SQLSaturday #506 - Baltimore - BI Edition 2016

Event Date: 04/30/2016 00:00:00

Event Location:

Loyola University
8890 McGaw Road
Columbia, Maryland

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

Sessions
Speakers
Sponsors

If there are any data quality issues or corrections needed, please contact the webmaster for this site or submit a pull request for the appropriate file(s).

Sessions

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

Title: Use Biml to Automate SSIS Design Patterns

Abstract: Perhaps you’ve heard the buzz about Business Intelligence Markup Language (Biml) and wondered, “Why is everyone so excited about Biml?” Occasionally, a new technology emerges that changes everything. For SSIS developers, Biml is one such technology. Business Intelligence Markup Language (Biml) is a powerful solution for rapidly creating SSIS packages and solutions. SSIS Design Patterns support various load profiles. Combined, Biml and SSIS Design Patterns offer a compelling solution for automating enterprise data integration.

In this session, you will learn:

How to rapidly build multiple SSIS packages using Biml
How to apply different SSIS Design Patterns using Biml
How to automate SSIS Design Patterns using Biml

Speaker(s):

Andy Leonard

Track and Room: BI - Room 210

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. What do we need to consider, which players do we consider, what are the components, the HA/DR scenario for the same, what technology to use? These are the questions we will answer along the way.

In this fast paced, information packed session; we will look at:

Selection of RDBMS
Selection/Setup of Reporting Infrastructure
Selection/Setup of ETL Infrastructure
Forming BI IT Team
Forming Users Team
Training
Security of BI environment
Managing Copy Data and Copy Data Virtualization
Data Warehouse
Utilizing Cloud
Collaborative Computing
Deciding what parts of BI to centralize and what to distribute.
Scope Creep
Success criteria
Redundancy
Maintenance We will look at the best practices involved in creating a BI infrastructure. Time permitting, we can discuss whether to outsource this project or rise above our DBA job

Speaker(s):

Paresh Motiwala

Track and Room: BI - BI 1 - Room 363

Title: Successfully Virtualizing SQL Server on vSphere

Abstract: Over the years, virtualization has matured from the exotic black magic realm to become a mainstream standard IT practice. “Virtualize First” is now a well-accepted default practice in most enterprises and any deviation is now considered an anomaly. In spite of this trend, many IT administrators and architects still have some reservations about virtualizing SQL Server workloads. They consider SQL too “critical” to be virtualized; they wonder and worry about scale about performance; they are looking for guidance and reassurance. If this is where you (or your clients) are today, be sure to attend this session. You will gain valuable insights from what others have done to successfully undertake similar tasks in their environments. We will talk about configuration pitfalls to avoid and also review the configuration and current performance data for some of the most demanding applications in customers environments. Got an SQL virtualization or performance question? Bring it!

Speaker(s):

Deji Akomolafe

Track and Room: Pro - BI 3 - Room 359

Title: SQL Server Internals: The Practical Angle - Part 2

Abstract: The session can also help database pros who prefer to understand and fix the root cause of a problem rather than simply applying a bandage. The session is based on the book “Pro SQL Server Internals” (http://www.amazon.com/dp/1430259620), includes numerous demos, and discusses answers to the following questions:

How does SQL Server store data and use indexes, and how can you efficiently design and maintain them?
What is the internal implementation of the various database objects, and when should they be used or not be used?
How do you troubleshoot and fix concurrency issues and design efficient transaction strategies?
How does SQL Server execute queries, and how are the most common plan-caching-related issues addressed?
How do you quickly identify and resolve issues and bottlenecks in systems?

Speaker(s):

Dmitri Korotkevitch

Track and Room: DBA - 210

Title: Azure Machine Learning – Bringing Advanced Analytics to the Masses

Abstract: While Machine Learning is not new, it has never been easy to implement. Azure Machine Learning (AML) aims to provide a set of tools that are easier to use and once a model is created easier to consume by client applications. At the core of AML is ML Studio. ML Studio provides an easy to use graphical tool that allows you to control the process from pre-processing the data, to applying learning algorithms, testing the model, and finally deploying the model for use by client applications. This session guides you through the process of creating and deploying a ML model. In addition it will demonstrate how client applications can easily use the model once it is deployed.

Speaker(s):

Dan Clark

Track and Room: BI - BI 2 - Room 361

Title: Working with SSRS Data-Driven Subscriptions

Abstract: SSRS Subscriptions are one of the great things within SSRS to automate delivery of reports. However, one of the more powerful methods of further enhancing this automation is by use of data-driven subscriptions. Data-driven subscriptions allow us to determine at run time what subscribers and other parameters can be used for automating generating these reports.

We’ll begin with a quick overview of what the more familiar subscription functionality is and then quickly jump into what data-driven subscriptions provide for us. We’ll then demonstrate from beginning to end how to implement data-driven-subscriptions. Lastly, we’ll wrap up with any tips and tricks to enhance our process.

Speaker(s):

Ben Galluzzo

Track and Room: BI - BI 2 - Room 361

Title: SQL Server Internals: The Practical Angle - Part 1

Abstract: A deep understanding of SQL Server internals makes it much easier to design and maintain efficient SQL Server solutions. Unfortunately, database professionals who lack this knowledge often make design and implementation decisions that adversely affect their systems.

This pre-conference session helps to address these issues and shows you how SQL Server components work under the hood, work together and communicate with one another, and most importantly, affect your systems. The session is based on the book “Pro SQL Server Internals” (http://www.amazon.com/dp/1430259620), includes numerous demos, and discusses answers to the following questions:

How does SQL Server store data and use indexes,

(See Part 2 for more details)

Speaker(s):

Dmitri Korotkevitch

Track and Room: DBA - 259

Title: Managing Security in SSIS

Abstract: In the world of extraction, transformation, and loading (ETL), everything we do involves moving data from one point to another. However, very often the focus in SSIS package development is on functionality, not security. When building internal data transformation and movement processes, it is easy to forget that these operations broaden our security footprint, and must be actively managed to ensure that ETL doesn’t become the weak link in the security chain.

In this presentation, we’ll discuss the security features in SQL Server Integration Services, while reviewing best practices for securing your ETL infrastructure while providing enough (but not too much) access to those ETL assets. Among the topics we’ll cover:  Properly securing connection passwords in SSIS  Using package protection levels  Restricting access to deployed packages  Using role-based security for SSIS deployment and execution  Using execution proxies

Speaker(s):

Tim Mitchell

Track and Room: BI - Room 210

Title: Power BI Desktop Fundamentals

Abstract: Due to the rapid growth in data there is compelling need to visualize them in a more engaging way and Power BI is an apt solution for it. Power BI is a cloud based data discovery and analytical tool ,it helps us connect to different data sources and create reports and dashboard that gives us actionable insights.It will be a beginner 101 ice breaking session. Section 1 will start with a basic introduction to Power BI desktop and gives audience a definition and quick overview of it in all available platforms (desktop,mobile and online). Section 2 will cover the Installation and licensing. Section 3 will cover the Top 3 features of Power BI which will give audience the reasons to use Power BI as an analytical and reporting solution.Section 4 will be demo and walk through different sections of Power BI desktop and How to create reports and publish them?Section 5 will show the internal components and How Power BI works.

Speaker(s):

Junaith Haja

Track and Room: BI - BI 1 - Room 363

Title: Full day precon: Building Better SSIS Packages

Abstract: Building packages in SQL Server Integration Services is easy. Building good packages takes a bit more effort. SQL Server Integration Services is deceptively easy to use. With a few hours of instruction or self-study, most data professionals can throw together an SSIS package. However, creating a process that simply runs successfully isn’t the endgame; enterprise-class ETL demands a higher standard. Specifically, well-designed packages will be: • Reliable • Resilient • Reusable • Maintainable • Well performing There’s nothing magical about building rock-solid SSIS packages, but it does take some discipline, experience, and a library of best practices. That is exactly the aim of this course: to demonstrate a set of proven practices that help frame the development of enterprise-ready SSIS packages. In this full-day presentation, we will walk through each of these five facets of well-built packages, discussing and then demonstrating ways of applying these practices.

Speaker(s):

Tim Mitchell

Track and Room: BI - 260

Title: Performance Monitoring for Analysis Services

Abstract: So you are responsible for monitoring the availability and performance of an SSAS instance as well as making recommendations for performance improvements. So you’re like no problem it’s just SQL Server right? All of the “tricks of the trade” for SQL Server you have learned over the years will work right? Then you do some research and find out that Analysis Services is not your mother’s SQL Server. In this presentation we will open the “black box” that is Analysis services and highlight key areas of performance that you should be looking at when monitoring. We will also discuss architecture of Analysis Services for both multidimensional and tabular model.

Speaker(s):

Stan Geiger

Track and Room: DBA - DBA - Room 362

Title: Table Vars and 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 represents 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 - Pro - Room 304

Title: Speed Up Your SSAS Cube’s Data Refresh With Dynamic Partition Processing

Abstract: Are you sometimes plagued with the unfortunate event of your SSAS cube refresh exceeding the scheduled maintenance window? Maybe you simply need to update recent data to reflect a critical change during business hours, but can’t afford several hours of downtime. I have a solution for you! In this session, we will focus on building an ETL framework while leveraging your cube’s logical partition design to dynamically process only the necessary data within your measure group. We will discuss audit logging, cube processing options, partition design and metadata access. These techniques and strategies will provide a faster data refresh process for your warehouse or data mart.

Speaker(s):

Jeremy Frye

Track and Room: BI - BI 1 - Room 363

Title: SQL Games

Abstract: SQL fun games for IT Professionals

Speaker(s):

Extra Session

Track and Room: Other - BI 3 - Room 359

Title: Data Partitioning for Database Architects and Mere Mortals

Abstract: Data partitioning is a valuable technique that simplifies database administration tasks and helps meet availability and performance SLAs. In this session, Dmitri will cover several techniques and architectural approaches you can use to partition data in the different versions and editions of SQL Server. You will learn about partitioned tables, partitioned views and stretch databases introduced in SQL Server 2016. Finally, Dmitri will discuss the practical questions, such as how to move data between filegroups and disk arrays keeping tables online, implement sliding window data purge pattern and benefit from partitioning in the systems with mixed (OLTP/DW) workloads.

Speaker(s):

Dmitri Korotkevitch

Track and Room: DBA - DBA - Room 362

Title: SSRS Episode 2016 - The Reports Awaken!

Abstract: In an IT Department far, far away… SSRS in the BI Galaxy has vanished. Due to this absence, other non-sinister reporting tools have risen from the ashes of this Global Industry and will not rest until SSRS 2016, the latest Reporting tool, has been defeated. With the support of brave BI developers like yourself, we will lead the new way of BI reporting in the future. Armed with the latest in Paginated and Mobile Reports, it is time to restore peace and justice in the BI Galaxy that depends on us! In English, we’re going to take a look at the latest edition for SQL Server Reporting Services.

Speaker(s):

Ayman El-Ghazali

Track and Room: BI - BI 3 - Room 359

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: BI - Pro - Room 304

Title: Security for your BI data

Abstract: What is Security and how the manage security for your data at rest, during the ETL and reporting process across multiple servers and in HA/DR situations. Handling permissions on a read only copy (readable mirror or snapshot) or individual permissions on a column are just two examples of topics this session filled with best practices will cover. This session focuses on the protection of the raw data and how to secure it from users, admins and everyone else.

Speaker(s):

Thomas Grohser

Track and Room: BI - BI 1 - Room 363

Title: Dealing With Difficult Managers

Abstract: We have all encountered difficult managers that leave us stressed out. They can be micro-managers, bullies, too timid, or even just apathetic. In any case, you are currently stuck with this manager, and you need coping strategies! Through case studies and open discussion, we will help you determine if you indeed have a difficult manager. We will identify and categorize behavior patterns of managers so that you can determine the best strategies to deal with him or her. In addition, we will also explore the consequences of these actions, and how they can help you to succeed in furthering your career.

Speaker(s):

Gigi Bell

Track and Room: Pro - Pro - Room 304

Title: Getting to know U-SQL

Abstract: With so many languages around to extract, transform, analyze, and visualize data, Microsoft introduced yet another language : U-SQL. In this session, we’ll take a look at what U-SQL is, what it brings to the table, and how it differs from (or overlaps with) the existing constructs (T-SQL, SQL CLR, DAX/MDX, PowerQuery/M, R etc.,). We’ll go over step-by-step in getting started with U-SQL, and review some use case scenarios.

Speaker(s):

Azhagappan Arunachalam

Track and Room: BI - BI 2 - Room 361

Title: How the Grinch Stole SQL Server Performance

Abstract: This session shows several common mistakes and inefficiencies that can be found in many production systems such as excessive code reuse in the database using the views and multi-statement functions and in the data access code; unnecessary joins and I/O operations in pagination queries; storage of multiple entities in the same tables using XML for entities-specific attributes; usage of the optional parameters in the where clause of the queries; and several others. The session explains the root-cause of performance issues those mistakes introduce and demonstrates how to properly address them in the code and database design.

Speaker(s):

Dmitri Korotkevitch

Track and Room: DEV - DBA - Room 362

Title: Disaster Recovery Options with Azure

Abstract: Recovery in the cloud is now easier and more convenient than ever. This session describes some common scenarios and reviews the steps needed to prepare for a disaster with a recover in Azure.

Speaker(s):

Carlos L Chacon

Track and Room: DBA - Pro - Room 304

Title: 7 steps to better career opportunities

Abstract: You see others getting great employment opportunities while you are stuck spinning your wheels. You are willing to put in the work, but don’t get the notice you think you deserve. How can you put yourself in position for some of the great opportunities out there? Let’s talk about 7 actionable steps you can take, starting here in Seattle, to put yourself in the driver’s seat of your career. We will discuss tools you can use to increase your networking exposure, how to position your yourself to let the correct people know you are interested in working with them.

Speaker(s):

Carlos L Chacon

Track and Room: Pro - Pro - Room 304

Title: Microsoft Sponsor’s Session

Abstract: Microsoft Sponsor’s Session

Speaker(s):

Extra Session

Track and Room: Other - DBA - Room 362

Title: SQL Auditing - Getting A View Of Yesterday’s Activity Today

Abstract: When trouble strikes, often it’s the simplest, most recent changes needing addressed first. In this session, we’ll explore tools, SQL Server features, and some suggested guidelines to help close the gap between the system today and who did what yesterday, so you can make better choices about the changes to make tomorrow.

Speaker(s):

Brad McKuhen

Track and Room: DBA - DBA - Room 362

Title: Implementing Data Warehouse Patterns with the Microsoft BI Tools

Abstract: You’ve read some of the content of well-known Data Warehousing books – now what? How do you take the structures and disciplines inside such books as the Ralph Kimball series and implement them? This session will take several of the key concepts in Data Warehousing and demonstrate some implementations using SQL Server Integration Services and Analysis Services. We’ll look at items such as Type 2 Changing Dimensions, Confirmed Dimensions, Dimension Outriggers, Role-Playing Relationships, Many-to-Many Bridge table relationships, Factless Fact tables, Handling of NULL foreign key values, and more.

Speaker(s):

Kevin Goff

Track and Room: BI - BI 2 - Room 361

Title: Peanut Butter Chocolate: Integrating Hadoop with SQL Server

Abstract: So you jumped on the bandwagon and set up a Hadoop cluster…but now what? Your database developers and app developers know how to integrate with and develop against SQL Server, but the Hadoop world is a completely different experience. This talk will help bridge the gap between SQL Server and Hadoop, using tools such as SQL Server Integration Services and Sqoop to migrate data between a Hadoop cluster and a SQL Server instance, as well as PolyBase to integrate the two like never before.

Speaker(s):

Kevin Feasel

Track and Room: DEV - Dev - Room 360

Title: PolyBase: I now pronounce you SQL and Hadoop

Abstract: If you thought the Royal wedding of 2011 was a big deal, then you’re about to be blown away! This is a match made in Data Heaven. You’re all invited, no need to RSVP, there is plenty of food for thought in this session. There will be some background talk and a demo for querying and creating data on HDFS (using Azure Blobs). As a special gift to the happy couple, we will also have a special demo with JSON documents. This will be the greatest coming together of 2016! See you there!

Speaker(s):

Ayman El-Ghazali

Track and Room: BI - BI 3 - Room 359

Title: Advanced Performance Tuning Tips with Database Performance Analyzer

Abstract: SQL Server query tuning is often more art than science and it can quickly eat up a lot of DBA and/or Developer time. This presentation will outline a method for determining the best approach for tuning queries by utilizing response time analysis. Regardless of the complexity of the statement, this quick, systematic approach will lead you down the correct tuning path.

Speaker(s):

Janis Griffin

Track and Room: Other - Room 210

Title: Making Predictions with Microsoft Data Mining Tools

Abstract: Whether predicting customers or All Stars, the process and the tools remain the same. Microsoft’s Analysis Services Data Mining tools enable you to quickly profile your data, identify hidden relationships and predict future outcomes based on those relationships. Join me to see what data mining is, what data mining is not and how Microsoft’s data mining tools can help you analyze your business. During this session, I will walk us through a start-to-finish data mining prediction project. It’s easier than you might have thought.

Speaker(s):

Mark Hudson

Track and Room: BI - BI 3 - Room 359

Title: Advanced SQL Server Analysis Services

Abstract: This session will go well beyond creating SSAS cubes with the cube wizard. I’ll cover topics such as the pros and cons of ROLAP, XMLA Processing options, Many to Many Bridge Tables and the use of the DefaultMember and IsAggregatable properties, SSAS Report Actions, Dynamic SSAS Roles with custom MDX code, Advanced MDX in SSRS, Partitioning and Aggregations, Data Driven KPIs, and Dimension Attribute Discretization.

Speaker(s):

Kevin Goff

Track and Room: BI - BI 2 - Room 361

Title: Going beyond SELECT *

Abstract: You know how to do the basics: selects, joins, filtering. What comes next? Sometimes it can be difficult to figure out what comes after SELECT * FROM. This session covers some of the more advanced features of TSQL that you may not know about. We will cover subqueries and the different ways they can be used. We will cover the different windowing functions and how they can be used. And finally we will cover the MERGE command.

Speaker(s):

Eugene Meidinger

Track and Room: DEV - Dev - Room 360

Title: Introduction to Biml

Abstract: Have you ever needed to generate dozens (or even hundreds) of similar SSIS packages? Do you ever find yourself needing to regenerate a lot of packages when some piece of the upstream data format changes? Using native SSIS, this can be a tedious and error prone exercise. However, using Biml (Business Intelligence Markup Language) can greatly increase your productivity as an ETL developer.

In this session, we’ll cover the essentials of Biml. I’ll discuss what it is and what it can do for SSIS, demonstrating how it can easily generate dozens or even hundreds of packages in just a few minutes. I’ll also demonstrate some realistic examples and discuss how Biml fits into the enterprise ETL picture.

Speaker(s):

Tim Mitchell

Track and Room: BI - Room 210

Title: Let’s Talk About Your Model: Simple Modeling Solutions to Complex Problems

Abstract: With examples of real problems and (attempted) solutions, this presentation will examine dimensional modeling techniques which simplify and speed up measure evaluation. A fast-paced and language/tool-agnostic look at some common and uncommon reporting scenarios, including: • All manner of date calculations and comparisons • Slowly changing dimensions • Events in progress • Conditional evaluation of measures

By the end of this talk, you should have a stronger understanding of the right questions to ask that will make your BI solution simpler for end users and more performant at run-time.

Speaker(s):

Greg Baldini

Track and Room: DEV - BI 3 - Room 359

Title: Would You Just Load Already?! Maximizing Your SSIS Data Load

Abstract: Loading data via SSIS is great! It’s fast too! Until you hit a bad record. Then things aren’t so great. Now you probably have to waste time dumping and reloading all the data, or worst figure out where the bad record is and try a partial load. In this session you will learn a simple method to load data via SSIS and identify, remove, and record those bad records allowing you to maximize the amount of data loaded while ensuring data integrity.

Speaker(s):

Chris Bell

Track and Room: BI - BI 1 - Room 363

Title: Top 10 Wait Types Everyone Should Know

Abstract: There are over 800 wait types in SQL Server 2014, but there are only 10 (in my experience) that are seen very often. If you can learn these 10 wait types, what causes them and their solutions, you will be ahead of the performance analysis game. The list of 10 wait types to be discussed came from over 100 consulting engagements with customers, so come find out what they are and improve your performance troubleshooting skills.

Speaker(s):

Janis Griffin

Track and Room: DBA - Dev - Room 360

Title: Optimizing the SQL Server and Databases for large Fact Tables

Abstract: A session full of demos demonstrating how SQL Server startup parameters, trace flags and the create database and alter database command when used correctly for the underlying hardware can make scanning your fact tables much faster.

We will also as a side effect explore the Mary Go Round query feature and find ways to bulk load data faster and how to load from an OLTP system with zero impact to it.

Speaker(s):

Thomas Grohser

Track and Room: DBA - DBA - Room 362

Speakers

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

Dmitri Korotkevitch

Twitter: - aboutsqlserver

LinkedIn: Dmitri Korotkevitch

Contact: http://aboutsqlserver.com

Dmitri Korotkevitch is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP and Microsoft Certified Master, author of Pro SQL Server Internals and other books with years of experience working with SQL Server as an Application and Database Developer, Database Administrator, and Database Architect.

Dmitri specializes in the design, development, and performance tuning of complex OLTP systems that handle thousands of transactions per second around the clock. He blogs at: http://aboutsqlserver.com.

Tim Mitchell

Twitter: - @Tim_Mitchell

LinkedIn: Tim Mitchell

Contact: http://www.TimMitchell.net

Tim Mitchell is a business intelligence architect, author, and trainer. He has worked with SQL Server for over a decade, specializing in data warehousing, ETL/SSIS, and reporting. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science from Texas AM at Commerce, and is recognized as a Microsoft Data Platform MVP. Tim is a business intelligence consultant and principal at Tyleris Data Solutions.

Tim is an active community speaker and volunteer, having spoken at over 100 events including the PASS Summit, SQLBits, Dev Connections, SQL Intersection, and scores of SQLSaturdays. He blogs at TimMitchell.net, and tweets at @Tim_Mitchell.

Jeremy Frye

Twitter: - SQLBInstein

LinkedIn: Jeremy Frye

Contact: https://jeremyfrye.net

Jeremy Frye is the manager of the Business Intelligence and data warehousing team at RDX. He is a Business Intelligence architect and developer with a background in database administration as well. Jeremy has over 9 years of experience in SQL Server. He has spoken on BI topics at many SQLSaturday’s throughout the country, webinars, and local and remote SQL user groups. In his spare time, Jeremy often spends time trying to bridge the gap between keyboard strokes and workout reps.

Deji Akomolafe

Twitter: - @dejify

Contact: http://blogs.vmware.com/apps

Deji Akomolafe (a member of the Office of the CTO Ambassador Program and Staff Solutions Architect within VMware#39;s Global Field and Partners Readiness Group) specializes in the virtualization of Microsoft Business Critical Applications on VMware#39;s vSphere platform. Deji is a regular speaker at VMworld, Partners Exchange Conference, VMUG, SQLSaturday and EMCWorld, presenting technical subject matters related to Microsoft Applications virtualization and providing technical guidance to help clients enhance their expertise and ability to optimally virtualize and operate their critical applications.

Kevin Feasel

Twitter: - feaselkl

LinkedIn: Kevin Feasel

Contact: http://www.catallaxyservices.com

Kevin Feasel is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP and CTO at Envizage, where he specializes in data analytics with T-SQL and R, forcing Spark clusters to do his bidding, fighting with Kafka, and pulling rabbits out of hats on demand. He is the lead contributor to Curated SQL (https://curatedsql.com), president of the Triangle Area SQL Server Users Group (https://www.meetup.com/tripass), and author of PolyBase Revealed (https://www.apress.com/us/book/9781484254608). A resident of Durham, North Carolina, he can be found cycling the trails along the triangle whenever the weather’s nice enough.

Carlos L Chacon

Twitter: - @CarlosLChacon

LinkedIn: Carlos L Chacon

Contact: http://sqldatapartners.com/blog

Carlos Chacon is the managing partner of SQL Data Partners LLC and co-host of the popular SQL Data Partners Podcast. While getting his start as a typical accidental DBA, Carlos has sat on Microsoft exam review panels, served as regional mentor and chapter leader. He enjoys traveling and has been to four continents, speaks Spanish and can eat his weight in raspberries (not yet proven). He and his family live in Richmond, Virginia.

Tim Mitchell

Twitter: - @Tim_Mitchell

LinkedIn: Tim Mitchell

Contact: http://www.TimMitchell.net

Extra Session

Extra Session

Dmitri Korotkevitch

Twitter: - aboutsqlserver

LinkedIn: Dmitri Korotkevitch

Contact: http://aboutsqlserver.com

Chris Bell

Twitter: - @cbelldba

LinkedIn: Chris Bell

Contact: https://www.wateroxconsulting.com/

Chris Bell offers a unique view of how we live and work with data, both now and as we head into the future. Having braved many roles, lifecycles, and battles in the IT world, he has honed his DBA (Database Administration or Do ‘Bout Anything) skills in Information Systems and development, focusing on SQL Server. Currently, he serves as the lead DBA at The Motley Fool. You can keep up with Chris’ thoughts and technical community activities at WaterOxConsulting.com.

Dmitri Korotkevitch

Twitter: - aboutsqlserver

LinkedIn: Dmitri Korotkevitch

Contact: http://aboutsqlserver.com

Thomas Grohser

LinkedIn: Thomas Grohser

Thomas Grohser has spent most of the past 26+ years exploring the deeper inner workings of SQL Server and its features while working for entertainment, pharmaceutical, and financial services industries. His primary focus is to architect, plan, build, and operate reliable, highly available, secure, and scalable infrastructures for SQL Server. Over the years he has managed thousands of SQL Server instances, processing trillions of rows, taking up petabytes of storage. Thomas has been a Microsoft Data Platform MVP for 9 years and has spoken regularly at conferences, SQLSaturdays, and user groups for 12 years.

Gigi Bell

Twitter: - @sqlspouse

LinkedIn: Gigi Bell

Known across the country as the SQL Registration Princess, Gigi Bell actually has vast experience in training and development. Being married to a SQL DBA, she knows enough about SQL to be dangerous, but her real passion is helping people learn and achieve their true potential. She has spoken at SQLSaturdays across the country since 2014.

Dmitri Korotkevitch

Twitter: - aboutsqlserver

LinkedIn: Dmitri Korotkevitch

Contact: http://aboutsqlserver.com

Thomas Grohser

LinkedIn: Thomas Grohser

Ayman El-Ghazali

Twitter: - thesqlpro

LinkedIn: Ayman El-Ghazali

Contact: http://www.thesqlpro.com

Ayman is a passionate SQL Server DBA, Developer, and BI Developer. His passion for technology started when he was a young boy playing DOS games on his father’s computer. He can be reached via his blog or twitter handle and is looking forward to connecting with other SQL Geeks.

Ayman El-Ghazali

Twitter: - thesqlpro

LinkedIn: Ayman El-Ghazali

Contact: http://www.thesqlpro.com

Eugene Meidinger

Twitter: - @sqlgene

Contact: http://www.sqlgene.com

Eugene Meidinger works as a BI consultant and full time Pluralsight author. He currently focuses on content on Power BI and related products. He also leads the Pittsburgh Power BI User Group. He is certified in querying and administering SQL Server.

Greg Baldini

Contact: http://www.nihilentinc.com

Greg Baldini is a Solutions Architect with Nihilent Technologies, Inc. He leads the data practice for the east coast and business analyst practice nationally. His primary experience lies in delivering effective and scalable analytical solutions for customers starting from the ideation phases and following through to rollout, training, and adoption. His goal is to always deliver on the promise of analytics, to make better decisions through data. An expert in data modeling engineering, systems architecture, and the Microsoft Data Platform, he has delivered solutions in many spaces including manufacturing, healthcare, fraud analysis, marketing pipelines, and sales performance.

Brad McKuhen

Contact: http://www.bradmckuhen.com

Brad McKuhen is a SQL Server Architect for Microtech Technologies, in the Washington, DC area. He has been working with SQL Server in some form or another since SQL Server 2000, and has been in IT for over 20 years. In his spare time, you#39;ll find him devoted to his family#39;s activities, and studying for the next certification.

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

Azhagappan Arunachalam

Az Arunachalam has been working with SQL server since v4.21/SQLNT. He started his career with troubleshooting at chip level, worked as a network engineer managing Novell NetWare networks, graduated into managing Windows NT, moved onto development, administered databases, and is currently working as a database architect. He#39;s excited about all the cloud offerings that Microsoft and others have made possible, and in sharing his findings with aspiring data enthusiasts.

Junaith Haja

Twitter: - junaithh

LinkedIn: Junaith Haja

Contact: http://sqlcast.com/

Junaith Haja resides in Baltimore, Maryland and works for Browse Info Solutions,Inc as Senior Business Intelligence Consultant. He designs and facilitates data systems for the largest cable company client in United States and provides analytics for operations and the top executive management team for their decision making process. Having worked in automobile, insurance, education and cable domain the author aims to share his personal Insights about SQL Server, SSIS, SSRS and SSAS technologies through his blog WWW.SQLCAST.COM. and WWW.MSSqlTips.com

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.

Mark Hudson

Twitter: - HMarkHudson

Mark Hudson is an MCITP with many years of experience in business intelligence and data analysis. He has developed data solutions using numerous platform tools including multiple SQL Server versions. He is a data architect and developer with CapTech (www.captechconsulting.com) and served as a leader of the Richmond SQL Server User Group (www.richmondsql.org).

Extra Session

Extra Session

Ayman El-Ghazali

Twitter: - thesqlpro

LinkedIn: Ayman El-Ghazali

Contact: http://www.thesqlpro.com

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.

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.

Tim Mitchell

Twitter: - @Tim_Mitchell

LinkedIn: Tim Mitchell

Contact: http://www.TimMitchell.net

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

Carlos L Chacon

Twitter: - @CarlosLChacon

LinkedIn: Carlos L Chacon

Contact: http://sqldatapartners.com/blog

Greg Baldini

Contact: http://www.nihilentinc.com

Janis Griffin

Twitter: - DoBoutAnything

LinkedIn: Janis Griffin

Janis Griffin has over 30 years of DBA/database experience including design, development and implementation of many critical database applications. Before coming to Quest Software, Janis primarily worked in the Telecom/Network Industry, working with both real-time network routing databases and OLTP business to business applications. Janis also held positions as a Principal Architect and Senior Manager, mentoring other DBAs on best practices in database performance tuning.

Ben Galluzzo

Twitter: - BenGalluzzo

LinkedIn: Ben Galluzzo

Contact: http://www.bengalluzzo.com/

I#39;m a software developer with a passion for anything that beeps and blinks. I first delved into databases on an Atari 800XL, and I never stopped looking forward since. I often have my hands in everything from databases and software to circuits and embedded systems. When I#39;m not beeping or blinking, I#39;m often spending time with my family, woodworking, building things, or outdoors.

Kevin Goff

Twitter: - @KevinSGoff

Contact: http://www.KevinSGoff.net

Kevin S. Goff (http://www.kevinsgoff.net) is a Microsoft SQL Server MVP

Database architect/developer/speaker/author

Regular columnist for CoDe Magazine on .NET, SQL Server, and Business Intelligence topics

Frequent speaker at community events in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Host of BDBI Radio (http://www.bdbiradio.com), a weekly webcast on SQL/BI topics

Janis Griffin

Twitter: - DoBoutAnything

LinkedIn: Janis Griffin

Dan Clark

LinkedIn: Dan Clark

Contact: http://drclarkblog.wordpress.com/

Dan Clark is a senior data analytics consultant. He is focused on all things data analytics and training others how to get value from their data. Dan has published several books and numerous articles on .NET programming and data analytics. He is a regular speaker at various developer and database conferences and user group meetings and enjoys interacting with the Microsoft developer and database communities. His latest book Beginning Power BI published by Apress is a will get you up and running with self-service data analytics on the Power BI platform in no time.

Kevin Feasel

Twitter: - feaselkl

LinkedIn: Kevin Feasel

Contact: http://www.catallaxyservices.com

Kevin Goff

Twitter: - @KevinSGoff

Contact: http://www.KevinSGoff.net

Kevin S. Goff (http://www.kevinsgoff.net) is a Microsoft SQL Server MVP

Database architect/developer/speaker/author

Regular columnist for CoDe Magazine on .NET, SQL Server, and Business Intelligence topics

Frequent speaker at community events in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Host of BDBI Radio (http://www.bdbiradio.com), a weekly webcast on SQL/BI topics

SQLSaturday #506 - Baltimore - BI Edition 2016

Sessions

Title: Use Biml to Automate SSIS Design Patterns

Title: Setting up your BI Infrastructure

Title: Successfully Virtualizing SQL Server on vSphere

Title: SQL Server Internals: The Practical Angle - Part 2

Title: Azure Machine Learning – Bringing Advanced Analytics to the Masses

Title: Working with SSRS Data-Driven Subscriptions

Title: SQL Server Internals: The Practical Angle - Part 1

Title: Managing Security in SSIS

Title: Power BI Desktop Fundamentals

Title: Full day precon: Building Better SSIS Packages

Title: Performance Monitoring for Analysis Services

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

Title: Speed Up Your SSAS Cube’s Data Refresh With Dynamic Partition Processing

Title: SQL Games

Title: Data Partitioning for Database Architects and Mere Mortals

Title: SSRS Episode 2016 - The Reports Awaken!

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

Title: Security for your BI data

Title: Dealing With Difficult Managers

Title: Getting to know U-SQL

Title: How the Grinch Stole SQL Server Performance

Title: Disaster Recovery Options with Azure

Title: 7 steps to better career opportunities

Title: Microsoft Sponsor’s Session

Title: SQL Auditing - Getting A View Of Yesterday’s Activity Today

Title: Implementing Data Warehouse Patterns with the Microsoft BI Tools

Title: Peanut Butter Chocolate: Integrating Hadoop with SQL Server

Title: PolyBase: I now pronounce you SQL and Hadoop

Title: Advanced Performance Tuning Tips with Database Performance Analyzer

Title: Making Predictions with Microsoft Data Mining Tools

Title: Advanced SQL Server Analysis Services

Title: Going beyond SELECT *

Title: Introduction to Biml

Title: Let’s Talk About Your Model: Simple Modeling Solutions to Complex Problems

Title: Would You Just Load Already?! Maximizing Your SSIS Data Load

Title: Top 10 Wait Types Everyone Should Know

Title: Optimizing the SQL Server and Databases for large Fact Tables

Speakers

Sponsors