SQLSaturday #578 - Atlanta - BI Edition 2016

Event Date: 12/10/2016 00:00:00

Event Location:

Microsoft
1125 Sanctuary Parkway
Alpharetta, Georgia

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

Sessions
Speakers
Sponsors

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Sessions

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

Title: An introduction to the magical world of BIML!

Abstract: Ever feel like you are just doing busy work while creating new SSIS packages? Feel like you are doing the same thing over and over while changing the names to protect the innocent? Ever wonder if there is a better way? Well wonder no more. Come learn about the magical world of BIML and how it can help transform your environment by increasing your productivity while reducing the possibility of errors. Come with intrigue and leave with a fundamental understanding of BIML!

Speaker(s):

Jonathan Stewart

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

Title: Zero to Hero with SSRS 2016 Mobile Report Publisher

Abstract: SQL Server Reporting Services received many upgrades with the 2016 release. One of the most notible is the new Mobile Report Publisher. This tool allows you to easily create dashboards displayable on multiple platforms including web pages, tablets, and phones. In this sesson you’ll see how to generate datasets, create and configure reports, then see them run in a web browser as well as on an iPad and iPhone.

Speaker(s):

Robert Cain

Track and Room: Analytics and Visualization - Piedmont

Title: Data Visualization: How to truly tell a great story!

Abstract: We have more information available to us today than ever before. So much so that we run the risk of not being able to tell concise stories. There’s a lot more to creating that story than just getting the correct information. Come learn not just the do’s and don’ts, but the whys…

Speaker(s):

Jonathan Stewart

Track and Room: Analytics and Visualization - Midtown

Title: The 20% of DAX That Gets You 80% of the Way There

Abstract: For those of us coming from a SQL background It’s easy to get intimidated by DAX. It’s a weird language meant to appeal to Excel people while also mimicking much of the functionality of MDX. This session will cover the topics that will make you productive immediately with DAX. Those topics are 1) Calculated Columns v. Measures, 2) Implicit vs. Explicit Measures, 3) the CALCULATE function, 4) Time Intelligence, 5) CUBEVALUE. This is truly the 20% of DAX that will make you productive in 80% of situations. We’re going to start with a working data model and start building calculations right away - bring your laptop.

Speaker(s):

Austin Senseman

Track and Room: Advanced Analysis Techniques - Chastain

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

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

Speaker(s):

Scott Currie

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

Title: Data Storytelling Using Power BI

Abstract: In today’s world, data is omnipresent and most organizations are presented with billions of data points every morning. Good analysis parses these numerical outputs into an understanding of the organization or process. In short, it “humanizes” the data by turning raw numbers into a story about the performance. The challenge is to interpret these stories correctly and for that, we need the help of data visualization tools like Microsoft Power BI.

Join me as I take you through on how to utilize Power BI effectively to tell data stories and engage your audience. Watch and learn some of the top techniques and hacks on making aesthetic as well as relevant Power BI reports for effective storytelling. Also, watch out for some engaging examples of storytelling using Power BI (which also includes the winning report of the Microsoft Power BI Best Report contest!)

Speaker(s):

Jason Thomas

Track and Room: PowerBI - Centennial

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 - Grant

Title: Why “R” you not leveraging the power of “R” in Power BI?

Abstract: R is a very powerful statistical programming language that has been gaining a lot of traction in recent years. In early 2015 Microsoft acquired Revolution Analytics, a major provider of software and services for R. Microsoft have since incorporated R in Azure ML, SQL Server 2016, and Power BI.

In this session I will focus on the benefits of using R in Power BI. I will show how to leverage R for data munging and I will also show how to leverage R to create custom visualizations. I will focus on the quot;Wickham stackquot; which is a group of very popular R packages developed by Hadley Wickham. I will discuss logical use cases for using R within Power BI as well as some of the pitfalls that you may encounter.

Speaker(s):

Ryan Wade

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

Title: Use Biml to Automate SSIS Design Patterns

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

In this session, you will learn:

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

Speaker(s):

Andy Leonard

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

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: Advanced Analysis Techniques - Piedmont

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 - Piedmont

Title: Deploying Power BI: A Blueprint for implementation success

Abstract: As companies become more familiar with Power BI, some have begun experimenting with it on production settings. Some, though, are confused as to how to properly deploy this powerful tool: Who should own Power BI as a solution within the organization? Who is responsible for what? Is this tool for the business or for I.T.? Can we look at it as a reporting tool or is it that plus something else?

This session will present a practical guide for implementing Power BI at your organization to maximize success and adoption. It will present technical and non-technical details to ensure your Power BI deployment is as successful as possible.

Speaker(s):

Javier Guillen

Track and Room: PowerBI - Centennial

Title: Tips and Tricks for the SSIS Catalog

Abstract: With the introduction of the SSIS Catalog in SQL Server 2012, we can now manage our SSIS package execution and monitor performance and logs in a much easier manner than executing packages from the file system. In this session, we’ll walk through setting permissions for SSIS read-only access, executing packages from T-SQL or stored procedures, viewing the logs generated during a package execution, writing custom messages to the logs, and many other tips to make your use of the catalog easier!

Speaker(s):

Jonathan Buller

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - Buckhead

Title: Power BI-Create a Dashboard from Zero to Hero

Abstract: Every data has meaning, but we had limitation to use data through big long running process Extraction, Transformation and Representation, but now Power BI solves your problem to kick start having Data extraction in Power Query, Data Modelling and Transformation in Power Pivot and reach data representation using power view and power map on demand any nearby device on your fingertips

Speaker(s):

Vishal Pawar

Track and Room: PowerBI - Centennial

Title: SQL Server 2016 and PolyBase

Abstract: This session will focus on the brand new SQL Server 2016 feature called PolyBase. PolyBase#160;is a technology that accesses and combines both non-relational and relational data, all from within SQL Server. It allows you to run queries on external data in Hadoop or Azure blob storage. The queries are optimized to push computation to Hadoop.

In this session, you will learn how to install and set up PolyBase, and how to use it once you’ve got it configured.

Speaker(s):

Sean Werick

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

Title: Advanced MDX scripting: Scope statements and Time Intelligence

Abstract: Most Analysis Services (SSAS) cubes use an MDX script where additional calculations beyond the basic physical calculations are defined.

In this session you will learn about adding calculated measures to the cube using the cube’s MDX script. Then you will learn about Scope statements, how to use them to implement conditional logic, and how they affect physical and calculated measures differently. Finally you will see some examples of time intelligence functions such as YearToDate and MonthToDate implemented using Scope statements.

The session is for those who are familiar with SSAS and have had some exposure to MDX syntax and concepts.

Speaker(s):

Shabnam Watson

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

Title: Are You Making False Assumptions about Your Data?

Abstract: When starting on a new data project, the first step is usually to interview stakeholders and subject matter experts who list the many assumptions that they have been making about the data in the organization. Unfortunately, these assumptions are rarely 100% true which can cause a significant amount of troubleshooting and bug fixing later in the development process.

In this session, we will build a general purpose solution to this problem. Starting from a list of assumptions encoded in an Excel workbook, a collection of SQL statements to test the assumptions are automatically generated. The results of these statements are visualized using PowerBI to create a completely interactive analysis tool to validate assumptions, and diagnose the assumption violations when they are encountered.

Even better, a solution to automate and orchestrate this entire process using SSIS and Biml will also be presented. All code for the solution will be provide to attendees for free use in their projects.

Speaker(s):

Scott Currie

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

Title: BimlFlex: A Flexible, Extensible, and Completely Customizable Data Warehouse Framework

Abstract: You might have heard about the benefits of using Biml or other automation approaches to build your own metadata-driven reusable data warehouse and BI framework. What if you don’t have the time to build your own framework, and would rather customize an existing framework? Enter, BimlFlex.

BimlFlex is built with the power of Biml and metadata-driven automation while employing the best and most commonly used modelling philosophies (Kimball, Inmon, DataVault). BimlFlex was created in collaboration with Biml experts and offers full transparency to users at every opportunity. Whether using traditional or modern data warehouse architecture, BimlFlex has you covered.

With BimlFlex, requirements are entered into Microsoft Excel enhanced by our BimlFlex Add-in and then stored in a machine-readable metadata database. The BimlFlex code uses this metadata to automate the creation of all your data assets, transformations, and documentation.

Learn more about BimlFlex while you enjoy lunch!

Speaker(s):

Scott Currie

Track and Room: Other - Grant

Title: A Gentle Introduction to R for Power BI

There are 3 ways you can leverage R in Power BI. You can use it as a data source, you can leverage it in Power Query, or you can use it to create custom visualizations. In this session I present easy to follow examples of those 3 scenarios. I will also provide resources that will enable you to take what you learned to the next level.

Speaker(s):

Ryan Wade

Track and Room: PowerBI - Highlands

Title: Zero to Tabular

Abstract: SQL Server Analysis Services can be very intimidating to some people, especially if you have never designed a Semantic model (formally known as a cube). Join me in this demo-only session where I will show you how to quickly build your first Semantic model in less than 60 minutes. In addition, I will provide you with some best practices and show you how to enable your end-users to leverage the model to build their own reports using Power BI.

Speaker(s):

Patrick LeBlanc

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

Title: Power BI: Data Refresh and On-Premises Connectivity

Abstract: Join me to go under the hood with a Power BI deep dive. Where I will discuss two Hybrid Scenarios for Power BI. I will explore the data refresh capabilities, allowing reports published to Power BI to connect to varying data sources for data refresh. I will also discuss exciting new capabilities that allows Power BI to connect directly to SQL Server Analysis Services on-premises and interactively query. Allowing customers to keep and manage data on-premises without the need to move their data to the cloud.

Speaker(s):

Patrick LeBlanc

Track and Room: PowerBI - Centennial

Title: Microsoft Technologies for Data Science

Abstract: Microsoft provides several technologies in and around Azure which can be used for casual to serious data science. This presentation provides an overview of the major Microsoft options for both on-premise and cloud-based data science (and hybrid). These technologies have been used by the presenter in various companies and industries, both as a Microsoft consultant and previously independent consultant. As well, the speaker provides insights into data science careers, information which helps imply where the business will likely be for consultants and partners. Bring your beginner to advanced questions!

Speaker(s):

Mark Tabladillo

Track and Room: Advanced Analysis Techniques - Piedmont

Title: Introduction to Microsoft Analytics – Turning Data into Intelligent Action

Abstract: Data Science, Azure Machine Learning, and Analytics are all becoming core pieces to the success of every business. As data professionals we need to know how these will affect what we do, and how we can use it to help our business and clients. In this session we will take a look at these hot topics and learn how it helps us turn data into intelligence that will lead to actions that drive profits. We will take a look at how Microsoft’s Cortana suite is the central hub for learning and implementing each of these core pieces.

Speaker(s):

Melody Zacharias

Track and Room: BI Information Delivery - Buckhead

Title: How to get Microsoft Certified

Abstract: Microsoft has recently streamlined the certification process and this session focuses on what you need to know to get Microsoft Certified on SQL Server. The session is led by an expert Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) who regularly teaches the SQL Server certification courses. The presenter walks you through the certifications, exams, and resources available to get you ready for success.

Speaker(s):

John Deardurff

Track and Room: Professional Development - Highlands

Title: Practical PowerShell for the SQL Developers and DBA’s - 0 to 60 in 60 mins

Abstract: PowerShell is always something you heard about and wanted to use but never did! Starting with the resources available for a PowerShell newbie, we will advance to what pro’s use to automate their database activities and beyond, for both DBA’s and developers. The goal of this session is to get you immersed in PowerShell. Ask questions and learn how PowerShell can enable you and more importantly do your job for you (the way, future is heading). We will also look at free libraries and tools to help you advance your automation abilities. Common automation scenarios is the theme! Anything done with with clicks can be automated.

Speaker(s):

Jana Sattainathan

Track and Room: Application Database Development - Chastain

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 Platform Architecture, Development Administration - Buckhead

Title: Good Habits of a DW/BI Developer

Abstract: In this session we will review sensible techniques that make a big difference in your data warehousing, business intelligence, and analytics environments. Lessons learned and strategies from prior projects will be shared. Attendee participation is encouraged as we discuss design principles, conventions, and reusability while dealing with infrastructure which grows increasingly complex.

Speaker(s):

Melissa Coates

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

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 - Buckhead

Title: Extract, Transform And Load - Using R

Abstract: In this session we will Learn R through an Example. We will Extracting Data from Multiple Excel sheets, transforming the data, Visualizing the data and Loading it into SQL Server Table.

Speaker(s):

Kiran Math

Track and Room: Analytics and Visualization - Highlands

Title: Unlock the Power of the SSISDB for Dynamic Package Runtime

Abstract: In this session, we will be demonstrating how to leverage the SSISDB to change SSIS Package parameters at runtime using just T-SQL. This strategy makes it easier when deploying packages to both QA and production since things like connection strings, file names, and destination table names can change based on the environment you are in. We will show how to change all these features dynamically at runtime, so that you can deploy the package once, and configure it on the fly with just T-SQL.

Speaker(s):

Matt Martin

Track and Room: BI Information Delivery - Chastain

Title: Embed Power BI within your Web Application

Abstract: Embed Power BI within your Web Application

Walk through on Integration of Power BI Pro and Embedded Power BI Service. Pros and Cons of each approach.

Speaker(s):

Pritesh Ostwal

Track and Room: PowerBI - Centennial

Title: Embed Interactive Reports in Your Apps

Abstract: You have the app. You have the data. What if your app could put the power of analytics everywhere decisions are made and allow your customers to gain insights? Modern apps with data visualizations built-in have the power to inform decisions in context—for any user and on any device. Join us to discover how you can embed data analytics in any app and on one device powered by Azure and Power BI Embedded. Learn how to:

Create compelling interactive reports
Embed easily for faster time to value
Deploy quickly and manage with ease

Speaker(s):

Teo Lachev

Track and Room: PowerBI - Piedmont

Title: Learning R And Talking About Football

Abstract: R – it’s included in SQL Server 2016. What can I do with it? Why do I need to know yet another software language? How can I use it to figure out important things – like who is the best qb in the league right now, statistically?

We’ll go over the basics of R and how to do things with it, plus items such as:

Installing and managing packages
Accessing data in various formats
Basic data visualization functions

Speaker(s):

Kevin Wilkie

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

Title: RAID??!!

Abstract: All the things BI people want to know about RAID but are too afraid to ask, or too lazy to google! We will cover basic concepts, commonly used jargon, the evolution over time and how RAID is used today.

Speaker(s):

Chadwick Smith

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - Buckhead

Speakers

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

Jonathan Stewart

Twitter: - sqllocks

LinkedIn: Jonathan Stewart

Contact: https://sqllocks.net/

Jonathan Stewart is a Business Intelligence consultant specializing in data visualization, data warehousing, and data management technologies. An advocate for educating others, he is a public speaker, teacher and blogger, continually teaching people about the Microsoft BI Stack. Since 2000, he has been working in the database field with industry leaders in healthcare, manufacturing, financial, insurance and federal, state and local governments.

Jonathan is very active in the community. He has presented on SQL Server, SSIS, Reporting Services, Power BI and Business Intelligence at numerous SQLSaturday events, local user groups, and conferences throughout the United States and around the world. He participates in webcasts, podcasts, and on

Austin Senseman

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

LinkedIn: Austin Senseman

Contact: http://www.powerpivotpro.com

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

Pritesh Ostwal

 Sr. Software Consultant with broader experience on Business Intelligence solutions, Solution Architecture, Architecture Governance, Application Database optimization, Processes Optimization, Technology Selection, Agile Adoption and Niche Technologies Evaluation, Data Modeling, Framework Development, Product Development, Technology Migration and Software Services  Program Management, Project Team leadership, Client Services Maintenance, Pre-Sales Business Engagement, Technical Migration Planning, Process Improvement Governance, Global Software development, Critical thinking, Future solutions / Innovation, Comprehensive problem solver, Stakeholder management, Asset Management, Executing Agile Ceremonies

Kiran Math

Kiran Math is a Software Engineer on the Construction Predictive Analytical team at Fluor, where he specializes in T-SQL, R, Python, C# etc.

A resident of Greenville, South Carolina, he can be found cycling and hiking the trails around Greenville.

He is active in his local SQL PASS chapter in Greenville, speaking and volunteering at SQLSaturdays.

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.

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.

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.

Jonathan Stewart

Twitter: - sqllocks

LinkedIn: Jonathan Stewart

Contact: https://sqllocks.net/

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.

Kevin Wilkie

Twitter: - Oskaruth

LinkedIn: Kevin Wilkie

Contact: http://sherpaofdata.com

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

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.

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.

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).

Melody Zacharias

Twitter: - SQLMelody

LinkedIn: Melody Zacharias

Contact: http://sqlmelody.com

Melody is the Sr. Microsoft Solutions Manager at Pure and has been in love with data since 1991. She has been sharing her passion with the community in technical sessions and blogs since 2014. She has been a Microsoft MVP since 2016, including winning Rookie of the year for Canada that year. This last year, she was elected to the board of directors for PASS.org, the professional association for SQL Server and was awarded Regional Director by Microsoft. She has co-authored 3 books, including, SQL Server 2019 Administration inside out by Microsoft Press.

Jason Thomas

Twitter: - @SqlJason

LinkedIn: Jason Thomas

Contact: http://www.SqlJason.com

Jason Thomas is a Microsoft Certified SQL Server professional with over 10 years of Microsoft BI experience. He is a BI Consultant for BlueGranite, based in Charlotte, NC. When he#39;s not at work, Jason likes sharing his time between the MSDN forums (for which he was recognized with the Microsoft Community Contributor award), blogging about MSBI (www.SqlJason.com), speaking at SQL Server events, and watching movies with his wife (not necessarily in that order).

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.

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.

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.

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.

Scott Currie

Twitter: - @scottcurrie

LinkedIn: Scott Currie

Scott Currie

Twitter: - @scottcurrie

LinkedIn: Scott Currie

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.

Sean Werick

LinkedIn: Sean Werick

Contact: http://www.seanwerick.com

I have been in the data industry for 15 years, specializing in Microsoft business intelligence for the last decade. I have architected, developed and integrated end to end solutions for customers in various sectors including finance, government, health care and retail. I am extremely passionate about data and the endless possibilities for companies utilizing it in the best ways. I enjoy data science and business intelligence because the possibilities and magnitudes of impact are immeasurable.

Ryan Wade

Twitter: - MrDataGeek

LinkedIn: Ryan Wade

Ryan is an experienced data analytics professional. His education and work experience enables him to understand things from a technical, analytical, and business viewpoint. He has the ability to present complex data in an intuitive way using sound analytical and visualization methods.

He has an advanced analytical and technical skill-set which includes Power BI, T-SQL, R, Python, Azure Machine Learning Services, Azure Databricks, SQL Server Machine Learning Services, Advanced Modern Excel, SSIS, SSAS Tabular.

He is a data analytics enthusiast that has spoken at a variety of database and data science conferences about various topics dealing with data analytics.

John Deardurff

Twitter: - SQLMCT

LinkedIn: John Deardurff

Contact: https://www.sqlmct.com

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

Scott Currie

Twitter: - @scottcurrie

LinkedIn: Scott Currie

Javier Guillen

Twitter: - @javiguillen

LinkedIn: Javier Guillen

Contact: http://javierguillen.wordpress.com/

Javier Guillen is a Solutions Architect for BlueGranite.

An active blogger, speaker, and Microsoft community contributor, Javier has more than 10 years developing SQL Server solutions and is very interested in SQL Server Analysis Services and the practical application of MDX and DAX patterns.

Javier is also a Power BI Workshop instructor, delivering classes in private and public settings, an adjunct BI instructor for Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte, NC and an adjunct lecturer for the City University of New York (CUNY) School of Professional Studies undergraduate and bridge graduate courses in Business Analytics. He is also the co-founder and co-organizer of the Charlotte Business Intelligence User Group (CBIG).

Ryan Wade

Twitter: - MrDataGeek

LinkedIn: Ryan Wade

He is a data analytics enthusiast that has spoken at a variety of database and data science conferences about various topics dealing with data analytics.

Chadwick Smith

LinkedIn: Chadwick Smith

Chadwick is a BI Consultant who got his first IT job right out of high school. He began “in the trenches” doing phone support and later became a Systems Administrator. Everything changed one day when he became an “accidental DBA” and fell in love with the world of data. As an expert in Business Intelligence, he enjoys helping clients solve complex problems. With a variety of experience working for start-ups and Fortune 100 companies, Chadwick understands the challenges and opportunities that different organizations face. He is an Atlanta native who is blessed with a wonderful wife, two wonderful daughters, and two cats—one that doesn’t leave him alone and the other he rarely sees!

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.

Patrick LeBlanc

Twitter: - patrickdba

LinkedIn: Patrick LeBlanc

Contact: http://patrickdleblanc.com

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.

Jonathan Buller

I got my start with SQL Server almost 15 years ago when I was tasked with converting Access databases to SQL Server based applications. I have been working with SQL Server and SSIS ever since! I am now focused on designing and implementing Data Warehouse solutions with multiple complex data sources. I lead a team of 4 other ETL developers, serving as the architect and Senior ETL developer, and work closely with the business to develop warehouse and analytic solutions.

Julie Smith

Twitter: - @juliechix

LinkedIn: Julie Smith

Contact: http://datachix.com

Julie Smith is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP and a BI consultant for Innovative Architects in Atlanta, GA. She#39;s implemented increasingly complex Business Intelligence solutions for over a decade at various organizations. She#39;s also worn many other database “hats” in her career – production DBA and database developer–but data integration and BI are her true passions. Julie holds a BA from the University of South Carolina. She and Audrey Hammonds co-created The Datachix.com blog.

SQLSaturday #578 - Atlanta - BI Edition 2016

Sessions

Title: An introduction to the magical world of BIML!

Title: Zero to Hero with SSRS 2016 Mobile Report Publisher

Title: Data Visualization: How to truly tell a great story!

Title: The 20% of DAX That Gets You 80% of the Way There

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

Title: Data Storytelling Using Power BI

Title: Incrementally Moving to the Cloud Using Biml

Title: Why “R” you not leveraging the power of “R” in Power BI?

Title: Use Biml to Automate SSIS Design Patterns

Title: SQL Server R Services in SQL 2016

Title: Azure SQL Database for the Production DBA

Title: Deploying Power BI: A Blueprint for implementation success

Title: Tips and Tricks for the SSIS Catalog

Title: Power BI-Create a Dashboard from Zero to Hero

Title: SQL Server 2016 and PolyBase

Title: Advanced MDX scripting: Scope statements and Time Intelligence

Title: Are You Making False Assumptions about Your Data?

Title: BimlFlex: A Flexible, Extensible, and Completely Customizable Data Warehouse Framework

Title: A Gentle Introduction to R for Power BI

Title: Zero to Tabular

Title: Power BI: Data Refresh and On-Premises Connectivity

Title: Microsoft Technologies for Data Science

Title: Introduction to Microsoft Analytics – Turning Data into Intelligent Action

Title: How to get Microsoft Certified

Title: Practical PowerShell for the SQL Developers and DBA’s - 0 to 60 in 60 mins

Title: Introduction to SQL Server Integration Services

Title: Good Habits of a DW/BI Developer

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

Title: Extract, Transform And Load - Using R

Title: Unlock the Power of the SSISDB for Dynamic Package Runtime

Title: Embed Power BI within your Web Application

Title: Embed Interactive Reports in Your Apps

Title: Learning R And Talking About Football

Title: RAID??!!

Speakers

Sponsors