SQLSaturday #477 - Atlanta - BI Edition 2016

Event Date: 01/09/2016 00:00:00

Event Location:

Microsoft
1125 Sanctuary Parkway
Alpharetta, Georgia

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

Sessions
Speakers
Sponsors

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Sessions

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

Title: Setting up your BI Infrastructure

Abstract: We know BI in bits and pieces. But imagine if you had to setup the BI infrastructure from scratch.

We will discuss

Selection of technology(Hardware/Software/Technology)
Selection of team(IT/Business/Adm
Maintenance (HA/DR)
Security
Best practices
Copy Data sprawl and how to overcome it.
Getting a management buy-in.

We can discuss whether to outsource this project or rise above our DBA job and do it ourselves.

Last but not the least: one of the things that plagues most leaders/Project Managers is the Scope Creep. When you are setting up a complex infrastructure like your own BI infrastructure, Scope Creep is easy and we will also discuss how easy it is to mess up the project because we could not control the Scope Creep.

Speaker(s):

Paresh Motiwala

Track and Room: BI Platform Architecture, Development Administration - Chastain

Title: Practical use of CTEs, Ranking Functions, MERGE statement, OUTPUT clause and other latest features i

Abstract: Not so long time ago SQL Server development was enriched with new T-SQL features, such as CTE (common table extension), array of Ranking functions (ROW_NUMBER, RANK, DENSE_RANK, TILE), MERGE statement, OUTPUT clause, EXCEPT, INTERSECT to name a few. For different reasons some DBA/Developers do not utilize those. In this session I demonstrate different practical use cases where these features could make T-SQL coding more efficient. This 100% code-based demo session highlights efficiency to utilize latest T-SQL function over conventional method with the same functionality. I’ll cover in deeps live scenarios where those features won performance efficiency, code readability and other advantages to use them within the stored procedures, functions, triggers and views.

Speaker(s):

Alex Grinberg

Track and Room: SQL Development - Highlands

Title: Solving the Data Integration Problem for Non-Developers with Power Query

Abstract: Self-service business intelligence (BI) technologies have gained popularity in the past few years. They often highlight how easy data exploration and fancy data visualizations are, but leave out the most expensive and time-consuming part of the process: preparing and integrating the data. Why? Perhaps because most self-service technologies fall short when pulling together information that is drawn from multiple systems.

In this session, learn how businesses and IT can use Power Query–a free data integration tool and part of Power BI–to transform, combine, and share data from heterogeneous data sources, reducing the time and cost to prepare the data that is used to produce analysis and reports. We also discuss how Power Query fits in the larger BI landscape and the considerations and concerns that IT stakeholders have when adopting this type of self-service technology.

Speaker(s):

Rafael Salas

Track and Room: BI Platform Architecture, Development Administration - Piedmont

Title: Testing Data and Data-Centric Applications

Abstract: Testing applications that depend on data can be hard. Everyone agrees that testing is vital, but knowing what to test and how to test it is challenging. Come to this session for a methodology for testing your data, and the applications that use it. Testing is vital to fast, successful delivery of software and information today. While application testing is generally well understood, data centric testing is not. The success of many applications depends on them producing valid, correct data, yet this is often tested as an afterthought, or not tested at all. During this session, we will discuss how to test the data produced by applications or data movement processes. We’ll cover how to determine the accuracy and quality of your data, and how to incorporate the testing into your data lifecycle. The focus will be on what you need to test, and the techniques for validating that the data produced is accurate.

Speaker(s):

John Welch

Track and Room: BI Platform Architecture, Development Administration - Grant

Title: Create and Load a Staging Environment from Scratch in an Hour with Biml

Abstract: Business Intelligence Markup Language (Biml) automates your BI patterns and eliminates the manual repetition that consumes most of your SSIS development time. During this hour-long presentation, Jay Harris from Varigence will use the free BIDSHelper add-in for BIDS and SSDT to introduce Biml and use to automatically generate large quantities of custom SSIS packages. The session will be largely demonstration driven, and reusable sample code will be distributed for you to use in your own projects. Using a live-typing approach, Jay will start from scratch and by the end of the session create a full-blown staging environment. The best part is that you can freely reuse the code in your own environment just by changing the connection strings - or make small changes to implement your own data load patterns.

Speaker(s):

Jay Harris

Track and Room: BIML - Midtown

Title: Getting Started with SSIS Script Tasks and Components

Abstract: SSIS has many great built-in tasks and components. Sometime, though, you need to go further than what they allow. Come to this session for an introduction to the scripting capabilities of SSIS. Many data movement activities can be handled with SSIS using the built-in tasks and components. Eventually, though, you will run into a scenario that will be better handled by extending SSIS functionality with custom code. In this session, we will cover the basics of using scripts in SSIS control flows and data flows. We’ll talk about the pros and cons of scripts, review the development environment for scripts, cover some interesting and useful .NET classes, and walk through multiple examples of scripts that add useful functionality to SSIS.

Speaker(s):

John Welch

Track and Room: Integration Services - Piedmont

Title: Mastering and Enhancing Company Data

Abstract: Getting a good 360 degree view of organizations (customers or vendors) or doing customer centric analysis is often complicated as a result of bad data/ duplicate data / inconsistent data coming from multiple systems. In addition, there are external factors like mergers and acquisitions, inter-company relationships and other nuances that may not be captured in source systems. Getting a clear picture of customer and vendor data can not only provide a clear picture for analysis of information, but also aid in critical risk management functions. In this session, you will learn about some techniques and data services from DB that you can use to clean and enhance your data.

Speaker(s):

Rushabh Mehta

Track and Room: BI Platform Architecture, Development Administration - Grant

Title: Power BI: Architecture, Integration Points, Implementation Options

Abstract: In this session we will review Power BI V2 architecture and integration points with corporate data sources, SaaS services, Azure, and third party apps. We will examine and demonstrate key capabilities in the Power BI web-based service, Power BI Desktop, Excel, and mobile apps. Implementation options for Power BI involving cloud, on-premises, and hybrid approaches will be explored. Finally, the concept of “Bimodal BI” will be introduced with use cases for how Power BI might be utilized for both self-service BI and certain corporate BI initiatives.

Speaker(s):

Melissa Coates

Track and Room: BI Platform Architecture, Development Administration - Grant

Title: Introduction to DataZen

Abstract: This is a must attend session for every data professional. Join me as I provide an overview of DataZen, Microsofts newly acquired on-premises mobile BI solution. Datazen is optimized for SQL Server and designed to enable rapid development and publishing of business intelligence in a way that delivers premium user experience on any device. In this session I will provide an overview of DataZen, discuss its key features, provide an architectural overview and finally demonstrate how to author and publish dashboards.

Speaker(s):

Patrick LeBlanc

Track and Room: BI Information Delivery - Grant

Title: Azure Data Lake Store Data Lake Analytics - Let’s Go Swimming!

Abstract: Let’s take a lap around Azure Data Lake Store Analytics! We’ll cover what it is, how it’s architected, why you might want to use it, and what other tools are involved (U-SQL!). The session will consist of an overview of the data store and analytics options, a live demo, and some discussion of how it all comes together.

Speaker(s):

Audrey Hammonds

Track and Room: Cloud Application Development Deployment - Underground

Title: Biml Recipes: Automatically create T-SQL Scripts for Common Tasks

Abstract: You’ve probably heard a lot about Biml for SSIS automation, but did you know it can also be used for building complex, yet reusable T-SQL statements for common database tasks – in most cases much faster and more easily than you could with dynamic T-SQL.

This will be a scenario driven session where we discuss many real world examples of manual tasks that can be automated with Biml snippets and the free BIDS Helper AddIn to BIDS/SSDT. You will receive all code for your own use.

Scenarios include: 1) Generation of T-SQL merge statements that removes all the drudgery of manually mapping columns - including complex SCD column handling. 2) Stale data detection that uses Biml to create queries that display ranges for all date/time columns in each table of a target database - perfect for retiring tables from WorkDB and other ad hoc environments. 3) Sample data creation that automatically produces test data based on DDL schema information from your data model. 4) And much more

Speaker(s):

Scott Currie

Track and Room: BIML - Centennial

Title: Analysis Services: Show Me Where It Hurts

Abstract: “Its.Slow!” are probably the two most dreaded words for any database professional (right behind “You’re fired!”)

What’s slow? Since when? Compared to what?

Join this “something-everyone-should-be-doing-but-isn’t” session, in which we will discuss baselines and performance monitoring for your SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS) environment. We’ll cover what a baseline is, what information it needs to include, and how it can help you troubleshoot immediate problems and proactively avoid them in the future. Walk away from the session with a plan that you can implemented next week to help avoid being caught off guard by SSAS performance issues and to make troubleshooting a breeze.

Speaker(s):

Bill Anton

Track and Room: Analysis Services - Highlands

Title: Context Calculation, Back to the Basics with DAX

Abstract: The learning curve for DAX isn’t a straight line - it starts off gradual and quickly gets steep. With a syntax similar to Excel, DAX seems easy enough for an Excel power user but things quickly get confusing without a good foundation in the basics of DAX. Those basics - context and calculation - are the topic for this session.

This session is for the intermediate DAX user who has produced some quality data models and DAX calculations but who is still having difficulties with functions around filtering, time intelligence, and complex calculations. We’ll go through a number of practical examples that show that DAX at a fundamental level is a combination of creating filter and row CONTEXTS and then using those contexts to produce CALCULATIONS. Understanding this concept is a must to produce more complex code in DAX and it’s also a very useful framework for someone just getting started.

Speaker(s):

Austin Senseman

Track and Room: Advanced Analysis Techniques - Highlands

Title: How to Get Lightning Fast Answers with Power BI QA and Cortana

Abstract: How to interact with your corporate data right from within the Cortana experience including voice integration for querying your data. How QA can resolve our day today question from organization. How to Use natural language queries to find answers in your own data. Start with a question, and have fun traveling through your data refining or expanding your question, uncovering trust-worthy new information, zeroing in on details and zooming out for a broader view

Speaker(s):

Vishal Pawar

Track and Room: PowerBI - Chastain

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 - Centennial

Title: Looking for the Power BI On-Prem Alternative?

Abstract: Do you like Power BI – but your company is not ready to move to the CLOUD? In this session we will be covering the On-Prem Power BI alternative that Microsoft has endorsed: Pyramid Analytics BI Office. We will discuss architecture considerations; use cases; integration points with Power BI, SharePoint on-prem, and SSRS; Tabular Modeling on-the-fly; and even consumption of data from Azure ML!

Do you want to allow your business users to build Tabular models on the fly, or connect to your multi-dimensional cubes - and visualize them immediately? Come and hear about how you can do all of this and more with Pyramid Analytics’ BI Office suite.

Speaker(s):

Mark Scott

Track and Room: Sponsor - Centennial

Title: Optimizing Your Data Warehouse for OLAP Processing

Abstract: Analysis Services have become a major part of upper management daily decision making activities. However, with our DW sizes reaching multiple terabytes minimizing time required to process our data has become our top priority. In this session, we will cover the options we have as DBA’s to improve the performance of our DW processing time. We will look at features and general best practices available to us within SSAS as well as enterprise level features within the database engine itself and how aligning them to work side by side would yield us at least 200% improvement in our processing time.

Speaker(s):

Konstantin Melamud

Track and Room: Data Warehousing - Midtown

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 - Underground

Title: Guided Tour of a Real World Biml Solution

Abstract: Have you been curious about Biml but find many of the samples and initial tutorials to be a bit theoretical? Would you rather see a Biml solution that works with real-world data? Look no further! In this session, Daniel McLeod, who works on the Biml development team, will demonstrate an end-to-end patterns-based metadata-driven integration using a real world Customer Interaction Center (http://www.inin.com/solutions/Pages/Contact-Center-Software.aspx) database. With just the source database and a simple but complete metadata store, the Biml solution will generate a data mart that is PowerBI ready. All Biml code will be shared with attendees.

Speaker(s):

Daniel McLeod

Track and Room: BIML - Midtown

Title: What’s New in SSRS 2016

Abstract: It’s been 10 years SQL Server Reporting Services has been updated. Hey Microsoft, what’s the hold up? Well the wait is over. Join me in this demo-heavy session where I will discuss and demonstrate all the new features of SSRS, from custom parameter layouts to pinning reports to Power BI.

Speaker(s):

Patrick LeBlanc

Track and Room: Reporting Services - Grant

Title: Top 5 Tricks to Optimize Excel Query Performance Against SSAS

Abstract: After developing a cube, a BI developer may assume users will do their best to query it efficiently. In reality, users may end up creating highly inefficient pivot tables, triggering complaints the technology did not deliver in its promise of speedy reporting.

This session will provide an overview of useful techniques designed to optimize Excel pivot table performance against Tabular models. These techniques can enhance the user experience and provide a way to better align with user expectations.

Speaker(s):

Javier Guillen

Track and Room: Analysis Services - Buckhead

Title: Machine Learning Modelling with Cortana Analytics

Abstract: Cortana Analytics is here. We have a new set of tools in the cloud to build powerful analytics. One key piece in the Cortana Analytics Suite is Machine Learning. Understanding Machine Learning modelling is key for your advance Analytics projects. Join this session to learn how to model a machine learning solution. Data preparation, algorithm execution, prediction queries, deployment and machine learning reporting.

Speaker(s):

Paco Gonzalez

Track and Room: Advanced Analysis Techniques - Underground

Title: Analysis Services: Multidimensional vs Tabular

Abstract: The difference between Analysis Services Multidimensional versus Analysis Service Tabular can be difficult to understand for both new and seasoned Microsoft business intelligence developers. However, knowing the difference helps you to pick the model type that will provide the best possible solution for your end users. This session will describe each model type, list the pros and cons of each model type, and show developer and end user functionality for both model types. After this session, you will be able to successfully pick the right Analysis Services model type for you.

Speaker(s):

Jessica Moss

Track and Room: Analysis Services - Centennial

Title: Cortana Analytics and Cortana Perceptual APIs

Abstract: This session outlines and presents Cortana Analytics Suite and answers many of the common questions about it. Cortana Analytics Suite analysis and identifies patterns in big and small data. Its critical in answering complex business questions. This session presents the use of Cortana Analytics Suite and Cortana Perceptual APIs in common business scenarios. This session will introduce Cortana Perceptual APIs (Face, Vision, Speech, LUIS, Tone), These tools are based on complex machine learning models that help us move from unstructured big data (video, text, audio, speech) to structured data. We’ll show a demo of how it works and business cases in different industries where Cortana improved IT ROI, compliance and customer retention.

Speaker(s):

Paco Gonzalez

Track and Room: Advanced Analysis Techniques - Underground

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 - Centennial

Title: Working with On-Premises data and Power BI

Abstract: Join Adam Saxton (@GuyInACube) as he looks at how to interact with on-premises data when creating reports and dashboards for Power BI. This will start with Power BI Desktop, and the choices you have for SQL Server and Analysis Services. It will then move to the cloud and look at hosting your files on OneDrive for Business, and what this means for data freshness.

He will then look at the Personal Gateway along with the new Power BI Gateway for enterprises and how that helps you work with live data.

It will finish off with looking at some troubleshooting tools available to you when working with data refresh.

Speaker(s):

Adam Saxton

Track and Room: PowerBI - Midtown

Title: Power BI - Getting It Right - A Full Walkthrough

Abstract: In this session you will get a full walkthrough of Power BI: What is it? How is it done? What’s in it for me?

By the end of this session you will have a full understanding of the Power BI offering and the tools used to discover data, design dashboards and visualizations , visualize them on all devices , how to optimize your data model for Power BI, and natural language query. You’ll learn about sharing and collaborating, and working with multiple datasources to build live interactive dashboards and reports.

Speaker(s):

Dandy Weyn

Track and Room: PowerBI - Centennial

Title: Configuring and using PolyBase to interact with Hadoop

Abstract: In this session, we are going to connect to a fully deployed Hadoop Cluster using PolyBase and Power BI. We will go over the Pros vs Cons of using this solution and what use cases this architecture fits. We will also visualize this data using PowerBI.

Speaker(s):

Montrial Harrell

Track and Room: Big Data - Underground

Title: Get the Most From Your BI Solution by Tapping Into Wire Data

Abstract: Your Network carries a wealth of data that you can use to improve your Business Intelligence practice. By mining the data on the wire you can gain access to new data sources, deliver real-time stream analytics, and even provide frictionless monitoring of your SQL Server databases without the need for profilers. Learn how ExtraHop can turn nondescript communications between systems into structured wire data from which you can derive new insights.

Speaker(s):

Tony Huiker

Track and Room: Other - Piedmont

Title: Transitioning from T-SQL to MDX for Beginners

Abstract: SQL Server Analysis Services has become a key base of Business Intelligence integration into business decision making. As DBA’s sometimes we are forced to change over to new coding standards. MDX is one of the base languages used when reporting off of cubes that are built using the multi-dimensional model. The goal of this class will be to help beginners convert from using T-SQL to understanding the basics when writing MDX codes from scratch.

Speaker(s):

Dan King

Track and Room: Analysis Services - Midtown

Title: Creating a Custom Visual In Power BI

Abstract: The ability to view your data in any way is a key tenet in Power BI. To satisfy this requirement, Microsoft introduced the ability for developers to create and include custom visuals in Power BI reports and dashboards. This session will teach you how to create your own custom visual, deploy it to a report, and use it in your own dashboards. Limited development experience is needed for this session and to create custom visuals.

Speaker(s):

Jessica Moss

Track and Room: BI Information Delivery - Piedmont

Title: Automating Critical BI Workflows

Abstract: The quality and accuracy of Business Intelligence depends on more than just a few processes. Learn how centralized workload automation enables you to schedule and monitor multiple processes in SQL, ERP platforms and other business systems. Create predictable and reliable BI workflows that your business can depend upon.

Speaker(s):

Gennaro Piccolo

Track and Room: BI Platform Architecture, Development Administration - Grant

Title: Introduction to Azure Streaming Analytics

Abstract: This session will cover what is Streaming Analytics and the various use cases. We will demonstrate the creation of a Streaming Analytics process which will output the data to a dashboard for review. The intention is to provide insights in how this technology can potentially be leveraged by the SQL community.

Speaker(s):

Warren Sifre

Track and Room: Cloud Application Development Deployment - Chastain

Title: What is the SSIS Catalog? and Why Do I Care?

Abstract: SQL Server 2012 redefined how SSIS packages are stored and executed. The advent of the SSISDB catalog gives a central point for working with SSIS projects deployed to the server. From this catalog we can set project and package parameter, configure environments, and monitor execution. There is no need to build in package logging because Microsoft had done it for us. This presentation covers what is in the catalog, how to deploy packages, environment, tips and tricks as well as monitoring package execution.

Speaker(s):

Stan Geiger

Track and Room: Integration Services - Buckhead

Title: Your BI Blueprint Does Matter: Modeling for MS BI

Abstract: The topic for this hour will be modeling for MS BI with a focus on multidimensional modeling. We’ll talk about a recommended blueprint for MS BI projects, the best option for effectively handing deleted rows, denormalization, degenerate dimensions, slowly changing dimensions, many-to-many relationships, considerations for predictive analytics, and tips for migrating from other platforms. Given time considerations, we’ll also be covering how agile methodologies and ABC (audit, balance and control) impact our modeling decisions. Come join us for an information packed hour!

Speaker(s):

Delora Bradish

Track and Room: Data Modeling - Buckhead

Title: Change Tracking: A Near Bullet-Proof ETL Synchronization Control

Abstract: Change Tracking came out with SQL Server 2008, but SS2012 almost eclipsed it with Change Data Capture. Change Tracking is now the red-headed step child, but in many cases may be a better solution for data ETL movement from an OLTP database to a data warehouse database. This session will provide a review of change tracking syntax and implementation with detailed demos. It will then dive into an actual ETL subset implementation from the AdventureWorks database to a data warehouse solution (modified AdventureWorksDW) with detailed code discussion and demos.

Speaker(s):

Mike Byrd

Track and Room: Integration Services - Buckhead

Title: Azure Data Factory: My Data Wandered Lonely as a CLOUD.

Abstract: This is an absolute beginner session on Azure Data Factory. I will cover basic terms and operations and show how to move your data the Azure way.

Speaker(s):

Julie Smith

Track and Room: Cloud Application Development Deployment - Piedmont

Title: Introduction to Azure Machine Learning

Abstract: We will discuss what is Azure Machine Learning, how it works, what it can do, and why would you use it. This session includes demonstration and use case scenarios. The goal of this session it to provide an understand of what Azure ML can do and how it may apply to business use cases.

Speaker(s):

Warren Sifre

Track and Room: Cloud Application Development Deployment - Highlands

Title: Insight through Spatial Data

Abstract: Introduction to SQL Server spatial data types. For starters will create basic geometric shapes and discuss how it can be used to improve search of complex polygons. Next will discuss spatial data type static functions and touch on spatial indexes. Lastly will create SSRS reports using spacial data. Focus will be on real world examples from transportation industry (U.S. Xpress, Inc.) and how spatial data and report can be used to make correct decisions.

Speaker(s):

Vladimir Oselsky

Track and Room: Analytics and Visualization - Chastain

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: Analytics and Visualization - Highlands

Title: Microsoft and Big Data - An Overview of the Power Tools and more!

Abstract: Come see Microsoft’s Power tools demonstrated for advanced analytics and hear about Microsoft’s embrace of Open Source and the Hadoop platform. We’ll also present on Microsoft’s tools for handling Big Data, such as the Parallel Data Warehouse and HDInsights.

Speaker(s):

David Patrick

Track and Room: Big Data - Buckhead

Title: The Real Value of Name-Value Pairs: Using PIVOT and UNPIVOT

Abstract: This session will show in-depth how to use both PIVOT and UNPIVOT. How to use the functionality will be described in detail along with how to use more advanced features like Dynamic PIVOT!

Speaker(s):

Kevin Wilkie

Track and Room: SQL Development - Chastain

Title: What’s New for BI in SQL Server 2016

Abstract: SQL Server 2016 will deliver many data analytics and information management new features and enhancements. Join this session to discover what’s coming up for Database Engine, SSRS, SSIS, SSAS, and MDS.

Speaker(s):

Teo Lachev

Track and Room: BI Platform Architecture, Development Administration - Piedmont

Speakers

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

Adam Saxton

Twitter: - @GuyInACube

LinkedIn: Adam Saxton

Contact: https://guyinacube.com

Adam Saxton is just a guy in a cube doing the work! He is on the Power BI CAT team at Microsoft, working with customers to help adopt Power BI. He is based in Texas and started with Microsoft supporting SQL Server connectivity and Reporting Services in 2005. Adam has worked with Power BI since the beginning, on the support side, and with documentation. In addition, he produces weekly videos for his Guy in a Cube YouTube channel.

Warren Sifre

Twitter: - WAS_SQL

LinkedIn: Warren Sifre

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

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

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.

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.

Warren Sifre

Twitter: - WAS_SQL

LinkedIn: Warren Sifre

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

Delora Bradish

Twitter: - @sqlsme

LinkedIn: Delora Bradish

Contact: http://www.delorabradish.com

Delora Bradish comes to SQLSaturday by way of Pragmatic Works. She has worked with SQL Server from 1999 with a primary career focus in MS BI since 2005. Delora has assisted companies of every size to implement SSIS, SSRS, SSAS and Sharepoint solutions. Some of her clients have included Hewlett-Packard, NASCAR, and General Motors, as well as state governments and prominent medical agencies. Delora is a MCSE in BI and Data Platform, and holds her MCSA in SQL 2012.

Kevin Wilkie

Twitter: - Oskaruth

LinkedIn: Kevin Wilkie

Contact: http://sherpaofdata.com

Kevin has 15+ years experience with SQL Server and has worked with the product since version 6.5, although he remembers with distaste the early versions of the product. He started working with SQL Server as an “Accidental” DBA, and has moved up through the ranks as a SQL Developer, a BI Associate, and Production DBA at various parts of his career. Currently, he works as a Lead Data Analyst spreading the gospel of how great data can be to anyone and everyone who will listen.

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.

Paresh Motiwala

Twitter: - pareshmotiwala

LinkedIn: Paresh Motiwala

Contact: https://pareshmotiwala.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=2amp;action=editamp;message=6amp;postpost=v2

Paresh Motiwala a Azure/Big Data enthusiast, Manager of Database Platform teams has led several large SQL implementations, migrations and upgrades. He has managed multi terabyte OLTP databases. He has also been a Sr. SQL DBA and a Solutions Architect in Fortune 100 companies. He helps/organizes and speaks at many SQLSaturdays, Azure Bootcamp, Azure Datafests and User Groups(Boston BI UG, NESQL, PASS PD VG and PASS DBA VG).

He is certified in Big Data Analytics, FinTech, PMP, Public Speaking, Business Communications. He is a avid singer, cook, open networker, and stand-up comedian. He teaches public speaking, debating, interviewing and group discussion skills and mentors children around the globe via www.circlesofgrowth.com

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.

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.

Vladimir Oselsky

Twitter: - @VladyOselsky

LinkedIn: Vladimir Oselsky

Vladimir Oselsky (Vlady) is an IT Professional with over 15 years of experience in various IT Jobs. Born and raised in Siberia, moved to United States in late 90s. Passion for computer and programming started with DOS games and learning Borland Paschal in 8th grade as a hobby. IT career consisted of everything from hardware and software support to server administration. Current focus on SQL Server Database Development and .NET programming

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.

Patrick LeBlanc

Twitter: - patrickdba

LinkedIn: Patrick LeBlanc

Contact: http://patrickdleblanc.com

Patrick LeBlanc is a currently a Principal Program Manager at Microsoft and a contributing partner to Guy in a Cube. Along with his 15+ years’ experience in IT he holds a Masters of Science degree from Louisiana State University. He is the author and co-author of five SQL Server books. Prior to joining Microsoft he was awarded Microsoft MVP award for his contributions to the community. Patrick is a regular speaker at many SQL Server Conferences and Community events.

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).

Tony Huiker

Twitter: - @extrahop

LinkedIn: Tony Huiker

Later

Dan King

Contact: http://www.rdx.com/Blog/dba_tips/2014/04/the-merge-join-transformation-and-an-ssis-sorting-tip/

My name is Dan King. Believe it or not I am a huge computer geek. I have worked in the System Admin role and for the past 9 years I have worked with RDX holding many positions. My current role is Sr. Manager of Data Analytics. I am a father of one. I love sports and I am a huge outdoors man. I have a few blogs published by my company that can be found on there website.

Paco Gonzalez

Twitter: - @pacosql

LinkedIn: Paco Gonzalez

Jessica Moss

Twitter: - @jessicammoss

Contact: http://www.jessicammoss.com

Jessica M. Moss is a well-known architect, speaker, author, and Microsoft MVP of SQL Server Business Intelligence. Jessica#39;s expertise includes data warehouse modeling, Integration Services ETL, Analysis Services semantic modeling, Reporting Services report design, and helping customers across industries successfully implement and enhance their BI solutions. She enjoys sharing her knowledge with the SQL community and has co-authored numerous technical books.

Mike Byrd

Twitter: - ByrdNest_TX

LinkedIn: Mike Byrd

Contact: http://logicalread.solarwinds.com/?s=byrd, www.TSQLMentoring.com and SQLServerCentral.com

Former rocket scientist and USAF Fighter Pilot – now a SQL Server geek (24 years)! Past opportunities include free-lance technical writer for PC Magazine, Senior Software Manager for government sponsored munitions effectiveness committee, and insurance company CTO. Currently senior database engineer consultant for several Austin companies.

Presenter at many SQLSaturdays over last 6 years in United States, Europe, and Australia.

Specialize in SQL Server performance tuning; database (OLTP OLAP) architecture; trouble-shooting; teaching TSQL (Basic through Advanced).

Video presentations (for local SQL Server user groups or SQLSaturdays) can be found at http://usergroup.tv/videos/category/speaker/mike-byrd

Vishal Pawar

Twitter: - Vishal_BI

LinkedIn: Vishal Pawar

Contact: http://bimentalist.com/

Vishal Pawar is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP, Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT), founder of the Global Power BI User Group and co-leader of the PASS Business Analytics Virtual Group. He is a Principal BI Architect in Green House Data, with decades of experience in BI solution architecture and best practices. He has published more than 1000 articles since 2011 in SQL and BI. Vishal teaches a free Power BI course through Udemy, which has more than 65K students from the glob. Vishal is an exceptional technology community of leaders worldwide who actively share their high quality, real-world expertise with the technical communities.

Rushabh Mehta

Twitter: - @rushabhmehta

LinkedIn: Rushabh Mehta

Contact: http://blogs.solidq.com/RushabhMehta

Rushabh Mehta is a Business Intelligence Mentor with SolidQ and the Managing Director for Solid Quality India Pvt. Ltd. He served as PASS President for 2010/2011 term.

Rushabh has worked with MS Data Platform since 1998 and has designed and developed BI systems since 2001. He has been the lead architect for many large-scale and complex BI solutions for clients such as Publix, Raymond James, Jackson Hewitt, US Dept. of Defense, and Microsoft. He is an MVP with Microsoft, Damp;B amp; Melissa Data

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.

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.

Scott Currie

Twitter: - @scottcurrie

LinkedIn: Scott Currie

Montrial Harrell

Twitter: - @blackdragon_sql

LinkedIn: Montrial Harrell

Contact: http://www.broadstrokeconsulting.com

Montrial has been involved with Technology since his first programming class in Junior High over 23 years ago. Since then he has been discovering how to use technology to solve problems in support of infrastructure teams, software development, Health Care and Government agencies. He has worked as a Systems Admin, LAN Admin, QA Engineer, instructor and finally decided to focus on Data Management and Governance because it offered so many ways to help businesses.

Gennaro Piccolo

Gennaro Piccolo has been a Senior Support Engineer with MVP Systems for nearly 3 years. Gennaro has more than 15 years of IT experience. His responsibilities as a Support Engineer include providing remote and on-site training, remote and on-site initial implementation, troubleshooting and general support for JAMS Scheduler. Gennaro has worked to implement JAMS with companies large and small whose jobs are based in Windows, Powershell, SQL, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics AX, SAP, JDEdwards, Unix, iSeries, Mainframe, Informatica, Ecometry, OpenVMS, and more.

Stan Geiger

Data Architect and BI Architect. Experience building Data Warehouse and ETL platforms, BI Analytics and OLTP systems. He is currently a Director of Product Manager at Idera, responsible for the development of the multi-platform tools.

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!

Konstantin Melamud

Twitter: - @kmelamud

Konstantin has over 15 years of SQL Server experience and demonstrates his expertise and commitment to helping SQL Server DBAs succeed through his position as Director of Service Delivery at RDX. In his role, Konstantin is responsible for designing and implementing RDX’s service delivery strategies, including those for SQL Server. Since joining RDX in 2009, Konstantin has proven to be a strong leader and expert in SQL Server database administration, architecture, performance tuning, and business intelligence. He is also a very active member of the SQL Server community and frequently presents at SQLSaturdays and user groups throughout the year. In addition, Konstantin presented during 24 Hours of PASS and at the PASS Summits.

Jessica Moss

Twitter: - @jessicammoss

Contact: http://www.jessicammoss.com

John Welch

Twitter: - @john_welch

LinkedIn: John Welch

Contact: http://agilebi.com/jwelch

Patrick LeBlanc

Twitter: - patrickdba

LinkedIn: Patrick LeBlanc

Contact: http://patrickdleblanc.com

Audrey Hammonds

Twitter: - @DataAudrey

LinkedIn: Audrey Hammonds

Contact: http://datachix.com

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

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.

David Patrick

Twitter: - DavidEPatrick

LinkedIn: David Patrick

Contact: http://www.madsharepoint.com

Dave has been developing database applications for over 25 years. An MCT since 2001, he has taught many classes from Intro to Visual Interdev to Advanced SharePoint Development. Dave runs two user groups, the Maryland and Pennsylvania Microsoft Developers User Group, www.mapamdug.com, and MAD SharePoint, www.madsharepoint.com. Dave does SharePoint training and development for DSA, Inc., a DoD contractor that does great work for the Army over at Aberdeen Proving Ground. Dave is also an MVP.

Alex Grinberg

LinkedIn: Alex Grinberg

I have more than 20 years of IT experience. My primary focus is with the latest Microsoft technologies including .NET (VB and C#), SSRS and SSIS. I provide services in tuning, optimization, analysis and development for the creation of new applications, converting legacy technologies (SQL Server, VB.NET and C# ) and site training. I have worked for CSC, VerticalNet, IDP, LSAC , and TMNAS (to name a few) and I am currently employed with Cox Automotive. I am Apress author book “XML and JSON Recipes for SQL Server”, also wrote number of articles for Simple-Talk and SQLServerCentral.com

Austin Senseman

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

LinkedIn: Austin Senseman

Contact: http://www.powerpivotpro.com

Austin spent the last five years using Modern Excel in the field to solve analytical challenges for the financial services industry, first at BBVA and later at Harbert Management Corporation. As a former analyst, Austin is focused on enabling other data professionals to experience the joys of Power Pivot Power BI. Austin is a CFA Charterholder, former CPA, Excel Power User, and SQL Server Professional, whose involvement in data/analytics projects lowers the communication costs between business users and IT professionals and helps organizations get to solutions faster.

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.

Daniel McLeod

Twitter: - @WebchatGuy

LinkedIn: Daniel McLeod

Daniel McLeod is a developer at Varigence.

Dandy Weyn

Twitter: - ILIKESQL

LinkedIn: Dandy Weyn

Contact: http://WWW.ILIKESQL.COM

With over 20 years of experience in the database world, Dandy Weyn is very experienced on database platforms and business intelligence. As content developer for hands-on-labs, owner of technical events, and multiple years as international consultant and trainer Dandy offers the unique combination of deep technical and solid presentation skills. He is an MCM for SQL Server, Microsoft Certified Trainer and Global Technical Lead for Data Platform in the Enterprise Partner Group (EPG) at Microsoft.

Jay Harris

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

LinkedIn: Jay Harris

Jay is a developer at Varigence in Greenville, SC, focused on building products like BimlOnline that make BI development more powerful and accessible.

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.

SQLSaturday #477 - Atlanta - BI Edition 2016

Sessions

Title: Setting up your BI Infrastructure

Title: Practical use of CTEs, Ranking Functions, MERGE statement, OUTPUT clause and other latest features i

Title: Solving the Data Integration Problem for Non-Developers with Power Query

Title: Testing Data and Data-Centric Applications

Title: Create and Load a Staging Environment from Scratch in an Hour with Biml

Title: Getting Started with SSIS Script Tasks and Components

Title: Mastering and Enhancing Company Data

Title: Power BI: Architecture, Integration Points, Implementation Options

Title: Introduction to DataZen

Title: Azure Data Lake Store Data Lake Analytics - Let’s Go Swimming!

Title: Biml Recipes: Automatically create T-SQL Scripts for Common Tasks

Title: Analysis Services: Show Me Where It Hurts

Title: Context Calculation, Back to the Basics with DAX

Title: How to Get Lightning Fast Answers with Power BI QA and Cortana

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

Title: Looking for the Power BI On-Prem Alternative?

Title: Optimizing Your Data Warehouse for OLAP Processing

Title: Getting Involved and Getting Ahead

Title: Guided Tour of a Real World Biml Solution

Title: What’s New in SSRS 2016

Title: Top 5 Tricks to Optimize Excel Query Performance Against SSAS

Title: Machine Learning Modelling with Cortana Analytics

Title: Analysis Services: Multidimensional vs Tabular

Title: Cortana Analytics and Cortana Perceptual APIs

Title: Using BIML as an SSIS Design Patterns Engine

Title: Working with On-Premises data and Power BI

Title: Power BI - Getting It Right - A Full Walkthrough

Title: Configuring and using PolyBase to interact with Hadoop

Title: Get the Most From Your BI Solution by Tapping Into Wire Data

Title: Transitioning from T-SQL to MDX for Beginners

Title: Creating a Custom Visual In Power BI

Title: Automating Critical BI Workflows

Title: Introduction to Azure Streaming Analytics

Title: What is the SSIS Catalog? and Why Do I Care?

Title: Your BI Blueprint Does Matter: Modeling for MS BI

Title: Change Tracking: A Near Bullet-Proof ETL Synchronization Control

Title: Azure Data Factory: My Data Wandered Lonely as a CLOUD.

Title: Introduction to Azure Machine Learning

Title: Insight through Spatial Data

Title: Microsoft Technologies for Data Science

Title: Microsoft and Big Data - An Overview of the Power Tools and more!

Title: The Real Value of Name-Value Pairs: Using PIVOT and UNPIVOT

Title: What’s New for BI in SQL Server 2016

Speakers

Sponsors