SQLSaturday #723 - Rochester 2018

Event Date: 03/24/2018 00:00:00

Event Location:

  • Rochester Institute of Technology
  • 1 Lomb Memorial Drive
  • Rochester, New York

PDF of Schedule

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Sessions

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


Title: I lost my job! Now what?!? A survival guide for the unemployed

Abstract: You’ve just been told by HR that you are no longer a part of their organization. You’ve been kicked to the curb. You are now living in the no-man’s land called unemployment.

Unemployment is a scary situation. You’re dealing with emotions and uncertainty. You don’t know if you’ll be out of work for days, weeks, or months.

Fortunately, unemployment is survivable. In this session, I’ll share my own experiences (and perhaps we’ll talk about some of yours) with unemployment, and how I managed to get through the tough times. We’ll discuss emotional impact, the job hunt, and things you can do to get yourself through this tough time. Hopefully, you’ll land on your feet once again before long!

Speaker(s):

  • Ray Kim

Track and Room: Professional Development - 2400


Title: Getting to and Nailing Your Interviews

Abstract: Are you stuck in your existing job for years? Do you feel you need to get out, try either a new company or a new role; or even a new boss? This a very entertaining and highly interactive session is perfect for you. I promise, you’ll walk out of it totally reassured and enlightened.

In this session I’ll share my and other people’s real stories and the techniques about keeping abreast the job market and finding new opportunities.

We’ll also talk about normal mistakes that people make when they are cozy in a job. But, what do we do once we get that rare opportunity to interview.

We must take care of :

  1. Overall appearance
  2. Food habits on the eve of the interview
  3. Postures
  4. Arrival
  5. During the interview 6, Closing
  6. Follow up
  7. Maintaining interview logs

Keep going at it. Never stop looking!!!

Speaker(s):

  • Paresh Motiwala

Track and Room: Professional Development - 2400


Title: Should I move my database to the cloud?

Abstract: So you have been running on-prem SQL Server for a while now. Maybe you have taken the step to move it from bare metal to a VM, and have seen some nice benefits. Ready to see a TON more benefits? If you said “YES!”, then this is the session for you as I will go over the many benefits gained by moving your on-prem SQL Server to an Azure VM (IaaS). Then I will really blow your mind by showing you even more benefits by moving to Azure SQL Database (PaaS/DBaaS). And for those of you with a large data warehouse, I also got you covered with Azure SQL Data Warehouse. Along the way I will talk about the many hybrid approaches so you can take a gradual approve to moving to the cloud. If you are interested in cost savings, additional features, ease of use, and ending the days of upgrading hardware, this is the session for you!

Speaker(s):

  • James Serra

Track and Room: Strategy and Architecture - 1435


Title: Disaster Documents: The role of documentation in disaster recovery

Abstract: I was an employee of a company that had an office in the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001. Prior to that infamous date, I had written several departmental documents that ended up being critical to our recovery. In this presentation, I provide a narrative of what happened in the weeks following 9/11, and how documentation played a role in getting the organization back on its feet.

While other disaster recovery presentations talk about strategies, plans, and techniques, this presentation focuses on the documentation itself. We will discuss the documents we had and how they were used in our recovery. We will also discuss what documents we didn’t have, and how they could have made the process better.

Speaker(s):

  • Ray Kim

Track and Room: Professional Development - 2400


Title: Big Data and Hadoop: A primer for the weary DBA

Abstract: Big Data has become a corporate and household buzzword. But is it just that? You really need to start learning about it as soon as possible. Come learn about what happens to the tons of your personal data that you leave behind knowingly or unknowingly, like bread crumbs for various entities for the devil and the angel alike. We’ll also discuss various real life examples like detection and spread of Ebola virus, the 2016 elections, the traffic patterns in a third world country; all of this using Big Data. You will also learn how Big Data is produced, processed(with cheap hardware using Hadoop like environments), reported and acted upon by producing meaningful and actionable reports/predictions. Over and above, we’ll also take a quick peek at some of the huge and successful installations of Hadoop ecosystems around the world; installations that affect our lives.

Speaker(s):

  • Paresh Motiwala

Track and Room: Strategy and Architecture - 1610


Title: How to build your career

Abstract: In three years I went from a complete unknown to a popular blogger, speaker at PASS Summit, a SQL Server MVP, and then joined Microsoft.  Along the way I saw my yearly income triple.  Is it because I know some secret?  Is it because I am a genius?  No!  It is just about laying out your career path, setting goals, and doing the work. 

I’ll cover tips I learned over my career on everything from interviewing to building your personal brand. I’ll discuss perm positions, consulting, contracting, working for Microsoft or partners, hot fields, in-demand skills, social media, networking, presenting, blogging, salary negotiating, dealing with recruiters, certifications, speaking at major conferences, resume tips, and keys to a high-paying career.

Your first step to enhancing your career will be to attend this session! Let me be your career coach!

Speaker(s):

  • James Serra

Track and Room: Professional Development - 2400


Title: From (User) Story to Tables: Read Between the Lines to Find Your Data

Abstract: If you work in an agile environment, design requirements often come to us as stories with the phrase: “As a type of user, I want to …”

For example: As a DBA, I want to be able to break down user stories to understand how they translate into our current database design and usage and have an understanding as to how it will affect future needs.

That user story is also the goal for the session. This will present one approach to how we can think about these user stories to find the data that we need to design our databases for. We’ll even work through an example together.

This is for DBAs who are involved in any part of designing databases, who want to practice how to come up with database designs, or who just another way to think about how they approach their database development in general.

Speaker(s):

  • Deborah Melkin

Track and Room: Application Database Development (Cloud On-Premises) - 1435


Title: New features in Management Studio and Showplan – Performance Troubleshooting made easier!

Abstract: SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) is now updated each month with the latest version of the SQL Client Tools. Which enabled rapid enhancement to Execution Plan.  

Do you know that you can now see how many pages are spilled to disk for a sort, as well as the memory statistics for the operator? Are you aware that you can see the top 10 waits for an execution and what trace flags were active during compilation and which ones influenced compilation? Have you ever analyzed a big plan and wish you could search for table name, index name or column name without opening XML plan? When you see a clustered index was used do you know for sure which statistics were used by the Query Optimizer to estimate the number of rows?

In this demo intensive session, I will show you how to find and use new features introduced into SSMS and Showplan. You will walk out of this session equipped to make Query Performance Troubleshooting easier and ready to tackle those nasty, hard to solve query plans.

Speaker(s):

  • Taiob Ali

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - 1445


Title: DBAs vs. Developers: JSON in SQL Server

Abstract: The war between DBAs and developers has been raging since the dawn of relational databases. One reason for disagreement comes from developers who want to store their data in JSON because it is fast, standard, and flexible. DBAs cringe when they hear of long text strings being stored in their SQL databases; they cry with concern, “No data validation? No schema binding?”. Is there any hope for these two warring factions to see eye-to-eye?

This session will explore the new JSON functionality introduced in SQL Server 2016. We will use T-SQL examples to learn how these functions can be used to parse, create, and modify JSON data. More importantly, we will discuss how to optimize performance when using these functions.

By the end of this session DBAs and developers will know how to efficiently work with JSON in SQL Server 2016 and 2017. It will also usher in an era of peace between DBAs and developers…

… at least until someone brings up the topics of cursors, NOLOCKs, or Entity Framework.

Speaker(s):

  • Bert Wagner

Track and Room: Application Database Development (Cloud On-Premises) - 1455


Title: Basic Database Programming

Abstract: Abstract:

You just found out that a client needs a SQL database to be designed from scratch. However, you existing DBA has given two week notice.

This presentation is meant for the Accidental DBA that has little to no experience with creating Transaction SQL objects.

After this presentation, will be ready to meet that clients need.

Coverage:

1 - How is a view better than ad-hoc SQL? 2 - Abstracting underlying tables via a view. 3 - Avoiding DML updates to views. 4 - Using triggers to enforce business rules. 5 - Using triggers to prevent data modifications. 6 - What are the different types of functions? 7 - Simple use of each type. 8 - Using stored procedures as an application interface. 9 - Batch programming using stored procedures. 10 - How to schedule batch jobs.

Speaker(s):

  • John Miner

Track and Room: SQL Starter Track - 1455


Title: How to audit and prevent unwanted user actions.

Abstract: Abstract:

Many corporations are composed of small divisions located in countries throughout the world. While you might be the lead DBA for your corporation, there are several other employees who have the keys to the kingdom. This presentation will review techniques on how to prevent and/or audit data and schema changes.

Coverage:

1 – Granting correct user access is vital. 2 – DML triggers to keep a DATA audit trail. 3 – DDL triggers to keep a SCHEMA audit trail. 4 – Preventing unwanted DATA modifications. 5 – Preventing unwanted SCHEMA changes. 6 – Preventing table TRUNCATIONS. 7 – LOGIN triggers to control who, what, and when. 8 – Change data capture (CDC) an alternative to triggers. 9 - Which of these techniques apply to an Azure SQL database?

Speaker(s):

  • John Miner

Track and Room: Application Database Development (Cloud On-Premises) - 1445


Title: Running SQL Server in Amazon’s Relational Database Service (RDS)

Abstract: Whether you’re a developer who prefers SQL Server behind the scenes, or a DBA who is responsible for its care and feeding, RDS fits the bill nicely when it’s time to move your databases to the cloud. There are many benefits from letting Amazon handle your database infrastructure, but managing your SQL Server in RDS is a little different from hosting it on your own hardware. Some things work differently from what you’re used to, and there are a number of limitations that you should be aware of before diving in.

In this session I will outline a number of the benefits of running your databases in the Amazon cloud. I will also highlight some of the limitations and differences that you’ll encounter there. Whether you are a total beginner or a seasoned SQL Server veteran, if you’re new to Amazon RDS, then this session is for you.

Speaker(s):

  • Chris Sommer

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - 1435


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: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - 1445


Title: Back to the Basics: T-SQL 101

Abstract: Do you consider yourself a beginner to T-SQL? This session will go over the basic T-SQL syntax for querying data. We’ll break down the fundamental statements to look at the different parts to see how they work together.

This session is designed for the junior DBA or developer who is looking for a better foundation of the basics. The goal is to feel more confident with how to write queries and understand how to build on that knowledge.

Speaker(s):

  • Deborah Melkin

Track and Room: SQL Starter Track - 1455


Title: Pester your SQL Servers!

Abstract: As DBAs blur the lines between automation and software engineering, they must also employ sound software engineering principals. One of these key principals is unit testing. And just as you can automate DBA tasks, the same automation can be extended to unit testing.

This session will explore the PowerShell unit testing module Pester and how it can be applied to the automation code that a DBA creates. We’ll cover the basics of Pester, test driven development, how it can be employed by DBAs, and more.

This session will work through some light demos. Familiarity with SQL Server database administration and PowerShell is helpful but not required.

Speaker(s):

  • James Livingston

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - 1610


Title: Dynamic SQL: Writing Efficient Queries on the Fly

Abstract: Dynamic SQL can be a powerful tool that allows you to write fast efficient queries when the specifics may not be known until run-time. It can also be complex, difficult to read and debug, and the source of some of the most confusing TSQL you’ll ever see.

Explore the many uses for dynamic SQL as well as best practices for writing, testing, debugging, and maintaining it, with the bonus of helping to improve the sanity of your coworkers (and your own) in the process!

Speaker(s):

  • Edward Pollack

Track and Room: Application Database Development (Cloud On-Premises) - 1445


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 - 1610


Title: Execution Plans 101

Abstract: Do you have a query that you want to tune, but don’t know where to start? Execution plans can be a great starting point for understanding what your query is doing under the hood. This course covers the bare bones basics: what an execution plan is, how to run them, how to read them, and additional features.

Speaker(s):

  • Eugene Meidinger

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - 1455


Title: Replication Technologies

Abstract: Replication is a native SQL Server component which is used for copying, distribution and aggregating data between databases and servers. In this presentation Hilary Cotter discusses the different replication types and technologies and their sweet points. He also shows common use cases, gotcha’s, and performance tuning and troubleshooting techniques.

Speaker(s):

  • Hilary Cotter

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - 1435


Title: How to use Spatial Data in SQL Server

Abstract: More and more applications/reports require handling of geospatial data. You may need to store maps, calculate distances between points or look for the closest locations to your users. Don’t pay fees to third party tools for geospatial functionality, SQL Server is here to help you. In the first half, learn the spatial data types and common spatial functions in SQL Server, and in the second, use the new JSON functions and In-Memory tables to create/query spatial data in SQL Server. Here’s your chance to learn how to handle spatial data in SQL Server using modern ways.

Speaker(s):

  • Hasan Savran

Track and Room: Strategy and Architecture - 1455


Title: SQL Injection Vulnerabilities: Is Your Data Secure?

Abstract: SQL injection is one of the most common ways that hackers gain access to your SQL server. Do you know how to protect your data from malicious users?

This session will provide an overview of how SQL injection works as well as T-SQL examples and techniques to protect against it. We’ll also take a look at why some commonly used techniques aren’t as secure as many people think.

If you ever write or maintain dynamic SQL queries then this session is for you.

Speaker(s):

  • Bert Wagner

Track and Room: Application Database Development (Cloud On-Premises) - 1435


Title: Insight into the SQL Server Buffer Cache

Abstract: When we talk about memory usage in SQL Server, we are often referring to the buffer cache. This is an important part of SQL Server’s architecture, and is responsible for the ability to query frequently accessed data quickly. Knowing how the buffer cache works will allow us to properly allocate memory in SQL Server, gauge accurately how databases are accessing data, and ensure that there are not inefficiencies in our code that cause excessive data to be cached.

Speaker(s):

  • Edward Pollack

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - 1445


Title: Painting with PowerShell: SQL Server Administration

Abstract: The SQL Server canvas gives us limitless opportunity for scripting and automation, and PowerShell is the perfect brush to paint with. Configuring our database servers, deploying database code changes, performing backups and restores are just a few examples of a day in the life of a DBA. Automation and scripting bring consistency, simplicity and scalability to many of these sometimes daunting tasks.

Join me to learn how to paint your own SQL Server canvas with PowerShell.

Speaker(s):

  • Chris Sommer

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - 1610


Title: Drinking From the Firehose: a Guide to Keeping Up with Technology

Abstract: Keeping up with technology can feel like a treadmill; you keep running but never get anywhere. We’ll take a look at ways to keep up with technology without pulling your hair out. We’ll balance cost versus benefit for the different types of learning. We will also talk about learning goals.

Speaker(s):

  • Eugene Meidinger

Track and Room: Professional Development - 2400


Title: Destination Azure… building ETL workloads in the cloud!

Abstract: More and more of our data is originating from or being moved to the cloud, but many of us are doing the same old ETL process with SSIS and other tools. In this session, we will compare a legacy SSIS package and show the process of building the same flow with the newly released Azure Data Factory v2

Speaker(s):

  • Chris Seferlis

Track and Room: Business Intelligence - 1435


Title: I have to support what!? SQL, Oracle, and Mongo - A side by side “how to”

Abstract: More and more companies are starting to invest in multiple database platforms and DBAs are needing to develop a skillset to support a mixed-database environment. Database concepts are often the same between platforms, however, the “how” can be very different (and sometimes not different at all!). Starting with the basics and gradually moving into the more advanced; this session will show you how to perform the same task in SQL Server, Oracle, and Mongo. Take a leap and start your journey in to the multi-platform world!

Speaker(s):

  • Kimberly StJacques

Track and Room: SQL Starter Track - 1455


Title: Stress testing SQL Server

Abstract: How high can we go? Frequently in your career as a DBA you will be asked how much load can your SQL Server support. In this session, Hilary Cotter, shows you how to Microsoft tools to stress test your application and determine what your bottlenecks are and how high you can ramp up your workload.

Speaker(s):

  • Hilary Cotter

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - 2400


Title: “Go Faster!” And Other Things Yelled at the Backup Jobs

Abstract: This session is an introduction to tuning backups. Learn how to take those backup jobs to disk and change them from running for hours to running in minutes. We’ll be discussing the advantages disadvantages of using the following parameters: COMPRESSION, BUFFERCOUNT, MAXTRANSFERSIZE, BLOCKSIZE. We’ll also be covering the concept of striping database backups.

Speaker(s):

  • Mike Hays

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - 1610


Title: What’s new in SQL Server 2017

Abstract: SQL Server 2017 has great new additions and features for everybody. If you are a developer, you want to learn about new Graph tables, new M.O.T enhancements, and new functions. If you are a BI developer, you want to learn about how to run R and Python in SQL Server. If you are a DBA, you might want to learn about new features like Resumable Online Indexes, Automatic Query Optimization and how to monitor R and Python scripts. This session will have overall information about new features of SQL Server 2017

Speaker(s):

  • Hasan Savran

Track and Room: Strategy and Architecture - 1445


Title: Uncovering Duplicate, Redundant, Missing Indexes

Abstract: Do you know if your database’s indexes are really being used to their fullest potential? And do you know if SQL Server needs other indexes to improve performance? Attend this session and learn how SQL Server tracks actual index usage, and how you can make use of that information to improve the state of indexes in your database. We will use this data to identify wasteful, unused, redundant indexes, and explore performance penalties you pay for not addressing these inefficient indexes. Finally, we will dive into the Missing Index DMV and explore the art of evaluating its recommendations to make proper indexing decisions.

Speaker(s):

  • Andy Yun

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - 1610


Speakers

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

Ray Kim

Twitter: - PianoRayK

LinkedIn: Ray Kim

Contact: https://pianorayk.wordpress.com/

Ray Kim is an advocate for documentation and technical communication. He is a co-founder of the Albany, NY SQL group (CASSUG), a member of the AlbanyUX user group, and has spoken at numerous SQLSaturdays and at PASS Summit. He has worked various positions in technology, including as a developer, webmaster, analyst, technical writer, and instructor. He holds an MS in technical communication from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a BS in computer science from Syracuse University.

A musician in his spare time, Ray plays four different instruments. He also enjoys going to ball games and doing CrossFit, and is a two-time SQLServerCentral.com fantasy football champion. He lives in Troy, NY with his wife, Lianne, and their two cats.

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.

Paresh Motiwala

Twitter: - pareshmotiwala

LinkedIn: Paresh Motiwala

Contact: https://pareshmotiwala.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=2amp;action=editamp;message=6amp;postpost=v2

Paresh Motiwala a Azure/Big Data enthusiast, Manager of Database Platform teams has led several large SQL implementations, migrations and upgrades. He has managed multi terabyte OLTP databases. He has also been a Sr. SQL DBA and a Solutions Architect in Fortune 100 companies. He helps/organizes and speaks at many SQLSaturdays, Azure Bootcamp, Azure Datafests and User Groups(Boston BI UG, NESQL, PASS PD VG and PASS DBA VG).

He is certified in Big Data Analytics, FinTech, PMP, Public Speaking, Business Communications. He is a avid singer, cook, open networker, and stand-up comedian. He teaches public speaking, debating, interviewing and group discussion skills and mentors children around the globe via www.circlesofgrowth.com

Chris Sommer

Twitter: - @cjsommer

LinkedIn: Chris Sommer

Contact: http://www.cjsommer.com

Chris started in computing and I.T. in the mid to late 1990’s. After the dust had settled from Y2K, he found himself a bit more focused and working with database servers on the Unix platform. His first exposure to SQL Server was in 2007 and he has been working on that platform ever since. Chris is currently a Senior SQL DBA with a focus on reliability, stability and performance. He truly enjoys the building tools with PowerShell to help his fellow DBA#39;s manage their ever growing environment.

Ray Kim

Twitter: - PianoRayK

LinkedIn: Ray Kim

Contact: https://pianorayk.wordpress.com/

Ray Kim is an advocate for documentation and technical communication. He is a co-founder of the Albany, NY SQL group (CASSUG), a member of the AlbanyUX user group, and has spoken at numerous SQLSaturdays and at PASS Summit. He has worked various positions in technology, including as a developer, webmaster, analyst, technical writer, and instructor. He holds an MS in technical communication from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a BS in computer science from Syracuse University.

A musician in his spare time, Ray plays four different instruments. He also enjoys going to ball games and doing CrossFit, and is a two-time SQLServerCentral.com fantasy football champion. He lives in Troy, NY with his wife, Lianne, and their two cats.

James Livingston

Twitter: - @jamesomatic

Contact: https://www.jameslivingston.io

Programmer turned DBA turned programmer.

Edward Pollack

Twitter: - EdwardPollack

LinkedIn: Edward Pollack

Contact: https://www.sqlshack.com/author/edward-pollack/

Ed Pollack has over 20 years of experience in database and systems administration, which has developed his passion for performance optimization, database design, and making things go faster. He has spoken at many SQLSaturdays, 24 Hours of PASS, and PASS Summit. This led him to organize SQLSaturday Albany, which has become an annual event for New York’s Capital Region. Sharing these experiences with the community is a top priority, and encouraging everyone to take the leap into public speaking and engaging others, a passion. In his free time, Ed enjoys video games, traveling, cooking exceptionally spicy foods, and hanging out with his amazing wife and sons.

Eugene Meidinger

Twitter: - @sqlgene

Contact: http://www.sqlgene.com

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

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.

John Miner

Twitter: - https://twitter.com/JohnMiner3

LinkedIn: John Miner

Contact: https://www.mssqltips.com/sqlserverauthor/154/john-miner/

John Miner is currently a Data Architect at BlueMetal advising corporations on how to solve their business needs with data platform solutions.

He has over twenty five years of data processing experience, and his architecture expertise encompasses all phases of the software project life cycle, including design, development, implementation, and maintenance of systems.

He has an undergraduate and graduate degrees in Computer Science from the University of Rhode Island. Other credentials include an up to date MCSE certificate and currently taking the Data Science program from EDX.

Before joining BlueMetal, John won the Data Platform MVP award in 2014 and 2015 for his outstanding contributions to the SQL Server community.

James Serra

Twitter: - www.twitter.com/JamesSerra

LinkedIn: James Serra

Contact: http://www.JamesSerra.com

James Serra is a big data and data warehousing solution architect at Microsoft. He is a thought leader in the use and application of Big Data and advanced analytics. Previously, James was an independent consultant working as a Data Warehouse/Business Intelligence architect and developer. He is a prior SQL Server MVP with over 35 years of IT experience. James is a popular blogger (JamesSerra.com) and speaker. He is the author of the book “Reporting with Microsoft SQL Server 2012”.

Deborah Melkin

Twitter: - dgmelkin

LinkedIn: Deborah Melkin

Contact: http://debthedba.wordpress.com

Deborah Melkin has been working as a database professional with SQL Server for almost 20 years. She spends her days helping programmers with all aspects of database design, queries, performance, and deployment. In 2016, she began her blog, Deb the DBA. Soon after that, she began speaking at SQLSaturdays and user groups. Deborah is a board member of the New England SQL Server User group (NESQL) and was recently named as an IDERA ACE Class of 2020. She also won Speaker Idol at PASS Summit 2019. In her spare time, Deborah can usually be found doing something musical.

Hilary Cotter

Hilary Cotteris a 20 year IT veteran who has answered over 20,000 questions on the forums. Some of them correctly. He specializes in HA technologies, especially replication, performance tuning, full-text search, and SQL Server Service Broker.

Hilary is also an author, or contributor on a number of books on SQL Server.

Eugene Meidinger

Twitter: - @sqlgene

Contact: http://www.sqlgene.com

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

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.

Bert Wagner

Twitter: - bertwagner

LinkedIn: Bert Wagner

Contact: https://bertwagner.com

Bert Wagner teaches data-focused developers how to use SQL Server efficiently every week on his YouTube channel “SQL with Bert.” When not filming episodes, he gains inspiration for his content through his work as a Principal Business Intelligence Developer for Progressive Insurance in Cleveland, OH.

Starting his career as an SSIS and SSRS developer, Bert fell in love with SQL Server query writing and performance tuning. Nowadays, he focuses on full stack web development and uses his database tuning skills to ensure that his applications run at peak performance.

Paresh Motiwala

Twitter: - pareshmotiwala

LinkedIn: Paresh Motiwala

Contact: https://pareshmotiwala.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=2amp;action=editamp;message=6amp;postpost=v2

Paresh Motiwala a Azure/Big Data enthusiast, Manager of Database Platform teams has led several large SQL implementations, migrations and upgrades. He has managed multi terabyte OLTP databases. He has also been a Sr. SQL DBA and a Solutions Architect in Fortune 100 companies. He helps/organizes and speaks at many SQLSaturdays, Azure Bootcamp, Azure Datafests and User Groups(Boston BI UG, NESQL, PASS PD VG and PASS DBA VG).

He is certified in Big Data Analytics, FinTech, PMP, Public Speaking, Business Communications. He is a avid singer, cook, open networker, and stand-up comedian. He teaches public speaking, debating, interviewing and group discussion skills and mentors children around the globe via www.circlesofgrowth.com

Edward Pollack

Twitter: - EdwardPollack

LinkedIn: Edward Pollack

Contact: https://www.sqlshack.com/author/edward-pollack/

Ed Pollack has over 20 years of experience in database and systems administration, which has developed his passion for performance optimization, database design, and making things go faster. He has spoken at many SQLSaturdays, 24 Hours of PASS, and PASS Summit. This led him to organize SQLSaturday Albany, which has become an annual event for New York’s Capital Region. Sharing these experiences with the community is a top priority, and encouraging everyone to take the leap into public speaking and engaging others, a passion. In his free time, Ed enjoys video games, traveling, cooking exceptionally spicy foods, and hanging out with his amazing wife and sons.

James Serra

Twitter: - www.twitter.com/JamesSerra

LinkedIn: James Serra

Contact: http://www.JamesSerra.com

James Serra is a big data and data warehousing solution architect at Microsoft. He is a thought leader in the use and application of Big Data and advanced analytics. Previously, James was an independent consultant working as a Data Warehouse/Business Intelligence architect and developer. He is a prior SQL Server MVP with over 35 years of IT experience. James is a popular blogger (JamesSerra.com) and speaker. He is the author of the book “Reporting with Microsoft SQL Server 2012”.

John Miner

Twitter: - https://twitter.com/JohnMiner3

LinkedIn: John Miner

Contact: https://www.mssqltips.com/sqlserverauthor/154/john-miner/

John Miner is currently a Data Architect at BlueMetal advising corporations on how to solve their business needs with data platform solutions.

He has over twenty five years of data processing experience, and his architecture expertise encompasses all phases of the software project life cycle, including design, development, implementation, and maintenance of systems.

He has an undergraduate and graduate degrees in Computer Science from the University of Rhode Island. Other credentials include an up to date MCSE certificate and currently taking the Data Science program from EDX.

Before joining BlueMetal, John won the Data Platform MVP award in 2014 and 2015 for his outstanding contributions to the SQL Server community.

Deborah Melkin

Twitter: - dgmelkin

LinkedIn: Deborah Melkin

Contact: http://debthedba.wordpress.com

Deborah Melkin has been working as a database professional with SQL Server for almost 20 years. She spends her days helping programmers with all aspects of database design, queries, performance, and deployment. In 2016, she began her blog, Deb the DBA. Soon after that, she began speaking at SQLSaturdays and user groups. Deborah is a board member of the New England SQL Server User group (NESQL) and was recently named as an IDERA ACE Class of 2020. She also won Speaker Idol at PASS Summit 2019. In her spare time, Deborah can usually be found doing something musical.

Hilary Cotter

Hilary Cotteris a 20 year IT veteran who has answered over 20,000 questions on the forums. Some of them correctly. He specializes in HA technologies, especially replication, performance tuning, full-text search, and SQL Server Service Broker.

Hilary is also an author, or contributor on a number of books on SQL Server.

Mike Hays

LinkedIn: Mike Hays

Contact: http://www.thesqlreport.com/

Mike has been working with Microsoft SQL Server for the last twenty years. Currently working as a Database Administrator for a diversified energy company, he has also worked in the retail, manufacturing, banking sectors. He holds a Master’s degree in Computer Information Science from Cleveland State University. He currently resides in Ohio with his girlfriend Alexia, her two children and their dog Lanna.

Chris Sommer

Twitter: - @cjsommer

LinkedIn: Chris Sommer

Contact: http://www.cjsommer.com

Chris started in computing and I.T. in the mid to late 1990’s. After the dust had settled from Y2K, he found himself a bit more focused and working with database servers on the Unix platform. His first exposure to SQL Server was in 2007 and he has been working on that platform ever since. Chris is currently a Senior SQL DBA with a focus on reliability, stability and performance. He truly enjoys the building tools with PowerShell to help his fellow DBA#39;s manage their ever growing environment.

Bert Wagner

Twitter: - bertwagner

LinkedIn: Bert Wagner

Contact: https://bertwagner.com

Bert Wagner teaches data-focused developers how to use SQL Server efficiently every week on his YouTube channel “SQL with Bert.” When not filming episodes, he gains inspiration for his content through his work as a Principal Business Intelligence Developer for Progressive Insurance in Cleveland, OH.

Starting his career as an SSIS and SSRS developer, Bert fell in love with SQL Server query writing and performance tuning. Nowadays, he focuses on full stack web development and uses his database tuning skills to ensure that his applications run at peak performance.

Taiob Ali

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

LinkedIn: Taiob Ali

Contact: http://www.sqlworldwide.com

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

Chris Seferlis

Twitter: - bizdataviz

LinkedIn: Chris Seferlis

Contact: http://blog.bizdataviz.com

Chris Seferlis is a Sr Cloud Solution Architect at Microsoft. He has 20+ years’ experience working in IT and solving technical challenges from a business perspective. Chris is a former CIO with an MBA from UMass, bringing a mix of business acumen and practical technology solutions, primarily focusing on Data and AI within the Microsoft Data Platform, including MCSA and MCT designations.

Kimberly StJacques

Twitter: - @kimstjacques

LinkedIn: Kimberly StJacques

Contact: http://dbobserver.com

Kim StJacques is passionate about SQL Server and Community. She has worked in IT for 20+ years and 15 of those years working with SQL Server. Kim’s experience as a DBA spans multiple database platforms, however, SQL Server is her passion. Kim is also an avid volunteer in the SQL Server community! She has served as a SQLSaturday organizer/volunteer/speaker, PASS Summit Program Committee, PASS Summit Ambassador, and PASS Summit buddy for first timers. As a recent empty nester, Kim has developed a thirst for learning new things such as Ansible and Docker, however, she still finds time for a few Overwatch matches and a splash of Netflix.

Hasan Savran

Twitter: - Savranweb

LinkedIn: Hasan Savran

Contact: http://h-savran.blogspot.com/

Hasan Savran is a BI Architect at Progressive Insurance Company. He spends his days architecting cutting edge business solutions by using the latest Web and Database technologies. He is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP, Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer. Hasan has spoken at many SQLSaturdays, Code Camps and User groups. He is an active member of the HTML5 and WebAssembly W3C groups. He likes to write about SQL, CosmosDB, C#, and Front End development on his blog.

Hasan Savran

Twitter: - Savranweb

LinkedIn: Hasan Savran

Contact: http://h-savran.blogspot.com/

Hasan Savran is a BI Architect at Progressive Insurance Company. He spends his days architecting cutting edge business solutions by using the latest Web and Database technologies. He is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP, Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer. Hasan has spoken at many SQLSaturdays, Code Camps and User groups. He is an active member of the HTML5 and WebAssembly W3C groups. He likes to write about SQL, CosmosDB, C#, and Front End development on his blog.

Sponsors

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

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