SQLSaturday #698 - Nashville 2018

Event Date: 01/13/2018 00:00:00

Event Location:

• Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)
• 1301 East Main Street, Murfreesboro
• Nashville, Tennessee

PDF of Schedule

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

• Sessions
• Speakers
• Sponsors

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

Sessions

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

Title: Code Like a Snake Charmer - Intro to Python!

Abstract: Python is the one of the most popular programming languages used today and one of the most useful tools in the data scientist’s tool belt especially for machine learning. Python is integrated into the Microsoft stack in tools like Azure ML and now SQL Server 2017.

The session will be an introduction to the Python language including:

1.) Installing and Configuring Python 2.) Access and Manipulate Data 3.) Install and Manage Packages 4.) Create and Use Objects/Variables 5.) Control Flows and Functions 6.) Managing the Python installation in MSSQL

Attend this session to learn how to use Python to take your data analytics to the next level. We will use Python, SQL Server and the Anaconda distribution of Python to learn the basics of Python and how it is integrated in the Microsoft stack! We will walk through a simple deployment of a machine learning model to see how it all works together and learns some basic data science fundamentals.

No prior statistics knowledge needed.

Speaker(s):

• Jamey Johnston

Track and Room: BI Analytics and Visualization - S276

Title: Working with Temporal Data in SQL Server

Abstract: In many industries, it is necessary for data professionals to be able to show what a data set looked like at a previous point in time. Whether it’s calculating tax or insurance rates based on a contract date, quickly comparing data changes over time for trend analysis or just recovering from an accidental data change, it’s useful to be able to look back in time through our data. SQL Server has long offered solutions like Change Data Capture or trigger-based audit tables, though those aren’t always the best solutions for each situation. SQL Server 2016 introduces system-versioned tables, which track data through time with far less overhead than other solutions. In this session, you’ll learn how to work with tables for each kind of solution, how SQL Server manages data within those tables, and how to query data at a specific point in time using several real-world examples. Attendees will leave with a fundamental understanding of practical use cases for different types of temporal tables.

Speaker(s):

• David Maxwell

Track and Room: Database Application Development - S274

Title: HiHo! HiHo! SQL Server on Linux, We Go!

Abstract: SQL Server has been running on Windows for years. Now Microsoft is making it available on Linux in order to provide a consistent database platform across Window and Linux servers, as well as on-premises and in the cloud. In this presentation, Janis Griffin, database performance evangelist at SolarWinds, will discuss the advantages of using SQL Server on Linux, comparing architecture, cost and performance. Several demonstrations on installing and maintaining SQL Server on Linux will be shown along with an introduction of several useful Linux commands.

The participant will learn:

1. The advantages of using SQL Server on Linux, comparing architecture, cost and performance to Window servers.
2. How to install, maintain and backup SQL Server on Ubuntu Linux systems
3. Several useful Linux commands to monitor/manage SQL Server

Speaker(s):

• Janis Griffin

Track and Room: Database Administration - S213

Title: Getting started with SQL Azure Database: What you need to know

Abstract: Azure SQL Database offers a way quickly spin up new databases with minimal management requirements. However, the number of differences between on-premises SQL Server and Azure SQL Database can be overwhelming. Even worse, with DBaaS it’s not clear who is responsible for what anymore. In this session, we will cover all the basic steps of getting your first Azure SQL Database instance spun up. We’ll cover common gotchas, like firewall settings and resource locks. We’ll also dive into some more advanced options with templates, allowing you to make your processes reproducible. By the end of this presentation, you’ll understand if Azure SQL Database is the right choice for you and your needs. You’ll understand how it can simplify management and allow you to scale easily. Finally, you’ll have the confidence to go and create your own instance with ease.

Speaker(s):

• Jim Donahoe

Track and Room: Cloud Database/Application Development Deployment - S274

Title: PowerShell for BI Professionals: Automating SSIS, SSRS SSAS

Abstract: PowerShell has allowed DBAs to manage huge numbers of SQL servers, all automatically. Now BI practitioners can reap the same benefits of scale and automation. Scenarios that are normally extremely time consuming can be done quickly, all with a few lines of PowerShell.

This session will be filled with demos based on real-life scenarios and use-cases. We will demonstrate how to scale and automate your BI solutions, with a minimum of effort. In particular, we will be covering PowerShell cmdlets their integrations with SSRS, SSIS, SSAS.

By the end of the session, you’ll be able to accomplish in minutes what would normally take hours or days. You’ll know ways to quickly deploy hundreds of SSRS objects to multiple servers; or instantly identify and process stale SSAS dimensions. Additionally, you will also be able to take care of some pesky ETL tasks, some by automating SSIS, and others using just plain old PowerShell.

Speaker(s):

• Aaron Nelson

Track and Room: BI Analytics and Visualization - S305

Title: Successfully Migrating Existing Databases to Azure SQL Database

Abstract: First impressions have long-lasting effects. When dealing with an architecture change like migrating to Azure SQL Database the last thing you want to do is leave a bad first impression by having an unsuccessful migration. In this session, you will learn why Azure SQL Database might be for you. Next, you will learn how to test migrations for compatibility issues before you start the migration process. You will learn how to successfully migrate your database schema and data. Finally, you will learn how to determine which performance tier is a good starting point for your existing workload and how to monitor your workload over time to make sure your users have a great experience while you save as much money as possible.

Speaker(s):

• John Sterrett

Track and Room: Database Administration - S309

Title: How to Implement a Hierarchy in SQL Server

Abstract: One of the most common structures you will come across in the real world is a hierarchy (either a single parent “tree” or a multi-parent “graph”). Many systems will implement the obvious examples, such as a corporate managerial structure or a bill of materials. It turns out that almost any many-to-many relationship can be used as a hierarchy to find the relationship of parent rows to child rows (for example, the relationship of actors to movies they’ve been in). In this session, we’ll discuss several different implementations of hierarchies that you can use to optimize your hierarchy implementations, including SQL Server 2017’s graph tables, and put into practice immediately, with ready-made T-SQL examples.

Speaker(s):

• Louis Davidson

Track and Room: Database Application Development - S270

Title: Applying Data Warehousing Principles: Going from Descriptive to Predictive

Abstract: Have you ever had difficulty working with large data sets, or integrating multiple disparate data sources? Would you like present this data in a dashboard and effectively use your data to make more informed decisions? By understanding an applying data warehousing concepts and principles you can take advantage of the value of your data, and lay a foundation for future integrations. During this session we will cover data warehousing concepts with examples and demos to showcase the techniques. After this session you will understand key data warehouse concepts and techniques, as well as how data can be presented in a dashboard and used in an analytical application.

Speaker(s):

• Spencer Swindell

Track and Room: BI Architecture Management - S213

Title: ETL Architecture for Real-Time BI

Abstract: For decades batch processing has been the defacto standard for Extract Transform and Load. For most of that time 24 hour data refresh cycles were accepted as part of Business Intelligence solutions and developer skill sets have long depended upon the reliable patterns of batch. In recent years, however, demands have begun to shift. New use cases in every industry are now causing leading edge BI solutions to demand much shorter time to realizing value. The old architecture, skills, and tools are proving insufficient to meet this demand. In this session we will look at the fundamentals of architecting real-time BI solutions, including the new categories of problems for which we will now have to solve. Upon completing the session attendees will have a clear picture of the new skills and patterns that must be learned in order to excel in the next phase of Business Intelligence evolution.

Speaker(s):

• Jon Boulineau

Track and Room: BI Architecture Management - S279

Title: DevOps for the DBA

Abstract: DevOps came out of the Agile movement and the idea that operations needed to be part of the solution for agile development to be successful. The DBA was often the most resilient and robust member of the operations team and most resistant to change. This mentality was essential to the protection of company’s critical production data.

This session discusses common database challenges and how they can be minimized or solved with newer DevOps practices without impacting the DBAs “safe zone”. We’ll discuss how to use these vital skills and motivate everyone towards solutions for more success in agile development environments. Development, testing, provisioning, patching, upgrading and managing will become easier with agile tools, virtualization and collaboration.
The take-aways from this session are to embrace DevOps basics with a “DBA twist” such as: • Develop, Rinse, Repeat • Test Until Your Five Year Old Can Do It • Human Intervention Creates Human Error- Automate EVERYTHING.

Speaker(s):

• Kellyn Pot’Vin-Gorman

Track and Room: Database Administration - S316

Title: Why am I able to master several technology languages but I struggle in my own business language?

Abstract: Technology people are well known to be focused, results motivated, introvert, etc. 95% of your time is spent “communicating” successfully with computers: programming, building databases, analizing, etc. If something is wrong an alert window will pop up. The problem is that human interaction doesn’t have any warning sound to do it all over again or make some changes. Most of the time we only have one chance to do it right. The struggles shows in a workplace filled with employees of different backgrounds or cultures, with different native languages that convey to speak English as the business language. Plus the fact that we don’t have the right skills to communicate appropriately. The problems will inevitably arise during human interaction; what we can do is try to minimize the frustration that it takes to communicate efficiently. In this session we will be able to learn that communication is not just a given fact, is something that needs to be learnt and taught.

Speaker(s):

• Karen Nelson

Track and Room: Professional Development - S279

Title: End-to-End Troubleshooting Checklist for SQL Server

Abstract: Learning how to detect, diagnose and resolve performance problems in SQL Server is tough. Often, years are spent learning how to use the tools and techniques that help you detect when a problem is occurring, diagnose the root-cause of the problem, and then resolve the problem.

In this session, attendees will see demonstrations of the tools and techniques which make difficult troubleshooting scenarios much faster and easier, including:

• XEvents, Profiler/Traces, and PerfMon • Using Dynamic Management Views (DMVs) • Advanced Diagnostics Using Wait Stats • Reading SQL Server execution plan

Every DBA needs to know how to keep their SQL Server in tip-top condition, and you’ll need skills the covered in this session to do it.

Speaker(s):

• Kevin Kline

Track and Room: Database Administration - S334

Title: Python in SQL Server 2017

Abstract: SQL Server 2017 has finally arrived, bringing with it a host of exciting new features. Of particular interest to BI practitioners and data scientists is the integration of the Python programming language into the SQL ecosystem. This integration opens up a number of possibilities for in-database analytics and intelligent database applications, so let’s get started!

In this introductory session we’ll briefly introduce the Python language and then look at how to install and administer Machine Learning Services. We’ll start to demonstrate the power of Python by showing you how to create and run simple 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 Python to integrate data analytical methods in real-world situations, and wow your customers with the power of analytics!

Speaker(s):

• Chris Hyde

Track and Room: BI Analytics and Visualization - S309

Title: Automate your SQL Server installs and configurations using Powershell Desired State Configuration

Abstract: Database administrators are being tasked with managing a large number of SQL Server instances. These instances can be built on premise, virtualized, physical, or in the cloud. With Powershell Desired State Configuration, DBAs can not only automate the installation of SQL Server, but also any specific configurations needing to be applied to each new instance. Powershell DSC provides a repeatable process to ensure all builds are done in the exact same way. We’ll cover what is Powershell Desired State Configuration and how a DBA can take advantage of it. Next, we’ll dive straight into a demo of the installation and configuration of two SQL Server instances from scratch.

Some powershell experience is recommended.

Speaker(s):

• Luke Campbell

Track and Room: PowerShell - S270

Title: Reducing The Surface Area Of Risk in Data Security

Abstract: Data obfuscation, also known as data masking, is soon a new legal requirement. Masking is the solution for non-production systems (i.e. DEV, TEST, etc) to greatly reduce the surface area of risk for data breach in your organization. Masking should not be confused with encryption, which is an appropriate solution for production applications. Those who believe that encryption solves all security problems are misled.

When done properly, masked data is not noticeable unless you look closely. Masking data well might still be usable for analytic reporting and aggregation, yet utterly useless for revealing confidential data. Masking is important enough that sophisticated software packages have become available.

Come learn about the right way to mask non-production data in order to allow the organization to limit possible exposure only to production. Learn what techniques can be used, why, and what factors should be considered when deciding to secure confidential data.

Speaker(s):

• Tim Gorman

Track and Room: Cloud Database/Application Development Deployment - S305

Title: SQL Server Take Over:  Establishing a Baseline

Abstract: SQL Server Take Over:  Establishing a Baseline

Performance assessment and tuning for the beginner DBA   Have you ever inherited a group of servers with not a lot of documentation to accompany them?  Do you have a lot of undocumented or new servers in your environment and you want to establish some baseline configuration setting prior to making changes? You need up to date information on the system very quickly.    The server is running slowly… or is it? Slow compared to what?  Before you being digging into performance issues, there are some baseline metrics you should have established. Only after the information has been gathered, can a plan of attack be developed to help resolve issues with performance. Attendees in this session will learn how to quickly  gather information, review the results and get an action plan on the next step in performance tuning.

Speaker(s):

• Lowry Kozlowski

Track and Room: Database Administration - S309

Title: How to Build Your Disaster Recovery Plan

Abstract: So your boss asked for a copy of your DR plan. Once you’ve wiped that deer-in-the-headlights look off your face, you realize “We’ve got database backups,” isn’t exactly a plan. You need to come up with a plan to recover your business when disaster strikes. This session will help you build this plan by defining what a disaster could be, documenting the business impact, and identifying your limitations. We will show how to use this information to establish metrics (such as RTO and RPO), document current recovery configurations, and design an effective recovery strategy that meets the needs and budget of your business. Attending this session will give you the knowledge and tools to create an effective disaster recovery plan that will make your boss happy and ensure the continuity of your business.

Speaker(s):

• Rie Irish

Track and Room: Database Administration - S272

Title: Performance Tuning for Salary Negotiations

Abstract: Because little in business or life gets done without negotiation, this session has the potential to deliver significant upside in your professional and personal outcomes. In this session, you will be introduced to basic negotiation concepts and tactics, followed by a focus on important aspects of the negotiation process—obstacles to effective communication at the bargaining table, the maximization of multiple interests, and preparation tactics for your next negotiation. We will put it all together by examining a special type of negotiation: YOUR SALARY!

Participants will:

• Learn strategies for negotiation analysis and preparation • Understand different strategic choices and interpersonal skills necessary for success • Know what information is needed to negotiate effective outcomes • Experiment with new techniques and test their effectiveness in a safe environment

Speaker(s):

• Je’Anna Lanza-Abbott

Track and Room: Professional Development - S276

Title: Minimizing User Impact with Advanced Restore Methods

Abstract: We all know that backups are only half the battle - restores are what really matter when disaster strikes. Standard restores, while effective, may require additional downtime and further affect the business. This session will demonstrate three advanced restore methods you should know: point-in-time restores, piecemeal restores, and page restores, and will discuss when each method is appropriate. Attend this session to learn how to be a better DBA by minimizing downtime and user impact after disaster has struck!

Speaker(s):

• Bob Pusateri

Track and Room: Database Administration - S279

Title: Tame Your Unruly Data With Constraints

Abstract: Bad data comes in many forms: duplicate rows, wrong data type, invalid values, and orphaned or missing foreign keys. Time is wasted cleansing, reviewing and correcting data, not to mention the potential hazards bad data can cause. This introductory presentation will explain the data types and constraints available in SQL Server, and how they can replace or augment business rules that would otherwise be written in application or procedure code. Performance benefits provided by constraints will be demonstrated. We will examine the various system views and procedures that describe constraints and how to use them to document your databases. You will be able to apply this knowledge to your database environments and see significant improvements in data quality, performance, and reliability.

Speaker(s):

• Rob Volk

Track and Room: Database Application Development - S270

Title: Biml for Beginners: Speed Up Your SSIS Development

Abstract: Are you tired of creating and updating the same SSIS packages again and again? Is your wrist hurting from all that clicking, dragging, dropping, connecting and aligning? Do you want to take the next step and really speed up your SSIS development?

Say goodbye to repetitive work and hello to Biml, the markup language for Business Intelligence projects.

In this session we will look at the basics of Biml. First learn how to use Biml to generate SSIS packages from database metadata. Then see how you can reuse code to implement changes in multiple SSIS packages and projects with just a few clicks. Finally, we will create an example project that you can download and start with to speed up your SSIS development from day one.

Stop wasting your valuable time on doing the same things over and over and over again, and see how you can complete in a day what once took more than a week!

Speaker(s):

• Cathrine Wilhelmsen

Track and Room: BI Architecture Management - S316

Title: Why Third Party Vendors Do The Things They Do

Abstract: Have you ever installed a third-party application that uses SQL Server, started to use it, and then wondered why does this feature behave this way or what the heck were they thinking when they did it this way.

I at one point was one of those people who designed, developed, and maintained databases for an ISV. This is my chance to explain and atone for my database sins and explain why some decisions seem like good ideas at the time and why some are forced upon an ISV.

This presentation has three main objectives: 1) Explain why vendors make the design, coding, and implementation decisions that they do; 2) Discuss how to make third-party applications run better in your environment; 3) Teach you how to work around those limitations and work with those vendors and get better support.

Speaker(s):

• Henry Treftz

Track and Room: Database Administration - S316

Title: Hi, my name is Powershell, let’s be friends! An Intro to PoSH

Abstract: Powershell wants to be your friend - your very powerful friend. In this session we will go over some Powershell basics that will help get you started as well as some known “gotchas” when working in Powershell. This is a beginner session - no Powershell experience necessary. WARNING: You may get warm-fuzzies about Powershell by attending this session.

Speaker(s):

• Amy Herold

Track and Room: PowerShell - S309

Title: Cosmos DB: Planet Earth Scale

Abstract: In this session you will be learn what Cosmos DB is and why it is the hottest thing in Azure. What does massively scalable, mullti-model, globally distributed, well-defined consistency models look like?

Most important, who is going to be using it and why?

Speaker(s):

• Mike Lawell

Track and Room: Cloud Database/Application Development Deployment - S305

Title: What could be better than football and R!

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 Analytics and Visualization - S305

Title: Azure Machine Learning 101

Abstract: You have probably heard the buzz about Azure Machine Learning, aka Azure ML, over the past few years. It is a surprisingly easy to use predictive analytic tool that you can learn for free. Attend this session to learn how to get started with Azure ML.

Speaker(s):

• Kathi Kellenberger

Track and Room: BI Analytics and Visualization - S274

Title: AI to the Masses! But How? Pixie Dust?

Abstract: The way you hear about artificial intelligence, it seems like you throw some big data in the cloud and wave a magical AI wand over it and you can predict the future…right? Not exactly. Azure does have some great options to bring data science to your data but you need to weigh the options. In this session we’ll discuss those options and some questions to answer if you’re being tasked with making magical things happen with your data.

Speaker(s):

• Hope Foley

Track and Room: Cloud Database/Application Development Deployment - S274

Title: Dimensional Modeling Design Patterns: Beyond the Basics

Abstract: Dimensional modeling is one of cornerstones of successful Business Intelligence initiatives. Even with new technologies like PowerPivot and Analysis Services Tabular models, you need to represent your organization’s data in a way that is accessible for end users and IT staff alike. An effective dimensional model will also ensure that your data warehouse or data mart will be responsive and capable of accommodating emerging requirements.

In this session, we will dive deeper into the art of dimensional modeling. We will look at how and when to create the different types of fact and dimension tables, Including patterns for enriching dimensional data, creating usable hierarchies for efficient navigation, and tracking historical changes. After attending this session you will be able to confidently assess the quality of your organization’s dimensional model and recommend and implement changes. Bring your toughest quandaries to help make this an interactive and engaging session.

Speaker(s):

• Jason Horner

Track and Room: BI Architecture Management - S274

Title: Data Cleansing With SQL And R

Abstract: On a given project, data scientists can spend upwards of 80% of their time preparing, cleaning, and correcting data. In this session, we will look at different data cleansing and preparation techniques using both SQL Server and R. We will investigate the concept of tidy data and see how we can use tools in both languages to simplify research and analysis of a small but realistic data set.

Speaker(s):

• Kevin Feasel

Track and Room: BI Analytics and Visualization - S276

Title: SQL Server Meets Big Data in the Cloud: Weather Edition

Abstract: From government agencies and private networks, weather data moves through data platforms and becomes observations and forecasts. We’ll take a look at gathering, transforming and storing weather data using Microsoft Azure, SQL Server, Hadoop and a variety of other technologies (Kafka, Spark, Python, Postgres).

Speaker(s):

• Rowland Gosling

Track and Room: Cloud Database/Application Development Deployment - S275

Title: Azure SQL DW Performance Common Issues

Abstract: Azure SQL Data Warehouse and APS are based on the MPP architecture. Analyzing the workload can be very different than SQL Server and SQL DB. In this session, we will show you what an MPP execution plan is, what to look for, and how to compare them to DMV output to pinpoint performance problems. We will use real customer scenarios to show you the most common causes of slowness and how we improved the performance. Please note: This session is intended for individuals with a 200 level understanding of MPP architecture with some understanding of data movement. There will be a short review of core components, but the discussion will quickly move to more advanced topics.

Speaker(s):

• Gareth Swanepoel

Track and Room: Cloud Database/Application Development Deployment - S276

Title: Twitter Data Sentiment Analysis: Staring Logic Apps, Azure ML, Twitter Data, Power BI, and Python

Abstract: Six months ago we went to Spider-man: Homecoming. On the way home I thought “I wonder what the rest of the world thinks of this movie? I wonder what people on Twitter are saying? I wonder if this is that tied to box office performance?” Over the last six months we’ve been building data sets on movies and collecting sentiment analysis of Twitter data. This lead to a journey of data discovery. First to figure out how to capture and analyze social media data from Twitter. Next we needed box office information. After that we wanted to capture sentiment. Then we wanted stock market data. Then we wanted movie information, runtime, rating, Metacritic score, IMDB score, and then how do we get historical data if we want to increase our data set? Once you collect the data how do you store it? How do you display it? All this and more….. but probably just this….because that’s a lot.

Speaker(s):

• Bradley Ball

Track and Room: Cloud Database/Application Development Deployment - S275

Title: Writing award winning PowerShell functions and script modules

Abstract: Transitioning from writing PowerShell one-liners and basic scripts to creating reusable PowerShell tools with advanced functions and script modules can be a daunting task and with all the different ways that you’ll find on the Internet to accomplish the same task, it can definitely seem overwhelming. During this session, we’ll demystify many of the intricacies of toolmaking while demonstrating the best practices for using parameters, parameter validation, cmdlet binding, supports should process, pipeline input, error handling, module manifests, and custom formatting.

Speaker(s):

• Mike Robbins

Track and Room: PowerShell - S213

Title: Optimizing SQL Server Instances You Don’t Control

Abstract: When you’re responsible for the care and feeding of packaged business apps and the underlying database is struggling to keep up, it can be quite challenging if not impossible to make code adjustments or configuration changes that improve responsiveness. Learn what could well be the root cause for the problems you are experiencing, ways to identify it and simple solutions you can implement without anyone else’s help.

Speaker(s):

• Rodrigo Medeiros

Track and Room: Database Administration - S272

Title: A Beginner’s Guide to Power BI

Abstract: Are you new to Power BI Server? Do you want to learn what all the buzz is about and how to use it from a purely novice standpoint? Do you need to ramp up quickly to be able to build some great visualizations? This session is the session that you need! We will walk you through the basic architecture and nuances of Power BI all the while taking a fun adventure to building your first Power BI report. The attendee will leave the class ready to start using Power BI in the real world.

Speaker(s):

• Ed Watson

Track and Room: BI Analytics and Visualization - S276

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: BI Analytics and Visualization - S275

Title: Reading Execution Plans Successfully

Abstract: If you’ve seen an execution plan but didn’t know how to read it, this session is for you.

The goal of this session to learn how SQL Server is interpreting your query into an execution plan. We’ll discuss execution plan internals, how SQL Server estimates the cost of your query, and what a graphical execution plan is displaying through its operators.

Learning to read an execution plan is a great way to begin troubleshooting performance. At the end, we will take a look at how SQL Server 2016 provides more tools for exploring execution plans.

Speaker(s):

• Arthur Daniels III

Track and Room: Database Application Development - S309

Title: SQL Server Remote Management Best Practices

Abstract: Panel discussion on remote management, PowerShell and access control best practices for SQL Server. Attendee questions welcome.

Jay Adams Tracy Boggiano Kellyn Pot’Vin-Gorman Rob Volk Anthony Nocentino Mike F Robbins

Brought to you by System Frontier

Speaker(s):

• SQLSaturday Nashville

Track and Room: Database Administration - S126

Title: Top Tools for Tuning SQL: Focus on Plan Explorer

Abstract: In this demo-packed session, you’ll learn practical tips and tricks for SQL code tuning to help you with some of the most problematic and troublesome SQL coding issues which you can take home and immediately apply to your SQL code. You’ll learn things like:

1. What are the most popular free tools and scripts for performance tuning in the SQL Server community.
2. A little-known technique to create a tiny version of large production databases, yet deliver query execution behaviors as you would see in production along with a sneaky DBCC commands that helps replicate a full production server on your workstation.
3. Best practices in reading execution plans using the free tool, Plan Explorer.
4. A variety of T-SQL techniques, including the best way to write a cursor, a quick trick that can save you 20-30% processing times on your big stored procedures, and some weird situations where SQL Server doesn’t use cached plans when it should.

Speaker(s):

• Kevin Kline

Track and Room: Database Application Development - S128

Title: SaaS/IaaS Compromise - Learning Azure SQL Database Managed Instance

Abstract: Azure SQL Database Managed Instance offers you the best of both worlds: deeper access to the underlying virtual database server (infrastructure-as-a-service, or IaaS), with the high agility of software-as-a-service (SaaS). In this session you’ll learn the Managed Instance use case and be equipped to make an informed decision on how you host your SQL Server databases in the Microsoft Azure public cloud.

Speaker(s):

• Tim Warner

Track and Room: Database Administration - S213

Title: Only You Can Prevent Database Fires!

Abstract: Do you find yourself constantly putting out “fires”? Can’t take anymore heat in the data center? We as DBAs can easily become burnt out with dealing with these daily blazes. Wouldn’t it be grand to learn how to prevent these fires from scorching us to begin with? In this session, we will jump into things you can start implementing as “fire prevention” to stop the “fire fighting”. We will talk about several things that you can take back to your shop and put into action easily ranging from code tuning, backup maintenance, monitoring and performance tuning!

Speaker(s):

• John Morehouse

Track and Room: Database Administration - S272

Title: Using Your On-prem Data in a Cloud World

Abstract: Microsoft Power BI, Flow, and PowerApps are powerful cloud tools that can take your on-premises data to new heights. Using your data where it is now gives you the ability to invest in improving processes, instead of focusing on a data migration strategy.

In this session, we will discover the benefits of using the cloud tools, how those benefits translate to being on-prem, and how we can use the data in Office 365 as well. We will setup a data gateway, connect to on-prem data sources, and use that data in Office 365 and SharePoint Server 2016.

Speaker(s):

• Daniel Glenn

Track and Room: BI Architecture Management - S279

Title: Power BI administration made easy(ier)

Abstract: Now that you have Power BI in your organization the fun has just started! Making sure users get the best experience requires some thought and planning though. Come learn the fundamentals of the Power BI architecture and hear about best practices with assigning licenses, delegating roles, audit log analysis, gateway management and overall Power BI administration based on real-world experiences.

Speaker(s):

• Dan Evans

Track and Room: BI Architecture Management - S275

Title: Ethics, Morals, and Laws for the DBA 101

Abstract: Ethics, Morals, and Laws each govern one aspect of our behavior as people and DBAs. They govern which actions we take and which actions we avoid.

Understanding the basics of these guides and how they coordinate (and sometimes conflict) with each other helps you to make choices you can live with from both a personal and professional perspective.

This session presents basic definitions, ideas, and discussion points. It is intended to be an interactive presentation where the audience contributes to the discussion, so no two presentations are exactly the same!

Speaker(s):

• Pat Phelan

Track and Room: Professional Development - S272

Title: Cloud Panel

Abstract: Panel of Consultants for Attendees to ask cloud questions

Speaker(s):

• Josh Luedeman

Track and Room: Cloud Database/Application Development Deployment - S274

Title: Why NULL is not a value (and other SQL gotchas)

Abstract: Allowing NULL “values” in your database is simple, but managing them is a whole different story. Learn what NULL really means and why you may want to avoid it in your systems. I will share techniques for overcoming NULL and other SQL idiosyncrasies leading to bad data or incorrect query results.

Speaker(s):

• Wendy Pastrick

Track and Room: Database Application Development - S305

Title: On-Site Registration non-printed SPEEDPASS

Abstract: This room will be used for printing SPEEDPASS, cutting SPEEDPASSES and any other registration issues. This room will be ready when registration opens at 8 am.

Speaker(s):

• SQLSaturday Nashville

Track and Room: Other - S128

Title: Exploring the new SqlServer PowerShell module

Abstract: If you’ve dabbled in PowerShell, you probably know that there are many ways to use it in conjunction with SQL Server. While using the provided tool set has been a challenge for many data professionals, recent upgrades and improvements to the PowerShell module for SQL server provide a solid tool set for new and experienced users. This session will cover the SqlServer module in detail, exploring the various commands and demonstrating various use cases for the tool set. Attendees will get a solid overview of the module and real world examples of how users can get the most out of their code.

Speaker(s):

• Michael Fal

Track and Room: PowerShell - S334

Title: ARMed for Azure

Abstract: The Azure Resource Model (ARM) enables Azure infrastructure automation for both IaaS and PaaS deployments. Using Visual Studio as a management tool enables repeatable, automated, source controlled deployments for test and development environments, enabling true DevOps practices for all aspects of pre-production systems. In this session, I will demonstrate, explain, and deploy a IaaS/PaaS hybrid environment (SQL and BI stack elements) using ARM templates, Visual Studio, source control integration, and PowerShell scripts.

Speaker(s):

• Geoff Hiten

Track and Room: Cloud Database/Application Development Deployment - S316

Title: Migrating your BI Platform to Azure

Abstract: Talk through moving your BI infrastructure to Azure

Speaker(s):

• Josh Luedeman

Track and Room: Cloud Database/Application Development Deployment - S272

Title: Query Store Primer

Abstract: This session will take a look at the new Query Store feature in SQL Server 2016. Query Store tracks changes in execution plans, allowing you to easily view performance differences and revert to older plans with a few clicks of the mouse. We will take a hands on look at how to use Query Store to troubleshoot problems new features in 2017.

Speaker(s):

• Tracy Boggiano

Track and Room: Database Administration - S334

Title: Everyone Has a Story to Tell: Developing Your First Presentation

Abstract: Ever considered giving a presentation of your own? Pondered how your favorite speakers got their start? Contemplated whether you could ever do that too, but were not sure where to begin?

Well I say you can and will show you how to get started! In this session, I will teach you how to develop your idea and create session content, and share tips tricks that I have learned along the way.

You will leave armed with a wealth of resources (and hopefully some inspiration) to venture forth and develop your first presentation.

Speaker(s):

• Andy Yun

Track and Room: Professional Development - S334

Title: Where Should My Data Live (and Why)?

Abstract: Long gone are the days where the only architecture decision you had to make when scaling an environment was deciding which part of the datacenter would store your new server. There is a dizzying array of options available in the SQL Server and Azure ecosystems and those are evolving by the day. Is “the cloud” a fad? Are private datacenters a thing of the past? Could both questions have a kernel of truth in them? In this session I will go over real world scenarios and walk you through real world solutions that utilize your datacenter, cloud providers, and everything in between to keep your data highly available and your customers happy.

Speaker(s):

• Matt Gordon

Track and Room: Cloud Database/Application Development Deployment - S270

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

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

Speaker(s):

• Lance Tidwell

Track and Room: Database Administration - S272

Title: Making Your List and Checking It Twice: Introduction to unit testing with tSQLt

Abstract: Unit testing allows database code to be consistently tested during the development process, but it can be challenging to get unit testing setup for database development. This session will give an overview on the purpose of unit testing, the installation of the tSQLt framework, and the design of unit tests. I will use general concepts of test driven design to create and run unit tests to confirm that objects exist and to test single and multiple test cases. Learn how to implement unit testing in a development environment and create and run your own units tests.

Speaker(s):

• Elizabeth Noble

Track and Room: Database Application Development - S270

Title: Alexa, Talk to Me

Abstract: Learn how to create your own skill (app) for Amazon’s Echo / Dot service known as Alexa. In this session, we’ll create a simple skill from scratch, and show how to get into some of the more advanced options.

Speaker(s):

• Dave Mattingly

Track and Room: Cloud Database/Application Development Deployment - S270

Title: Networking Internals for the SQL Server Professional

Abstract: Once data leaves your SQL Server do you know what happens or is the world of networking a black box to you? Would you like to know how data is packaged up and transmitted to other systems and what to do when things go wrong? Are you tired of being frustrated with the network team? In this session we introduce how data moves between systems on networks and TCP/IP internals. We’ll discuss real world scenarios showing you how your network’s performance impacts the performance of your SQL Server and even your recovery objectives.

Speaker(s):

• Anthony Nocentino

Track and Room: Database Administration - S334

Title: Cloudy with a Chance of Data

Abstract: This course is intended as an Introductory look at the Cloud and Azure Data Services. We begin our session explaining what the cloud is and the differences between Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS). Then we turn our attention to Azure and the Microsoft Cloud Data Platform to see what solutions are available for Data Archtitects, Developers, and Administrators. Finally, we close the session with a tour of SQL Server in an Azure Virtual Machine as well as an Azure SQL Database.

Speaker(s):

• John Deardurff

Track and Room: Cloud Database/Application Development Deployment - S213

Title: Becoming the MVP: Soft Skills for the Hard Market

Abstract: Whether you are just starting a career, advancing into senior leadership, or trying to woo a potential client, soft skills can be your ticket to success. Often times we focus on showing how smart we are instead of showing what a good team member we can be. We will discuss the role and types of soft skills needed to showcase your X-factor. Need to hone your skills? We will explore innovative and fun ways in which to do just that!

Speaker(s):

• Angela Tidwell

Track and Room: Professional Development - S279

Title: SQL Sprawl - How to get a handle on your Infrastructure

Abstract: This Session will give you the tools to assess your existing SQL Deployments, physical or virtual.
Determine what’s being installed without (or without) your knowledge.
How are they being utilized resource wise and how are they licensed. Then determine what can be combined, right sized or retired and does your existing licensing make sense. This will provide a road-map to make a case for virtualization (if you’re not there yet) or just to get a handle on your SQL Sprawl.

Speaker(s):

• Phil Ekins

Track and Room: Database Administration - S275

Title: SQL Server Encryption

Abstract: Have you ever wanted to know how Transparent Database Encryption (TDE) works or how you set it up? What about encrypting your backups? This session will go over all the steps and caveats that go with this technology. TDE allows you to have your database encrypted on disk and the same Encryption Hierarchy allows you to back up your database and have it encrypt the contents in the backup file. We will discuss the Encryption Hierarchy which is used for encryption in SQL Server and take you through keeping your secrets safe. We will also go over how Always Encrypted works as well. Master the concepts of SQL Server Encryption when you are done with this session.

Speaker(s):

• Ben Miller

Track and Room: Database Administration - S316

Speakers

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

David Maxwell

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

LinkedIn: David Maxwell

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

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

Gareth Swanepoel

Twitter: - @GarethSwan

Contact: http://mygareth.com

Gareth Swanepoel is a sysadmin-turned-SQL Server DBA. He has been working in the IT industry doing support and administration for over 25 years. He enjoys solving the complex problems that customers encounter when performance tuning SQL Server or when deploying SQL Server in large data warehouse environments. He is originally from South Africa and is currently a Dedicated Support Engineer (PFE) with Microsoft. He is a passionate member of the SQL Server community and is an accomplished author and speaker having presented at various user groups, SQLSaturdays, the PASS Summit and other technical conferences.

Janis Griffin

Twitter: - DoBoutAnything

LinkedIn: Janis Griffin

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

Dan Evans

Twitter: - @danthebiman

LinkedIn: Dan Evans

Dan Evans is a Data and Analytics evangelist with over 25 years’ experience deploying strategic and innovative analytic solutions. He’s focused on Microsoft technologies including Data Platform, Advanced Analytics and Business Applications. Current focuses include SQL Server, Power Suite, Cognitive Services, Artifical Inteligence and other Data Platform related topics in Azure. Dan presents at many local, regional and national events including SQL PASS, DAMA, TDWI, TechEd and Ignite and supports best practices in Microsoft data and analytics across North America.

Jon Boulineau

Twitter: - @jboulineau

LinkedIn: Jon Boulineau

Contact: http://jonboulineau.me

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

Dave Mattingly

Twitter: - @dave_mattingly

LinkedIn: Dave Mattingly

Contact: http://www.davemattingly.net

Dave Mattingly has spent thirty years of designing, developing, databasing, documenting, and directing a variety of projects in many industries. In the past, he’s worked on space travel, fraud prevention, data accuracy, and virtual reality for industries such as games, ecology, health, religion, and money. He also writes, publishes, orates, teaches, and preaches.

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/

Kathi Kellenberger

Twitter: - auntkathi

LinkedIn: Kathi Kellenberger

Contact: http://auntkathisql.com

Kathi Kellenberger is the editor of Simple Talk at Redgate and a Data Platform MVP. She has worked with SQL Server for over 20 years and has authored, co-authored, or tech edited over a dozen technical books. Kathi is the co-leader of the PASS Women in Technology Virtual Group and a volunteer at LaunchCode. When Kathi isn’t working, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, cycling, singing, and climbing the stairs of tall buildings. Be sure to check out her courses on Pluralsight.

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.

Josh Luedeman

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

LinkedIn: Josh Luedeman

Contact: http://www.joshluedeman.com

Josh is a Sr FastTrack Engineer with the FastTrack team in the Azure Engineering Group at Microsoft. Josh focuses on Microsoft’s Cloud Scale Analytics Solutions in Azure using products like HDInsight, Data Lake, Data Factory, and DataBricks. He has worked in IT for over 10 years holding positions in Application Support, Database Administration, and Business Intelligence, in industries like Higher Education, Consulting, Manufacturing, and Software Development.

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.

Kevin Feasel

Twitter: - feaselkl

LinkedIn: Kevin Feasel

Contact: http://www.catallaxyservices.com

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

Josh Luedeman

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

LinkedIn: Josh Luedeman

Contact: http://www.joshluedeman.com

Josh is a Sr FastTrack Engineer with the FastTrack team in the Azure Engineering Group at Microsoft. Josh focuses on Microsoft’s Cloud Scale Analytics Solutions in Azure using products like HDInsight, Data Lake, Data Factory, and DataBricks. He has worked in IT for over 10 years holding positions in Application Support, Database Administration, and Business Intelligence, in industries like Higher Education, Consulting, Manufacturing, and Software Development.

SQLSaturday Nashville

Twitter: - @SQLSatNash

Contact: http://www.sqlsatnash.com

SQLSaturday Nashville

Matt Gordon

Twitter: - sqlatspeed

LinkedIn: Matt Gordon

Contact: http://www.sqlatspeed.com

Matt is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP and has worked with SQL Server since 2000. He is the leader of the Lexington, KY PASS local group and a frequent domestic and international community speaker. He’s an IDERA ACE alumnus and 2020 Friend of Redgate. His original data professional role was as a database developer, which quickly evolved into query tuning work that further evolved into being a full-fledged DBA in the healthcare realm. He has supported several critical systems utilizing SQL Server and managed dozens of 24/7/365 SQL Server implementations. He currently utilizes that real world experience as a data platform consultant helping clients design solutions that meet their ever-changing business needs.

Spencer Swindell

Twitter: - @SpencerSwindell

LinkedIn: Spencer Swindell

Spencer Swindell is the Lead Architect with Think Data Insights, LLC. Think Data Insights a consulting group based out of Nashville, TN that works with companies to implement and maintain their Enterprise Data Platform. Since graduating from Tennessee Tech in 2011, he has built and delivered solutions for numerous organizations in the Nashville area utilizing SQL Server and the Microsoft BI Toolset. Spencer lives in Mount Juliet with his wife and son.

Kellyn Pot’Vin-Gorman

Twitter: - DBAKevlar

LinkedIn: Kellyn Pot’Vin-Gorman

Contact: http://dbakevlar.com

Kellyn Pot’Vin-Gorman is a member of the Oak Table Network and an Idera ACE and Oracle ACE Director alumnus. She is a Data Platform Architect in Power BI with AI in the EdTech group at Microsoft. Kellyn is known for her extensive work with multi-database platforms, DevOps, cloud migrations, virtualization, visualizations, scripting, environment optimization tuning, automation, and architecture design.

Kellyn has spoken at numerous technical conferences for Oracle, Big Data, DevOps, testing, and SQL Server. Her blog (http://dbakevlar.com) and social media activity under her handle, DBAKevlar, is well respected for her insight and content.

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.

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.

Louis Davidson

Twitter: - drsql

LinkedIn: Louis Davidson

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

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

Rowland Gosling

Twitter: - @BigSQL

LinkedIn: Rowland Gosling

I’ve worked on a variety of data platforms including SQL Server, Oracle, DB 2 and Hadoop. SQL Server has been my choice OLTP/Data Warehouse platform for many business needs. These days I’m working almost exclusively in the cloud using Microsoft’s Azure and a variety of new products like Azure Data Warehouse, Azure Cosmos DB and Data Factory. As a Microsoft employee, my focus is working on our data platform for our financial services customers.

Anthony Nocentino

Twitter: - nocentino

LinkedIn: Anthony Nocentino

Contact: http://www.centinosystems.com/blog/

Anthony Nocentino is the founder and President of Centino Systems as well as a Pluralsight author, Microsoft Data Platform MVP, Linux expert, and corporate problem solver. Anthony designs solutions, deploys the technology, and provides expertise on business system performance, architecture, and security. Anthony has a Bachelors and Masters in Computer Science with research publications in high performance/low latency data access algorithms and spatial database systems.

Karen Nelson

Twitter: - @KONelson9

Mexican psychologist girl with an awesome data nerd husband, mom of 2 incredible boys: David and Teddy. Experienced in corporate word, School system with tons of experience in private practice.

Ben Miller

Twitter: - DBAduck

LinkedIn: Ben Miller

Contact: https://dbaduck.com

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

Tim Warner

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

LinkedIn: Tim Warner

Contact: https://techtrainertim.com

I am a full-time author with Pluralsight, specializing in Microsoft Azure. In addition, I consult as an Azure solutions architect and do a great deal of technical writing.

Bradley Ball

Twitter: - @SQLBalls

LinkedIn: Bradley Ball

Contact: http://www.sqlballs.com

Bradley Ball is a Sr. Azure Engineer for Microsoft, and former Data Platform MVP. During his IT career Bradley has spent 8 years working as a Defense contractor for clients such as the U.S. Army and The Executive Office of the President of the United States, and the former Data Platform Practice Manager for Pragmatic Works Consulting. He has presented at SQLSaturdays, SSUG’s, SQL Rally, DevConnections, SQLBits, SQL Live 360, and the PASS Summit. Bradley can be found blogging on http://www.SQLBalls.com

Tracy Boggiano

Twitter: - TracyBoggiano

LinkedIn: Tracy Boggiano

Contact: http://databasesuperhero.com

Tracy Boggiano is a Senior Database Administrator for DocuSIgn. She has spent over 20 years in IT, using SQL Server since 1999, and is currently certified as an MCSE Data Platform. Tracy has worked on SQL Server since 6.5. She has spoken at local user groups and numerous SQLSaturdays. She is currently a co-leader of a TriPASS Local Group in Raleigh, NC.

Tracy also tinkered with databases in middle school to keep her sports card collection organized. She blogs at databasesuperhero.com.

Her passion outside of SQL Server is volunteering with foster children as their advocate in court through volunteerforgal.org and being a mental health advocate as part of the PAIMI NC Advisory Council.

Kevin Kline

Twitter: - kekline

LinkedIn: Kevin Kline

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

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

Aaron Nelson

Twitter: - SQLvariant

LinkedIn: Aaron Nelson

Contact: http://sqlvariant.com/

Aaron Nelson is an author, public speaker, blogger, and leader in the community. He has over 15 years of experience in architecture, Business Intelligence, development, and performance tuning of SQL Server. Aaron has received many certifications and is a six time winner of the Microsoft MVP Award.

Aaron leads the PowerShell Virtual Group of PASS (SQLPS.io), is a board member of PowerShell.org, and is a volunteer at his PASS Local Group, AtlantaMDF.

Kevin Kline

Twitter: - kekline

LinkedIn: Kevin Kline

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

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

John Morehouse

Twitter: - SQLrUs

LinkedIn: John Morehouse

Contact: http://www.sqlrus.com

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

Daniel Glenn

Twitter: - DanielGlenn

LinkedIn: Daniel Glenn

Contact: https://DanielGlenn.com

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

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

Andy Yun

Twitter: - SQLBek

LinkedIn: Andy Yun

Contact: http://sqlbek.wordpress.com

Andy Yun is a SentryOne Principal Solutions Engineer and a former Microsoft MVP. He has been working with SQL Server for nearly 20 years as both a Database Developer and Administrator. Leveraging knowledge of SQL Server Internals and extensive experience in highly transactional environments, he strives to make T-SQL leaner and meaner. Andy is extremely passionate about passing knowledge onto others, regularly speaking at User Groups, SQLSaturdays, and PASS Summit. Andy is a co-founder of the Chicago SQL Association, co-Chapter Leader of the Chicago Suburban User Group, and part of the Chicago SQLSaturday Organizing Committee.

Mike Robbins

Twitter: - @mikefrobbins

LinkedIn: Mike Robbins

Contact: http://mikefrobbins.com/

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

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

Arthur Daniels III

Twitter: - ArthurDanSQL

Contact: https://www.DBA-Art.com

Arthur Daniels is a Premier Field Engineer (PFE) at Microsoft. He has focused on diagnosing and optimizing performance on very large databases in mission critical environments.

Elizabeth Noble

Twitter: - SQLZelda

LinkedIn: Elizabeth Noble

Elizabeth Noble is a Director of Database Development in the metro Atlanta area. When she was introduced to her first database over 10 years ago, it was love at first sight. Her passion is to help others improve the quality and speed of deploying database changes through automation. When she is not trying to automate all of the things, she can be found spending time with her dogs, playing disc golf, or taking a walk at the gym.

Rie Irish

Twitter: - IrishSQL

LinkedIn: Rie Irish

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

Michael Fal

Twitter: - @Mike_Fal

LinkedIn: Michael Fal

Contact: http://mikefal.net

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

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

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.

Mike Lawell

Twitter: - @sqldiver

LinkedIn: Mike Lawell

Contact: http://sqlserverassociates.com/Blog

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

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

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

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

Geoff Hiten

Twitter: - SQLCraftsman

LinkedIn: Geoff Hiten

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

Tim Gorman

Twitter: - @TimGormanTech

LinkedIn: Tim Gorman

Contact: http://evdbt.com

Tim Gorman is a senior technical consultant for Delphix who securely enables masked data virtualization to increase the agility of IT development and testing while ending decades of security risk in SDLC.

Tim has co-authored six books on data warehousing and database administration, has performed technical review on eight more books, and has an author#39;s page on Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/Tim-Gorman/e/B00BKCTO5E).

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.

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.

Jim Donahoe

Twitter: - SQLFlipFlopsDBA

Contact: http://www.sqlflipflopsdba.com

Jim is a Premier Field Engineer for Microsoft in the Data/AI space. He lives in Pittsburgh in a small suburb. He loves working with all things Azure(ARM templates, DBaaS, SQL on IaaS). He is an avid collector of retro video games! He is a member of the Idera ACE program for 2018.

Pat Phelan

Twitter: - @YetAnotherSQL

LinkedIn: Pat Phelan

Pat Phelan first joined a computer user group (DECUS) in High School, and has joined many more since then. Pat worked many jobs in high school and college, and over twenty years for a major accounting firm. Pat started working for Involta in 2007 and is now the database mentor and a member of the Engineering team. Involta builds, owns and operates world class colocation datacenters and also provides managed services and support staff to clients.

Luke Campbell

Twitter: - @Luke7621

LinkedIn: Luke Campbell

SQL Server DBA for over 10 years focusing on the Healthcare industry. Previously a systems administrator, I made the jump to database administration after 6 years and haven’t looked back. I enjoy performance tuning and automation.

Bob Pusateri

Twitter: - @SQLBob

LinkedIn: Bob Pusateri

Contact: http://www.BobPusateri.com

Bob Pusateri is a Microsoft Certified Master, DBA, and systems architect with over 10 years of experience on SQL Server. His interests involve internals, performance optimization, and cloud technologies. He is an active member of two Chicago-area PASS Local Groups, a community speaker, and maintains a web presence through both Twitter (@SQLBob) and his blog (bobpusateri.com).

Rob Volk

Twitter: - sql_r

LinkedIn: Rob Volk

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

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

Angela Tidwell

Twitter: - angelatidwell

LinkedIn: Angela Tidwell

Contact: https://www.TidwellTidbits.com

Angela Tidwell is an experienced Data Professional with a love for Data Analytics, Data Science, Power BI, Python, SQL, etc. She is a dynamic and exciting speaker armed with a zest for life and quick wit; her background and unique views on the world provide the backdrop for a plethora of great stories. Utilizing her strong interpersonal skills and verbal/written communications, Angela supports SQLSaturdays across the country and blogs about her experiences in order to help other data professionals grow at TidwellTidbits.com.

Rodrigo Medeiros

Twitter: - @rationalrodrigo

LinkedIn: Rodrigo Medeiros

Rodrigo has worked with databases for over 20 years and has designed and implemented MS-SQL Data Platforms and BI Solutions as a consutlant for e-commerce and finance companies. He is currently a Solutions Architect for DataCore Software.

Lowry Kozlowski

Twitter: - @lowrykoz

LinkedIn: Lowry Kozlowski

Lowry Kozlowski is a SR SQL DBA and SR Consultant for SWC Technology Partners. Been involved with SQL for 17 years. Co-Leader of the Chicago Suburban SQL User group. Part of the SQLSaturday team for Chicago. Love SQL, photography, solving problems and trying new food. Goal in life is to minimize off hours calls by proactive work on systems.

Henry Treftz

Twitter: - @HenryT

I have worked with SQL Server since the mid 90’s starting with SQL Server 4.21 running under OS/2. I have worked as a developer, designer, and DBA for a variety of organizations, ranging from trading firms, real estate services companies a water testing lab as well as software companies.

As part of my past, I spent 8 years working on systems that were either designed from the ground up to be installed as third-party applications or designed as internal products that were later bundled and sold as applications to customers.

I also spent some time in .com land and though I did not end up a millionaire I did end up with some great stories.

Wendy Pastrick

Twitter: - @wendy_dance

Contact: http://wendyverse.blogspot.com

Wendy Pastrick is from Chicago, IL, and for the past 15 years has served as a Database Administrator supporting both development and production environments. Her many years of involvement with PASS include WIT Virtual Chapter and the Chicago Suburban User Group, serving as Regional Mentor, and as a PASS Board member since 2013. Wendy has organized several highly successful SQLSaturday events in Chicago.

Je’Anna Lanza-Abbott

Twitter: - @STATWonderWoman

LinkedIn: Je’Anna Lanza-Abbott

Dr. Je’Anna Lanza-Abbott holds the Spec’s Charitable Foundation Endowed Professorship in Social Responsibility at the University of Houston. She has a joint appointment with the Conrad N. Hilton College and the C.T. Bauer College of Business. She teaches primarily in the areas of hospitality business law, organizational behavior/conflict management, and negotiations. She has written multiple refereed articles in these areas, as well as two textbooks.

She has multiple advanced degrees including: JD and LLM from University of Houston (UH), MBA from University of Chicago, MS in Analytics from Texas AM and PhD in Management Science from UH Bauer College of Business.

Cathrine Wilhelmsen

Twitter: - @cathrinew

LinkedIn: Cathrine Wilhelmsen

Contact: https://www.cathrinewilhelmsen.net/

Cathrine loves teaching and sharing knowledge :) She is based in Norway and works as a Senior Business Intelligence Consultant in Inmeta, focusing on Data Warehousing, Data Integration, Analytics, and Reporting projects. Her core skills are Azure Data Factory, SSIS, Biml and T-SQL development, but she enjoys everything from programming to data visualization. Outside of work she’s active in the SQL Server community as a Microsoft Data Platform MVP, BimlHero Certified Expert, author, speaker, blogger, organizer and chronic volunteer.

Phil Ekins

Twitter: - @SQLPhilUK

LinkedIn: Phil Ekins

Phil Ekins is a Principal Architect at House of Brick Technologies. With over two decades of experience in SQL Server, Automation, Migrations, Virtualization and HA/DR Solutions. Phil has presented at SQLSaturday’s and Local Chapters. As a AWS Certified Solutions Architect and a seasoned SQL Server Professional Phil brings a DBA’s needs to the world of cloud computing.

SQLSaturday Nashville

Twitter: - @SQLSatNash

Contact: http://www.sqlsatnash.com

SQLSaturday Nashville

Hope Foley

Twitter: - hope_foley

LinkedIn: Hope Foley

Contact: http://www.hopefoley.com

Hope Foley, a former Data Platform MVP, has worked across many industries as a DBA and Business Intelligence consultant. She joined team at Microsoft and is a Data AI Technology Solutions Professional. She has worked with enterprise customers but now focuses on education. Hope is an active member in the SQL Server and PASS communities speaking at events and organizing the SQLSaturday event in Indianapolis.

Jason Horner

Twitter: - jasonhorner

LinkedIn: Jason Horner

Contact: http://blog.jasonhorner.com

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

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

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

Sponsors

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

• Microsoft Corporation (GAP)

• DataCore Software

• Noxigen LLC

• SentryOne

• Quest

• TEKsystems

• Vaco Nashville

• Think Data Insights, LLC

• Redgate Software

• SQL Watchmen

• Idera

• COZYROC

• SQLGrease

• InfoWorks, Inc.

• Rezult Group

• Procure SQL

• SolidQ North America

• Pure Storage

Back to the SQLSaturday Event List

Back to the home page