SQLSaturday #550 - San Antonio 2016

Event Date: 08/13/2016 00:00:00

Event Location:

Texas AM University
One University Way
San Antonio, Texas

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

Sessions
Speakers
Sponsors

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Sessions

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

Title: 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 - CEAC 223

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

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

Speaker(s):

Wayne Sheffield

Track and Room: Application Database Development - CEAC 218

Title: SS2014/2016 In-Memory Tables –Formula One 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. 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 with and without columnstore indexes 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

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

Speaker(s):

Mike Byrd

Track and Room: Application Database Development - CEAC 337

Title: Tips for SQL Server Performance and Resiliency

Abstract: After working 20 years in the industry on hundreds of SQL Servers clear patterns emerge. These observations of patterns and best practices directly relate to the health of the server.#160; During this session we will review the patterns of healthy SQL Servers and identify unhealthy behavior that clearly shows servers that are at risk.#160; We will review shared patterns, configuration and practices.#160;#160; Which of these repeating patterns represent healthy Servers and which of these patterns are#160; shared with servers that are having issues daily.#160; These patterns are so clear in fact that I many SQL Servers will benefit from the application of at least one if not more of the tips we will cover.#160; At the end of this session attendees will have the tools to identify and correct common issues that impact SQL Servers Performance and Resiliency.

Speaker(s):

Chris Shaw

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - CEAC 333

Title: Successfully Migrate Existing Databases to Azure SQL Database

Abstract: Peoples first impressions have a long lasting effect. This is true, regardless if the first impression is related to technology or not. Last thing you want to do is leave a bad first impression by having an unsuccessful migration to Azure SQL Database.

In this session, you will learn how to test migrations for compatibility issues before you start the migration process. This will proactively eliminate road blocks during the migration process. You will learn what tools are available to make sure migrations successfully meet your existing service level agreements. Finally, you will learn which performance tier is a good starting point for your existing workload and how to monitor your workload to make sure your users have a great experience while you save as much money as possible.

Speaker(s):

John Sterrett

Track and Room: Cloud Application Development Deployment - CEAC 337

Title: Profiler is Dead! Long Live Extended Events!

Abstract: Did you know that Profiler and SQL Trace are deprecated? I know it still works, but it will never be updated with the latest features. In fact it will never be updated at all! That means if you want to capture information about any new feature, from version SQL Server 2012 and beyond, you need to use another tool. That new tool is Extended Events (XE). Not only has it replaced Profiler, and can be used to capture information on all new features, but it is a substantially better tool! In this session we will discuss the architecture of Extended Events, how to setup a new trace from scratch or convert an existing Profiler trace, and the new abilities that never existed in Profiler. We will also cover the difference in overhead cost of Profiler and Extended Events. Profiler was a friend of mine, but it is time to embrace the new king!

Speaker(s):

Keith Tate

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - CEAC 424

Title: Reporting Services 2016: New Features Smart Migration Strategy

Abstract: With the release of SQL Server 2016, Reporting Services is finally getting some love! In this session you will get a brief peek at some of the new features and functionality including a look at the new Report Manager interface and the new control we have over the parameter placement on screen.

We will then dive into how to use a custom report, based on the ReportServer database transaction log table, to see which reports are actually being used and use that report to determine a smart strategy for which reports to migrate to a new 2016 installation. You will see how to combine this understanding of active reports with the power of linked reports to simplify your Reporting Services implementation as you convert to SQL Server 2016.

The session will conclude with a look at my “Ultimate Footer”, which you can use on any version of Reporting Services, that shows report utilization, performance details, stored procedures and data sets used and discover any inline TSQL being abused.

Speaker(s):

Ted Stathakis

Track and Room: BI Platform Architecture, Development Administration - CEAC 337

Title: Create a Data Loading Strategy

Abstract: Loading large amounts of data into SQL Server can be challenging. Many factors may challenge your goal for tuned performance. To make the decision making process more difficult, many of the choices listed below have both Pros and Cons to their implementation. For this reason, bulk loading large amounts of data requires a strategy.

Create a strategy to optimize your massive data loading processes. • High Performance Data Loading • Minimal Logging and Bulk Loading • Indexing Considerations • Delayed Durability • Eager Write

This session uses a Virtual Sandbox to demonstrate “real” data loads using these techniques listed above. We will look at the T-SQL used in these data loads. We will briefly discuss how the different settings and configurations effect the data loads. Power Point slides and sample SQL will be provided.

Speaker(s):

Ryan Casey

Track and Room: BI Platform Architecture, Development Administration - CEAC 333

Title: Understanding Storage Systems and SQL Server

Abstract: The most important part of your SQL Server is also the slowest, Storage. This talk will take you through the fundamentals of your server’s Disk I/O System. This session should give you a solid foundation over storage systems and help you understand why they are slow and how to overcome some of their limitations. We will cover the basics of computer systems, hard disks and disk controllers. Next, we will move to the fundamentals of RAID and how to configure your arrays for performance and reliability. Later, we will discuss the relationship between SQL Server and the file system, what is required for SQL Server and how to configure the file system for optimal performance. Finally, we will touch on how to monitor the performance and health of your storage system with some real world scripts that you can apply to your own environment. Along the way we will touch on other storage mediums like SAN’s and Solid State Disks, covering some pitfalls, gotchas and personal stories from the field.

Speaker(s):

Wesley Brown

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - CEAC 424

Title: I Created an AG and T log is growing but I have a T Log backup What gives?

Abstract: When you create an AG the default backup preference is secondary…..and let the detective work begin.

Speaker(s):

Joe Hellsten

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - CEAC 424

Title: Be a DBA Army of One

Abstract: Your team does all the SQL Server maintenance and auditing, but it really shouldn’t take quite so much time. It would be nice to get on that new project that’s coming up in Q3, or study up on SQL 2016, right?
You definitely need MinionWare: Minion Backup, Minion Reindex, and Minion Enterprise. Minion Backup and Minion Reindex are FREE standalone solutions for SQL Server backup and index maintenance. Each module has a simple installation, extensive logging, and multi-level configuration options.

Our flagship product, Minion Enterprise (or as we call it, “ME”), is the SQL Server management solution you’ve been looking for. ME lets you see your entire enterprise from a single location. It easily answers questions like, “What are the service accounts for all the production servers? Who has sysadmin access to any server? How how much disk space will I need to add to the QA servers next year? Are there any databases that haven’t had a full backup this week?”

Speaker(s):

Sean McCown

Track and Room: Spotlight - CEAC 223

Title: SQL Server Statistics – What Are The Chances?

Abstract: For far too long, I thought that statistics only contained information on table row counts. While they do contain that information, there is more to it than that. In this beginner session, we’ll go over statistics – how they are created, the different types of statistics that exist, how they’re maintained and how the Query Optimizer uses them. We will also touch on system tables and DMVs that will provide additional information on your statistics. We’ll also go over the cardinality estimator changes in 2014. At the end of this session, you should have a better idea of how the query optimizer within SQL Server makes decisions on how to gather data.

Speaker(s):

Lori Edwards

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - CEAC 333

Title: Service Broker - Put Me In Coach

Abstract: This session is an introduction to Service Broker basics and how you can use it to for an alternative to ETL, batch processing and other asynchronous operations. Service Broker allows you to process your data asynchronously in a single instance. It makes for a near real time ETL process.

We will start off with the basic components of Service Broker. Then use what we have learned to configure it to process some real life data using American Football Plays on a single database deployment. In addition, we will then use Service Broker as a replication alternative to show the ETL capabilities using databases on two separate instances.

At the end of this session, you will have the knowledge to use Service Broker for batch processing, ETL or even an alternative to replication.

Speaker(s):

William Wolf

Track and Room: Application Database Development - CEAC 334

Title: Imposter Syndrome: Are You Faking It Will they Find Out?

Abstract: Have you ever thought to yourself “All these people think I’m smarter than I really am” or “I really don’t know what I’m doing, they’re going to figure out I’m a fraud!” If yes, then you suffer from the Impostor Syndrome. And despite all the accomplishments, awards and accolades, you still doubt yourself. It’s rampant in the modern day tech workplace, and the fear will make you shrink back from opportunities. You dismiss praise. You overcompensate by working harder, being charming and demanding perfection from yourself. What would happen if you were released from this bondage, and kicked your impostor to the curb? In this session, learn 3 powerful techniques that can help to improve your confidence and silent that annoying voice in your head!

Speaker(s):

Mindy Curnutt

Track and Room: Professional Development - CEAC 334

Title: Why Should I Care About … The Plan Cache

Abstract: SQL Server is a huge product, with many different places a DBA can go to look for information on how the server is performing. So many in fact that they can often overlap, which sometimes makes it hard to understand why tackling a new tool is worth the effort. In this first installment of Rick’s “Why should I care” series a case for why working knowledge of how to query the plan cache is critical for performance tuning efforts in real world environments, followed by a review of relevant DMV’s for the newly motivated audience. Perfect for those who are relatively new to performance tuning concerns, or advanced DBAs trying to figure out how to have a similar conversation with their less experienced peers, or developers who are curious as to why their DBAs drink in the morning (allegedly). This is not a deep dive into the cache, it really is primarily a session exploring why these DMVs are worth slogging through.

Speaker(s):

Rick Lowe

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - CEAC 333

Title: EMC Presents: Maximizing Microsoft SQL Server Storage Investments

Abstract: 2016 is the year of All-Flash for primary storage and EMC’s industry leading portfolio of All-Flash arrays unlock the speed, efficiency, and agility that your business stakeholders have been demanding. Whether supporting 1,000 or 10,000,000 IOPS, EMC has a broad portfolio to ensure consistent sub-millisecond response time regardless of workload type.

Beyond just production database performance, EMC provides robust database repurposing via our iCDM or Integrated Copy Data Management capabilities. Creating and maintaining test/dev, near real-time analytic, or sandbox environments has never been simpler. Join us and hear how we can address the needs of all of your Microsoft SQL Server instances.

Speaker(s):

Naomi Williams

Track and Room: Spotlight - CEAC 223

Title: Mission Possible: Interactive Performance Troubleshooting - Index

Abstract: Performance troubleshooting is detective work. We’ll have a lab system being assaulted by PowerShell scripts (to simulate live users), and simulated performance problems like those that can make your on-call cell phone ring too much! Do you think you have what it takes to find these “needle in the haystack” issues and resolve them quickly? This will be a highly interactive session where we will locate the rogue queries together, work through solutions, implement them and measure the results. In this episode we’ll focus primarily on improper indexing as a common underlying problem and all will walk away with much better troubleshooting skills and an upgraded knowledge of performance tuning!

Speaker(s):

Jim Murphy

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - CEAC 333

Title: SQL Server R Services in SQL 2016

Abstract: One of the most exciting new features of SQL Server 2016 is the integration of the R statistical programming language into the platform with the brand-new SQL Server R Services. In this introductory session we’ll briefly introduce the R language and then look at how to install and administer SQL Server R Services. We’ll start to demonstrate the power of R by showing you how to create and run simple R scripts from within T-SQL. We’ll then discuss some of the powerful open source packages that are available to aid your data analyses. Finally, we’ll go through some examples of how to use R to integrate data analytical methods in real-world situations, and wow your customers with the power of statistics!

Speaker(s):

Chris Hyde

Track and Room: Analytics and Visualization - CEAC 218

Title: Recovery Models Made SIMPLE

Abstract: SQL Server always logs every change to a database. But exactly what is logged can vary based on a number of factors. Some operations are referred to as “minimally logged,” but even those operations can log a different level of detail depending on your recovery model. This session looks inside the transaction log to see exactly what is logged for minimally logged operations. First, we look at some background information regarding how the log is used and managed, and then we introduce a tool that can help you actually see your log records. When you can query the log, you can determine how logging for operations such as index rebuilds and SELECT INTO differs depending on whether you are using the FULL or BULK_LOGGED recovery model. We also look at other factors in our SQL Server operations that can affect what is actually written to the log. In addition, I’ll describe the benefits and caveats for each of the recovery models.

Speaker(s):

Kalen Delaney

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - CEAC 223

Title: Enterprise Row Level Security in SQL Server 2016 and Azure SQL DB

Abstract: The need for organizations to provide Row Level Security (RLS) in their applications is increasing every day, often in existing applications where code changes are not easy. Microsoft has addressed this need in SQL Server 2016/Azure SQL DB with predicate based RLS.

This session will show how organizational asset hierarchies are leveraged together to provide predicate-based RLS on tables in SQL Server 2016/Azure SQL Database without application changes. This session will go beyond the basic RLS setups and show a real-world production setup of RLS using a small number of security records to secure large and small organizations.

Attendees will leave with a complete working demo they can take to their work and begin to use immediately. The demo will walk completely through creating the database, creating the application tables and security related tables, loading demo and security data, setting up the RLS and testing the RLS using Power BI as a test application.

Speaker(s):

Jamey Johnston

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - CEAC 333

Title: Introduction to Biml

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

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

Speaker(s):

Tim Mitchell

Track and Room: BI Platform Architecture, Development Administration - CEAC 337

Title: Polybase and Time Travel (Temporal Tables)

Abstract: “With the release of SQL Server 2016, Microsoft has included two features that could fundamentally change the way we look at Data Warehousing. The addition of Polybase for connecting to external data sources such as Hadoop and Azure Blob for native TSQL queries extends the reach of the DW. The Temporal Table feature creates all kinds of possibilities for implementing Type 1 and 2 dimensions as well as time based reporting and logical data recovery. In this session we will take an in depth lock at the features and scenarios for use. We will also look at some actual demos of the technologies so you can get a feel for the technologies in action.”

Speaker(s):

Stan Geiger

Track and Room: BI Platform Architecture, Development Administration - CEAC 424

Title: Scaling for best performance: Partitioned views.

Abstract: Partitioning has long been one of the key feature sets utilized to improve performance or reduce contention within our large tables in SQL Server. However, table partitioning has been solely the prerogative of SQL Server Enterprise edition. Even though that is correct, there are techniques available to us in Standard edition which would accomplish the same result as table partitioning.

In this session we will go through the steps needed to configure and use the partitioned views to achieve the same result as table partitioning. We will also configure the maintenance jobs to imitate the sliding window functionality, and for those of us who are lucky to have Enterprise edition, we will see how to be able to take advantage of combining both partitioned views and table partitioning as well as inMemory tables to give us an ability to use double partition elimination based on two different keys as well as the ability to move hot spots data into inMemory OLTP.

Speaker(s):

Konstantin Melamud

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - CEAC 223

Title: Design a data warehouse dimension the Agile way!

Abstract: Do you ever have that nagging fear that your dimension tables don’t have the data they need? Maybe you’re working too hard to capture and store detail no one is using or maybe you can’t stop thinking that you’ve missed something? This session will (hopefully) set your mind at ease. Let’s design a dimension the agile way!

Speaker(s):

Tim Costello

Track and Room: BI Platform Architecture, Development Administration - CEAC 334

Title: Cluster@#$%! SQL Server Failover Clusters. What Could Go Wrong?

Abstract: The more clustered they are, the harder they fall. Sometimes. And sometimes, nobody notices anything happened at all.

Whether you’re having to design your first SQL Server failover cluster implementation, or have inherited a cluster built in the long, long ago before there was a historic record (or server manifest), join John Harp on an adventure through some of the most noteworthy failures a SQL cluster can encounter.

Speaker(s):

John Harp

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - CEAC 337

Title: Translating SANanese to English: How to manipulate your storage admin!

Abstract: This technical session covers everything you ever wanted to know about troubleshooting the storage in SQL Server. Have you ever observed high latency, only to be told “It’s not the disks” by the storage admin? This empowering session will give you the knowledge you need to dig down to the root cause! This session will cover DMVs, Performance Monitor, XPerf, and more!

Speaker(s):

Daniel Janik

Track and Room: Advanced Analysis Techniques - CEAC 334

Title: IaaS vs IaaS - Navigating the Decision Tree: Azure SQL DB vs SQL on a VM

Abstract: There are multiple options for hosting relational databases in Azure. A common challenge we come across frequently is helping ISVs to understand all of the options and sorting out which is right for their scenario. This first video address that challenge by helping you to navigate the decision tree between PaaS (Platform as a service) and IaaS (Infrastructure as a service). Specifically, When deciding what type of database to use in Azure.

Speaker(s):

Shawn Weisfeld

Track and Room: Azure - CEAC 334

Title: Designing for Performance – Smokin’ Fast Queries – Query optimiza

Abstract: Data is the central component of most applications. The modern day application user expects applications to be reliable, performant and have minimal downtime. Designing a database and its constructs with this aspect in mind is critical to the success of any application both for internal customers as well as external. This session will explore addressing those performance and design needs by understanding how the query processor works, how statistics impact plan selection and some useful query building tips to proactively build your database awesome the first time so you never hear the words ‘Must be the database!’.

Speaker(s):

Jennifer Smith

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - CEAC 223

Title: SQL Security Best Practices Shrinking Your Attack Surface

Abstract: Every industry has a governing body or standard that requires some layer of security to your data. In my travels I have come to realize that when someone mentions security, DBA’s tend to get frightened. This could be due to a lack of understanding of the requirements or not knowing what SQL Server offers to meet those requirements. In this session we will go over what SQL Server has to offer, Security Best Practices and how you can shrink your attack surface to meet Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability of your Servers and Data.

Speaker(s):

Matthew Brimer

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - CEAC 218

Title: Meet JSON in SQL Server 2016

Abstract: There have been many data lingua franca over the years (EDI, CSV, XML). Let’s meet a new comer JSON (aka Jason). JSON is the web developers new best friend, providing a schema free way to transmit and persist data. SQL Server 2016 has provided new functionality to work with JSON. In this session we will look at how to read a JSON document using the OPENJSON function. We will also look at other methods for extracting information from JSON. Finally, we will look at how to generate JSON documents from TSQL queries.

Speaker(s):

Russel Loski

Track and Room: Application Database Development - CEAC 223

Title: SQL Server Agent: The life preserver for the drowning DBA

Abstract: Automation is a key part to becoming a great DBA. Without automation a DBA can start to drown in a sea of repeating tasks. The SQL Server Agent can serve as the much-needed life preserver to pull your head above the water. In this session you will learn at how to setup the SQL Agent as well as creating jobs and alerts within the agent to help you automate daily, monthly, yearly tasks. In addition we will look into how to monitor the jobs and alerts created. Lastly we will talk about some common pitfalls to watch out for when dealing with the SQL Server Agent.

Speaker(s):

Lance Tidwell

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - CEAC 424

Title: Log SQL Server Activity on a Budget

Abstract: SQL Server has some of the best monitoring tools out there. But what about that server you just discovered? And you’re all out of monitoring licences? Or, what if you need additional information that your monitoring tool isn’t providing? Or, would you like execution plans and lock information for further analysis? All this and more is possible using the industry standard sp_whoisactive, created by Adam Machanic, to monitor and log activity on your SQL Servers. This session will teach you how to log and query the wealth of information sp_whoisactive provides.

Speaker(s):

Rudy Rodarte

Track and Room: Application Database Development - CEAC 218

Title: SQL running on Linux

Abstract: Have you heard that Microsoft is releasing SQL on Linux? Come by and find out more about this exciting new announcement and get a sneak peek at some SQL demos running on SQL Server for Linux.

Speaker(s):

Mark Moore

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - CEAC 218

Title: Real world In-Memory OLTP

Abstract: What is the optimal way to migrate existing data to In-Memory? How does Garbage Collection work, what types of memory-optimized objects does it work with, and how can I make sure it’s operational? What are the pros/cons of different ways of handling hot/cold data with In-Memory OLTP? What causes ALTER TABLE to be fully logged and serially executed? All of these questions and more are answered as we discuss real-world usage of In-Memory OLTP.

Speaker(s):

Ned Otter

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - CEAC 337

Title: Azure SQL Database for DBA’s

Abstract: Did you think cloud databases like Azure Database could replace your job? It’s not, but it will redefine your job as you know it today. Platform as a service (PaaS) databases are here and adoption is growing. In this session, you will learn how to take your current DBA skills and utilize them with Azure Databases. We will focus on getting started, migrating databases, disaster recovery, performance, and security.

Speaker(s):

John Sterrett

Track and Room: Cloud Application Development Deployment - CEAC 218

Title: Beginning Automation with Powershell

Abstract: This session will cover concepts of automating SQL processes with Powershell - the one tool no DBA should shy away from. If you haven’t gotten on the bandwagon yet now is the time. With some simple demos that you can take and expand upon, you will learn how you can leverage Powershell to not only efficiently meet the needs of your business, but also free up your time for other things.

Speaker(s):

Amy Herold

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - CEAC 334

Title: Birds of a Feather – High Availability

Abstract: Come eat lunch and let#39;s talk about High Availability

Speaker(s):

Naomi Williams

Track and Room: Lunch - CEAC 337

Title: Overlord - tracking changes real-time, in your environment

Abstract: Don’t you LOVE it when changes are made to your databases without notice!? Those AWESOME “Object doesn’t exist” messages, sudden performance problems, failed audits and other unexpected errors can be soooo much fun! Time to put an end to these unreported changes and get real-time notice as they occur, via emails, reports, or even Source Control. Learn to use Event Notifications, a native SQL Server feature, along with some production-ready code. to become the Overlord your users need.

Speaker(s):

Michael Bourgon

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - CEAC 218

Title: Branding Yourself for a Dream Job

Abstract: Everyone wants a dream job that they enjoy going to each week. However finding that job, and getting yourself hired can be hard for most people. Steve Jones will give you practical tips and suggestions in this session that show you how to better market yourself, how to get the attention of employers, and help improve the chances that the job you want will get offered to you. Learn about networking, blogging, and more.

Speaker(s):

Steve Jones

Track and Room: Professional Development - CEAC 424

Title: Birds of a Feather – Performance Tuning

Abstract: Come eat lunch and let#39;s talk performance tuning

Speaker(s):

Naomi Williams

Track and Room: Lunch - CEAC 424

Title: Birds of a Feather – Data Analytics, Reporting and ETL

Abstract: Come eat lunch and let#39;s talk BI!

Speaker(s):

Naomi Williams

Track and Room: Lunch - CEAC 334

Title: Why Did My Execution Plan Change? Introduction to Query Store

Abstract: Join John Sterrett, Principal Consultant at Procure SQL LLC to learn how execution plans get invalidated and why data skew could be the root cause to seeing different execution plans for the same query. We will look at the options for forcing a query to use a particular execution plan. Finally, you will learn how this complex problem can be identified and resolved simply using a new feature in SQL Server 2016 called Query Store.

Speaker(s):

John Sterrett

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - CEAC 223

Title: Birds of a Feather – SQL Server 2016

Abstract: Come eat lunch and let#39;s talk SQL Server 2016

Speaker(s):

Naomi Williams

Track and Room: Lunch - CEAC 218

Title: Birds of a Feather – Azure

Abstract: Come eat lunch and let#39;s talk Azure

Speaker(s):

Naomi Williams

Track and Room: Lunch - CEAC 333

Speakers

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

Michael Bourgon

Twitter: - @mbourgon

LinkedIn: Michael Bourgon

Contact: http://thebakingdba.blogspot.com

Michael Bourgon started his IT career by performing tech support and managing Sybase databases on Unix starting in 1995, before moving to SQL Server 7… continuing all the way to SQL Server 2017. His focus on automation has led him to such diverse topics as Service Broker, WMI, Table Partitioning, Shell scripting, In-Memory Tables, and Powershell. He’s currently a senior DBA with a large healthcare company, dealing with millions of transactions of day and managing hundreds of servers. In his spare time he rides a bicycle, reads science fiction, blogs about SQL Server and Baking, and tries to raise his daughter to be a geek, too.

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

Sean McCown

Twitter: - @KenpoDBA

Contact: http://www.midnightdba.com/dbarant

Sean McCown is a Certified Master with 23 years of experience in databases. He is also founder and co-owner of the MidnightDBA.com website, where he records free SQL Server training videos. He also writes the popular Minion Maintenance suite, the most configurable maintenance solution on the planet.

Tim Costello

Twitter: - timcost

LinkedIn: Tim Costello

Contact: http://www.timcost.com

Tim Costello is an MCITP, MCTS specializing in etl and data analytics for Interworks Inc. Tim is an international speaker that is always looking for opportunities to share his passion for SQL Server, Tableau and data visualization. Tim is active in the SQL community and leads a data visualization focused user group in the Dallas area.

Rick Lowe

Twitter: - DataFLowe

LinkedIn: Rick Lowe

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

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

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

Chris Hyde

Twitter: - ChrisHyde325

LinkedIn: Chris Hyde

Chris Hyde is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP and Microsoft Certified Trainer based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He works as an independent SQL Server BI and DBA consultant, and is the leader of the Albuquerque PASS local user group. He is also part of the Friends of Redgate program and was a member of the Idera ACE class of 2018. He loves loud music and cricket, but usually not at the same time.

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.

Chris Shaw

Twitter: - @SQLShaw

LinkedIn: Chris Shaw

Contact: http://chrisshaw.wordpress.com/

Chris Shaw started his database career in 1993. Following the Marines, Chris continued working with databases for companies such as Wells Fargo, Pulte Mortgage, and Yellow Pages Inc. Chris has been writing and speaking about SQL Server for over 15 years at events such as SQL Connections, PASS Summit, and SSWUG Ultimate conferences. Chris received his 5th Microsoft MVP award.

Naomi Williams

Twitter: - naomithesqldba

LinkedIn: Naomi Williams

Naomi Williams

Twitter: - naomithesqldba

LinkedIn: Naomi Williams

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.

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.

Matthew Brimer

Twitter: - @sqlcenturion

LinkedIn: Matthew Brimer

Contact: http://www.sqlcenturion.com

Matthew Brimer has 10 years experience with SQL Server, 3 of which was spent as a Database Security expert for a Department of Defense Agency and 5 as the Database/Security Manager for a leading Pharmacy Services Company. These days Matt can be found helping customers get the most out of the Databases/Servers/Networks as a Consultant for InterWorks. Matt also holds several Security and Microsoft Certifications, is the President of OKC SQL PASS Chapter and is the former Event Chair for SQLSaturday Oklahoma City.

Jennifer Smith

LinkedIn: Jennifer Smith

Jennifer has been working on MSSQL since the 90#39;s with keen interest for understanding the why and how things function. Along the way, she’s worked for Clear Channel/iHeartMedia and the Tribune Co. where the demands for high performance solutions were a part of the culture allowing her to immerse herself into the science behind the engine, optimizer and queries.

Through domestic and global projects, Jennifer has come to master MSSQL, SSAS, SSIS and specializes in design and performance tuning. Currently, Jennifer is developing database solutions as the Senior Data Architect at JamBam Technology Solutions. Her long-term goal is to return the favor to the SQL community to drive MSSQL solutions to optimal performance.

Daniel Janik

Twitter: - @SQLSME

LinkedIn: Daniel Janik

Contact: http://www.sqltechblog.com

Daniel Janik has been supporting SQL Server for 18 years. Six of those years were at Microsoft Corporation supporting SQL Server as a Senior Premier Field Engineer (PFE) where he supported over 287 different clients with both reactive and proactive database needs. Daniel has presented at many community events and SQLSaturdays.

Naomi Williams

Twitter: - naomithesqldba

LinkedIn: Naomi Williams

Lori Edwards

Twitter: - www.twitter.com/loriaedwards

LinkedIn: Lori Edwards

Contact: http://www.sqlservertimes2.com

Lori Edwards currently holds the position of Solutions Engineer for SentryOne. Prior to working with SQLSentry, she spent 11 years working as a production DBA. She also has volunteered for PASS since 2009 on the Program Committee, ERC, Nomination Committee and speaking at SQLSaturdays.

Jim Murphy

Twitter: - http://www.twitter.com/sqlmurph

LinkedIn: Jim Murphy

Contact: http://sqlwatchmen.com/blogs/jim/

Jim Murphy has been using Microsoft SQL Server since version 6.0 back in the 90#39;s. He is the CEO of SQLWatchmen, LLC., a managed DBA service provider. He runs the Austin SQL Server User Group: CACTUSS Central. He has been a professional DBA and developer for over 25 years and has run a consulting company full time since 2001.

Naomi Williams

Twitter: - naomithesqldba

LinkedIn: Naomi Williams

Kalen Delaney

Twitter: - sqlqueen

Kalen Delaney is a Data Platform MVP who has worked with SQL Server for more than 32 years. She has provided performance consulting services and taught advanced courses on SQL Server to thousands of people and organizations. In addition to her courseware development, Kalen has been writing about SQL Server for decades. She is the primary author of SQL Server Internals and the Inside SQL Server series. Kalen is also one of the primary editors for the Red Gate SQL Server Stairways tutorials.

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.

Steve Jones

Twitter: - way0utwest

LinkedIn: Steve Jones

Contact: http://www.voiceofthedba.com/

Steve Jones is a Microsoft SQL Server MVP and has been working with SQL Server since version 4.2 on OS/2. After working as a DBA and developer for a variety of companies, Steve co-founded the community website SQLServerCentral.com in 2001. Since 2004, Steve has been the full-time editor of the site, ensuring it continues to be a great resource for SQL Server professionals. Over the last decade, Steve has written hundreds of articles about SQL Server for SQLServerCentral.com, SQL Server Standard magazine, SQL Server Magazine, and Database Journal.

Wesley Brown

Twitter: - @sqlserverio

LinkedIn: Wesley Brown

Contact: http://www.sqlserverio.com

Wesley Brown is a former SQL Server MVP and PASS Chapter Leader who loves to teach others about SQL Server.He maintains his technical blog at http://www.sqlserverio.com. Wes specializes in high availability, disaster recovery, and large-scale database performance tuning.

Ryan Casey

Twitter: - @AimYourData

LinkedIn: Ryan Casey

Contact: https://www.AimYourData.com/

Microsoft Data Platform MVP, Public Speaker, and Group Moderator

SQLSaturday Speaker @ • Houston, TX 2018 • Dallas, TX 2018, 2017 (BI), 2016, 2015 • Phoenix, AZ 2018, 2017 (BI) • Kansas City, MO 2017 • Baton Rouge, LA 2017 • Oklahoma City, OK 2016 • San Antonio, TX 2016

SQL User Group Speaker @ • NTSSUG, Dallas, TX • CACTUSS, Austin, TX • OKCSQL, Oklahoma City, OK • MSBIC, Dallas, TX • SALSSA, San Antonio, TX • FWSSUG, Fort Worth, TX

AIM Business Driven Data Solutions combines the collaborative and creative arts included in Technical Communication, the business acumen of a Harvard MBA program, and the technical discipline of object-oriented programming and business intelligence (data warehouses).

Ned Otter

Twitter: - @NedOtter

LinkedIn: Ned Otter

Contact: http://www.nedotter.com

DBA with vast experience administering Microsoft SQL Server since version 4.21 to the present.

Certifications:
MCSE SQL Server 2012 Data Platform MCTS SQL Server 2008 Overall computer experience: 25 years SQL Server experience: 23 years

Currently obsessed with In-Memory technology.

Please see LinkedIn profile for more details.

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.

John Harp

Twitter: - @sekainohaten

LinkedIn: John Harp

With 17 years in the technical support field and more than a decade working with Microsoft SQL Server, John has seen some of the weirdest errors and most spectacular failures SQL Server can generate. And he#39;s solved most of them, with a little help from his friends in the SQL Server Community. John is the Technical Support Manager for Idera#39;s SQL Server Products.

Mark Moore

LinkedIn: Mark Moore

Contact: http://blogs.msdn.com/b/markm

Mark Moore is a Cloud Solutions Architect working for Microsoft in North Texas. Mark has been with Microsoft for 25 years serving in various roles in Services and Sales. Prior to Microsoft Mark worked at Digital Equipment Corporation serving Federal and Government customers in San Antonio, Texas. Mark currently resides with his Wife (Deanne) in the DFW area.

Joe Hellsten

MS SQL server professional with 15 years experience. MCTS

Shawn Weisfeld

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

LinkedIn: Shawn Weisfeld

Contact: http://www.usergroup.tv

Shawn (http://www.shawnweisfeld.com, shawn@shawnweisfeld.com) is passionate about building awesome applications and websites with .NET technologies and Azure. He is currently a Technical Evangelist for Microsoft based in Austin TX and founder of http://UserGroup.tv. Read his full bio at http://about.me/shawnweisfeld

Tim Mitchell

Twitter: - @Tim_Mitchell

LinkedIn: Tim Mitchell

Contact: http://www.TimMitchell.net

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

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

Stan Geiger

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

John Sterrett

Twitter: - JohnSterrett

LinkedIn: John Sterrett

Contact: https://johnsterrett.com/community/

John Sterrett is a MCSE: Data Platform, Principal Consultant, and the Founder of Procure SQL LLC. John has experience presenting at community events, including Microsoft Ignite, PASS Member Summit, SQLRally, 24 Hours of PASS, SQLSaturdays, PASS Chapters, and Virtual Chapter meetings. John is a leader of the Austin SQL Server User Group and is the founder of the HADR Virtual Chapter. John’s community activities can be found at https://johnsterrett.com/community/

Rudy Rodarte

Twitter: - http://www.twitter.com/shadyrudy

Contact: http://www.rodolforodarte.com

Rudy Rodarte works at Dimensional Fund Advisors as a DBA optimizing existing TSQL code, deploying SQL Server 2012, and implementing DB change tickets. Previously, Rudy spent 3 years at HotSchedules.com maintaining databases used by all major restaurants in the US. Rudy also spent 9 years at Dell Inc, in Americas Services Parts creating and maintaining logistics databases that managed inventory in the Americas. Away from the keyboard, Rudy is a big fan of Liverpool Football amp; the Baylor Bears

Keith Tate

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

LinkedIn: Keith Tate

Contact: http://thesqlchef.com

Keith Tate is a Senior Database Administrator with over 17 years of experience as a data professional. During Keith#39;s professional career he has been a developer, DBA and data architect. Keith is also active in the SQL Server community and is currently the chapter leader of the Albuquerque SQL Server User Group.

Wayne Sheffield

Twitter: - @DBAWayne

LinkedIn: Wayne Sheffield

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

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

Russel Loski

Twitter: - sqlmovers

LinkedIn: Russel Loski

Contact: http://www.sqlmovers.com

Russ Loski is a SQL Server BI Developer based in Dallas-Fort Worth. He current works as a Data Analytics Engineer for Navisite, a remote managed IT services company. Twenty years ago, he began working with SQL Server 6.5. He has since continued to develop applications connected to all of the versions of SQL Server. He has worked with clients in industries from insurance to healthcare, from movie theaters to American football. Russ is a regular speaker at SQLSaturday events, as well as the SQL Server Users Groups in the North Texas region. Russ likes working with data in various shapes.

John Sterrett

Twitter: - JohnSterrett

LinkedIn: John Sterrett

Contact: https://johnsterrett.com/community/

John Sterrett

Twitter: - JohnSterrett

LinkedIn: John Sterrett

Contact: https://johnsterrett.com/community/

Naomi Williams

Twitter: - naomithesqldba

LinkedIn: Naomi Williams

Ted Stathakis

Twitter: - fishheadted

LinkedIn: Ted Stathakis

Contact: http://fishheadted.com

Ted Stathakis is a data professional passionate about the presentation layer. He has worked with SQL Server since the turn of the century, has mastered Reporting Services since he began working with it when it was released in 2004, and is super excited about Mobile Reports and Power BI. Ted hosts the local PASS user group, is the organizer of SQLSaturday Orange County and presented on SSRS at Summit in 2019. As a 40+ year veteran of the restaurant industry, he is been an advisor, speaker and panelist at national trade shows. When he isn’t consulting on Business Intelligence projects he can be found presenting at a conference, enjoying some live music or teaching kids, both young and old, fishing and archery at a nearby Scout camp.

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

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.

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.

SQLSaturday #550 - San Antonio 2016

Sessions

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

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

Title: SS2014/2016 In-Memory Tables –Formula One Performance Unleashed???

Title: Tips for SQL Server Performance and Resiliency

Title: Successfully Migrate Existing Databases to Azure SQL Database

Title: Profiler is Dead! Long Live Extended Events!

Title: Reporting Services 2016: New Features Smart Migration Strategy

Title: Create a Data Loading Strategy

Title: Understanding Storage Systems and SQL Server

Title: I Created an AG and T log is growing but I have a T Log backup What gives?

Title: Be a DBA Army of One

Title: SQL Server Statistics – What Are The Chances?

Title: Service Broker - Put Me In Coach

Title: Imposter Syndrome: Are You Faking It Will they Find Out?

Title: Why Should I Care About … The Plan Cache

Title: EMC Presents: Maximizing Microsoft SQL Server Storage Investments

Title: Mission Possible: Interactive Performance Troubleshooting - Index

Title: SQL Server R Services in SQL 2016

Title: Recovery Models Made SIMPLE

Title: Enterprise Row Level Security in SQL Server 2016 and Azure SQL DB

Title: Introduction to Biml

Title: Polybase and Time Travel (Temporal Tables)

Title: Scaling for best performance: Partitioned views.

Title: Design a data warehouse dimension the Agile way!

Title: Cluster@#$%! SQL Server Failover Clusters. What Could Go Wrong?

Title: Translating SANanese to English: How to manipulate your storage admin!

Title: IaaS vs IaaS - Navigating the Decision Tree: Azure SQL DB vs SQL on a VM

Title: Designing for Performance – Smokin’ Fast Queries – Query optimiza

Title: SQL Security Best Practices Shrinking Your Attack Surface

Title: Meet JSON in SQL Server 2016

Title: SQL Server Agent: The life preserver for the drowning DBA

Title: Log SQL Server Activity on a Budget

Title: SQL running on Linux

Title: Real world In-Memory OLTP

Title: Azure SQL Database for DBA’s

Title: Beginning Automation with Powershell

Title: Birds of a Feather – High Availability

Title: Overlord - tracking changes real-time, in your environment

Title: Branding Yourself for a Dream Job

Title: Birds of a Feather – Performance Tuning

Title: Birds of a Feather – Data Analytics, Reporting and ETL

Title: Why Did My Execution Plan Change? Introduction to Query Store

Title: Birds of a Feather – SQL Server 2016

Title: Birds of a Feather – Azure

Speakers

Sponsors