Title: The Absolute Beginner’s Guide to BIML

Abstract: You’ve been curious about the Business Intelligence Markup Language (BIML) but you just don’t know where to start. In fact, you don’t even know enough to be sure that you’re really interested in learning more about it. Invest one hour in this session and you’ll know for sure if BIML’s pattern-based code generation tools can add value to your projects. You’ll learn how BIML can emit ETL projects dynamically from metadata. You’ll also discover how to create multidimensional cubes in a fraction of the time it normally takes. And while these sound like complex subjects, this session will help you understand how BIML makes traditionally time-consuming and error-prone tasks like these more efficient, predictable and consistent.

Speaker(s):

• Kevin Hazzard

Track and Room: BIML - Rm. 112

Title: Table Vars Temp Tables - What you NEED to Know!

Abstract: Almost every SQL Developer is familiar with Table Variables and Temporary Tables. While each of these objects represent temporary storage, there are also substantial differences between them. Understanding the differences between Table Variables and Temporary Tables, and the ramifications that those differences cause, is essential to being able to properly select the appropriate object for use in your development tasks. In this code filled session, we’ll discover the differences and similarities of Temporary Tables and Table Variables, dispel some widespread myths about each, and answer the most important questions of them all, “When do I use one or the other and what are the various impacts of doing so?”

Speaker(s):

• Wayne Sheffield

Track and Room: DEV - 222: Essex Theater

Title: Version control with GIT for the DBA

Abstract: In 2005, Linus Torvalds developed a version control system (VCS) called git. Since then, it has become as platform agnostic and ubiquitous as the internet. In that same note, github, the most popular service for hosting git repositories has become so ubiquitous that Microsoft chose to host the source code for its OSS fork of the .NET framework there instead of its own codeplex.

What does this mean to a DBA? Well. whether or not you use SSDT, you should be storing your database schema in version control. In addition, your utility scripts certainly belong in VCS.

In my session. We will cover:

What is version control? How does a distributed version control system differ from traditional version control like Visual Sourcesafe, TFS, and SVN? How do I setup git for internal use in my company? How do I host public and private repositories on github. How do pull requests work? How do I fork a SVN repo to github?

We will be covering using git from both the command line and Vis

Speaker(s):

• Justin Dearing

Track and Room: DBA - 216: Brown Mansion

Title: SQL Server 2014 In-Memory Programming

Abstract: SQL Server 2014 introduces a game changer technology; in-memory objects. This session is a hands-on demo based presentation that will introduce you to what the technology is and how to use it. You will come out of this session with the knowledge and scripts that you can take back to your shop and instantly be productive. You will gain an understanding of the architecture, how to get started, indexes, natively compiled stored procedures and the limitations.

Speaker(s):

• miguel Cebollero

Track and Room: DEV - 218: Lone Pine Mall

Title: Powershell Tips and Tricks for SQL Server Administration

Abstract: Have you dipped your toe into the Powershell pool, but are still lost on how you can make it work for you? Maybe you’re just looking for a few more tools to help you better manage SQL Server administration? In this session, we will cover a handful of useful scripts and patterns in Powershell that will ease your management of SQL Server. Backups, file management, instance configuration, and several other areas will be covered. By attending this session, you will learn more about how you can use Powershell effectively in your environment.

Speaker(s):

• Michael Fal

Track and Room: DBA - 112: Hill Valley H.S.

Title: Powershell and the Art of SQL Server Deployment

Abstract: In today’s tech world, IT professionals are being driven to perform tasks faster and more consistently. Automation is the watchword for our success, whether we are deploying SQL Server to private virtual clouds or public platforms such as Azure IaaS. This session will focus on rapidly creating and configuring SQL Servers using Powershell and Desired State Configuration. You will see practical examples of how you can create repeatable builds of SQL Server that can be deployed in a matter of minutes. We will also review how these techniques can be applied to both public and private cloud platforms, ensuring your success for any situation.

Speaker(s):

• Michael Fal

Track and Room: DBA - N/A

Title: Cisco: Optimize Your SQL Server 2014 Workloads with Cisco UCS

Abstract: Learn about Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS) and why it is an optimal platform for Microsoft SQL Server. During this session we’ll discuss key differentiators that place Cisco well ahead of the competition. Learn about UCS’ management model, Service Profiles, Virtual Interface Adapters, and how they help to simplify and standardize SQL Server deployments. We will also discuss how these differentiators drastically reduce deployment and recovery times, and how UCS provides the best of class hardware platform that can help to achieve the highest levels of consolidation and performance for both virtual and bare metal SQL Server implementations.

Speaker(s):

• Gary Serda

Track and Room: Sponsor/Lunch - 107: Lou’s Cafe

Title: 20-Minute Tabular Model

Abstract: The Tabular model is still the new kid on the block in the world of SQL Server Analysis Services, and its importance in the Microsoft BI roadmap continues to grow. Based on xVelocity, a highly compressed in-memory technology, Tabular models promise considerable performance improvements over Multidimensional models in many scenarios. But, as is the case with any new technology, there are certain limitations of which to be aware. Join me in this session and learn what a Tabular model is, how it fits into the Microsoft BI stack, the major factors to consider when choosing between Tabular and Multidimensional technologies, and finally a live step-by-step demo where we’ll build and deploy a basic Tabular model.

Speaker(s):

• Bill Anton

Track and Room: BI - 113: Lorraine’s House

Title: Girl, Interrupted: Supporting Women’s Voices - Sponsored by Intellinet

Abstract: Next time you attend a meeting, watch what happens when females at the table offer ideas. If your office is like most in America, you’ll notice females are interrupted almost three times as often as their male counterparts. Some interruptions are to assert dominance but sometimes people do it to be helpful offer affirmation. Regardless of the intent, the results are the same. Women are being left out of the conversation. The consequences are real. Male executives that speak more frequently in meetings are rewarded with 10% higher competence ratings from peers better performance reviews from bosses. This translates into $ when raises and bonuses are handed out. This group discussion will cover positive solutions that help women’s voices be heard. Women need to be more assertive. We need to learn to say “Stop interrupting me.” and “I just said that.” However, men can be, no HAVE to be, part of the solution. They can help women become part of the conversation.

Speaker(s):

• Rie Irish

Track and Room: Professional Development - 218: Lone Pine Mall

Title: Common Coding Mistakes and how to Mitigate them

Abstract: There are several programming design patterns that work great in object orientated code that doesn’t scale well inside of SQL Server. In this session we will focus some of these patterns and show you how to make them scale in the database engine. We will touch on Scalar-Value functions, Union, CTE, RBAR and more.

Speaker(s):

• William Wolf

Track and Room: DEV - 222: Essex Theater

Title: Ask Doc Brown and Einstein!

Abstract: Do you have a pressing question about SQL Server? Or Time Travel? We have a number of experts that can answer your questions! Stop by Room 205 throughout the day and get your tough SQL Server questions answered by experts in the community! You can also ask about career advice and professional development if you’re looking to get into or get better at your SQL Server skills.

Speaker(s):

• Rob Volk

Track and Room: Ask Doc Einstein! - 205: Doc’s Lab

Title: Tuning SQL Server for SharePoint

Abstract: We will discuss SQL and SharePoint integration concepts, walk through the different types of SharePoint databases, and get you more comfortable with the SharePoint platform. Some of the topics covered will include: the configuration steps and settings needed for SQL Server to properly host SharePoint databases, database size considerations, the SQL permissions your SharePoint administrators REALLY need, and why SharePoint databases have a GUID in their name (and how to avoid them!).

Speaker(s):

• Daniel Glenn

Track and Room: DBA - 220: Twin Pines Mall

Title: Awesome PowerShell for SQL 2014

Abstract: Need to import millions of rows from a CSV in under a minute? No problem. Need to copy all the Users, Databases, and Agent Jobs from one server to another? Done. Need to update all of your development databases to have the same schema, but want to skip the update and only spit out a report if data loss might occur? Piece of CAKE!! These are some of the scenarios that we will cover in this session on how to leverage PowerShell with SQL Server 2014.

Speaker(s):

• Aaron Nelson

Track and Room: PowerShell - 220: Twin Pines Mall

Title: Self-Service ETL with Microsoft Power Query

Abstract: In this session, I will introduce you to Microsoft’s new self-service ETL tool “Power Query” for Excel. I will show you, how to source data from various data sources, how you can massage the data and consume the data for your use in the data pipeline. I will introduce you to “M” language that is used in Power Query. I will show you how you can discover and mash data from public data sources within Power Query. If you would like to do ETL quickly without writing SSIS packages, Power Query is the way go. Come and attend this session to learn “Power Query”.

Speaker(s):

• Damu Venkatesan

Track and Room: ETL/SSIS - 211: Biff’s Garage

Title: R intro for the SQL Server Pro

Abstract: So you’ve heard all the buzz about R and you are ready to start the learning journey but where do you start? in this session, Luis will provide a quick overview of what R is, how to acquire, manipulate and plot simple data sets, how you can leverage your existing knowledge of T-SQL and a number of learning sources that will help you succeed in your jouRney.

Speaker(s):

• Luis Figueroa

Track and Room: Reporting Visualization - 212: Fox Photo Hut

Title: Why should I care about the plan cache?

Abstract: SQL Server is a huge product, with many different places a DBA can go to look for information on how the server is performing. So many in fact that they can often overlap, which sometimes makes it hard to understand why tackling a new tool is worth the effort. In this first (and hopefully not last) installment of Rick’s “Why should I care” series a case for why working knowledge of how to query the plan cache is critical for performance tuning efforts in real world environments, followed by a review of relevant DMV’s for the newly motivated audience.

Speaker(s):

• Rick Lowe

Track and Room: DEV - 218: Lone Pine Mall

Title: Sliding Window Table Partition Intro

Abstract: A walk-through of creating a sliding window table partition on an AdventureWorks table.

Speaker(s):

• Jeff Reinhard

Track and Room: DBA - 222: Essex Theater

Title: Getting Started with Database Automation

Abstract: Automation is a data professional’s best friend in times of need. Automating our tasks builds consistency, reduces errors, and lightens our workload. The problem is, it is difficult to know how, what, and where to start automating. This session will cover building automation, from defining your process, to choosing your tools, and implementing it into your environment. We will use case studies to walk you through the process and give you concrete examples of how you can build automation in your own environment.

Speaker(s):

• Michael Fal

Track and Room: DBA - N/A

Title: Continuous Integration with SQL Server Data Tools

Abstract: After a long maturation process, SQL Server Data Tools is emerging as a huge step forward in database development. It won’t be long before Visual Studio replaces SSMS as the primary IDE for SQL Server developers. One of the greatest benefits of making the switch is the continuous integration capabilities that are now streamlined by the tool set. In this session we will discuss how SSDT works, the goal of continuous integration, and how you can put them together to dramatically improve your productivity as a database developer.

Speaker(s):

• Jon Boulineau

Track and Room: DEV - 216: Brown Mansion

Title: Independent Contracting 101

Abstract: WARNING: Do not quit your job after this presentation. Have you ever thought about becoming an Independent Contractor? Would you like to transition from Full Time Employment to Consulting? Do you want to know how to get started? If so, then this lively session is for you. The session will cover the basics of running a consulting business and a selling yourself as a Technical Resource. We will conclude with an open discussion about the business side of technology.

Speaker(s):

• Michael French

Track and Room: Professional Development - 220: Twin Pines Mall

Title: Index Internals

Abstract: During this session we will be digging into the internals of SQL Server indexes.

If you came to this session last year, that wasn’t this. Since then this session has been totally rewritten, and is mostly demos using a single command, DBCC PAGE! Come check it out, for some insides looks at how SQL Server manages and uses our data for us.

Speaker(s):

• Denny Cherry

Track and Room: DEV - 210: Lyon Estates

Title: Microsoft Technologies for Data Science

Abstract: Microsoft provides several technologies in and around SQL Server which can be used for casual to serious data science. This presentation provides an authoritative overview of five major options: SQL Server Analysis Services, Excel Add-in for SSAS, Semantic Search, Microsoft Azure Machine Learning, and F#. Also included are tips on working with Python and R. These technologies have been used by the presenter in various companies and industries. Bring your beginner to advanced questions!

Speaker(s):

• Mark Tabladillo

Track and Room: Big Data Data Science - 211: Biff’s Garage

Title: Beginners SQL Server Security the Low Hanging Fruit

Abstract: Security is not for the faint of heart and this session is just the tip of the iceberg. Those new to the DBA role and of course the Accidental DBA’s can take away a few nuggets to get them started securing their SQL Servers and raising awareness to the importance of securing the data we have been sworn to protect. Let this session jump start your journey to learning why DBA’s are called the gatekeepers and increase your value in the office while getting noticed for caring enough to stop intrusions to your SQL Servers.

Speaker(s):

• Lindsay Clark

Track and Room: DBA - 210: Lyon Estates

Title: Querying Active Directory From SSRS To Secure Reports And Enhance The User Experience

Abstract: As SSRS report developers, we take for granted the security that is built in to Reporting Services. This Session explores the possibilities available to us by querying AD.

Speaker(s):

• Wes Springob

Track and Room: Reporting Visualization - 212: Fox Photo Hut

Title: Increase Your BI Developer Productivity with Community Samples

Abstract: Microsoft has always provided a comprehensive toolset for BI developers but functionality gaps remains. In attempt to fill in some of these gaps, MVPs and community have implemented outstanding tools. Join this session to learn how to increase your developer productivity and improve your BI solutions by using BIDS Helper, DAX Studio, DAX Editor, Query Capture, and OLAP Extensions. This session assumes developer experience in designing and implementing BI solutions with SSAS, SSRS, and SSIS.

Speaker(s):

• Teo Lachev

Track and Room: BI - 113: Lorraine’s House

Title: Learn about Governed Data Discovery with Pyramid Analytics

Abstract: Mark Rob will show you how you can Supercharge your Microsoft BI with Pyramid Analytics “BI Office”. See how BI Office gives you the “freedom to” Scale, Maximize, Visualize, and Mobilize your business users with the new Version 5. Attendees will see how easy it is to go from Analytics to Dashboards and reports in just 45 minutes. Additionally Mark will show you our mobile dashboard offering on the new iPad Air.

Speaker(s):

• Mark Scott

Track and Room: Sponsor/Lunch - 211: Biff’s Garage

Title: Indexing for Join Optimization

Abstract: Everything you wanted to know about join optimization but were afraid to ask… Join types, indexing, and how the optimizer makes its selections.

Speaker(s):

• Jeffrey Garbus

Track and Room: DEV - 218: Lone Pine Mall

Title: SQL Server and Microsoft Business Solutions - Tegile

Abstract: will send via email

Speaker(s):

• Brett Johnson

Track and Room: Sponsor/Lunch - 113: Lorraine’s House

Title: Loading a Data Warehouse with SSIS

Abstract: You’ve just been assigned a data warehouse project. Maybe you’ve figured out what tables you want to work with, but outside of that you don’t really know how to get started. In this session we’ll cover some of the basics of data warehousing, and then we’ll show how to use SSIS as an ETL tool to load a Kimball data warehouse.

Speaker(s):

• Robert Biddle

Track and Room: ETL/SSIS - 107: Lou’s Cafe

Title: Clusters Your Way: #SANLess clusters for physical, virtual cloud environments

Abstract: Abstract: SQL Server MVP Geoff Hiten will discuss how to create #SANLess clusters in environments where traditional shared storage clusters are impractical or impossible: specifically local high performance clusters leveraging SSD/Flash-based storage and clustering in the cloud - no SAN (or SAN Admin required). He will also touch upon cost-effective disaster recovery options without the need for SAN replication.

Speaker(s):

• SIOS Technology

Track and Room: Availability Replication - 220: Twin Pines Mall

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: Reporting Visualization - 212: Fox Photo Hut

Title: Only You Can Prevent Database Fires!

Abstract: Do you find yourself constantly putting out “fires”? Can’t take anymore heat in the data center? We as DBAs can easily become burnt out with dealing with these daily blazes. Wouldn’t it be grand to learn how to prevent these fires from scorching us to begin with? In this session, we will jump into things you can start implementing as “fire prevention” to stop the “fire fighting”. We will talk about several things that you can take back to your shop and put into action easily ranging from code tuning, backup maintenance, monitoring and performance tuning!

Speaker(s):

• John Morehouse

Track and Room: DBA - 206: Clock Tower

Title: Unit Testing with tSQLt an Open Source Testing Framework for SQL

Abstract: This session is for anyone interested int getting started in setting up an environment where you wish to establish unit testing for SQL. It will include how to install, setup, create, run and even come to depend and even enjoy having your unit tests in place to “have your back”! Real examples will used to show how unit tests can be used to test stored procedures and functions. We will discuss how tSQLt can even be used to enforce development standards and even integrated into your automated build and release processes (such as Team City).

Speaker(s):

• Mark Fugel

Track and Room: DEV - 216: Brown Mansion

Title: SQL Server Clinic

Abstract: Join a panel of SQL Server MVPs including Denny Cherry Joey D’Antoni for the SQL Server Clinic. The SQL Server Clinic will be a free style question and answer session where you can ask your SQL Server questions to your favorite authors, consultants and SQL Server experts. Grab your lunch, grab a seat and bring your questions about SQL Server, Consulting, etc.

Speaker(s):

• Denny Cherry

Track and Room: Sponsor/Lunch - 210: Lyon Estates

Title: What’s your Character Type?

Abstract: This session focuses on what you need to know about working with SQL Server Data Types. The session is led by an expert Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) who regularly teaches the SQL Server certification courses. The presenter will focus on the differences between character data types, working with implicit vs. explicit conversions and using conversion functions.

Speaker(s):

• John Deardurff

Track and Room: DEV - 210: Lyon Estates

Title: Getting Started With SQL Server Replication

Abstract: In this session we will examine how SQL Server replication works. A technology that has been around, this tool is not going anywhere anytime soon. It’s an excellent way to keep a subset of data synched with another database without having to synch the entire thing (although you could if you wanted to!). We will examine terms, internals, and walk through the setup of transactional and snapshot replication pieces so you can implement this technology in your environment and use it as a valuable tool in your personal knowledge book.

Speaker(s):

• Robert Verell

Track and Room: Availability Replication - 210: Lyon Estates

Title: Entity Framework performance monitoring and tuning

Abstract: Object Relational Mapping technologies, including the Entity Framework can drastically simplify the programming model against databases, but when done carelessly, performance can suffer. In this session, we’ll explore some real-life strategies that have solved performance issues in production applications that I have encountered at a variety of customers. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of working without stored procs and cover strategies for monitoring and tuning your entity queries.

Speaker(s):

• Jim Wooley

Track and Room: DEV - 216: Brown Mansion

Title: Deadlock, Block Two Smoking Barrels: Breaking Down Blocking and Deadlocks

Abstract: While blocking and deadlocks are part of the territory for a DBA, dealing with them can be another story. In this session we will break down locking types, capturing and identifying deadlocks and the code behind them, and things you can do to resolve and prevent blocking and deadlocks. If you are frequently dealing with deadlocks in your databases this session is for you.

Speaker(s):

• Amy Herold

Track and Room: DBA - 206: Clock Tower

Title: Dimensional Modeling Design Patterns: Beyond Basics

Abstract: This session will provide a deeper dive into the art of dimensional modeling. We will look at the different types of fact tables and dimension tables, how and when to use them. We will also some approaches to creating rich hierarchies that make reporting a snap. This session promises to be very interactive and engaging, bring your toughest Dimensional Modeling quandaries.

Speaker(s):

• Jason Horner

Track and Room: BI - 107: Lou’s Cafe

Title: Choosing the right clustering key

Abstract: The choice of clustering key can make a huge impact on performance and storage. In this session, we will explore the factors that influence the decision and how to measure the differences that the decision made.

Speaker(s):

• Phil Pledger

Track and Room: DEV - 218: Lone Pine Mall

Title: 1.21 Gigawatt Talks!

Abstract: GREAT SCOTT! You never know when or where a bolt of lightning will strike! But we do now! Come to this session and hear some local and SQL Server community speakers give brief, intense flashes of insight to the audience! And if you have a topic you can present in 5 minutes or less, COME PREPARED! You never know when it might be your chance to get up there! If you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything!

Speaker(s):

• Rob Volk

Track and Room: Ask Doc Einstein! - 205: Doc’s Lab

Title: Gentle Introduction to T-SQL Window Functions

Abstract: Since their infancy in SQL Server 2005 and their growth spurt in SQL Server 2012, T-SQL window functions have provided new ways to solve fairly common end-user query requests. However, their successful use requires thinking a little differently about sets than you’re used to. In this session, you will explore the basic concepts of ordering, partitioning and framing. Everything will be demonstrated with easy to follow examples that you will be able to adapt quickly to your query needs.

Speaker(s):

• Sven Aelterman

Track and Room: DEV - 222: Essex Theater

Title: SQL Server Defaults SUCK!!

Abstract: If you just click next-next-next and think you have a good-to-go SQL Server THINK AGAIN!! :-) There are umpteen things you just GOTTA change right out of the box if you want your potentially very expensive and always precious SQL Server resource to perform and behave optimally. This session will cover a laundry list from High Power Setting to data file growth and many useful items in between.

Speaker(s):

• Kevin Boles

Track and Room: DBA - 210: Lyon Estates

Title: Performance Tuning for Mere Mortals Part I

Abstract: In this first part of a two part series, we look at performance tuning from the very beginning. You’re a new DBA, you want to be a DBA, or you’ve been declared an “Accidental DBA” and the phone rings. Someone tells you that they believe SQL Server is having a performance issue, what now? The application is running slowly. Can you help them? Do you even know where to begin to help them? In this session we’ll cover how to handle performance tuning from the very beginning, when the user says “The database is slow.”

Speaker(s):

• Ed Watson

Track and Room: DBA - 218: Lone Pine Mall

Title: Database: The Motion Picture

Abstract: Power up your data presentations with Power View and Power Map. Charts and maps can be made interactive, generated on the fly, or recorded as video with a soundtrack and special effects. Instead of trying to make your point with a boring list of names, numbers, and dates, put on your movie director’s hat and give your data the Hollywood treatment as you yell, “Lights! Cameras! Action!”

Speaker(s):

• Dave Mattingly

Track and Room: Reporting Visualization - 211: Biff’s Garage

Title: Parameter Sniffing the Good and the Bad

Abstract: Parameter sniffing is something that more than often helps performance on your servers; however, there are times when it can hinder performance as well. In this session we will define exactly what parameter sniffing is, and examine when it is good and when it is bad. Lastly, we will explore the different options available to fix bad parameter sniffing. After this session, you will be able to locate and fix bad parameter sniffing when it occurs on your servers.

Speaker(s):

• Lance Tidwell

Track and Room: DEV - 222: Essex Theater

Title: Using Extended Events in SQL Server

Abstract: Extended Events were introduced in SQL Server 2008. With SQL 2014, we have seen a significant upgrade to this feature. Join me for a little adventure into the realm of extended events. We will discuss how to use extended events to aid in performance tuning and in day to day administration. We will also explore some background and the architecture of extended events. This is a fast paced session and will be a lot of fun. Attendees will be able to take back several sample XE sessions to help troubleshoot different issues and get to more intimately know their data/environment.

Speaker(s):

• Jason Brimhall

Track and Room: DBA - 206: Clock Tower

Speakers

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

Lindsay Clark

Twitter: - @LindsayOClark

LinkedIn: Lindsay Clark

Lindsay started out in network administration with a BA in Computer Science from South University prior to finding her true love in database administration. Whether it#39;s mentoring in the office or presenting sessions at SQLSaturday, Lindsay loves to find new ways to collaborate and share information. In addition to her role as DBA at American Credit Acceptance, she actively recruits speakers for her user group and chairs her local SQLSaturday event.

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).

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.

Amir Charania

Twitter: - @amircharania

LinkedIn: Amir Charania

Contact: http://tegnosis.com/blog/

Amir Charania (MBA from Georgia Tech) is a Microsoft Certified Professional with 15+ years of experience delivering Microsoft BI Solutions to Fortune 500 companies. He co-founded Tegnosis, a Microsoft-Centric Consulting firm that specializes in delivering BI solutions for mid-sized organizations. Active in the PASS community, Amir is a member of the PASS 2015 Program Committee, regularly publishes articles at sqlservercentral.com and is an active member of the Atlanta SQL and BI User Groups.

SIOS Technology

Twitter: - @SIOSTech

LinkedIn: SIOS Technology

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

SIOS Technology Corp. makes software products that protect data and applications from downtime, while eliminating complexity, and reducing labor costs. SIOS products make clusters in both SAN and #SANLess environments easy to use and easy to own. By removing the configuration limitations of traditional clusters, SIOS products give enterprise data managers the freedom to run applications in the environment that best meets their needs – physical, virtual, cloud or any combination thereof.

Jim Wooley

Twitter: - jimwooley

LinkedIn: Jim Wooley

Contact: http://www.ThinqLinq.com

By day, Jim Wooley is a Solution Architect for Slalom Consulting, In his free time, Jim is a frequent speaker, MVP, and author of “LINQ in Action”. He has been active evangelizing LINQ since its announcement in 2005. In addition, he attempts to pass on the insights he has gained by being active in the community, including organizing and speaking at code camps and regional events, including VS Live, SQL Pass, KCDC, That Conference, TechBash, and CodeStock.

Amy Herold

Twitter: - @texasamy

LinkedIn: Amy Herold

Contact: http://www.sqlkitten.com/

Amy Herold is currently a Premier Field Engineer with Microsoft, specializing in APS. Prior to this, she was a Sr. Database Administrator, focusing on PowerShell and automation. She is also currently the Director of Programs for the North Texas SQL Server User Group (NTSSUG). She frequently speaks at SQLSaturday and user group events across the United States and has also participated in numerous Women in Technology sessions as a panelist. Amy currently blogs at sqlkitten.com.

Brett Johnson

Twitter: - @tegile

LinkedIn: Brett Johnson

15 years in IT Storage Database and virtualization focus Certifications: •VMware •Citrix •Cisco UCS •NetApp •EMC

Lance Tidwell

Twitter: - @Lance_LT

Contact: http://lancetidwell.com

Lance Tidwell, from the Austin, TX, area, has worked as a SQL Server DBA for the last 11 years. During his time as a DBA he has found his passion for all things SQL, but specifically for performance tuning. He has a life-long quest to always be learning new things; currently this quest has lead him to explore more about the Data Analytics/ Data Science areas.

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).

Rob Volk

Twitter: - sql_r

LinkedIn: Rob Volk

Contact: http://weblogs.sqlteam.com/robv/

Rob Volk is a SQL Server DBA in the Metro Atlanta area since 2001. He also moderates and answers the forums on SQLTeam.com. While an old-time cranky DBA, he no longer considers quot;business intelligencequot; an oxymoron or quot;the cloudquot; as merely atmospheric moisture, and is delightedly dipping his toes into both of these new oceans, and loves to do things in new and and unusual ways.

Jason Brimhall

Twitter: - sqlrnnr

LinkedIn: Jason Brimhall

Contact: http://jasonbrimhall.info

Jason Brimhall has more than 20 years of experience and has worked with SQL Server 6.5 through SQL Server 2019. He has experience in performance tuning, high transaction environments, and large environments. He is currently a consultant specializing in performance tuning, server analysis, and problem resolution. Jason is a Microsoft Certified Master (MCM) and a Data Platform MVP.

Rie Irish

Twitter: - IrishSQL

LinkedIn: Rie Irish

Rie lives with her family just north of Atlanta, Georgia. She worked as a SQL Server DBA, manager director for over 20 years. She’s worked in many industries including the non-profit sector, education, big pharma, and e-commerce. She was awarded the MVP in the Data Platform 3 times beginning in 2017 and gave that up to accept her role as a Senior Program Manager with Microsoft in 2019. She is very involved with the Atlanta MDF User Group, SQLSaturday Atlanta and is co-leader of the PASS Women in Tech virtual group.

Wayne Sheffield

Twitter: - @DBAWayne

LinkedIn: Wayne Sheffield

Contact: http://blog.waynesheffield.com/wayne

Wayne Sheffield, a Microsoft Certified Master in SQL Server and Microsoft Most Valuable Professional, started working with xBase databases in the late 80’s. With over 25 years in IT, he has worked with SQL Server (since 6.5 in the late 90’s) in various dev/admin roles, with an emphasis in performance tuning. He is the author of several articles at www.sqlservercentral.com, a co-author of “SQL Server T-SQL Recipes”, and enjoys sharing his knowledge by presenting at SQL events worldwide and blogging at http://blog.waynesheffield.com/wayne

Brian Moran

Twitter: - @briancmoran

LinkedIn: Brian Moran

Contact: http://www.linchpinpeople.com/author/brian-moran/

Brian Moran is Chief Servant Officer at Linchpin People and has been active in the SQL Server community for more than 20 years. Brian co-founded one of the first SQL Server user groups in the world, was one of the first SQL Server MVPs, was on the SQL Server Magazine launch team, and has served on the PASS Board of Directors in two separate terms. Brian#39;s roles in the SQL Server community include technologist, author, community leader, and entrepreneur.

Damu Venkatesan

Twitter: - @vdamu

LinkedIn: Damu Venkatesan

Damu Venkatesan is a Business Intelligence Consultant with over 25 years of IT experience including architecting and implementing BI/DW solutions using Microsoft SQL Server, PDW, SSIS, SSAS, SSRS, and Power BI. He has been speaking at many SQLSaturdays and user groups on data analytics and is actively involved in the Atlanta SQL community for several years. He has successfully delivered several BI/DW solutions and data migrations to various clients. He is also currently serving as President of DAMA Georgia chapter in Atlanta. He is the co-organizer of BI SQLSaturday in Atlanta.

Wes Springob

Twitter: - /SQLWes

LinkedIn: Wes Springob

Contact: http://SQLWes.com

Wes Springob is a Premier Field Engineer (PFE) at Microsoft and speaks regularly on Business Intelligence, Power BI, database and report development.

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.

James McAuliffe

LinkedIn: James McAuliffe

James McAuliffe is a Cloud Solution Architect with CCG Analytics, a Microsoft Gold Partner. He is also a Microsoft Preferred Partner Solutions expert and has been worked with clients of all sizes, from local businesses to Fortune 500 companies. Today’s mix of Big Data and cloud offerings make yesterday’s dream today’s possibility. Let’s talk about it!

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.

Carl Berglund

Contact: http://dh2i.com/

Carl Berglund has 20+ years of experience helping businesses source and implement sophisticated datacenter infrastructures. Carl has held senior business development roles at HP and PolyServe, where he helped drive enterprise organizations’ SQL Server consolidation, virtualization and optimization projects. As a technology evangelist, Carl helps organizations reduce spend on overall SQL Server lifecycle costs while reducing risk. He is a regular speaker and author on Windows datacenter issues.

Rafael Salas

Twitter: - @RafSalas

Contact: http://www.rafael-salas.com

Rafael Salas is a recognized speaker and published author with more than 17 years of experience in business intelligence and information architecture. He is the recipient of multiple industry recognition, including the Microsoft MVP Award and The Data Warehouse Institute Best Practices Award. Rafael is also an active member of the SQL Server technical community and blogs regularly at www.rafael-salas.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.

Michael French

LinkedIn: Michael French

Michael French is a Senior Consultant with Pragmatic Works. He has been working with SQL Servers for 20 years . In his spare time, he supports his community by training adult volunteers with Boy Scouts and serving with his national fraternity.

John Welch

Twitter: - @john_welch

LinkedIn: John Welch

Contact: http://agilebi.com/jwelch

John Welch joined SentryOne in spring 2018 as VP of Engineering with the acquisition by SentryOne of the software division of Pragmatic Works. John leads the development of a suite of products that make developing, managing, and documenting data solutions easier. John has been successfully delivering IT solutions to business problems since 1994, and has been focused on business intelligence and data warehousing technologies since 2001. He is a Microsoft Most Valued Professional (MVP), and a frequent presenter on SQL Server and data topics. He also contributes to several open source projects and community initiatives targeted toward making data professionals work more productive.

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.

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.

Reeves Smith

Twitter: - SQLReeves

LinkedIn: Reeves Smith

Contact: http://reevessmith.wordpress.com

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

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

Paco Gonzalez

Twitter: - @pacosql

LinkedIn: Paco Gonzalez

Paco Gonzalez is the CEO of SolidQ North America, and a Microsoft Data Platform MVP. Focused on Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence, he specializes in helping organizations become data driven from a strategic and technical perspective. Paco is a speaker at small and large conferences such as PASS Summit, Ignite, and Business Applications Summit, and he has published several books and whitepapers. He is based in Atlanta, GA.

Jason Horner

Twitter: - jasonhorner

LinkedIn: Jason Horner

Contact: http://blog.jasonhorner.com

Hi, my name is Jason I’m a practice lead at Redapt. I spend most of my day helping clients solve business problems mostly in the Data and Advanced Analytics spaces. Sometimes this involves various and sundry cloud technologies including Azure Data Factory, Azure SQL Data Warehouse, Azure Data Lake Store, Azure Databricks, HDInsight and Azure SQL Database. I’m fluent in several languages including: SQL, C#, Python, and PowerShell.

I’m a Microsoft Certified Master of SQL Server (MCM) and have been recognized for my technical excellence and evangelism efforts by Microsoft by being awarded the Most Valuable Professional (MVP) for the last 5+ years.

In my off hours I like to snowboard, karaoke, ride roller coasters, and play arcade games

Daniel Glenn

Twitter: - DanielGlenn

LinkedIn: Daniel Glenn

Contact: https://DanielGlenn.com

Daniel is a Microsoft MVP with 15 years’ experience building technology solutions, intranets and extranets. As Practice Leader for the Nashville-based InfoWorks Inc., Daniel helps organizations of all sizes solve complex data challenges by implementing Office 365 and SharePoint without the need of customization and costly investments.

Daniel is passionate about giving back and building the Microsoft technical community. Daniel holds leadership roles in various local user groups, serves as an organizer for Microsoft 365 Nashville, and is a co-host for the popular podcast 365 Message Center Show on https://MessageCenter.Show. You can follow Daniel online at https://DanielGlenn.com and @DanielGlenn on Twitter.

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.

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.

Jeff Reinhard

Twitter: - @SQLMajor

LinkedIn: Jeff Reinhard

I have 25 years of database development experience, mostly with SQL Server, with companies such as Ernst amp; Young, Internet Security Systems/IBM, AirWatch, WebMD, CheckFree and others. My recent focus has been on AlwaysOn availability groups and database DevOps.

Michael Fal

Twitter: - @Mike_Fal

LinkedIn: Michael Fal

Contact: http://mikefal.net

Mike is a specialist in data management technologies. As a community advocate, public speaker, and blogger, Mike is a practicing thought leader for data and automation. He is passionate about DevOps and data, building platforms to optimize, protect, and use data efficiently.

Since 1999, Mike has been working in the database field, focusing primarily on SQL Server and specializes in automating data solutions to improve the reliability and efficiency of his environments. He has been caught playing trombone in public on more than one occasion.

Rob Volk

Twitter: - sql_r

LinkedIn: Rob Volk

Contact: http://weblogs.sqlteam.com/robv/

Rob Volk is a SQL Server DBA in the Metro Atlanta area since 2001. He also moderates and answers the forums on SQLTeam.com. While an old-time cranky DBA, he no longer considers quot;business intelligencequot; an oxymoron or quot;the cloudquot; as merely atmospheric moisture, and is delightedly dipping his toes into both of these new oceans, and loves to do things in new and and unusual ways.

Carla Sessions

Carla Sessions has been working in the Microsoft BI stack for 7 years in the Atlanta area. She also has experience in .NET and custom SharePoint development. She has a BS degree in Computer Science from Francis Marion University. She is a first time speaker and wants to share her experience with BIML, and how it was vital in the success of a recent ETL project. She is excited to share how SSIS packages can be metadata driven and auto-generated by simply setting up reusable templates.

Rick Lowe

Twitter: - DataFLowe

LinkedIn: Rick Lowe

Contact: http://dataflowe.wordpress.com/

Rick is a Microsoft Certified Master with more than 20 years of SQL Server experience in a variety of roles. He currently lives in Washington state and works as an independent consultant providing remote performance DBA and performance tuning services for clients in the USA and Canada. His first exposure to SQL Server was as a database developer, but over time he became more and more interested in how the database engine operated… eventually specializing more on performance issues than code.

Rick will work with all things relational, but most enjoys helping smaller companies get better performance from MSSQL, as well as smoothing over relationships between DBA and development teams.

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.

Steve Wake

Twitter: - stevewake

LinkedIn: Steve Wake

Contact: http://blog.wakebi.com

Steve Wake is currently the Principal BI Developer at Brown and Caldwell and has experience in consulting, advertising, media, manufacturing, retail, charities, telecommunications and financial services organizations using the full on-premises Microsoft BI stack. Recent experience with the Azure services: Analysis Services, Logic Apps, Data Factory, Databricks, Snowflake and Power BI. Steve is also very involved in the SQL community, speaking at events around the world.

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.

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.

miguel Cebollero

Twitter: - SQLMiguel

LinkedIn: miguel Cebollero

Miguel is a father, husband and database professional with more than 18 years of experience. He has held positions in management, database administration, development, architect and BI development. Miguel is a regular speaker at local user groups, regional SQLSaturday and the national PASS Summit conference on various database topics. He has been an avid volunteer, chapter leader, contributor for PASS and published author of Pro TSQL Programmers Guide; ApressMedia, Published 2/27/2015

Bill Anton

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

LinkedIn: Bill Anton

Contact: http://byobi.com/blog/

Bill Anton is an expert in Analysis Services and an experienced data warehouse practitioner. In 2013, he founded Opifex Solutions, a consulting firm with deep expertise in enterprise-scale architecture, design, and performance optimization of Analysis Services and Power BI solutions. He loves eating and spends most of his free time convincing his beloved wife to adopt more golden retrievers.

Teo Lachev

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

LinkedIn: Teo Lachev

Contact: http://prologika.com/cs/blogs

Teo Lachev is an internationally-recognized authority on Data Analytics. Through his Atlanta-based company Prologika, a Microsoft Gold Partner in Data Analytics, he helps organizations make sense of their most valuable asset: their data. His strategy formulation, trusted advisory and mentoring, design and implementation services empower clients to apply effectively data analytics in order to understand, improve, and transform their business processes.

Teo has authored and co-authored several bestselling books on organizational and self-service data analytics, and he has been leading the Atlanta Microsoft BI and Power BI group since he founded it in 2010. Teo has been a Microsoft Most Valued Professional (MVP) Data Platform since 2010.

Kevin Hazzard

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

LinkedIn: Kevin Hazzard

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

Kevin Hazzard is a Partner at Linchpin People LLC, leaders in the data integration and database wellness space. He was a long-time Microsoft MVP and the author of a book entitled Metaprogramming in .NET. Kevin also serves as an elected member of his local School Board and dedicates most of his non-professional time promoting public education.

Scott Currie

Twitter: - @scottcurrie

LinkedIn: Scott Currie

Scott Currie is the founder and CEO of Varigence, Inc. Scott has led the development at Varigence of the Business Intelligence Markup Language (Biml) and Mist IDE. Before founding Varigence, Scott worked at Microsoft for seven years on the .NET Framework, Visual Studio, the C++ compiler, various customer connection initiatives, and internal BI/DW projects.

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.

Gene Webb

Twitter: - None

LinkedIn: Gene Webb

Contact: http://None

Gene Webb is a Regional Sales Executive with The Profisee Group based in Alpharetta Georgia. Profisee is the successor to Stratature the company that built Master Data Services (MDS) and sold the product to Microsoft in 2007. Profisee focuses around Master Data Management (MDM) and as a Gold ISV provides solution sets built on MDS and the Microsoft Stack. Gene spent 7 years working at Microsoft as a SQL Server and Developer Tools solution specialist and an ISV Developer Evangelist.

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.

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.

John Morehouse

Twitter: - SQLrUs

LinkedIn: John Morehouse

Contact: http://www.sqlrus.com

John Morehouse is currently a Consultant with Denny Cherry Associates living in Louisville, Kentucky. With over 2 decades of technical experience in various industries, John now focuses on the Microsoft Data platform and specializes in Microsoft SQL Server. He is honored to be a Microsoft Data Platform MVP, VMWare vExpert, Friend of Red Gate, Sentry One PAC member Community Ambassador, and 2016 Idera Ace. John has a passion around speaking, teaching technical topics, and giving back to the technical community as much as possible. He is a user group leader, SQLSaturday organizer, and former PASS regional mentor. He is also a blogger, avid tweeter, and a frequent speaker at SQLSaturday’s as well as other conferences.

Chad Churchwell

Twitter: - @chadchurchwell

LinkedIn: Chad Churchwell

Contact: http://www.sqlchad.com

Seasoned SQL Server DBA Professional with over 18 years IT experience with 15 years experience in databases. I have managed an enterprise DBA team and am currently in a strategic consulting role specializing in HA, DR, Replication, and Performance Tuning and Optimization. I am currently speaking at several SQLSaturday’s as well as local user group meetings.

Jeffrey Garbus

LinkedIn: Jeffrey Garbus

Contact: http://mssqlperformance.blogspot.com/

Jeff has been consulting on and performing technical training for MS SQL Server since 1989, Version 4, on OS/2. Since then, he has worked extensively with each release of the product, specializing in performance and tuning, from concept through legacy system, on systems of all sizes, from small start-up company applications to multi-terabyte data warehouses.

In addition to hands-on consulting, he speaks at SQLSaturdays several times/year, has a youtube channel with free training, and has written 20 books on database management systems.

His latest book is “Transact SQL the Definitive Guide.”

Gene Webb

Twitter: - None

LinkedIn: Gene Webb

Contact: http://None

Gene Webb is a Regional Sales Executive with The Profisee Group based in Alpharetta Georgia. Profisee is the successor to Stratature the company that built Master Data Services (MDS) and sold the product to Microsoft in 2007. Profisee focuses around Master Data Management (MDM) and as a Gold ISV provides solution sets built on MDS and the Microsoft Stack. Gene spent 7 years working at Microsoft as a SQL Server and Developer Tools solution specialist and an ISV Developer Evangelist.

William Wolf

Twitter: - sqlwarewolf

LinkedIn: William Wolf

Contact: http://www.sqlwarewolf.com

Bill is the Manager of SQL Server Performance Tuning for RDX. He works with over 400 customers on solutions within the SQL Server environment and specialized in code tuning and mentoring the team within RDX. He has become a SQLSaturday veteran speaking at nearly 40 SQLSaturdays in the last 3 years. He has also spoken at Summit and is an Idera Ace class of 2018. Bill is active in the Pittsburgh SQL Server User Group. He is also the chapter lead for the DevOps Virtual User Group. He is passionate about educating users on SQL Server and mentoring others.

John Deardurff

Twitter: - SQLMCT

LinkedIn: John Deardurff

Contact: https://www.sqlmct.com

John has been a Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) for over 20 years teaching Azure, SQL Server, Exchange Server, and Windows Server networking courses. He is currently a SQL Premier Field Engineer for Microsoft. He is an MCT Regional Lead for the Eastern United States and a former Data Platform MVP.

Dave Mattingly

Twitter: - @dave_mattingly

LinkedIn: Dave Mattingly

Contact: http://www.davemattingly.net

Dave Mattingly has spent thirty years of designing, developing, databasing, documenting, and directing a variety of projects in many industries. In the past, he’s worked on space travel, fraud prevention, data accuracy, and virtual reality for industries such as games, ecology, health, religion, and money. He also writes, publishes, orates, teaches, and preaches.

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.

Michael Fal

Twitter: - @Mike_Fal

LinkedIn: Michael Fal

Contact: http://mikefal.net

Mike is a specialist in data management technologies. As a community advocate, public speaker, and blogger, Mike is a practicing thought leader for data and automation. He is passionate about DevOps and data, building platforms to optimize, protect, and use data efficiently.

Since 1999, Mike has been working in the database field, focusing primarily on SQL Server and specializes in automating data solutions to improve the reliability and efficiency of his environments. He has been caught playing trombone in public on more than one occasion.

Robert Biddle

Twitter: - @robert_biddle

LinkedIn: Robert Biddle

Contact: http://robert-biddle.com

Robert Biddle is a Data Architect for Hilton Grand Vacations in Orlando, Florida. He has over a decade of experience working with SQL Server in a variety of roles. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Delaware and also has MCITP certifications for Database Administration and Database Development. In recent years, Robert has specialized himself working with data integration, ETL, and data warehousing. He is a frequent speaker at SQLSaturday and Code Camp events.

Denis McDowell

Twitter: - mcdowell_is

LinkedIn: Denis McDowell

Denis McDowell is a Microsoft Data Professional with over 20 years of experience with SQL Server, scripting, virtualization, IT operations, and Cloud implementations across multiple industries. He currently works as the Solutions Engineering Manager for SentryOne and owns a consulting practice in the Charlotte, NC area. Denis has been a regular presenter at local, regional, and national conferences and events, including PASS Summit, Microsoft Hosting Summit, and numerous SQLSaturday and SQL User Groups around the U.S. In his free time, Denis enjoys traveling with his family, playing and recording in his home music studio, and catering to the needs of his three dogs.

Justin Dearing

Twitter: - zippy1981

LinkedIn: Justin Dearing

Contact: http://www.justaprogrammer.net

Justin Dearing has been working in IT in 2002. He started as a night shift AS/400 operator and rose through the ranks at a series of companies. He currently works as a developer in the capital markets industry.

Justin has served in both the development and production side of the house on Windows, Unix and Midrange Platforms. His database experience includes MongoDB, MySQL, Postgres and Microsoft SQL server. These days he programs in C#, PowerShell and PHP.

Jon Boulineau

Twitter: - @jboulineau

LinkedIn: Jon Boulineau

Contact: http://jonboulineau.me

Jon Boulineau works as a Data Architect and Data Engineer in Nashville, TN.

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.

Mark Scott

Twitter: - @usamjscott

LinkedIn: Mark Scott

Contact: http://www.pyramidanalytics.com/Pages/blog/Authors/mark-scott.aspx

Mark has over 20 years of consulting, managing, delivering, and selling in both private and public companies all over the US. Prior to joining Pyramid, he held consulting and sales leadership positions at Microsoft delivering and selling BI and Data Warehousing solutions to large enterprise accounts. In his spare time - Mark enjoys traveling and spending time with his wife, and two sons age 4 and 6!

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.

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.

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.

Luis Figueroa

Twitter: - @luisefigueroa

LinkedIn: Luis Figueroa

Contact: http://blog.luisfigueroa.net

Luis Figueroa is a data professional with more than 15 years of experience in Information Technologies across many industry verticals. Luis has held a variety of positions in IT such as Network Administrator, Systems Engineer, Database Administrator and EDW / BI Architect. In the most recent years Luis found his passion in architecting and developing open source data centric solutions that help businesses manage their data and gain a competitive advantage through analytics. Luis currently holds a position as Solutions Engineer for Hortonworks, Inc. where he works with many clients including Fortune 500 companies. Luis’ main focus areas are in Data Warehousing, Business Intelligence, Advanced Analytics, Big Data, IoT and Cloud Computing.

Phil Pledger

Phil Pledger is a database consultant specializing in Microsoft SQL Server. He has been working with SQL Server for over 20 years and specializes in architecture, performance tuning, and troubleshooting.

Mike Lawell

Twitter: - @sqldiver

LinkedIn: Mike Lawell

Contact: http://sqlserverassociates.com/Blog

Mike Lawell is an 19 year veteran of SQL Server, working with all versions since 6.5. He specializes in performance tuning and high availability as an independent consultant.

He is a Linchpin People Teammate, he also consults with SolidQ, Intellinet and Microsoft Consulting Services.

He is also a certified Scuba instructor with a long bucket list of dive sites.

He resides in Atlanta, GA and you can catch him at many of the SQLSaturdays in the SE region of the United States.

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.

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.

Allan Hirt

Twitter: - SQLHA

LinkedIn: Allan Hirt

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

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

Gary Serda

John Rice is a Data Center Consulting Systems Engineer for State amp; Local Government and Higher Education for Cisco in the Southwest States. He has been at Cisco for 4 1/2 years and has over 30 years of experience in computing, storage, networking, applications and systems management. He has certifications in Sun Microsystems Solaris, VMware VCP, Hitachi Data Systems Modular and Enterprise Storage, and Netapp.

Mark Fugel

Contact: http://blog.tnwdevlabs.com/

Has been in IT since 1984. Worked for ATamp;T for 17 years, 3M and devLabs at TheNetwork in Norcross, where I have build a reporting back end utilizing SQL Server Service Broker messaging and have utilized tSQLt to show our TDD developers that SQL can play nice too.

Dave Fackler

Twitter: - @sqlbiguru

LinkedIn: Dave Fackler

Contact: http://davefackler.blogspot.com/

Dave Fackler is a business intelligence architect, focusing on enterprise data warehouse and business intelligence solutions using Microsoft technologies. Dave has helped organizations design and implement large-scale data warehouses, exploiting SQL Server enterprise database features using dimensional modeling design principles and best practices. He has also architected and developed several enterprise ETL processes using SSIS and its robust set of high-performance tasks and transformations. Dave has delivered various end-user reporting solutions using SSAS and SSRS, often coupled with SharePoint and Office components. Dave speaks about business intelligence at numerous technical conferences, user groups and professional groups each year.

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”.

Michael Fal

Twitter: - @Mike_Fal

LinkedIn: Michael Fal

Contact: http://mikefal.net

Mike is a specialist in data management technologies. As a community advocate, public speaker, and blogger, Mike is a practicing thought leader for data and automation. He is passionate about DevOps and data, building platforms to optimize, protect, and use data efficiently.

Since 1999, Mike has been working in the database field, focusing primarily on SQL Server and specializes in automating data solutions to improve the reliability and efficiency of his environments. He has been caught playing trombone in public on more than one occasion.

Robert Verell

Twitter: - @sqlcowbell

LinkedIn: Robert Verell

Contact: http://sqlcowbell.com/wordpress/

Robert Verell is a SQL Server professional working in the Nashville area and has worked in healthcare, insurance, and banking. He found his passion for databases by learning SQL Server Integration Services and writing stored procedures, and eventually became a database administrator. Robert is a chapter lead for the Nashville SQL Server User’s Group, a volunteer for SQLSaturday, and was a finalist in the 2016 PASS Summit Speaker Idol competition.

David Dye

David is a Sergeant with the Cape Coral Police Department and currently works as a database administrator and developer in the Administrative Services Division. He began his career with the police department in 1990 in the patrol division and worked various assignments until being promoted to Sergeant in 1998. Based on his education and experience David was assigned to his current position in 2002 and is responsible for database administration, software integration, and development for public sa

Sponsors

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

• Denny Cherry and Associates Consulting

• Intellinet

• Profisee

• DH2i

• Tegile Systems

• SIOS Technology

• Micron

• Pyramid Analytics

• Tek Systems

• Soaring Eagle Consulting

• Linchpin People

• Idera

• SolidQ

• Devart

• MSSQLTips

• Effektor

• CTS Inc

• SQL Solutions Group

• SQLskills

• Redgate Software (GAP)

• SQL Sentry

• SolarWinds

• Microsoft Corporation (GAP)

• Ntirety, Inc.

• PluralSight

• SQL Server Associates, LLC

• Prologika

• SQL Chick

• SQLSaturday Chattanooga

• T K Creative Solutions Group

• SQLvariant

• Kroll Ontrack

• Cisco

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