SQLSaturday #521 - Atlanta 2016

Event Date: 05/21/2016 00:00:00

Event Location:

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

PDF of Schedule

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• Sessions
• Speakers
• Sponsors

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Sessions

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

Title: Successfully Virtualizing SQL Server on vSphere - Straight from the Source

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: Strategy and Architecture - 107 (54)

Title: Azure SQL Database for the Production DBA

Abstract: Have you been wondering what Azure SQL Database is and what it means for you as a production DBA? Azure SQL Database has become an Enterprise-worthy database platform that provides relational database-as-a-service. In this session you’ll get a grounding in the fundamentals of Azure SQL Database from a DBA perspective. First we’ll cover how to create an Azure SQL Database using the Azure Portal and an approach for sizing a new Azure SQL Database. Then we’ll cover some of the similarities and differences between on premises SQL Server and Azure SQL Database. Finally we will cover how monitoring and performance tuning Azure SQL Database differs from on premises SQL Server. If you’ve been considering Azure SQL Database for your organization, this session is for you!

Speaker(s):

• Tim Radney

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - 212 (48)

Title: Unraveling Tangled Code:A Spellbinding Tale of Victory Over Chaos

Abstract: Once upon a time, you inherited an application or a database that was filled with chaos and inconsistencies. The T-SQL code is overly complex and impossible to ken. The architecture is painful to behold, and grueling to code for. One might optimistically say that query performance is “spectacularly mediocre”. If you’re without good documentation or system architects to guide you, how do you break the curse of confusion? In this session you’ll learn several methods for conquering chaotic code, and how to seek and destroy some of the nastier coding mistakes and inefficiencies. We will break complicated queries into key pieces, turn them upside-down, and reform them into something sensible. We will vanquish major issues like data abuse and index negligence. We will restructure joins, tame subqueries, and refactor dynamic SQL. We will emerge victorious!

Speaker(s):

• Jennifer McCown

Track and Room: Application Database Development - 222 (48)

Title: Locks, Blocks, and Deadlocks; Tame the Sibling Rivalry

Abstract: Deadlocks present a problem to many DBAs. Deadlocks can be minor occurrences or major issues making SQL Server continually choose a victim like constantly quarreling siblings.

To understand how Deadlocking occurs, we must understand basic locking, blocking of SQL Server. We will review Isolation Levels, and when is an appropriate time to use each.

We will then review Deadlocking, how to capture Deadlocks and touch on how to resolve Deadlocks and lessen the family fighting.

Speaker(s):

• William Wolf

Track and Room: Application Database Development - 205 (40)

Title: Indexing for Join Optimization

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

Speaker(s):

• Jeffrey Garbus

Track and Room: Information Delivery - 204 (48)

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: Application Database Development - 220 (60)

Title: Datawarehouse Development in an Agile World

Abstract: In today’s world of Agile, Scrum, Iterative, WiziWigFlimFlam… The data warehouse architect or developer can feel like their development doesn’t really fit. Without knowing all of the requirements upfront, how could you possibly successfully design your datawarehouse? How about all of the documentation you would always leave as artifacts? This session will take you through a handful of tools to help through the iterative development cycles and changes in requirements as the project evolves. You will walk away with several document templates, scripts and the knowledge to help you along your next Agile datawarehouse project.

Speaker(s):

• miguel Cebollero

Track and Room: Strategy and Architecture - 218 (60)

Title: SS2014/16 In-Memory Tables: Formula 1 Performance Unleashed?

Abstract: Query performance is what it is all about. SQL Server 2014 now has the new in-memory functionality that takes a completely different approach to data access and manipulation. Google “In-Memory Tables” and you’ll get a myriad of results from white papers, blogs, webinars, etc. This session will consolidate the relevant information from all these sources so the production DBA/Developer will be able to understand, create, use, maintain, and trouble-shoot in-memory table functionality. This session will also examine several demo scripts showing performance gains using the in-memory tables over equivalent disk based tables.
This session is all about when and how to apply in-memory tables in a production environment. After this session you will

1. Understand what in-memory tables are and how to create and maintain them including their limitations
2. Be able to identify performance gains over equivalent disk back tables
3. Comprehend the new data monitoring needed for in-memory table

Speaker(s):

• Mike Byrd

Track and Room: Application Database Development - 206 (48)

Title: TempDB- More permanent impact than you think

Abstract: As a DBA you hear different theories and “gospel truths” about TempDB from many people. Frankly there is no single version of the truth except that if you don’t use and manage it well, it will make your life a real h*ll. What works for you in one situation may not work for you in another situation. What works for a situation today, might not guarantee its success for a similar situation tomorrow.

We will talk about Temporary User Objects, Work Tables, Interim Results Version Store for Data Standards for its configuration Contention Data Files Per CPU - Myth or Reality? Dynamic Growth or Pre Sized? Trace Flags to Manage Tempdb? Should we store the entire Tempdb on SSDs? Should we shrink TempDB or not?

Hopefully at the end of the session your knowledge on Tempdb won’t be Temp.

Speaker(s):

• Paresh Motiwala

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - Room 06

Title: Advanced Error Tracking for Quick Diagnosis

Abstract: In this session, we will walk through how to build a detailed error notification service for SQL Server that will trap errors, and email you a well formatted and detailed error report on what went wrong. In many organizations, you typically have SQL agent jobs running, and when failures occur, you get a generic email with a jumbled up message about the error, but it doesn’t really help you understand where and at what point did your stored procedure fail. In this class, we will introduce and go through how to pinpoint errors in real time, and how to identify troubling areas or bottlenecks in stored procedures. In the end, you will have a notification and error handling system that sends you a well formatted email alert with an html table output to show you the events that led up to the error, and what exactly the error was. This toolset has saved many developers and DBA’s tons of time researching failures in jobs, and we hope it helps you too!

Speaker(s):

• Matt Martin

Track and Room: Information Delivery - 218 (60)

Title: Efficient table design

Abstract: The importance of proper table design cannot be underestimated. Misconceptions could lead into serious problems not only in terms of database performance, but also it can effect disk space management and interactivity of user interface as well. In this session the audience will have a sensible walk-through of database and table design in detail, encompassing a number of key areas of focus ranging from Data Types to FILESTREAM implementation. Discuss most common a table design mistakes. Find out efficiency of one type over another, IDENTITY vs. SEQUENCE vs. GUID to support PK uniqueness, pros and cons of using composite Primary Key and SPARSE column, and more.

Speaker(s):

• Alex Grinberg

Track and Room: Other - 113 (44)

Title: 20 Minute Tabular Model

Abstract: Are you familiar w/ SSAS Multidimensional and curious about Tabular? Having trouble deciding between cubes and tabular models? Then this is your session!

Analysis Services Tabular was introduced back in 2012, and yet it has only just started to emerge from the Proof-Of-Concept phase to a legitimate production alternative in most IT departments. Based on xVelocity, a highly compressed in-memory technology, Tabular models provide considerable performance improvements over Multidimensional models in many scenarios. And with major advancements in 2016, Tabular has never been a more appealing solution. But, as is the case with any new technology, there are certain limitations of which to be aware.

Join me in this session and learn what a Tabular model is, how it fits into the Microsoft BI stack, the major factors to consider when choosing between Tabular and Multidimensional technologies, and finally a live step-by-step demo where we’ll build and deploy a Tabular model.

Speaker(s):

• Bill Anton

Track and Room: BI Platform Architecture, Development Administration - Probably Unavailable

Title: PowerShell Toolmaking with Advanced Functions and Script Modules

Abstract: Transitioning from writing PowerShell one-liners and basic scripts to creating reusable PowerShell tools with advanced functions and script modules can be a daunting task and with all the different ways that you’ll find on the Internet to accomplish the same task, it can definitely seem overwhelming. During this session, PowerShell MVP Mike F Robbins will demystify many of the intricacies of toolmaking while demonstrating the best practices for using parameters, parameter validation, cmdlet binding, supports should process, pipeline input, error handling, module manifests, and custom formatting. This session will NOT be a deep dive into any one of the previously listed topics. Prior experience with PowerShell is recommended. All code shown during this presentation will be made available on GitHub.

Speaker(s):

• Mike Robbins

Track and Room: Other - 106 (51)

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: BI Platform Architecture, Development Administration - 204 (48)

Title: SSIS - Lightning fast processing using Parallel processing Optimization

Abstract: SSIS package can be run in Parallel and Optimized .In this session we will learn how to improve SSIS Package performance using parallel processing and Optimization. This knowledge will encourage development of better performing packages and optimize package performance.When creating an efficient and robust solution for Extract, Transform and Load Process, Lot of things do matter especially when you are working with huge size of databases. Challenge is not only to meet functional requirements Also to look at the performance requirements. This session will also cover best practices to enhance and boost performance of a SSIS package.

Speaker(s):

• Vishal Pawar

Track and Room: Application Database Development - 206 (48)

Title: Execution Plans for Mere Mortals

Abstract: As a beginner database professional, execution plans are intimidating. In this session, I will take you through the basics of reading graphical execution plans and drill into key operators, warnings and properties.

You will understand how, why and when the execution plan will be created and saved to plan cache.

Reading the execution plan will be much less intimidating as we walk through the flow and process of a graphical execution plan.

After looking at the key operators, you will be able to analyze the operators of your execution plans, view the operator properties, and identify common performance tuning opportunities.

Finally, you will be able to capture the execution plan, save it for analysis and comparison after modifications have occurred.

Speaker(s):

• Mike Lawell

Track and Room: Application Database Development - Extra 02

Title: Microsoft Data Platform: The Open Space Session

Abstract: Over the last few years, Microsoft has begun to articulate a broader vision of data beyond the flagship product SQL Server. Azure, Hadoop, HDInsight, R; all of these products have begun coalescing into a platform which will take some time for professionals in the field to embrace. The big question is: what do we need to know (as SQL Server professionals) in order to be prepared for the onslaught of Big Data?

This session will provide an interactive discussion around the Microsoft Data Platform, to build on our common experiences and knowledge. As an Open Spaces topic, attendees are expected to participate fully in discussions. I’ll act as moderator, but there’s no agenda and only a few slides; the content is completely up to the group.

Experience with other components of the Microsoft Data Platform is appreciated, but not required; the goal is to define “what we know we don’t know” and to encourage self-motivated learning plans.

Speaker(s):

• Stuart Ainsworth

Track and Room: Strategy and Architecture - Extra 01

Title: Top 10 Admininistrator Mistakes on SQL Server

Abstract: SQL Server is easier to administrate than any other relational database on the market. But “easier than everyone else” doesn’t mean it’s easy, nor does it mean is problem free. After all, many apps are growing from small, home-grown applications every year, with green IT professionals encountering issues that others had tackled and solved years ago. Why not learn from those who first blazed the trails of database administration, so that we don’t make the same mistakes over and over again. There is a short list of mistakes that, if you know of them in advance, will make your life much easier. Once you apply the lessons learned from this session, you’ll find yourself performing at a higher level of efficiency and effectiveness than before.

Speaker(s):

• Kevin Kline

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - 206 (48)

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 and Power BI 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 - 112 (51)

Title: SQL Server 2016 - New DBMS Features and examples

Abstract: Microsoft has released an advanced version of SQL Server 2016.

My job as lead architect is to implement these new features, and see how they actually work. The session will cover the following subject areas and include examples of usage:

• Server Setup Changes
• Temporal Data Tables
• Masking Data Columns
• Row Level Security
• Always Encrypted
• Stretch Database
• Always On Enhancements
• In Memory Enhancements
• JSON Support
• Polybase into SQL Server
• more

Speaker(s):

• Eric Peterson

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - Probably Unavailable

Title: SQL Server High Availability in Azure IaaS

Abstract: Deploying mission critical SQL Server in Azure IaaS requires an in-depth understanding of storage, virtual networks, load balancers, SQL Server AlwaysOn and more. To qualify for Azure’s SLA of 99.95% availability, steps must be taken to mitigate downtime by leveraging Fault Domains and Update Domains in conjunction with SQL AlwaysOn.

Azure Resource Manager (ARM) replaces Azure “Classic” as the preferred deployment method in Azure. New features such as Deployment Templates and Resource Groups introduced in ARM make it a powerful tool in managing the entire life-cycle of SQL Server in Azure.

In this session attendees will learn how to leverage ARM to deploy SQL AlwaysOn Availability Groups and Failover Cluster Instances. Template Deployments and manual configurations using the Azure Portal and Azure PowerShell will be demonstrated.

Speaker(s):

• David Bermingham

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - 113 (44)

Title: Introducing Hadoop to SQL Server Pros

Abstract: Finding any IT industry publication that does not frequently reference Hadoop and Big Data is nearly impossible. Even so, to many SQL Server professionals it remains a mystery. ‘Introducing Hadoop to SQL Server Pros’ is designed to bridge the gap between knowledge of SQL Server and an understanding of Hadoop by comparing familiar features of SQL Server to Hadoop counterparts. Equally important is understanding how Hadoop is different and the use cases in which it compliments SQL Server. Of special note are the ways Microsoft is integrating Hadoop in its data strategy and related products. Perhaps 2016, Hadoop’s 10th birthday year, is the time for SQL Server Pros to become familiar with this platform and how to prepare for it’s introduction into our work as data professionals.

Speaker(s):

• Jon Boulineau

Track and Room: BI Platform Architecture, Development Administration - 113 (44)

Title: Continuous Deployments using SSDT

Abstract: DevOps is a word that gets thrown around a lot these days and is the way most shops will operate in the future. In my presentation I’ll show you how to fast forward to the future by automating your deployments from SSDT using Powershell and SQLPackage.exe.

Speaker(s):

• Christopher Wolff

Track and Room: Application Database Development - 223 (40)

Title: SQL Server Agent : All the Knobs You Need to Know

Abstract: As a production DBA, do you struggle to schedule heavy jobs to avoid times when the server is already overloaded? Have you ever felt like your end users notice data corruption, blocked processes, or a full tempdb even before you do? And have you ever been frustrated by the fact that Agent never stores quite enough job history to help you troubleshoot job failures? The fact is, SQL Server Agent can do way more than just schedule jobs at a fixed time. In this session you’ll learn how to make SQL Agent run jobs only when ample CPU resources are available, how you can be the first to get notified when data corruption has occurred, and how to use Agent for monitoring data file size issues. You will also walk away with a set of scripts that will help you customize job history retention. By the end of this demo rich session you will understand how to leverage SQL Agent’s hidden gems that will make your database management job more efficient without requiring additional development time.

Speaker(s):

• Taiob Ali

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - 222 (48)

Title: SQL Phone Home: Teaching Your SQL Servers to Call for Help

Abstract: Did your backup fail? Was that a deadlock? Did that server just reboot? These are common questions that DBAs are constantly being asked, and DBAs should be asking them of their servers.

DBAs need to regularly monitor their servers for a regular health check, and many scripts just become email noise. It’s like the kid in the back seat constantly asking “Are we there yet?”

In this session, Microsoft MVP Mike Hillwig will teach you his signature “See Something, Say Something” method. You’ll learn how to use the SQL Agent to turn your daily monitoring checklist into actionable alerts. By leveraging the SQL Agent severity alerts and some basic scripting techniques, you’ll stop mindlessly going down a checklist and instead have your servers notify you when there is a problem.

Speaker(s):

• Mike Hillwig

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - 212 (48)

Title: SQL Server Internals

Abstract: How does SQL do what it does? Take a look under the hood at how the SQL database engine works with the storage engine. What causes those waits and where do we look to resolve them!

Speaker(s):

• Naomi Williams

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - 223 (40)

Title: Biml Recipies: Automatically Create T-SQL Scripts for Common Tasks

Abstract: You’ve probably heard a lot about Biml for SSIS automation, but 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 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):

• Jay Harris

Track and Room: BI Platform Architecture, Development Administration - 223 (40)

Title: Incrementally Moving to the Cloud Using Biml

Abstract: Many organizations are interested in the cost savings, ease of maintenance, and other benefits of hosting data solutions on Microsoft Azure. For most, moving to the cloud is easier said than done, especially when they have a large existing solution that is being actively used by stakeholders.

In this session, we will examine various strategies for incrementally moving your solution to the cloud. This will include strategies that incorporate the use of: 1) New value-added features and services, such as machine learning and big data 2) Hybrid approaches where portions of your existing solutions can be moved to the cloud without requiring everything to be moved 3) Failover and surge approaches that enable the cloud to supplement on premises resources 4) and much more

Business Intelligence Markup Language (Biml) will be central to our approach, enabling the rapid movement of assets back and forth between on premises and cloud hosting.

All code will be shared with attendees.

Speaker(s):

• Scott Currie

Track and Room: BI Platform Architecture, Development Administration - 204 (48)

Title: SSIS Frameworks and Biml

Abstract: The material in this session ranges from introductory to advanced.

Building small, function-like SSIS packages is an SSIS best practice. Biml helps generate lots of packages using design patterns.

Now you have a bunch of packages - how do you manage executing them? An SSIS Framework can execute packages in a specified order, and it is driven by metadata. Need to make a change in execution order? Execute a T-SQL statement.

How do you manage the metadata that drives an SSIS Framework? Biml can generate the metadata, as well.

Join SSIS author, blogger, and presenter Andy Leonard for this demo-packed session on Data Integration Lifecycle Management (DILM).

Speaker(s):

• Andy Leonard

Track and Room: BI Platform Architecture, Development Administration - 204 (48)

Title: What is Biml?

Abstract:

You’ve heard about Business Intelligence Markup Language (Biml). Some people seem to be doing some pretty impressive things with it, but what exactly is it and will it work for you in your job?

Biml is a programming language for creating data warehouse, business intelligence, and other data solutions. It uses XML in combination with small nuggets of C# or VB code to automatically create huge amounts of SQL scripts, SSIS packages, SSAS cubes, and other objects that your team previously had to build manually - usually with slow, tedious, error-prone dragging and dropping. Perhaps the best part is that there is nothing to install on your server - Biml works entirely with your existing data infrastructure.

Want to know more? In this session, you’ll find out everything you need to know to get started using Biml.

Speaker(s):

• Daniel McLeod

Track and Room: BI Platform Architecture, Development Administration - 107 (54)

Title: Simplifying SQL Server Migrations using PowerShell

Abstract: What if migrating SQL Server instances was as simple as executing a single command?

In this presentation, I’ll cover the reasons companies migrate, the ways SQL migrations are usually performed, and the considerations that must be made when performing a migration.

Then I’ll show you how to use the PowerShell dbatools module to simplify your SQL Server migrations. dbatools makes migrating databases, logins, linked servers, credentials, jobs, database mail, and other essential SQL components extremely easy.

Speaker(s):

• Chrissy LeMaire

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - Room 10

Title: Murder They Wrote

Abstract: Join Microsoft Certified Master, Jason Brimhall, as he examines numerous database design and coding implementations that they have seen over the years. They will explore these implementations and show how they can be murder on SQL Server in terms of performance, security, storage and even accuracy. You will learn how you can identify these “killers” and how you can implement alternatives that will keep data professionals, management, and end-users happy. All while keeping your databases happy, secure, turbo-charged and healthy. This is the Solo version of the Joint version normally done as an all-day precon.

Speaker(s):

• Jason Brimhall

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - 204 (48)

Title: Introducing the SSAS BI Semantic Model, aka Tabular

Abstract: SQL Server Analysis Services 2012 introduced the BI Semantic Model, also known as the Tabular model. In this session you’ll learn about the newest way to do analytics in SQL Server. We’ll compare and contrast it with the traditional Multidimensional Model, then see how to create your first “cube” using the Tabular mode. Finally we’ll look at some of the reporting options for using your new Tabular database, including SSRS, Excel, and PowerView.

Speaker(s):

• Robert Cain

Track and Room: BI Platform Architecture, Development Administration - 212 (48)

Title: Dimensional Modeling Design Patterns: Beyond the Basics

Abstract: Dimensional modeling is one of cornerstones of successful Business Intelligence initiatives. Even with new technologies like PowerPivot and Analysis Services Tabular models, you need to represent your organization’s data in a way that is accessible for end users and IT staff alike. An effective dimensional model will also ensure that your data warehouse or data mart will be responsive and capable of accommodating emerging requirements. In this session, we will dive deeper into the art of dimensional modeling. We will look at how and when to create the different types of fact and dimension tables, Including patterns for enriching dimensional data, creating usable hierarchies for efficient navigation, and tracking historical changes. After attending this session you will be able to confidently assess the quality of your organization’s dimensional model and recommend and implement changes. Bring your toughest quandaries to help make this an interactive and engaging session.

Speaker(s):

• Jason Horner

Track and Room: BI Platform Architecture, Development Administration - 206 (48)

Title: The Last Mile: Dynamically Created Objects

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

Speaker(s):

• Dan Holmes

Track and Room: Application Database Development - 112 (51)

Title: A Modern SQL Server DBA…In 10 Minutes

Abstract: If you’re a new DBA, or an experienced DBA who’s a few years behind, you are probably overwhelmed by all the fancy new terms and features: Azure/Cloud/On-Premises, Power Shell/Query/Pivot/View/Map/BI, Availability Groups, In-Memory/Hekaton, Columnstore, Everything-As-A-Service, and even having to deal with the dreaded NoSQL! And you’ve still got your hands full with clustering, mirroring, replication and backups! What is a modern SQL Server DBA to do?

This lightning talk will offer a gentle guide to all that new-fangled stuff and show you how they can make your current tasks easier and better. You’ll learn where to find help and best practices, and how to get started with SQL Server in Azure. We’ll also cover Microsoft Virtual Labs and show you how you can get hands-on experience with no risk or cost to you.

You’ll laugh, you’ll smile, and most of all you’ll feel a lot better about all these new features and how to get the most out of them.

Speaker(s):

• Rob Volk

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - Room 03

Title: A SQL Developer’s Guide to MDX Basics

Abstract: You already know how to write SQL queries against a data warehouse but your new job responsibilities require you to write MDX queries against Analysis Services (SSAS). MDX is the query language of SSAS in multidimensional mode. While SQL and MDX share some common keywords, they have very different syntax and concepts. In fact, the common keywords can be confusing if you are used to thinking in SQL.

In this session you will explore how data is organized in SSAS in a data structure called a cube. Next, we will write MDX queries while comparing them with SQL queries that return similar results. You will see how certain queries are much easier to write in MDX, especially when it comes to querying data that contains hierarchies such as a date rollup. Finally, you will learn how to capture MDX queries generated by Excel and SQL Server Management Studio, to use as practical examples of how to write MDX queries.

Speaker(s):

• Shabnam Watson

Track and Room: BI Platform Architecture, Development Administration - 223 (40)

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: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - 205 (40)

Title: Connecting Power BI to On-Prem Data with SSAS

Abstract: Microsoft Power BI is going great places. Its great visualizations, easy-to-use tools, and robust sharing capabilities are improving with new releases almost every time you turn around. But, what if uploading or storing your company’s data in the cloud is a potential deal-breaker? Fortunately, the Microsoft Power BI Gateway - Enterprise make it possible to live query data in an on-premises SSAS instance for display in Power BI. In this session, we will go through what this gateway does, how it works, and how it is installed to show that BI in the cloud doesn’t require data in the cloud.

Speaker(s):

• Kerry Tyler

Track and Room: BI Information Delivery - 218 (60)

Title: Small Scale Data Collection Using PowerShell - Going NSA Style!

Abstract: While we are not the NSA, certain vital data needs to be collected – for example audit data, trace data, session information, performance data etc. – all to a central SQL Server repository, for analysis. In this session let us see how freely available PowerShell code can be used to collect data from multiple SQL Servers instances/databases. At the end of this session, you will have the knowledge and ability to collect pretty much any data to a central repository with just a couple of lines of code all in a manner that works specifically for you!

Speaker(s):

• Jana Sattainathan

Track and Room: Strategy and Architecture - 206 (48)

Title: A sense of automation

Abstract: It is about developing a sense for patterns in our day-to-day repeatable processes, and creating solutions to automate them.

Speaker(s):

• Ravi Lobo

Track and Room: Professional Development - 205 (40)

Title: Getting Data with Power BI: Tips, Tricks and Scripts

Abstract: You may have already seen a lot of Power BI, but have you look deeper into its capabilities to get, merge and shape data? Power BI comes with great functionality that allow us to explore, collect an combine data in a powerful and easy way. In this session, we will use Power BI to solve data challenges that used to require a lot of coding and more complex solutions in a quick and effective way. This session is loaded with practical examples that will help you getting a better understanding of Power Query data preparation capabilities and provides you with a good share of hands-on tips and scripts in scenarios such as: Cleansing address data, consume Odata Feeds, APIs calls , execute SSIS packages on demand and more.

Speaker(s):

• Rafael Salas

Track and Room: BI Information Delivery - 220 (60)

Title: Partitioning Basics: Treating Your Tables Like Legos

Abstract: Do you have tables and indexes that have grown really large? Are you moving around a lot more data than you used to? Are your windows for jobs and maintenance getting tighter? If you answered yes to any of these questions, partitioning may be for you!

With partitioning, you can break a table or index down into smaller more manageable chunks. It can help you perform maintenance on just part of a table or index. You can even move data in and out of tables with quick and easy metadata only operations. We’ll go over basic partitioning concepts such as horizontal vs. vertical partitioning, and techniques like partitioned views and full blown table partitioning. We’ll also look at how partitioning affects things under the hood. Finally you’ll see some cool demos/tricks around index maintenance and data movement. At the end of this session you’ll have a firm understanding of how partitioning works and know how to make decisions on how and when to implement.

Speaker(s):

• Brandon Leach

Track and Room: Application Database Development - 212 (48)

Title: Let Me Finish… Isolating Write Operations

Abstract: OLTP databases can be constantly written to and reporting databases are written to at least periodically. In order to ensure consistent results, connections must be isolated from one another while executing, ideally with the lowest possible cost to concurrency. How this isolation is handled is based on the isolation level, whether the classic lock based or the newer optimistic scheme of the in-memory OLTP engine is used, or even if both engines are enlisted in the same transaction. In this session we will look at examples of how SQL Server isolates reading and writing operations from other writing operations to explore how this may affect your application through error messages and performance hits.

Speaker(s):

• Louis Davidson

Track and Room: Application Database Development - 206 (48)

Title: Making the Most of Virtual Chapters and Other Free Training

Abstract: Are you a member of SQL PASS Virtual Chapters? Why not? Do you regularly attend VC training sessions or other free webinars provided by almost endless sources vendors? It costs you nothing but makes you more employable. That’s a total win in my book! We’ll teach attendees about Virtual Chapters, how to pick which one works for them, registering for and attending the sessions that would help them most on their career path. We’ll also cover other free training provided by PASS, Pragmatic Works, SQL Sentry, etc.

Speaker(s):

• Rie Irish

Track and Room: Professional Development - Room 03

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 and the database engine to ensure optimal performance, as well as enterprise level features within the database engine and SSAS available to us and how aligning those to work side by side would yield us significant improvement in our processing time.

Speaker(s):

• Konstantin Melamud

Track and Room: BI Platform Architecture, Development Administration - 113 (44)

Title: Code Like a Pirate … Intro to R and Data Science Tools in MS

Abstract: R is the most popular statistics language used today. It is one of the most useful tools in the data scientist’s tool belt. It is also integrated into the MS stack in tools like Azure ML, SQL Server and Power BI and can be used to take your data analytics to the next level.

Come to this session to get an introduction to the R language including:

• Installing and Configuring R and RStudio
• RStudio Overview and Debugging
• How to Access and Manipulate Data
• Install and Manage Packages
• Create and Use Variables
• Control Flows
• Functions
• Basic Graphing and Statistical Analysis

We will finish with a brief introductions of how R integrates in Azure ML, Power BI and SQL Server 2016 using real demos.

The focus of the session will be primarily on the introduction to the R language and getting attendees comfortable with using R to start the journey into Data Science!

Speaker(s):

• Jamey Johnston

Track and Room: Analytics and Visualization - 112 (51)

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 Platform Architecture, Development Administration - 222 (48)

Title: DAX 101

Abstract: In this session, we will look at the new BI query language for PowerPivot and Tabular - DAX. This session will give you an introduction to Data Analysis eXpressions (DAX) and will provide you the necessary understanding to start using in your environment for data analysis. No prior experience with DAX is needed to attend this session.

Speaker(s):

• Damu Venkatesan

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

Title: Cloud Cloud. Cloud cloud cloud cloud cloud…..also Azure.

Abstract: How much Azure can you Azure? How many cloud can you cloud? Hear the lessons learned from an attempt at an “All Azure” BI Project. We’ll explore Azure SQL Database, Azure Data Factory and Power BI as pieces of the solution and learn where On Prem had to be used to fill in the gaps in the solution.

Speaker(s):

• Julie Smith

Track and Room: Cloud Application Development Deployment - Room 07

Title: Write Queries Faster with AutoHotKey

Abstract: AutoHotKey (AHK) is an open source Windows application used to create macros, hot keys, and “text expansions”. Nathan has used this program for years in many different ways, but he finds it especially useful in SQL Server Management Studio. Come and see how AHK can put a library of code snippets–and full queries–at your fingertips.

Speaker(s):

• Nathan Boster

Track and Room: Application Database Development - 112 (51)

Title: Azure Data Warehousing made easy with Biml

Abstract: During a recent project migrating from on premise to the cloud. First we were going to Redshift and started coding, then were asked to use Azure DWH instead. We soon realized that moving between cloud providers was actually quite similar, just different names and slightly different code format.

In this session we will investigate several options to migrate your existing solution and the “fastest” way to get your data into the cloud including: 1) Reusable data export templates 2) Transferring files to Azure Blob Storage 3) Polybase to load data 4) CTAS to Merge data

Can Biml also do AWS S3 and Redshift? Yes and we will show you the similarities in approaches and how we are using it at one of our customers.

Speaker(s):

• Peter Avenant

Track and Room: BI Platform Architecture, Development Administration - 107 (54)

Title: Keys to Successful SharePoint Administration for the DBA

Abstract: Inherited SharePoint or being tasked to implement it? In this session we will start with the fundamentals of SharePoint and work our way to understanding what it looks like to be a successful SharePoint administrator. We will cover common SharePoint misconceptions use live demos to show frequently performed tasks - all to set you up for success day one. Lastly we will cover the training options and other resources available to make your job easier and more automated.

Speaker(s):

• Daniel Glenn

Track and Room: Other - 107 (54)

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

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

Speaker(s):

• Amy Herold

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - 204 (48)

Title: Azure SQL Database: Deployment and Development of Your First DB

Abstract: Azure SQL Database offers compelling features for developers, especially those creating cloud applications. In this session, you’ll learn about the Azure SQL Database platform and the tools provided for deployment and management of your databases. Demos will provide step-by-step examples of creating a SQL Server and Azure SQL Database, deploying a database using various methods and then managing that database.

Speaker(s):

• Sven Aelterman

Track and Room: Cloud Application Development Deployment - 106 (51)

Title: Securing the Extract, Transform, and Load (ETL) Pipeline

Abstract: In most organizations, “batch” processing happens at least nightly. Data is moved from one system to another, often with multiple stops along the way. We tend to do a good job securing the endpoints: where the data starts and where it ends up. However, the in-between drops are often neglected.

In this session we’re going to look at typical ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) pipelines and consider the weak points an attacker might go after. We’re going to eliminate FUD (Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt) by looking at a few typical architectures, discussing risks at each point, identifying options for protecting the vulnerabilities, and what we’ve seen typically done (if anything) in practice. While this talk primarily uses Microsoft SQL Server as the example/guinea pig, especially the database engine and SSIS, the discussion will be applicable to any solution.

Speaker(s):

• Brian Kelley

Track and Room: BI Platform Architecture, Development Administration - 204 (48)

Title: Whip Away Stress at Home Work to Create a Better You

Abstract: If you are a working professional there is a chance that stress has interrupted your life and you’ve forgotten about you and/or your family. How do you create a healthy balance between the two so that you are happy and everyone else is to? In the session, you will learn how to properly manage time, erase stress, advance at work, address common marriage and family Issues, and ultimately create a better you.

Speaker(s):

• Karlyn LeBlanc

Track and Room: Professional Development - 222 (48)

Title: SSMS Tips and Tricks

Abstract: Almost everyone uses SSMS to write queries and to browse around on the server - but do you use all of the features that SSMS offers to increase your productivity? Most people use few of these, and probably don’t even know that many of these features even exist. Come to this session, consisting almost entirely of demos in SSMS, to see features built in to SSMS that will improve your experience and productivity. Time permitting; we’ll also go into some 3rd party products that also increase your productivity in SSMS.

Speaker(s):

• Wayne Sheffield

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - 212 (48)

Title: Data Access for Performance Junkies

Abstract: or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the ORM.

ORM frameworks get a bad rap for their performance characteristics and complexity. But like any tool, it’s all about learning to use correctly and intelligently. In this session we’ll look at how application developers often use (and misuse!) these tools, and identify and correct problematic usage patterns. We’ll also discover when it’s appropriate to use an ORM, when it’s not, and how incorporate “raw” SQL where it makes sense.

Speaker(s):

• Joseph Daigle

Track and Room: Application Database Development - 204 (48)

Title: Enterprise Machine Learning with R and SQL Server

Abstract: R is a pure data science and statistics scripting language. It is considered the best fit for Machine Learning. With more than 5000 packages all machine learning algorithms are covered and improving. R packages help you prepare the data, e.g.: packages for cross validation with N folds, build machine learning models, validation, create plots and to generate predictions. SQL Server 2016 and R Server are a perfect match for building enterprise grade solutions that support deployments for real time predictions and continuous model updates. Join this session for an overview based on sample cases about how to build enterprise grade machine learning solutions with SQL Server and R.

Speaker(s):

• Paco Gonzalez

Track and Room: Advanced Analysis Techniques - Extra 02

Title: Skills Needed to Transition From DBA to BI Architect

Abstract: Dimensional Modeling is a re-tooling of your existing database normalization knowledge. T-SQL and coding knowledge can transfer to ETL (Extract, Transform and Load) using Integration Services (SSIS). Report Writing has been around for decades and learning Analysis Services (SSAS) can save days of work that custom report writing has taken teams.

Development today requires the design and analysis of Online Transaction Processing (OLTP) to take into account Data Warehousing/OLAP (Online Analytical Processing) output. My personal transition from Sr. DBA to DW Architect has been a process of sanding the rough edges of my passion from fully normalized databases. The Dimensional Modeling started a re-tooling of my mind to look at end results analytically. These lessons have molded me into a DW Architect.

Speaker(s):

• Thomas LeBlanc

Track and Room: Professional Development - 220 (60)

Title: The Lost Science of Set Theory

Abstract: Many database developers today do not have a Computer Science degree and may also have begun their career developing software using procedural programming languages (Java, C#, etc.). As a result, they may not have the background needed to conceptualize solutions in terms of sets of data and therefore may not be able to develop efficient set-based queries. In this session, we will review the basics of set theory and how it applies to database development to enable you to turn cursors, loops, and other procedural programming practices into efficient set-based operations that make the most use of a relational database engine.

Speaker(s):

• Aaron Cutshall

Track and Room: Application Database Development - 113 (44)

Title: Introduction to the Power BI Desktop

Abstract: Most of us are overwhelmed with data from all the different applications that we use on a daily basis. Bringing all the data together is often a very time-consuming and sometimes a challenging process. Even further, attempting to analyze and visualize the data poses new challenges that is sometime difficult or impossible to overcome. Now with Power BI this can all be made very simple. Individuals, ranging from novice information workers to advanced IT professionals can quickly and easily transform, analyze and visualize data using a single tool, Power BI Desktop. In this course we will work through four main topics: Shaping Data, Building a Data Model, Visualizing Data and Using the Power BI Server.

Speaker(s):

• Patrick LeBlanc

Track and Room: BI Information Delivery - 107 (54)

Title: Tintri SQL Sentry - Optimizing Your Virtualized Workload

Abstract: Learn how Tintri and SQL Sentry take the risk and guesswork out of virtualizing SQL databases. Tintri Virtual-Aware Storage (VAS) systems blend the predictable performance of solid-state disk (SSD), per-VM Quality-of-Service (QOS) and superior analytics to empower DBAs to confidently deploy even the most demanding enterprise applications. Tintri makes complex database management tasks like cloning, backup/recovery and test/dev refreshes a breeze through software automation that eliminates error-prone, manual processes. With the recent partnership between Tintri and SQL Sentry, DBAs can monitor specific performance metrics of their Tintri devices within SQL Sentry Performance Advisor. Stop by our booth and lunch session to see Tintri and SQL Sentry in action.

Speaker(s):

• SQLSat Lunch

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - 218 (60)

Title: T-SQL Window Functions for Analytics

Abstract: SQL Server 2016 includes advanced T-SQL window functions. These functions allow for high performance native T-SQL, combining three categories of functions with the OVER clause:

• Analytic Functions
• Ranking Functions
• Aggregate Functions

Advanced Excel analysts might be creating similar output with Excel: though intermediate to heavy equation usage is better with SQL Server (Developer Edition recommended). These functions are recommended for feature creation in data science. This presentation will cover the basics of the three T-SQL categories and provide use cases and demos, especially for advanced analytics and machine learning.

Speaker(s):

• Mark Tabladillo

Track and Room: Application Database Development - Room 07

Title: TechGirlz How You Can Help Usher In The Next Generation

Abstract: Middle school aged girls often lose interest in STEM topics. Come learn how you can help usher in the next generation of technology gurus. TechGirlz is a grassroots effort to enable busy technology professionals give back to their local communities in a major way, putting the power of technology in the minds of young girls to help keep the spark of interest in the tech fields for future job markets.

Speaker(s):

• Lindsay Clark

Track and Room: Professional Development - 112 (51)

Title: The Sorcerer’s Apprentice Guide to Configuration Options and Trace Flags

Abstract: Microsoft markets SQL Server as a “self-tuning” RDBMS, yet you’ve heard there are a variety of knobs and switches available to impact performance. Are you curious to know what they are, what they do, and when to use them? In this session you will learn about server and database configuration options and trace flags that can impact performance, alter default behaviors and help your troubleshooting efforts.

Speaker(s):

• Justin Randall

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - 113 (44)

Title: How answers.microsoft.com Overcame the Challenges of Upgrading to SQLServer

Abstract: As part of the company’s “Get Current/Stay Current” initiative, Microsoft’s IT organization planned to upgrade its community website, answers.microsoft.com from Microsoft SQL Server 2008 to Microsoft SQL Server 2014. At the same time, the site adopted virtualization and needed to maintain the zero downtime environment the group had built with mirroring. Given the site spans four data centers across the globe and supports more than 1.7 million visitors a day, Microsoft cannot afford downtime, not even for maintenance. This case study shares best practices for upgrading to SQL Server 2014, highlights the technologies Microsoft considered to enable continuous availability, and details how the site leveraged AlwaysOn without making application changes.

Speaker(s):

• Mike Oberlin

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - 212 (48)

Title: I’m It - Survival Techniques for the Lone DBA

Abstract: Are you the only database person at your company? Are you both the DBA and the Developer? Being the only data professional in an environment can seem overwhelming, daunting, and darn near impossible sometimes. However, it can also be extremely rewarding and empowering. This session will cover how you can keep your sanity, get stuff done, and still love your job. We’ll cover how I have survived and thrived being a Lone DBA for 15 years and how you can too. When you finish this session, you’ll know what you can do to make your job easier, where to find help, and how to still be able to advance and enrich your career.

Speaker(s):

• Monica Rathbun

Track and Room: Professional Development - 218 (60)

Title: Transform SQL Server Agility

Abstract: All-Flash Arrays deliver IOPS in abundance. EMC XtremIO goes further to provide predictable, consistent sub-millisecond latency and unleash agility for your SQL Server databases. Our unique XtremIO Virtual Copies (XVC) capabilities allow for fully writable copies for production, test/dev, reporting/analytics workloads on our market leading consolidation platform. This allows for consolidation of your SQL Server based environments onto a single array to maximize efficiency.

Speaker(s):

• SQLSat Lunch

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - 212 (48)

Title: How to be a GREAT DBA

Abstract: This presentation describes the tasks a DBA needs to perform to do a great job. Formal training classes and certifications only take you so far; this session talks from experience about everything from preventive maintenance to planning to scaling to communication.

Great for beginner to intermediate DBAs, as well as Developers who think this is a direction in which they might want to move.

Speaker(s):

• Jeffrey Garbus

Track and Room: Professional Development - 106 (51)

Title: The HA Blueprint for SQL Server

Abstract: SQL Server allow applications to achieve high availability (HA) like never before, thanks to synchronous replication technology in AlwaysOn. This capability enables applications to use more resources on more servers, which can significantly improve scalability, performance, and resiliency. But to gain the full value of the SQL Server architecture, you are required to make code modifications at the application or database layers. Deploying database load balancing software is an elegant way to gain enterprise-grade HA without code changes. In this SQLSaturday talk, ScaleArc will provide a blueprint for achieving HA with SQL Server.

Speaker(s):

• SQLSat Lunch

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - 106 (51)

Title: Cisco UCS for the Data Professional

Abstract: Tim Radney will share his experience with working with clients from all over the world that utilize Cisco UCS for the underlying infrastructure as well as how he helped a client migrate thousands of databases with over 100 instances to Cisco’s UCS.

Speaker(s):

• Tim Radney

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - 220 (60)

Title: Backups Restores: You’re Not In Kansas Anymore!

Abstract: There is no place like home, there is no place like home! When a database crashes and you have to recover it, this may be what you’re saying to yourself over and over. It can feel like a house just landed on you if you’re not prepared. Ok, not really, but recovering a database from an unexpected event is often just as terrifying! If you aren’t prepared for it, it’s really going to hurt. So what do you do? You prepare. You plan. You practice. We’ll talk about how the backup restore process works in SQL Server and how it can help you prevent a Wizard of Oz situation!

Speaker(s):

• John Morehouse

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - 107 (54)

Title: Managing Availability Groups (What happens after the build!)

Abstract: Have you built a SQL Server Availability Group only to be suddenly surprised by all the gotchas and hurdles that pop up? Are you struggling with keeping your Availability Group running smoothly without a lot of management on your part? This session will cover what happens after you have created an Availability Group and how to manage it. We will review tips, tricks, and patterns for handling all the considerations that running this popular high availability solution. After this session, you will be prepared for managing your Availability Groups and how you can streamline that management to make your availability strategy more robust.

Speaker(s):

• Michael Fal

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - 218 (60)

Title: More than Just a basic Database Backup and Recovery

Abstract: During our time together we are going to take a quick look into backup and recovery techniques for Full, Differential, and log backups. We will then take a look at how SQL Server keeps track of what will be included within out differential backups. While we’re at it lets look at our transactions logs prior to and post log backups. Next up we will look into advanced recovery scenarios such as piecemeal, point in time, file group, and page recoveries. If you manage databases or like doing recoveries let’s have some fun together during this sessions.

Speaker(s):

• Daniel Taylor

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - 218 (60)

Title: Protecting Business Critical Applications in the New Data Center

Abstract: How to use SIOS iQ machine learning-based IT analytics solution to optimize SQL Server efficiency and performance in VMware environments.

Speaker(s):

• David Bermingham

Track and Room: Cloud Application Development Deployment - 206 (48)

Title: Parameter Sniffing the Good, the Bad and the Ugly

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

Speaker(s):

• Lance Tidwell

Track and Room: Application Database Development - 220 (60)

Title: DBA 911 - Database Corruption

Abstract: Database corruption is simply a fact of a DBA’s life - if you haven’t seen it yet, you will. Success or failure depends on having a solid plan to deal with different types of corruption. In this session, we will discuss usage of related DBCC commands such as DBINFO, CHECKDB and PAGE. You’ll learn how to monitor for corruption with SQL Server Agent Alerts and Jobs, and when it’s time to restore instead of repair. After attending this session, you will be able to check for issues such as page corruption or data purity problems, and take the appropriate measures to deal with them.

Speaker(s):

• David Maxwell

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - 220 (60)

Title: Independent Contracting 101

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

Speaker(s):

• Michael French

Track and Room: Professional Development - Room 06

Title: Introduction to SQL Server Integration Services

Abstract: Take an introductory journey into the world of SSIS through the eyes of a SQL Server DBA as he navigates the Business Intelligence waters. This is an introductory course for beginners or users without any SSIS experience. Come learn how to SSIS with me!

Speaker(s):

• Ed Watson

Track and Room: BI Information Delivery - Extra 02

Title: Women in Technology: Identifying, Understanding and Combating Gender Bias

Abstract: Gender Bias is something we’re all guilty of. It’s typically unconscious and often stems from long held misperceptions about women job responsibilities. We’ll learn about the origins of some of these biases and how to identify gender bias when we see it. We’ll discuss some strategies for how both men and women can combat this at work in our every day lives. This session is about developing positive solutions to a problem that often goes undiscussed.

Speaker(s):

• Rie Irish

Track and Room: Professional Development - 223 (40)

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

Abstract: SQL Server 2016 delivers many data analytics and information management new features and enhancements. Join this session to discover what’s new for BI in Database Engine, SSRS, SSIS, SSAS, and MDS. I’ll also explain the SQL Server 2016+ near-future roadmap that will help you implement new solutions and cut cost.

Speaker(s):

• Teo Lachev

Track and Room: BI Platform Architecture, Development Administration - 222 (48)

Title: Enhancing Data and Predictive Analytics with Azure HDInsight

Abstract: The pervasiveness of Big Data has created significant challenges for companies that have historically utilized relational database management systems to perform data analysis and predictive analytics. This presentation outlines the challenges that stem from Big Data as it relates to deriving value from data and how Azure HDInsight can serve as a data platform that significantly enhances the data analysis and predictive analytics capabilities of companies.

Speaker(s):

• Cornell Emile

Track and Room: Advanced Analysis Techniques - 113 (44)

Title: R School for the SQL Practitioner

Abstract: Interest in the R language is has grown along with the amount of data being accumulated. As Microsoft is now incorporating the R language into SQL Server 2016, the language is going to be a required skill for all data professionals in the near future.

Using SQL Server 2016, attendees will learn how to incorporate R in SQL Server stored procedures as well as use of the R Server. The R server provides the ability to scale R code to use more data than can be loaded into memory, and attendees will learn the best use cases for it.

Speaker(s):

• Ginger Grant

Track and Room: BI Information Delivery - 205 (40)

Title: Microsoft Business Intelligence 2016 – More Love for Your Data

Abstract: Heartbroken over Microsoft’s neglect of SSRS over the years? Well the 2016 release might start healing that broken heart. This upcoming release boast a handful of great new items; from connecting SSRS PowerBI to mobile report publishing. Join me while I walk you through the best of 2016 for Business Intelligence and help you fall in love with Microsoft BI again.

Speaker(s):

• Tamera Clark

Track and Room: BI Information Delivery - 222 (48)

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 learn how to load from an OLTP system with zero impact to it.

Speaker(s):

• Thomas Grohser

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - Room 12

Title: Architecting virtual SQL server for performance

Abstract: Today, many enterprise organizations have already virtualized most of their non critical applications, these organizations are now employing a “Virtual First” policy, harnessing the efficiency and cost savings of virtualization for their most critical applications. Still, many IT architects and DBA’s are hesitant of virtualizing their SQL workloads, they are worried about performance, scale, availability and support for what is usually considered their most critical applications. In this session we will review the guidance for successfully virtualizing critical SQL databases, we will cover the best practices, real world customer experience and what to watch out for when virtualizing the most critical SQL databases. The session is delivered by the author of the official SQL server on VMware best practices guide.

Speaker(s):

• Niran Even-Chen

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - Room 07

Title: Vote or Die 2016: Which is Faster?

Abstract: Ever wondered what’s faster between a bulk insert and BCP? What about powershell vs SSIS? This session will review multiple topics of SQL Server that include development, ETL, and administration. In the spirit of the election season, this session will feature having the ability to debate and vote on which of each technology you think we will be best, and if your “candidate” wins, your votes will be entered into a drawing; so the more votes you win the more chances you get!

Speaker(s):

• Robert Verell

Track and Room: Other - 205 (40)

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: Cloud Application Development Deployment - 220 (60)

Title: Shortcuts from an Impatient DBA

Abstract: This session is about performance tuning your day.

We spend a lot of time thinking about how to write efficient code, but we don’t spend a lot of time thinking about how to be efficient at writing code. In this session I will show you some lesser known keyboard shortcuts, tips, tricks, and hacks that will make your day easier. These are the tricks I’ve picked up over the years that help me get my work done quicker and easier.

Whether you’re a Junior Developer or a Senior DBA with decades of battle scars, you’ll learn something in this session.

Speaker(s):

• Andy Mallon

Track and Room: Professional Development - 223 (40)

Title: Making Microsoft BI On-premise A Reality

Abstract: Have you been looking into using Power BI Desktop but need a BI solution that is designed for enterprise, data-driven deployments, and are not ready to move your data to the cloud? Does your organization need a platform that will provide agility, speed, and scalability without sacrificing governance and security? Come and learn from Jason Picker about Pyramid Analytics BI Office, an end-to-end platform that enables people across your organization to have governed access to trusted data—to form insights, collaborate freely, and make better data-driven decisions. Learn how you can publish Microsoft Power BI Desktop content directly into Pyramid Analytics BI Office in an integrated, governed and secure server-based environment. Strengthen your organizations investment in Microsoft SQL Server and showcase the “so what?” of your analysis while securely sharing content generated in Power BI with Pyramid Analytics BI Office front end.

Speaker(s):

• Jason Picker

Track and Room: BI Platform Architecture, Development Administration - 112 (51)

Title: Administering SQL Server on Server Core with PowerShell

Abstract: Ever wondered what the craze of Server Core is all about? There is a lot of power in Core and with it comes the admin challenge of NO GUI. But there are settings that you want to change in the OS, how do you do that? This session will take you through some of the challenges that are not really challenges when you know. We will use the builtin method of making some changes and also use PowerShell and commandline tools to get you where you want to be with Core. I built a 6 node cluster on Server Core and created it with PowerShell (Cluster and all) and it runs very nicely with a little footprint in RAM for the effort.

Speaker(s):

• Ben Miller

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - 106 (51)

Title: Clusters! From the ground up, let’s build one together

Abstract: You’re looking to protect your SQL instance from a machine failure. Or maybe your storage budget and tight and you don’t want to have your databases in two places with one of the other highly available options that SQL provides. Let’s learn what a cluster is and why it might be the right thing for you. We’ll explore the system, network, storage and database administration sides of the equation. And, when it’s all said and done we’ll even have built a SQL clustered instance!

Speaker(s):

• Paul Popovich Jr

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - Room 07

Title: Building Blocks of Cortana Intelligence Suite in Azure

Abstract: Join us for a practical look at the components of Cortana Intelligence Suite for information management, data storage, analytics, and visualization. Purpose, capabilities, and use cases for each component of the suite will be discussed. Expertise required for implementation of each component will be covered as well. If you are a technology professional who is involved with delivering business intelligence, analytics, data warehousing, or big data utilizing Azure services, this technical overview will help you gain familiarity with the components of Cortana Intelligence Suite and its potential for delivering value.

Speaker(s):

• Melissa Coates

Track and Room: Cloud Application Development Deployment - 205 (40)

Title: Real-time data delivery may be easier than you think

Abstract: Join this session to learn how quickly you can integrate - in real-time - data from SQL Server and other relational databases into a SQL Server database, on premises or in Azure. This session will show a live, end-to-end demonstration of a Business Intelligence scenario.

Speaker(s):

• Mark Van de Wiel

Track and Room: BI Information Delivery - 107 (54)

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: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - 112 (51)

Title: TSQL Coding Techniques - Are You Playing with Fire?

Abstract: The good news? T-SQL is one of the easiest coding languages to learn. The bad news? Writing scalable T-SQL that performs optimally is an art that takes years to master. In this session, learn about some common T-SQL Troublemakers - Looping, Scalar Functions, Implicit Conversions, Non-Parameterized SQL, Parameter Sniffing and Value List Handling. Through examples and demos in this session you will witness the situational pitfalls of the techniques above. With each demo, you will be given an alternate T-SQL solution that solves the same problem in an efficient and scalable manner. Let’s get things moving!

Speaker(s):

• Mindy Curnutt

Track and Room: Application Database Development - 106 (51)

Title: A closer look at Azure Data Factory

Abstract: Azure Data Factory is a modern data orchestration platform design to help you manage any data of any size from any source. It also makes a number of technologies available to you such as Azure Machine learning so that you can integrate predictive machine learning models in your data pipelines. This platform enables you to create intelligent applications that not only provide insights but can also recommend actions upon specific events. Join me in this session as we take a closer look at many of the capabilities built into the platform.

Speaker(s):

• Luis Figueroa

Track and Room: Information Delivery - 106 (51)

Speakers

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

Christopher Wolff

Twitter: - @tickytong

LinkedIn: Christopher Wolff

Contact: http://sqlred.blogspot.com/

Chris Wolff has been a developer, report writer, and an admin in Microsoft and SQL Server Space since SQL Server 2000 in industries such as telecommunications, green energy, money transfers, and online accounting. He has been an active member of the Denver SQL User Group since 2011 and enjoys learning new things about computers. His interests includes video games, movies, and enjoying time with his wife and 2 kids.

Taiob Ali

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

LinkedIn: Taiob Ali

Contact: http://www.sqlworldwide.com

Taiob Ali, MVP Data Platform, is an accomplished technical leader with a proven record of success. For 14 years, he has worked with the Microsoft Data Platform and MongoDB both on-premise and cloud. His experience includes all three major business sectors: finance, e-commerce, and healthcare. Taiob has hands-on experience in managing large database projects, massive data migration, intricate process design, testing and deployment, performance tuning, long term capacity planning. Taiob is currently working at “GMO LLC” as a Database Solution Manager, focusing on cloud migration, automation, improving, and streamlining operational workflow. He is a regular speaker at local and virtual PASS chapters, SQLSaturdays, and Azure conferences.

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

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

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.

Mark Van de Wiel

LinkedIn: Mark Van de Wiel

Mark has well over 15 years of hands-on experience with multiple relational database, data warehouse and data replication technologies including SQL Server. In his current role as technical lead for an independent database replication company HVR Software Mark comes across many SQL Server deployments, on premises and in the Azure Cloud. Mark holds and MsC degree in Business Administration from the Eindhoven University of Technology.

David Bermingham

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

LinkedIn: David Bermingham

Contact: http://clusteringformeremortals.com/

David Bermingham is recognized within the community as a high availability expert and has been honored by his peers by being elected to be a MVP in Clustering since 2010 and most recently has been recognized as a Cloud and Datacenter MVP. David’s work as technical evangelist at SIOS has him focused on evangelizing Microsoft high availability and disaster recovery solutions for both on premise and cloud deployments. He lives in New Jersey with his wife and three kids where he a school board member, scout leader and musical director of an 8-piece jazz band, M-Town.

Lindsay Clark

Twitter: - @LindsayOClark

LinkedIn: Lindsay Clark

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

Chrissy LeMaire

Twitter: - @cl

LinkedIn: Chrissy LeMaire

Contact: https://netnerds.net

Chrissy LeMaire is a Data Platform and PowerShell MVP who has worked in IT for over 20 years. She works for General Dynamics and serves as the SQL Server DBA at NATO Special Ops HQ in Belgium. She is also an avid scripter, and has used PowerShell since it was introduced in 2005 at the Microsoft Professional Conference in Los Angeles. Chrissy is the creator of the popular dbatools PowerShell module for SQL Server.

Chrissy recently achieved her MS in Systems Engineering at Regis University ‍

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.

Jana Sattainathan

Twitter: - www.twitter.com/SQLJana

LinkedIn: Jana Sattainathan

Contact: http://www.sqljana.wordpress.com

Jana works as a Senior Oracle and SQL Server DBA at SCOR, a leading Reinsurance company in the world. He has spent most of his professional life around databases. At work, he has automated most aspects of his job using PowerShell.

Most recently, he created PowerPump, a “PowerShell Database Copy Server” for his company to copy 50 billion rows (> 20 TB,) from 4000+ of Oracle/SQL Server tables on a recurring basis to SQL Server targets for migration/testing. He has also fully automated the database deployment which supports all components of SQL Server and Oracle using PowerShell (with about 150 functions) that is tracked extensively.

Rie Irish

Twitter: - IrishSQL

LinkedIn: Rie Irish

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

William Wolf

Twitter: - sqlwarewolf

LinkedIn: William Wolf

Contact: http://www.sqlwarewolf.com

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

Jeffrey Garbus

LinkedIn: Jeffrey Garbus

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

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

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

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

Paul Popovich Jr

Twitter: - @pmpjr

LinkedIn: Paul Popovich Jr

Contact: https://pmpjr.wordpress.com/

Paul Popovich Jr. has been in the IT space for his whole career and tinkering with computers since his 486 PC back in the mid 1990s. Professionally he is a senior DBA for a large hospital system. You can find on twitter @pmpjr, email at paulpopovichjr@gmail.com.

Aaron Cutshall

Twitter: - sqlrv

LinkedIn: Aaron Cutshall

Contact: http://sqlrv.com

Aaron N. Cutshall is an Enterprise Data Architect with 20 years of experience in analysis, design and development for applications and databases in manufacturing and warehousing plus over 15 years in the Healthcare Informatics field. His primary focus is in designing and developing solutions for extremely large data sets that perform quite well in SQL Server. He is active in the SQL Server community and speaks at SQLSaturday sessions across the country.

Jason Picker

LinkedIn: Jason Picker

Jason has over 20 years of BI experience developing datawarehouses, SSAS cubes, and end-user solutions using SQL Server Reporting Services, PerformancePoint, ProClarity and now Pyramid Analytics#39; BI Office. He has spent time as the BI Architect and Lead Developer for a major computer hardware manufacturer, a national home builder, and a regional hospital system. Jason also worked as an independent consultant and trainer on the Microsoft SQL stack. He loves to read and write MDX! Ask him to show you how to parameterize your MDX statements and queries.

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.

John Morehouse

Twitter: - SQLrUs

LinkedIn: John Morehouse

Contact: http://www.sqlrus.com

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

Jennifer McCown

Twitter: - http://www.Twitter.com/MidnightDBA

LinkedIn: Jennifer McCown

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

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

Jeffrey Garbus

LinkedIn: Jeffrey Garbus

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

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

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

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

Mindy Curnutt

Twitter: - @sqlgirl

LinkedIn: Mindy Curnutt

Contact: http://www.mindycurnutt.com

Mindy Curnutt is a 5X Microsoft Data Platform MVP, Business Owner and Entrepreneur. Her specialties include SQL Server hardware, configuration, migrations, scalability, performance tuning. She has been actively involved in the SQL Server Community for over two decades and has become a well known speaker within the SQL and Transportation Management communities. She is a two-time PASS Volunteer of the Month, has presented at 6 SQLPASS Summits, Live360, DevConnections, MVPMix and too many SQLSaturdays to count. She is currently the President of the North Texas SQL Server User Group out of Dallas/Fort Worth, TX.

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.

miguel Cebollero

Twitter: - SQLMiguel

LinkedIn: miguel Cebollero

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

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.

Luis Figueroa

Twitter: - @luisefigueroa

LinkedIn: Luis Figueroa

Contact: http://blog.luisfigueroa.net

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

Joseph Daigle

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

Contact: http://josephdaigle.me

Joseph Daigle is a software craftsman with over a decade#39;s experience developing highly scalable software systems and applications for clients big and small. From healthcare to GIS, and small teams to traditional big-enterprise IT. Specialties include data access strategies including SQL, web technologies, messaging patterns, and system and data integration patterns.

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

Eric Peterson

Twitter: - @SQLeap

LinkedIn: Eric Peterson

Contact: http://www.SQLeap.com

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

Cornell Emile

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

For nearly two decades, Cornell A. Emile has designed, developed, and maintained data-centric solutions within multiple industries such as Finance, Digital Marketing, Non-Profit, Retail, Manufacturing State and Federal Government using Microsoft#39;s business and data products. His main interests include architecting data solutions, Business Intelligence and NoSQL databases.

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.

Brandon Leach

Twitter: - SQLServerNerd

LinkedIn: Brandon Leach

A Microsoft Data Platform MVP, Brandon manages the DB Operations team for financial company x. With a data estate of several petabytes, he puts a high focus on performance tuning and automation. He is a frequent speaker at events like conferences and user groups.

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.

Matt Martin

Twitter: - @sqletl_matt

LinkedIn: Matt Martin

Contact: http://mddatatech.wordpress.com

Matt Martin is a SQL Server professional that loves data integration and data warehousing. He has over 9 years of experience specializing in ETL automation, and working with big data. In 2015, Matt co-founded a new software company called MD Data Technologies, which simplifies SQL Server ETL by using a T-SQL parameterized wrapper to automate the building and execution of SSIS packages.

Mike Robbins

Twitter: - @mikefrobbins

LinkedIn: Mike Robbins

Contact: http://mikefrobbins.com/

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

Geoff Hiten

Twitter: - SQLCraftsman

LinkedIn: Geoff Hiten

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

Nathan Boster

Twitter: - twitter.com/nboster

Nathan Boster is a data services developer for Improving - Atlanta.

Mike Oberlin

LinkedIn: Mike Oberlin

Mike Oberlin is an 18 year veteran of the IT Industry focusing primarily on Application Performance amp; Availability during this time. He has worked with all facets of the Modern Application Architecture from Browser to Database.. Prior to ScaleArc, Mike most recently spend 4 years at AppDynamics as a Solutions Architect for their Application Performance products.. Focusing primarily on Digital Transformation Projects within Major Accounts in the Southeast, Mike became the Trusted Advisor to CIO’s and DBA’s the same. Now with ScaleArc, Mike looks to bring the yet another highly valuable technology to those Customers amp; Friends in the Southeast.

Rie Irish

Twitter: - IrishSQL

LinkedIn: Rie Irish

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

Kevin Kline

Twitter: - kekline

LinkedIn: Kevin Kline

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

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

Rob Volk

Twitter: - sql_r

LinkedIn: Rob Volk

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

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

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.

Geoff Hiten

Twitter: - SQLCraftsman

LinkedIn: Geoff Hiten

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

Peter Avenant

Twitter: - @BimlDownunder

Contact: http://www.varigence.com.au

Peter Avenant is the Technical Director at Varigence Australia, an SSIS Developer, Trainer and Consultant, and SQL Server data warehouse specialist. His background includes developing a cloud metadata framework that integrates with BimlScript to create both data vault and dimensional data warehouses.

Kerry Tyler

Twitter: - AirborneGeek

LinkedIn: Kerry Tyler

Contact: http://airbornegeek.com

Kerry Tyler is a SQL Server, Business Intelligence, and Azure consultant. His initial IT experience was in network engineering and Windows system administration before moving into the data realm. This infrastructure background builds a firm foundation for performance tuning and cloud infrastructure design and implementation. Kerry has full-time DBA experience in SQL Server since version 2000 and business intelligence architecture since SQL Server 2005. In addition to consulting work, he delivers presentations and training on SQL Server administration, business intelligence, and Azure data and infrastructure components.

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.

Daniel Taylor

Twitter: - @DBABulldog

LinkedIn: Daniel Taylor

Contact: http://dbabulldog.wordpress.com/

Daniel Taylor started his DBA life at Nielsen Media Research Company working with Sybase ASE 11 thru 12.5, Sybase IQ, eventually moving to SQL server. Post Nielsen Media Research Daniel worked for Publix Supermarket a Forbes recognized industry leader, Forbes top 100 best places to work, and tops in customer service and satisfaction. Following Publix Daniel worked at New York Like which is recognized as a Fortune 500 company, Fortune 500 Global company, and recognized as top 50 company for diversity. Currently Daniel h is a Consultant with Pragmatic Works. You can find him on Twitter as @DBABullDog. Daniel has worked with SQL Server version from 7.0 to 2014. You can find him on Twitter as @DBABullDog.

Justin Randall

Twitter: - jh_randall

LinkedIn: Justin Randall

Contact: http://blogs.sqlsentry.com/justinrandall

Justin Randall is a Senior Consultant at SQL Sentry, LLC. He has over 30 years of data management experience in a variety of roles from Enterprise Data Modeler to DBA, supporting development in DB2, Sybase, and SQL Server. Justin frequently speaks at SQL Server User Group meetings and SQLSaturdays, and has presented at several SQLintersection conferences. His current professional interests are SQL Server performance monitoring and tuning, and career development.

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.

Stuart Ainsworth

Twitter: - @codegumbo

LinkedIn: Stuart Ainsworth

Contact: http://codegumbo.com

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

Jamey Johnston

Twitter: - STATCowboy

LinkedIn: Jamey Johnston

Contact: http://STATCowboy.com

Jamey Johnston is a Senior Data Scientist/Engineer for a large independent OG company. For over 25 years, he has worked for Fortune 500 companies architecting successful platforms in the cloud, on the edge, and on-premises for BI reporting, statistical analysis, ML, and AI. Lately, he spends his time in Azure, Python, R, Power BI, MS SQL, and SAS JMP. He holds a BS in Spatial Analysis from LSU and a Masters of Science in Analytics from Texas AM. He is a professor at the Mays Business School at Texas AM in the MS Analytics program. He is active in his PASS Local Group in Houston, co-leader of the local Power BI users group and data analytics group. He regularly speaks and volunteers at PASS events. He is also a Microsoft Data Platform MVP.

Dan Holmes

Twitter: - @dnhlms

LinkedIn: Dan Holmes

Contact: http://sql.dnhlms.com

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

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

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

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

Niran Even-Chen

Twitter: - @niranec

Contact: http://cloud-abstract.com

Niran Even-Chen (@niranec) is a Staff Solution architect at VMware Inc. In his role as a Microsoft enterprise applications architecture specialist Niran is responsible for developing solutions for SQL Server with VMware solutions, writing white papers and is also a frequent speaker in different venues such as VMUG conferences, SQLSaturday user groups, VMworld conferences and more. Niran is certified as VMware certified design expert (VCDX) #142 for datacenter virtualization and Cloud with 15 years of experience in the industry designing and architecting enterprise level solutions.

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.

Ginger Grant

Twitter: - desertislesql

LinkedIn: Ginger Grant

Contact: http://www.DesertIsleSQL.com

Ginger Grant manages the consultancy Desert Isle Group and shares what she has learned while working with data technology to people around the world. As a Microsoft MVP in Data Platform, Microsoft Certified Trainer and an instructor on DataCamp, she focuses on guiding clients to create solutions using the entire Microsoft Data Stack, which includes SQL Server, Power BI, and Azure Data Cloud components. When not working, she protypes the latest pre-release data technologies, maintains her blog http://www.desertislesql.com, and spends time on twitter @desertislesql.

Robert Cain

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

LinkedIn: Robert Cain

Contact: http://arcanecode.com

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

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.

Michael Fal

Twitter: - @Mike_Fal

LinkedIn: Michael Fal

Contact: http://mikefal.net

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

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

Jason Horner

Twitter: - jasonhorner

LinkedIn: Jason Horner

Contact: http://blog.jasonhorner.com

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

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

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

David Bermingham

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

LinkedIn: David Bermingham

Contact: http://clusteringformeremortals.com/

David Bermingham is recognized within the community as a high availability expert and has been honored by his peers by being elected to be a MVP in Clustering since 2010 and most recently has been recognized as a Cloud and Datacenter MVP. David’s work as technical evangelist at SIOS has him focused on evangelizing Microsoft high availability and disaster recovery solutions for both on premise and cloud deployments. He lives in New Jersey with his wife and three kids where he a school board member, scout leader and musical director of an 8-piece jazz band, M-Town.

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.

Karlyn LeBlanc

Karlyn LeBlanc is a native of Chicago, Illinois. She currently resides in the Atlanta, Georgia area. Karlyn obtained her Bachelors degree from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge and her Masters from Tulane University in New Orleans. Her career began as licensed master social worker where she spent twelve years counseling patients, supervising master level social workers, and facilitating support groups. In addition, she’s a bestselling author of two books and motivational speaker.

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

Robert Verell

Twitter: - @sqlcowbell

LinkedIn: Robert Verell

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

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

Ravi Lobo

LinkedIn: Ravi Lobo

DBA. Speaker, SQLSaturday and Atlanta MDF. Love automation. PowerShell, BigData. HDInsight.

Brian Kelley

Twitter: - kbriankelley

LinkedIn: Brian Kelley

Contact: https://truthsolutions.wordpress.com/

Brian Kelley is an author, columnist, Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), accredited CISA trainer, and former Microsoft Data Platform (SQL Server) MVP (2009-2016) focusing primarily on SQL Server and Windows security. Brian currently serves as a data architect as well as an independent infrastructure/security architect concentrating on Active Directory, SQL Server, and Windows Server. He has served in a myriad of other positions including senior database administrator, data warehouse architect, web developer, incident response team lead, and project manager. Brian has spoken at 24 Hours of PASS, the Marathon of PASS, IT/Dev Connections, SQLConnections, the SSWUG Virtual Conferences, the Techno Security and Forensics Investigation

Damu Venkatesan

Twitter: - @vdamu

LinkedIn: Damu Venkatesan

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

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.

Mike Lawell

Twitter: - @sqldiver

LinkedIn: Mike Lawell

Contact: http://sqlserverassociates.com/Blog

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

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

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

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

Sven Aelterman

Twitter: - @svenaelterman

LinkedIn: Sven Aelterman

Contact: https://svenaelterman.wordpress.com

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

Thomas LeBlanc

Twitter: - TheSmilingDBA

LinkedIn: Thomas LeBlanc

Contact: http://Thomas-LeBlanc.com

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

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

SQLSat Lunch

Place holder for lunch sessions.

Michael French

LinkedIn: Michael French

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

David Maxwell

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

LinkedIn: David Maxwell

Contact: https://dmmaxwell.wordpress.com/

David Maxwell has almost 20 years of experience with SQL Server, with a keen interest in performance tuning, monitoring, and troubleshooting. He has experience in environments as diverse as health care institutions, auto manufacturers, and insurance companies. David has been a frequent presenter at SQLSaturday events around the United States since 2012, as well as a presenter for the DBA Fundamentals Virtual Group, the Performance Virtual Group, 24 Hours of PASS, and the annual PASS Summit. David participates in his local Columbus Ohio PASS Local Group, where he serves on the board of directors as SQLSaturday coordinator.

Naomi Williams

Twitter: - naomithesqldba

LinkedIn: Naomi Williams

Naomi Williams is a SQL Server professional working in the San Antonio area. Currently a seasoned Database Administrator for both Oracle and SQL Server doing database development, SSIS, SSRS and SSAS. Naomi has been working with SQL Server for almost 15 years. Naomi is passionate about performance, high availability, and creative non standard solutions to complex problems

Mike Hillwig

Twitter: - @mikehillwig

LinkedIn: Mike Hillwig

Contact: http://www.mikehillwig.com

Veteran DBA Mike Hillwig is a native Pittsburgher and resident of the Boston Suburbs. He’s a DBA Manager for a financial software company that’s owned by one of the world’s largest bank. Mike has been working with SQL Server since version 7 and has a background in infrastructure and network. Today, he manages a team of DBAs around the globe.

Louis Davidson

Twitter: - drsql

LinkedIn: Louis Davidson

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

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

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.

Shabnam Watson

Twitter: - ShbWatson

LinkedIn: Shabnam Watson

Contact: https://shabnamwatson.wordpress.com/

Shabnam Watson is a Business Intelligence architect with 20 years of experience developing data warehouse and business intelligence solutions. Her work focus within the Microsoft BI Stack has been on Analysis Services and Power BI.

She is an active member of PASS community and has spoken at PASS Summit, SQLSaturdays, PASS Business Analytics and Women in Technology virtual chapters, and many other local user groups and conferences. She is one of the organizers of SQLSaturday Atlanta BI Edition.

She holds a master’s degree in computer science, a bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, and a Certified Business Intelligence Professional (CBIP) certification by The Data Warehouse Institute (TDWI).

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

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.

Jason Brimhall

Twitter: - sqlrnnr

LinkedIn: Jason Brimhall

Contact: http://jasonbrimhall.info

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

SQLSat Lunch

Place holder for lunch sessions.

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.

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.

SQLSat Lunch

Place holder for lunch sessions.

Daniel Glenn

Twitter: - DanielGlenn

LinkedIn: Daniel Glenn

Contact: https://DanielGlenn.com

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

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

Andy Mallon

Twitter: - AMtwo

LinkedIn: Andy Mallon

Contact: http://www.AM2.co

Andy is a Data Platform MVP and SQL Server DBA that has managed databases in the healthcare, finance, e-commerce, and non-profit sectors. He has been supporting high-volume, highly-available OLTP environments with demanding performance needs since 2003.

Andy is the founder of the BostonSQL User Group, and previous co-organizer of SQLSaturday events in Boston. He blogs at am2.co.

Andy lives just outside Boston, Massachusetts, USA with his husband and their two dogs.

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.

Jon Boulineau

Twitter: - @jboulineau

LinkedIn: Jon Boulineau

Contact: http://jonboulineau.me

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

Amy Herold

Twitter: - @texasamy

LinkedIn: Amy Herold

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

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

SQLSat Lunch

Place holder for lunch sessions.

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.

Tamera Clark

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

LinkedIn: Tamera Clark

Contact: http://tameraclark.com

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

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.

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.

Daniel McLeod

Twitter: - @WebchatGuy

LinkedIn: Daniel McLeod

Daniel McLeod is a developer at Varigence.

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.

Ben Miller

Twitter: - DBAduck

LinkedIn: Ben Miller

Contact: https://dbaduck.com

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

Monica Rathbun

Twitter: - SQLEspresso

LinkedIn: Monica Rathbun

Contact: http://www.sqlespresso.com

Monica Rathbun lives in Virginia, is a Microsoft MVP for Data Platform and Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert. She has nearly two decades of experience working with a wide variety of database platforms with a focus on SQL Server and the Microsoft Data Platform. She is a frequent speaker at IT industry conferences on topics including performance tuning and configuration management. She is the Leader of the Hampton Roads SQL Server User Group and a Mid‐Atlantic PASS Regional Mentor. She is passionate about SQL Server and the SQL Server community, doing anything she can to give back. Monica can always be found on Twitter (@sqlespresso) handing out helpful tips. You can find Monica blogging at sqlespresso.com

Ed Watson

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

LinkedIn: Ed Watson

Contact: http://sqlgator.com

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

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.

Lance Tidwell

Twitter: - @Lance_LT

Contact: http://lancetidwell.com

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

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.

Sponsors

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

• Cisco

• Tintri

• Pyramid Analytics

• SIOS Technology

• Intellinet

• HVR Software

• DELL EMC

• ScaleArc

• Quest Software

• Soaring Eagle Consulting

• CTS Inc

• TEKsystems

• Idera

• SolarWinds

• PASS

• SQL Sentry

• Linchpin People

• SolidQ

• Visionaire Partners

• Devart

• Prologika

• T and K Creative Solutions Group

• SQL Chick

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